Significance of Nectar
Synonyms: Honey, Syrup, Extract, Essence, Juice, Ambrosia, Sweetness
In Dutch: Nectar; In Finnish: Nektaria; In Spanish: ±·Ã©³¦³Ù²¹°ù; In German: Nektar
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Nectar'
In Hinduism, Nectar symbolizes divine grace, bliss, and immortality, reflecting the essence of spiritual sustenance, joy, and the sacred sweetness inherent in devotion, experiences of the gods, and Krishna's pastimes.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Symbolically represents the highest form of sweetness and pleasure, often used to describe divine experiences.[1] (2) A reference to something very sweet and delightful; compared to the sweetness of Lord Krishna's pastimes.[2] (3) Symbolizes divine essence or spiritual sustenance that was brought by Dhanvantari but not shared with everyone.[3] (4) A sweet liquid that symbolizes the bliss experienced by those who hear Krishna's pastimes.[4]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Represents divine essence or grace that nourishes the soul and dissolves ignorance.[5] (2) A metaphorical representation of divinity's sweetness, suggesting that the true essence of joy and fulfillment comes from the Lord.[6] (3) A metaphor for the Lord's essence, indicating that He is the sweetest and most fulfilling aspect of spiritual existence.[7]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment attained through devotion and chanting.[8] (2) A metaphor used to describe something that is sweet, pure, and life-giving, reflecting the spiritual essence of Ganges water.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the blissful essence found in the relationship and devotion to Lord Krishna.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The third degree of softness, representing the most delicate and fluid form, showcasing a high level of softness.[11]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The spiritual wisdom and divine joy that flows from the discussions of devoted saints, akin to the essence of devotion.[12]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Symbolizes the ultimate devotion and the sweetness of devotion to Krishna, which should not be forsaken.[13]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The essence or ultimate product derived from Brahman, symbolizing the peak of spiritual knowledge.[14] (2) Symbolic of the essence derived from the texts when pressed, representing the benefit and nourishment they provide.[15] (3) The sublime product of sacrificial offerings that leads to immortality and represents the highest rewards from sacrificial acts.[16] (4) The essence produced from the Samaveda, symbolizing purity and vitality.[17] (5) Symbolizes the divine, life-giving essence resulting from the ritualistic actions and scriptural teachings.[18]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Symbolic representations of the essence or experiences enjoyed by the various gods.[19] (2) The essence derived from the various offerings in the context of the sacrifice.[20] (3) This refers to the water used in the sacrifice which is symbolically described as imbued with essential qualities.[21]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Symbolizes immortality in Hindu mythology, which Rahu seeks but is denied.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The text mentions five kinds of this substance, including a red one, residing in the sun, and the knowledge of which leads to attaining the greatness of the Vasus, as the text describes.[23]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The divine liquid offered to Vishvamitra and his disciples, regarded as a holy substance following the initial controversy over the dog's flesh.[24] (2) The best thing given to the heaven-dwellers after the churning of the ocean, which Shiva consumed after swallowing poison.[25]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The critical substance fought over by the devas and daityas, symbolizing immortality.[26]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The divine substance sprinkled by Indra on the dead prince to counteract the effects of his unnatural death, leading to his revival.[27]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Nectar, a drink of heavenly origin, was brought by an envoy to give the king sons and wealth, and the king shared it with his queens.[28]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Nectar symbolizes the moist and cool quality associated with the full Moon, producing a feeling of gladness and refreshment.[29] (2) Symbolizing divine bliss and spiritual nourishment, the heart of Shakti Kakini is described as being softened by nectar.[30] (3) A symbol of divine sustenance and bliss that elevates the spirit, especially in the context of Sakini.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term used to describe alms that have been examined, processed through ritual, and accepted by the Teacher.[32]
Jain concept of 'Nectar'
In Jainism, Nectar symbolizes the joys and pleasures of the divine, representing a profound sense of loss and beauty that the gods experience, reflecting the transient nature of worldly delights.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Symbolizes the joys and pleasures that the gods lament they can no longer enjoy, signifying loss and beauty.[33]
The concept of Nectar in local and regional sources
Nectar symbolizes divine sustenance, healing, and ultimate fulfillment, contrasting with lesser offerings. It represents spiritual revitalization and rewards from relationships, emphasizing the profound joy derived from experiencing the highest quality of life.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A sweet substance that is considered inferior to the water from the streamlet in the garden.[34] (2) A divine or essential substance said to grant freedom from disease when obtained.[35] (3) A substance that symbolizes healing and revitalization, here used as a metaphor for spiritual sustenance.[36] (4) A metaphorical term suggesting that only the best can satisfy once experienced, as contrasted to other lesser offerings.[37] (5) Symbolizes ultimate spiritual fulfillment or divine wisdom that satisfies all worldly needs.[38]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a metaphor for the entity's feet.[39] (2) Nectar is a sweet liquid, and the text mentions drinking this one drop of nectar and being happy.[40]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The sweet substance produced by flowers, representing the rewards from relationships once the right conditions or understandings are met.[41]