Pushpamalya, Puṣpamālya, Pushpa-malya: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Pushpamalya means something in Buddhism, Pali. 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 term Puṣpamālya can be transliterated into English as Puspamalya or Pushpamalya, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Pushpamalya in Mahayana glossary
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Puṣpamālya (पुष्पमाल्य) refers to “(showering) flowers and garlands”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “[...] Then, by the unconditioned magical power of manifestation, by the miraculous performances (vikrīḍita) of the Buddha [Ekaratnavyūha], [Gaganagañja with the other Bodhisattvas] teleported from the Mahāvyūha universe to the Sahā universe, in one moment of thought, and sat down there. They showered flowers, garlands (puṣpamālya), powders, perfumes, unguents, parasols, banners, flags from the Mahāvyūha universe pouring down as rain”

Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on Agriculture

Puṣpamālya (पुष्पमाल्य) refers to “flower garlands” (of fragrant substances suitable for an offering ceremony), according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly [as the Bhagavān taught the detailed offering-manual], “[...] Four Nāga kings should be prepared in the middle of the ditch. [...] Flower garlands (puṣpamālya) should be offered. Parched grain and mustard seeds should be scattered there in the middle of the [Nāga] residence. Having scattered flowers, the Four Great Kings should be placed in the four corners. Buddha images with relics, and caityas with relics should be placed in the four directions. [...]”.

Mahayana book cover
context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

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