Balibimba, Bali-bimba: 1 definition

Introduction:

Balibimba means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

1) Balibimba (बलिबिम्ब) refers to the “special image”, according to the eighteenth chapter of the Aniruddhasaṃhitā, an ancient Pāñcarātra Āgama text dealing with the annual festivals of temples and regular temple worship routines.—[Cf. the chapter agnikāryabalipradānavidhi]: Picking up from where the preceding chapter ended, the aspirant [sādhaka] then, as part of the daily liturgy, goes to the kitchen [pacanālaya] and perform homa there (1-29a). After this is done, bali-offerings are made throughout the temple (29-39a). This regular procedure, known as nityotsava (39b), is done while the special image [balibimba] is carried around in his company (40-70). This finished, then the priest [ācārya] goes to his home and performs anuyāga, after which only is he allowed to eat ; if his meal does not “satisfy” him, likewise the offerings just rendered in the temple will not be pleasing to God (48-49).

2) Balibimba (बलिबिम्ब) [=balibera?] refers to a type of icon used during festivals, as discussed in the eleventh chapter of the Īśvarasaṃhitā (printed edition), a Pāñcarātra work in 8200 verses and 24 chapters dealing with topics such as routines of temple worship, major and minor festivals, temple-building and initiation.—Description of the chapter [mahotsavavidhi]: On the second day, after having arranged for a musical prologue (1-36) the necessary bali-procession is made with balibera-icon (37-93), whereupon the utsavabera-icon is taken to the yāgaśālā-hall for a fire-ritual [homa] [...]. The third day [dvitīya divase prāpte (sic)] is much the same as the second in its ritual observances (184-212), and likewise is both begun and ended with a procession with the balibimba-icon. And so, in fact, it is to be done each day until the ninth day with only minor alterations (213-214).

Pancaratra book cover
context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

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