Significance of Burnt-oblation
Burnt-oblation, as defined in Dharmashastra, refers to ritual offerings made by burning various substances, typically conducted during Vedic ceremonies for worship and atonement. These offerings are made with specific recitations after bathing, emphasizing cleanliness and reverence to deities. The process may include burning sacred fuels or portions of cooked food, and is often involved in rites aimed at appeasing gods or addressing serious offenses. Burnt-oblation highlights the significance of sacrifice, purification, and devotion in Hindu rituals.
Synonyms: Sacrificial offering, Burnt sacrifice, Holocaust, Offering, Dedication, Burnt offering
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Burnt-oblation'
Burnt-oblation in Hinduism involves ritualistic offerings made by burning materials to deities as a form of worship. It plays a crucial role in Vedic rituals, signifying reverence, purification, and atonement for transgressions.
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Ritual offerings made by burning substances, which may include offerings to atone for giving false evidence.[1] (2) An offering made by burning substances as a form of worship or devotion.[2] (3) These are offerings made by burning substances like grain or ghee, considered essential in various rituals to achieve success.[3] (4) Sacrificial offerings that are burned as part of the atonement process for minor offences.[4] (5) Sacrificial offerings made by burning, directed towards various deities.[5]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Sacrificial offerings that are burnt as part of a ritual ceremony, believed to bring benefits to the person performing the rites.[6] (2) A ritual offering made by burning, specifically mentioned as being comprised of one thousand pieces of sacred fuel.[7] (3) Offering of sacrifices that involve burning items as a form of worship.[8] (4) Ritual offerings made to deities by burning items as a form of worship.[9] (5) A type of sacrifice offered in respect to Gurus, aged persons, or guests.[10]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Sacrificial offerings which, when combined with prayers, enhance spiritual effectiveness.[11] (2) A ritualistic offering in which materials are burned as a form of sacrifice or purification.[12] (3) Ritual offerings made by burning substances, often done as part of Vedic ceremonies and sacrifices.[13] (4) Offerings made as part of rituals, especially in the context of atoning for serious offenses like the killing of a learned Brahmana.[14]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to offerings that are burned during rituals, often including rice mixed with other substances, as part of the sacrificial process.[15] (2) Refers to offerings made during a ritual after the person has bathed, highlighting the importance of cleanliness in sacrificial acts.[16]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Ritual offerings made by burning substances, often accompanied by recitations intended to honor deities or seek forgiveness.[17] (2) Ritual offerings made by burning materials, signifying reverence and a request for cleansing.[18]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Nirriti holds onto the sacrifice of one whose oblation has been burnt, indicating the importance of intact offerings.[19]