Significance of Sacred day
The concept of a Sacred day varies across different traditions in South Asia, each emphasizing unique rituals and religious significance. In the context of Kapisha, these days involve offerings and are highlighted by divine manifestations. Vaishnavism identifies Sacred days like Ekadashi, revered for their holiness. Puranic texts outline a range of important rituals on specific days, marked by reverence toward deities. Additionally, Dharmashastra and Theravada emphasize moral conduct on these days, creating a multifaceted view of Sacred days across spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Holy day, Festal day, Observance day, Solemn day, Blessed day
In Dutch: Heilige dag; In Finnish: Pyhä päivä; In Spanish: DÃa sagrado; In German: Heiliger Tag; In Malay: Hari keramat; In Swedish: Helig dag; In French: Jour sacré
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred day'
In Buddhism, the term "Sacred day" signifies specific days designated for religious observance, particularly the full or new moon, emphasizing their importance for monks and various sects throughout Vedic traditions.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks� rules)
(1) Days set aside for religious observance and practices, significant for both monks and various sects in Vedic times.[1]
From: Vinaya (1): The Patimokkha
(1) The sacred day refers to either the full or new moon, specifically the fifteenth day of the half-month.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred day'
In Hinduism, "Sacred day" encompasses holy days designated for rituals and sacrifices, during which activities like sexual intercourse are often prohibited. These days are significant for spiritual observance, honoring deities, and conducting essential religious practices.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Religious or holy days during which the fallen women among the Vahikas disregard traditional restrictions.[3] (2) A parva or occasion during which specific rites and offerings are performed in connection with reciting the Bharata.[4] (3) Days that hold religious significance, where spiritual activities such as recitation and rituals are emphasized.[5] (4) A specific day recognized in the scriptures when rituals, such as Sraddhas, are to be conducted.[6] (5) Particular days that are considered holy, during which specific rituals and rites are performed.[7]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The auspicious day on which the royal installation ceremony for Trishanku's son took place.[8]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Particular days deemed holy and important for conducting rituals, particularly those honoring the Pitris.[9]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) A holy day on which important rituals and sacrifices are meant to take place.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A day recognized for its religious significance, during which specific practices such as Vedic study are encouraged.[11] (2) A day considered holy due to the birth of a child, where traditional impurity rules are altered, allowing for certain activities.[12] (3) Specific days recognized in religious practices during which certain activities, such as sexual intercourse, are forbidden.[13] (4) Days that are particularly holy, on which engaging in sexual activity is strictly prohibited.[14] (5) Specific days, such as the moonless day, the eighth day, the full-moon day, and the fourteenth day, during which intercourse is prohibited.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A day considered holy, exemplified by Ekadashi.[16] (2) The general term referring to the holy days, with ekadashi standing out as the most revered.[17]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A specific day, such as Chaturdashi, when individuals may choose to refrain from causing injury.[18]
The concept of Sacred day in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sacred day" encompasses special religious days marked by rituals, divine light emissions from stupas, acknowledgments from saints' presence, and the significance of offerings, highlighting the balance between celebration and chaos in religious observances.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) An expression marking the significance of the event, where Kabir’s wife acknowledges the presence of saints.[19]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term reflecting the devotional significance of the festival day, underscoring the tension between celebration and disorder.[20]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Special days of religious significance when events or rituals are observed; the stupa is noted to emit divine light on such days.[21] (2) Specific holy days during which offerings are made, reflecting the religious practices of Kapisha.[22]