Significance of Performing sacrifice
Performing sacrifice is a significant practice across multiple religions, particularly in Hinduism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and others. It generally involves conducting ceremonial offerings to invoke blessings, honor deities, and fulfill spiritual obligations. For Hindus, these rituals can range from offerings to deities for divine favor to complex ceremonies aimed at attaining spiritual goals. In Jainism, however, such acts may be viewed differently, contributing to an evil state of existence despite their religious importance. Ultimately, performing sacrifice represents a deep commitment to religious duty and communal harmony within these traditions.
Synonyms: Sacrificing, Offering, Ritual, Giving up, Relinquishing, Devotion, Oblation, Immolation
In Dutch: Het brengen van offers; In Finnish: Suorittaa uhrauksen
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Performing sacrifice'
In Hinduism, performing sacrifice involves conducting rituals of offerings to deities, aimed at honoring the divine, seeking blessings, and fulfilling religious duties, integral to spiritual growth and community welfare.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The act of conducting religious rituals and offerings, which also plays a role in freeing one from grief.[1] (2) The act of conducting ritual offerings to deities, an essential practice for Brahmanas in fulfilling their duties.[2] (3) The act of offering rituals to deities, which is important in sustaining divine favor and spiritual fulfillment.[3] (4) Engaging in religious or spiritual acts of dedication, often requiring effort and commitment.[4] (5) Refers to the ceremonial acts undertaken by Samvarana and Tapati, akin to those performed by Indra for spiritual fulfillment.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Religious rituals involving offerings to deities often for propitiation and blessings.[6] (2) Conducting religious rituals, often involving offerings to deities.[7] (3) The act of offering specific items to deities as a means of spiritual elevation and devotion.[8] (4) Engaging in ritualistic offerings to deities as a means of worship and seeking spiritual benefits.[9] (5) Engaging in rituals that honor the gods and are deemed necessary for attaining religious merit for oneself and for the community.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Acts of devotion and ritual meant to honor the deities and purify oneself, as advised by the sages.[11] (2) Refers to the ritualistic actions taken to honor and worship Lord Vishnu, aiming for spiritual rewards.[12] (3) The ritual acts of worship that may include offerings to deities as described in the Sutras.[13] (4) Religious rituals that involve offerings made to deities for achieving spiritual benefits and auspicious results.[14] (5) The traditional practice of offering oblations to the divine, often aimed at seeking blessings and spiritual refinement.[15]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Acts of worship involving offerings to deities, significant in gaining divine favor and spiritual merit.[16] (2) Religious acts that were being carried out by ascetics, which became the target of the Daityas.[17] (3) Engaging in ritual acts dedicated to deities, often involving offerings to fire.[18]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The ritual act of offering items to a deity, often to seek blessings or favor.[19] (2) The act of ritual offerings made to deities, believed to yield spiritual and material benefits.[20]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The act of offering ritual gifts, such as food or other valuable items, which signifies respect towards ancestors and fulfills religious duties.[21] (2) Engaging in ceremonial offerings as an essential practice of worship in Hindu tradition.[22]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) The act of conducting religious rituals aimed at pleasing deities and attaining spiritual merits.[23]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Engaging in religious rituals that typically involve offerings to deities as a form of worship.[24]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Acts done to appease ancestors and gods, often linked to the desire for having sons.[25]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Refers to the act of yajamana, where the deity is recognized in the context of rituals or sacrifices.[26]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The act of conducting rituals to honor the deities and gain blessings, which became widespread during Narishyanta's reign.[27]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) One of the six duties of the Brahmanas, which includes the act of carrying out ritual offerings.[28]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of conducting religious rites that involve offerings, which are specifically tied to the ownership and use of wealth.[29] (2) The act of offering food, typically in the context of religious rituals, which has its own set of rules and regulations.[30] (3) The act of conducting rituals or offerings, particularly the Soma-sacrifice, as a duty or spiritual obligation.[31] (4) The act of conducting religious rituals, essential for gaining acknowledgment from the gods.[32] (5) Religious rituals that involve offerings to the divine, which are integral to progressing through the life stages.[33]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) An additional occupation for a Brahmana, particularly involving rituals performed for the benefit of others.[34] (2) The act of conducting religious rituals that may require a chosen priest, which a man should avoid doing without being appointed.[35]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of conducting Vedic rituals involving offerings made to deities, performed by priests.[36] (2) The action of carrying out rituals designed to honor a deity through offerings.[37]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Carrying out religious rites involving offerings to deities, often following strict rituals as prescribed in sacred texts.[38]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Conducting rituals for the benefit of others, considered a respectable source of income.[39]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The act associated with religious or spiritual offerings, symbolized by the yajamana.[40] (2) Acts of worship and reverence detailed in scriptures that can lead to sharing special worlds with minor gods and goddesses.[41] (3) The act of carrying out rituals intended to honor deities and seek their favor.[42] (4) Acts of ritualistic worship that are believed to yield future rewards, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and karma.[43]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The act of engaging in spiritual practices and offerings, which is essential for obtaining knowledge and transcending material limitations.[44] (2) The act of engaging in spiritual rituals intended to honor the divine and seek knowledge or liberation.[45] (3) The act of engaging in a ritual that involves offerings, which is related to the themes of rewards and the state of the cows.[46]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The act of conducting rituals which are an integral part of spiritual practice, reflected differently in light and dark halves.[47]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Engaging in rituals or acts that are believed to generate positive Karma and bring about favorable outcomes in life.[48]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The act of conducting rituals or offerings, which are considered to please the gods and are part of the religious duties mentioned in the Scripture.[49]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The act the king was going to do, which was central to Ushasti's aspirations for wealth and livelihood.[50]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of engaging in ritualistic offerings, which in Kali-yuga is primarily replaced by chanting the names of Krishna.[51] (2) The ritualistic practice in Treta-yuga that involved offering sacrifices to attain spiritual goals and results.[52] (3) A religious duty that a brahmana cannot conduct without having accepted the sacred thread.[53] (4) An action intended to please Shri Krishna.[54]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Engaging in ritualistic offerings to invoke divine presence and favor.[55] (2) The act of carrying out ritual sacrifices, particularly significant in the lifestyles of the great sages who dedicated their lives to this practice.[56] (3) The act of conducting religious rituals, which in this context is important for seeking favor or guidance from divine forces.[57]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Known as devayajna, this involves performing various Vedic rituals and sacrifices.[58]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An act that is invariably associated with the ceremonies that brunch with the brahmanatva.[59]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of conducting ceremonial offerings meant to invoke favor or blessings from the deities.[60]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) A religious and cultural practice associated with Brahmins, intended to please deities and gain favor, often leading to financial rewards.[61]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A practice by the king involving rituals with ordinary people to foster good relations and fulfill spiritual duties.[62]
Jain concept of 'Performing sacrifice'
In Jainism, performing sacrifice is viewed as contributing to an unfavorable existence, emphasizing that certain religious rituals may inadvertently lead to negative outcomes, contrary to their intended significance in spiritual practices.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Acts that Sagaradatta considered as contributing to an evil state of existence, despite their religious significance.[63]