Snapanabheda, Snapana-bheda: 1 definition
Introduction:
Snapanabheda 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
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Snapanabheda (स्नपनभेद) (lit. “different kinds of bathing rituals”) is the name of chapter 27 of the Śrīpraśnasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 5500 Sanskrit verses covering a number of subjects ranging from selecting a temple site through building and furnishing it to sanctifying and maintaining worship in the sacred complex.
Description of the chapter [snapanabheda]: Śrī asks to know about the different ways in which and occasions for ritually bathing the icon of the Lord—having heard during the preceding chapter mention of bathing rites. The Lord says that in an ekabera type temple, ritual baths may be done right in the sanctuary, but in a bahubera type temple, the bathing rites should be done in a larger area—as, for example, in the prākāras, and in front of the gopura. The size of the area usually depends upon the number of pots to be used. In a mahābhiṣeka, at least 108 pots are required. In any case, a special maṇḍapa-pavilion should be erected as covering for the pots which are themselves placed on maṇḍala-designs made of grains (1-9).
The remainder of the chapter gives certain details about the conduct of snapana-rites as they are normally performed in a bahubera type temple—the contents of the various pots (10-16), the special invitation issued after regular daily pūjā is concluded (17-25), the procedure with appropriate mantras for the libation of the pots one-by-one (26-134). Afterwards, the acting-Ācārya is sumptuously rewarded, and an utsava-festival is held for the Lord (135-137a). Such baths are done to conclude pratiṣṭhā, to precede utsava, to mark zodiacal transitions, to accompany prāyaścittas, and to satisfy moral longings (137b-132).
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Snapana, Bheda.
Full-text: Snapana.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Snapanabheda, Snapana-bheda; (plurals include: Snapanabhedas, bhedas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
Page 98 < [Volume 11 (1911)]