Significance of Anointing

Anointing has various interpretations across different traditions. In Vaishnavism, it involves the ritual application of sacred substances like oil, while Ayurveda focuses on applying medicinal oils for therapeutic purposes. Dharmashastra describes anointing as applying oils or ointments, which can disrupt Veda recitation, as well as rubbing the body with butter or oil, and performing a ritual gesture to invoke blessings from the Vishve devas, particularly in wedding and sacrificial ceremonies.1
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Synonyms: Consecration, Blessing, Unction, Dedication, Sanctification, Ordination, Divine approval, Empowerment, Dedication.

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

Hindu concept of 'Anointing'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, anointing involves invoking blessings through rituals, applying oils or ointments during ceremonies, and treating ailments with medicinal applications, signifying a blend of spiritual and practical significance.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra

(1) The act of applying oil or ointment, which is listed among the activities that interrupt Veda recitation.[1] (2) A ritual gesture meant to invoke blessings from the Vishve devas, significant within the wedding and sacrificial context.[2]

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Rubbing of the head and body with butter, oil or such other oily substances.[3]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana

(1) The practice of applying medicinal oils or pastes to the affected body parts for therapeutic purposes.[4]

From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra

(1) Anointing the body with medicated lardacious substances is beneficial in fever cases, especially for Vata-shleshma fever.[5]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The ritual act of applying a sacred substance, such as oil or powder, to the subject.[6]

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 Anointing in scientific sources

Science Books

Anointing signifies being chosen or divinely influenced, often associated with figures like priests or kings claiming authority. It can also represent a means of healing.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) The anointing is an essential element of charismatic Christian prayer, intimately linked with the radio apparatus in the formative years of mass-mediated healing rituals.[7] (2) It signifies the disclosure of identity and mission, especially in contexts like Mark 1:1–11, 8:22–30, 14:3–9, and 16:1–8.[8] (3) Anointing has several overt meanings akin to being chosen, a divine influence, such as a priest, knight, or king claiming the divine right to authority, or it can be a means to heal the sick.[9]

Classical concept of 'Anointing'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Anointing in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World

(1) Anointing, particularly with saliva, is a ritual act that symbolizes transformation and the restoration of sight, equivalent to anointing the sightless Horus.[10]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Anointing in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) The seven ceremonies involve the act of anointing, specifically the anointing of the mummy or statue, utilizing seven distinct kinds of unguents for the ritual.[11]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.