Significance of Ascetic penance
Ascetic penance, as described in Purana and Kavya, involves rigorous spiritual practices characterized by self-discipline, austerity, and abstention from worldly pleasures. These practices are pursued by individuals such as Brahmanas, maidens, and ascetics with the aim of attaining spiritual strength, wisdom, divine favor, and higher states of consciousness. The commitment to ascetic penance often leads practitioners to significant spiritual advancements and can be obstructed by negative entities. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of severe self-discipline in the journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
Synonyms: Self-denial, Spiritual exercise, Austerity, Self-discipline, Mortification, Abstinence, Sacrifice
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Ascetic penance'
Ascetic penance in Hinduism embodies rigorous self-discipline and austerity, aimed at spiritual advancement and purification. Practitioners, including figures like Visvamitra and the Pandavas, engage in these practices to attain higher consciousness and divine favor.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by Rishis, channeling dedication and self-discipline in pursuit of enlightenment.[1] (2) Severe self-discipline and practices aimed at spiritual attainment, which Pandu commits to following.[2] (3) Spiritual exercises or practices aimed at self-discipline and purification through abstinence and austerity.[3] (4) Severe self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, practiced for spiritual advancement.[4] (5) Spiritual practices involving severe self-discipline, which characters in the narrative undertake for power.[5]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Severe self-discipline practices undertaken for spiritual development.[6] (2) Severe self-discipline practices undertaken to attain spiritual power, associated with the character of Bali.[7] (3) Rigorous spiritual disciplines and practices performed by individuals like Hiranyakashipu to attain spiritual goals.[8] (4) Intense spiritual practices involving self-discipline and austerity, aimed at elevating one's spiritual status.[9] (5) Disciplined spiritual practices involving self-denial and austerity.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The spiritual practice of discipline and self-denial performed by Vishvamitra to attain higher spiritual status.[11] (2) The spiritual discipline practiced by the ascetics, which contributes to the blooming of the eternal flowers in the area.[12]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A disciplined practice of self-denial and spiritual exercises pursued for the sake of spiritual advancement.[13]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence practiced by the Daityas along the banks of the Narmada river.[14]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by Shatarupa to cleanse her sins.[15]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Severe spiritual practices undertaken by characters like Shiladhara to gain boons from deities.[16]