Guest guest Posted November 3, 2002 Report Share Posted November 3, 2002 > >> My cousin bought 7 small elephants and salesman told to her it's very > >> auspices. She asked me, why is it. Any one knows something about. > >> Your servant, > >> Upananda dasa > >What's he going to do with 7 elephants, and what is the relationship with > >Krishna katha conference? > >ys, Isvara dasa. > > :-) I think Upananda is talking about little statues of elephants. lol. I > also wondered why elephants are auspicious anyways. "7" is taken as an auspicious number all over the world. It symbolizes completeness and perfection. There are 7 planets, 7 days a week (saptaka), 7 islands of Bhumandala (saptadvipavati), 7 lokas and 7 talas, 7 steps made during wedding (saptapada), 7 sages (saptarsi), 7 mothers (saptamatrika), Maharaja Pariksit had 7 days to listen to SB, Sri Krisna conquered 7 bulls (SB 3.3.4, 10.58.33-45, etc.). Just a few examples. There are many reasons why elephant is an auspicious animal: they symbolize power and wealth (not everyone has means to maintain them), they have phenomenal memory and strength, Gajendra is a famous devotee, Airavata is Indra's vahana, Ganesa has elephant head, elephants guard the world quarters (SB 7.8.32) and so on. Sanskrit word "naaga" stands for (among other things) a serpent, an elephant, a sun and number 7. Good to have MMW Dictionary. 8) Kings and temples traditionally kept elephants. Kingdoms even waged wars over possession of white elephants who are especially appreciated. In temples they can serve e.g. in festival processions to carry the Deities. Statues of elephants can be used as altar decorations. Your servant, bh. Jan www.veda.harekrsna.cz (Bhakti-yoga Vedic Encyclopedia Vedic Library) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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