Significance of Ghrita

Ghrita, meaning clarified butter in Ayurveda, plays a significant role in health and healing. It is combined with medicinal herbs to enhance treatment efficacy, used in various formulations for its nourishing properties, and acts as a delivery medium for fat-soluble ingredients. Known for its benefits on digestion, mental health, and skin healing, Ghrita also aids in treating conditions like poisoning and is pivotal in maternal and infant health. Its versatile applications make it a cornerstone in Ayurvedic medicine.

Synonyms: Clarified butter

In Dutch: Ghrita; In German: Ghrita; In Finnish: Ghrita; In Spanish: Ghrita

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

Buddhist concept of 'Ghrita'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Ghrita symbolizes clarified butter, essential in traditional cooking and Ayurvedic healing practices, particularly for its role in creating therapeutic poultices that promote physical and spiritual well-being.

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

(1) Clarified butter used in traditional cooking and Ayurvedic practices, significant in the context of the healing poultice.[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.

Hindu concept of 'Ghrita'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Ghrita is interpreted as clarified butter used in health treatments, either mixed with incinerated shilajatu or combined with medicinal herbs to enhance well-being and treat various ailments.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

(1) Clarified butter that is suggested to be mixed with incinerated shilajatu in certain treatments.[2]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

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

(1) Clarified butter preparations that are combined with medicinal herbs to improve health and treat diseases.[3]

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.

Plural form: Ghritas.