Dadhisnana, aka: Dadhisnāna, Dadhi-snana; 3 Definition(s)

Introduction

Dadhisnana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Dadhisnāna (दधिस्नान) refers to the “ceremonial ablution with curd”, as mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.20 while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen phallic image (pārthiva-liṅga) according to the Vedic rites:—“[...] the ceremonial ablution with milk (payas) shall be performed with the mantra ‘Payaḥ Pṛthivyām’ etc. The ceremonial ablution with curd (dadhisnāna) shall be performed with the mantra ‘Dadhi Krāvṇaḥ’ etc.”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) 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.

Ganapatya (worship of Ganesha)

Dadhisnāna (दधिस्नान) or “bath with curd” refers to a type of ceremonial bath (snāna), representing one of the sixteen Ṣoḍaśopacāra, which are preliminary rites (upacāra) of a pūjā (deity worship).—Of the various types of pūjās, the one with sixteen (ṣoḍaśa) items or offerings (upacāra) is very common. This type of ritual consists of preliminary acts [viz dadhisnāna] including rites for the purification of the devotee and the implements used in the pūjā, removal of obstacles and declaration (saṃkalpa) to perform the worship.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Dadhisnāna (दधिस्नान) refers to a “ceremonial bath with yoghurt” representing one of the five types of snāna or snānīya, which is one of the various services (upacāra) of a pūjā (ritualistic worship of a deity) which aim at the purification of the devotee.—While a bath with yoghurt is given to the icon the last verse of a hymn to Dadhikravan Dadhikras (Ṛgveda 4.39.6), probably a divine horse, is recited. This mantra came to be used in connection with yoghurt due to the phonetic similarity between the name Dadhikras and the word dadhi (yoghurt). There is a long tradition of employing this mantra in rituals connected with yoghurt, like eating yoghurt, adding yoghurt to the mixture of the cow products (pañcagavya), or bathing with yoghurt.

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