Significance of Auspicious times
Auspicious time is a concept across various traditions, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism, referring to favorable moments for beginning spiritual practices, rituals, and significant life events. In Buddhism, it denotes a time conducive for attaining a well-favored human body. Similarly, Hindu traditions identify auspicious times for ceremonies like marriage and important activities, influenced by astrological calculations. Recognizing auspicious times is believed to enhance success and positive outcomes in various aspects of life, including rituals, celebrations, and spiritual endeavors.
Synonyms: Favorable time, Propitious time, Fortunate moment, Favorable moment, Opportune time
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Auspicious times'
In Buddhism, "Auspicious time" signifies a favorable moment for achieving a beneficial human existence and commencing spiritual practices, believed to enhance the effectiveness and success of those endeavors.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A favorable moment for attaining the completely free and well-favored human body.[1]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A time believed to be favorable for beginning spiritual practices, which is said to influence the success of those practices.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Auspicious times'
In Hinduism, an "Auspicious time" signifies specific periods identified by astrological guidance, believed to enhance the success and merit of significant activities such as marriages, religious rituals, and other important events.
From: Padma Purana
(1) A time deemed favorable for performing religious rituals or ceremonies.[3] (2) A moment deemed favorable or lucky for beginning significant activities.[4] (3) Moments considered favorable for performing significant actions, such as charity.[5] (4) A period regarded as particularly favorable for giving gifts that enhances merit.[6] (5) A period deemed favorable for carrying out religious rites and ceremonies with expected positive outcomes.[7]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A specific period deemed favorable for celebrations, especially for the marriage ceremony being discussed.[8] (2) A favorable period recommended for marriage, indicated by the presence of specific constellations.[9] (3) The specific period decided by Dhishana for the celebration of the marriage between Kamalalaya and Lord Narayana.[10] (4) Specific dates and periods deemed favorable for conducting religious rites, believed to enhance the merit of the acts performed.[11] (5) A propitious moment determined by astrology that is favorable for beginning a journey.[12]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) An optimal moment determined by astrological calculations deemed favorable for significant events.[13] (2) The appropriate time for starting the Bhagavata recitation, determined with the help of an astrologer.[14] (3) The period characterized by blessings and favorable conditions, marked by the presiding constellation Rohini.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A moment deemed favorable for commencing the sacrifice, particularly when a beneficial star is in a good position.[16] (2) A moment considered favorable based on astrological positions, particularly the Pushya planet with Karrata.[17]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Specific moments identified in the text, such as twilight or particular asterisms, which are considered propitious for ceremonies.[18]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The moment determined suitable for Sati to select her partner during the meeting of gods.[19]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A term indicating favorable moments and conditions recommended for starting construction projects, based on astrological beliefs.[20]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Favorable moments determined by celestial movements for conducting rituals.[21]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A specific time deemed favorable for performing important rituals or events.[22] (2) A moment determined by certain conditions or calculations, deemed favorable for undertaking important activities, such as departure.[23] (3) A favorable moment, typically associated with positive beginnings or events, such as marriage, marked by specific natural signs.[24] (4) A moment regarded as favorable or lucky, during which important spiritual experiences can occur.[25] (5) A favorable or lucky moment chosen for an important event, such as a ceremony.[26]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The knowledge of favorable or auspicious times, recognized by Shri Rukmini.[27]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) A moment deemed favorable for significant events, such as naming the royal sons based on astrological guidance.[28] (2) A favorable moment chosen based on astrological guidance to name the prince Devavrata.[29]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A deemed favorable moment for undertaking significant actions, especially war.[30]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A significant moment recommended for the marriage ceremony, which Yaugandharayana suggests to ensure its success.[31]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A specific period identified for performing rituals that is considered favorable and will bring benefits to the worshippers.[32]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) A specific time determined by an astrologer that is considered favorable for marriage-related events.[33]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Specific periods deemed favorable for wearing Rudraksha beads, which enable a person to seek liberation from sinful effects.[34]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) Favorable periods for performing rituals, as indicated by Jyotisha.[35]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) Specific times deemed suitable for capturing elephants, as outlined in various texts like Gajashastra.[36]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A recommended period for entering the forest for wood collection, believed to affect the success of the construction.[37]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) A time deemed favorable for conducting Shankusthapana which includes specific moments of day and month according to Hindu tradition.[38]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The most favorable moment for conducting sacrifices, specifically noted as the time when the sun shines on the trees.[39]
The concept of Auspicious times in local and regional sources
Auspicious time denotes a favorable period identified by regional sources, during which specific actions or events are considered most likely to succeed, aligning with cultural beliefs and practices that enhance positivity and beneficial outcomes.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A significant period deemed favorable for specific actions or events.[40]