Significance of Hymn
Synonyms: Anthem, Psalm, Chant, Ode, Spiritual, Canticle, Spiritual song, Sacred song
In Dutch: Hymne; In Finnish: Hymni; In Spanish: Himno
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Hymn'
In Hinduism, hymns are sacred verses recited during rituals to invoke divine presence and blessings. They serve as structured chants in worship, embodying spiritual beliefs and traditions passed down through generations, emphasizing their importance in ceremonies.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The text refers to gratifying the Pitris and the deities with offerings of wild fruits and spring water and grateful "hymns".[1] (2) Hymns were used by the Rishi Utanka to gratify the Deity after beholding him with humility.[2]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) It is a form of praise that pleased a deity, leading to the granting of boons and blessings, and is associated with obtaining merit and fulfilling desires.[3] (2) It was offered by Ruci to the deities and Pitris, leading to the granting of a boon and the declaration of its efficacy.[4]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The hymns are described as sweet and great chants offered by Indra and the Devas to Mahadeva, indicating their reverence and a means of seeking divine favor through praise and adoration.[5]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A structured spiritual song or chant, used in the context of offering and worship.[6] (2) A religious song or poem, specifically the verses recited during the ceremony.[7]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Sacred verses recited for purification, which are particularly effective in liberating individuals from guilt when muttered.[8]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The hymn, 'Through the lord of the field' (Rig-veda IV, 57), should be used during the offering of oblations, or it should be murmured, linking specific verses to the agricultural ritual.[9]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) These are repeated during a ceremony, showing a form of worship and ritual.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The hymn may not be completed, but purification is still brought about as soon as one has gone beyond three verses, indicating the importance of recitation.[11]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) It refers to devotional songs that express praise and adoration, capable of moving even the most hardened hearts and inspiring devotion.[12] (2) Hymns are mellifluous songs used to praise the Lord, resulting in the singer experiencing a supreme and endless bliss.[13] (3) The Alvar has the capacity to compose them. The Alvar could steady himself and sing when called upon by the Lord to sing His praise.[14] (4) The Alvar regales His devotees through these. The speaker rains joy on devotees through fine ones of these in Tamil.[15] (5) The hymns are nectarean songs that the Alvar sang, which sustained him, and the Lord was eager to listen to these thousand songs in their entirety.[16]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A specific verse that is read in the text of the Bahvrikas and is employed in the Taittiriya Veda, as the text describes.[17] (2) This is referred to in the text, and is described as this earth, indicating a metaphorical connection or understanding.[18] (3) A sacred song or poem, particularly in relation to spiritual beliefs or practices.[19]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) When reciting a hymn, it is important to articulate the vowels, consonants, and sibilants clearly and loudly, ensuring no two letters get mixed up or are improperly pronounced.[20]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) These are chants, such as the stotras, chanted by the Udgatris during the performance of Soma-sacrifices.[21]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) These are reiterated and considered Veda, representing a portion of what has been transmitted through generations, signifying their importance in the established traditions.[22]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Hymns are a form of worship used to please the gods, characterized by their clarity and joy-giving nature, and are accompanied by flowers that symbolize purity and sweetness.[23]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) In the Vedas, the medical lore demonstrates mainly a religious and magical approach, using prayers, these, charms, rituals, and objects.[24]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The hymn Paduka-pancaka is said to destroy all demerit and Kalicarana's Tika called Amala makes patent its beauty, with Sadashiva speaking of Gurudhyana-Yoga in the form of a hymn.[25]
Jain concept of 'Hymn'
In Jainism, the term "Hymn" signifies a hymn of praise, first established by Vasava, representing a form of reverence and devotion within the faith's practices.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Hymn of praise was initiated by Vasava.[26]
The concept of Hymn in local and regional sources
Hymn signifies songs of praise linked to worship and spirituality, particularly highlighting the emotional depth in expressions. It also denotes the soul-stirring compositions by the Alwars, central to the Divya Prabandham discussions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Hymns are soul stirring compositions sung by the Alwars, also known as Divya Prabandham, and these hymns were the focus of discussions and interpretations.[27] (2) Songs of praise, often associated with worship, indicating a spiritual component in the expression of feelings.[28]
The concept of Hymn in scientific sources
Hymn, in this context, is not a solitary creation but a shared experience. It allows individuals to connect with and reenact another's encounter with the divine through borrowed language and participation.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The hymn is sung during the procession, calling for adoration on one’s knees to strengthen faith, which is necessary to comprehend the grace by our senses.[29] (2) The Hymn published an article on decolonizing church music studies.[30] (3) A significant part of the liturgy, frequently sung during mass and other special celebrations, and is considered to be a venerable and ancient practice within the Church.[31] (4) A “hymn” is not solely created by individuals but is shared with others, making participation possible, and the hymnic experience and language involve borrowing someone's experience of God to enact it in the present moment.[32]
Classical concept of 'Hymn'
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The text references a hymn to Hapi, the Nile-god, in which attributes of God are ascribed to the power causing the Inundation, addressed under the names of Ptah and Khnemu.[33]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) Taking Lazarus, then, to represent the mummy-Osiris, we find the 'raising of Lazarus' celebrated in this expressly devoted to the subject.[34]
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) A declaration that Isis knew how to turn aside evil, and that she was strong of tongue, uttering words of power, which proves that she had been instructed by Thoth.[35]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) These are translations of songs sung in the temples to honor the great deities of Egypt, utilized by both monarchs and individuals during the period between 1600 B.C. and 900 B.C.[36]
From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt
(1) Made up of objective descriptions, quotations from the myths, and allusions to mythical incidents, all matters entirely external to the life of the worshipper.[37]