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Line 1: − + − + − + + + + − In the present days, very rarely, grihasthas are maintaining Agni at homes nor are conducting regular Agnihotra rituals as prescribed by sastras. However, Agni is invoked in every occasion (auspicious and inauspicious) of dharmic life, from Nityayagnas, yagas in temples, in special homas during housewarming and grahashanti, upanayana and other samskara celebrations, at weddings (the yajna where the bride and groom circle the fire seven times) and lastly for अन्त्येष्टिः ॥ Anteysti (cremation). + − + − The history of performing kratus, yagnas and yaagas is quite ancient and is described in the Samhitas. Yagnas, yaagas, istis, homas were performed for individual benefit as well as community welfare. While some yagnas were performed by people of all varnas, some like the Rajasuya or Aswamedha yaagam were prescribed only for Kshatriyas. Elaborately conducted yaagas such as Soma yaagas are not performed these days, while Varuna yaagam and Kareeresti for propitiating Varuna devata to obtain good rains is performed at regular intervals as temple event for community benefit. − == श्रौतकर्माणि ॥ Srauta Karmas == − Srauta karmas include elaborate activities such as yaagas meant for the well-being of mankind. These karmas are so called because their procedures are directly based on the Srutis or instructions given in Vedas. The brahmanas contain the description of yagnas (which last for many days) and different aakhyayikas as part of the Srauta karmas (for example Haviyagnakandam of Kanvasatapatha brahmana contains the details of Haviryagnas). However, in Kalpas the rules are methodically compiled in Sutra format without the aakhyayika part.<ref name=":122222222" /> Usually, Srauta karmas involve the Chaaturhotr - the four priests (Hota, Adhvaryu, Udgaata, Brahma). − Such procedures for Srauta karmas are compiled in Srauta Sutras as given in the Kalpa Vedanga. Some of them are as follows + + − Aasvalayana and Saankhyayana Srautasutras belong to Rig Veda. + − Baudhayana, Hiranyakesi, Aapasthamba, Vaikhanasa, Vaadula and Kaathaka Srautasutras belong to the Taittiriya shakha of Krishna Yajur veda. − − Maanava, Varaaha Srautasutras belong to the Maitraayani samhita of Krishna Yajurveda. − − Katyayana Srautasutras are the only available texts belonging to Shukla Yajurveda. − − Aarsheyakalpa, Kshudrasutras, Jaimineeya, Laatyayana, and Draahyayana Srautasutras belong to Saamaveda. − − Vaitaana Srautasutras are the only available texts belonging to Atharvaveda. − − Different classifications of Yaagas may be taken into consideration based on the offerings and time period of conducting them. − − Vedic yagnas/yaagas are divided into − * Prakritiyaaga (Prinicipal) − * Vikritiyaaga (Subsidiary) − Vikritiyaagas derive their procedures from the respective Prakritiyaagas<ref name=":122222222" />. − === प्रकृतियागम् ॥ Prakritiyaagas === − In the Asvalaayana Srautasutra based on the Rig Veda, there are a number yagnas but five among them are regarded as Prakritiyaagas<ref name=":122222222" />. In the present days Prakriti yagnas mentioned in the Vedas are rarely conducted.<ref name=":022222222222">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref> − # होमम् ॥ Homa : '''Agnihotra''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Homas<ref name=":122222222" /> − # इष्टिः ॥ Isthti : '''Darsapurnamaasa yaga''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Isthis<ref name=":122222222" /> − # पशुयागम् ॥ Pasu : '''Nirudha Pasubandha''' is the Prakriti (model) of Pasuyaaga<ref name=":122222222" /> − # सोमयागम् ॥ Soma : '''Agnistoma''' is the Prakriti (model) of all the Somayagas.<ref name=":122222222" /> − # सत्रयागम् ॥ Sattra : '''Gavaamayana''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Satrayagas.<ref name=":122222222" /> − === विकृतियागम् ॥ Vikritiyaagas === − The subsidiary rituals follow their respective principal sacrifices in the performance of different sacrifices. Vikriti Yaganas like Chandika Homa, Veda Samhita Svahakara Yagas, Rudra Yagas are being performed in temples.<ref name=":022222222222" /> − − In the context the kindling of fire, the Agnihotram mentioned as nitya karma has been discussed here and only a brief mention of Agnihotram as a part of vedic ritual during different occasions has been made. − == स्मार्तकर्माणि ॥ Smaarta Karmas == − Smaarta karmas are based on the procedures directly given in Smritis. Smritis include the Dharmasastras, though are based on the Srutis (vedas) are modified versions. − − Smritis are 18 in number. Upa-smritis are also 18 in number. All aspects of the worldly existence are covered extensively in Smritis, in sutra format on topics including varna-ashrama dharmas, all aspects of relationship between man and woman, rajadharmas, how to conduct daily activities such as eating, cleaning, bathing etc, pujas, yagnas and yaagas, different aspects related to shraadda karmas.<ref name=":022222222" /> − − Asvalaayana, Aapasthamba, Baudhayana texts include both Srauta and Smaarta karmas. Hence they are widely referred texts. Line 73:
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Agnihotra (Samskrit : अग्निहोत्रम्) is the name of a yajna (sacrifice), offered to Agni, referred to by the Vedas (also called as Shrutis), thus called as Srauta Yajna.
Agnihotra (Samskrit : अग्निहोत्रम्) is the name of a yajna (sacrifice), offered to Agni, referred to in vedas and their brahmanas (also called as Shrutis), thus called as Srauta Yajna.
However, generically is referred to [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]] in a yagnavedi (altar) invoked by the chanting of mantras during homas and for samskaraas. However, Agnihotram as a specific नित्यकर्म ॥ nityakarma refers to a vedic process whereby a grihastha makes daily offerings of ghee or milk in Agni while reciting the prescribed vedic mantras.
However, the term 'Agnihotra' is also used for setting up of [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]] in a yagnavedi (altar) invoked by the chanting of mantras during homas of special occasions like marriages and samskaraas and nitya Grhyakarmas.<ref name=":0222222" />
Sanatana Dharma is founded on the principle that the primary responsibility of perpetually maintaining Agni at home, called as Agnihotram, is vested with a grihastha. Apart from grihastha's nitya Agnihotra many other events like yagnas, yaagas, isthis, and homas involve the kindling of fire according to karmakanda procedures given in Samhitas and Brahmanas.
Sanatana Dharma is founded on the principle that the primary responsibility of perpetually maintaining Agni at home is vested with a grihastha. In the present days, very rarely, grihasthas are maintaining Agni at homes nor are conducting regular Agnihotra rituals as prescribed by sastras. Agni is invoked in every occasion (auspicious and inauspicious) of dharmic life, from nityakarma, yagas in temples, in special homas during housewarming and grahashanti, upanayana and other samskara celebrations, at weddings (the yajna where the bride and groom circle the fire seven times) and lastly for अन्त्येष्टिः ॥ Anteysti (cremation).
== अग्नेः नित्यकर्मणि प्राधान्यम् ॥ Importance of Agni in Nityakarmas ==
The history of performing kratus, yagnas and yaagas is quite ancient and their process is described in the Samhitas. Yajnas, yaagas, istis, and homas were performed for individual benefit as well as community welfare. While some yajnas were performed by people of all varnas, some like the Rajasuya or Aswamedha yaagam were prescribed only for Kshatriyas. Elaborately conducted yaagas such as Soma yaagas are not performed these days, while Varuna yaagam and Kareeresti for propitiating Varuna devata to obtain good rains is performed at regular intervals as temple events for community benefit.<ref name=":022222222222">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>
Agni to be tended by a grihastha (nityakarma) is of two types. Sri. Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamiji summarizes the following essentials about Smarta and Srautagnis.<ref>Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamiji, (2000) ''[http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part19/chap6.htm Hindu Dharma (Collection of Swamiji's Speeches between 1907 to 1994)]''Mumbai : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref> <blockquote>''"The aupasana fire (lighted at the time of marriage from that of the groom's father) is divided into two in a ceremony called "agniyadhana". One part is called "grhyagni" or "smartagni": it is meant for rites to be performed at home. The second part is srautagni and meant for srauta rites. These two sacred fires must be preserved throughout."''</blockquote>
==== स्मार्ताग्निः॥ Smartagni ====
== परिचय || Introduction ==
Smartagni (Grhyagni) is also called aupasanagni since the daily rite of Aupasana is performed in it. This is the fire contained in one "kunda" and so it is called "ekagni". The section in the Apastamba-sutra dealing with rites performed in it is called "Ekagni-kanda". It is used for performing the नित्यकर्म ॥ nityakarmas where a grihastha makes daily offerings of ghee or milk in Agni while reciting the prescribed mantras (prescribed in Grhyasutra texts).
==== श्रौताग्निः॥ Srautagni ====
Srautagni is meant for the srauta karmas. It involves the form of three fires burning in three mounds. One of the three sacred fires (tretagni), is called "garhapatya" and it belongs to the master of the household. It must be kept burning in the garhapatya mound which is circular in shape. So it is called [[Tretagni (त्रेताग्नयः)|Tretagni]]. The section in the Apastamba-sutra dealing with rites performed in it is called "Tretagni-kanda". One who worships all these three Agnis is called a "tretagni" or "srautin".
One who worships the Srauta and Grhyagnis, is called an "Ahitagni".
== अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ Agnihotram ==
== अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ Agnihotram ==
Agnihotra, is a term specifically applicable to the most common and important vaidika yagnas classified among the Srauta karmas - [[हविर्यज्ञानि ॥ Haviryagnas]] (offering of havis is made) or homas. It is performed as a daily worship to Agni and also with an intent to fulfill any specific desire<ref name=":03222222222" /><ref name=":022222222" />. A brief outline of the various aspects about Agnihotram have been summarized below
Agnihotra, is a term specifically applicable to the most common and important vaidika yagnas classified among the Srauta karmas - [[हविर्यज्ञानि ॥ Haviryagnas]] (offering of havis is made) or homas. It is performed as a daily worship to Agni and also with an intent to fulfill any specific desire<ref name=":03222222222" /><ref name=":022222222" />. A brief outline of the various aspects about Agnihotram have been summarized below
Although performing agnihotra is a regular activity, it is also performed to attain some special desires called as Kaamyakarma with varying aahutidravyas<ref name=":122" />.<blockquote>यवागूरोदनो दधि समिग्रामकामान्नाद्यकामेन्द्रियकाम-तेजस्कामानां २ (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2) </blockquote><blockquote>yavāgūrōdanō dadhi samigrāmakāmānnādyakāmēndriyakāma-tējaskāmānāṁ 2 (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Yavaagu (gruel of Yavagu rice) is offered for acquiring leadership over villages, and curd is offered for attaining strength. </blockquote>
Although performing agnihotra is a regular activity, it is also performed to attain some special desires called as Kaamyakarma with varying aahutidravyas<ref name=":122" />.<blockquote>यवागूरोदनो दधि समिग्रामकामान्नाद्यकामेन्द्रियकाम-तेजस्कामानां २ (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2) </blockquote><blockquote>yavāgūrōdanō dadhi samigrāmakāmānnādyakāmēndriyakāma-tējaskāmānāṁ 2 (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Yavaagu (gruel of Yavagu rice) is offered for acquiring leadership over villages, and curd is offered for attaining strength. </blockquote>
==== अग्नि मन्थन ॥ Agni Manthana ====
==== अग्नि मन्थन ॥ Agni Manthana ====
Agni manthana is the process by which the fire is generated by the manthana (literally churning) or friction of two sami sticks. Rig veda mentions the process of kindling of fire from Arani (fire sticks) made from Sami and Asvattha trees. This is also called Agni Samaaropa<ref name=":0222222">[http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/dharmasindhu/bookview.php?chapnum=23 Dharmasindhu as given by Kanchi Kamakoti] </ref>.
Agni manthana is the process by which the fire is generated by the manthana (literally churning) or friction of two sami sticks. Rig veda mentions the process of kindling of fire from Arani (fire sticks) made from Sami and Asvattha trees. This is also called Agni Samaaropa<ref name=":0222222">''[http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/dharmasindhu/bookview.php?chapnum=23 Essence of Dharmasindhu - Homa Prakriyas]'' by Sri. V. D. N. Rao as given in Kamakoti.org </ref>.
The stick on top called the Uttara-arani is called Pururavas (Indra) and the lower arani called as Aadhara-arani is called Urvasi (Apsara). The rope used for manthana is called rasanaa. The process of generating fire is also described in various Srauta sutra texts apart from Taittriya Brahmana in the पौरोडाशिक काण्ड under अग्न्याधानम् prapathaka <ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/तैत्तिरीयब्राह्मणम्_(विस्वरपाठः)/काण्डः_१/प्रपाठकः_०१ Taittriya Brahmana Kanda 1] (1.1.9.1)</ref>. <blockquote>शमीगर्भादग्निं मन्थति । एषा वा अग्नेर्यज्ञिया तनूः । (Tait. Brah. 1.1.9.1)</blockquote><blockquote>śamīgarbhādagniṁ manthati । ēṣā vā agnēryajñiyā tanūḥ । (Tait. Brah. 1.1.9.1)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : From the hearth of sami (sticks) Agni is churned. This is the yagna body of Agni.</blockquote>
The stick on top called the Uttara-arani is called Pururavas (Indra) and the lower arani called as Aadhara-arani is called Urvasi (Apsara). The rope used for manthana is called rasanaa. The process of generating fire is also described in various Srauta sutra texts apart from Taittriya Brahmana in the पौरोडाशिक काण्ड under अग्न्याधानम् prapathaka <ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/तैत्तिरीयब्राह्मणम्_(विस्वरपाठः)/काण्डः_१/प्रपाठकः_०१ Taittriya Brahmana Kanda 1] (1.1.9.1)</ref>. <blockquote>शमीगर्भादग्निं मन्थति । एषा वा अग्नेर्यज्ञिया तनूः । (Tait. Brah. 1.1.9.1)</blockquote><blockquote>śamīgarbhādagniṁ manthati । ēṣā vā agnēryajñiyā tanūḥ । (Tait. Brah. 1.1.9.1)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : From the hearth of sami (sticks) Agni is churned. This is the yagna body of Agni.</blockquote>