Significance of Funeral pyre
Synonyms: Ceremonial fire., Burning pyre, Funeral fire, Burial pyre
In Dutch: Brandstapel; In Finnish: Hautajaispyrstö; In Spanish: Pira funeraria; In Italian: Pira funeraria; In German: Scheiterhaufen; In Swedish: Begravningsbål; In Malay: Kayu bakar pengebumian; In French: Bûcher funéraire; In Finnish: Hautajaisrouvi; In Portugese: Pira funerária; In Polish: Stos pogrzebowy
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Funeral pyre'
In Buddhism, the funeral pyre serves as a significant structure for cremation, symbolizing respect and final tribute, particularly notable in the cremation of the Buddha and revered figures, reflecting loyalty and the connection between donors and recipients.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The structure made of sandalwood where Venerable Moggallana was cremated, attended by both devas and humans.[1] (2) A structure for burning the deceased, which Prince Dighavu utilized to cremate his parents.[2] (3) A structure built of various kinds of scented wood upon which the body of the Buddha was placed for cremation.[3] (4) A structure built to burn the body of the deceased, particularly significant in the cremation of the Buddha.[4] (5) The structure made from scented wood where the body of a Universal Monarch is cremated, symbolizing the final tribute.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A structure for burning a deceased person's body during the funeral ceremony.[6] (2) The place where bodies are burned and signifies the death and succession concerns of the king.[7]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The people broke into wailing when the body of the king was laid on this. Even where they did this, there was the so-called Ravivattisala built.[8] (2) A structure built by King Uttiya for the cremation of the thera Mahinda using sweet-smelling wood.[9]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) An event related to the Samana Gotama, after which it was feared that they would no longer train themselves in the precepts.[10] (2) A structure used for the cremation of bodies, significant in the context of time periods for building supervision.[11]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A structure where the bodies of Dighiti and his wife were placed for cremation after being executed by Brahmadatta's order.[12]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The funeral pyre is a fire, and was extinguished with creamy milk, and also cremated the corpse.[13] (2) Structure made of scented wood prepared by the king to honor the bear after its death.[14] (3) A traditional method used for cremating bodies, mentioned in relation to the main wife of the king throwing herself upon it.[15]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A large structure assembled for burning the deceased, used metaphorically by the king to test the loyalty of his soldiers.[16] (2) The structure to which Padumacchadaniya offered lotus flowers in reverence for the Glorious One Vipassi who had entered parinibbana.[17]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Burning dead bodies on pyres is a typical Indian cremation ritual, and in Xuanzang’s time it might still have been carried out.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Funeral pyre'
In Hinduism, a funeral pyre symbolizes the end of earthly existence and the cycle of death, serving as a ceremonial structure for cremating the deceased while encompassing themes of mourning, purity, and supernatural connections.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) With the dishevelled hair and crying piteously, they then cast the body into this place, as if it were a piece of wood.[19] (2) Madri ascended the funeral pyre with her lord Pandu, showing her devotion and sacrifice.[20] (3) The fires used for cremation, whose blue smoke darkens the trees, emphasizing the somber and death-filled atmosphere of the crematorium.[21] (4) Structures set on fire to cremate the bodies of the deceased, central to the funeral rites described.[22] (5) A structure on which Bhishma's body was placed and burned, representing the rituals of death and honoring the deceased.[23]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The structure upon which the king's body was cremated, where Bharata mourned and spoke of his loss.[24] (2) A structure made of wood where the body of the king is laid to be cremated.[25] (3) The ceremonial fire that Kaushalya is anticipated to ascend in mourning for her son Indrajita, symbolizing ultimate grief and sacrifice.[26] (4) The constructed platform of dry wood, including sacred sandalwood, where Bali’s body will be cremated.[27] (5) The pyre Hanuman considers preparing for himself as a means of entering death if he cannot find Sita.[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The King considered burning himself in the funeral pyre to end his suffering, contemplating various methods of suicide to escape his miserable existence.[29] (2) This phrase describes a negative outcome, highlighting the challenges, emphasizing the unfolding events.[30] (3) The place where Rambha's body is cremated, leading to the birth of his son Mahisha.[31] (4) The burning platform used for cremation, symbolizing the honor and respect given to the deceased.[32]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The place where the chandalas immolated themselves, illustrating the tragic fate of these individuals.[33] (2) A structure for burning a dead body as part of a funeral rite, associated with the self-immolation of the Chandala king.[34]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The structure upon which the smoke rises, representing the impending death of someone, according to the dream's interpretation.[35] (2) A structure for burning a deceased body, associated with mourning and death.[36]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A structure for burning a dead body, which was prepared by Sagara's wife for her husband.[37]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) One of the places where a person bitten by a serpent does not survive.[38]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The site where Indrasena chooses to enter after embracing her husband's body, signifying her loyalty and sorrow.[39]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) It is a place where Vijayadatta tastes the brains of a skull, leading to his transformation into a Rakshasa, symbolizing a dark and transformative experience.[40] (2) These are the flames of the funeral pyres, which are reinforced by the fires in the mouths of the fire-breathing demons, creating an awful and eerie atmosphere.[41] (3) This signifies a structure constructed for the cremation of the deceased, playing a role in the ritual of mourning and sacrifice described in the text.[42] (4) The location of the burning ground where Yaugandharayana encounters supernatural beings.[43] (5) The structure prepared for cremating the deceased, which in this story was used for Devasoma after he passed away.[44]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A structure made of wood for burning a dead body, symbolizing the finality of death.[45] (2) The structure where the deceased king's body is burned, symbolizing respect and transition to the afterlife.[46]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A platform used for cremating the deceased, indicating a ritualistic context.[47]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A ritual used for Satrajit’s last rites that signifies respect and the deep sorrow of the bereaved.[48]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A structure used for cremating bodies, associated with impurity and necessitating bathing upon contact.[49]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A structure on which a body is placed to be burned during a funeral, representing the traditional practice of disposing of the dead.[50]
Jain concept of 'Funeral pyre'
In Jainism, the funeral pyre symbolizes a crucial aspect of the cremation process, representing transitions, tests of courage, grief, and reverence for the deceased, embodied through elaborate structures crafted from significant materials and cultural meanings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The place where Shauri is taken, symbolizing a transition and possibly a test of courage.[51] (2) A metaphor representing the self-immolation of the wives after killing the goldsmith, symbolizing their remorse and despair.[52] (3) The structure created by Shakra for the Master's body, prepared with great care using sandalwood and other materials.[53] (4) The structure that Vasudeva built from wood near the cemetery, where he burned an unclaimed corpse to simulate his death.[54] (5) The place where King Shrivijaya prepares to burn Sutara after believing she has died, signifying his deep sorrow.[55]
The concept of Funeral pyre in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Funeral pyre" encompasses various cultural and emotional themes related to death, self-immolation, and familial bonds in Hindu traditions, illustrating profound experiences of mercy, sacrifice, and societal customs surrounding mortality.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The purpose of laying the widow along with her deceased husband is cloaked in indissoluble mystery.[56] (2) Dr. V. Rama Krishna Rao set fire to the funeral pyre, as the provided text states in the context of Sri Raghupathy Venkata Ratnam Naidu's wishes.[57] (3) A structure for burning a corpse as part of a funeral rite, filled with firewood.[58] (4) Indications of mass fatalities from the battle, creating a somber and dark imagery in the narrative.[59] (5) Constructed by Vrinda when she discovers Vishnu's deception, leading to her self-immolation.[60]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The great funeral pyre was lighted by the bank of the Ganges in a cleared forest for the wife to burn herself with her husband.[61] (2) A traditional Hindu platform for cremating the dead, representing ultimate sacrifice and devotion, as referenced in the analogy of a woman's willingness to follow her husband in death.[62] (3) A structure on which a body is cremated, which Sujan’s wife intended to use for her self-immolation.[63] (4) The structure on which the corpse of the Brahman was placed and set on fire by Nama.[64]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A structure for burning a corpse, which the woman mentions in her plea.[65] (2) The structure erected for the cremation of the Raja's body, which the Potter uses to conceal himself.[66]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The fire of the funeral pyre symbolizes the disintegration of the body, with the soul being asked to ascend to a place of joy and eternal happiness.[67]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The place where the couple's misunderstanding leads them as they are mistakenly thought to be dead.[68] (2) A burning structure for cremation, which signifies the death of the woman's parents as she learns from a city man.[69] (3) A heap of firewood on which a dead body is placed for cremation.[70] (4) A structure constructed by the Prince for self-immolation reflecting themes of despair and societal customs surrounding death.[71]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A large structure made of wood used for cremation, specifically built for the eminent Sramana.[72]
The concept of Funeral pyre in scientific sources
Based on the text, "Funeral pyre" is used metaphorically by Vivekananda. He believed the hereditary Brahmin caste would bring about their own destruction, suggesting a self-inflicted end.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is what Vivekananda consistently maintained that the hereditary Brahmin caste would raise their own, and that it was good and appropriate for them to do so.[73]
Classical concept of 'Funeral pyre'
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) A funeral pyre is constructed to cremate Patroclus, involving the gathering of wood, sacrifices of animals and Trojans, and prayers to the winds.[74] (2) A structure built to cremate the dead, used by both the Achaeans and Trojans to honor their fallen comrades, highlighting the solemn rituals of war.[75] (3) The funeral pyre is mentioned in the context of Alexandrus wanting to see Menelaus slain by an arrow from Pandarus' hand, illustrating the desire for vengeance and the brutal realities of war.[76]