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{{Short description|The celestial bow of the Hindu god Vishnu}}
{{About||the district in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia|Sharanga (urban-type settlement)}}
{{About||the district in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia|Sharanga (urban-type settlement)}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{use Indian English|date=December 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=December 2022}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox weapon|
| type = Hindu
| image = Sculpture of Vishnu at Rani ki Vav Gujrat DSCN4834 11.tif
| image = Sculpture of Vishnu at Rani ki Vav Gujrat DSCN4834 11.tif
| caption = Rama depicted as a four-armed Vishnu with a  bow
| caption = Rama as the four-armed Vishnu wielding the bow Sharanga, Gujarat
| name = Kodanda or Sharanga
| affiliation = [[Vishnu]], [[Krishna]], [[Rama]], [[Parashurama]], [[Satyabhama]]
| designer = [[Vishvakarma]]
| texts = [[Vishnu Purana]], [[Padma Purana]], [[Mahabharata]]
| used_by = [[Vishnu]]<br>[[Parasurama]]<br>[[Rama]]<br>[[Krishna]]<br>[[Lakshmi]]
| venerated_in = [[Vaishnavism]]
| script = शारंग
| script_name = [[Devanagari]]
| other_names = Kodanda
}}
}}


'''Sharanga''' ([[Devanagari]]: शारंग) is the celestial [[Bow (weapon)|bow]] of the Hindu god [[Vishnu]]. In [[South India]], Sharanga is also called as '''Kodanda'''. Vishnu's avatar [[Rama]] is often praised as ''Kodandapani'', the holder of the Kodanda.
'''Sharanga''' ([[Devanagari]]: शारंग) also spelt as '''Saranga''', is the celestial [[Bow (weapon)|bow]] of the Hindu god [[Vishnu]]. In [[South India]], the Sharanga is also simply known as the '''Kodanda''', literally meaning bow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2014-08-03 |title=Kodanda, Kodaṇḍa, Kodamda: 17 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kodanda |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> Vishnu's avatar [[Rama]] is often praised as ''Kodandapani'', the holder of the Kodanda. The attribute of the bow is also mentioned in the [[Vishnu Sahasranama]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-10-30 |title=Viṣṇu's One Thousand Names (Viṣṇusahasranāma) [Chapter 71] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-padma-purana/d/doc365648.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>


The bow was crafted by [[Viswakarma]], the Cosmic architect and maker of weapons, along with the [[Shiva Dhanush|Pinaka]], the bow of [[Shiva]]. Once, the god [[Brahma]] wanted to know who was a better archer, Vishnu or Shiva. Brahma created a quarrel between the two, which led to a terrible duel. The impact of their fight was such that the balance of the entire universe was disturbed. Vishnu won the duel and rendered Pinaka immovable just by uttering 'hum'. {{cn|date=January 2021}} Shiva gave his Pinaka bow to a king, who was an ancestor of King [[Janaka]] and Vishnu too decided to do the same, and gave his bow to the Sage Richika. In time, Sharanga came into the possession of [[Parashurama]], the sixth avatar of Vishnu and Richika's grandson.
== Myths ==
The Sharanga is notable for its employment by a number of the [[Dashavatara]], the avatars of Vishnu: Parashurama, Rama, and [[Krishna]]. [[Rama]] carries the bow in his epic and is also mentioned to bear it in the [[Padma Purana]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-10-31 |title=Rāma Goes to Heaven [Chapter 244] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-padma-purana/d/doc365828.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> The bow is offered to him by [[Parashurama]], the previous incarnation of Vishnu. In the [[Ramayana]], Parashurama, the [[Brahmin]] warrior who is famously the scourge of [[Kshatriya]]s, regales the tale of the bow. [[Vishvakarma]] creates the bows of [[Pinaka (Hinduism)|Pinaka]] and Sharanga to settle the question of the superiority of the deities Vishnu and [[Shiva]]. Vishnu is victorious, and Shiva presents his bow to the king of Mithila. Vishnu's bow is passed down to Richika, who presented it to [[Jamadagni]], Parashurama's father, the latter claiming it after his father's assassination. Parashurama challenges Rama to fight him if the latter is able to string the bow. When the prince achieves this, the warrior admits defeat and retires to his abode.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-09-21 |title=Parasurama challenges Rama to combat [Chapter 75] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-ramayana-of-valmiki/d/doc423944.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>


Rama obtained the Saranga bow from Parashurama and then gave the bow to the god [[Varuna]]. Varuna gifted the Saranga again to [[Krishna]], the eighth avatar of Vishnu who used it against his fight with the different asura kings like Banasura, Narakasura.  [[Satyabhama]], the wife of Krishna and avatar of goddess [[Bhumi]], fought Asura king [[Narakasura]] with the Saranga bow and defeated him.
In a legend also featured in the Padma Purana, a number of great sages debate regarding the deity most worthy of their obeisance. They dispatch [[Bhrigu]] to the abodes of first [[Shiva]], then [[Brahma]], and finally [[Vishnu]]. Bhrigu finds that Shiva is occupied sporting with [[Parvati]], Brahma is filled with the aspect of [[rajas]], and Vishnu lays on [[Shesha]], his feet rubbed by his consort, [[Lakshmi]]. When a furious Bhrigu kicks Vishnu on his chest, the latter greets the sage with warmth and considers himself to be blessed by the touch of his feet. Bhrigu hails Vishnu as the holder of the Sharanga as he sings his praises.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-10-31 |title=The Three Gods Subjected to Test by Bhṛgu [Chapter 255] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-padma-purana/d/doc365840.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>


In poems written by [[Bhadrachala Ramadasu]], the poet used words like Kodandapani to refer to Rama. Even [[Mirabai]] referred to Krishna as Kodandadhari.
In some versions of [[Krishna]]'s battle with [[Narakasura]], his second queen consort, [[Satyabhama]], takes his bow to slay the asura.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chattopadhyaya |first=Kamaladevi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UtICtluNvU0C&dq=satyabhama+bow&pg=PA15 |title=Indian Women's Battle for Freedom |date=1982 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-162-1 |pages=15 |language=en}}</ref>
 
== In Literature ==
In the [[Mahabharata]], [[Yudhishthira]] praises [[Krishna]] as the wielder of the bow Shranga.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-12-12 |title=Section LXXXIII [Mahabharata, English] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mahabharata-mohan/d/doc493069.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> In the [[Vishnu Purana]], Krishna employs the bow to defeat [[Jarasandha]]. Sharanga, the mace [[Kaumodaki]] and two quivers with infinite arrows appear from the heavens to aid Krishna; similarly the plough and the club Sounanda appear for Krishna's brother [[Balarama]]. Together, the brothers defeat Jarasandha.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2013-05-25 |title=Jarasandha |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-vishnu-purana/d/doc57633.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> In the [[Padma Purana]], Vishnu uses the bow to combat Jalandhara.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-09-26 |title=War Between Gods and Demons [Chapter 5] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-padma-purana/d/doc365436.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> In the same scripture, Krishna is said to shoot from the Sharanga during his elopement with his chief consort, [[Rukmini]]; He defeats Rukmini's brother [[Rukmi]], shattering his foe's chariot and banner with arrows. Later, Krishna also destroyed Rukmi's sword with arrows. Krishna humiliates Rukmi by binding him and shaving his head.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-10-31 |title=Rukmiṇī's Abduction [Chapter 247] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-padma-purana/d/doc365832.html |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
 
== In popular culture ==
The [[Sarangapani temple, Kumbakonam|Sarangapani temple]] at [[Kumbakonam]] takes its name partly from the bow.


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 26: Line 37:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}{{Vaishnava philosophy}}
{{reflist}}
 
[[Category:Weapons in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Weapons in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Bows (archery)]]
[[Category:Bows (archery)]]

Revision as of 06:47, 4 December 2022


For the district in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia, see Sharanga (urban-type settlement).

Sharanga
File:Sculpture of Vishnu at Rani ki Vav Gujrat DSCN4834 11.tif
Rama as the four-armed Vishnu wielding the bow Sharanga, Gujarat
Other namesKodanda
Devanagariशारंग
Venerated inVaishnavism
AffiliationVishnu, Krishna, Rama, Parashurama, Satyabhama
TextsVishnu Purana, Padma Purana, Mahabharata

Sharanga (Devanagari: शारंग) also spelt as Saranga, is the celestial bow of the Hindu god Vishnu. In South India, the Sharanga is also simply known as the Kodanda, literally meaning bow.[1] Vishnu's avatar Rama is often praised as Kodandapani, the holder of the Kodanda. The attribute of the bow is also mentioned in the Vishnu Sahasranama.[2]

Myths

The Sharanga is notable for its employment by a number of the Dashavatara, the avatars of Vishnu: Parashurama, Rama, and Krishna. Rama carries the bow in his epic and is also mentioned to bear it in the Padma Purana.[3] The bow is offered to him by Parashurama, the previous incarnation of Vishnu. In the Ramayana, Parashurama, the Brahmin warrior who is famously the scourge of Kshatriyas, regales the tale of the bow. Vishvakarma creates the bows of Pinaka and Sharanga to settle the question of the superiority of the deities Vishnu and Shiva. Vishnu is victorious, and Shiva presents his bow to the king of Mithila. Vishnu's bow is passed down to Richika, who presented it to Jamadagni, Parashurama's father, the latter claiming it after his father's assassination. Parashurama challenges Rama to fight him if the latter is able to string the bow. When the prince achieves this, the warrior admits defeat and retires to his abode.[4]

In a legend also featured in the Padma Purana, a number of great sages debate regarding the deity most worthy of their obeisance. They dispatch Bhrigu to the abodes of first Shiva, then Brahma, and finally Vishnu. Bhrigu finds that Shiva is occupied sporting with Parvati, Brahma is filled with the aspect of rajas, and Vishnu lays on Shesha, his feet rubbed by his consort, Lakshmi. When a furious Bhrigu kicks Vishnu on his chest, the latter greets the sage with warmth and considers himself to be blessed by the touch of his feet. Bhrigu hails Vishnu as the holder of the Sharanga as he sings his praises.[5]

In some versions of Krishna's battle with Narakasura, his second queen consort, Satyabhama, takes his bow to slay the asura.[6]

In Literature

In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira praises Krishna as the wielder of the bow Shranga.[7] In the Vishnu Purana, Krishna employs the bow to defeat Jarasandha. Sharanga, the mace Kaumodaki and two quivers with infinite arrows appear from the heavens to aid Krishna; similarly the plough and the club Sounanda appear for Krishna's brother Balarama. Together, the brothers defeat Jarasandha.[8] In the Padma Purana, Vishnu uses the bow to combat Jalandhara.[9] In the same scripture, Krishna is said to shoot from the Sharanga during his elopement with his chief consort, Rukmini; He defeats Rukmini's brother Rukmi, shattering his foe's chariot and banner with arrows. Later, Krishna also destroyed Rukmi's sword with arrows. Krishna humiliates Rukmi by binding him and shaving his head.[10]

In popular culture

The Sarangapani temple at Kumbakonam takes its name partly from the bow.

See also

References

  1. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (3 August 2014). "Kodanda, Kodaṇḍa, Kodamda: 17 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  2. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (30 October 2019). "Viṣṇu's One Thousand Names (Viṣṇusahasranāma) [Chapter 71]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  3. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (31 October 2019). "Rāma Goes to Heaven [Chapter 244]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  4. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (21 September 2020). "Parasurama challenges Rama to combat [Chapter 75]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  5. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (31 October 2019). "The Three Gods Subjected to Test by Bhṛgu [Chapter 255]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  6. ↑ Chattopadhyaya, Kamaladevi (1982). Indian Women's Battle for Freedom. Abhinav Publications. p. 15. ISBN 978-81-7017-162-1.
  7. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (12 December 2020). "Section LXXXIII [Mahabharata, English]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  8. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (25 May 2013). "Jarasandha". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  9. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (26 September 2019). "War Between Gods and Demons [Chapter 5]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  10. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (31 October 2019). "Rukmiṇī's Abduction [Chapter 247]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
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