Hindu Ritual Research Articles

The Symbolic Meaning of the Banyan Plant in Hindu Rituals

The Symbolic Meaning of the Banyan Plant in Hindu Rituals

Uncovering Right-Wing Digital Enclaves and Reactionary Politics: A Feminist Multi-Method Examination of a Transplatform Campaign

ABSTRACT In October 2021, an advertisement for a fairness cream by the Indian company Dabur ignited a fierce controversy, unveiling deeply ingrained ideologies of lesbophobia, misogyny, colorism, casteism, and Hindu victimhood. The ad, featuring a lesbian couple performing the Hindu ritual of Karwa Chauth after using the skin whitening cream, sparked criticism for its attempt to integrate same-sex couples into mainstream Hindu society through skin tone modification and heteronormative religious rituals. This paper highlights a critical feminist approach to the use of data analytics tools. The data we examined closely in this manner helped us uncover transplatform strategies employed in the production of homophilous affective right-wing digital enclaves. The data from Twitter provided us an entry point. This work reveals a transplatform campaign supporting right-wing reactionary politics, uncovering networks spreading misogyny, lesbophobia, casteism, colorism, and a sense of Hindu victimhood.

All That Glitters May Not Be Gold: Tanishq AD Controversy

Advertisements creating controversies and resulting in brands being subjected to intense criticism is not uncommon in the age of social media. India’s largest jewelry retail brand, Tanishq, too became a victim of one such controversy in 2020. On October 9, 2020, Tanishq, a division of the Titan Company and a part of Tata group, released an advertisement to promote its new line of jewelry collection called ‘Ekatvam’. The advertisement highlighted inter-faith marriage and showed how a loving Muslim mother-in-law respected the sentiments of her pregnant daughter-in-law’s Hindu faith by arranging for her baby shower according to Hindu rituals. Post the release of the advertisement, a vast number of protests broke out in the country and caused a stir. Prior to the ad release, around September 2020, news about love jihaad was doing the rounds in many parts of India. The stir led Tanishq to withdraw the advertisement with issuance of a statement by the company. In light of these developments, a number of questions were being raised. Was it correct on the part of the brand to remove the ad? Did the advertisement seem like a deliberate attempt to gain the attention of consumers? Could Tanishq have expected this controversy to occur given the history of a tense relationship between the two religions in the country? What could the brand do to avoid such controversies in the future?

Directive Speech Act Politeness in a Pediksaan Ritual: A Sociopragmatic Study

This study focused on the concern about the decrease in the use of language politeness among young people both in everyday communication and sacred Hindu rituals such as in a pediksaan ritual, in which not only the place is made sacred but also things related to the inauguration of a sulinggih (high priest) that is, performed in a Geria, home of a brahmana, who is still holding high the high cultural norms. This study analyzed the type of directive speech act politeness, the forms of language politeness, and the application of directive speech act politeness in the pediksaan ritual. The stages of a descriptive qualitative method were employed to achieve those objectives. The population of the study was the people involved in the activity of a pediksaan ritual. Since this event is rare, the population was directly used as the study's sample. The data were collected by observing the pediksaan ritual using a recording technique. The data collected were analyzed with a qualitative descriptive method. The study shows that the types of directive speech act politeness in this study are differentiated into linguistic politeness and pragmatic politeness; the forms of directive speech act politeness consist of (a) agreement maxim of suggesting; (b) sympathizing maxim of order and the politeness principles that consist of (a) the politeness principle that applies tact maxim; (b) the politeness principle that applies approbation maxim; and (c) the politeness maxim that applies sympathy maxim.

A Patchwork of Hindu Ritual Practices and Technique Performances? A Re-Examination of the Citrakarmaśāstra, a Vajrayānic Sanskrit Śilpa Text Discovered in Sri Lanka

The Mañjuśrībhāṣita-Citrakarmaśāstra, a Sanskrit śilpa work discovered in Sri Lanka, deals exclusively with Buddhist image making. It provides technical instructions for the fabrication of Buddhist images as well as guidance for initial and final consecrations. This article offers a comparative intertextual study of the main body of the manuscript, including chapters concerning tree selection, the ratnanyāsa ritual, the techniques of clay modeling in the making of images, and the eye-opening ceremony. This study suggests that the Mañjuśrībhāṣita-Citrakarmaśāstra bears a remarkable resemblance to South Indian Hindu śilpa texts and does not perfectly correspond with actual practices and performances. The main part of the Mañjuśrībhāṣita-Citrakarmaśāstra is probably dated no earlier than the 11th century but no later than the 16th century.

Beyond Belief: A Scientific Inquiry into the Myths and Looms of Hindu Rituals

This study, titled "Beyond Belief: A Scientific Inquiry into the Myths and Looms of Hindu Rituals," explores the myths surrounding Bengali rituals among Hindus and investigates the relationship between science and these rituals, with a focus on birth and marriage ceremonies. Employing content analysis and meta-research, the study examines four research questions to uncover the persistent myths in the minds of Hindus, the connection between science and rituals, and the role of science in these practices. The sample consists of 46 papers and articles, primarily drawn from community-based convenience samples, and a systematic review of literature from Google Scholar and Scopus databases guides the research. The data collection involves segmenting texts, coding, and analyzing recurring themes, while manual coding processes and primary and secondary data comparisons inform the data analysis. Key findings reveal that rituals associated with birth and marriage, often deemed superstitions, have logical and scientific explanations. However, despite scientific clarity, myths persist, and science itself becomes a platform for new beliefs. The study emphasizes the limitations of science in addressing humanity's challenges, suggesting a focus on individual actions over blind faith in science. The research advocates for educational initiatives to raise awareness, urging governments to introduce programs in schools that foster scientific literacy and critical evaluation of traditional practices, contributing to a more informed and rational society.

Exploring Indian Festivals: Insights from Al-Biruni's Research in Kitab al-Hind

This library-based study extensively explores the historical tapestry of Afghanistan, positioning it as a significant crossroads for civilizations. The focus is on the documented accounts of scholars, particularly Aburihan Al-Biruni, during the era of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi. Al-Biruni's profound exploration of Hindu culture, initially in Afghanistan and later in India, is scrutinized through his seminal work "Research of Mullalind." In this work, Al-Biruni meticulously documented 28 distinct Hindu festivals, offering valuable insights into their characteristics and evolution over time. The study adeptly recognizes the dynamic nature of Hindu rituals, showcasing an awareness of the changes and adaptations that have occurred over centuries. It delves into the phenomenon where some festivals, once characterized by distinct traits, have evolved or disappeared, while others persist with modified practices. This research significantly contributes to a profound understanding of the historical Hindu festivals, illuminating the diverse cultural heritage that has indelibly shaped the region. Moreover, the study extends its focus to the enduring significance of popular Indian festivals celebrated in contemporary times, effectively bridging the historical narrative with present-day cultural practices. By undertaking a comparative analysis, the research not only enriches our comprehension of the past but also underscores the ongoing relevance of these festivals in the complex cultural mosaic of Afghanistan. This holistic examination underscores the intricate interplay between history, Cultural Revolution, and the enduring threads that connect ancient traditions with modern celebrations.

Cultural Resilience and Syncretism: The Towani Tolotang Community's Journey in Indonesia's Religious Landscape

The Towani Tolotang community, nestled in the Sindenreng Rappang Regency of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of indigenous faith and culture. This research, spanning three months from March to June 2023, delves into the community's unique religious practices, challenges, and resilience, shedding light on Indonesia's complex landscape of religious diversity. The Towani Tolotang community's unwavering commitment to their ancestral beliefs, despite being classified under the umbrella of Hinduism by the Indonesian government, exemplifies the resilience of indigenous traditions. Their syncretic belief system, interweaving animism, Hindu rituals, and historical adaptations set them apart within a predominantly Muslim society. Traditional leaders safeguarding their rituals and traditions are critical to cultural preservation. The community's resilience lies in its adaptability, secrecy maintenance, and strategies for transmitting religious knowledge across generations. Challenges persist, with discriminatory policies and interactions with the majority Muslim society. However, the Towani Tolotang community's unwavering commitment to its unique identity serves as an inspiring example of cultural preservation. This research offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and advocates of religious diversity. It unravels the complexities of indigenous faith and its adaptation in a changing world, providing lessons in understanding, tolerance, and cultural heritage preservation. The Towani Tolotang community's story stands as a profound example of how traditions endure, evolve, and flourish amid the currents of history.

PANCHAGAVYA IN HUMAN LIFE AND HEALTH: A REVIEW

Gomutra (cow ghee), gomaya (cow dung), ksheera (cow milk), dadhi (cow curd) and sarpi (cow ghee) cumulatively known as Panchagavya. In India, the cow is worshipped as mother and commonly known as ‘Gaumata’. The ratio of ksheera, dadhi, ghrita, gomutra and gomaya is 16:10:8:2:1 according to Shastra yoga, and in Rastargini, it is 1:1:1:1:1 in panchagavya. panchagavya holds traditional as well as ritual values in human life. Each component of panchagavya also has medicinal properties individually. To assess the role of panchagavya and its therapeutic benefits in our day-to-day life and health and to untapped hidden areas mentioned about panchagavya in Ayurveda. Different Ayurvedic classical textbooks, research papers and journals were referred to. After a review of many Ayurvedic literatures and other data sources, the importance of panchagavya was seen. In Ayurveda, panchagavya has a great role in GIT and skin disorders. Panchagavya is also used in havan karma, which also purifies the environment and devotees. Panchagavya products serve irreplaceable medicinal importance in Ayurveda. It is also used in traditional Hindu rituals. During a pandemic, the importance of panchagavya was noticeable. In Ayurveda, there are many Ayurvedic formulations where gomutra and sarpi are used. For example, gomutra is used as bhavana dravya in Sanjeevani vati.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hygiene in Hindu Society of Chunikhel, Lalitpur

Every religion and culture has its ideas about purity, cleanliness, and what constitutes good physical, personal, and mental cleanliness. The current Hindu society of today stands the same knowledge and customs, but they view hygiene from a different angle. Personal hygiene and sanitation are taken as significant aspects linked to Hindu society. Purity, faith, ritual, and cleanliness in Hindu society are based on the Hindu scriptures related to sanitation and hygiene patterns and the main objective of cleanliness and regular practice in the current society. The study is based on Hindu men and women above 35 years old. The study considers sanitation and hygiene in numerous aspects, including religion, social prestige, self-satisfaction, health, etc. The study includes toilet use, personal hygiene, safe drinking water, and household hygiene as variables. While sanitation and hygiene are prioritized in Hinduism, the modern Hindu community is evolving to recognize not only religious but also physical, social, and psychological well-being. The respondents had high knowledge, favorable attitudes, and good behavior about sanitation and hygiene. Hindu society has internalized and practiced sanitation and hygienic behavior from both religious and health perspectives. The Hindu community also agrees with the new approach to the relationship between Hindu rituals and hygiene and sanitation.

Fenomena Generasi Muda Dalam Aktivitas Ritual Keagamaan Hindu di Pura Parahyangan Jagat Guru Tangerang Selatan

The trend of globalization became a social vortex that swept through all aspects of life, This reality must have been of concern to the younger generation of Hindus that preserved the Hindu religious ritual. These social symptoms are certainly an integral part of trying to get the impression that the Hindu youth has forgotten and that only citizens are involved in any religious activity. This study aims to explain the impact globalization has on the interest of young people in Hindu religious rituals. This is a descriptive qualitative research. Informants in this study, as many as 10 of the young generation in tangerang selatan. Metode data collection by gathering various reference both primary and secondary sources of relevance to the younger generation hindu and religious rites.The result of indicate that the tends to lead to the context of the activity Which suggests that the younger generation of Hindus in the southern city of Tangerang tend to do more of a good job, compared to the understanding related to the Hindu religious ritual.It indicates that there is still a need for coaching the further religious activities of the Hindu ritual, especially in the complete implementation of understanding of the meaning of the Hindu religious ritual.

Inovasi dan Digitalisasi Pemasaran Budidaya Ayam Caru Sebagai Sarana Upakara Hindu di Desa Banjar Anyar Kecamatan Kediri Kabupaten Tabanan

Bali is one of the islands in Indonesia with diverse culture and traditions. Where one of the cultures and traditions is passed from generation to generation is in the form of religious ritual activities. This activity is an indispensable part of people's daily lives. Every ceremony held by Hindus in Bali is always accompanied by offerings, like the mecaru ceremony. In the caru worshiping ceremony, animals or animals are always used to worship, including free-range chickens with typical feather colors such as white, red, yellow, black and brumbun (many colors). Rituals in Bali often take place on certain days, seasons, or times, so at certain times, the demand for ritual vehicles, including chickens, is very high and it is difficult to find special colors. show that. Ajik Chicken Farm and Premium Free-Free Chicken Farmers Community are small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of free-range Chicken Farming. Different types of free-range chicken breeds are produced at the business located in Banjar Anyar village, Kediri Tabanan district, Bali. These include Mentari chickens, chickens, male chickens, Joper chickens and Afkir chickens. The implementation of Community Services for Beginners with the theme “Innovation and digitalization of commercialization of Caru Chicken Farming as a means of Hindu rituals in Banjar Anyar village, Kediri district, Tabanan district” is divided into multiple stages, namely: problem identification, implementation of activities, program support, and monitoring and evaluation. Overall, the implementation of this PMP activity went well, partners felt supported and enthusiastically participated. This PMP activity will support partners in their marketing and promotional activities so they can improve their knowledge and skills in information systems and social media management as well as financial management. In addition, this activity also provides training on Caru chicken marketing using web applications, electronic media publications, videos of implementation of activities and publications in recognized journals.

The Sang Hyang Kelor Ritual in Lembongan Village, Klungkung, Bali

The purpose of this article was to find out the form of the Sang Hyang Kelor ritual in Bali. The ritual of Sang Hyang kelor is known as dewa yadnya. However, this ritual seems to be preserved only by the people of Lembongan Village. The problems are: 1) What is the form of the Sang Hyang Kelor Ritual?; 2) What is the meaning of the Sang Hyang Kelor Ritual in Lembongan society?; 3) Is the Sanghyang Kelor Ritual educational?. This research was completed using qualitative methods. Sanghyang rituals implied in literacy about Bali have been collected through literature studies. Primary data about the Sang Hyang Kelor Ritual has been obtained through observation and interviews with informants in Lembongan village. All data were analysed qualitatively using symbol theory. The results showed that : 1) the Sang Hyang Kelor Ritual is a Hindu ritual using the properties of Moringa leaves in a series of ceremonies that are beautified by dance movements and song accompaniment; 2) the Sang Hyang Kelor Ritual has religious meaning, educational meaning, social meaning, and cultural meaning; and 3) the Sang Hyang Kelor Ritual is one that is considered by the perpetrator to have contributed to building concern for the physical environment, parental concern for their daughters, discipline, tolerance, respect for others, responsibility, and love for the motherland in the Lembongan community.

Tepuk Tepung Tawar Pengantin Baru sebagai Tradisi Budaya Melayu dan Media Pendidikan

Fresh flour holds significant cultural importance for several tribes in Indonesia, often used in traditional ceremonies such as weddings, childbirth, circumcision, and pilgrimage. This practice has its roots in Hindu rituals and was further influenced by the introduction of Islamic teachings brought by Gujarat and Hadramaut traders in the 7th century AD. These animist and vitalistic traditions, intertwined with Hinduism, continue to hold a strong presence in society. The purpose of this ceremony is to seek protection from danger, ward off misfortune, and gain blessings from deities and supernatural forces. The ritual involves the use of leaves and water, often fragranced with substances like kaffir lime, potpourri, or roses. Rice and paddy, mixed with salt and turmeric, are also sprinkled on individuals as part of the ceremony. Additionally, this tradition serves as a means of preserving cultural heritage, passed down through generations. However, there are differing views regarding this practice, with some considering it an act of shirk due to the belief in the supernatural powers associated with the objects used in the flour ritual. In Aceh, for example, plain flour is utilized in planting rituals, believed to bring good luck and provide sustenance. As a result, plain flour holds significant influence as it can impact an individual's faith and beliefs.

Prostration or Potentiation? Hindu Ritual, Physical Culture, and the “Sun Salutation” (Sūryanamaskār)

The so-called “Sun Salutation” (S. sūryanamaskāra, H. sūryanamaskār), is one of the most ubiquitous and iconic of all modern yoga practices. As Alter (1992, 2000), Goldberg (2006, 2016), and Singleton (2010, 2016), have discussed at length, the modern history of yoga, and of the sūryanamaskār in particular, is deeply rooted in the soil of Hindu ritual, Indian nationalism, and the emergence of a cosmopolitan middle-class physical culture in late 19th and early 20th century Europe and India. The goal of this paper is to explore three interrelated issues connected to the sūryanamaskār. First, we will further explore the genealogical and morphological relationships between the sūryanamaskār exercise and Hindu traditions of ritual worship. Second, we will examine the thesis forwarded by Mujumdar (1950) that the sūryanamaskār was taught in a communal exercise (H. akhāṛā-vyāyām) mode by Samarth Rāmdās to the Maharashtrian culture-hero Shivaji (Śivajī), considering his principal work, the Dāsbodh (17th century CE). Lastly, we will discuss the tensions between religion and physical culture associated with the sūryanamaskār and with yoga as understood in the work of Bhavanrao Pant and Swami Kuvalayananda, key proponents of the respective systems. We will conclude with reflections on the ways in which the modern sūryanamaskār and modern postural yoga demonstrate an ongoing process of interpretation and expression between the poles of the demonstration of religious piety (prostration) and empowerment through physical culture (potentiation), and why their conjunction, particularly in the modern era, makes sense historically and philosophically.

Panchamrut: A way towards Healthier Life, An Ayurvedic Overview

Panchamrut is a holy and sacred traditional ayurvedic drink that is made up of five ingredients (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar). It is used for the spiritual purpose like offering to God during poojas and for religious purpose like used in Hindu rituals for the Abhishekam of God sculptures by devotees. Not only spiritual and religious aspects, it also has healthier aspects. The Panchamrut word is a mixture of two Sanskrit words i.e. Panch and Amrut. Panch means five and Amruta means nectar of gods. As per Ayurveda, when these five ingredients are mixed together in equal proportions is called as Divya Panchamrut. Divya means divine and auspicious. All these five Dravyas have their medicinal importance and mentioned in almost every ayurvedic texts but very few authors talked about Panchamrut individually. Everyone has aware of its religious and spiritual benefits but it has numerous health benefits also like it improves immunity, acts as Rasayana, enhances brain function and memory. It has anti-ageing properties and many more. This article will help you to know about the healthier aspects of Panchamrut with immense benefits.

Documentation of the plants used in different Hindu rituals in Uttarakhand, India

Abstract. Chandra S. 2022. Documentation of the plants used in different Hindu rituals in Uttarakhand, India. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 92-101. Hinduism is one of the largest practicing religions. The Indian subcontinent is the cradle of this religion, and it is followed by a majority of the people of the subcontinent. Rituals are the main component of the Hindu tradition. Any ritual is a way to connect with God and offer salutation. From birth to the death of a person, one has to perform various rituals on enormous occasions. Methodology and material used in a ritual vary as per the presiding deity. In the sacrifice (Yajyan) and other worship procedures stage (Mandapa), different utensils and materials required to complete the rituals originated from plant products. These products represent the environmental and geographical structure of the area. Documentation of the plant species used in different Hindu rituals is done in the present article. A total of 104 plant species are enumerated. The use of plant species individually or in combination with others is also elaborated. Some terms used in the rituals, such as Panch Pallav, Panch Mewa, Saptanaja, Tambula, Panchamrita, Ashtha Bali, etc., which have botanical significance, are also discussed.

Applications of Fibonacci Sequences and Golden Ratio

The study mainly focuses on the use of the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci sequence. The connection between them can be clearly visible in nature. With the help of the Fibonacci sequence scientists have solved many mysteries related to nature. Everything that is around us somehow or other depends on Fibonacci numbers, the Golden Ratio, and the Fibonacci sequence. Some examples are –Flower petals- Lily, Rose, Daisy, Marigold, Sunflower, Iris, Buttercups, wild rose, larkspur Trillium, Bloodroot, Aster, and Susan; Seed heads-Sunflower; Snail; Fruit-Apple, Banana, Pineapple; Human Face; Tree Branches; Cyclone; Pinecones; Shells; Spiral Galaxies; Bees; Famous architecture design – Taj Mahal, in Hindu rituals, in decoding-coding the data, in providing security to the sensitive data and all over the world, in mother's womb (about her baby's position), etc. The current study reflects that there is no limitation to the Fibonacci pattern and Golden Ratio in our surroundings.

MAKNA TEOLOGI HINDU DALAM TRADISI TAMPIOG DI DESA PAKRAMAN MANUKAYA LET, KECAMATAN TAMPAKSIRING, KABUPATEN GIANYAR

Hindus in Bali cannot be separated from beliefs and traditions that are considered to have religious and ethical values. Tradition in Hindu society in Bali has many forms, all of which become the breath in the implementation of religious ceremonies carried out through the Panca Yadnya. One of them is the Tampiog Tradition in the village of Pakraman Manukaya Let which is held in a series of piodalan at Bale Agung Temple. The Tampiog tradition is the tradition of kicking a mound of embers. This tradition has been accepted from generation to generation by the people of Pakraman Manukaya Let Village. The Tampiog tradition is a symbol of harmony between Bhuana Agung and Bhuana Alit. This paper describes how the form of implementation and Hindu theology in the Tampiog Tradition in Pakraman Manukaya Let Village, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar Regency. The technique used by the author in collecting data is observation technique. The Tampiog tradition contains many theological meanings of Hinduism which is very important for the development of Hindu rituals. This is what motivated the author to conduct research.

Redefining Ngurek Bali: Analysis of Audience Perception in The Cyber World

The problem in this research is the public response against the Balinese ngurek tradition. This research discusses the reinterpretation of a Hindu religious ritual in Bali, namely the ngurek ritual or often referred to as ngunying. This religious ritual is quite unique and extreme so it has many meanings. This type of research is a qualitative research with reference to Stuart Hall's encoding-decoding theory. This data collection was obtained through youtube with comments and also the results of interviews with one of the informants. Data analysis with data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicate that the topics that appear in the comments are not limited to traditional rituals. The material also involves involvement and controversy between the religious rituals of ngurek and Hindu rituals in Bali simultaneously. The new thing that can be known is that the ngurek tradition is an ancient Balinese custom, where a spirit invitation ceremony is held. The spirits are asked to enter into the designated body and be a sign that the invited spirit will be present. The ngurek tradition is also believed to invite Ida Bhatara and Rereancang (his soldiers) to receive offerings during the ceremony.