Utsava; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Utsava means something in 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.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Utsava (उत्सव).—Celebrations conducted in temples from olden days. There are Śāstraic (scriptural) injunctions as regards conducting utsavas. Utsava is an indispensable celebration when once the deity (idol) is installed in the temple. Utsava should be celebrated for one day, three days or seven days in the very same month in which the deity was installed, because noncelebration of Utsava will render the installation ineffective. Utsava should be conducted either during Uttarāyaṇa (movement of the sun from south to North) or Viṣu (when the Sun is in the centre) or at a time suitable to the temple authorities who conduct the utsava in Śayana, Upavana or Gṛha. It should commence with auspicious ceremonies like the sowing of seeds of nine varieties of foodgrains, and with dance, song, instrumental music etc.

Utsava (उत्सव) refers to certain “religious practices” once prevalent in ancient Kashmir (Kaśmīra) as mentioned in the Nīlamatapurāṇa.—The term utsava stands for any festival celebrated in honour of a deity or season, or to commemorate some important event.

context information

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.

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Utsava (उत्सव) has ritual significance beyond the daily pūjā: “During utsavas some special kriyās are performed that are not performed in everyday rituals in the temple. [...] The Kumāratantra declares that utsava bestows both material enjoyments and spiritual liberation, is pure, gives balance to nature, gives happiness and goodness to the whole world and grants eternal victory and fulfillment of endeavors” (Dr. Shanmukha Sivacharyar).

“Utsava is not only about spiritual cleansing and worship. It is designed to make the profundity of philosophic thought accessible to the common man without the usual obligatory seriousness. It is a light-hearted affair. It is a democratic celebration of the people. It is joyful and happy. Along with the various ritual ceremonies, there is a parallel show that goes on to entertain the thronging public” (Dr. Shanmukha Sivacharyar).

context information

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

utsava (उत्सव).—m S corruptly utsāva m See the commoner word utsāha.

utsava (उत्सव).—m Ardour; joy Festival; rejoicing.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Utsava (उत्सव).—[ud-sū-ap]

1) A festival, joyous or festive occasion, jubilee; रत° (rata°) Ś.6.2; ताण्डव° (tāṇḍava°) festive or joyous dance. U.3.18 (v. l.); Ms.3.59.

2) Joy, merriment, delight, pleasure; स कृत्वा विरतोत्सवान् (sa kṛtvā viratotsavān) R.4.78,16.1; Mv.3.41; Ratn.1.23; Śi.2.61; पराभवोप्युत्सव एव मानिनाम् (parābhavopyutsava eva māninām) Ki.1.41.

3) Height, elevation.

4) Wrath,

5) Wish, rising of a wish. तावुभौ नरशार्दूलौ त्वद्दर्शनकृतोत्सवौ (tāvubhau naraśārdūlau tvaddarśanakṛtotsavau) Rām.5.35.23.

6) A section of a book.

7) Enterprise.

8) An undertaking, beginning.

Derivable forms: utsavaḥ (उत्सवः).

Utsava (उत्सव).—m.

(-vaḥ) 1. A festival, a jubilee. 2. Height, elevation. 3. Impatience. 4. Wish. 5. Passion, wrath. E. ut, ṣū to bear, to bring forth, affix aca; happiness, &c. is produced by it.

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