Significance of Avadana portions
Avadana portions, according to Dharmashastra, refer to specific parts cut from an animal's limbs during a sacrifice. These portions are essential in the sacrificial process as they can be offered in water instead of fire and represent the edible parts prepared for the ritual. They include specific offerings tied to the ritual continuity, and other parts cut off after the omentum is sacrificed contribute to the broader sacrificial practice. Overall, Avadana portions play a significant role in ritual offerings.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Avadana portions'
Avadana portions in Hinduism refer to specific segments cut from an animal during sacrifice, vital for ritual offerings, including those discarded into water, symbolizing the sacred relationship between nourishment and the sacrificial process.
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Specific ritual offerings that are to be sacrificed into water instead of fire.[1] (2) Specific portions cut off from the animal after the omentum is sacrificed, which are included in the offerings.[2]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Specific portions that are to be cut off from the animal's limbs during the sacrifice.[3] (2) Parts of the Havis that are cut off during the sacrificial process.[4]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) They cut off the Avadana portions from all its limbs.[5]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Parts of the offering that are sacrificed, representing the edible portions prepared for the ritual, significant in the context of continuing offerings.[6]