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Significance of Consecrated fire

Consecrated fire holds significant importance in Hindu rituals, serving as a sacred flame used for performing various ceremonies and sacrifices. It is seen as vital for offerings made to invoke divine blessings and facilitate communication with the divine. According to the Purana, consecrated fire is utilized in rituals where offerings, including food prepared for the Lord, are made, while Dharmashastra emphasizes its sanctification through specific rituals, distinguishing it from unconsecrated fire and highlighting its role in spiritual practices.

Synonyms: Sacred fire, Holy fire, Divine fire, Sacred flame, Blessed fire

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Consecrated fire'

Hinduism Books

Consecrated fire in Hinduism is a vital sacred flame used in rituals and sacrifices, serving as a direct link to the divine. It is purified and empowered for offerings, facilitating communication with the divine.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Fire that has been sanctified through rituals, used in religious sacrificial practices.[1] (2) Fire that has been blessed or made holy for use in spiritual practices or ceremonies.[2] (3) A fire that has been ritualistically established, which plays a significant role in various sacrifices and offerings in Hindu tradition.[3] (4) Fire that has been sanctified or made holy, contrasting with 'unconsecrated fire' in terms of ritual significance.[4]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Shilpashastra (iconography):
Shilpashastra Books

From: Manasara (English translation)

(1) A holy fire used in sacrifices during rituals, symbolizing purity and the presence of the divine.[5]

Shilpashastra represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) The sacred fire established in one's soul, believed to grant immortality and unconquerability.[6]

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Purifying flame utilized in rituals, into which the prince casts his belongings.[7]

The Purana 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.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The consecrated fires are involved in the ritual practices for attaining the good.[8]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

The concept of Consecrated fire in local and regional sources

History Books

Consecrated fire symbolizes reverence and commitment, rooted in Gokhale's legacy. It serves as an emblematic flame, embodying dedication and spiritual significance within cultural and regional contexts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A symbolic flame representing reverence and commitment, drawn from Gokhale's legacy.[9]

Plural form: Consecrated fires.