Prayer: 6 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Gitashastra
India history
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Introduction:

Prayer means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity, the history of ancient India. 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.

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In Hinduism

Gitashastra (science of music)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (gita)

Prayers (in Sanskrit: Stuti) represents the Ṛgvedic mantras (which are composed with tune and melody).—Accordingly, in Vedic time the sages used to believe the natural elements such as Agni, Indra, Varuṇa etc. as their gods and eulogized them with some stutis i.e., prayers. The stutis are basically the Ṛgvedic mantras which are composed with tune and melody in the Sāmaveda to worship the deities. In the Saṃgītaratnākara also, it is said that deities are pleased with the vocal Music. So, it can be said that the Vedic mantras are the foremost form of vocal music.

context information

Gitashastra (गीतशास्त्र, gītaśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science of Music (gita or samgita), which is traditionally divided in Vocal music, Instrumental music and Dance (under the jurisdiction of music). The different elements and technical terms are explained in a wide range of (often Sanskrit) literature.

India history and geography

Source: Singhi Jain Series: Ratnaprabha-suri’s Kuvalayamala-katha (history)

Prayers (to proper deities) refers to certain preparatory rituals performed before Sea-voyages in ancient India (known in Prakrit as: jattā, or Sanskrit: yātrā), and was vividly depicted in the Kathās (narrative poems) such as Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—Details of preparation for sea-voyage are given which include the following items relating to preparatory ritual and the equipment of the ship: [e.g., prayers to proper deities;] [...]. When the ship was to take off auspicious musical instruments were sounded, conch-shells were blown, auspicious songs were sung, [...].

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Relevant text

Search found 442 books and stories containing Prayer, Prayers, The prayer; (plurals include: Prayers, Prayerses, The prayers). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Position 7 - The Prayer Niche, Southeast Toward Mecca, And The Pulpit In The Tomb Mosque Of Kait Bey, Cairo < [Standpoints In Egypt]

Position 6 - Tomb Mosque Of Sultan Kait Bey, The Most Beautiful Of The Tombs Of Cairo < [Standpoints In Egypt]

Position 4 - Cairo, Looking Southwest Across The City To The Great Pyramids, That Furnished Stone For Many Of Its Buildings < [Standpoints In Egypt]

+ 1 more chapters / show preview

Part VI < [Chapter VIII - Specimens Of Babylonian And Assyrian Literature]

Part VII < [Chapter IV - The Gods Of Babylonia And Assyria]

Part VII < [Chapter VIII - Specimens Of Babylonian And Assyrian Literature]

+ 12 more chapters / show preview

Verse 10.35 < [Chapter 10 - Vibhūti-yoga (appreciating the opulences of the Supreme Lord)]

Verse 8.3 < [Chapter 8 - Tāraka-brahma-yoga (the Yoga of Absolute Deliverance)]

Verse 16.20 < [Chapter 16 - Daivāsura-sampada-yoga]

+ 11 more chapters / show preview