Significance of Deity worship
Deity worship encompasses various practices across different traditions, including Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism, where it involves acts of reverence and rituals dedicated to divine figures. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and serving deities, often through specific offerings and ceremonies, fostering spiritual growth. This practice is integral to many religious systems, enabling devotees to express devotion and seek blessings from higher powers. The complexities of deity worship reflect a rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs and practices promoting connection with the divine.
Synonyms: Divine reverence, Religious adoration, Veneration, Adoration, Reverence, Devotion, Glorification
In Dutch: Goddelijke aanbidding; In Finnish: Jumaluuden palvonta; In Spanish: Adoración de la deidad
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Deity worship'
Deity worship in Buddhism encompasses venerating local supernatural beings predating Buddhism and honoring specific figures from the Yamantaka teachings, like the Red Yamantaka, highlighting a blend of cultural and spiritual practices.
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) The practice of venerating various supernatural beings that existed in the local culture before the introduction of Buddhism.[1]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Refers to the practice of worshipping particular figures within the Yamantaka teachings, such as the Red Yamantaka.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Deity worship'
Deity worship in Hinduism encompasses various practices of honoring and serving divine beings through rituals, prayers, and offerings. It emphasizes devotion, reverence, and adherence to guidelines to avoid offenses while fostering spiritual connection.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Ritualistic practice of paying homage to a form of the divine, which in this context refers to the worship of Shri Gaurasundara.[3] (2) The act of reverence and devotion directed towards the different divine beings represented in the temples.[4] (3) Engaging in devotional activities such as seeing, touching, and serving the form of the Lord as represented in the deity.[5] (4) The process of performing rituals and offerings to divine figures, demonstrating devotion and reverence.[6] (5) The religious practice of revering and serving deities, an essential aspect of spiritual life emphasized in the text.[7]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the various practices and rituals dedicated to honoring and paying homage to a divine presence or figure.[8] (2) The practice of worshiping deities, which has been both supported and reproached in different scriptures.[9] (3) Worship of the Deity form, which according to some texts, is considered for fools.[10] (4) A practice in Dvapara-yuga which kirtana supersedes in terms of results and ease.[11] (5) The act of revering and serving a divine figure or form, specifically within the context of the Puranas and other scriptures.[12]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The practice of honoring and revering deities or divine beings in Hinduism.[13] (2) A practice that involves showing reverence and offerings to a deity, often through rituals and mantras.[14] (3) The practice of honoring and serving a deity.[15] (4) The religious practice of honoring and serving a deity, which includes specific guidelines to avoid offenses.[16]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Practices involving the veneration and devotion directed towards a divine figure, such as Vishnu.[17] (2) The act of offering reverence and devotion to deities, which is central to many spiritual practices in the text.[18] (3) The practice of engaging in devotional service directed towards a form of God, which can become corrupted if not aligned with genuine spiritual principles.[19]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The customary religious practice that Madhavendra Puri ensured would continue during his absence.[20]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The practice performed by Satrajit and the descendants of Yadu as they sought guidance and blessings from higher powers.[21]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The prescribed practice in Dvapara-yuga involving the worship of deities through rituals and offerings.[22]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Performing rituals and offering devotion to the deity of the Supreme Lord as a form of bhakti.[23]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The practice of offering reverence and rituals to divine figures in Hinduism, aimed at establishing a connection and seeking blessings.[24] (2) The act of honoring and praying to deities, emphasized in the text as a means to achieve merit and spiritual reward.[25] (3) The practices and rituals involving offerings to deities, as observed by the Brahmanas.[26] (4) The act of showing reverence and devotion to a god or goddess through rituals, prayers, and offerings.[27] (5) The act of showing devotion and reverence to the Lord through various religious practices and rituals.[28]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The act of honoring and praying to a deity, specifically Lord Vishnu on the day of Saphala.[29] (2) The act of devoting oneself to a divine being through various religious rites and rituals.[30] (3) The act of venerating gods, conducted through rituals, prayers, and offerings.[31] (4) The act of honoring gods or deities, especially during rituals performed at Gaya-tirtha.[32]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The act of performing devotion and rituals to express reverence and admiration towards a divine being.[33] (2) The act of honoring and veneration directed toward the divine, especially Shiva, through rituals including the use of Bhasma.[34] (3) The act of honoring and venerating gods or divine entities, as in Veda Vyasa's search for which Deva to worship to gain a son.[35]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The practice of honoring and offering to gods and ancestors as part of the ancestral rites.[36] (2) The act of performing rituals and offerings directed towards a divine idol, emphasizing reverence and spiritual connection.[37]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Offering reverence and prayers to divine beings as part of spiritual practices in tirthas.[38]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Ritual acts performed in honor of the gods, as practiced by the Yadavas to ensure their prosperity.[39]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The act of worshipping deities such as the Moon-God and others, typically accompanied by specific prayers and rituals.[40]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The practice of honoring and venerating a divine entity, often involving physical and mental devotion.[41]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The religious observance performed by the lord of mountains involving ceremonial ablution and reverence towards a favorite deity.[42]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Religious practices committed to venerating and honoring a specific god or goddess.[43]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The act of honoring and revering a divine figure (in this case, Vishnu) through specific rituals, offerings, and prayers.[44]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of showing reverence to a divine being through rituals and sacrifices.[45]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) The practice involving a ceremony that attributes special significance to a deity image, making it eligible for veneration, and which can be altered by interactions with individuals of varying status.[46]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The act of honoring a divine being, which is an essential aspect of performing purashcarana and helps in the attainment of spiritual goals.[47]
Jain concept of 'Deity worship'
Deity worship in Jainism involves revering divine figures through rituals, emphasizing varying depths of understanding and dedication among practitioners, reflecting a spectrum of personal devotion and interpretative engagement with these sacred entities.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) The act of revering and performing rituals for divine figures, often varying greatly in depth of understanding and dedication among worshippers.[48]
The concept of Deity worship in local and regional sources
Deity worship encompasses various practices through which devotees express their devotion to their chosen deity, known as Ishthadev, highlighting the personal and diverse ways individuals connect spiritually in their worship.
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) The various ways discussed in the book that devotees can express their devotion to their chosen deity, Ishthadev.[49]