Significance of Salutation

Salutation, as described in various traditions like Purana, Vedanta, Shaivism, and Dharmashastra, encompasses respectful greetings or acknowledgments towards deities, knowledge, and individuals, particularly in spiritual contexts. It signifies gestures of reverence, such as those performed during worship or interactions with elders and teachers. The concept emphasizes the importance of respect in social norms and familial relationships, reflecting cultural practices of greeting and honoring others across different spheres of life, including spirituality and tradition.1
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Synonyms: Greeting, Address, Welcome, Acknowledgment, Homage

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Salutation'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Salutation encompasses respectful gestures and expressions of greeting, particularly towards elders, deities, and teachers, reflecting reverence in spiritual practices and social interactions, emphasizing acknowledgment of divinity and hierarchical respect.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The formal greeting or acknowledgment that is a part of behavior taught in the context of familial respect.[1] (2) The act of greeting or showing respect; specifically mentioned in the context of how one should treat women according to their status.[2] (3) The respectful greeting offered by the pupil to the superior upon their arrival.[3] (4) A gesture or expression of greeting or respect which is expected to be reciprocated according to social norms.[4] (5) The plural form indicates various means of greeting and showing respect, including bowing or acknowledging presence.[5]

From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra

(1) A gesture or expression of respect or greeting towards another person, particularly a teacher or elder.[6]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) A respectful expression of greeting or acknowledgment directed towards the knowledge of the Supreme Reality.[7] (2) An expression of reverence directed towards the practice of Asparshayoga, meant to guide students towards the realization of the Truth.[8]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) Respectful greetings or acknowledgments offered by characters in the text.[9]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Salutation in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Salutation" denotes a gesture of respect or greeting, typically conveyed through writing or speech, as noted by regional sources, highlighting its importance in communication and social interactions.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A gesture of respect or greeting, often expressed in writing or speech.[10]

Plural form: Salutations.