Why are the names of Vedic personalities characteristic of their personalities?

by Chaitanya CharanMarch 31, 2012

In Srimad Bhagavatam we see many ‘names’ of the personalities symbolically represent their activities. Some examples are Hiranyaksha- whose eyes made of gold, Hiranya kasipu- who is after gold and soft bed, Dhrtarastra- who encroaches others land, Sunithi- who gives good advice, Suruchi etc.

Did their elders gave names to these personalities by predicting their future activities. Or Because of their activities they got these symbolic names? (eg: Duryodhana-who fights for the wrong cause, original name was Suyodana).

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Chaitanya Charan
1 Comments
  • GAURAV
    November 29, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    prabhu, dandvat

    The nAmkaran ceremony is described in detail in vedic smritis for brAhmana, kshatriaya and vaishya and shudra and even for the ladies. so brAhmana name was based on knowledge, simplicity and likewise kshatriya on passion, valour etc.
    So, it is not that this names are symbolic only and nothing was real. In fact these incidences were real and acharyAs only explained the names deliberately to make it more meaningful. This also tells how important is name giving ceremony.
    also in due course one gets new names also due to one’s work. like krishna was given names govinda by indra, or kesihanta or kansAri like that. So it is not that he in every pastime kills Kesi but the names remain.
    Like wise acharyas explain the names rAvan or kumbhakaran or arjuna or sudAmA. Also there is never mention of word sudama in dwaraka lila in bhagvat but acharyas explain the meaning to make it more relishing. So, vyAkaran ,alankAr ,kAvya etc. are used to beautify the shashtra to make it more relishing.

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