Significance of Manu
Manu is a significant figure in Hindu tradition, known as the progenitor of humanity and a legendary lawgiver whose teachings, particularly in the Manusmriti, outline moral and ethical guidelines. He is associated with various roles, including a cosmic progenitor presiding over different Manvantaras and a wise figure who exemplifies dharma. Manu is also featured in mythological texts, depicted as the first king and savior during the deluge, pivotal in the establishment of societal laws and the moral order that governs humanity.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Manu'
Manu in Hinduism represents the first man and progenitor of humanity, a pivotal figure in the creation story and ethical guidance, embodying moral authority and governance principles across different eras, particularly within the Vedic social order.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An ancient Hindu text that outlines moral and ethical guidelines, particularly in relation to social order and duties among the castes.[1] (2) A legendary figure known for codifying laws and principles in Hindu tradition, who shares similar views on the topics discussed.[2] (3) The traditional Hindu lawgiver whose writings provide guidelines on rites, including references similar to those in the discussed verse.[3] (4) An authority referenced in relation to the paraphrase of the text found in Nirukta-Naigama Kanda.[4] (5) A figure in Hindu tradition whose teachings relate to the duties and roles in society, including sacrificial guidance.[5]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A legendary figure in Indian mythology and laws, whose Dharma-sutra is considered one of the most authoritative texts on law and morality, influencing later legal texts.[6]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A mythological figure in Hindu tradition regarded as the progenitor of humanity and associated with the development of early rituals.[7]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) An important figure in Hindu tradition considered the progenitor of humanity and central to the Vedic social order.[8]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A mythological figure often associated with the origins of humankind and moral order; he is linked with Pakayajnas in the context of the great flood narrative.[9]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The first of kings, used as a comparison to the reigning king, indicating his ability to rule and maintain his state worthily.[10] (2) Manu is a figure who gave life to mortals and begot Ikshv'aku, who was the first of Ayodhya鈥檚 kings.[11] (3) Manu is the one who spake in ancient verse, and he is the one who has a holy law which all accept, and he is also the one who is honored.[12]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A wise figure and devotee who exemplifies deep spiritual dedication and adherence to divine principles.[13]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The first man and progenitor of mankind, fathering numerous sons and daughters.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A revered figure who articulated the principles of righteousness and justice governing all creatures.[15]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A historical figure cited for having described the methods of dharna in debt retrieval.[16] (2) An ancient lawgiver who first mentions the gandharva form of marriage, providing insights on marriage customs in Hindu society.[17]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) He is Manu (manu) and the sons of Manu (manu-suta).[18]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is the individual who said, 'Whatever Manu said is medicine,' and he implicitly blames the doctrine of Kapila, because he does not admit the doctrine of there being one universal Self.[19]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A figure in Hindu tradition who received teachings from Vivasvan and passed them down to Ikshvaku.[20]
The concept of Manu in local and regional sources
Manu is a central figure in the caturyuga-manu-kalpa system, defining the kalpa and linked to manvantara. He is associated with the Manusmriti and can represent a generic sage associated with unconventional mantras.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The speaker mentions Manu, the great lawgiver, and his description of how children, including daughters, should be educated, following the same lines as the boys.[21] (2) The individual who said that he who attains to God in this life is the Brahmin, and was quoted by the Swami in the discussion.[22] (3) Manu is a figure who, if present, would still consider them Hindus despite changes in caste rules, indicating continuity of religious identity.[23]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Manu is the figure who is attributed to passages that can partly be traced to the Manusmriti, and the term could also refer to a generic sage in reference to the source of unorthodox mantras.[24] (2) Manu is a term referenced in the context of the caturyuga-manu-kalpa system, specifically in defining the kalpa, and is linked with the term manvantara.[25]