Significance of Ashvamedha sacrifices
The Ashvamedha sacrifice is a significant Vedic ritual in Hinduism symbolizing authority and sovereignty, primarily involving the sacrifice of a horse. This grand ceremonial rite blends themes of kingship, power, and divine favor, addressing both the spiritual and material desires of the Sacrificer. It signifies the king's quest for greater authority while ensuring prosperity and blessings for the realm. Traditionally, releasing the horse to roam freely represents the king's dominance and the quest for divine approval, making it one of the foremost Vedic sacrifices.
Synonyms: Horse sacrifice, Vedic ritual, Yajna
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ashvamedha sacrifices'
In Buddhism, the Ashvamedha sacrifice is interpreted as a grand Vedic ritual symbolizing the interconnectedness of life, transcending mere animal sacrifice to represent spiritual liberation and the quest for harmony.
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A significant Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of horses, noted for its grand scale and implications.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Ashvamedha sacrifices'
The Ashvamedha sacrifice in Hinduism represents a grand Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of a horse, symbolizing royal authority and power, believed to yield divine blessings, prosperity, and spiritual merit for its sincere performers.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A royal horse sacrifice among the seven sacrifices, representing sovereignty and power.[2] (2) A significant ritual or ceremony associated with royal authority and sovereignty, which involves the release of a caparisoned horse and the gathering of learned individuals and practitioners.[3] (3) A significant Vedic ritual signifying a king’s sovereignty, which Rama is said to perform.[4] (4) The foremost sacrificial ceremony that involved various offerings and generous distribution of resources.[5] (5) A mighty sacrifice that is dear to the heart of the mighty Rudra, and is considered the greatest of sacrifices, aimed at restoring happiness and virility.[6]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) Another important ritual sacrifice in Hindu tradition, often associated with royal power and territory.[7] (2) An important Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of a horse, associated with high spiritual merits.[8] (3) A Vedic ritual sacrifice of a horse, representing authority and sovereignty.[9] (4) A grand horse sacrifice symbolic of royal power and religious merit, referenced as a measure of devotion and its rarity in Kaliyuga.[10] (5) A powerful sacrificial ritual that confers great benefits and rewards, leading to divine blessings.[11]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A significant Vedic ritual that is spiritually equivalent to the benefits obtained through the use of Rudraksha.[12] (2) An ancient Vedic horse sacrifice, symbolizing authority and power, whose fruits can be attained by sincere spiritual practice.[13] (3) A major Vedic sacrificial ritual that the reading of the Devi Bhagavata promises to yield fruits similar to, providing spiritual merit.[14] (4) A ritual that Indra is advised to perform to attain purification from his sins and restore his position as the ruler of the Devas.[15] (5) A religious ritual in Hinduism that is believed to yield fruits and benefits to those who perform it.[16]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) A significant Vedic sacrifice with profound merit, which can be attained by those who bathe at Sangameshvara Tirtha.[17] (2) A significant Vedic ritual conducted by Kashyapa during which the Atiratra sacrifice also took place.[18] (3) Ritual sacrifices involving a horse, executed by Yudhishthira to achieve high spiritual goals, performed five times with monetary gifts.[19]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) A significant horse sacrifice performed by King Anga that did not yield the expected divine response.[20] (2) A significant Vedic ritual performed by kings to assert sovereignty and establish authority.[21]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) A significant ritualistic practice that involves offering specific materials and performing oblations for attaining great merit and benefits.[22] (2) A royal sacrifice conducted by Yudhishthira that symbolizes victory and the establishment of authority, particularly involving charity to brahmins.[23]
From: The Vishnu Purana
(1) An ancient royal sacrifice in which a horse is released to roam freely and is later used as a ritual offering, signifying royal power and divine favor.[24] (2) A solemn horse sacrifice performed by Sagara, which becomes central to the narrative of his descendants' demise.[25]
From: The Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A horse sacrifice performed in ancient India to establish sovereignty and ensure prosperity.[26]
From: The Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) An ancient Vedic ritual involving a horse sacrifice intended to establish authority and prosperity, linked to the Narmada river.[27]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A significant Vedic ritual that involves the offering of a horse to secure everything for the Sacrificer, symbolizing unlimited vigour and the relationship between the horse and divine aspects.[28] (2) A sacrifice that Prajapati reserved for himself but was requested by the gods to share in as part of the offerings.[29] (3) A significant sacrificial rite symbolizing the production of purity and self, linked to a horse, which connects one to a higher self or divine essence.[30] (4) A significant Vedic ritual believed to result in blessings including the birth of a hero.[31] (5) The Ashvamedha is referred to as the king of sacrifices and is identified with the Sacrificer, where the priest binds victims to the horse as part of the sacrificial rites.[32]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A grand Vedic ritual involving the horse sacrifice, symbolizing royal power and sovereignty.[33] (2) Elaborate religious rituals performed by a king, symbolizing sovereignty and the establishment of authority.[34] (3) An important Vedic sacrifice in which priests perform rituals and may involve communal bathing for purification.[35] (4) A significant Vedic ritual that can lead to purification for a slayer of a Brahmana if he participates in its completion.[36] (5) A significant ritual performed by the lord of a kingdom involving a Horse-sacrifice.[37]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) An important Vedic ritual known for its complexity, often involving multiple offerings, including cattle and Soma.[38]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) The Ashvamedha sacrifice is a royal Vedic ritual involving the horse as a symbol of sovereignty and power, requiring specific knowledge and rites.[39]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of a horse, symbolizing kingship, power, and spiritual achievements.[40]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A type of ritual sacrifice performed by kings, which Bali, the King of the demons, was performing at the time.[41]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A grand horse sacrifice prescribed in Vedic texts that symbolizes authority and royalty, contributing to attaining auspicious results.[42]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An important sacrificial rite that involved the king, marking a significant event in the text.[43] (2) A significant sacrificial ritual, which incorporates the use of Itihasa-Purana as part of its ceremonies.[44]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A Vedic ritual sacrifice associated with the coronation of a king, referenced in relation to the purpose of the stories in the Vedanta-texts.[45]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A significant Vedic ritual mentioned by Indra as a prerequisite for gaining favor from the gods.[46] (2) The ritual aimed at ensuring power and prosperity for a king which involved various ceremonial acts and participation from the populace.[47]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) A royal horse sacrifice performed in ancient India, symbolizing sovereignty and power.[48] (2) A royal horse sacrifice aimed at establishing a king's sovereignty, involving complex rituals that re-empower Indra, the king of gods.[49]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) A royal horse sacrifice in Vedic rituals, symbolizing sovereignty and victory, mentioned as a benefit equivalent to reciting the Candipatha multiple times.[50]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A specific ritual performed by kings, which involves various ceremonial actions and is signified by the verb used in the context.[51]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) A type of sacrifice that establishes sovereignty through acceptance of authority without involving bloodshed.[52]
The concept of 'Ashvamedha sacrifices' in local and regional sources
The Ashvamedha sacrifice, a prestigious ancient Vedic ritual, involves a horse sacrifice symbolizing royal authority. It serves to legitimize kingship and is significant in royal ceremonies, exemplified in the deeds of notable rulers like Madhavaraja II.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) Royal sacrifices performed by kings or queens to signify power and legitimacy, associated here with the deeds of Adityasena.[53] (2) A high-profile Vedic ritual involving a horse sacrifice that was significant within the royal ceremonies.[54] (3) A royal sacrifice performed by Madhavaraja II and his son Madhyamaraja I, associated with the consecration of an Emperor in Vedic traditions.[55] (4) An ancient Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of a horse, symbolizing royal power and authority.[56] (5) One of the most prestigious sacrifices in ancient India, aiming to expand a king's territory and affirm sovereignty through a ritual involving a consecrated horse.[57]