Prokshana, Prōkṣaṇa, Prokṣaṇa: 18 definitions
Introduction:
Prokshana means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. 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.
The Sanskrit terms Prōkṣaṇa and Prokṣaṇa can be transliterated into English as Proksana or Prokshana, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English TranslationProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) or Jalaprakṣepa refers to the “sprinkling of water”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 1.20 while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen phallic image (pārthiva-liṅga) according to the Vedic rites:—“[...] the purity of the place of worship shall be heightened with the mantra ‘Śambhavāya’ etc. The sprinkling of water (prokṣaṇa) over Pañcāmṛta shall be performed with the word Namaḥ prefixed”.
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)
Source: Google Books: Ganapati: Song of the SelfProkṣāṇa (प्रोक्षाण) refers to “sprinkling”, representing one of the possible preliminary rites (upacāra) of a pūjā (deity worship).—Each act in a pūjā is not only physical and/or mental, but also symbolic, cosmic, and spiritual. Sprinkling, sipping, and bathing are symbolic of purification, of the worshipped as well as of the worshipper and the surroundings. Various offerings [viz., prokṣāṇa] symbolize the surrendering of one’s latent tendencies (vāsanā) as expressed in thoughts, words, and deeds.
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.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: archive.org: SardhatrisatikalottaragamaProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to the “sprinkling of water” which is prescribed as one of the operations/ preliminary ceremonies related to the kuṇḍa (“fire-pit”), according to the various Āgamas and related literature. Prokṣaṇa is mentioned in the Acintyaviśvasādākhya (chapter 14), Kiraṇa-āgama (kriyā-pāda, chpater 4), Pūrvakāmika-āgama (chapter 8), Pūrvakāraṇa-āgama (chapter 22), Ajita-āgama (Kriyā-pāda, chapter 21), Raurava-āgama (Kriyā-pāda, chapter 15), Cintya-āgama (chapter 10) and the Svāyambhuva-āgama (chapter 17).
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts1) Prokṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to “sprinkling water as a type of purifying undertaking”, as discussed in chapter 27 of the Viṣṇusaṃhitā: a Sanskrit text written in 2600 verses which covers typical Pāñcarātra topics through a narrative dialogue between Aupagāyana and Siddha Sumati.
Description of the chapter [prokṣaṇa]: When renovations are done to part of a temple, certain actions must be done to purify the place to its original state. This purification act is done by prokṣaṇa procedures, the main element of which is to bathe the deity. But first, dung from a black cow should be taken, mixed in water, and sprinkled throughout the premises. Then the snapana-rites are attended to by bathing the karmabera-icon, at the completion of which it is to be elaborately dressed and decorated, and God’s Presence is to be invoked into it (1-12). Thereupon, it is to be worshipped with all due honors, ending up with a number of homas accompanied by various prayers and mantras (13-53). Then attention is turned to the main deity in the sanctuary, which is also bathed and likewise given worship (54-57). After this, the deities like Cakra, et. al., are purified in each of their respective sanctuaries by repetition of their particular, appropriate mantras (58-69a). A one, three or seven day festival follows (69a).
Prokṣaṇa-rites such as the above may be undertaken at any time, because they are needed to purify the deity after a pollution: any time is an auspicious time for this kind of purificatory rite (70-75). An easier method for the preceding is merely to do some sprinkling, with attendant homas, petitions, etc. This requires only one day to complete. One must be sure, however, that at least the following items are so sprinkled: pīṭha-pedestal, the sanctuary, the alinda- portico, the kavāṭa-door, the wall, the maṇḍapa-pavilion, the courtyard (76-99a).
2) Prokṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to “sprinkling-rites” (performed to cleanse various items or structures of pollution), as discussed in chapter 38 of the Viṣvaksenasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 2800 Sanskrit verses dealing with theological matters, image-worship, iconography (relating to pratimā-icons) and the construction of temples.—Description of the chapter [pīṭhaśakunādinimitta-prokṣaṇa]: Viṣvaksena here turns to the rites of sprinkling water (prokṣaṇa) that will cleanse various items of pollution. He speaks of doing this to icons, to temple structures and its parts, to pedestals, etc. In all these cases a special Ācārya-director is selected to oversee all the details, the first of which is always to see to the construction of a special maṇḍapa-pavilion (1-17). The bulk of the chapter is given over to a somewhat confusing set of instructions for what is apparently an elaborate two-day festival in which the Lord’s icon is washed, paraded, sprinkled (prokṣaṇa), and otherwise attended to in an effort to remove all taint of pollution from it (18-66).
3) Prokṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to one of the five kinds of purification rituals, according to the thirteenth chapter of the Agastyasaṃhitā (agastya-suīkṣṇa-saṃvāda edition), an ancient Pāñcarātra Āgama text dealing with the worship of Rāma, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa and Hanumān.—[Cf. the pūjādravya-śuddhi]—Aagstya continues to describe the preliminary preparations for the worship of Rāma—that is, after having attended to all the preceding, to purify now the articles of worship with water and mudrās and mantras. There are five kinds of purifications mentioned: by prokṣaṇa, by avokṣaṇa, by vīkṣaṇa, by tāḍana and by arcana. This matter attended to, then the idol itself is purified by bathing it in liquids from four pots (milk, curd, coconut water, perfumed waters), whereupon a second bath is given in pure water. It is pointed out that whosoever does such bathing of the Lord daily will reap great rewards.
4) Prokṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to “sprinklings” (throughout the entire temple), as discussed in chapter 14 of the Viśvāmitrasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2600 Sanskrit verses covering topics such as initiation (dīkṣā) and the construction, decoration and consecration of temples and icons, as well as routines of regular and special worship cycles.—Description of the chapter [pratiṣṭhā-vidhi]: Viśvāmitra undertakes to speak now about pratiṣṭhā-installation rites. [...] He speaks first of the special maṇḍapa-pavilion to be erected for the occasion-with all its decorations and appointments (4-11). [...] Then the icon is dressed and given rest, whereupon the Śilpin “opens the eyes” of the image, and another bath follows (53-62). After offerings of naivedya, etc., have been advanced to the icon, it is taken in a car around the temple. After some other rites, prokṣaṇa-sprinklings are done throughout the entire temple and its precincts (63-88a).
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: ACHC: Smarta PujaDīpapūjā (दीपपूजा) refers to “sprinkling water from the vessel and the conch” representing one of the various preparatory rites performed before pūjā (ritualistic worship of a deity) which aim at the purification of the devotee.—The worshipper now purifies himself and the utensils for worship by sprinkling water (prokṣāṇa) from the vessel and the conch by means of a flower or durva grass. The act of sprinkling water, a common means of purification, on utensils which are to be used in sacrifice occurs already in the srauta ritual. The mantra employed here is a well-known verse which is recited for purificatory purposes on many occasions. it expresses the conviction that the mere recalling of Viṣṇu’s name removes inner (mental and outer (bodily) impurities.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi1) Prokṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to “consecration by sprinkling”, according to the Guru Mandala Worship (maṇḍalārcana) ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.—Accordingly, “[...] Oṃ accept holy water Svāhā! To completely purifying the womb Svāhā! To immortal life Svāhā! To purifying the heart Svāhā! To purifying the body Svāhā! To washing the feet Svāhā! Accept consecration by sprinkling (prokṣaṇa) Svāhā! [...]”.
2) Prokṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to a “(holy water) consecration” [i.e., oṃ hrīṃ ācamanaṃ prokṣaṇaṃ pratīccha svāhā], according to the Guru Mandala Worship.
Source: De Gruyter: Himalayan Anthropology: The Indo-Tibetan InterfaceProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण) refers to “offering water for cleaning”, according to William Stablein’s A Descriptive Analysis of the Content of Nepalese Buddhist Pujas as a Medical-Cultural System (with References to Tibetan Parallels).—The tshog shin (sacred tree) is also mentally visualized.—[...] The essence of the tree is the bīja [seed], which has an empty center from which the divinity is imagined to grow. [...] When the hierophant (vajrācārya) realizes the presence of the divinity, he offers water for its arghapādya [feet], for ācamana [sipping], and for prokṣaṇa [cleaning]. In internal pūjās that are conducted secretly, the mulācārya [main hierophant], who is dressed in the costume of the divinity, is treated with the same respect. Among the Newars in ancient times and even now among the elders, water offerings are made to guests. The host hopes in turn to receive something from the guest who will feel obligated. Indeed, it is a model subliminal contract that is the foundation of many personal relationships. The water offerings thus reflect the etiquette of the community. Once the divinity is invited, the hierophant can transfer the curing ambrosia to substances, objects, and individuals.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
Languages of India and abroad
Marathi-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionaryprōkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण).—n (S) Sprinkling. prōkṣaṇēṃ v c To sprinkle.
Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-Englishprōkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण).—n Sprinkling. prōkṣaṇēṃ v t To sprinkle.
Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण).—
1) Sprinkling, sprinkling with water; अद्भिस्तु प्रोक्षणं शौचं बहूनां धान्यवाससाम् (adbhistu prokṣaṇaṃ śaucaṃ bahūnāṃ dhānyavāsasām) Manusmṛti 5.118; Y.1.184.
2) Consecration by sprinkling.
3) Immolation (of animals) at a sacrifice.
4) A text to be repeated at an animal-sacrifice.
5) A vessel for holy water.
-ṇī, prokṣaṇiḥ f. Water used for sprinkling or consecrating, holy water; याभिरद्भिर्हविषः पुरोडाशानां च प्रोक्षणं कृतं ताः प्रोक्षण्यः (yābhiradbhirhaviṣaḥ puroḍāśānāṃ ca prokṣaṇaṃ kṛtaṃ tāḥ prokṣaṇyaḥ) Karka. (Used in pl., and sometimes used to denote 'the vessel containing holy water', in which sense the word generally used is prokṣaṇīpātra).
Derivable forms: prokṣaṇam (प्रोक्षणम्).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण).—n.
(-ṇaṃ) 1. Killing animals in sacrifice, immolation of victims. 2. Killing, slaughter. 3. Sprinkling with water, &c. 4. A text to be repeated when animals are offered. E. pra before, ūkṣ to sprinkle, aff. lyuṭ .
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionaryProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण).—i. e. pra-ukṣ + ana, n. 1. Sprinkling with water, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 5, 115. 2. Immolation of victims.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण).—[neuter] the same; [feminine] ṇī water for sprinkling, holy water.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Prokṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण):—[from prokṣa > prokṣ] n. idem, consecration by sprinkling (of a sacrificial animal or of a dead body before burial), [Taittirīya-saṃhitā] etc. etc.
2) [v.s. ...] a vessel for holy water, [Harivaṃśa] ([varia lectio] ṇī)
3) [v.s. ...] immolation of victims, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.] (-vidhi m. Name of [work])
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionaryProkṣaṇa (प्रोक्षण):—[pro+kṣaṇa] (ṇaṃ) 1. n. Killing animals in sacrifice; killing; sprinkling; a text repeated on killing.
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusPrōkṣaṇa (ಪ್ರೋಕ್ಷಣ):—[noun] = ಪ್ರೋಕ್ಷಣೆ [prokshane].
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Prokshanavidhi.
Full-text (+50): Samprokshana, Abhiprokshana, Prokshanavidhi, Samantraputambuprokshana, Idhmaprokshana, Abhyukshana, Prokshani, Avokshana, Samprokshanakrama, Samprokshanavidhi, Samprokshanasamgraha, Maranaprokshana, Purotcanam, Samprokshanam, Acamana, Purokkanam, Campurotcanam, Prokshaniya, Samprokshani, Prokshanipatra.
Relevant text
Search found 27 books and stories containing Prokshana, Prōkṣaṇa, Prokṣaṇa, Proksana; (plurals include: Prokshanas, Prōkṣaṇas, Prokṣaṇas, Proksanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study) (by A. Yamuna Devi)
Vedic Sacrifices < [Chapter 4 - Cultural Aspects]
Agni Purana (by N. Gangadharan)
Vaisheshika-sutra with Commentary (by Nandalal Sinha)
Sūtra 6.2.5 (What objects are pure or holy) < [Chapter 2 - Of the Production of Dharma and A-dharma]
Sūtra 6.2.2 (Actions of which the motive is invisible) < [Chapter 2 - Of the Production of Dharma and A-dharma]
Garga Samhita (English) (by Danavir Goswami)
Verse 1.17.5 < [Chapter 17 - Description of the Yogurt Theft]
Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages (by Satya Vrat Shastri)
Page 184 < [Sanskrit words in the Southeast Asian Languages]
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)