Significance of Sacrificial system
The sacrificial system in Hinduism encompasses a framework of rituals and offerings intended to appease deities, evolving from practices like the Agnicayana ritual. It serves as a significant religious practice associated with the four castes and was crucial for the well-being of beings in ancient texts. While prevalent during the Vedic age, it gradually declined due to its rigidity. Dharmashastra describes it as the complete set of rites and beliefs essential to the practice of worship and sacrifice in Hindu tradition.
Synonyms: Ritual offering, Blood offering, Religious sacrifice, Sacred oblation
In Dutch: Offersysteem
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 system'
The sacrificial system in Hinduism is a religious practice integral to the four castes, comprising rites and offerings, evolved from the Vedic age, aimed at appeasing deities, with the Agnicayana ritual as a significant component.
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The organized structure of religious practices in Hinduism, defining roles of priests and the arrangement of various rites and ceremonies.[1] (2) The structured methodology governing Vedic sacrificial practices, encompassing various rites and their meanings.[2] (3) The framework of rituals and offerings designed to appease the deities, which the Agnicayana ritual is believed to have developed independently before incorporation.[3]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A religious practice that characterizes the functions of the four castes, vital for the well-being of beings according to the text.[4]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The practice prevalent during the Vedic age, which diminished over time due to its rigidity.[5]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The overall framework of rites, offerings, and beliefs that constitute the practice of worship and sacrificial offerings in the text.[6]
The concept of Sacrificial system in local and regional sources
The Sacrificial system encompasses the organized rituals and practices devised by Vedic sages, emphasizing the importance of sacrifices in ancient traditions to connect with the divine and uphold cosmic order.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) The structured practices and rituals established by Vedic sages for performing sacrifices.[7]