Significance of Libation
In Hinduism, Libation is a ceremonial act involving the pouring of liquid offerings, primarily linked to worship and sacrificial rites. This act involves liquids like water or ghee, dedicated to deities or ancestors during rituals, such as Agnihotra or Tarpana, symbolizing devotion and connection to the divine. Libation plays a vital role in maintaining spiritual energy and seeking blessings in religious practices. It reflects the deep-rooted significance of offerings in various Hindu traditions, including Vedic and Dharmashastra contexts.
Synonyms: Offering, Sacrifice, Refreshment, Alcohol
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Libation'
Libation in Hinduism involves ritual offerings of liquids to deities and ancestors, symbolizing respect and devotion. It encompasses acts like pouring into sacred fires during ceremonies, essential for maintaining spiritual connections and yielding blessings.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Offerings made to deities and ancestors, typically including water and seeds, which are part of the rituals performed during the pilgrimage.[1] (2) Ritualistic offerings of liquid, often performed as part of worship to honor deities and ancestors.[2] (3) Offerings poured out as a ritual act to honor deities or ancestors during religious ceremonies.[3] (4) A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid offering, often performed during sacred rites.[4] (5) Offerings made to the ancestors and deities as a form of respect and a request for blessings in the afterlife.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Liquid offerings made during a sacrifice; in this context, the flesh of enemies is considered a libation.[6] (2) Ritual offerings of liquid, usually poured out in honor of deities or ancestors during religious ceremonies.[7] (3) Sacred offerings made to deities, often involving pouring liquids into the sacrificial fire.[8]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) An offering of water or other liquid made to deities or ancestors during prayers, essential in the context of Tarpana rites.[9]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Offerings poured out in honor of a deity, often used in sacrificial rites.[10] (2) Ritual offers, often liquids, presented in ceremonies to deities, exemplified in the context of the Agni-hotra-rites.[11] (3) Liquid offerings poured in a ritual context, which should not be offered in ineffective circumstances, such as to an extinguished fire.[12] (4) Ritual offerings made during the lighting of Fires, which are integral to the timing of specific observances.[13] (5) Offerings of liquid made to deities, often involving the pouring of substances like water or prepared offerings into a sacred fire.[14]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Liquid offerings made to deities and divine beings as part of the sacrificial rituals.[15]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of pouring a vital energy or offering during a ritual, which is essential for maintaining the life force of the sacrificer.[16] (2) Offering of liquid to deities, a central act in the sacrificial practice indicative of devotion and connection to the divine.[17] (3) A ceremonial pouring of a liquid as an offering, particularly important in the context of the Agnihotra.[18] (4) Offerings made during the Agnihotra ritual, consisting of liquid poured out in honor of the deities.[19] (5) The act of pouring a liquid offering, particularly Soma, as a key part of Vedic sacrifices.[20]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Ritual offerings of liquid to deities, specifically the norms and restrictions surrounding their performance, which relate to the study of the Veda.[21]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering, typically to a deity, accompanied by prayers or mantras.[22]