Significance of Ashvamedha
Synonyms: Horse sacrifice, Ritual, Vedic ceremony
In Dutch: Ashvamedha; In German: Ashvamedha; In Finnish: Ashvamedha; In Spanish: Ashvamedha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Ashvamedha'
Ashvamedha, in Hinduism, is an ancient Vedic horse sacrifice ritual symbolizing royal authority, cosmic order, and spiritual merit, allowing kings to assert sovereignty and achieve divine connection while promoting completeness and atonement for sins.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The horse sacrifice, a significant Vedic ritual linked to royal power and spiritual merit.[1] (2) Ritual sacrifices performed by Bharata on the bank of the Ganga.[2] (3) A Vedic horse sacrifice ritual that grants significant spiritual rewards, which can be derived from bathing in Sannihita during a solar eclipse.[3] (4) A significant horse-sacrifice ritual, whose benefits are granted to those who remain celibate and worship Mahadeva.[4] (5) Horse sacrifices performed in ancient rituals which, if completed, allow for rebirth.[5]
From: Agni Purana
(1) An important and excellent sacrifice among the mentioned rituals.[6] (2) A historical sacrifice performed at Prayaga, indicating its ancient religious significance.[7] (3) A royal horse sacrifice that symbolizes Rama's authority and connection to the divine, performed after the war.[8] (4) A traditional horse sacrifice ceremony, denoting the purity and significance of horses in cultural practices.[9] (5) A Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of a horse, indicated as a means of atonement.[10]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A high-status horse sacrifice that is crucial for royal legitimacy and spiritual benefits.[11] (2) The horse sacrifice that led to significant events for the sons of Prabha.[12] (3) A significant horse sacrifice that the king was requested to perform, representing royal authority and prosperity.[13]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A horse sacrifice ritual performed by rulers to establish their sovereignty, mentioned in relation to Janamejaya’s future intentions.[14] (2) A horse sacrifice performed by Rama, referenced in the Padma Purana.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A royal horse sacrifice in Vedic tradition, signifying the king's sovereignty and power.[16] (2) The great Horse-sacrifice performed by Mahendra to cleanse himself of brahmanicide.[17]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A horse sacrifice ritual, which plays a role in the narrative concerning Rama in the Patala Khanda.[18] (2) A solemn horse sacrifice performed by Sagara, pivotal to his lineage and legacy.[19]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) An important Vedic ritual linked with obtaining divine merit and rewards.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A thousand horse sacrifices used as a measure to compare the value of Truth.[21]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A significant Vedic ritual; the Shivacaturdashivrata is regarded as equal to a thousand Ashvamedha sacrifices.[22]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A horse-sacrifice ritual meant to proclaim and consolidate a king's sovereignty by allowing a consecrated horse to roam freely before being offered as a sacrifice.[23]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The horse sacrifice ritual that symbolizes and strives towards royal authority and power.[24] (2) An ancient Vedic horse sacrifice ritual that symbolizes power, authority, and the ability to reign; believed to bestow benefits on the sacrificer.[25] (3) A sacrificial rite associated with purity and the shedding of the horse, symbolizing the self and its connection to the divine.[26] (4) A significant Vedic horse sacrifice that serves as a major religious and political ritual, symbolizing authority and power.[27] (5) A Vedic horse sacrifice that symbolizes power and kingship, and is central to the rituals aimed at achieving greatness.[28]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A Vedic horse sacrifice performed to assert royal sovereignty and gain spiritual merit, mentioned in relation to its equivalence to abstaining from meat.[29] (2) A horse-sacrifice that is only entitled to be performed by the lord of a kingdom.[30] (3) The king of sacrifices, which is described as destructive of all sins.[31] (4) An ancient Indian horse sacrifice performed by a king to establish his authority and sovereignty.[32] (5) A major and elaborate sacrifice generally classified apart due to its significance in Vedic rituals.[33]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An ancient Vedic horse sacrifice that symbolizes royalty and power, significant in its performance to invoke spiritual fortune and connect with the divine.[34] (2) By the horse sacrifices; a specific type of grand sacrifice traditionally performed in ancient India.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A significant horse sacrifice in Vedic tradition, associated with the Rama-kunda.[36]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) horse sacrifice.[37]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The horse sacrifice, a significant ritual symbolizing sacrifice and manifestation.[38]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) A grand Vedic sacrifice involving the horse, performed to establish authority and supremacy.[39]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) A ritual that establishes sovereignty through subjugation and acceptance of authority without bloodshed, preferred by Rama over more destructive sacrifices.[40]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The ashvamedha, or 'horse-sacrifice,' is one of the most ancient and significant sacrifices in Indian ritual, associated with kingship and power.[41]
The concept of Ashvamedha in local and regional sources
Ashvamedha is a Vedic sacrifice involving a horse, symbolizing royal authority and power. Performed by kings like Atyashraya-Shripula-keShivallabha, it enhances political strength through warfare and territorial expansion.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) A royal sacrifice performed by kings to augment their political power through warfare and territorial expansion.[42] (2) A grand Vedic horse sacrifice that symbolizes royal power, performed by kings like Atyashraya-Shripula-keShivallabha.[43] (3) A specific type of Vedic sacrifice involving the horse and meant to establish royal authority.[44]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A horse-sacrifice ritual performed by kings to assert suzerainty, showcasing the connection between rituals and royal power in Vedic times.[45]