Significance of Sacred land
Sacred land, as defined by various traditions including Vastushastra, Vaishnavism, and Purana, encompasses regions of cultural and religious importance. It refers to esteemed areas like Bharata-varsha, where spiritual activities are performed, and significant locations like Dvaraka. These lands are revered for their association with divine entities, saints, and historical events, and often are sites for worship and pious rites. Sacred land is intrinsically linked to India's identity, marked by its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Synonyms: Holy ground, Spiritual territory, Hallowed ground, Holy land, Blessed land, Spiritual ground
In Dutch: Heilig land; In Finnish: Pyhä maa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacred land'
In Hinduism, Sacred land encompasses significant religious locations tied to divine events and revered figures, like Utkala and Bharata-varsha, marked by Tirthas, shrines, and cultural practices, serving as spiritual centers for pilgrimage and worship.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Utkala is described as a famous and very sacred land filled with Tirthas and holy shrines.[1] (2) Geographical locations that are considered holy due to the presence of revered deities, saints, or significant spiritual events.[2] (3) A geographical area revered in religious traditions, associated with divine occurrences.[3] (4) Specifically places that hold religious significance, such as the location associated with the fall of Vritra.[4]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Any land where a sage or practitioner of Shivayoga resides is deemed holy and spiritually charged.[5]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The area where Sage Agastya performed his yogic practices, which Taraka begins to destroy.[6]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Regions within the Dvipas where the inhabitants worship the divine, participate in pious rites, and have distinct cultural practices.[7]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A holy area, in this case, referring to Dvaraka as a significant spiritual location.[8] (2) The revered area of Bharata-varsha where pious deeds are performed and spiritual activities take place.[9]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The hallowed place of worship where the Lord reveals Himself in His iconic form to all beings, including wild animals.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Regions recognized for their spiritual significance, particularly those associated with the Ganga or places of pilgrimage.[11]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Refers to the esteemed territory discussed in the context of planning and architecture, particularly related to cultural and religious significance.[12]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The land of India, known for its saints, sages, and eminent poets who create rich literary works.[13]
The concept of Sacred land in local and regional sources
Sacred land embodies territories vital to Mahiya identity and existence, reflecting deep historical significance and cultural pride, highlighting the intrinsic connection between the community and its heritage.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the territory of India, respected and cherished deeply by its people.[14] (2) The term refers to the homeland, which the narrator views as deserving protection against invasion by enemies.[15]
From: Folk Tales of Gujarat (and Jhaverchand Meghani)
(1) The territories intrinsically linked to the Mahiya identity and existence, marked by historical significance and cultural pride.[16]