Significance of Muhurta
Synonyms: Auspicious time, Favorable moment, Propitious time, Lucky hour, Timing, Moment, Period, Time, Instant, Occasion
In Dutch: Muhurta; In German: Muhurta; In Finnish: Muhurta; In Spanish: Muhurta; In Swedish: Muhurta; In Malay: Muhurta; In French: Muhurta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Muhurta'
In Buddhism, Muhurta signifies a specific time period that encapsulates the intricate nature of Time, reflecting the profound understanding of temporal complexities within Buddhist teachings and practices.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A defined period in time, representative of the complexities involved in notions of Time.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Muhurta'
Muhurta in Hinduism is a significant time unit, approximately 48 minutes, used to mark auspicious moments for rituals, spiritual practices, and daily activities, reflecting the cyclical nature of time and celestial influences.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to a specific auspicious moment for performing ceremonies, indicated by the interactions of celestial bodies.[2] (2) A unit of time in Vedic texts that divides the day and night into smaller periods, with specific relevance to when study is fit or unfit.[3] (3) A unit of time that consists of thirty 'Kalas'.[4]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A specific unit of time in Hindu tradition, often considered to be around 48 minutes.[5] (2) An ancient unit of time; specifically, it refers to the duration for which recitation interruptions may be sustained post-disturbances.[6]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to specific moments or time periods considered auspicious for rituals.[7]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Units of time within a day, represented by the Lokamprina bricks in the fire-altar construction.[8] (2) A measurement of time in the Hindu system, representing one of the many divisions of a year related to breathing processes.[9] (3) The text describes muhurtas as units of time (approximately 48 minutes) that are significant in the context of ritual practices and the cyclical nature of time.[10]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A measure of time, specifically referring to a period of 48 minutes, often used in spiritual practices.[11] (2) A traditional unit of time measurement in Hindu culture, equating to 48 minutes, used by Brahma for meditation before responding to Narada.[12] (3) A traditional time unit in Hindu philosophy equivalent to 48 minutes, significant for spiritual practices.[13]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) A specific duration of time, often referred to when describing the appropriate duration of bleeding post-venesection.[14]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A time period approximately lasting forty-eight minutes that is usually required for the complete outflow of the Niruha-vasti from the bowels.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A measurement of time equivalent to thirty Kashthas, important in Hindu timekeeping.[16]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A unit of time in Hindu tradition; in this context, it denotes a moment of deep trance or contemplation experienced by the king.[17]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A time unit of 48 minutes used in the context of dividing a day and night into auspicious periods.[18] (2) An auspicious time period chosen for specific activities based on astrological alignments.[19]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A division of time representing a specific duration within a day, equivalent to 2 nalikas.[20]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A specific unit of time in Vedic astrology, commonly understood as approximately 48 minutes, used here to denote a period for spiritual practice.[21]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A defined unit of time (approximately an hour and a half) used to measure periods of desirelessness in the context of yogic practice.[22]
Jain concept of 'Muhurta'
In Jainism, Muhurta is a time measurement of approximately 48 minutes, crucial for understanding day-night durations, the lifespan of beings, concentrations of Karman, and the evolution of Utpala souls within the context of spiritual bondage.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A unit of time referenced in the context of defining the minimum lifespan of the Kumbhika.[23] (2) A unit of time measurement in the text that provides a context for duration related to bondage and life-spans.[24] (3) A unit of time used in the context of measuring the existence or transition duration of Utpala souls.[25] (4) A measure of time that forms the basis for defining day and night durations.[26] (5) A specific unit of time mentioned as a maximum or minimum duration in which beings may exist.[27]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A measure of time that indicates the maximum duration up to which the remaining five kinds of karmas can operate.[28] (2) A unit of time; in this context, it refers to the period within which concentration can be effectively maintained.[29]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A measurement of time used to describe the shortest duration of Karman.[30] (2) A unit of time in Hindu calendrical systems, serving as a measure to denote the duration of the Leshyas.[31]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A unit of time in Hindu astrology, which is referenced in context of significant events in Mahavira's life.[32]
The concept of Muhurta in local and regional sources
Muhurta is a unit of time defined in the Padarthadharmasangraha, crucial for measuring duration, with a consistent relation to other time units, notably 2 nadikas equaling 1 muhurta across Sanskrit texts.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a unit of time, and its relation to other units is given in the text, with 2 nadikas equaling 1 muhurta, and it is defined the same across practically all extant Sanskrit texts.[33] (2) The term 'muhurta' is a unit of time, which other units of time are measured against, and it is less than other units of time.[34] (3) A muhurta is a time unit, mentioned in the Padarthadharmasangraha, without a conversion ratio, used to measure the duration of occurrences.[35]