Significance of Golden pitcher
The term Golden pitcher holds various symbolic meanings across different cultural and religious contexts. In Buddhism, it represents a sacred vessel for Buddha's relics; in Hinduism, it signifies immortality and blessings in rituals. Jainism describes it as ornamental containers symbolizing wealth and beauty. In South Asia, it serves as a means of collecting tears and signifies purification. Furthermore, it appears in multiple rites across traditions as a sacred container for offerings, emphasizing abundance, purity, and divine connection.
Synonyms: Golden vase, Gold urn
In Dutch: Gouden kan; In Finnish: Kultainen kannu; In Spanish: Jarra dorada; In German: Goldener Krug; In Swedish: Gyllene kanna; In Malay: Tempayan emas; In French: Pichet d'or
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Golden pitcher'
In Buddhism, the Golden pitcher symbolizes wealth, temptation, and respect. It represents various significant events, such as offerings to the Buddha, transport of royalty, and the reverence for relics, highlighting its spiritual and cultural importance.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A symbolic container used by Sujata for her offering, representing wealth and respect in her act of devotion.[1] (2) The container from which King Bimbisara poured flower-scented clear water on the Buddha, symbolizing the presentation of his offering.[2]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The container from which the king received food, symbolizing richness and the importance of nourishment during the conflict.[3] (2) The container used to transport the king's daughter, named Devi, after being saved from the sea.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) An ornament associated with the treatment and high status given to Bhaddavatika by king Udena.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) An object used by the deva in an attempt to seduce Gangapala's wife, symbolizing wealth and temptation.[6]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A container used to hold Buddha's relics, symbolizing respect and the sacred nature of his remains.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Golden pitcher'
In Hinduism, the Golden pitcher symbolizes wealth and blessings, represented through pure, ornate vessels used in rituals, offerings, and ceremonies, often associated with divine entities, purity, and the sacredness of celestial resources.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A container made of gold used to hold water from a holy lake or river for purification rituals.[8] (2) Items prescribed to be given to priests during certain ceremonies, indicative of their significance in Vedic rites.[9] (3) A specific type of vessel made of gold that is pure when free from stains and cleansed by water alone.[10]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A sacred container given to a purified outcast, symbolizing renewal and purity.[11]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A container made of gold, used to administer food to the child.[12]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A container made of gold, used for giving butter and honey to the newborn, symbolizing wealth and blessings.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Golden vessels were fashioned for the sacrifices performed by king Marutta, symbolizing his wealth and devotion.[14] (2) The container handed over by Sudeshna, used to carry wine, signifying its importance and value.[15]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) An ornate vessel used to serve water, symbolizing wealth and the respect given to Narada.[16] (2) Symbolic containers used for collecting milk or resources, often associated with divine or celestial beings.[17]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Symbolizes the richness and abundance of life associated with the sunlight.[18] (2) Containers used by matrons during the ceremonial bathing of the princess.[19]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The face of Satya (Brahman) is hidden with a golden vessel, symbolizing something held dear and kept hidden.[20]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) A metaphorical representation of something precious that conceals the True, emphasizing its value and the desire to uncover it.[21]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Two large ceremonial containers made of gold, used in the consecration process for various rites.[22]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A symbolic container representing immortality and divine blessings, used in the presentation of offerings.[23]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Pots made of or resembling gold, used in the decoration of Shri Nanda's palace.[24]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Containers made of gold used in various ceremonial aspects of the coronation.[25]
Jain concept of 'Golden pitcher'
In Jainism, the golden pitcher symbolizes wealth, beauty, and abundance through various interpretations, including royal bath containers, ornamental festival vessels, descriptions of beauty, dreams of prosperity, and adornments on shrine tops, reflecting splendor.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An object dreamt by the queen, denoting prosperity and auspiciousness.[26] (2) Containers held by women during the royal bath, symbolizing wealth and beauty.[27] (3) A description of Kanakashri's breasts, indicating their beauty.[28] (4) Bright golden vessels that adorn the tops of shrines in Anahilapataka, symbolizing splendor.[29] (5) Ornamental vessels placed beside arches during the festival, symbolizing wealth and abundance.[30]
The concept of Golden pitcher in local and regional sources
The "Golden pitcher" serves as a metaphor for sound, a vessel for tears during an Arhat's sermon, and symbolizes abundance when brought by Satyabhama, highlighting themes of restoration and hospitality throughout the narratives.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A container brought by Satyabhama, signifying abundance and care in serving the guests.[31]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphorical object referenced in a verse representing the sound created when it falls.[32]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The container used to collect tears during the Arhat's sermon, linked to the restoration of the prince's sight.[33]