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Significance of Stotra

Stotra, in various Hindu traditions, refers to hymns or chants recited during rituals and worship to express devotion and reverence towards deities. It encompasses a wide array of literary texts, praising different divine attributes and seeking blessings. In Vaishnavism, Stotra is highlighted as a devotion-focused form shared with the gopis, while Purana literature emphasizes hymns written for numerous deities, including Ganga and Devi Surabhi. Overall, Stotra serves a significant role in spiritual practices, reinforcing connections between worshippers and the divine.

Synonyms: Hymn, Chant, Prayer, Invocation, Mantra, Psalm

In Dutch: Stotra; In German: Stotra; In Finnish: Stotra; In Spanish: Estora

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Stotra'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Stotra signifies hymns of praise crafted by Rahulabhadra, which enhanced his renown in the Madhyamika tradition, highlighting the significance of devotional expressions in Buddhist practices.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Hymns of praise that were composed by Rahulabhadra, contributing to his fame within the Madhyamika tradition.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Stotra'

Hinduism Books

Stotra in Hinduism embodies various forms of hymns and chants, serving as expressions of devotion and praise to deities. It encompasses literary texts, ritual recitations, and devotional praises, enhancing spiritual practices and seeking divine blessings.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) A hymn or poetic composition in praise of the Devi Shashthi, expressing devotion and seeking blessings.[2] (2) Stotra refers to the hymns or praises recited to honor the Devi Surabhi, believed to bring spiritual and material benefits.[3] (3) Hymns or praises to Ganga that are to be recited during worship to gain spiritual merit.[4] (4) Various hymns of praise sung by the Devas to the Devi to seek her help against their adversaries.[5] (5) A hymn or sacred chant dedicated to deities, often recited for blessings and protection.[6]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) A hymn or ceremonial chant; specified as trivrit, indicating a particular form or structure.[7] (2) Chanting or hymn recitation performed during the rituals.[8] (3) A chant that is to be performed at the same stage as the recitation of the Shastra.[9]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The Stotra, along with the other members of the sacrifice, serves as the foundation for the meditations, and all are explained within the three Vedas.[10] (2) This is an example of an abode of the meditations, and it is combined for the performance of the sacrifice.[11]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A form of literary text containing hymns, provided to the gopis for devotion.[12]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) Chants or hymns recited during the sacrificial rites, important for the ceremonial process.[13]

The concept of Stotra in local and regional sources

History Books

Stotra pertains to devotional hymns, such as those by Ramaraya, that express deep reverence for deities like Lord Hayagriva, consisting of verses crafted for worship and spiritual devotion.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Devotional hymns composed by Ramaraya, addressing various deities and demonstrating his deep devotion, especially to Lord Hayagriva.[14] (2) A devotional hymn or poem in praise of a deity, consisting of verses meant for worship.[15]

Plural form: Stotras.