Significance of Rajasuya sacrifice
Rajasuya sacrifice is a crucial royal ritual in Hinduism, signifying a culmination of grand offerings performed by kings to assert their authority and achieve spiritual benefits. Yudhishthira's Rajasuya sacrifice is particularly notable, symbolizing his royal status and involving significant events, such as the conflict with Shishupala and the assembly of demigods. This Vedic ritual reflects the importance of kingship and divine approval, marking major accomplishments and prosperity while emphasizing the responsibility of rulers in upholding their duties.
Synonyms: Royal consecration
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Rajasuya sacrifice'
Rajasuya sacrifice in Hinduism symbolizes royal authority and sovereignty, epitomized by King Yudhishthira’s grand ritual, which reflects the culmination of royal power, merit, and divine favor, highlighting both martial and religious strength.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A prominent Vedic sacrifice linked to kingship, whose merits are gained through dedicated fasting.[1] (2) A grand sacrifice performed by Yudhishthira that symbolizes royal authority and divine favor.[2] (3) A great royal sacrifice performed by kings to attain higher spiritual statuses and blessings.[3] (4) A grand royal sacrifice performed by Yudhishthira, showcasing his sovereignty.[4] (5) A grand royal sacrificial ritual signifying Arjuna’s heroic feats and contributions to his community, showcasing his valor and stature.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The great sacrifice, Rajasuya, is mentioned in the context of the rites followed for consecrating Prithu.[6] (2) Royal sacrifices made by kings, also equated to the merit gained from observing the fast on Prabodhini.[7] (3) The fruit obtained from arranging the reading of religious texts is equivalent to that of performing a Rajasuya sacrifice.[8] (4) A grand ritualistic ceremony performed by kings to gain prosperity and honor, reflecting the character's dedication to his family's legacy.[9] (5) A significant Vedic ritual performed by kings to assert sovereignty and achieve spiritual benefits, which Nahusha facilitates for his father.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A grand royal sacrifice said to yield significant merit to the performer.[11] (2) Great ceremonial sacrifices in Hindu tradition, used here to illustrate the immense merit accrued by visiting Dhundheshvara.[12] (3) A significant ritual that holds great importance and is associated with the divine rewards obtained through worship.[13] (4) A significant Vedic ritual whose full benefit is obtained through specific austerities during the rainy season.[14] (5) A significant and noble sacrifice that a devotee performs especially on a specific lunar day referenced in relation to worshiping Budha.[15]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A royal sacrifice performed by a king after conquering various entities, used here to highlight Varuna's past victories.[16] (2) A significant ritual in ancient Indian traditions, during which the events related to Shishupala's remarkable absorption in Lord Vasudeva were discussed.[17] (3) A royal sacrifice completed by king Yudhishthira, marking a significant event that provoked anger in Shalva, leading to further conflict.[18] (4) A royal sacrifice performed by Yudhishthira, significant within the Kuru dynasty.[19] (5) A great royal ceremony presided over by Yudhishthira, celebrated with tributes and significant religious importance.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A significant Vedic ritual associated with kingship and power, for which King Harishcandra owes a ceremonial fee to the sage Vishvamitra.[21] (2) A grand sacrificial ritual performed by King Harishcandra, showcasing his authority and virtuous rule.[22] (3) A grand Vedic sacrifice that is considered highly meritorious, often performed by kings to establish their authority.[23] (4) A significant ritual performed by the Pandavas showcasing their strength and status.[24] (5) A royal ceremony performed by the Pandavas that signifies their acceptance of power and authority.[25]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) An important Vedic ritual intended for the coronation of a king, signifying his sovereignty.[26] (2) A significant ritual in which Prithu was crowned as an overlord, showcasing the ceremonial importance of kingship.[27] (3) A grand ritual conducted by the moon where substantial monetary gifts were distributed.[28] (4) A type of royal sacrifice that is considered highly significant but is deemed less valuable than the attainment of the Kavaca.[29] (5) A significant royal sacrifice performed by King Harishcandra, which highlights his kingly virtues and status.[30]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A significant Vedic ritual or sacrifice that involves multiple performers who endure challenges and hardships.[31] (2) A significant ceremonial sacrifice in Hindu tradition that offers rewards and heavenly seats for the virtuous.[32] (3) A ceremonial act performed by kings, symbolizing excellence and high status, which Lavana aspires to emulate mentally.[33]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A significant royal sacrifice indicating the authority of a king, part of Meghanada's rituals.[34] (2) A significant Vedic ritual that is part of Shri Ramacandra's anticipated coronation process.[35] (3) A significant ritual that is considered indestructible and unchangeable, serving as both the support of the law and the destroyer of all evil, which Rama wishes to perform.[36]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A significant Vedic ritual wherein a king is consecrated as an overlord.[37] (2) A grand sacrificial offering performed by Soma, involving numerous gold pieces as gifts.[38] (3) A royal sacrifice performed by king Harishcandra symbolizing his power and status.[39]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A grand sacrificial ritual in Vedic tradition, the fruits of which can be attained by listening to the Bharata multiple times.[40] (2) A grand and royal sacrifice celebrated by Bali with abundant gold.[41] (3) A grand royal ritual performed by Harishcandra, marking his ascent to power as Lord Paramount.[42]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A grand royal sacrifice that Harishcandra is supposed to pay for but struggles to fulfill.[43] (2) A royal sacrifice associated with King Harishcandra that is implicitly part of the narrative and contrasts with the chaos caused by the sages' conflict.[44] (3) A significant royal sacrifice in Hindu tradition, which requires a fee to be fulfilled.[45]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A significant Vedic sacrifice associated with great merit, obtainable through sacred bathing.[46] (2) An important royal ritual in Hindu tradition associated with achieving considerable merit, associated with various holy bathing locations in the text.[47]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A grand ceremony performed by Yudhishthira to showcase his sovereignty and wealth.[48] (2) A significant ritual performed by Soma where he gave away the suzerainty over the three worlds as fees for the priest.[49]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A great sacrifice performed by Yudhishthira, where Sri Krishna played a significant role in killing Sisupala.[50] (2) A grand royal sacrifice performed to consecrate a king, which gained popularity during the Treta Yuga.[51]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A grand ceremonial event celebrated by the Pandavas in Indraprastha after being granted half the kingdom.[52]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A significant sacrificial rite celebrated by Soma, which enhanced his glory and dominion.[53]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A significant ritual sacrifice; performing a fast and worship on Akshayatritiya is said to grant the benefits equivalent to this grand rite.[54]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An important Vedic ritual that involved the worship of deities, during which Nakula and Sahadeva displayed their affection for Shri Krishna.[55] (2) A significant ritual performed by Maharaja Shri Yudhishthira that led to his immense fame.[56] (3) A royal Vedic sacrifice performed by a king to demonstrate sovereignty and gain merits.[57]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A significant ceremonial function in which King Yudhishthira completed all rituals.[58] (2) A significant ritual performed by Maharaja Yudhishthira where all the demigods from various universal planetary systems assemble.[59] (3) A significant event mentioned in the text, where kings present themselves, and various actions such as praise and rebuke occur.[60]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A significant Vedic ritual performed by kings to achieve prosperity and honor, which holds spiritual importance in the context of Shri Krishna's names.[61]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) A grand royal ritual initiated by Yudhishthira, which Krishna deliberates on attending.[62] (2) A grand ritual performed by Yudhishthira that signifies his royal status, during which the conflict with Shishupala escalates.[63] (3) A ceremonial sacrifice detailed in the Shishupalavadha, reflecting Magha’s understanding of Vedic rituals.[64]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) A significant royal sacrifice that is part of the king's duties and rituals to secure authority.[65]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) A sacrificial ritual that Rama rejected, as it involved the destruction of many lives, indicating his aversion to needless violence.[66]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A grand royal sacrifice performed by a king to establish his supreme authority and power.[67] (2) An important and grand sacrifice planned by Yudhishthira, emphasizing themes of kingship and divine approval.[68] (3) A significant ritual performed by Yudhishthira to seek the Lord's blessings for success in war and governance.[69]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) A royal ceremony conducted by Yudhishthira, symbolizing the royal authority and religious duties.[70]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A royal ritual conducted to establish a king's supremacy and commemorate accomplishments.[71]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A significant royal sacrifice that, along with other grand rituals like Vajapeya, represents a culmination of offerings and rituals considered paramount in the sacrificial tradition.[72] (2) A lesser form of sacrifice through which the performer can become a king.[73]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A specific type of Vedic sacrifice linked with regal authority and abundance represented through the number of cows.[74]
The concept of Rajasuya sacrifice in local and regional sources
The Rajasuya sacrifice is a royal inauguration ritual signifying a king's divine right to rule, involving complex ceremonies and offerings, crucial for establishing supremacy in ancient Indian culture, as seen in Vedic traditions and narratives like Siddharthan's novel.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A grand Vedic ritual performed by kings to signify their authority and power, in which references are made to the Kirtimukha.[75] (2) An important royal ritual in ancient Indian culture aimed at establishing supremacy, highlighted in the narrative about the Chola king in Siddharthan's novel.[76] (3) Another major Vedic sacrificial rite involving extensive offerings that marked kings' elevation in status, requiring divestiture of property.[77]
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) A significant vedic ritual that involves complex ceremonial rites, mentioned as part of the obligations following land grants.[78] (2) A royal inauguration involving complex rituals, performed to formally declare a king's power and divine right to rule.[79]