Significance of Upacara

Upacara refers to the various offerings and acts of service performed during the worship of deities, capturing the essence of devotion and respect. In both Purana and Shaktism, it encompasses sixteen specific offerings, which include items such as flowers, water, food, and ceremonial actions, often paired with mantras. This practice highlights the importance of different forms of worship, reflecting the devotee's commitment through various rituals designed to pay homage to the divine.

Synonyms: Acara, Ritual, Festival, Ceremony, Rite, Observance, Service

In German: Upacara; In Finnish: Upacara; In Spanish: Upacara; In Dutch: Opacar

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

Buddhist concept of 'Upacara'

Buddhism Books

Upacara in Buddhism signifies the proximatory citta, a stage of consciousness that precedes the emergence of lokuttara cittas, indicating a critical transition towards higher states of awareness and enlightenment.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life

(1) Proximatory citta in the process of consciousness, closer to the moment lokuttara cittas arise.[1]

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) This is one of the topics that the Kammatthana Bhikkhus may discuss during their conversations, related to their practices.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Upacara'

Hinduism Books

Upacara in Hinduism encompasses various offerings and acts of devotion, including sixteen specific items, to honor deities, particularly Shiva, enhancing reverence through rituals, food, and ceremonial actions. It symbolizes deep respect and service.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A term referring to the process where agent, object, and action are interconnected, shaping the understanding of existence and emergence.[3] (2) A term referring to the principle of secondary usage in linguistics, which provides the necessary context or framework for negation to occur, crucial in interpreting terms like abrahmana.[4]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) Materials and offerings used in rituals, which can include physical objects like flowers, incense, and food.[5]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

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

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Articles offered in worship, totaling sixteen, each paired with the repetition of a mantra for devotion.[6]

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.

Plural form: Upacaras.