Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a significant concept across various religious traditions in South Asia, particularly in Hinduism. It represents the act of offering something valuable to deities to secure blessings, prosperity, or spiritual merit. This practice involves various rituals and ceremonial acts, often including offerings during worship to connect with the divine. Sacrificial acts are seen as essential for maintaining cosmic order and expressing devotion, highlighted in rituals such as yajna, where elements like food and fire play critical roles in the performance of these sacred rites.
Synonyms: Offering, Surrender, Forfeit, Self-denial, Giving up, Donation, Renunciation, Loss.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacrifice'
In Buddhism, "sacrifice" encompasses acts of renunciation for spiritual growth, generous offering for others’ benefit, and rituals aimed at moral duty, exemplified through Bodhisattvas and significant narratives emphasizing selflessness and devotion to greater good.
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The act of killing a being for a ritual purpose, which plays a crucial role in the chaplain's plot.[1] (2) The act of offering victims, including his sons and daughter, that King Vasavatti engages in under the influence of Khandahala.[2] (3) The act of offering something precious to a deity, in this case involving the planned offering of the flesh and blood of one thousand evil-doers.[3] (4) The act of offering food to the Tree-sprite, showcasing the poor man's devotion even with limited resources.[4] (5) A ritual act that the king was unable to perform successfully to bring rain, due to Isisinga's overwhelming virtue.[5]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Acts of renunciation or giving up that are performed by the Bodhisatta as part of his path toward achieving perfection.[6] (2) Acts of generosity or giving up certain pleasures or comforts, considered a vital part of the path towards fulfillment of the paramis.[7] (3) The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of something greater or for the benefit of others, as shown by Darubhandaka in his offerings.[8] (4) The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of others, central to the moral fabric of the story.[9]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A practice aiming to offer something of value, traditionally an important aspect of spiritual rites.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A significant ritual or offering done in preparation for receiving the Buddha and the samgha.[11] (2) The profound act of giving up personal treasures, family, and ultimately, the prince's status, which is central to the themes of the story.[12] (3) The significant act the king undertook, which involved extreme bodily harm, in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[13] (4) The act of giving up something valuable, such as one's life or body, for the benefit of others, especially as exemplified by the bodhisattvas.[14] (5) The act of giving up something valuable, as exemplified by king Che-p’i's willingness to remove part of his body for another.[15]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The act of giving up something valued for the sake of something greater.[16]
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Ritual offerings made to deities or spirits as a form of worship or supplication, which have various interpretations and practices throughout history.[17] (2) Rituals performed with the intention of attaining specific outcomes, such as obtaining heaven, as discussed in relation to the Veda.[18] (3) An action performed in accordance with Dharma that is seen as contributing to moral duty and is characterized by the term dharmika.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Sacrifice'
In Hinduism, sacrifice encompasses various ritualistic offerings to deities, essential for maintaining Dharma. It symbolizes dedication, spiritual devotion, and the act of giving oneself for the divine, facilitating blessings and connections with the divine realm.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The concept of giving up something valuable for a higher cause, layered with moral implications within the relationships described.[20] (2) Ritualistic practices intended to honor the divine and distribute wealth, which should not be squandered for personal enjoyment.[21] (3) Alludes to the acts of devotion and rituals significant in religious practices.[22] (4) Rituals conducted by kings such as Marutta, involving offerings to deities to gain favor and blessings.[23] (5) Ritual offerings performed for spiritual or religious purposes, indicative of piety and reverence in the narrative.[24]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) An offering made in worship, an important practice at Gaya-tirtha that connects devotees with divine forces.[25] (2) The act of offering materials, often food or symbolic items, to deities during a religious ceremony.[26] (3) The act of offering in a religious context, emphasizing the relationship between the divine and devotees.[27] (4) The act performed by Dadhici in which he gave up his body to provide the bones needed to create divine weapons for the gods.[28] (5) Acts performed for spiritual gain, with the quality of devotion significantly affecting their outcomes.[29]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) A religious offering or ritual performed to appease deities, significant in Hindu traditions, and highlighted as a means of obtaining spiritual benefits.[30] (2) Including horse-sacrifices and Rajasuya, these are important religious acts that are equated in merit to certain offerings on the twelfth day.[31] (3) The ritual of offering to deities and spirits, specifically linked to the Sarpa-Satra and the sacrifice led by Brahma.[32] (4) Ceremonial acts aimed at appeasing deities and ensuring the well-being of the world.[33] (5) Ritual offerings made to deities as a means of seeking blessings or spiritual gains.[34]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) An act of devotion or giving up something valuable, exemplified by historical figures referenced in Kaikeyi's statements.[35] (2) A religious offering made by King Dasaratha aimed at producing an heir.[36] (3) A ceremonial act, likely involving offerings to deities, where the recitation takes place during intervals.[37] (4) A ritual observance often associated with offerings made to deities or spiritual entities.[38] (5) A religious or spiritual act performed by King Dasaratha in hopes of begetting heirs.[39]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Rituals where offerings are made to deities, often involving chanting and various forms of worship.[40] (2) A significant offering made to deities during rituals, typically involving fire and oblations.[41] (3) A religious ritual involving the offering of something valuable, in this case, a human child for the King's illness remedy.[42] (4) A religious rite in which offerings are made to a deity, often involving rituals to gain favor or merits.[43] (5) A ritual offering made to deities, typically involving the giving up of something valuable.[44]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) Rituals intended to honor deities and seek blessings, contrasting with the idea that true devotion is rooted in personal faith rather than formalities.[45] (2) Ritualistic offerings made to deities that are believed to yield grace and blessings from the divine.[46] (3) A ritual conducted by king Nabhi with a devout heart in order to seek blessings and progeny from the Supreme Lord.[47] (4) A religious act of offering or devotion that is pleasing to the divine, central to the worship practices highlighted in the text.[48] (5) An act of offering to the deities, which in this text exemplifies the importance of devotion and the resultant blessings.[49]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) A ritual offering that is performed with the intent of seeking blessings or a connection with the divine.[50] (2) A ritual performed by Ravana, which included kindling fire and offering his severed heads to please Shiva.[51] (3) Rituals and offerings performed as a means of spiritual expression and connection to the divine.[52] (4) Rajasuya sacrifice represents a significant ritual in which the first lord of Earth, Prithu, participated.[53] (5) The act of offering something to a deity as part of a religious ritual, embodying devotion and faith.[54]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) A ritualistic offering made to deities with the aim of gaining favor, blessings, and spiritual benefits.[55] (2) A ritualistic offering made to deities which is emphasized as an important practice for devotees to attain spiritual merit.[56] (3) A religious offering, pivotal in the birth of divine beings and performing Dharma.[57] (4) A significant act in the context of worship and devotion, closely tied to the dictates of Dharma.[58] (5) Ritual offerings made to the Devas, which were interrupted by the conflicts with Daityas and Danavas.[59]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) An important aspect of worship that involves making offerings to deities as a means of seeking blessings and purifying oneself.[60] (2) A spiritual offering made to gods or ancestors to gain favor or forgiveness.[61] (3) A religious offering made to deities, often accompanied by rituals and ceremonies.[62] (4) Ritual offerings made to the deities as a means of seeking blessings and favor in spiritual benefits.[63] (5) A ritual act performed in honor of the divine, closely related to the linga and its forms.[64]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A ritual act performed by various divine beings for the purpose of obtaining Soma and appeasing the gods.[65] (2) The act of offering to deities, which is central to Bharadvaja's beliefs and practices.[66] (3) A religious act performed by the king to seek a son, demonstrating his devotion and desire for progeny.[67] (4) An offering or ritual performed to please the Devas and gain their blessings, crucial for establishing harmony and prosperity.[68] (5) Ritualistic offerings that yield spiritual benefits, underscoring the importance of holy rituals.[69]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) Sacrifices in this text refer to religious offerings or rituals performed by Ritadhvaja’s son, reflecting his role as a responsible ruler.[70] (2) Ritual offerings to deities, intended for spiritual purification and maintaining harmony with the cosmos.[71] (3) A ritualistic act performed by Brahma after creating cattle and plants, involving offerings made in accordance with Vedic traditions.[72] (4) A religious or ritualistic offering represented as sf.[73] (5) Religious offerings made to please the gods and other beings, highlighting a duty of kshatriyas to maintain harmony and righteousness.[74]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) A practice upheld by the Yajnikas, who are strong Brahmanas living happily on the mountain Nila.[75] (2) Ritual offerings to the gods, viewed as a practice of devotion and integral to Vedic teachings.[76] (3) A religious act performed by Vasishtha and Parashara, which was intended to reclaim their lost family legacy.[77] (4) A ritual action performed to appease deities, referenced multiple times as a central theme of the text.[78] (5) Ritualistic offerings made to deities, which are significant in various traditions, and associated with the firerelated Pitris.[79]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) A fundamental practice in Vedic tradition where offerings are made to the gods for spiritual and material benefits.[80] (2) Ritual offerings made to deities, highlighting their importance in the context of the text for gaining favor.[81] (3) Ritual offerings made in honor of deities, often linked to the attainment of blessings and prosperity.[82] (4) Ritual acts of offering to the divine, integral to maintaining Dharma during the Yugas.[83] (5) Ritual offerings performed by Indras, indicating their bountiful and powerful status in the celestial hierarchy.[84]
From: The Vishnu Purana
(1) A ritual practice often involving offerings to deities, aimed at attaining blessings or purifying the practitioner.[85] (2) Ritual acts performed during creation involving plants and animals, significant in Vedic traditions.[86] (3) A ritual performed to nourish the gods, which in turn supports mankind through rain and fosters heavenly fruition for those who perform them diligently.[87] (4) An act of offering something valuable for a spiritual or religious purpose, viewed as essential for achieving the perfection of the universe.[88] (5) A ritual act performed by the character Jahnu, which plays a pivotal role in the narrative's conflict and resolution.[89]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The act of offering to the divine, which is a recurring theme in the chapter highlighting its significance in spiritual achievement.[90] (2) A religious act performed by Devasharman to please the gods and attain peace.[91] (3) An act of offering something valuable, often part of spiritual practices, which Susharman neglected.[92]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Ritual offerings made to appease the gods, which were disrupted by Indra's anger.[93] (2) Ritual offerings made to deities, often in pursuit of favor or blessings.[94] (3) Ritual offerings made to deities or ancestral spirits aimed at seeking blessings or expressing gratitude.[95]
From: The Garuda Purana
(1) Rituals performed in honor of deities, wherein Vishnu is recognized as the ultimate recipient.[96] (2) Religious rites or offerings that are believed to invoke divine favor and help in spiritual endeavors.[97] (3) The act of offering something to the goddess during worship, which could include items of value or other rituals.[98]
From: The Anugita
(1) A ritual act understood by those who comprehend the relationship between the life-winds Samana and Vyana.[99] (2) A ritual or act of devotion in the metaphysical realm, signifying the surrender of the self to attain a greater understanding of the Brahman.[100]
From: The Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Rituals involving the offering of sacrifices, outlined in the prescribed duties, especially following prayers.[101] (2) A vital duty of Kshatriyas that involves performing religious offerings and rituals as part of their moral obligations.[102]
From: The Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Rites performed by Raja Bali, emphasizing his charitable nature and devotion.[103] (2) An offering made to the gods in worship, wherein the presence of Tulsi leaves is highlighted as crucial for the effective performance of such rituals.[104]
From: The Nilamata Purana
(1) A religious rite involving the offering of food or other items to the gods.[105]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) An act of offering or dedication that aligns with spiritual laws; instrumental in maintaining balance between human desires and divine favor.[106]
From: The Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A spiritual act conducted to honor the divine, often involving offerings and rituals.[107]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Acts of giving up something of value for the sake of others or for a higher purpose, emblematic of the Karma-Yoga philosophy.[108]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Rituals performed by the prince to overcome challenges and gain enlightenment.[109]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to grass, wood, or other materials designated as sacrificial which must not be used for covering the ground during urination.[110] (2) Ritual practices that are performed as part of the spiritual duties of the boy after he receives his second birth.[111] (3) A particular act represented as an offering, distinct from other forms of actions.[112] (4) Ritualistic acts performed to appease deities, often involving offerings such as food.[113] (5) A religious act performed to expiate for sins associated with the use of household implements.[114]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The overall act performed during the rituals which involves offerings and prayers to various fire deities.[115] (2) The act of offering something valuable, like oblations to the fire, aimed at invoking blessings and expressing devotion in the ritual context.[116] (3) The offerings made in the ritual to appease deities, represented by actions taken with the Mahavira and the surrounding symbols.[117] (4) A ritual practice involving offerings made to various deities, invoking their blessings for prosperity, health, and communal well-being.[118] (5) A religious ceremony involving offerings to deities, intended to invoke favor and blessings.[119]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The religious act of offering something to divine beings, as described in the context of the text.[120] (2) The act of offering something valuable in a religious context, often an animal.[121] (3) The act of offering oblations or food to deities, typically performed in a ritualistic manner during ceremonies.[122] (4) Ritual offerings made to deities as part of the initiation and learning process.[123] (5) The act of offering something valuable, such as food or symbolic gestures, to deities as part of religious or cultural rituals.[124]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A religious offering made to deities, often involving rituals and the performance of specific duties by priests.[125] (2) Religious offerings made to deities, accompanied by rituals and recitations.[126] (3) Ritual acts of offering cooked food and other items to deities, as performed during the Shravana ceremony.[127] (4) The act of making offerings to deities as part of ritualistic practices, often involving food and recitation of verses.[128] (5) The act of making offerings, likely in a religious context as part of the marriage rituals.[129]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) An act of offering to the gods as a means of seeking purgation from sins.[130] (2) Ritual acts involving offerings made to deities, often performed in specific contexts to seek blessings.[131] (3) Ritual offerings made for spiritual merit or favor, which must be performed with dedication and adherence to rules.[132] (4) Religious offerings or rites performed to honor the gods or ancestors, which require the presence of knowledgeable individuals to ensure their efficacy.[133]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Ritual offerings made to gods as a form of worship, integral to the Vedic and ceremonial practices.[134] (2) The act of giving up something valued for the sake of something regarded as more important.[135] (3) Ritual offerings made during ceremonies, often involving the shedding of life or the giving of material goods to please deities or spirits.[136]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of offering gifts and food to deities as part of Vedic rituals.[137] (2) The central act within the described rites, involving various oblations and invocations to deities.[138] (3) A religious offering that may involve the use of the cow and is associated with specific rituals conducted during the ceremony.[139]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of offering something, such as objects or oblations, as part of a religious or spiritual ceremony.[140] (2) A religious act of offering to deities, which can involve food and other items, fulfilling prescribed rituals.[141] (3) Religious offerings performed to deities, carried out in accordance with specific rituals.[142]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) Ritual offerings believed to repay the debt incurred by a person towards gods, sages, and ancestors; often associated with the necessity of having male heirs.[143]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Ritual offerings made to deities in various forms as described in the text.[144]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) An act by which we surrender something for the sake of the gods, which is important for man's salvation.[145]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) In this context, it refers to the ceremonial offering made during the daily recitation of the Veda.[146]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The overarching term for the ritual acts performed to appease and commune with the divine, primarily through fire offerings.[147] (2) A fundamental practice in Vedic religion involving offerings to deities as a means of communion, renewal, and cosmic significance.[148] (3) A ritual offering made to a deity, which in this context consists of multiple offerings and libations.[149] (4) The act of offering to deities, involving specific rituals, invocations, and materials intended to achieve divine favor.[150] (5) Sacrifice is the act of offering something valuable to the divine, often involving food or rites, with a significant focus on Agni as the recipient.[151]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A ritual that involves the work of the priests to purify the paths of mind and speech; if performed incorrectly, both the sacrifice and sacrificer are ruined.[152] (2) The ritual offering made to deities, which is at risk of being harmed due to mistakes.[153] (3) The ritual setting where hymns are sung and mantras are recited.[154] (4) A ceremonial offering where soma juice is used during savanas to honor deities.[155] (5) Refers to the metaphorical concept of viewing one's body as an altar and the food consumed as an offering in the practice of worship.[156]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The act of offering and dedicating something of value, here involving libations that symbolize devotion and connection to the divine.[157] (2) The act of offering, which is linked to purification and is associated with the concepts of Air, Mind, and Speech.[158] (3) A religious event involving offerings made to deities, during which Ushasti seeks potential appointment to priestly roles.[159] (4) Rituals that involve offerings and recitations aimed at achieving specific results, connected to the Sun.[160] (5) The spiritual activity involving rituals and offerings, linked to the performance of Sama and the recognition of its divine elements.[161]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A religious or spiritual act involving offerings, within which the Udgitha and other elements are central.[162] (2) Ritual practices within the context of the Vedas that involve offerings and meditations, essential to the understanding and execution of spiritual rites.[163] (3) Activities that involve offering to deities, indicated as essential duties for the Brahmana caste.[164] (4) A ritual practice involving offerings made to deities, which is contextually central to the meditations and their intended outcomes.[165] (5) A ritual offering that serves as a comparison to meditative practices in which specific parts or aspects may be focused on versus the whole.[166]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A religious act symbolizing connection to higher realms, necessitating both physical offerings and introspective faith.[167] (2) The act of performing rites which is central to the philosophy of Vedic teachings for achieving spiritual results.[168] (3) A ceremonial offering made to deities, which involves various rites and methodologies.[169] (4) The term sacrifice in the text encompasses rituals and offerings made to attain various spiritual or material results, often tied to scholarly inquiry and knowledge acquisition.[170]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Rituals performed by individuals seeking to attain the benefits of going to heaven.[171] (2) The concept linking man to both Purusha Vidyas, underpinning the idea presented in the Chhandogya and Taittiriya texts.[172] (3) A ritual action typically undertaken in various traditions, which is mentioned in comparison to gaining knowledge of Brahman.[173]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) An essential act that is made effective through knowledge, embodying spiritual practices within the text.[174] (2) An act that is actualized by intelligence, as indicated in the quote from the Upanishad.[175]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The spiritual offering made by the mind and the act of maintaining equilibrium in breath as part of metaphysical processes.[176]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ritual offerings made to the divine, demonstrating devotion and seeking blessings, particularly towards Agni.[177]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Sacrifices refer to ritualistic offerings made for spiritual purposes, which are associated with the act of knowing and understanding their significance.[178]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) The act of offering something valuable, often a living being, in worship or to appease deities as prescribed by religious texts.[179]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) An act of offering to a deity or spiritual entity, central to the discussion of the oblations and the activities of the priest.[180]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) An act of offering made to deities as part of religious worship.[181]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Ritual offerings performed in honor of deities, which were conducted by the king Drumila.[182] (2) A ceremonial act involving offering something valuable, in this case linked to the character Bali.[183] (3) A ritualistic act of devotion and offering, which, when accompanied by hearing and chanting, provides spiritual protection.[184] (4) Ritual acts performed to offer materials, typically to a deity or fire, often involving the use of specific utensils like ladles and spoons.[185] (5) Acts of devotion or offerings made in the spiritual context, particularly in relation to pleasing the divine.[186]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A spiritual act represented by offerings made to deities, embodied by Yajna-murti, essential for fulfilling heartfelt desires of worshipers.[187] (2) Acts of worship involving offerings to deities, often performed during rituals.[188] (3) ritual offerings performed as part of worship, associated with spiritual seeking and connection with the divine[189] (4) Ritual offerings made to a deity, often accompanied by prayers or chanting, intended to express devotion and seek blessings.[190]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A significant ritual being conducted by the sages that requires uninterrupted attention.[191] (2) A religious offering performed by Vasudeva and the sages as a means to seek favor from the divine.[192] (3) A ritual offering made by Soodukoch to summon the female devil Kritya as part of his plan for revenge.[193]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An act of offering that Yudhishthira undertook in response to divine guidance, significant in the context of devotion.[194] (2) An act of giving up something for the sake of something else, often associated with religious or spiritual rituals, which contributes to achieving material enjoyment.[195]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The ritual act that Bali Maharaja is engaged in, referred to as yajna.[196]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A key component of Vedic rituals, which may or may not directly relate to the study of specific Vedas.[197]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The act of offering something of value, in this context often implying the moral and ethical implications of slaying in magic rituals.[198] (2) A ritual performed by Dhanadatta to procure a son, illustrating the use of spiritual rituals to achieve personal desires.[199] (3) The act of offering a human victim, in this case, the Brahman boy, to appease the Brahman demon, emphasizing moral and philosophical questions about life and duty.[200] (4) A ritual act mentioned in various contexts within the tales, reflecting the religious practices of the time.[201] (5) A recurring theme in the story, where characters are encouraged to make offerings for the attainment of desires, often leading to moral dilemmas.[202]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Offerings made to gods, often involving rituals performed for various purposes, including appeasing deities.[203] (2) Religious ceremonies performed by Harshavardhana's family, reflecting adherence to traditional Vedic rituals in the 7th century A.D.[204]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A religious act performed by Magadha King which involves the potential killing of imprisoned kings.[205]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) Ritual offerings mentioned throughout the text, emphasizing the importance of devotion to deities.[206]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) Ritual offerings made to deities, which are an essential duty of certain varnas, particularly the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas.[207]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A theme reflected in the actions and decisions of characters seeking fulfillment and happiness.[208]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The act of offering something, in this context referring to the necessity of having a complete universal within an individual before proceeding with the offering.[209] (2) The ritual or action in which substances, like rice, are offered or prescribed as part of a religious or cultural ceremony.[210] (3) An act performed with a material (e.g., ground grain) with the intention of attaining an abstract or invisible benefit rather than for the material itself.[211]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Yajna, indicating a ritual offering made to deities or spirits.[212]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) Rituals involving offerings, such as ghee, that are believed to safeguard practitioners from misfortunes according to Smriti references.[213]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) The high level of personal costs Rama is willing to endure to maintain family honor and avoid scandal.[214] (2) The ritual disrupted by the Rakshasas, which serves as the catalyst for Vishvamitra's request for assistance.[215]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Ritual offerings made in pavilions, often a significant act within religious ceremonies.[216]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A ritual offering, wherein the preparation of Soma is described as a significant act that elevates its status among the divine.[217]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) A recurring theme in the Kapalika tradition encompassing multiple forms, from self-immolation to mental discipline, signifying profound spiritual devotion.[218]
Jain concept of 'Sacrifice'
In Jainism, sacrifice encompasses offering valuable items for spiritual merit, ceremonial gatherings for collective offerings, and rituals to please deities, often involving ascetics, emphasizing communal devotion and personal promises.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A ceremonial act involving a gathering of individuals, specifically disciples, for spiritual offerings.[219] (2) An act of offering something valuable, in this case relating to the promise made by a character in the text.[220] (3) An important ceremonial function where ascetics, including Kaushika and Trinabindu, were present and offered fruit.[221] (4) An act of offering something valuable, often with the belief of gaining spiritual merit or favor from the divine.[222]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) A ritual offering made in the presence of Brahmins, intended to please deities and achieve specific goals.[223]
The concept of 'Sacrifice' in local and regional sources
Sacrifice encompasses enduring hardship for love, giving up valuable things for others, ritual offerings in animism, the Raja’s tragic act to obtain water, and significant rituals in Vedic traditions, highlighting its multifaceted nature across cultures.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The ritual act of offering animals that the witch woman suggests as a necessary act for her nephew's recovery.[224] (2) An offering made by the bear in an attempt to exorcise the spirits, indicative of rituals performed in such contexts.[225] (3) The act performed by the Raja and his men in an attempt to procure water, which ultimately leads to tragedy.[226]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) Rituals in animism where offerings, including life, may be made to appease spirits.[227]
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) Ritualistic offerings made to deities, significant in both vedic and puranic traditions, often performed by kings to assert power.[228]
From: Folk Tales of Gujarat (and Jhaverchand Meghani)
(1) Maluva’s act of enduring hardship and facing societal backlash out of love for Chandvinod.[229]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of others or spiritual goals, a theme prevalent in various stories.[230] (2) The second Veda Sastra, Sse, which pertains to the rules surrounding sacrifice and prayer.[231]