Significance of Libation
In Hinduism, Libation refers to the ceremonial act of pouring liquids as offerings during sacrificial rites. This ritual is vital for connecting with deities and is performed with great devotion, particularly in ceremonies like the Agnihotra and Tarpana. Libations, typically involving substances like ghee or water, symbolize respect and requests for blessings from the divine and ancestors. The act not only signifies spiritual devotion but also plays a crucial role in various religious ceremonies across different Hindu texts and traditions.
Synonyms: Offering, Drink, Sacrifice, Potion, Liquid, Refreshment
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Libation'
Libation in Hinduism is the ritual pouring of liquids, often to deities during ceremonies, signifying devotion and connection to the divine. It is central to sacrificial practices and various religious rites, including the Agni-hotra.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Offerings poured out in honor of a deity, often used in sacrificial rites.[1] (2) Ritual offers, often liquids, presented in ceremonies to deities, exemplified in the context of the Agni-hotra-rites.[2] (3) Liquid offerings poured in a ritual context, which should not be offered in ineffective circumstances, such as to an extinguished fire.[3] (4) Ritual offerings made during the lighting of Fires, which are integral to the timing of specific observances.[4] (5) Offerings of liquid made to deities, often involving the pouring of substances like water or prepared offerings into a sacred fire.[5]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Liquid offerings made to deities and divine beings as part of the sacrificial rituals.[6]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of pouring a vital energy or offering during a ritual, which is essential for maintaining the life force of the sacrificer.[7] (2) Offering of liquid to deities, a central act in the sacrificial practice indicative of devotion and connection to the divine.[8] (3) A ceremonial pouring of a liquid as an offering, particularly important in the context of the Agnihotra.[9] (4) Offerings made during the Agnihotra ritual, consisting of liquid poured out in honor of the deities.[10] (5) The act of pouring a liquid offering, particularly Soma, as a key part of Vedic sacrifices.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Liquid offerings made during a sacrifice; in this context, the flesh of enemies is considered a libation.[12] (2) Ritual offerings of liquid, usually poured out in honor of deities or ancestors during religious ceremonies.[13] (3) Sacred offerings made to deities, often involving pouring liquids into the sacrificial fire.[14]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Ritual offerings of liquid to deities, specifically the norms and restrictions surrounding their performance, which relate to the study of the Veda.[15]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering, typically to a deity, accompanied by prayers or mantras.[16]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The libations, including the saurya and shataudana libations, are not connected to the triad of fires taught in the other Vedas, but only with the one fire taught in the Atharvan, therefore, they are limited to the followers of the Atharvan.[17]