Significance of Soma sacrifice
Soma sacrifice is a significant ritual in Hinduism and Vedic traditions that centers on the offering of the Soma plant, a sacred beverage believed to confer spiritual enlightenment and immortality. This ritual involves various ceremonial acts including libations to deities such as Agni and is typically performed during key lunar phases. Soma sacrifice is essential for enhancing the connection between mortals and deities, reflecting its role in spiritual practices and communal rituals aimed at gaining divine favor and blessings.
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Hindu concept of 'Soma sacrifice'
The Soma sacrifice in Hinduism represents a vital Vedic ritual involving offerings of the Soma plant, believed to bestow immortality and divine blessings, characterized by specific procedures and integral to communal spiritual practices.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A type of ritual sacrifice involving the preparation and offering of soma, a sacred plant.[1] (2) A significant ritual involving the offering of Soma, with restrictions on cooking or giving away anything unrelated.[2] (3) A specific type of Vedic sacrifice that involves the ritualistic offering of the soma plant, characterized by distinct procedures and placement within the Agnidhra-chamber.[3] (4) A specific type of ritual sacrifice that should be performed after certain preliminary rituals, including New-moon and Full-moon sacrifices.[4] (5) A specific type of sacrifice for which Devasu oblations should be offered if performed by a king or one fit to reign.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A rite involving sixteen priests of which the chief ones are entitled to the largest share of the total fee.[6] (2) A specific type of Vedic sacrifice that involves the preparation and offering of the soma drink, associated with divine blessings.[7] (3) A specific ritual practice significant in certain religious traditions, mentioned as a task not properly executed by some individuals.[8] (4) A compulsory act prescribed by Shruti to be performed daily by those who have enough wealth, often associated with the offering of Soma juice.[9] (5) A compulsory act that is to be performed daily by individuals who possess sufficient wealth to support their dependants.[10]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Ritualistic sacrifices that conclude after performing the prescribed rites.[11] (2) A ritual offering related to the soma, involving specific duties or sacrifices performed during sacrificial ceremonies.[12] (3) Rituals performed for the sake of purifying oneself from sins.[13] (4) An important ritual or ceremony in Vedic tradition, the performance of which denotes higher spiritual status.[14]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A specific type of sacrifice involving the ritual use of the Soma plant, regarded as a divine offering.[15] (2) Ritual offerings made in honor of the deities using the Soma plant, associated with immortality and divine blessings.[16] (3) A specific type of sacrificial rite involving the offering of Soma.[17] (4) Ritual sacrifices that involve the offering of Soma, a sacred intoxicating drink, to the gods.[18]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Annual rituals involving offerings to the gods which are performed by a Brahmana, forming part of the larger sacrificial obligations.[19] (2) A specific type of sacrifice that a wealthy householder should participate in without abstaining, underscoring responsibilities linked to wealth.[20]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A religious ceremony for which the diksha or inauguration should be observed.[21] (2) A particular type of ritual sacrifice which, if multiple instances are performed in a year, involves specific rules for officiating priests.[22]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific type of Vedic ritual that involves the offering of Soma, a sacred drink, usually performed multiple times a year.[23] (2) Soma sacrifices are a specific type of sacrificial practice mentioned in the text, indicative of the intricate rituals surrounding the Soma plant in Vedic traditions.[24]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A particular type of sacrificial ritual involving the use of soma, a sacred drink, performed in certain sacred rites.[25]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Ritual offerings involving Soma, a deity and intoxicating drink in Vedic tradition, signifying spiritual and communal connections.[26]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of ritual sacrifice involving the offering of the Soma plant, significant in Vedic rituals.[27]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) A principal act in sacrifices that involves the offering of Soma, which determines the subsequent acts performed, including the Samnayya.[28]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A significant ritual that involves offerings and libations to the deities, particularly associated with Agni, the fire.[29] (2) A ritual sacrifice associated with the gaining of truth, involving a formula that ensures its success.[30] (3) A type of offering that involves the pressing of the Soma plant, prominent in Vedic rituals.[31] (4) A specific ritual that must be performed, particularly during key lunar phases, to avoid having to restart the Seasonal offerings.[32] (5) A significant form of ritual offering which ties to Vac, related to speech and sacred writ, in its exhaustibility after the performance.[33]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Rituals performed by the Rishis that involve offerings to the moon god, symbolizing spiritual communion.[34] (2) Refers to various sacrificial rituals designed to honor and utilize the powers of the different fires, illustrating the interconnectedness of ritual and elemental forces.[35] (3) Ritual sacrifices involving the offering of the Soma plant, believed to confer spiritual and physical benefits.[36] (4) A significant Vedic ritual involving the consumption and offering of a medicinal and divine drink, known for its spiritual and physical benefits.[37] (5) A significant ritual that involves the offering of Soma, a sacred drink, believed to confer great benefits.[38]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A Vedic ritual involving the offering of Soma, performed by king Sharyati upon the advice of Cyavana.[39] (2) An important Vedic ritual involving offerings, which is auspicious and elevates social status.[40] (3) A ritual that involves the drinking of Soma juice as part of offerings to gods and ancestors during religious ceremonies.[41]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A sacred ritual where specific fires, including Dhishnis, are laid down on the day Soma juice is extracted.[42] (2) Religious offerings that include the consumption of Soma juice and other specific items linked with Vedic rituals for propitiating deities.[43] (3) Sacrifices involving the offering of soma, a ritual drink, which is linked to various Hindu rituals and ceremonies.[44]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An important ritual in Vedic tradition, represented by the ceremony of Pravargya, indicating communal spiritual offerings.[45]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A religious ritual performed in honor of deities, which Cyavana and Sukanya attended.[46]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A Vedic ritual involving the offering of Soma, a sacred plant.[47]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A ritual performed by Bharata to yearn for progeny.[48]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Religious rituals involving the consumption of soma-juice, where the family of the writer Bana participated.[49] (2) A ritual performed by brahmanas involving the consumption of somaj juice, which was significant in their sacrificial practices.[50] (3) Rituals involving the use of soma, a sacred beverage, performed primarily by the brahmanas in religious practices.[51] (4) Ceremonial offerings involving soma, a ritual beverage, significant to the writer's family.[52]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) A ritual practice where an alternative creeper, putika, is used in place of the soma creeper due to its similar elements and characteristics.[53] (2) A ritual that includes substituting one element for another, illustrating how characteristics can be shared between different entities.[54]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A specific type of ritual involving offerings made to the deity Soma, spanning multiple days as part of the ceremony.[55]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Rituals that are differentiated based on the duration they take, with classifications varying from single to multiple days.[56] (2) A type of Vedic sacrifice performed with the soma plant, which has different forms and classifications.[57]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) A ritual involving the offering of soma, representing the vital essence and the divine nectar sought by gods and brahmanas.[58]