Significance of Sacred ground
In Hinduism, Sacred ground is a vital concept encompassing various ceremonial roles across different texts. It designates areas for sacrificial rites, where offerings to gods are made, and sites of significance like where Karna's body lies. Sacred ground must be clean and meticulously prepared for rituals according to specific instructions. Additionally, in Ayurveda, it represents auspicious land for initiation ceremonies, while in Theravada, it refers to the area around the Assattha Bodhi tree, sacred due to its association with Buddha's Enlightenment.
Synonyms: Hallowed ground, Holy land, Spiritual territory, Consecrated ground, Holy ground
In Dutch: Heilige grond; In Finnish: Pyhä maa; In Spanish: Tierra sagrada
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred ground'
Sacred ground in Buddhism signifies the area around the Assattha Bodhi tree, revered for its profound importance linked to the Buddha's Enlightenment, marking it as a highly significant and holy site.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Refers to the area surrounding the Assattha Bodhi tree, viewed as highly significant and holy due to its connection with the Buddha's Enlightenment.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred ground'
In Hinduism, Sacred ground encompasses various consecrated areas for worship, ritual performance, and sacrifices, emphasizing cleanliness, symbolism, and auspiciousness, integral for connecting with the divine and honoring traditions.
From: Agni Purana
(1) The area designated for various rituals and divine worship, often elaborately divided and structured.[2] (2) The consecrated area prepared for performing worship rituals.[3]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The area chosen for performing the ritual, which must be clean and prepared according to specific instructions.[4] (2) Bare ground that is covered with sand as part of the ritual preparation.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Land that is made holy through rituals, particularly for the purpose of worship.[6] (2) A space designated for performing religious rites, symbolizing connection to the divine.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The place where Karna's body lies after being slain.[8]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The area designated for the sacrificial rites, which plays a vital role in the performance of the rituals.[9] (2) The consecrated space where offerings are made to the gods, intrinsically linked to the act of sacrifice.[10]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The level and smooth land designated for the initiation ceremony, meant to be auspicious and holy.[11]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A site selected for building, based on color symbolism and suitability for rituals.[12]