Significance of Sacrificial altar
The concept of Sacrificial altar in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations and representations across different texts. It is primarily seen as a sacred space where offerings and rituals are performed to honor the deities, symbolizing a connection between the earthly and divine realms. Structures for sacrifices, often designed with specific measurements, highlight early architectural practices rooted in Vedic traditions. In addition, the sacrificial altar serves as a metaphorical reference, reflecting cultural significance in Hindu rituals, emphasizing femininity, and invoking spiritual convergence during ceremonies.
Synonyms: Shrine, Sanctuary, Holy place
In Dutch: Offer altaar; In Finnish: Uhrialttari
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacrificial altar'
The "sacrificial altar" in Hinduism serves as a designated platform for performing ceremonial rites and ritual offerings to deities, integrating sacred fire, symbolism of femininity, and important practices within Vedic traditions.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Symbolic of the warriors' strength, evoking the image of fire and dedication in battle.[1] (2) The physical location where Vainya performs the horse-sacrifice, signifying a place of religious importance.[2] (3) The sacred site from which Draupadi emerged, symbolizing her divine birth and purity.[3] (4) A metaphor used to describe the beauty and significance of Duryodhana's spouse in her grief.[4] (5) Structures constructed for the purpose of conducting religious sacrifices, important in various spiritual rites.[5]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The sacred site associated with the sacrifice of Daksha, pivotal in the narrative of appeasing Lord Shiva and restoring balance.[6] (2) A designated space where offerings and rites are performed, particularly in accordance with mantra practices.[7] (3) The sacred space where the horse-sacrifice was carried out by Daksha, symbolizing the connection between humans and the divine.[8] (4) A platform where sacred offerings are made, and a focal point for the described rituals.[9] (5) A structure built for performing rituals and sacrifices, symbolizing traditional religious practices.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A designated area where rituals and offerings are made, often involving fire and various deities.[11] (2) A designated place for performing sacred rites and offerings, where the marriage rites were completed.[12] (3) A structure used for making offerings during ceremonies and sacrifices.[13] (4) The platform within the sacrificial hall on which offerings were made to the deities during the Sarpa Yajna.[14] (5) A structure prepared for the offering ceremonies in the Devi Yajna.[15]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Platforms created for performing sacrificial offerings as part of the Yajna.[16] (2) A sacred space where the Yajna was being performed and where the Brahmanas rebuked Shankara.[17] (3) Sacred sites utilized for performing Yajnas, often embellished with gold decorations.[18] (4) A consecrated space where offerings and rituals are performed, prepared by Pushpa for attaining his desired outcomes.[19]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A designated space prepared for offering sacrifices as part of a religious ceremony.[20] (2) The designated area where sacrifices and offerings are made.[21] (3) The designated area where worship, offerings, and rituals are performed.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The sacred space where Narishyanta attempted to offer gifts to the brahmans, highlighting the importance of ritual in his reign.[23] (2) A focal point in rituals where offerings are made; in this context, it has been forsaken due to transgressions but is eventually reinstated.[24]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The place where Indrajita performed rituals by invoking deities and making offerings.[25]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A designated structure where offerings are made during the sacrifice, following specific dimensions and measures as determined by Brahma.[26]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Places utilized for religious offerings, contributing to the cultural and spiritual atmosphere.[27]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A ceremonial structure prepared for performing Homa, where offerings are made to deities.[28]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A sacred space where rituals are performed to offer sacrifices and seek blessings from deities.[29]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A designated space for performing religious offerings, guided by specific measurements and characteristics in relation to the sacred thread.[30]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A raised structure on which offerings are made during a sacrifice, playing a crucial role in religious ceremonies.[31]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) An altar constructed by Vishvakarman for the purpose of performing the wedding ceremony and various sacrifices.[32]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The structure or location where the sacrificial rituals are performed, which involves the placement of various items like the veda.[33] (2) The platform where rituals and offerings are performed during the sacrificial ceremony.[34] (3) The sacred structure where the sacrifices are performed, meticulously prepared by the Adhvaryu to please the gods.[35] (4) The setting where the sacrifice is performed, requiring careful preparation and recitation of formulas.[36] (5) The structure prepared for conducting the rituals, where offerings such as cooked rice and clarified butter are placed.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A ceremonial place where offerings are made, indicating a setting of respect and reverence in the context of hospitality.[38] (2) The designated space or platform where sacrifices are performed and offerings are made during the sacrificial rites.[39] (3) The designated place where sacrifices are performed, crucial to the context of receiving rewards for charitable acts.[40] (4) A designated place for performing rituals and sacrifices, central to Vedic practices.[41]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A raised structure where sacrifices are performed, integral to various rites.[42]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A ceremonial site where offerings are made, referenced in the context of the mixed seeds as an object for the girl to touch.[43]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The sacred space on which the Sautramani rituals are performed, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine.[44] (2) The platform or base where offerings to the gods are made, which reflects the structure of a woman in its design.[45] (3) The structure on which offerings are made, symbolizing the physical and spiritual convergence during the rites.[46] (4) A sacred space where offerings are made; depicted as a woman surrounded by gods and priests, emphasizing femininity and sanctity.[47]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A specific structure utilized in Vedic sacrifices, often detailed in Sutra literature, that exemplifies early architectural practices.[48] (2) Structures required for rituals, particularly the Soma sacrifice, constructed following established measurements and designs that reflect early architectural practices.[49] (3) A designated space or structure used for performing sacrificial rites and rituals, fundamental in Hindu architectural practices.[50]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The designated space where the image of the Supreme God is placed for worship.[51]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) An important platform for conducting sacrificial rituals to honor the deities.[52]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The sacrificial altar is equated with the chest of the Vaishvanara Self.[53]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The location designated for performing religious offerings and rituals.[54]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) A specific type of religious structure referenced in the Shulbasutras, guiding the correct measurements for construction.[55]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Structures erected by ancient Teutons at cross-roads for the purpose of sacrificing criminals.[56]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A physical platform where sacrifices are offered during the ceremonial rites, highlighted through the installation of sacred fire.[57]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) A metaphor for women's bodies in the context of Upanishadic texts, symbolizing a sacred space for creation and procreation.[58]
The concept of Sacrificial altar in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sacrificial altar" symbolizes the societal pressures faced by the protagonist around marriage and widowhood, represents a site for spiritual offerings, and embodies Bharata's profound grief during Rama's exile, intertwining personal and cultural themes.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphor highlighting the sacred space associated with the sage Matanga, revealing the spiritual depth of Sabari’s experiences.[59] (2) A symbolic place in which Bharata’s grief and desperation culminate towards the end of Rama's exile.[60] (3) A metaphor for the expectant expectations placed on the protagonist to conform to societal norms, particularly regarding marriage and widowhood.[61]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A designated place where offerings are made to deities, often involving rites and ceremonies in worship.[62]