Significance of Worship of the gods
Worship of the god in various traditions reflects a deep reverence toward deities through rituals, offerings, and prayers. In Hinduism, it involves honoring deities during sacrifices for divine favor. Jainism emphasizes ritual acts as expressions of devotion and karma accumulation. The Purana tradition links worship to material gains and eternal duties, while Natyashastra highlights rituals during performances. Additionally, Yoga underscores virtuous actions through worship, and Dharmashastra connects it to dietary practices. Overall, worship is integral to spiritual and community life across these belief systems.
Synonyms: Veneration, Adoration, Reverence, Devotion, Glorification, Homage, Praise, Idolatry
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 of the gods'
The worship of the god in Buddhism signifies the religious practices during the Bodhisatta’s reign, highlighting offerings to divine beings as a means of spiritual respect and connection within the Buddhist community.
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The religious practices of the people during the Bodhisatta’s reign, which involved offerings to divine beings.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Worship of the gods'
Worship of the god in Hinduism encompasses rituals, offerings, and prayers dedicated to deities, aiming for spiritual merit and divine favor through specific practices, including food offerings, which are integral to religious duties and communal devotion.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Acts of devotion towards divine beings, which in this context includes rituals and offerings aimed at gaining favor and blessings.[2] (2) One of the eternal duties, along with studying Vedas and honoring ancestors, seen as a form of penance.[3] (3) The act of honoring deities through rituals, prayers, and offerings, which is integral to obtaining spiritual merit.[4] (4) Religious or spiritual practices aimed at honoring deities, which can sometimes lead to reliance that may result in downfall.[5]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) The act of venerating and honoring divine figures through rituals, prayers, and offerings.[6] (2) The collective act of honoring various deities through rituals, offerings, and prayers to seek their blessings.[7]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) The act of showing reverence and devotion to a deity through various rituals and prayers.[8] (2) A religious act of honoring deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Sun, and others that accompanies the city foundation.[9]
From: The Nilamata Purana
(1) Ritual acts performed to honor and pay homage to divine beings.[10] (2) Performed on the 4th of Asvayuj using all means as instructed regarding the ninth day.[11]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The rituals and offerings dedicated to deities, resumed by people once the Sun rose.[12]
From: The Vishnu Purana
(1) Acts of devotion aimed towards deities, often sought for material gains such as wealth and prosperity.[13]
From: The Garuda Purana
(1) The process of honoring multiple deities on designated days, each identified by specific attributes and qualities.[14]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) The act of revering and honoring divine beings through rituals, offerings, and specific behaviors that reflect respect and devotion.[15]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A spiritual duty that is prescribed to be performed during the forenoon.[16] (2) The act of offering meat on a clean spot with specific invocations, indicating reverence and acknowledgment towards divine entities such as Agni, Vayu, Surya, and Jatavedas.[17] (3) The act of revering and honoring divine beings, an integral part of the duties performed by householders.[18] (4) A religious practice that requires specific rituals, with the implication that only certain types of meat can be eaten if offered in divine worship.[19] (5) A religious ceremony that involves offering food, including meat, to deities, which is considered sacred and follows specific rules.[20]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of honoring the deities through recitations and offerings during the sacrifice.[21] (2) A central theme of the ritual, indicating the concurrent desire for divine favor and support in the sacrificial proceedings.[22]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A ritual taking place in the sky, marked by the fragrance of incense and offering to divine beings.[23]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The act of performing rituals and offerings to various deities, seeking their blessing and support during dramatic performances.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Religious practices aimed at honoring deities, which are highlighted as virtuous actions that yield immediate fruits.[25]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the traditional practice of honoring deities through various rituals.[26]
Jain concept of 'Worship of the gods'
In Jainism, worship of the god involves performing ritual acts, akin to Rama's demonstrations of devotion, which express gratitude to divine entities and foster the accumulation of positive karma through acts of reverence.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A ritual act executed by Rama and his retinue as a show of devotion and thanks to divine entities.[27] (2) Acts of reverence that contribute to the accumulation of good-feeling karma.[28]