Significance of Scented water
Scented water holds significant meanings across various cultural and religious contexts. In Buddhism, it symbolizes purity during rituals, while in Jainism, it enhances spiritual practices. South Asian traditions associate it with cleanliness and ritualistic significance. Tibetan Buddhism and Vaishnavism emphasize its use in purification and worship, respectively. Additionally, Purana and Dharmashastra highlight its role in rituals and honoring ceremonies. Overall, scented water represents the intersection of spirituality, purity, and ritual significance across different belief systems, enhancing both ceremonies and personal care.
Synonyms: Fragrant water, Perfumed water, Floral water
In Dutch: Geurwater; In Finnish: Tuoksuvesi; In Spanish: Agua perfumada; In German: Duftwasser; In Swedish: Doftande vatten; In Malay: Air wangi; In French: Eau parfum茅e
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Scented water'
Scented water in Buddhism symbolizes purity and sanctity, used in rituals and ceremonies to enhance reverence, signify care, and reflect cultural significance, representing both divine offerings and the aesthetic beauty of ceremonial practices.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Symbol of purity and offering used by the Bodhisatta in his act of giving, showcasing his generosity.[1] (2) A ceremonial substance that Dittha-mangalika uses, illustrating the practices and cultural significance of cleanliness and rituals.[2] (3) Water used for bathing, indicating the level of care and respect shown to the guest.[3] (4) The water used for bathing Dhammapala, symbolizing the care and love from his mother, queen Canda.[4] (5) Fragrant water used in rituals and ceremonies to enhance the atmosphere of reverence around the bo-tree.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The fragrant water used in the landscaping and decoration around the Buddha鈥檚 private chamber, reflecting the beauty of the donor's offerings.[6] (2) Water used for bathing by the Brahmin鈥檚 wife as part of the ceremonial preparation.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Used by Shyama to bathe a dead man to disguise his identity, reflecting themes of beauty and illusion.[8] (2) A fragrant liquid used to enhance the ambiance of the Lotus Grove, contributing to the overall sensory experience of the setting.[9]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The type of water used in the bathing ceremonies, representing purity and sanctity.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Water that is infused with pleasant aromas, used in the offering rituals to enhance the atmosphere.[11]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Divine liquid offered by the Devas during the purification of Bodhisattva post-birth, symbolizing purity and sanctity.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Scented water'
In Hinduism, scented water symbolizes purity and sanctity, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere during rituals. It is infused with pleasing fragrances for worship, purification, and ceremonial practices, enriching the sensory experience and honoring deities.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Water that has been infused with pleasant aromas, indicating it was prepared for use after taking a bath.[13] (2) Water infused with fragrance, used in the process of worship to enhance the spiritual atmosphere.[14]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Water that has been infused with pleasant fragrances, mentioned in the context of decoration.[15]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Water infused with aromatic substances, used in rites and rituals as an act of reverence.[16]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Water that has been infused with fragrance, specifically through the addition of aguru.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Water treated with fragrant perfumes, brought for the king's ablutions, representing care and ritual cleanliness.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Water that has been infused with pleasant fragrances, used to bathe the rosary for purification.[19]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Water infused with fragrances used in worship to enhance the sensory experience of the ritual.[20]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Water that is offered to Vishnu mixed with the essence of Tulsi leaves, associated with liberation from future births.[21]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) Water that is used to sprinkle the cows after the cow-sacrifice, as part of a purification or honoring ritual.[22]
Jain concept of 'Scented water'
In Jainism, scented water symbolizes both ritual enhancement, used during Siddhartha's spiritual practices, and a respectful element for post-death bathing, showcasing its importance in enhancing spirituality and honoring the departed.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Water that Goshala requests to bathe his body after death, indicative of respect and ritual significance.[23]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) Water blessed with fragrances utilized in rituals to enhance the atmosphere and uplift spiritual practices during Siddhartha's preparations.[24]
The concept of Scented water in local and regional sources
Scented water symbolizes romantic gestures towards Tara, reflects themes of treachery through poisoned water, denotes ritualistic cleansing before sacred practices, and marks a child's initiation in the Vidyarambha Samskara ceremony.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Water that was poisoned in a plot to harm the Prince, highlighting themes of treachery.[25]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Water that is used to wash hands before handling the skull-bone, indicating a ritualistic practice.[26]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Signifies attempts at romantic gestures aimed at awakening Tara's affections.[27]