Significance of Worship
Synonyms: Adoration, Veneration, Reverence, Devotion, Exaltation, Glorification, Praise, Homage, Idolatry
In Dutch: Aanbidden; In Finnish: Palvonta; In Spanish: Culto; In Italian: Culto; In German: Verehrung; In Swedish: Dyrkan; In Malay: Ibadah; In French: Culte; In Portugese: Adorar; In Polish: Cześć
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Worship'
In Buddhism, worship encompasses honoring family and society through duties, revering cultic figures via rituals detailed in origin narratives, and performing offerings to deities during ceremonies.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Worship in this context refers to showing honor and respect through the performance of duties towards family and society.[1]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Religious activities involving offerings and rituals performed in honor of deities during the ploughing ceremony.[2]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Worship is a central theme in origin narratives, which offer informative, practical, and entertaining sourcebooks for the reverence of beloved cultic figures, including instructions for ritual practice and information on cults.[3]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) It is the act of showing reverence or devotion, particularly to someone with a developed self, considered more valuable than years of sacrifices, highlighting the importance of spiritual respect.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Worship'
In Hinduism, worship encompasses devotion to deities like Krishna, Shiva and Narayana, and even the Self (Vayu), through rituals, offerings, and reverence. It aims to please gods, seek blessings, attain spiritual union, and avoid wrongdoing.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Worship is the act of devotion directed towards the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya, leading to freedom from the shackles of nescience.[5] (2) The text advocates for the worship of Lord Narayana's lotus feet, emphasizing the importance of devotion and reverence towards him as a means of spiritual connection and fulfillment.[6] (3) Worship is the act of offering flowers at the feet of the Lord, indicating a practice of reverence and devotion to Vishnu.[7] (4) Worship involves the act of showing reverence and devotion, typically directed towards a deity or sacred entity, according to the text.[8] (5) Worship involves offering water to Tulasi, performing pujana to Govinda, and including tulasi-manjaris in offerings, all part of devotional practices.[9]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) "Worship" of Lord Hari is mentioned as a primary action, indicating a devotional practice aimed at honoring the deity and seeking blessings.[10] (2) This is the act of showing reverence and adoration, specifically directed towards the Yamuna using a method provided by a sage.[11] (3) This is the act of showing reverence and adoration, specifically directed towards Lord Balarama in this context.[12] (4) Worship is the central activity discussed, focusing on the performance of rituals and devotional acts, particularly in the context of being distant from a sacred site.[13] (5) An act performed by the king of holy places in Vraja, according to Shri Nanda's question.[14]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Worship is described as an act involving humility and devotion, and the text says that it can carry much weight in God’s eyes, even if outward offerings seem small.[15] (2) The act of reverence and devotion towards the Lord, which can lead to the eradication of sins and the attainment of grace, is described as worship, and it is emphasized as a means of connecting with the Divine.[16] (3) Worship is presented as an act reserved solely for the Supreme Lord, emphasizing the idea that the divine being is the only one deserving of such reverence.[17] (4) This involves chanting the song and making offerings of dishes to the Lord, as ordained.[18] (5) The act of paying homage or reverence, showing devotion, especially to a divine being, which is demonstrated through actions.[19]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) It refers to the act of showing reverence and devotion to a deity, highlighting the practice of offering service. It is a form of reverence.[20] (2) This is facilitated by paraphernalia. It is offered to Shri Bhagavan in a beautiful manner, showing reverence and dedication to the divine being.[21] (3) This was exclusively arranged for Shri Bhagavan by causing the performance of grand sacrifices. The Supreme Lord Jagadishvara received this everywhere, immersing the entire universe in joy.[22] (4) The act of showing reverence that can be a source of pride, leading to the neglect of the Lord's orders within the Vedas.[23] (5) Worship is the act that Bhagavan accepts, which is influenced by the penance of parents and the assistance of a gurudeva, and this acceptance is not related to compassion, as Bhagavan immediately returns to his own abode.[24]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This signifies a quality residing in Him, representing the act of showing reverence and adoration.[25] (2) The act of showing reverence and adoration towards a deity, in this case, Krishna.[26]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) This refers to the act of showing reverence to a deity, and the text discusses different forms of this and their philosophical implications.[27]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The worship in question is the act of religious devotion and veneration, which shifted from Indra to the mountain under Krishna's influence, provoking Indra's anger.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The act of reverence and respect given to Rishi Angiras and Kacha's father by Devayani's father and Devayani, emphasizing their high regard.[29] (2) An act that Narada believes Salmali should perform towards the Wind-god, as the foremost of creatures in the universe.[30] (3) Something that cannot, by themselves, allow a man to acquire anything, according to Vyasa.[31] (4) Bowing down unto those that deserve their "worship" helps one to overcome all difficulties, emphasizing respect and reverence for those who are worthy.[32] (5) The act of showing reverence and adoration towards kine, considering their sacred status.[33]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The leaves of the Sriphala tree are acceptable for this purpose, whether torn or intact, for up to six months.[34] (2) Worship is the act performed by Bhagiratha with innumerable offerings to Ganga.[35]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Rituals and acts of devotion performed to seek blessings or divine favor.[36]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The act that pleased Vishnu, and which led to the saving of the youth, resulting in him receiving long life as a reward.[37]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The worship is the practice that the people began to do in honor of the Devi in every Navaratri, which includes performing Homa ceremony and sacrifice.[38]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The king and his relatives offered due worship to Shri Vishvamitra upon his arrival in the kingdom.[39]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Worship is another practice that King Khadgabahu asked the brahmana about, seeking to understand the source of his abilities.[40]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) It is done in all months and days, under all lunar phases and astral combinations, to please a specific god.[41]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Worship is the act that Budila performs towards water, which the king then clarifies as the worship of the Vaishvanara Atman, resulting in wealth and health.[42] (2) The act of devotion to the Self, which in this text is Vayu or air, according to the provided text.[43] (3) It means the act of devotion and reverence towards the Dakshinagni fire.[44] (4) The act of revering or venerating vyana as udgitha due to its importance in strength-demanding tasks.[45] (5) Worship is a fundamental aspect of brahmacarya, where devotion and meditation on a deity are practiced as a means to self-control and spiritual union.[46]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) It is a form of treatment that the gross body meets with, as per the text.[47]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) Engaging in the act of reverence towards a deity or principle, like Hiranyagarbha or Prakriti, leads to specific outcomes, as indicated by preceptors.[48]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The text says that at the end of the ceremony, one must inform the deity of his wish and make the prescribed form with his hands in all 'worship'.[49] (2) The worship is a set of rites that constitute the course of worship, and it is begun by getting near to God, and water is presented with the camas, and the tooth stick is given.[50] (3) The act of honoring and serving God through various practices and rituals as prescribed.[51] (4) The act of showing reverence and adoration for a deity, often involving rituals and practices guided by texts such as the agama.[52]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The offering of sandal-paint, garlands, and other articles through a messenger is not allowed. It is found possible that one might be prompted to offer such actions by the consideration of agency.[53] (2) The act performed in reverence or devotion, linked to the offerings being discussed.[54] (3) A practice of reverence shown through actions such as clasping of the feet, which is appropriate in the context of older relatives.[55]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Turmeric is in evidence wherever good luck is required, which applies to worship as well as to personal happenings.[56]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Worship is the act of showing reverence and devotion to the gods, exemplified by Damayanti's offerings and prayers, which lead to divine favor and the fulfillment of her desires.[57]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A multifaceted practice involving various forms of dedication to Narayana, grouped into ten types including veracity, alms-giving, and faith.[58]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) The act of veneration, performed near a river or mountain, leading to Kailasha and respect in the world.[59]
Jain concept of 'Worship'
In Jainism, worship, represented by 'avatarana', is a key religious practice referring to acts of reverence and devotion within a spiritual context.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The text describes the worship, which is a key part of the religious practice.[60] (2) Represented by 'avatarana', this noun refers to acts of reverence or devotion in a spiritual context.[61]
The concept of Worship in local and regional sources
Worship encompasses diverse devotional acts: sacrificial offerings, image reverence, serving the world, and honoring deities/individuals. It's a path to the Absolute, a daily duty, and a link in a spiritual chain, reflecting deep devotion and aspirations.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This of the Impersonal God is through truth, which is the realization that 'I am He,' and that separation from others is a lie.[62] (2) This is what Swamiji personally inspected the preliminaries of, and it was on the morning of the auspicious day.[63] (3) Worship is to be finished briefly early morning, which is one of the daily duties, and should be done in a specific manner, indicating the importance of religious practices.[64] (4) This is a religious practice performed by Swamiji, including Puja, lighting a sacrificial fire, and making oblations to Shri Ramakrishna.[65] (5) The act of worshiping, such as the Roman Catholic puts on his robe, and has his bells and candles and holy water.[66]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The wife is willing to "worship" the feet of Shri Hari. This act shows that she wants to provide food and clothes for her.[67] (2) An activity performed by Kabir in an empty house, involving the repetition of God's names and contemplation of Shri Ram, leading to a loss of self-consciousness.[68] (3) A devotion that Gonai wants her son Nama to still have, after requesting his return from a divine entity.[69] (4) The king gave the revenue to Dayarnava to use for this, which was later disrupted by the evil man.[70] (5) The act of devotion that Namdev performs towards the Husband of Rukmini.[71]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The Absolute is revealed through this, as well as meditation, from whatever angle of vision we start, though in most cases only partly.[72] (2) The text discusses the two forms of this, one of offering sacrificial oblations through Fire and the other of worshipping images.[73] (3) This is practiced during the nine glorious nights of the Nava-Ratra festival, accompanied by garba dances and other rituals.[74] (4) The act of engaging in adoration and reverence towards the Lord.[75]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The people deeply reverence the three precious objects of this.[76]
The concept of Worship in scientific sources
Worship is portrayed as participatory, intergenerational, and unifying across cultures. It involves dedication, prayer, and tribute, and is central to religious practice for Christians, Hindus, and Muslims, while being re-centered in secular culture.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is the act of showing reverence and devotion to a deity or sacred entity, a central aspect of religious practice in ancient Israel involving various ceremonies.[77] (2) "Worship" is a central activity in which local hymnals play a significant role, serving as tools for shaping communal identity and transmitting theological understanding within Indonesian Christian communities.[78] (3) It is a central practice within the church, but participation has declined, especially among those who are cognitively challenged, due to circumstances.[79] (4) Worship is analyzed alongside Christianity and popular music in The Bloomsbury Handbook of Religion and Popular Music, edited by Christopher Partridge and Marcus Moberg.[80] (5) This is excluded if one takes away the belief that the whole disposition of nature and all human acts are subject to Divine Providence.[81]
Classical concept of 'Worship'
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) Worship was a key aspect that Osiris instructed his people in, emphasizing reverence and proper conduct towards the gods as part of his efforts to civilize them.[82] (2) The worship of the god Khnemu, was to be maintained according to ancient use and wont, and the people were to supply the temple with everything necessary in a generous spirit.[83]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The act of worship is described as being common throughout Egypt, with sanctuaries being important, though Egyptians did not merge their conceptions of God with Ra.[84]
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) Worship is mentioned in relation to Ra and Unas, suggesting that what is offered to Ra should also be offered to the KA of Unas.[85] (2) An act performed in heaven and offered to a deity, which is also extended to the deceased, signifying a shared reverence and devotion.[86]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) "Worship" is given to the image, not the ass, clarifying the object of reverence and highlighting the ass's foolish misinterpretation of the crowd's actions as a sign of respect for him.[87]