Significance of Ashvamedhayajna
Ashvamedhayajna is a significant Vedic ritual that primarily involves the sacrifice of a horse, symbolizing royal power and prosperity. This elaborate ceremony is believed to confer immense spiritual merit and benefits to the individual performing it. In various traditions, including Vaishnavism, it signifies a royal fire sacrifice linked to notable figures like Lord Rama. This ancient ritual is crucial for asserting sovereignty and gaining divine blessings, highlighting its importance in Hindu religious practices and its association with spiritual achievements.
Synonyms: Horse sacrifice, Vedic ritual
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Ashvamedhayajna'
The Ashvamedhayajna in Hinduism is a grand Vedic horse sacrifice symbolizing authority and prosperity, performed to invoke divine blessings and achieve significant spiritual merits comparable to sincere worship of deities like Krishna.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An elaborate Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of a horse, believed to confer sovereignty and cleanse one of significant sins.[1] (2) A horse sacrifice ritual that is achieved by performing holy rites at Pippalada's Tirtha.[2] (3) A ritual involving horse sacrifice that is also considered less significant than simply viewing Lord Krishna.[3] (4) A royal horse sacrifice ritual symbolizing sovereignty, power, and ultimate spiritual merit.[4] (5) A significant Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of horses to affirm sovereignty.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A grand Vedic horse sacrifice that one can gain merit from by worshipping Tulasi with devotion.[6]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A significant Vedic ritual involving the sacrifice of a horse, symbolizing royal power and sovereignty.[7] (2) A sacred fire sacrifice associated with the royal authority and power, enabling a person to achieve the post of King Indra when performed at certain locations.[8] (3) A type of Vedic sacrifice believed to confer great benefits to the individual performing it.[9] (4) Thousand ashvamedha-yajnas signify a grand religious sacrifice in Hindu tradition designed to confer royalty and prosperity.[10] (5) an ancient Vedic ritual performed to proclaim sovereignty and power.[11]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Religious rituals or sacrifices in Hinduism, specifically the horse sacrifice, that are performed to invoke divine blessings and happiness.[12] (2) A significant Vedic ritual involving the horse sacrifice, mentioned as a pretext for inviting Shri Krishna.[13] (3) Royal horse sacrifices performed by kings to attain power and authority, highlighting the speaker's efforts to achieve similar lordship.[14] (4) A ceremonial horse sacrifice that is referenced in the context of the sacrifices performed by Shri Krishna.[15]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A royal fire sacrifice performed by Lord Rama that involved golden statues of Sita when She was in exile.[16] (2) A royal sacrifice performed by Lord rama, during which the twin sons were sent to sing.[17]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Ancient horse sacrifices that were believed to grant significant spiritual merit, yet considered lesser compared to the eternal merit from worshipping peepul trees.[18]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) A Vedic ceremony that involved musical performance, specifically during the coronation of Rama.[19]