# abhiseka

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abhiseka
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a religious ceremony in Hinduism and Buddhism where a person is washed with water or milk to show they are a holy leader. It is often used for kings or spiritual teachers.

For teachers: a ritual washing or anointing ceremony in Hinduism and Buddhism, typically performed to confer a sacred status or to purify a person. Often associated with the coronation of a monarch or the initiation of a spiritual leader.

## Examples

- The king underwent a grand abhiseka to mark his coronation.
- During the abhiseka, the monks poured water over the new teacher's head to symbolize his spiritual authority.
- The abhiseka is a complex ritual that involves multiple stages of purification and the offering of various substances to signify the recipient's elevated position within the community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.