Madhusnana, Madhusnāna, Madhu-snana: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Madhusnana 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)
Madhusnāna (मधुस्नान) refers to the “ceremonial ablution with ghee”, 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 ghee shall be performed with the mantra ‘Ghṛtam Ghṛtayāvā’ etc. The ceremonial ablution with honey (madhusnāna) and Sugar candy shall be performed with three hymns beginning with ‘Madhuvātā, Madhu Naktam, Madhumānnaḥ’”.
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)
Madhusnāna (मधुस्नान) or “bath with honey” 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 madhusnāna] 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.
Ganapatya (गाणपत्य, gāṇapatya) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Ganesha is revered and worshipped as the prime deity (ishta-devata). Being a minor though influential movement, Ganapatya evovled, llike Shaktism and Shaivism, as a separate movement leaving behind a large body of literature.
General definition (in Hinduism)
Madhusnāna (मधुस्नान) 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.—The three Vedic mantras employed for the bath with honey—which is considered as the essence of plants—are taken from a hymn to the Viśvedevas (Ṛgveda 1.90.6-8) and have the “sweetness” of nature as their theme. Several applications of these “madhumatī” verses are known. In Śatapathabrāhmaṇa 7.5.1.4 their recitation accompanies the anointing of a living tortoise with honey while constructing the Vedic fire altar. Vṛddhahāritasmṛti 8.29 employs these mantras for giving a bath with honey to the icon.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches (+0): Snana, Madhu, Matu.
Full-text (+0): Snana, Pancamrita.
Relevant text
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