Significance of Sacrificial priest
In Hinduism, the sacrificial priest holds a vital role across various texts and traditions, responsible for officiating rituals and conducting sacrifices. They invoke divine blessings and ensure the proper completion of ceremonies, including offerings made to deities. This role includes different categories of priests such as Hotras, Adhvaryus, and Brahmanas, each tasked with specific functions during sacrificial rites. The sacrificial priest is integral to spiritual practices, emphasizing the connection between religious duty and the attainment of spiritual benefits.
Synonyms: Cleric, Offering priest, Religious sacrificer
In Dutch: Offerpriester; In Finnish: Uhripappi; In Spanish: Sacerdote sacrificial; In German: Opferpriester
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 priest'
In Hinduism, "Sacrificial priest" encompasses individuals, primarily Brahmanas, responsible for conducting and overseeing various rituals and sacrifices, vital for honoring deities, adhering to scriptural guidelines, and ensuring divine favor during Yajnas.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the Sadasyas who performed the rituals and ceremonies, crucial to the execution of the Rajasuya sacrifice.[1] (2) Exalted Brahmanas appointed for the purpose of conducting the rituals and ceremonies associated with the Rajasuya sacrifice.[2] (3) Brahmanas who assist in the performance of sacrifices, often fatigued by their tasks, as shown in the narrative involving king Svetaki.[3] (4) The sixteen learned individuals who carried out the remaining rituals of the horse's sacrifice.[4] (5) A role attributed to Hrishikesa (Krishna), indicating his functions in religious ceremonies and rites.[5]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The seven distinct elements, including the nose, eye, tongue, skin, ear, mind, and understanding, each with their own nature and function.[6] (2) The ten sacrificial priests, including the ear, tongue, nose, two feet, two hands, speech, genital organ, and anus, as mentioned in the Brahmana's description.[7] (3) The five entities described in the text, namely Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana, and Vyana, that represent the different aspects of life-winds in living creatures.[8]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The holy figures invited to conduct rituals, indicating the spiritual environment surrounding Lavana's sacrifices.[9]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Brahmins appointed to perform sacrifices at the request of Narishyanta, signifying their role in mediating between the king and the divine.[10]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The sixteen eminent priests created by the Lord, who perform sacrifices and are integral to Vedic rituals.[11]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Individuals who assist the preceptor in performing religious rites and ceremonies.[12]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The role of the Muni tasked with conducting the sacrificial rituals, in this case, the Muni Uttanka during the Sarpa Yajna.[13]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Brahmans who assist in the sacrificial ceremonies and their presence is believed to gratify the rites properly.[14] (2) The sacrificial priest is responsible for performing the rituals and offerings during a sacrifice, ensuring that the duties are faithfully completed.[15] (3) The officiants in the ritual who play a role in the sacrificial offerings, including the Hotras, who are integral to the proceedings.[16] (4) The individual officiating the ritual, whose role is crucial in invoking blessings and performing offerings.[17] (5) The great priests who play an essential role in the sacrifices, receiving offerings and ensuring the completion of the rituals.[18]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The priests who perform the rituals necessary in the context of Dharma and virtue, emphasizing their importance.[19] (2) Priests appointed to conduct sacrificial offerings, ensuring adherence to legal and ritualistic standards during these ceremonies.[20] (3) Individuals who have been initiated into performing sacrifices and thus maintain purity in their roles.[21] (4) Brahmanas who officiate and conduct various rituals associated with sacrifices in Hinduism.[22]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Religious figures who perform rituals and offer blessings, important for ensuring divine favor and guidance.[23] (2) A religious figure responsible for conducting sacrifices, entitled to receive a specific annual amount as remuneration.[24]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The yajamanas who offer sacrifices with heartfelt benedictions, receiving boons in return.[25]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Individuals who perform rituals and sacrifices, symbolizing spiritual status and religious practice.[26]
The concept of Sacrificial priest in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Sacrificial priest" pertains to Agni's dual role—acting as an agent (duta) and a priest (Hotr) in sacrificial rituals, highlighting the significance of Agni in regional spiritual practices and offerings.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Agni serves as a duta and a sacrificial priest, viz., Hotr.[27]