Significance of Fire-sacrifice
Synonyms: Agni, Yajna, Homa, Sacrificial fire, Ritual fire, Offering, Immolation, Ceremonial fire
In Dutch: Vuuroffer; In Finnish: Tuli-uhri; In Spanish: Sacrificio de fuego; In German: Feueropfer; In Malay: Pengorbanan api
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fire-sacrifice'
Fire-sacrifice in Buddhism signifies a traditional ritual practice, initially emblematic of Vedic tradition, later deemed ineffective in achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death, leading figures like Uruvela-Kassapa to seek deeper spiritual truths.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A central ritual offering in Vedic tradition, regarded here as the chief of sacrifices, indicating its significance in ascetic and spiritual practice.[1] (2) A ritual that Padumavati planned to conduct after joining Brahmadatta, representing her royal duties.[2] (3) A traditional ritual that Uruvilva-Kashyapa reflects on, which he ultimately abandoned in pursuit of deeper spiritual truths taught by the Buddha.[3]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A traditional ritual practice which Uruvela-Kassapa abandoned after his understanding of its futility.[4]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) An important offering or ritual in various religious traditions; in this context, considered the chief among offerings.[5]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A traditional ritual practice that was ultimately found to be ineffective in breaking the cycle of birth and death, highlighted in Buddha's teachings.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Fire-sacrifice'
In Hinduism, Fire-sacrifice is a vital Vedic ritual involving offerings to deities through sacred fire, integral to worship and symbolizing devotion, connection with the divine, and adherence to ceremonial traditions by practitioners and sages alike.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Rituals involving offerings made to deities through fire, an important aspect of Vedic tradition.[7] (2) Rituals that involve making offerings into a sacred fire as part of sacrificial ceremonies.[8] (3) The ritual performed by Brahma that gave rise to Lord Hayagriva.[9] (4) A ritual performance initiated by Sanatana Mishra involving ceremonial offerings.[10] (5) Found in the context of violent activities and worship practices ...[11]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Ritual offerings made to deities, performed as a central act in many Vedic practices.[12] (2) Ceremonial offerings made to deities wherein items are sacrificed through fire, often part of Vedic rituals.[13] (3) The ceremonial act during which the Lord, Shri Yajneshvara, appears and disappears, leading to feelings of both happiness and unhappiness among his devotees.[14] (4) A ritual performed during the grand festivals in Maharloka that is aimed at pleasing the Lord, Bhagavan Yajneshvara.[15] (5) Rituals performed as acts of devotion to honor Lord Bhagavan, particularly by brahmanas.[16]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A Vedic ritual conducted by Vishvamitra Rishi for the benefit of humanity.[17]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Rituals performed according to the rules of the Vedas, which are subject to conditions of place and time, in contrast to nama-bhajana.[18]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A religious rite associated with the offerings to deities, performed by the great sage and the princes in the Siddha-ashrama.[19] (2) A ritual involving offerings made to deities, observed by the brothers.[20] (3) An important ritual practice mentioned in the text that Vishravas, the son of Paulastya, was engaged in during Kaikasi's visit.[21] (4) A traditional ritual practice that is significant in the spiritual traditions mentioned in the text, concerning well-being and auspiciousness.[22] (5) A significant ritual in which offerings are made into the fire, believed to be a means of worshipping God.[23]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) A ritual performed by the brahmana Madhava, involving the offering of a goat, which unexpectedly led to a philosophical inquiry by the goat about the nature of sacrifice.[24] (2) Ritualistic offerings to the demigods, which Devashyama was well-versed in but did not bring him inner peace.[25] (3) Extensive rituals performed by King Janashruti, characterized by their grandeur, which produced smoke that reached the heavenly gardens.[26]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Agni-hotra, a ritual offering into fire, representing a crucial spiritual practice in Hindu tradition meant to please deities and bring about purification.[27]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A ritual performed during eclipses at sacred sites, believed to carry immense religious merit.[28]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Rituals involving offerings made to the sacred fire, which are suggested as necessary practices for individuals devoted to their family and performance of rites.[29] (2) Sacrificial rites conducted in relation to the Three Fires, significant in Vedic traditions and performed for various purposes including prosperity.[30] (3) Rituals pertaining to offerings made into fire, except the 'Brahmayajna' and 'Pitriyajna', which are excluded from the evening rites.[31]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A ceremonial act that involves offerings made to fire, which is significant in Vedic rituals and is mentioned as a context for the practices described.[32]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Fire sacrifice refers to the overall sacrificial rite performed in front of a sacred fire, invoking various deities through oblations.[33]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The ritual of making offerings into the fire, which is an essential component of the sacrificial process.[34]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A ritual performed to honor the divine and seek blessings for spiritual advancement.[35] (2) A ritual involving offerings made to fire, an essential practice in Hindu ritualistic traditions.[36]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A ritual believed to lead to heaven; Naciketas asks Yama for knowledge regarding this sacrifice to attain immortality.[37]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A ritual that leads to Heaven, as referenced in the passage where Naciketas asks Yama to explain it.[38]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The act performed by Muktaphaladhvaja in order to return to his former Vidyadhara body to reunite with Padmavati.[39]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A ritual involving offerings to the fire, intended to appease deities.[40]
The concept of Fire-sacrifice in local and regional sources
Fire-sacrifice involves rituals by Vedic tribes that utilize fire to conduct offerings, primarily using surplus products from animal husbandry. This practice highlights the significance of fire in their religious and cultural traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Rituals conducted by Vedic tribes utilizing fire, primarily with the excess products from their animal husbandry.[41]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This was the act proposed by the master, and it involved drawing the rugs in the parlour up in a heap, and Joe opposed this idea.[42]