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Significance of Hundred sons

The phrase "Hundred sons" encompasses multiple interpretations across various Hindu traditions. In Jainism, it signifies the sons of Rishabha, each granted a kingdom. Vaishnavism describes it as denoting numerous male offspring. The Puranas reference several key figures like Bali and Dhritarashtra, known for their extensive progeny, including the infamous Kauravas. Additionally, it highlights familial legacy through figures like Arjuna and Karttavirya. Each context emphasizes the significance of lineage and offspring in cultural narratives.

Synonyms: Century, Hundredfold

In Dutch: Honderd zonen; In Finnish: Sata poikaa; In Spanish: Cien hijos; In German: Hundert Söhne

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

Hindu concept of 'Hundred sons'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Hundred sons" symbolizes abundant progeny, particularly referencing the many offspring of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, embodying themes of lineage, family legacy, and the complex interplay between quantity and quality of heirs.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Refers collectively to the numerous sons of Dhritarashtra, including the mentioned names.[1] (2) The offspring of Vasishtha who were destroyed by Visvamitra as a manifestation of his anger.[2] (3) A specific boon Krishna solicits, representing a substantial progeny.[3] (4) Refers to the sons of Dhritarashtra, showcasing the contrast between quantity and quality of offspring in the story.[4] (5) The culmination of the Rishi's effort, representing the sons born to Dhritarashtra, as per Gandhari's expectations.[5]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) The numerous descendants of Rishabha, indicating his prolific lineage.[6] (2) Refers to Pracetas' numerous progeny, highlighting a large family scale.[7] (3) Refers to the sons of Karttavirya, among whom five are noted as principal figures.[8] (4) The numerous offspring of Dhritarashtra, highlighting the fertility and lineage of his branch of the Kuru dynasty.[9] (5) Refers to the large number of offspring produced by Bali, of whom Bana is noted as the eldest.[10]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) Refers to the many sons of Kuvalashva, indicating both his legacy and the importance of lineage in the narrative.[11] (2) The numerous offspring of Satrajit, illustrating a vast and significant family.[12]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The progeny that Ikshvaku was blessed with after performing sacrifices and charitable deeds.[13]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) Refers to the offspring of queen Gandhari, highlighting the tragic consequences of her fasting practices.[14]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) The monarch's hundred sons, whose eyes beheld the rout in wild surprise, armed with all weapons, mad with rage, rushed fiercely on the holy sage.[15]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s 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 Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A boon requested by Ratnavati for her father, who desires offspring after his daughter's marriage.[16]

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 ‘epic poetry� and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry�.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A term used to denote the many offspring of a male, specifically stating there were one hundred in this context.[17]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A reference to the consequence of accusations against Vasishtha, concerning claims of having harmed his kin.[18]

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.

Jain concept of 'Hundred sons'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Hundred sons" symbolizes the progeny of Rishabha, who appointed each of his sons as kings, thereby establishing a lineage of sovereign rulers and emphasizing the significance of divine succession in his legacy.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)

(1) The offspring of Rishabha whom he anointed as kings, each receiving a kingdom.[19]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.