("intention") is a Sanskrit word
that means "intention." Many religious rituals begin with an
important ritual sequence in which the person conducting the rite declares his
or her name, the time and location where the action is being performed, the
performer's purpose to carry out this specific ritual act, and the rewards
intended from the action.
The samkalpa is significant because it serves as a formal
commitment to carry out the specified activity.
When completing ritual deeds that promise a variety of
advantages, such as birth in paradise or eventual emancipation, the samkalpa is
thought to provide the desired outcome.
