Significance of Holy water
Holy water is a significant concept across various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and others. It generally refers to consecrated or sacred water used in rituals for purification, blessings, and spiritual significance. In Hinduism, it often pertains to waters from sacred rivers like the Ganges, believed to possess the power to purify and cleanse sins. Jainism associates holy water with liberality and dharma, while Tibetan Buddhism recognizes bum chu, revered for its spiritual importance. Overall, holy water embodies a vital role in spiritual practices and rituals across these faiths.
Synonyms: Blessed water, Consecrated water, Sanctified water, Sacramental water, Sacred water
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Holy water'
In Buddhism, Holy water signifies consecrated water used in rituals for blessings, purification, and protection, embodying both spiritual significance and traditions that enhance merit and sanctity in various ceremonies and practices.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Ritual water used in the installation of the maidens as queens by King Assaka, signifying sanctity and blessing.[1] (2) Water used in a ceremonial context to consecrate Carpenter’s Boar as king; emphasizes the traditional beliefs of the story.[2]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Consecrated water used in rituals for blessings, purification, and protection during ceremonies.[3]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A blessing that Kshitigarbha is said to bestow upon disciples as part of the practices for obtaining merit.[4]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Water that is consecrated in various religious traditions, often included as part of the offerings in Buddhist altars.[5]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Refers to bum chu, which was prepared by rnal rin chen gling pa, and gained popularity in Tibet and China for its spiritual significance.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Holy water'
Holy water in Hinduism signifies water with spiritual importance, used for rituals, purification, and blessings. Originating from sacred rivers like the Ganga and locations like Tirthas, it embodies divine qualities, promoting spiritual cleansing and merit.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Sacred water from Tirthas used for purification and spiritual rituals.[7] (2) Water that should be sipped ceremoniously for spiritual purification and benefits.[8] (3) Sacred waters, particularly the ocean, in which bathing and performing holy rites is believed to free one from grief.[9] (4) Sacred water used in rituals, indicative of purification and spiritual power in the worship context.[10] (5) A sanctified liquid that grants the ability to conceive a child endowed with strength and refulgence.[11]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Water considered sacred, often used for purification rituals and blessings.[12] (2) Water that is consecrated and used in religious practices for purification.[13] (3) Water considered sacred due to its religious significance, often used for purification or blessings.[14] (4) Water that is considered sacred and purifying, often used in rituals to cleanse and confer blessings.[15] (5) Water considered sacred and purifying, particularly that of Yamuna.[16]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The sacred bodies of water believed to purify and provide spiritual benefits to those who bathe in them.[17] (2) Water deemed sacred, often used in rituals and purification practices.[18] (3) Water that is sanctified by religious rituals, believed to have purifying properties.[19] (4) Refers to sacred waters, likened to the Ganga, which are considered auspicious and reside at the feet of the Lord.[20] (5) Waters believed to purify sins, mentioned in contrast to the purifying power of saints.[21]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The sacred liquid produced from conches, believed to carry spiritual significance.[22] (2) Water that is made sacred, often used in rituals to purify and honor deities during worship.[23] (3) A purifying substance consecrated through ritual that was used to revive Ganesha, symbolizing the restoration of life and divine favor.[24] (4) Water that has been sanctified for spiritual purification and rituals.[25] (5) Consecrated water used for purification and blessing during rituals.[26]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Water that has been blessed or is considered sacred, often used in rituals to purify and sanctify.[27] (2) The divine water flowing during the coronation of Vadava, signifying its sanctity and importance.[28] (3) Water that was consecrated and used for purification and redemption from sins.[29] (4) The water flowing from the confluence of Ganga, recognized as a source of merit and purification.[30] (5) Water from the Kapila that possesses spiritual merit and is used for purification and blessings.[31]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Waters that are deemed sacred, associated with the auspicious river that circumambulates the mountain Meru.[32] (2) Water that is sanctified for use in religious rites and purifications.[33] (3) Water inspired with sacred mantras used in the worship of the Linga.[34] (4) Water that is considered sacred and used in purification rites.[35] (5) Refers to sacred water used in purification for worship rituals.[36]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Water deemed sacred, often linked to divine entities and significant events in the narrative.[37] (2) Water treated as sacred, typically used in rituals for purification and blessings.[38] (3) Water that possesses spiritual purity and is used in ceremonies to sanctify participants.[39] (4) Refers to the sacred waters of the Ganga, which are believed to bestow blessings and lead to heaven, particularly when one takes a bath in them.[40]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Sacred bodies of water believed to bestow spiritual benefits when one bathes in them, similarly to the benefits gained from erecting a temple.[41] (2) Holy water serves as a test in ordeals, and one should drink it to prove innocence.[42] (3) Water that is considered sacred, often used in purification and ritual practices to invoke the divine.[43] (4) Waters used in the bathing process, believed to be sanctified by sages and essential in removing misfortunes.[44]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to the purifying waters of the Ganga, which offered spiritual cleansing to individuals who approached it.[45] (2) Symbolizes the sacred ritual during Rama's impending coronation, denoting purity and divinity.[46] (3) Water that is considered sacred, often used in rituals or offerings.[47]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Represented by the Ganges, used to purify and bless the newborn Shuka Deva.[48] (2) Sacred water used during rituals for washing and purifying offerings to Savitri.[49] (3) Sacred water bodies, like the Ganges, often associated with purification and spiritual significance.[50]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Representing purifying and sanctified elements, which some may reject out of misguided loyalty to ancestral traditions.[51] (2) The water of the Ganges, believed to possess purifying qualities and associated with the sacred act of washing away the sins.[52]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The revered waters of the Alakananda river, symbolizing purity and being adored by celestial beings and sages.[53] (2) The sacred waters of Ganga, meant to flood the bodies of Bhagiratha's ancestors.[54]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The holy water taken from Airavata was used for the ceremonial aspersion, a significant ritual act.[55] (2) Water that is considered sacred and used in various rituals, especially for purification and during obsequies.[56]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The waters of certain rivers that are considered sacred, believed to cleanse sins, and hold spiritual significance.[57]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The holy waters of the river Phalgu are significant for rituals and are associated with the liberation of departed souls.[58]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Water from sacred rivers that is believed to dissociate sins when bathed in, highlighting the purification aspect in spiritual practices.[59]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The waters of rivers believed to purify and dispel sins, originating from sacred mountains.[60]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Water collected from sacred rivers or locations, regarded as significant in religious practices such as bathing and pilgrimage.[61] (2) Water collected from sacred rivers and seas used in coronation ceremonies symbolizing purification and blessing of the new king.[62] (3) Water collected from various sacred rivers and seas that is used during the coronation ceremony, symbolizing purification and blessing.[63]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Sacred locations or rivers that Harisvamin plans to visit in his quest for redemption and a chance to find his wife.[64] (2) Consecrated water used in the anointing process during the coronation, symbolizing purity and divinity.[65]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the blessed waters of the Ganges, which are borne on the head of Lord Shiva.[66] (2) Refers to the sacred waters of the Ganges, considered pure and holy in Hinduism, believed to emanate from the divine.[67]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The water that has been used to bathe the Lord, referred to as caranamrita.[68]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Water that is sprinkled during rituals, symbolizing purification and the sacred nature of the offerings.[69] (2) Waters used in the context of purification rites, which are recited along with specific mantras to achieve spiritual cleanliness.[70]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Water that has been blessed or is considered sacred, often used in rituals involving purification.[71]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Water from a sacred place used in rituals and ceremonies, believed to purify and bless those who use it.[72]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The water used during the Pushya Snana, believed to have purifying and healing properties if blessed by rituals.[73]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Collective term for the different kinds of consecrated waters brought together for sacrifice.[74]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The waters from the Gautami river used by Rama for performing the abhisheka ritual on the Shiva Linga.[75]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Gangajala obtained by Gautama for reviving a dead cow, which later transformed into the Godavari river.[76]
Jain concept of 'Holy water'
In Jainism, Holy water symbolizes a sacred tool, but bathing in it alone does not remove karmic ties; instead, it is associated with practices of liberality and adherence to dharma.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Bathing in holy waters is mentioned as an activity that does not by itself eliminate karmic entanglements.[77]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Water deemed sacred, which Coksha associates with the practice of liberality and dharma.[78]
The concept of Holy water in local and regional sources
Holy water embodies a sacred element in various religious traditions, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism, serving as a purifying agent for rituals, ceremonies, and devotional practices, symbolizing purity and preparation for worship.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Water that is deemed sacred, which Karmabai collected for use in her devotional practices.[79] (2) Water used in religious rituals, particularly that which has purified the feet of the Brahmans.[80] (3) Symbolizes purity and the cleansing aspect in Hindu rituals, essential for preparing devotees for worship and prayers.[81]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) A purifying element used in various Balinese Hindu rituals to cleanse and bless offerings and participants.[82] (2) Hindu and Buddhist religious element in Bali, with twelve distinct kinds playing a significant role in rituals and ceremonies.[83]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Water that is considered sacred, particularly the water of the Ganges, which holds significant spiritual importance in Hinduism.[84] (2) Water collected from the Ganges for religious rituals, which Eknath was supposed to carry for ablutions.[85]