365bet娱乐

Significance of Gana

Gana refers to various interpretations across Hindu texts, primarily highlighting the divine attendants associated with Lord Shiva. In the context of the Arthashastra, it signifies a large corps, while Purana elaborates on the divine attendants of Shiva, emphasizing their supportive roles in spiritual narratives. Additional meanings extend to syllabic groups in poetry, groups of medicinal drugs in Ayurveda, and cultural associations. Overall, Gana embodies the essence of divine companionship and collective purpose in spiritual and ritual practices within Hinduism.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Victory, Triumph, Success

In Dutch: Gana; In German: Gana; In Finnish: Gana; In Spanish: Gana; In Swedish: Gana; In Malay: Gana; In French: Gana

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Gana'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Gana signifies a small group, typically two or three Bhikkhus, which is restricted from sharing specific untransferable items, emphasizing the importance of community and adherence to defined spiritual regulations.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) A company of two or three Bhikkhus that, along with individuals, is prohibited from transferring the defined untransferable items.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Gana'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Gana" embodies various meanings, including divine attendants of Lord Shiva, syllabic units for rhythmic structure in poetry, and grouped entities involved in cosmic duties, emphasizing both spiritual significance and artistic expression.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) Entourage or followers of Shiva, involved in different divine activities.[2] (2) Attendants or followers of Shiva, often involved in carrying out tasks to assist the deity.[3] (3) Divine beings appointed by lord Shiva for the protection of Naravahanadatta, specifically through Stambhaka.[4] (4) Attendants of the deity Shiva, representing spiritual beings who assist and fulfill the divine will.[5]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A military unit composed of three Gulmas, indicative of the hierarchical structure within Duryodhana's forces.[6] (2) The divine attendants or troops associated with Mahadeva, acknowledged in the worship rites.[7]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The groups or categories formed by combining various substances and elements that arise during the creation of the universe.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Refers to a multitude or company, indicating a group rather than individuals who are closely related.[9]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) The assembly of citizens in Vaishali that played a pivotal role in the designation of Ambapali as 鈥楪anika鈥� and her subsequent conditions.[10]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

The concept of Gana in local and regional sources

History Books

Gana encompasses multiple meanings: divine beings aiding Durga in battle, a primitive community led by a Ganapati or Janasyaraja, and a fried sweet made from wheat flour for ritual observances.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The divine attendants or retinue accompanying Durga in her representations, symbolizing collective strength and support.[11] (2) The divine beings who accompany Durga in battle, representing her cosmic army.[12]

Plural form: Ganas.