Significance of Sprinkling water

Sprinkling water in various Hindu traditions holds significant ritual importance, acting as a means of purification and blessing. It is used in sacrificial rites to purify offerings, protect the sacrificial space, and invoke blessings. This ritual, often involving water mixed with barley-corns, is performed by priests and symbolizes the connection to purity and divine favor. Across different sects and scriptures, such as Dharma Shastra and Pancaratra, the act encompasses ceremonial cleansing and sanctification, emphasizing its role in spiritual practices.1
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Synonyms: Spraying, Dampening, Watering, Spraying water, Sprinkling

In Dutch: Water sprenkelen; In Finnish: Veden kastelu; In Spanish: Rociando agua; In German: Wasser besprenkeln

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

Hindu concept of 'Sprinkling water'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, sprinkling water signifies purification and blessing through various ritualistic acts, involving the use of barley, invocation of deities, and cleansing of objects or spaces to create sanctity during ceremonies.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The text mentions this as a method of purification for food defiled by hair, flies, or insects.[1] (2) A method of purification that involves the act of sprinkling water on items made of natural materials like bamboo or linen.[2] (3) A method of purification involving the use of water to cleanse sacrificial implements and grain.[3] (4) A method of purification that involves using water to cleanse various items, particularly in large quantities.[4] (5) A method recommended for removing guilt after partaking in forbidden food, involving the act of scattering water over one's head.[5]

From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra

(1) A ritual act performed around the fire to purify the space and invoke blessings.[6] (2) A ritual action where water is poured or sprinkled in a specific manner as part of the Shraddha ceremonies.[7] (3) An action performed as part of the rites where water is spread over a surface.[8] (4) A ritual act performed with a water-pot around the house, symbolizing purification and the intention of invoking positive energies.[9]

From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra

(1) The act of using water in a ceremonial manner, often for purification or blessing during rituals.[10] (2) The act of sprinkling lukewarm water on the hair during the Cudakarman, accompanied by specific verses invoking blessings.[11]

From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra

(1) A ritual act of sprinkling water around a space to purify or ward off negative influences, particularly serpents.[12] (2) The act of using water in a ritual context, performed round the fire to purify and honor it.[13]

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) A ritualistic act involving water used to purify and invoke the Pitris during the ceremony.[14] (2) The act of applying water over various sacrificial elements, performed by the Adhvaryu during the rites.[15]

From: Khadira-grihya-sutra

(1) The act of pouring water, specifically mixed with barley, on the cow as part of the sacrificial rite.[16]

From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra

(1) A ritual act involving the sprinkling of water on various parts of the body as a form of atonement.[17]

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 Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) The sprinkling water is placed on the altar after enclosing it and smoothing it down, preparing the space for the sacrificial offerings.[18] (2) The sprinkling-water is poured out into the pits, representing the moisture in the vital airs and rendering them pure.[19] (3) The sprinkling-water that remains is poured into the hole to render it pure, and is then sprinkled on the stake for protection.[20] (4) Water used in rituals by the Adhvaryu as a purifying element.[21] (5) A ceremonial act of distribution of water to please deities and purify the space.[22]

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa):
Pancaratra Books

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) A ritual act of cleansing that involves scattering water over the body or worship area while reciting mantras.[23]

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) The action of scattering water over a surface, in this context, over liquefied metal.[24]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga

(1) This is a practice on the eyes while the mouth is filled with water, described in Agni Purana for preventive purposes.[25]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The ritualistic action performed to purify the offering before presenting it to the Lord.[26]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Jain concept of 'Sprinkling water'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, sprinkling water symbolizes purification and blessings, as seen in dreams related to the Ocean of Milk, and represents rebirth or revival in actions such as those performed by Shauri to restore the maiden.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) An action taken by Shauri to restore the maiden, symbolizing rebirth or revival.[27] (2) In the dreams, water is sprinkled from the Ocean of Milk onto Padma, signifying purification and blessings.[28]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Classical concept of 'Sprinkling water'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Sprinkling water in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) The Sem priest walked around the statue four times, sprinkling water on all sides, or perhaps washing portions of it, and this sprinkling water was a key element of the purification ceremony.[29]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.