In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Mṛgayātrā (मृगयात्रा) (=Mṛgayāyātrā) refers to the “hunt-festival”, according to the sixth chapter of the Agastyasaṃhitā (agastya-brahma-saṃvāda edition), an ancient Pāñcarātra Āgama text dealing with typical Pāñcarātra concepts such as the Vyūhas.—Description of utsava: When such necessary preparations have been made, the utsavabera (i.e. the movable idol used on special occasions when processions, etc. are involved) is to be taken into the sanctuary, whereupon bali-offerings are made (110-144 ). Then “mṛgayātrā” is done (145—little explanation of what this is appears here but probably it is mṛgayāyātrā, the hunt-festival), followed by kautuka-rites (146-1483) and puṇyāha. The next morning, after repetitions of some of the preceding rituals [note: a gap in the manuscript appears after śloka 161], a maṇḍala-design is prepared, the icon brought to it, and special baths given to it there. * * * [ Manuscript breaks off at this point.] * * *

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: Academia.edu: Festival Vehicles and Motif Lamps

The rite of a hunting expedition issometimes referred to as mṛgayātrā.

Source: Tamil Arts Academy: Tripurantaka

The festival of Mriga-yatra is the hunting expedition mentioned in all the agamas. The festival of ceremonial bathing Tirtha-yatra should be conducted the next day of the Mriga-yatra (according to all agamas). Though it is a mock expedition animals, birds, or even human beings might get killed in this festival and hence the bathing festival following it, is almost a purificatory festival. (Karana-agama, Raurava-agama, Ajita-agama, Kamika-agama etc. give these festivals.). Bronze image of Kirata should get the first preference for this festival; alternately Tripurantaka bronze could be used.

According to Mrigendra-agama either Sukhasana Siva or other deities could be utilised for the hunting or else Tripurantaka bronze could be used. Ajita-agama prefers Tripurantaka . If other bronzes are not available suited to the day, Soma-skanda bronze could be used for all the festival.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Mriga, Yatra.

Full-text: Mrigayayatra, Tripurantaka.

Relevant text

No search results for Mrigayatra, Mṛgayātrā, Mriga-yatra, Mṛga-yātrā, Mrgayatra, Mrga-yatra; (plurals include: Mrigayatras, Mṛgayātrās, yatras, yātrās, Mrgayatras) in any book or story.