Significance of Sacrificer
The term "Sacrificer" in Hinduism encompasses a variety of roles related to performing rituals and sacrifices, with the primary function being to act as a bridge between humans and the divine. This individual engages in various sacrificial rites, embodies both human and divine characteristics, and is responsible for invoking blessings from deities through offerings and prayers. The Sacrificer aims to appease the gods and maintain cosmic order, fulfilling personal and communal spiritual goals intertwined with religious practices.
Synonyms: Offerer, Devotee, Martyr, Victim, Benefactor
In Dutch: Offeraar; In Finnish: Uhraaja; In Spanish: Sacrificador
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacrificer'
The Sacrificer in Hinduism is an individual who performs rituals and sacrifices, invoking deities, ensuring adherence to rules, and seeking divine connection, embodying both human and spiritual roles, while impacting the success of the ritual.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The individual performing sacrifices and reciting formulas during Vedic rituals.[1] (2) The individual performing the sacrifice who is associated with a specific type of goblet.[2] (3) The individual who performs the sacrifice and engages with the officiating priests during the rituals.[3] (4) The individual performing the ritual sacrifice and making offerings, who follows specific practices for the ritual.[4] (5) The individual who is to set up the sacred fires, under specific guidelines stated in the instructions.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The individual who performs sacrificial rites and could also transfer guilt to the officiating priest for not adhering to guidelines.[6] (2) The role of Kshatriyas during the Horse-sacrifice, indicating their participation in the ritual.[7] (3) The individual who conducts a sacrificial performance and suffers losses if the associated rites are only partially completed.[8] (4) The individual who performs a sacrifice, and from whose acts the spiritual benefits of the sacrifice are perceived to arise.[9] (5) The individual who carries out the sacrifices, potentially facing moral implications based on the type of sacrifices performed.[10]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A individual who performs sacrifices, who may also seek another to perform sacrifices if unable.[11] (2) The individual who performs the rituals and sacrifices as prescribed in the Grihya-sutra of Gobhila.[12]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The person who performs the sacrifice, to whom offerings are made.[13] (2) The individual conducting the ritual or offering sacrifices, playing a central role in the ceremonies mentioned.[14]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The individual performing the rituals, including offerings and prayers for the Fathers.[15] (2) The person performing the rituals and sacrifices, responsible for ensuring the offerings are made properly.[16]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) An individual performing the sacrificial rituals, responsible for the proper execution of offerings.[17]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The individual performing the rituals, making offerings, and leading the ceremony.[18]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The individual performing the rituals and offerings, aimed at Agni and the other deities.[19] (2) A person who performs a sacrifice, particularly in religious or ritual contexts.[20] (3) The individual performing the sacrifices, responsible for invoking divine blessings and ensuring the effectiveness of the rituals.[21] (4) The individual performing the offerings, who plays a central role in the ritual of seeking the horse suitable for sacrifice.[22] (5) The individual who performs sacrifices to gain the favor of the gods and attain their offerings.[23]
From: Padma Purana
(1) An individual who performs sacrifices, an essential act in religious and spiritual practices.[24] (2) Describes Nahusha as a generous donor, comparable to the deity of charity, Kubera.[25] (3) Individuals who engage in rituals or offerings to deities, a common duty within the brahmana community, reflecting devotion and piety.[26] (4) A person who performs sacrifices, particularly with the intent of appeasing deities and obtaining spiritual benefits.[27] (5) One who performs sacrifices, particularly in the context of rituals intended to appease deities or secure blessings.[28]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Individuals who perform sacrifices as part of religious practice.[29] (2) Daksha, the individual responsible for the ritual that was jeopardized by the divine conflict.[30]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Individuals who perform sacrifices, which Vishnu is said to bestow fruits upon.[31] (2) A person involved in the performance of sacrifices and blessings to deities, especially during the installation of the Linga.[32]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Participants in Vedic rituals who make offerings to deities, particularly through fire offerings.[33] (2) Those who perform sacrifices, seeking to establish a sacred connection with the divine through offerings.[34]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The individual performing the sacrifices, here notably King Anga.[35] (2) The person who performs the sacrificial act, in this case, Bali who worships Vamana by washing his feet.[36]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals who participate in the Yajna and offer their devotion and worship to the deities involved.[37]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Those who offer sacrifices to deities like Mitra and Varuna, and whose actions are depicted in the sacrifice made by Manu.[38]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The individual who performs religious sacrifices or offerings.[39]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The individual performing the yajna, seeking to fulfill their life's course through sacrifices.[40] (2) The individual performing the sacrifice who faces the consequences of the ritual's purity or impurity.[41] (3) The individual performing the ritual and partaking in the offerings made to the deity.[42] (4) The individual who performs the sacrifice, supported and protected by the brahma priest.[43]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The individual performing the sacrifice who relies on the Brahman-Priest for the protection of the rite.[44] (2) The individual performing the Sacrifice, whose success or failure in the practice is directly linked to the actions and silence of the Brahman-Priest.[45] (3) The individual who performs the sacrifice and engages in the rituals and prayers.[46]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) In the context of the Taittiriya, the term refers to the individual who embodies or performs the act of sacrifice.[47] (2) The individual performing the sacrifice and engaging in the meditative practices.[48]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The individual who performs the sacrifice, contributing to the five factors involved.[49] (2) A person who performs sacrifices to attain a desired goal, in this case, heaven.[50]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The individual who performs rituals, recognized in the context of receiving praise from the gods under the Imperishable's command.[51] (2) The individual for whom the sacrifice is being performed, who is argued to possess the competency for personal meditation.[52]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The individual performing the agnihotra ritual, who offers oblations to the deities.[53]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The sacrificer is the individual performing rituals, representing the interplay of human action and divine order.[54]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The mind is identified as the sacrificer, which performs the act of sacrifice by making offerings to Brahman.[55]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Referring to the mind or manas, which engages in the process of mental offerings during the functions of sleep and waking.[56]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The person performing the act of sacrifice, indicating their role in determining the effectiveness and significance of the act.[57]
Jain concept of 'Sacrificer'
In Jainism, the Sacrificer represents an individual engaging in sacrifice, symbolizing the soul's journey towards spiritual elevation and deeper understanding, embodying the principles of self-discipline and detachment vital for liberation.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The individual who performs a sacrifice, here represented metaphorically by the soul, indicating a deeper spiritual concept.[58]
The concept of Sacrificer in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sacrificer" denotes an individual who performs religious sacrifices, vital for upholding Vedic traditions, as highlighted in regional texts and epics, underscoring their significance in spiritual and cultural practices.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A person who performs religious sacrifices, an important role mentioned in the epic to maintain connection to Vedic traditions.[59]