Significance of Ritual sacrifice

Ritual sacrifice in Hinduism encompasses various ceremonial acts involving offerings to deities and ancestors, integral to Vedic traditions. These sacrifices are not only acts of devotion but also serve to secure blessings and prosperity. Key elements include rituals performed by figures like Lord Rishabha and Sage Jahnu, reflecting deep spiritual adherence. The practice signifies a connection with divine entities and is outlined in various texts such as the Purana and Dharmashastra, emphasizing its cultural and religious importance throughout Hindu history.

Synonyms: Ceremonial sacrifice, Religious sacrifice, Ritual offering, Sacrificial rite, Ceremonial offering, Ritual killing

In Dutch: Ritueel offer; In Finnish: Rituaalinen uhraus; In Spanish: Sacrificio ritual; In German: Rituelles Opfer

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Ritual sacrifice'

Hinduism Books

Ritual sacrifice in Hinduism involves ceremonial offerings, often animal sacrifices, to appease deities and ancestors, showcasing devotion and spiritual adherence, while serving as a significant aspect of Vedic traditions and cultural practices.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) The act performed by Sage Jahnu which the Ganga disrupted, leading to her being temporarily consumed by him.[1]

(1) Traditional offerings made to deities, which in this context represent the rewards of worship through spiritual practices instead.[2]

(1) A ceremonial offering made to the gods, often in the form of rituals performed during battle.[3]

(1) An important religious ceremony which Bhuti intended to attend, signifying a significant cultural and spiritual action.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

(1) The overall ceremonial act of sacrifice as outlined in the text, particularly after the father's assent regarding a daughter's marriage.[5]

(1) A formalized act involving offerings to deities as a part of religious practice.[6]

(1) Occasions during which the killing of animals is permitted, such as the Jyotishtoma ritual and others involving animal sacrifice.[7]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

(1) Traditional practices that involve offerings to divine entities, establishing a connection with the Satya-Brahman.[8]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Hinduism (general):

(1) The ceremonial act involving the offering of a victim, described in terms of its rituals, purity, and the role of the participants.[9]

The concept of Ritual sacrifice in local and regional sources

History Books

Ritual sacrifice is a ceremonial act that involves offering items to recognize and honor the divine, reflecting cultural traditions and beliefs in various regions regarding spirituality and the relationship between humans and the divine.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) A ceremonial act involving offerings to acknowledge and honor the divine.[10]

Plural form: Ritual sacrifices.