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Significance of Meghamala

Meghamala, in Vaishnavism, symbolizes a dark garland of clouds. In the context of Natyashastra, Meghamala represents a specific composition made up of twenty-four syllables, with particular emphasis on the light nature of the first six, eighth, eleventh, fourteenth, seventeenth, twentieth, and twenty-third syllables. This dual significance of Meghamala highlights its importance in both spiritual and artistic domains.

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

Hindu concept of 'Meghamala'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Meghamala symbolizes a garland of clouds, consisting of twenty-four syllables where specific positions denote lightness, embodying both illumination and mystique within the spiritual significance of sound and nature.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) Megha-mala consists of twenty-four syllables with the first six, eighth, eleventh, fourteenth, seventeenth, twentieth, and twenty-third being light.[1]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) is dark as a garland of clouds[2]

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�).

The concept of Meghamala in local and regional sources

History Books

Meghamala is identified as a concise tract linked to the Gargargasamhita and attributed to Garga, highlighting its significance in regional literature and its connection to traditional texts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Meghamala is a short tract that claims to be derived from a Gargargasamhita, and it is one of the works associated with Garga.[3]