Significance of Soma sacrifice
Soma sacrifice is a significant Vedic ritual in Hinduism that involves the offering and consumption of Soma, a sacred plant believed to confer divine blessings, immortality, and spiritual enlightenment. Participants in this ritual engage in the pressing of the Soma plant, accompanied by offerings such as cakes, which are integral to the ceremonies. This essential sacrifice is aimed at connecting practitioners with the divine and achieving spiritual elevation, reflecting its profound importance within Vedic traditions and sacrificial frameworks.
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Hindu concept of 'Soma sacrifice'
Soma sacrifice in Hinduism symbolizes a significant Vedic ritual involving the offering of the Soma plant and its beverage, performed during specific lunar phases to honor deities, foster spiritual communion, and convey divine blessings.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A type of ritual sacrifice involving the preparation and offering of soma, a sacred plant.[1] (2) A significant ritual involving the offering of Soma, with restrictions on cooking or giving away anything unrelated.[2] (3) A specific type of Vedic sacrifice that involves the ritualistic offering of the soma plant, characterized by distinct procedures and placement within the Agnidhra-chamber.[3] (4) A specific type of ritual sacrifice that should be performed after certain preliminary rituals, including New-moon and Full-moon sacrifices.[4] (5) A specific type of sacrifice for which Devasu oblations should be offered if performed by a king or one fit to reign.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A rite involving sixteen priests of which the chief ones are entitled to the largest share of the total fee.[6] (2) A specific type of Vedic sacrifice that involves the preparation and offering of the soma drink, associated with divine blessings.[7] (3) A specific ritual practice significant in certain religious traditions, mentioned as a task not properly executed by some individuals.[8] (4) A compulsory act prescribed by Shruti to be performed daily by those who have enough wealth, often associated with the offering of Soma juice.[9] (5) A compulsory act that is to be performed daily by individuals who possess sufficient wealth to support their dependants.[10]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Ritualistic sacrifices that conclude after performing the prescribed rites.[11] (2) A ritual offering related to the soma, involving specific duties or sacrifices performed during sacrificial ceremonies.[12] (3) Rituals performed for the sake of purifying oneself from sins.[13] (4) An important ritual or ceremony in Vedic tradition, the performance of which denotes higher spiritual status.[14]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A specific type of sacrifice involving the ritual use of the Soma plant, regarded as a divine offering.[15] (2) Ritual offerings made in honor of the deities using the Soma plant, associated with immortality and divine blessings.[16] (3) A specific type of sacrificial rite involving the offering of Soma.[17] (4) Ritual sacrifices that involve the offering of Soma, a sacred intoxicating drink, to the gods.[18]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Annual rituals involving offerings to the gods which are performed by a Brahmana, forming part of the larger sacrificial obligations.[19] (2) A specific type of sacrifice that a wealthy householder should participate in without abstaining, underscoring responsibilities linked to wealth.[20]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A religious ceremony for which the diksha or inauguration should be observed.[21] (2) A particular type of ritual sacrifice which, if multiple instances are performed in a year, involves specific rules for officiating priests.[22]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific type of Vedic ritual that involves the offering of Soma, a sacred drink, usually performed multiple times a year.[23] (2) Soma sacrifices are a specific type of sacrificial practice mentioned in the text, indicative of the intricate rituals surrounding the Soma plant in Vedic traditions.[24]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A particular type of sacrificial ritual involving the use of soma, a sacred drink, performed in certain sacred rites.[25]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Ritual offerings involving Soma, a deity and intoxicating drink in Vedic tradition, signifying spiritual and communal connections.[26]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of ritual sacrifice involving the offering of the Soma plant, significant in Vedic rituals.[27]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) A principal act in sacrifices that involves the offering of Soma, which determines the subsequent acts performed, including the Samnayya.[28]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A significant ritual that involves offerings and libations to the deities, particularly associated with Agni, the fire.[29] (2) A ritual sacrifice associated with the gaining of truth, involving a formula that ensures its success.[30] (3) A type of offering that involves the pressing of the Soma plant, prominent in Vedic rituals.[31] (4) A specific ritual that must be performed, particularly during key lunar phases, to avoid having to restart the Seasonal offerings.[32] (5) A significant form of ritual offering which ties to Vac, related to speech and sacred writ, in its exhaustibility after the performance.[33]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Rituals performed by the Rishis that involve offerings to the moon god, symbolizing spiritual communion.[34] (2) Refers to various sacrificial rituals designed to honor and utilize the powers of the different fires, illustrating the interconnectedness of ritual and elemental forces.[35] (3) Ritual sacrifices involving the offering of the Soma plant, believed to confer spiritual and physical benefits.[36] (4) A significant Vedic ritual involving the consumption and offering of a medicinal and divine drink, known for its spiritual and physical benefits.[37] (5) A significant ritual that involves the offering of Soma, a sacred drink, believed to confer great benefits.[38]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A Vedic ritual involving the offering of Soma, a sacred plant.[39]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A specific type of ritual involving offerings made to the deity Soma, spanning multiple days as part of the ceremony.[40]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Rituals performed over a series of days involving offerings related to the Soma deity, which can include both physical and mental elements.[41]
The concept of Soma sacrifice in local and regional sources
The Soma sacrifice is a Vedic ritual involving seven priests, symbolized by the term dhishn(i)ya, with six fireplaces arranged in a row, highlighting its structured ceremonial significance and collaborative priestly roles.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a Vedic ritual where the word dhishn(i)ya denotes the fireplaces of seven priests officiating, with six built in a row in the sitting hall.[42]