Significance of Atiratra
Atiratra, according to Purana, denotes the extensive sacrifices performed a thousand times by King Yayati. In Dharmashastra, Atiratra encompasses various aspects such as a complex sacrifice with unique restrictions, a Vedic ritual involving food mixed with honey for rewards, and an extended sacrifice offering continuous offerings over several days for spiritual gain. Additionally, it may refer to an alternative sacrifice considered the first by some teachers, and it includes chanting twenty-nine Stomabbagas as part of its ceremony.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Atiratra'
Atiratra in Hinduism symbolizes an elaborate Vedic sacrifice featuring unique rituals, extended offerings, and extensive participation, particularly by King Yayati. It involves specific ceremonies, including chanting, and aims to yield spiritual rewards, particularly through honey-mixed offerings.
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Rituals or ceremonies performed throughout the year; the text compares different types and quantities involved.[1] (2) A specific type of sacrificial ritual performed at night, highlighted in the text with respect to uniformity in its performance over the year.[2] (3) A type of sacrifice associated with Sarasvati, marking distinctions in the types of rituals and their corresponding deities.[3] (4) Atiratra is a ceremonial practice on the last day of the Ashvamedha, involving all Stomas with the intention of obtaining and securing everything.[4] (5) The last day's sacrifice characterized by the incorporation of all Stomas, aimed to ensure completeness and abundance.[5]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A specific type of sacrifice that follows a certain procedure as stated in the text.[6] (2) An alternative sacrifice prescribed by some teachers, which may be regarded as the first sacrifice.[7] (3) A Vedic ceremony that includes chanting twenty-nine Stomabbagas.[8] (4) A type of extended Vedic sacrifice involving continuous offerings over several days, aimed at gaining maximum spiritual benefit.[9] (5) A type of elaborate sacrifice that involves unique restrictions on actions during the ritual.[10]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A specific Vedic sacrifice associated with food mixed with honey, yielding rewards for the host.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Sacrifices performed a thousand times by King Yayati, highlighting his extensive participation in religious rituals.[12]