Naimittika Karma
Naimittika Karma · naimittika-karma, “the rite done on its occasion”
Grammar: neuter noun phrase; naimittika (arising from a nimitta, an occasion or cause) with karma (a rite, a deed): “the rite done on its occasion”.
Meaning: a rite done when its particular occasion arises, as against the nitya karmas, the rites done every day.
In the scriptures: in their teaching on conduct to the rākshasa king Sukeśī, the ṛshis say that one who eats in the house of a man who has given up the nitya and naimittika karmas must fast for three nights. During jātāśauca and mṛtāśauca (the impurity that follows a birth or a death in the family) the daily nitya rites may be set aside, but the naimittika karmas must never be given up in any circumstance (Vāmana Purāṇa, Chapter 15).
Related terms: Nitya Karma · Karma · Āśauca · Ācāra · Prāyaścitta
Sources
- Vāmana Purāṇa, Chapter 15