Significance of Sacrificial priests
In Hinduism, the sacrificial priest holds a vital role across various texts and traditions, responsible for officiating rituals and conducting sacrifices. They invoke divine blessings and ensure the proper completion of ceremonies, including offerings made to deities. This role includes different categories of priests such as Hotras, Adhvaryus, and Brahmanas, each tasked with specific functions during sacrificial rites. The sacrificial priest is integral to spiritual practices, emphasizing the connection between religious duty and the attainment of spiritual benefits.
Synonyms: Offering priest, Religious sacrificer
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 priests'
In Hinduism, "Sacrificial priest" encompasses individuals, primarily Brahmanas, responsible for conducting and overseeing various rituals and sacrifices, vital for honoring deities, adhering to scriptural guidelines, and ensuring divine favor during Yajnas.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals authorized to perform Vedic rites aimed at purifying and benefitting the community.[1] (2) Refers to Vasishtha as a notable priest among those who perform sacrifices.[2] (3) Individuals who officiate the sacrifices and waited upon the Supreme Lord with respect during the rituals.[3] (4) A priest, specifically Vasishtha in this context, responsible for performing rituals and sacrifices, initially invited by Nimi to preside over his ceremony.[4] (5) Brahmanas gathered to perform rituals, showcasing the importance of ritualistic acts in Vedic tradition.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the Sadasyas who performed the rituals and ceremonies, crucial to the execution of the Rajasuya sacrifice.[6] (2) Exalted Brahmanas appointed for the purpose of conducting the rituals and ceremonies associated with the Rajasuya sacrifice.[7] (3) Brahmanas who assist in the performance of sacrifices, often fatigued by their tasks, as shown in the narrative involving king Svetaki.[8] (4) The sixteen learned individuals who carried out the remaining rituals of the horse's sacrifice.[9] (5) A role attributed to Hrishikesa (Krishna), indicating his functions in religious ceremonies and rites.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An individual responsible for conducting sacrificial rituals in accordance with religious guidelines.[11] (2) A person who officiates rituals and offers sacrifices to deities during religious observances.[12] (3) Individuals engaged in conducting Yajnas, as emphasized in the sacredness of the region resonating with Vedic chants.[13] (4) Individuals responsible for conducting sacrifices who were targeted and killed by the Daityas.[14] (5) Brahmanas who officiated at the Yajna and performed rituals on behalf of Brahma.[15]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The Ritviks who perform rituals associated with sacrifices, guiding the Yajna process and managing the ceremonial aspects like fire-worship.[16] (2) Rtviks who perform rituals in Yajnas, significant in religious practices.[17] (3) Refers to the Ritviks who are responsible for conducting the sacrifices.[18] (4) One of the eight Murtis of Shiva, representing the spiritual authority in rituals and offerings.[19]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The seven distinct elements, including the nose, eye, tongue, skin, ear, mind, and understanding, each with their own nature and function.[20] (2) The ten sacrificial priests, including the ear, tongue, nose, two feet, two hands, speech, genital organ, and anus, as mentioned in the Brahmana's description.[21] (3) The five entities described in the text, namely Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana, and Vyana, that represent the different aspects of life-winds in living creatures.[22]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The priests who carry out the offerings and recite prayers during the sacrificial rites.[23] (2) An officiant responsible for conducting the rituals during the sacrifice, crucial for ensuring that the rites are performed correctly.[24] (3) The officiator at rituals, integral to the performance of sacrifices.[25]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to Bhrigu, the priest who facilitates the sacrificial rites and plays a pivotal role in the conflict.[26] (2) Individuals who perform religious rituals, seeking to attain spiritual benefits through sacrifices.[27]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Individuals who perform rituals and sacrifices, conducting various offerings to deities during ceremonies.[28] (2) The individual responsible for conducting the sacrificial rites, who receives a double fee.[29]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The holy figures invited to conduct rituals, indicating the spiritual environment surrounding Lavana's sacrifices.[30]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The form named Yajamana associated with the lord, essential for offering to Devas and Pitris.[31]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Brahmins appointed to perform sacrifices at the request of Narishyanta, signifying their role in mediating between the king and the divine.[32]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The sixteen eminent priests created by the Lord, who perform sacrifices and are integral to Vedic rituals.[33]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Individuals who assist the preceptor in performing religious rites and ceremonies.[34]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Individuals who perform rituals and sacrifices to honor and worship deities, specifically referencing Vishnu as Yajnapurusha.[35]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The role of the Muni tasked with conducting the sacrificial rituals, in this case, the Muni Uttanka during the Sarpa Yajna.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The priests who perform the rituals necessary in the context of Dharma and virtue, emphasizing their importance.[37] (2) Priests appointed to conduct sacrificial offerings, ensuring adherence to legal and ritualistic standards during these ceremonies.[38] (3) Individuals who have been initiated into performing sacrifices and thus maintain purity in their roles.[39] (4) Brahmanas who officiate and conduct various rituals associated with sacrifices in Hinduism.[40]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) Religious figures who performed rituals and sacrifices, initially similar to merchants in business practices as indicated by evolving laws.[41]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Brahmans who assist in the sacrificial ceremonies and their presence is believed to gratify the rites properly.[42] (2) The sacrificial priest is responsible for performing the rituals and offerings during a sacrifice, ensuring that the duties are faithfully completed.[43] (3) The officiants in the ritual who play a role in the sacrificial offerings, including the Hotras, who are integral to the proceedings.[44] (4) The individual officiating the ritual, whose role is crucial in invoking blessings and performing offerings.[45] (5) The great priests who play an essential role in the sacrifices, receiving offerings and ensuring the completion of the rituals.[46]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Religious figures who perform rituals and offer blessings, important for ensuring divine favor and guidance.[47] (2) A religious figure responsible for conducting sacrifices, entitled to receive a specific annual amount as remuneration.[48]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The yajamanas who offer sacrifices with heartfelt benedictions, receiving boons in return.[49]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Individuals who perform rituals and sacrifices, symbolizing spiritual status and religious practice.[50]
The concept of Sacrificial priests in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sacrificial priest" pertains to Agni's dual role—acting as an agent (duta) and a priest (Hotr) in sacrificial rituals, highlighting the significance of Agni in regional spiritual practices and offerings.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Agni serves as a duta and a sacrificial priest, viz., Hotr.[51]