Significance of clarified butter
Clarified butter, or ghee, holds significant value across various Indian traditions. In Hinduism and Purana, it's a sacred offering symbolizing purity, devotion, and nourishment for deities. Ayurveda values it for medicinal properties, treating various ailments. Dharmashastra highlights its role in sacrificial rites. Vyakarana notes its purity and mixing properties. Rasashastra explores its impact on health and dietary uses. Mahayana Buddhism uses it to symbolize enlightenment. It's also referenced in historical texts, Kavyashastra, science, and health sciences.
Synonyms: Butter oil, Purified butter
In Dutch: Geklaarde boter; In Finnish: Kirkastettua voita; In Spanish: Mantequilla clarificada; In German: Geklärte Butter; In Swedish: Klarnat smör; In Malay: Mentega yang telah dijelaskan; In French: Beurre clarifié; In Swedish: Klarat smör; In Polish: Masło klarowane; In Italian: Burro chiarificato; In Portugese: Manteiga clarificada
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'clarified butter'
In Buddhism, clarified butter ('ajya') represents the Universal failing to capture the Individual, symbolizes the Lotus Sutra's flavor, is a purified offering in rituals, and, like oil and water, relates to knowledge.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A specific example mentioned in relation to the Universal and the Individual, highlighting that the word associated with it conveys the Universal but does not adequately signify the particular Individual.[1] (2) A type of butter that has been purified and clarified, commonly referred to as 'ajya' in the text.[2] (3) Clarified butter is a substance mentioned in the text, categorized alongside oil and water, indicating a type of material that may be used in the context of knowledge.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Empty your belly so you can fill it with the wonderful flavor of this, the unsurpassed wonderful dharma.[4] (2) A food item prepared and used in the offerings mentioned in the context of the bodhimanda rituals.[5] (3) Symbolizes the dharma-flower/nirvana period; described as having a wonderful flavor akin to the Lotus Sutra.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A medicinal food offered to the monks, along with ghee, honey, and molasses, in washed bowls.[7]
Hindu concept of 'clarified butter'
In Hinduism, clarified butter, or ghee, is a versatile substance. It symbolizes purity in rituals, enhances offerings, serves as medicine, atones for unintentional harm, and nourishes the body. It is also an offering to deities and ancestors.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A substance poured over baked lajas to enhance the offering during rituals.[8] (2) A sacred offering made during the sacrificial rites, mentioned in relation to the oblation to Agni.[9] (3) A substance offered in oblations, often used in Vedic rituals to honor the fire and deities.[10] (4) A component mentioned that the Hotras should delight in during the offerings.[11] (5) An essential offering in sacrificial rites, typically invoked for blessings in the fire.[12]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Clarified Butter is specified as the substance to be offered at all oblations, especially when no other substance is specified, highlighting its importance in sacrificial rituals.[13] (2) It is butter that has been melted and purified, and stealing this results in rebirth as an ichneumon.[14] (3) Is a type of butter that has been melted and strained to remove milk solids, often used in religious rituals and considered to have purifying properties.[15] (4) A purified form of butter that is consumed as part of the expiation ritual after a Brahmana inhales the odour of a wine-drinker.[16] (5) Substances that become purified by being poured into another vessel when defiled.[17]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Clarified butter is taken saying 'Shukram asi' as part of a ritual, and it is also consumed as part of certain penances like the Samtapana Kricchra.[18] (2) A Brahmana who has been bitten by a dog, is purified if he eats this.[19] (3) This refers to a specific substance that is used in a ritual to purify a hairy cow offered as a form of penance.[20] (4) A substance used in rituals, symbolizing purity and sustenance for the manes.[21] (5) A type of food used in sacrificial offerings that must be included in the person's diet as per their vow.[22]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The pupil must thrice restrain his breath and eat this if certain animals pass between the teacher and pupil.[23] (2) A sacrificial offering used in the rituals described, which is offered with specific recitations.[24] (3) A substance offered in oblations as part of a penance ritual intended to purify an offender's actions.[25] (4) A type of fat used in rituals and offerings, especially significant in the penance for the murder of a Brahmana.[26] (5) A substance consumed during rituals or penance as a means of purification after consuming impure substances.[27]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A type of fat that may be used after specific handling to ensure its purity.[28] (2) A type of food that may allow for the continuation of study if consumed after an incident of vomiting.[29] (3) A preferred type of fat to be used in the mixing of food during the Shraddha ceremony.[30]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A type of ghee used in Hindu rituals and offerings, which must be consumed or offered during certain penances.[31] (2) A pure form of butter used in numerous rituals and as an offering in Vedic practices.[32]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A significant food item used in preparing offerings, mixed with food to create oblations.[33] (2) A substance mixed with offerings during sacrifices, known as Ajya.[34]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A food item given to the child during the production of intelligence ritual.[35]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A substance used by the wife to smear the axle of the chariot during a ritual.[36]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A form of butter that is used in rituals, particularly in the process of pouring into curds.[37]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This was part of the equipment of the divisions and made them glittering.[38] (2) "Clarified butter" is a substance used in sacrificial offerings to Agni, Soma, and Dhanvantari, contributing to the ritual's effectiveness and the deities' satisfaction.[39] (3) The text recommends that this should always be kept in one's house for the worship of the gods, Brahmanas, and guests.[40] (4) Clarified butter is a substance that Agni accepts at sacrifices, and he also accepts Sudarsana as his bride, indicating the sacredness of their union.[41] (5) The clarified butter is poured into the fire, as the Pandava camp hopes they have ever poured libations of clarified butter into fire, so that Savyasacin may vanquish all his foes.[42]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Clarified butter is used as an ingredient in libations cast into the fire, along with rice, Vrihi, sesame seeds, and cooked sacrificial porridge.[43] (2) Boiled rice, soaked with "clarified butter", should be taken in hand, and the permission of the Pitris should be obtained, showcasing the importance of specific food offerings.[44] (3) Ghee used in combination with Eranda-roots and Matulunga seeds for women desiring a male child's birth.[45] (4) This is a type of butter, and a person engaged in trade or merchandise shall not sell clarified butter, as specified in the provided text.[46] (5) Decoctions of Triphala, adrakam, Kushtham and Chandana taken with clarified butter, or these drugs applied as plasters with the addition of the same substance tend to neutralise the effects of poison.[47]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) One of the items, along with honey and curds, provided for the installation, as stated in the text.[48] (2) Refers to ghee, used here metaphorically to highlight vulnerability.[49] (3) A substance used in sacrificial rituals, metaphorically used to describe the intensity and fervor with which Aksha leaps into action.[50] (4) An offering poured into the sacred fire, symbolizing devotion and purification in rituals.[51] (5) An important element of the offering poured into the sacred fire.[52]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Clarified butter was used in cooking meat, frying legs of beasts, and preparing side dishes, contributing to the culinary pleasures of the Yadavas.[53] (2) A dairy product prepared by the milk-maids, indicating the village's dairy-centered culture.[54] (3) A type of ghee often used in spiritual offerings and rituals, considered pure and auspicious.[55] (4) A substance used in the nurturing of the embryos, highlighting cultural significance in rituals of birth and nourishment.[56] (5) A sacred food offering in the rituals, often given to Brahmanas, signifying purity and benevolence.[57]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Clarified butter is an ingredient in the preparation of certain offerings, like Paramanna and svastika, and is presented to the deity.[58] (2) A sacred substance used in Vedic rituals, especially in oblations to the Devas.[59] (3) A key sacrificial offering in Hindu rituals that is often poured into the fire as a form of devotion to the deities.[60]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) An essential offering in Hindu rituals, often used during sacrificial ceremonies to please deities.[61] (2) A food item that satisfies the pitris for one month and is a key offering in the shraddha ceremony.[62]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A food substance that is part of the offerings made to ancestors, appreciated for its purity and importance.[63]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Knowing the pure and holy One, as both the states of knowledge and knowables, just as the clarified butter is consolidated to the compactness of stone.[64]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Clarified butter, or ghritam pibet, is prescribed by Carvaka as something to enjoy so long as life lasts, even borrowing money for the purpose, if necessary.[65]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Drinking of cold water or anointing the body with oil immediately after drinking of oil, this or tallow; application of douche of oil; vomiting, purgation, or application of a special douche, called niruha basti, corrupts the movements of watery fluids in the system leading to the oozing out of water from the affected veins and accumulation of the same in the belly, which becomes glossy, enlarged, and swollen causing a painful sensation around the navel.[66] (2) This substance is indicated as a beneficial element in the diet of those suffering from piles, as the text specifies dietary recommendations.[67] (3) This is included in the diet, together with milk boiled rice and soup of mudga grams, to complement the medicinal treatment being taken.[68] (4) Clarified butter is to be consumed with the medicine, alongside sugar, as part of the prescribed dosage, according to the instructions.[69] (5) A commonly used accompaniment for medicines that may enhance their efficacy.[70]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Every article of food stuff becomes salutary to the system, if served on utensils made of bell-metal, except clarified butter.[71] (2) A form of fat used in the preparation process, measured equally with other ingredients.[72] (3) A form of butter that has had the water and milk solids removed, commonly used in cooking and health remedies.[73] (4) Butter that has been purified by removing water and milk solids, used here in the process involving incinerated iron.[74] (5) A substance that serves as a rasayana when consumed with incinerated gold, enhancing vitality.[75]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) The text mentions clarified butter, also known as ghee, as a substance used in combination with medicines, as a part of the treatment.[76] (2) A type of fat used in Ayurvedic medicine, noted for its cooling properties and effect in pacifying heat sensations when applied to the body.[77] (3) An item indicated as harmful to individuals suffering from worms, emphasizing dietary restrictions.[78] (4) A form of cooking fat used in traditional medicine and food that plays a role in various treatments.[79] (5) A substance often recommended in remedies for heart disease, believed to provide healing properties when combined with other ingredients.[80]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) An ingredient used in the repetition of bhavanas with makshika to influence the resulting essence's properties.[81] (2) Ghee, also known as clarified butter, mixed with milk to prepare for the purification of Gandhaka.[82] (3) Also known as ghee, it is used in another process of nectarisation to enhance the efficacy of incinerated mica.[83] (4) Another dietary element suggested for those using haritala, which adds richness and is often used in traditional cooking.[84] (5) A substance that a patient should take prior to shilajatu to prepare their system for its effects.[85]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) The text suggests that one who takes mercury should take vegetables cooked with clarified butter, saindhava, dhanya, jiraka, and ginger.[86] (2) A substance mentioned multiple times in processes to assist in the treatment of mercury.[87] (3) A traditional offering ingredient used in sacrificial rites, symbolizing purity and richness in the ritual.[88] (4) A component used in the preparation of a mixture with purified sulphur for health purposes.[89] (5) A type of butter used as an offering in the sacrificial fire ritual.[90]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Clarified butter is used with cooked pot-herbs as a recommended diet for those who are experiencing Rakta-pitta to improve the condition.[91] (2) Clarified butter is mixed with various ingredients in lambatives and used for anointing in fever treatment, depending on the Dosha.[92] (3) This is an ingredient used in preparing the Ropana Puta-paka, along with other ingredients, as described in the text.[93] (4) This is a key component of the treatment for the disease, and it is prepared in various ways, often involving ingredients like milk, herbs, and the essence of meat.[94] (5) This is a substance, also known as Ghrita, that is used in religious rituals and medical treatments, and it is one of the items used for the propitiation of various classes of Grahas.[95]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) Clarified butter is used to plaster the inside of an earthen jar, along with honey and powdered Pippali, before preparing medicated Arishtas.[96] (2) It can be cooked with a decoction of Pashanabheda, Vasuka, Vashira, and other herbs to help disintegrate Ashmari due to the action of deranged Vayu.[97] (3) This is mixed with pasted drugs of the Madhura group to create a lukewarm plaster for the Mridita type of the disease.[98] (4) A substance used in the treatment of various types of Udara, often cooked with specific drugs, such as those from the Vidari-gandhadi group, as detailed in the text.[99] (5) This phrase refers to a type of processed butter, which is mixed with a gruel and given to the patient depending on their digestive capacity, before a specific treatment.[100]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) This substance is cast into the sacrificial fire during the ceremony, representing a significant part of the ritual, as described in the text.[101] (2) A culinary fat used in Ayurvedic medicine, noted for its therapeutic properties in treating wounds.[102] (3) A dairy product that is considered to be wholesome and beneficial for human health.[103] (4) Butter that has been purified and is recognized for its cooling effects and nutritional benefits.[104] (5) A type of ghee used as a vehicle in medicinal preparations to enhance the efficacy of the ingredients.[105]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) When gold is combined with different types of honey and clarified butter, it broadens its spectrum of action and stimulates the body's immune system.[106] (2) According to Acharya Charaka, Ojas has the appearance of clarified butter (ghee), the taste of honey, and the fragrance of popped rice.[107] (3) Ghrita is a type of this that promotes memory, intelligence, digestive capacity, and other benefits.[108] (4) It is made from the milk of a cow and is also known as goghrita.[109] (5) The text mentions it as ghee, a component of the formulation.[110]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This phrase is another term for Ghrita, a substance that is central to the study and has various uses.[111] (2) The text mentions the impact of this substance on serum lipid levels and microsomal lipid peroxidation, suggesting a study on its effects.[112]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 5: Kalpasthana
(1) A type of fat used in various preparations, often considered to have medicinal properties in Ayurvedic treatments.[113]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) A type of fat used in the dietary regimen of both mother and child, noted for its nutritional benefits.[114]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is poured upon the forked top of something to endow heaven and earth with strength and sap, highlighting its role in nourishing the cosmos.[115] (2) A component of offerings poured over food during a ritual, ensuring its sanctity for gods and fathers.[116] (3) An essential offering ingredient in Vedic rituals, often used alongside other items in the sacrifice.[117] (4) Ghee used in the preparation of offerings, symbolizing purity and nourishment in the sacrificial context.[118] (5) An offering poured during the ritual that is taken without announcement to a specific deity, thus treated with a more generalized invocation.[119]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) This is an example of the definite stages milk goes through as it transforms, which preserves the properties of the original material.[120] (2) A fatty substance similar to oil, which is considered a more appropriate alternative than curds or milk when oil is prohibited.[121] (3) A substance that is specifically noted for its role in manifesting the smell of Kunkuma when in contact with it.[122] (4) A type of fat known for its clarity and lustre, referred to as significant in understanding the mixing process with sugar.[123] (5) A specific type of fat associated with purity and brightness, serving as a reference to clarify the meaning in the context.[124]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The clarified butter is offered on the dice during the game with a specific verse and is also used as an oblation with another verse in the dwelling place.[125] (2) Four drops of this are cut out as Ida for the Hotri and six for the Agnidhra.[126] (3) Clarified butter is offered over a potsherd during the Patnisamyaja offerings, which then requires offering a cake to Agni.[127] (4) This is a specific type of oblation, and it is mentioned within a verse that is recited, specifically when referring to the Barhis being smeared with this substance.[128]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The text mentions that traders in clarified butter should give 1/32th part more as taptavyaji to compensate for the decrease in quantity due to its liquid condition.[129] (2) A specific type of fat used in the diet of horses, particularly for newborn colts and steed, as part of their nutritional intake.[130] (3) A dairy product produced from milk, required as a fixed amount in several systems of herd management.[131] (4) A form of butter that has had its milk solids and water removed, commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine.[132]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) An offering made by the initiate to the sacred fire during the ceremony, symbolizing purity and devotion.[133]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) The ground should bear the smell of clarified butter, signifying a pure and auspicious quality.[134] (2) This is an item that is offered to the pillar during the described ceremony, along with a gold needle, kusha grass, and dried milk, as part of the offerings.[135]
The concept of clarified butter in local and regional sources
Clarified butter, according to regional sources and Sushrutasamhita, is used with mercury to prepare the body and stabilize age due to its unique properties.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is one of the substances used in conjunction with mercury and other ingredients for preparing the body, as described in the provided text.[136] (2) This substance is mentioned as having properties related to stabilizing age and is used in various formulations, as described in the Sushrutasamhita.[137]
The concept of clarified butter in scientific sources
Clarified butter, also known as ghee or ghrita, is a rendered fat with milk solids and water removed. It's a crucial ingredient in traditional Indian medicine, especially Ayurveda, for cooking and therapeutic eye care.
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) It is a dairy product prepared from cow and buffalo milk, used in Indian culture, tradition, and rituals, and explored for its properties.[138]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) Also known as ghee, this is an ingredient included in the formulation in a specified amount.[139]