Significance of Sacrificial post
The Sacrificial post is a significant architectural and symbolic element in various religious practices, particularly in Hinduism. It serves multiple roles, such as a support in sacrificial rituals, a connection to the divine, and a representation of truth in Jainism. The post can be wooden or stone, often utilized in Vedic sacrifices, symbolizing the relationship between offerings and the gods. It also plays a central role in the ceremonies, indicating cultural significance and community devotion during rituals across different traditions.
In Dutch: Offerpaal; In Finnish: Uhriposti; In Spanish: Puesto de sacrificio
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacrificial post'
In Buddhism, the term "Sacrificial post" metaphorically describes the Exalted One's demeanor, representing his elevated stature and profound presence in the spiritual realm, symbolizing dedication and selflessness.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A metaphorical comparison made about the Exalted One's demeanor, indicating his stature and presence.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Sacrificial post'
The Sacrificial post in Hinduism serves multiple functions in Vedic rituals, symbolizing the connection between the material and divine, supporting sacrifices, and embodying spiritual significance through specific structures and ceremonial practices.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Markers used during sacrificial ceremonies around Tirthas emphasizing the ritual significance of the location.[2] (2) A structure used for conducting rituals and sacrifices, which holds spiritual significance.[3] (3) Structures erected for the purpose of conducting Vedic rituals or sacrifices, symbolizing the reverence and order in religious duties.[4] (4) Structures found in villages used for conducting religious sacrifices, signifying community and devotion.[5] (5) Part of the symbolism associated with the Boar form of Vishnu, indicating the connection between sacrifice and the divine.[6]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Golden structures used in rituals, raising the question of their origins and the sacrifices performed in the associated holy places.[7] (2) A ceremonial structure in Brahmasaras where circumambulation yields spiritual rewards.[8] (3) A structure made of the Kshira tree that is fixed into the ground and symbolizes the axis of the ritual.[9] (4) Structures that are erected for the purpose of conducting sacrifices.[10] (5) A decorated pole fixed by Rama, serving as a focal point for the sacrifice and symbolizing the ritual's significance.[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The place to which the victim was to be tied during the sacrifice, symbolizing the imminent slaughter.[12] (2) The place where Shunahshepha was bound for sacrifice, emphasizing the dire situation he faced before being saved.[13] (3) Referring to the axe used as part of the sacrificial ritual in the battle.[14] (4) The location where the boy is bound for the sacrifice, representing the grim reality of ritualistic practices.[15]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Materials used in the sacrificial rituals associated with the Cosmic Man and his limbs.[16] (2) The designated structure to which horses are tied during sacrificial rituals, particularly during the ceremonies conducted by Bharata.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The structure to which Shunashepha is bound as part of the sacrifice.[18] (2) The sacrificial post is a significant element in the ceremony performed by King Marutta, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice in the culture depicted.[19]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Structural components used to prepare and perform Vedic rituals.[20] (2) The structures made of gold used in the Yajnas, representing the opulence and grandeur of Karttavirya's rituals.[21]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Structural elements erected for the sacrifice which were uprooted during the chaos initiated by Shiva's acts.[22] (2) A physical representation used during rituals and sacrifices, demonstrating the connection between material offerings and spiritual intentions.[23]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The Yajna involved a sacrificial post, which was mentioned to be cast off into the waters of Ganga.[24] (2) The structure associated with the Yajna, ceremoniously cast off by Brahma.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A metaphor for Hari in a sacrificial context, representing stability and foundation in spiritual rites.[26] (2) A symbolic representation used during rituals, reflecting the connection between the divine and the act of offering.[27]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The physical structures associated with the sacrificial rites, which were uprooted by the lords of ganas.[28]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Structural supports used in the sacrificial rituals, indicating the physical elements necessary for the ceremony.[29]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Structures used in the context of sacrifice, decorated and significant in ritualistic practices.[30]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A wooden post that is driven into the ground as part of the ritual for consecration.[31]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A post that is cut by the Adhvaryu as part of the sacrificial ritual.[32] (2) The animal should be released from the sacrificial post.[33] (3) An important structural element in the sacrificial ceremony that requires specific measurements and purification processes.[34] (4) A post that the sacrificer prays to before the Adhvaryu consigns the sacred fires.[35] (5) A specially prepared tree used in rituals, symbolizing a connection between the material world and the divine.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A reference to specific materials or preparations for rituals that relate to the principles of obtaining desired results.[37] (2) An object of significance in Hindu rituals, particularly in sacrifices, which is cut or prepared as part of ceremonial practices.[38] (3) An object associated with ritual sacrifices, regarded as unclean in some contexts, and touching it entails purification through bathing.[39] (4) Used metaphorically to illustrate how a marriage transforms individuals in a manner similar to how materials are altered for sacrificial purposes, making it a central act that creates the marital bond.[40]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A wooden post used in rituals, specifically taken from a certain location and used in rites to ensure fertility.[41] (2) A sacred object in rituals, touching it may bring the guilt of sins associated with prior sacrifices.[42]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A fresh branch with leaves driven into the ground to which the animal is bound during the sacrifice.[43] (2) A structure used as part of a sacrificial ritual, with specific protocols regarding interaction to avoid ritual impurity.[44]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Touching a sacrificial post also requires bathing in similar circumstances.[45]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) When he has touched a sacrificial post, a pyre, a burial-ground, a menstruating woman, or Candalas, he shall bathe, submerging both his body and his head.[46]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) An object involved in rituals that, if touched, necessitates specific expiations or sacrifices.[47]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A pit that is dug in a ritual setting where auspicious items are placed, signifying its importance in sacrificial practices.[48]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The part of the post that is exposed to the fire, utilized in Vedic sacrifices.[49]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) An altar or structure where sacrifices are offered, significant in various rituals.[50]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) A wooden or iron post used to secure sacrificial animals during rituals.[51]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A structure associated with the rituals of sacrifice, indicating a sacred space during the ceremonial acts.[52] (2) Another piece utilized in the sacrifices, symbolizing support and foundation for the rituals performed by priests.[53] (3) An erected post associated with rituals that allows the Brahman to win the world of the gods.[54] (4) The eight-cornered structure used in sacrifices, which is tied in seventeen cloths related to the deity Prajapati.[55] (5) A structure used in sacrifices that symbolizes the effacement of the traces of the sacrifice.[56]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A designated place where the horse and other animals are tied during the ashvamedha, playing a central role in the ritual.[57]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Structures associated with religious rites that Kali perceives as weapons formed by the virtuous people of Nala's kingdom.[58]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) Structures used in ancient rituals and sacrifices symbolizing devotion and spiritual offerings.[59]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An object to which an animal is bound during a sacrificial ceremony; its ability to yield the desired result is vital for the act of binding.[60] (2) An object of contact in sacrificial practices, which must securely hold the animal being sacrificed.[61]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A sacrificial post, known as yupa, is utilized in certain sacrifices, signifying a structure for performing the ritual.[62]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) An object mentioned as part of a sacrificial action, illustrating the metaphorical language sometimes used in texts.[63]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The Yupa, an important element in sacrificial rituals, which also serves as a prototype for understanding later pillars in Indian architecture.[64]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Symbolizing auspicity and strength, praised in relation to Devasuri's character.[65]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) Structure resembling spiked clubs, indicating the cultural significance of weapons in Vedic society.[66]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) An important object in rituals that relates to specific portents and effects after three months.[67]
Jain concept of 'Sacrificial post'
The sacrificial post in Jainism symbolizes truth and spiritual significance, contrasting the physical act of animal sacrifice. It emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external rituals, reflecting Jain values of non-violence and reverence for all life.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Represents truth in the context of sacrifices, highlighting the spiritual symbolism contrary to the physical act of sacrificing animals.[68]