Significance of Pancagavya
Pancagavya, in Vaishnavism and various Hindu texts, refers to a sacred mixture consisting of five cow-derived products: milk, yogurt, ghee, cow urine, and cow dung. This mixture plays a vital role in purification and rituals, particularly for bathing deities. It is used in sacred rites, believed to provide auspiciousness and health benefits, as well as to bless spaces and objects. Overall, Pancagavya is integral to many purification processes and ceremonial practices within Hinduism.
Synonyms: Cow dung, Cow urine, Milk, Curd
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Pancagavya'
Pancagavya in Hinduism refers to a sacred mixture of five cow-derived products, used in purification and ablution rituals, vital for religious ceremonies and believed to possess purifying properties and blessings.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A sacred mixture of five products from cows, often consumed for purification and considered holy in Hindu rituals.[1] (2) A mixture made from five sacred products of the cow, used in rituals and worship.[2] (3) A sacred mixture consisting of five products from cows, consumed during the concluding rituals.[3] (4) A mixture of five sacred products derived from cows, used in rituals and as part of the diet prescribed during this Vrata.[4] (5) A mixture used for purification rituals, made from five cow products, employed in the ablution process.[5]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A mixture of five products from cows (sweet milk, curd, ghee) that is regarded as sacred and favored for rituals.[6] (2) A combination of five sacred products from cows, used in the purification and worship rituals.[7] (3) A mixture of five cow products, used in sacred rituals for purification and auspiciousness.[8] (4) A mixture of five products derived from cows, used in rituals for purification and blessings.[9] (5) A sacred mixture of five dairy products, provided to the disciple as part of the rituals to remember the divine.[10]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A mixture of five products obtained from cows used in rituals, reflecting various aspects of Hindu worship.[11] (2) Five sacred items obtained from cows, used at various stages of the initiation for purification.[12] (3) A mixture of five products obtained from cows, which is used in rituals and worship.[13] (4) A mixture of five products obtained from cows, used for cleansing and purifying the image.[14] (5) A mixture of five products obtained from cows, used in religious rituals.[15]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A sacred mixture of five cow products used in rituals, believed to have purifying properties.[16] (2) A sacred mixture used in ablution rituals, comprised of five cow-derived products.[17] (3) A mixture of five sacred substances from cows, used in purification and ritualistic ceremonies.[18] (4) A sacred mixture used to water the spot where the gingelly seeds are placed.[19]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A mixture of five sacred cow products used in the bathing ritual for devotees during the Rohinicandrashayanavrata.[20] (2) A mixture used in the bathing of the image of Gauri, consisting of cowdung, urine of cow, milk, curd, and ghee.[21] (3) A mixture offered to Lord Shiva, consisting of cow's urine, cow-dung, milk, curds, and clarified butter, among other ingredients.[22] (4) A sacred mixture used in the ritual, typically made of five products from cows, for bathing the goddess Gauri.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A sacred mixture of five cow products used for purification in rituals.[24] (2) A mixture of five products derived from cows, believed to have purifying and health benefits.[25]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A sacred mixture that, if consumed, can purify a twice-born man who has unintentionally eaten forbidden items.[26] (2) A mixture of five products derived from cows, consumed for purification after following a Kshatriya corpse through folly.[27]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) This refers to the five products of the cow, believed to purify an individual when consumed.[28]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A mixture of five products derived from cows, which is considered purifying.[29]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A mixture of five cow products used for bathing the deity as part of the rituals.[30] (2) A mixture of five cow products used in purification and religious rites to bless spaces and objects.[31]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A mixture that includes milk, yogurt, ghee, cow urine, and cow dung, used in rituals, particularly for bathing Deities.[32]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A mixture that consists of cow urine, cow dung, milk, curd, and ghee, used for purification in the ritual.[33]