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Line 83: − − == Classsification of Yajnas == − Yajnas have been classified in different modes. We present here the different classifications of Yajnas based on their origin, time of performance, derivatives and importance. − − === Based on Origin === − Yajnas are classified into two based on where their procedures have originated, viz., − # [[Shrauta Yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)]] based on their Vaidika (Shruti) origin. − # '''Smarta''' Yajnas or [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)|Grhya Yajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)]] based on Smritis and Dharmashastras. − − === Based on Time of Performance === − Yajnas classified above as Shrauta and Smarta are again divided into three types based on the time when they are performed.<ref>Yudhisthir Mimamsak (1987) ''Shrauta Yajna Mimamsa. Samskrit and Hindi.'' Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Bhavan</ref> − * '''नित्यकर्म ॥''' '''Nitya karmas''' (Daily) − Nitya karmas are those which are performed daily at prescribed timings. Shastras prescribe that these yajnas are obligatory for dvija grhasthas and do not involve usage of extensive dravyas or time. Apastamba Shrautasutras start with<blockquote>अथातो दर्शपूर्णमासौ व्याख्यास्यामः १ (Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 1.1.1)</blockquote>In his commentary for Apastamba Shrautasutras, Dhurtasvami discusses the various yajnas and their classification. The Phalita or fruits of performing these Nityayajnas are not given (अफला) but it is important to understand that not performing them accrues Papam (प्रत्यवाय । malefic effects).<blockquote>सोमान्तानि तु नित्यानि । (Dhurtsvami Comm. for Apas. Shrau. Sutr. 1.1.1)<ref>Vd. So. Narasimhachar, (1944) ''The Srauta Sutra of Apastamba with the Bhashya of Dhurtaswami and Vrtti of Ramagnichit. (Prashnas 1-5)'' Mysore: Oriental Library Publications (Page 5)</ref></blockquote>Yajnas namely Agnihotra to Somayajnas (Agnihotra, Darsapurnamasa, Chaturmasya, and Somayaga) are nitya in nature. − − Mahabharata in the Shantiparva mentions that the Darsapurnamasa, Agnihotra and Chaturmasya yajnas are followed by wise persons, for in them are embodied the Sanatana Dharmas.<ref>Pt. Ramnarayan Dutt Pandey, ''Mahabharat, Part 5, Shanti Parv.'' Gorakhpur: Gita Press (Page 5119)</ref><blockquote>दर्शं च पौर्णमासं च अग्निहोत्रं च धीमतः। चातुर्मास्यानि चैवासंस्तेषु धर्मः सनातनः॥ (Maha. Shan. Parv. 12. 269. 20)</blockquote> − * '''नैमित्तिककर्म ॥ Naimittika karmas''' (Occasional) − They include activities on particular occasions when houses are burnt down, or in case of earthquakes or heavy rains. − '''काम्यकर्म ॥ Kamya karmas''' (Optional) : are those activities performed to attain some special intent - Gramaprapti (increasing control over villages or lands), Pashuprapti (increasing cattle property), Dhanaprapti (for wealth), Yashaprapti (for fame) and others such as begetting children (Putrakamesthi) or victory over other kings (Rajasuya). Naimittika and Kamya yajnas are not obligatory and depend on the interest and circumstances of the Yajamana. − − === Based on Gunas === − Yajnas are classified based on gunas as mentioned in the Bhagavadgita (17.11-13). Of them the Satvika yajnas are given a high regard.<ref name=":1">Pt. Shriveniram Sharma Gauda (2018) ''Yajna Mimamsa.'' Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan</ref><blockquote>अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते । यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः ॥१७- ११॥</blockquote><blockquote>अभिसंधाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत् । इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम् ॥१७- १२॥</blockquote><blockquote>विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम् । श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते ॥१७- १३॥</blockquote> − # '''Satvika Yajna (सात्विकयज्ञः)''' is when the yajna is performed without expectation of any return (निष्कामभावः) − # '''Rajasika Yajna (राजसिकयज्ञः)''' is when the yajna is performed with a desire in mind (सकामभावः) − # '''Tamasika Yajna (तामसिकयज्ञः)''' is when a yajna is performed against the prescribed ways given in the shastras (विधिहीनम्) − − === Based on Importance === − * Another classification of Yajna or yaga based on principal and subsidiary actions of Yajna include − # '''Pradhana''' (प्रधानम् । Principal) − # '''Anga''' (अङ्गम् । Subsidiary) − A ‘Yaga’ is made up of several rituals which has its own principal part (Pradhana). Those that form subsidiary or supplement to this are called ‘Angas’. Some of the rituals may be common to several ‘Yagas’.<ref name=":022">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref> − * Vedic yajnas/yagas are divided into two<ref name=":122222222">Purkayastha, Dipanjona (2014) Ph. D Thesis from Assam University : ''[http://hdl.handle.net/10603/41946 A Study of the Asvalayana srauta sutra with reference to the principal yajnas]''</ref> − # '''Prakritiyaga''' (Model) − # '''Vikritiyaga''' (Modified) − Vikritiyagas derive their procedures from the respective Prakritiyagas. − − === प्रकृतियागम् ॥ Prakritiyagas === − In the Asvalaayana Shrautasutra based on the Rig Veda, there are a number yajnas but five among them are regarded as Prakritiyagas<ref name=":122222222" />. In the present days Prakriti yajnas mentioned in the Vedas are rarely conducted.<ref name=":022" /> − # होमः ॥ Homa : '''Agnihotra''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Homas − # इष्टिः ॥ Isthti : '''Darsapurnamaasa yaga''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Isthis − # पशुयागम् ॥ Pasu : '''Nirudha Pasubandha''' is the Prakriti (model) of Pasuyaga − # सोमयागम् ॥ Soma : '''Agnistoma''' is the Prakriti (model) of all the Somayagas. − # सत्रयागम् ॥ Sattra : '''Gavaamayana''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Satrayagas. − − === विकृतियागम् ॥ Vikritiyagas === − The subsidiary rituals follow their respective principal yajnas in the performance of different yajnas. Vikriti Yaganas like Chandika Homa, Veda Samhita Svahakara Yagas, Rudra Yagas are being performed in temples.<ref name=":022" /> − − === यज्ञसंस्थाः ॥ System of Yajnas === − The Shrauta and Grhyasutras typically give us an insight into the yajnas of the ancient times, performed as a part of karmakanda. They involve well laid down vidhis and prayaschittas (expiatory actions) in case of deviations from those vidhis. They comprised groups of seven Yajnas mostly to be performed by a grhastha starting from the time of marriage. <blockquote>पाकसंस्था हविःसंस्थाः सोमसंस्थास्तथापराः एकविँशतिरित्येता यज्ञसंस्थाः प्रकीर्तिताः १५ १ (Shan. Ghry. Sutr. 1.1.15)<ref>Shankhayana Grhyasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Full Text])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Pakasamstha, Havi-samstha, and the other being Soma-samstha together are said to constitute the 21 kinds of yajnas under Yajnasamstha. − − These include the seven [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)]], seven [[Haviryajnas (हविर्यज्ञाः)]] and seven [[Somayajnas (सोमर्यज्ञाः)]]. The Grhyasutras explain the procedures of conducting Pakayajnas in the grhyagni (ekagni), the Shrautasutras lay down the vidhis to conduct both the Haviryajnas and Somayajnas in the shrautagni (tretagni).<ref name=":03">Gopal, Ram. (1959) ''India of Vedic Kalpasutras.'' Delhi : National Publishing House</ref> Line 139:
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created a new page for the kinds of yajnas
Early European scholars generally paid scant attention for an in depth study of Yajnas and endeavoured to understand the meaning of Vedas principally by reference to grammar, comparative philology and the comparison of several passages containing the same word or words. Chronology given by them was based mostly on subjective consideration and prompted by the great prejudice felt by the European scholars generally against admitting any great antiquity for the Vedas. It is beyond the scope of this work to enter into any discussion about the dates of various sections of the Vedic Literature.<ref name=":0" />
Early European scholars generally paid scant attention for an in depth study of Yajnas and endeavoured to understand the meaning of Vedas principally by reference to grammar, comparative philology and the comparison of several passages containing the same word or words. Chronology given by them was based mostly on subjective consideration and prompted by the great prejudice felt by the European scholars generally against admitting any great antiquity for the Vedas. It is beyond the scope of this work to enter into any discussion about the dates of various sections of the Vedic Literature.<ref name=":0" />
Thus we see that the history of performing kratus, yajnas and yagas is quite ancient and their process is described in the Samhitas. Yajnas, yagas, istis, and homas were performed for individual benefit as well as community welfare. While some yajnas were performed by people of all varnas, some were specific to one section of the society. For example the Rajasuya or Aswamedha yagam were prescribed only for Kshatriyas. Elaborately conducted yagas such as Soma yagas are not performed these days, while Varuna yagam and Kareeresti for propitiating Varuna devata to obtain good rains is performed at regular intervals as temple events for community benefit.<ref name=":022" />
Thus we see that the history of performing kratus, yajnas and yagas is quite ancient and their process is described in the Samhitas. Yajnas, yagas, istis, and homas were performed for individual benefit as well as community welfare. While some yajnas were performed by people of all varnas, some were specific to one section of the society. For example the Rajasuya or Aswamedha yagam were prescribed only for Kshatriyas. Elaborately conducted yagas such as Soma yagas are not performed these days, while Varuna yagam and Kareeresti for propitiating Varuna devata to obtain good rains is performed at regular intervals as temple events for community benefit.<ref name=":022">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>
== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==
== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==
Yajna is a word which represents many symbolic associations of man and devatas, the creation and denotes a rite (mandatory ritual), a praise, a form of worship, an offering or oblation (of substance), an intent, a resolve, an instrument (to achieve purushardhas), an act. It is a word which does not have an exact equivalent english word for it.
Yajna is a word which represents many symbolic associations of man and devatas, the creation and denotes a rite (mandatory ritual), a praise, a form of worship, an offering or oblation (of substance), an intent, a resolve, an instrument (to achieve purushardhas), an act. It is a word which does not have an exact equivalent english word for it.
# The wooden vessal called '''chamasa''' used for drinking Soma is spoken of in many instances (Rig. Veda. 1.20.6, 1.110.3, 1.161.1 and 8.82.7)
# The wooden vessal called '''chamasa''' used for drinking Soma is spoken of in many instances (Rig. Veda. 1.20.6, 1.110.3, 1.161.1 and 8.82.7)
# The words '''prayaja''' and '''anuyaja''' occur in Rig veda (10.51.8-9).
# The words '''prayaja''' and '''anuyaja''' occur in Rig veda (10.51.8-9).
Thus, ample evidence of performance of yajnas is found from Rigvedic period.<ref name=":0" /> Just as the Vedas, the Yajnas are difficult to be inferred, they mention about the deities, are Apaurusheya (do not have human authors), Nitya (everlasting) and Anadi (eternal). Rigveda's first sukta, the Agni sukta, mentions the word Yajna which indicates their antiquity and presence even before the compilation of the Vedas.<ref name=":1" />
Thus, ample evidence of performance of yajnas is found from Rigvedic period.<ref name=":0" /> Just as the Vedas, the Yajnas are difficult to be inferred, they mention about the deities, are Apaurusheya (do not have human authors), Nitya (everlasting) and Anadi (eternal). Rigveda's first sukta, the Agni sukta, mentions the word Yajna which indicates their antiquity and presence even before the compilation of the Vedas.<ref name=":1">Pt. Shriveniram Sharma Gauda (2018) ''Yajna Mimamsa.'' Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan</ref>
== Yajna Related Definitions ==
== Yajna Related Definitions ==
==== इष्टिः ॥ Ishti ====
==== इष्टिः ॥ Ishti ====
It involves the oblations of havis, offered by the Adhvaryu, in a standing position to the south of the altar accompanied by utterance of वषट्कार । Vashatkara followed by "yajyaanuvakya".(Katy. Shra. 1.2.6) <ref name=":3" /><blockquote>सवषट्कारासु तिष्ठन्दक्षिणत उदङ्प्राङ् वषट्कृते १८ (Katy. Shra. 1.9.18)<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>This class of rites, of which Darsa (one of the Haviryajnas) is the model (Prakrti) requiring four priests, is distinctly different from Homa class of rites, helped and sponsored by the yajamana and his wife.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>दर्शपूर्णमासयोश्चत्वार ऋत्विजोऽध्वर्युर्ब्रह्मा होताग्नीध्र इति (Baud. Shra.2.3)<ref>Kashikar, C. G. (2003) ''[https://archive.org/stream/TheBaudhayanaSrauta-sutra-VedicRitualText/The%20Baudhayana%20Srauta-sutra%20-%20Vedic%20Ritual%20Text/The_Baudhayana_Srauta-Sutra_Vol_I#page/n119 Baudhayana Srautasutra, Volume One].'' Delhi : Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref></blockquote>Meaning : In the Darsapurnamasa yajnas (Full moon and New moon yajnas) there are four ritviks- Adhvaryu, Brahman, Hotr and Agnidhra.
It involves the oblations of havis, offered by the Adhvaryu, in a standing position to the south of the altar accompanied by utterance of वषट्कार । Vashatkara followed by "yajyaanuvakya".(Katy. Shra. 1.2.6) <ref name=":3" /><blockquote>सवषट्कारासु तिष्ठन्दक्षिणत उदङ्प्राङ् वषट्कृते १८ (Katy. Shra. 1.9.18)<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>This class of rites, of which Darsa (one of the Haviryajnas) is the model (Prakrti) requiring four priests, is distinctly different from Homa class of rites, helped and sponsored by the yajamana and his wife.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>दर्शपूर्णमासयोश्चत्वार ऋत्विजोऽध्वर्युर्ब्रह्मा होताग्नीध्र इति (Baud. Shra.2.3)<ref>Kashikar, C. G. (2003) ''[https://archive.org/stream/TheBaudhayanaSrauta-sutra-VedicRitualText/The%20Baudhayana%20Srauta-sutra%20-%20Vedic%20Ritual%20Text/The_Baudhayana_Srauta-Sutra_Vol_I#page/n119 Baudhayana Srautasutra, Volume One].'' Delhi : Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref></blockquote>Meaning : In the Darsapurnamasa yajnas (Full moon and New moon yajnas) there are four ritviks- Adhvaryu, Brahman, Hotr and Agnidhra.
== Yajnas and Dharma ==
== Yajnas and Dharma ==
Jaimini's Mimamsa sutra (1.1.2) mentions that Dharma is verily propounded by the Vedas.
Jaimini's Mimamsa sutra (1.1.2) mentions that Dharma is verily propounded by the Vedas.
== Essential Elements of a Yajna ==
== Essential Elements of a Yajna ==
Vaidika yajnas have a few essential elements to conduct them. Broadly the following fundamental materials and people are required. A brief description of the requirements of all Yajnas are given below.
[[Kinds of Yajnas (यज्ञभेदाः)|Yajnas are of many kinds]] based on the different elements that go into it; such as drvyas, time of performance, the intent and phalita expected, the mantras recited, the offerings made and so on. Vaidika yajnas have a few essential elements to conduct them. Broadly the following fundamental materials and people are required. A brief description of the primary requirements of Yajnas are given below.
=== यजमान: ॥ Yajamana ===
=== यजमान: ॥ Yajamana ===
* If the yajamāna (performer of the yajna) goes on a pilgrimage along with his wife, he can carry the garhapatya fire with him or can ceremonially put it out and perform punarādhāna (re-establishing the fire) on his return.
* If the yajamāna (performer of the yajna) goes on a pilgrimage along with his wife, he can carry the garhapatya fire with him or can ceremonially put it out and perform punarādhāna (re-establishing the fire) on his return.
* When he dies, the various wooden implements used by him for Agnihotra should be kept on various parts of his body as prescribed and then his body is cremated with the gārhapatya fire.<ref name=":03222">http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Agnihotra#cite_note-1</ref>
* When he dies, the various wooden implements used by him for Agnihotra should be kept on various parts of his body as prescribed and then his body is cremated with the gārhapatya fire.<ref name=":03222">http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Agnihotra#cite_note-1</ref>
* Wife, son, pupil or a priest can perform nityakarmas such as Agnihotram, Aupasana, Samskaras etc on behalf of the yajamani in case of emergencies. Agnihotra cannot be performed by a widower, however on remarriage a widower becomes eligible to perform all yajnas<ref name=":122222222" />.
* Wife, son, pupil or a priest can perform nityakarmas such as Agnihotram, Aupasana, Samskaras etc on behalf of the yajamani in case of emergencies. Agnihotra cannot be performed by a widower, however on remarriage a widower becomes eligible to perform all yajnas<ref name=":122222222">Purkayastha, Dipanjona (2014) Ph. D Thesis from Assam University : ''[http://hdl.handle.net/10603/41946 A Study of the Asvalayana srauta sutra with reference to the principal yajnas]''</ref>.
* When the yajamana is separated from his wife and he chooses not to remarry, he can instill his wife's murti or vigraha for the process of the yaga. Example : Aswamedha yaga performed by Sri Ramachandra in Ayodhya while his consort Sitadevi was in Valmiki Maharshi's ashram following the sastras laid down exceptions to some situations.'''(Ramayana reference needed)'''
* When the yajamana is separated from his wife and he chooses not to remarry, he can instill his wife's murti or vigraha for the process of the yaga. Example : Aswamedha yaga performed by Sri Ramachandra in Ayodhya while his consort Sitadevi was in Valmiki Maharshi's ashram following the sastras laid down exceptions to some situations.'''(Ramayana reference needed)'''
# सोम ॥ Soma (Soma)
# सोम ॥ Soma (Soma)
# आज्यम् ॥ Ajyam (clarified butter)
# आज्यम् ॥ Ajyam (clarified butter)
Different types dravayas are which changes according to the yagas, the fires being worshipped and purpose of the yaga. The dravyas or materials being offered in agnihotram are of the following kinds
Different types dravayas are present which change according to the yagas, the fires being worshipped and purpose of the yaga. The dravyas or materials being offered in agnihotram are of the following kinds
# Vegetable source : Soma juice, tila (sesame),
# Vegetable source : Soma juice, tila (sesame),
# Uncooked Animal source : Payaha (Milk) and milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee), navanita (butter). Vaapa (animal fat), honey and wine.
# Uncooked Animal source : Payaha (Milk) and milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee), navanita (butter). Vaapa (animal fat), honey and wine.
* For Pasu : Pasu yajna (goat). Aswamedha yajna - horse.
* For Pasu : Pasu yajna (goat). Aswamedha yajna - horse.
* For Soma yagas : Soma juice
* For Soma yagas : Soma juice
Cooking of the havis may be done on either garhapatya or ahvaniya according to one's sutra.
Cooking of the havis may be done on either garhapatya or ahvaniya according to one's sutra charana.
=== अग्निः ॥ Agni in Yajnas ===
=== अग्निः ॥ Agni in Yajnas ===
== श्रौतयज्ञाः ॥ Shrauta Yajnas ==
== श्रौतयज्ञाः ॥ Shrauta Yajnas ==
Kalpas are one among the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. [[Shrautasutras (श्रौतसूत्राणि)|Shrautasutras]] of the [[Kalpa Vedanga (कल्पवेदाङ्गम्)|Kalpa Vedanga]] deal with the rules for the execution of the great yajnas based on the Veda mantras. All the four Vedas have their Shrautasutras.<ref name=":122222222" />
Kalpas are one among the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. [[Shrautasutras (श्रौतसूत्राणि)|Shrautasutras]] of the [[Kalpa Vedanga (कल्पवेदाङ्गम्)|Kalpa Vedanga]] deal with the rules for the execution of the great yajnas based on the Veda mantras. All the four Vedas have their [[Shrautasutras (श्रौतसूत्राणि)|Shrautasutras]].<ref name=":122222222" />
Shrauta Yajnas are performed in the shrauta-agnis which consist of three fires called as Tretagni (Garhapatya, Ahvaniya and Dakshinagni). Different sutras mention different shrauta yajnas.
[[Shrauta Yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)|Shrauta Yajnas]] are performed in the shrauta-agnis which consist of three fires called as Tretagni (Garhapatya, Ahvaniya and Dakshinagni). Different sutras mention different shrauta yajnas.
In the Shabdakalpadruma<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83 See Haviryajnas under Yaga])</ref> the following Shrauta Yajnas are summarized as given in the table below.
In the Shabdakalpadruma<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83 See Haviryajnas under Yaga])</ref> the following Shrauta Yajnas are summarized as given in the table below.