Significance of Hidden place

According to Dharmashastra, a hidden place serves multiple purposes in rituals and ceremonies. It can refer to a discreet location for fetching water or other ritual materials, underscoring the significance of secrecy in certain practices. Additionally, it denotes a concealed site ideal for sacrifices and confidential gatherings. This highlights the cultural importance of secrecy and discretion in various ceremonial activities within the framework of Dharmashastra.

Synonyms: Secluded place, Secluded spot

In Dutch: Verborgen plek; In Finnish: Piilotettu paikka; In Spanish: Lugar escondido

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

Buddhist concept of 'Hidden place'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the "Hidden place" symbolizes a secretive gathering point for leaders, signifying a strategic refuge where merchants come together to contemplate their escape, emphasizing themes of wisdom, collaboration, and the pursuit of safety.

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

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A secret spot where the leader of the merchants gathers the others to discuss how to escape.[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 'Hidden place'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, a "Hidden place" signifies a concealed location for secret gatherings, essential for rituals, particularly for sourcing water or materials for sacrifices, highlighting the significance of privacy in spiritual practices.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra

(1) A location where water is fetched for use in sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of secrecy in certain rituals.[2] (2) A discreet location from which water or other ritual materials should be fetched for ceremonies.[3]

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A location that is concealed from view, ideal for confidential gatherings.[4]

From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra

(1) A secret or concealed location where the remainder of the flour is stored after the ritual.[5]

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.

Significance in Vedic Hinduism (also orthodox Brahmanism):
Vedic Hinduism Books

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) These are the locations where white ants collect the strong sap of earth, which is then collected for setting up the sacred fires.[6]

Vedic Hinduism refers to traditional Brahmanism adhering to the vast literature known as Shruti, including the four Vedas, the Brahmanas (interpretation and commentaries) and Upanishads (philosophical discourses) as well as a variety of appendices known as Sutras.

Classical concept of 'Hidden place'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Hidden places in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of Gates

(1) The ways of the hidden place are open, and the portals in the earth are unfolded, allowing passage through secret realms.[7] (2) A location made by the Great One of terror of the Tuat for those who are in its Circles.[8] (3) The gods of the Tuat draw along this great god, and he journeyeth through the hidden place; the gods who dwell in the Tuat cannot see it.[9] (4) The boat of the Sun is drawn along by the gods of the Tuat, and he, journeyeth in this, and worketh in respect of the things which are there.[10] (5) It is the location where the nine gods of the company of Ra live upon the food of Ra and the cakes of KHENT-AMENTI.[11]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) A place where Osiris is addressed as “Un-nefer Heru-khuti,” and as “Ptah-Seker-Tem, , in Ȧnnu, the lord of.[12] (2) It is the best known of these was Ȧmentet, which appears to have been originally the place where Ȧn-her, the local god of Abydos, ruled as god of the dead.[13]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) The hidden places are inhabited by those who guard the house of Osiris, and the speaker comes among them, suggesting a realm of secrecy and protection.[14] (2) The god seated in the shrine wears the crown of the god Tanen, and is called "Ptah-Seker-Ausar, within the hidden place, great god, lord of Ta-sert, king of eternity, prince of the everlasting."[15]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) The text references being the Hidden One in the hidden place, a perfect spirit among the companions of Râ, who has come forth from the underworld.[16]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) The Hidden Place, also known as Ament, is a region of the Tuat, and knowledge or representation of it provides food in the Tuat and offerings made to the gods.[17]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) Another name for the "Other World", which is where the pictures accompanying texts were supposed to be exact copies of the divisions as they actually existed.[18]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Plural form: Hidden places.