Significance of Sacrificial altar
In Hinduism, the sacrificial altar serves as a sacred space for offerings to deities, integral to rituals like the Sautramani and Yajnas. Various texts describe it as a physical and spiritual convergence point, often reflecting femininity in its design. Additionally, it represents early architectural practices guided by specific measurements in Vastushastra and Shilpashastra. The altar's role extends into symbolic interpretations, illustrating themes of sacrifice, spirituality, and cultural significance within rituals and ceremonies across diverse Hindu scriptures.
Synonyms: Ritual altar, Shrine, Platform, Sanctuary, Table
In Dutch: Offer altaar; In Finnish: Uhrialttari; In Spanish: Altar de sacrificios; In German: Opferaltar; In Dutch: Offeraltaar
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacrificial altar'
The sacrificial altar in Hinduism is a sacred space designated for offerings to deities, pivotal for various rituals, including marriage rites and Yajnas, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and divine.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Symbolic of the warriors' strength, evoking the image of fire and dedication in battle.[1] (2) The physical location where Vainya performs the horse-sacrifice, signifying a place of religious importance.[2] (3) The sacred site from which Draupadi emerged, symbolizing her divine birth and purity.[3] (4) A metaphor used to describe the beauty and significance of Duryodhana's spouse in her grief.[4] (5) Structures constructed for the purpose of conducting religious sacrifices, important in various spiritual rites.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A designated area where rituals and offerings are made, often involving fire and various deities.[6] (2) A designated place for performing sacred rites and offerings, where the marriage rites were completed.[7] (3) A structure used for making offerings during ceremonies and sacrifices.[8] (4) The platform within the sacrificial hall on which offerings were made to the deities during the Sarpa Yajna.[9] (5) A structure prepared for the offering ceremonies in the Devi Yajna.[10]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The sacred space where Narishyanta attempted to offer gifts to the brahmans, highlighting the importance of ritual in his reign.[11] (2) A focal point in rituals where offerings are made; in this context, it has been forsaken due to transgressions but is eventually reinstated.[12]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The place where Indrajita performed rituals by invoking deities and making offerings.[13]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Places utilized for religious offerings, contributing to the cultural and spiritual atmosphere.[14]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A designated space for performing religious offerings, guided by specific measurements and characteristics in relation to the sacred thread.[15]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A raised structure on which offerings are made during a sacrifice, playing a crucial role in religious ceremonies.[16]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) An altar constructed by Vishvakarman for the purpose of performing the wedding ceremony and various sacrifices.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The structure built for the purpose of performing the sacrifice, designed in the shape of an eagle and containing special pits for various deities.[18]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The structure or location where the sacrificial rituals are performed, which involves the placement of various items like the veda.[19] (2) The platform where rituals and offerings are performed during the sacrificial ceremony.[20] (3) The sacred structure where the sacrifices are performed, meticulously prepared by the Adhvaryu to please the gods.[21] (4) The setting where the sacrifice is performed, requiring careful preparation and recitation of formulas.[22] (5) The structure prepared for conducting the rituals, where offerings such as cooked rice and clarified butter are placed.[23]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A ceremonial place where offerings are made, indicating a setting of respect and reverence in the context of hospitality.[24] (2) The designated space or platform where sacrifices are performed and offerings are made during the sacrificial rites.[25] (3) The designated place where sacrifices are performed, crucial to the context of receiving rewards for charitable acts.[26] (4) A designated place for performing rituals and sacrifices, central to Vedic practices.[27]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A raised structure where sacrifices are performed, integral to various rites.[28]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A ceremonial site where offerings are made, referenced in the context of the mixed seeds as an object for the girl to touch.[29]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The sacred space on which the Sautramani rituals are performed, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine.[30] (2) The platform or base where offerings to the gods are made, which reflects the structure of a woman in its design.[31] (3) The structure on which offerings are made, symbolizing the physical and spiritual convergence during the rites.[32] (4) A sacred space where offerings are made; depicted as a woman surrounded by gods and priests, emphasizing femininity and sanctity.[33]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A specific structure utilized in Vedic sacrifices, often detailed in Sutra literature, that exemplifies early architectural practices.[34] (2) Structures required for rituals, particularly the Soma sacrifice, constructed following established measurements and designs that reflect early architectural practices.[35] (3) A designated space or structure used for performing sacrificial rites and rituals, fundamental in Hindu architectural practices.[36]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The sacrificial altar is equated with the chest of the Vaishvanara Self.[37]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The location designated for performing religious offerings and rituals.[38]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The designated space where the image of the Supreme God is placed for worship.[39]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Structures erected by ancient Teutons at cross-roads for the purpose of sacrificing criminals.[40]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A physical platform where sacrifices are offered during the ceremonial rites, highlighted through the installation of sacred fire.[41]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) A metaphor for women's bodies in the context of Upanishadic texts, symbolizing a sacred space for creation and procreation.[42]
The concept of Sacrificial altar in local and regional sources
The term "Sacrificial altar" signifies a sacred space tied to spiritual experiences, symbolizes deep grief, serves as a site for worship rituals, and reflects societal pressures on the protagonist regarding conformity in marriage and widowhood.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphor highlighting the sacred space associated with the sage Matanga, revealing the spiritual depth of Sabari鈥檚 experiences.[43] (2) A symbolic place in which Bharata鈥檚 grief and desperation culminate towards the end of Rama's exile.[44] (3) A metaphor for the expectant expectations placed on the protagonist to conform to societal norms, particularly regarding marriage and widowhood.[45]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are the structures where the men search every brick, scan, cement, and pulverise every word of their scriptures and are a part of the bold attempts.[46] (2) A method of religious practice in India before Buddhism, used to address religious issues, as mentioned by the speaker.[47]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A designated place where offerings are made to deities, often involving rites and ceremonies in worship.[48]