Significance of clarified butter
Clarified butter, or ghee, holds significant importance in various cultural and religious practices, especially in Hinduism. It symbolizes purity and is a key offering material used in sacrificial rites, representing nourishment for deities. Described as a powerful element akin to a thunderbolt, ghee plays a vital role in rituals where it is used in oblations to the fire. Additionally, clarified butter is recognized in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments across different ailments.
Synonyms: Purified butter
In Dutch: Geklaarde boter; In Finnish: Kirkastettua voita; In Spanish: Mantequilla clarificada; In German: Geklärte Butter; In Swedish: Klarnat smör; In Malay: Mentega yang telah dijelaskan; In French: Beurre clarifié
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'clarified butter'
In Buddhism, clarified butter symbolizes purity and knowledge, representing the dharma-flower and nirvana. It serves as an offering in rituals, illustrating the connection between the universal and individual significance in spiritual practices.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A specific example mentioned in relation to the Universal and the Individual, highlighting that the word associated with it conveys the Universal but does not adequately signify the particular Individual.[1] (2) A type of butter that has been purified and clarified, commonly referred to as 'ajya' in the text.[2] (3) Clarified butter is a substance mentioned in the text, categorized alongside oil and water, indicating a type of material that may be used in the context of knowledge.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A food item prepared and used in the offerings mentioned in the context of the bodhimanda rituals.[4] (2) Symbolizes the dharma-flower/nirvana period; described as having a wonderful flavor akin to the Lotus Sutra.[5]
Hindu concept of 'clarified butter'
In Hinduism, clarified butter (ghee) symbolizes purity and is essential in sacrificial rites, therapeutic practices, and as a nourishing offering to deities, reflecting both spiritual significance and health benefits.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A substance poured over baked lajas to enhance the offering during rituals.[6] (2) A sacred offering made during the sacrificial rites, mentioned in relation to the oblation to Agni.[7] (3) A substance offered in oblations, often used in Vedic rituals to honor the fire and deities.[8] (4) A component mentioned that the Hotras should delight in during the offerings.[9] (5) An essential offering in sacrificial rites, typically invoked for blessings in the fire.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A dairy product that is purified from milk solids and water, mentioned in the context of maintaining purity while stored.[11] (2) A type of ghee used in rituals, mentioned as part of the requirements for purification through penance.[12] (3) A substance used in religious offerings, traditionally examined by the wife before use in sacrifices.[13] (4) An offering used in the context of atonement for involuntary emissions caused by various circumstances.[14] (5) The substance metaphorically used to explain the relationship between a gift and the recipient, where the 'patra' holds value similar to a vessel that holds clarified butter.[15]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A substance used in rituals, symbolizing purity and sustenance for the manes.[16] (2) A type of food used in sacrificial offerings that must be included in the person's diet as per their vow.[17] (3) A sacred substance offered during rituals that symbolizes purity.[18] (4) A specific offering material used in rituals, indicating purity and the essence of sustenance within sacred practices.[19] (5) A key offering in the ritual practice that is used in the fire ceremony as part of the oblations.[20]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A sacrificial offering used in the rituals described, which is offered with specific recitations.[21] (2) A substance offered in oblations as part of a penance ritual intended to purify an offender's actions.[22] (3) A type of fat used in rituals and offerings, especially significant in the penance for the murder of a Brahmana.[23] (4) A substance consumed during rituals or penance as a means of purification after consuming impure substances.[24] (5) A ghee used in Hindu rituals and offerings, known as 'ghee', often associated with purity and sacredness.[25]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A type of fat that may be used after specific handling to ensure its purity.[26] (2) A type of food that may allow for the continuation of study if consumed after an incident of vomiting.[27] (3) A preferred type of fat to be used in the mixing of food during the Shraddha ceremony.[28]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A type of ghee used in Hindu rituals and offerings, which must be consumed or offered during certain penances.[29] (2) A pure form of butter used in numerous rituals and as an offering in Vedic practices.[30]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A significant food item used in preparing offerings, mixed with food to create oblations.[31] (2) A substance mixed with offerings during sacrifices, known as Ajya.[32]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A food item given to the child during the production of intelligence ritual.[33]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A substance used by the wife to smear the axle of the chariot during a ritual.[34]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A form of butter that is used in rituals, particularly in the process of pouring into curds.[35]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A commonly used accompaniment for medicines that may enhance their efficacy.[36] (2) A fat used both in the preparation and consumption of the remedy, suggesting its role in enhancing nutritional value and palatability.[37] (3) A substance with which the medicine, prepared from the black powder and other ingredients, is to be taken, enhancing its efficacy.[38] (4) A substance used to take the medicine, known for its digestive properties.[39] (5) A component used in the ingestion of the pills, known for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicinal practices.[40]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A form of fat used in the preparation process, measured equally with other ingredients.[41] (2) A form of butter that has had the water and milk solids removed, commonly used in cooking and health remedies.[42] (3) Butter that has been purified by removing water and milk solids, used here in the process involving incinerated iron.[43] (4) A substance that serves as a rasayana when consumed with incinerated gold, enhancing vitality.[44] (5) An ingredient used in the second purification process of jaya, which enhances the purification method.[45]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A type of fat used in Ayurvedic medicine, noted for its cooling properties and effect in pacifying heat sensations when applied to the body.[46] (2) An item indicated as harmful to individuals suffering from worms, emphasizing dietary restrictions.[47] (3) A form of cooking fat used in traditional medicine and food that plays a role in various treatments.[48] (4) A substance often recommended in remedies for heart disease, believed to provide healing properties when combined with other ingredients.[49] (5) A key ingredient used in remedies to alleviate the malevolent effects of excessive wine consumption.[50]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) An ingredient used in the repetition of bhavanas with makshika to influence the resulting essence's properties.[51] (2) Ghee, also known as clarified butter, mixed with milk to prepare for the purification of Gandhaka.[52] (3) Also known as ghee, it is used in another process of nectarisation to enhance the efficacy of incinerated mica.[53] (4) Another dietary element suggested for those using haritala, which adds richness and is often used in traditional cooking.[54] (5) A substance that a patient should take prior to shilajatu to prepare their system for its effects.[55]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) A substance mentioned multiple times in processes to assist in the treatment of mercury.[56] (2) A traditional offering ingredient used in sacrificial rites, symbolizing purity and richness in the ritual.[57] (3) A component used in the preparation of a mixture with purified sulphur for health purposes.[58] (4) A type of butter used as an offering in the sacrificial fire ritual.[59]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A sacred offering in sacrifices, indicating the importance of purity and devotion in spiritual practices.[60] (2) A sacred substance used in rituals and offerings during sacrifices, which is poured into the sacrificial fire.[61] (3) Symbolizes something valuable yet unworthy, likening Krishna's acceptance of worship to a dog indulging in something not fitting.[62] (4) A sacred substance used as an offering in the sacrificial fire, symbolizing purity and devotion.[63] (5) A form of butter that has been purified and is often used in sacrificial offerings.[64]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A sacred substance offered in bowls during religious rites, particularly in the month of Shravana.[65] (2) A key offering in rituals, used in libations to achieve results such as bringing women under one's control.[66] (3) A cooking fat that, when ingested or used in plasters, helps relieve pain in female reproductive organs.[67] (4) A type of ghee used in rituals and offerings, signifying purity and used for libations in the sacrificial fire.[68] (5) A purified form of butter used in auspicious offerings burned in sacrificial fire.[69]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Refers to ghee, used here metaphorically to highlight vulnerability.[70] (2) A substance used in sacrificial rituals, metaphorically used to describe the intensity and fervor with which Aksha leaps into action.[71] (3) An offering poured into the sacred fire, symbolizing devotion and purification in rituals.[72] (4) An important element of the offering poured into the sacred fire.[73]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A dairy product prepared by the milk-maids, indicating the village's dairy-centered culture.[74] (2) A type of ghee often used in spiritual offerings and rituals, considered pure and auspicious.[75] (3) A substance used in the nurturing of the embryos, highlighting cultural significance in rituals of birth and nourishment.[76] (4) A sacred food offering in the rituals, often given to Brahmanas, signifying purity and benevolence.[77]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A sacred substance used in Vedic rituals, especially in oblations to the Devas.[78] (2) A key sacrificial offering in Hindu rituals that is often poured into the fire as a form of devotion to the deities.[79]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) An essential offering in Hindu rituals, often used during sacrificial ceremonies to please deities.[80] (2) A food item that satisfies the pitris for one month and is a key offering in the shraddha ceremony.[81]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A food substance that is part of the offerings made to ancestors, appreciated for its purity and importance.[82]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A substance suggested for rubbing or anointing the child’s body as part of treatment measures.[83] (2) A medicinal preparation used in the treatment of various diseases including cases of Murccha.[84] (3) An important ingredient used in numerous remedies for its healing properties in asthma treatment.[85] (4) A type of butter that is used in various therapeutic applications, including being cooked with herbs and administered internally.[86] (5) A semi-solid fat used in Ayurveda, often used in eye treatments when combined with herbal ingredients for healing purposes.[87]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) Pure butterfat used in treatments, known for its emollient properties.[88] (2) Ghee, the best of animal Snehas, highly valued for its health benefits.[89] (3) A dietary ingredient regularly used in various treatments and recommended in several preparations for Vata-Rakta patients.[90] (4) A type of fat used in many recipes and remedies, noted for its nourishing and healing qualities in traditional medicine.[91] (5) A commonly used base in Ayurvedic treatments, often referred to as Ghrita, to help enhance the efficacy of medications.[92]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A culinary fat used in Ayurvedic medicine, noted for its therapeutic properties in treating wounds.[93] (2) A dairy product that is considered to be wholesome and beneficial for human health.[94] (3) Butter that has been purified and is recognized for its cooling effects and nutritional benefits.[95] (4) A type of ghee used as a vehicle in medicinal preparations to enhance the efficacy of the ingredients.[96] (5) A medicinal substance used in various treatments, including application over burns and in emetics.[97]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 5: Kalpasthana
(1) A type of fat used in various preparations, often considered to have medicinal properties in Ayurvedic treatments.[98]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) A type of fat used in the dietary regimen of both mother and child, noted for its nutritional benefits.[99]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A component of offerings poured over food during a ritual, ensuring its sanctity for gods and fathers.[100] (2) An essential offering ingredient in Vedic rituals, often used alongside other items in the sacrifice.[101] (3) Ghee used in the preparation of offerings, symbolizing purity and nourishment in the sacrificial context.[102] (4) An offering poured during the ritual that is taken without announcement to a specific deity, thus treated with a more generalized invocation.[103] (5) Used in the offering to the fire, symbolizing the gratifications and connection to the gods.[104]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A fatty substance similar to oil, which is considered a more appropriate alternative than curds or milk when oil is prohibited.[105] (2) A substance that is specifically noted for its role in manifesting the smell of Kunkuma when in contact with it.[106] (3) A type of fat known for its clarity and lustre, referred to as significant in understanding the mixing process with sugar.[107] (4) A specific type of fat associated with purity and brightness, serving as a reference to clarify the meaning in the context.[108] (5) A substance referred to as ghrita in the text, which can also be described in both minimal and extensive quantities.[109]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A dairy product produced from milk, required as a fixed amount in several systems of herd management.[110] (2) A form of butter that has had its milk solids and water removed, commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine.[111]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) An offering made by the initiate to the sacred fire during the ceremony, symbolizing purity and devotion.[112]
The concept of clarified butter in local and regional sources
Clarified butter is used in traditional practices, particularly in conjunction with mercury and other ingredients for body preparation, and is noted for its age-stabilizing properties in formulations discussed in the Sushrutasamhita.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is one of the substances used in conjunction with mercury and other ingredients for preparing the body, as described in the provided text.[113] (2) This substance is mentioned as having properties related to stabilizing age and is used in various formulations, as described in the Sushrutasamhita.[114]