Significance of Copper vessel

The Purana describes a copper vessel as a sacred container, often used in rituals and offerings. It is associated with purity, holding water for the Sun god, and containing offerings like gingelly seeds and rice. The vessel can also be used to hold images of deities like Vishnu or Varaha. It symbolizes wealth, auspiciousness, and is sometimes used in specific offering rituals. The vessel's dimensions and contents vary depending on the ritual's purpose.1
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Synonyms: Copper container, Copper pot, Copper bowl, Copper cup, Copper utensil

In Dutch: Koperen vat; In Finnish: Kupariastia; In Spanish: Vasija de cobre; In German: Kupfergefäß; In Malay: Kapal tembaga; In Swedish: Kopparkärl

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Copper vessel'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, a copper vessel represents a Brahman's debate readiness in Mathura. It's also an object shaped through repeated striking, creating sound. This exemplifies a concept, potentially highlighting transformation or the impact of repeated action.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

(1) An item carried by the brahman when he entered Mathura, symbolizing his readiness for debate.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

(1) This is an object that is beaten into shape, making a sound repeatedly, and is used to exemplify a concept.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Copper vessel'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, a copper vessel serves diverse roles: holding Vishnu images, offerings (milk, water, gingelly seeds), and Arghya. It signifies purity, devotion, and is used in rituals, including sun worship and giving. It can also be used for pharmaceutical preparations and symbolizes wealth.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) A container made of copper used in a specific offering ritual, denoting its sacredness.[3] (2) A specific type of container preferred for rituals and offerings due to its purity.[4] (3) An object given by the sun to Yudhishthira, symbolizing abundance and the promise of inexhaustible resources.[5]

(1) The container described for holding the golden image of Varaha during worship, symbolizing purity and sanctity.[6]

(1) The vessel used by Bali during the gifting process, symbolizing ritual purity and the sacredness of the act of giving.[7]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

(1) A vessel made of copper, which was found to be appropriate for pharmaceutical preparations, and the study compares the results obtained using it with those from iron and mud pots.[8] (2) This is a type of vessel that helps to retain more heat than other vessels during the process of Bhanupaka, according to the information provided in the text.[9] (3) These are the vessels that are used for the preparation of different formulations for both external and internal use.[10]

(1) This is a container made of copper, and it is suggested to store water in it, which is more beneficial.[11]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

(1) An accepted drinking container for menstruating women.[12]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

The concept of Copper vessel in local and regional sources

History Books

Copper vessel symbolizes the limits of potential. It represents how inherent qualities can define something, similar to a vessel's shape restricting its contents. Furthermore, it's linked to Ramanuja and his disciples' artifact used in statue creation.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) An artifact associated with Ramanuja, used by him and later employed by his disciples to create statues.[13] (2) A metaphor expressing how the inherent qualities or nature of something can limit or define its potential.[14]

The concept of Copper vessel in scientific sources

Science Books

Copper vessels are metal containers with antimicrobial properties, traditionally used in Ayurveda for storing and purifying water. They are believed to offer health benefits, including the prevention of waterborne diseases, and are sometimes used in folk medicine for healing rituals.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

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Plural form: Copper vessels.