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Line 1: − + − + − + − == अग्नेः नित्यकर्मणि प्राधान्यम् ॥ Importance of Agni in Nityakarmas == − 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 like 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=":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 name=":0">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 === − Smartagni (Grhyagni) is also called औपासनाग्निः ॥ Aupasanagni since the daily rite of '''[[Aupasana|औपासना ॥ Aupasana]]''' is performed in it. This is the fire contained in one "kunda" and so it is called "ekagni". The section in the Apastamba-sutras dealing with rites performed in it is called "Ekagni-kanda"(according to Yajurveda Brahmanas). Thus, this is the Agni used for performing the नित्यकर्म ॥ nityakarmas where a grihastha makes daily offerings of ghee or milk in Agni while reciting the prescribed mantras (given in Grhyasutra texts).<ref name=":022222222" /> − − === श्रौताग्निः॥ Srautagni === − Srautagni is meant for the srauta karmas (srauta yajnas such as Haviryajnas and Somayajnas). It involves the use of three fires burning in three mounds hence called [[Tretagni (त्रेताग्नयः)|Tretagni]].. From the Aupasanagni, by the procedure of Agnyadhanam, Srautaagni also called as the Garhapatyagni is kindled and maintained by the grihastha at the time of the vivaha samskara. One of the three sacred fires (tretagni), called "garhapatya" belongs to the master of the household. It must be kept burning in the garhapatya mound which is circular in shape. 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'''".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":322" /> − One who worships the Srauta and Grhyagnis, is called an "'''Ahitagni'''". Aupasana (Smartagni) and Agnihotra (Srautagni) are the two Nityakarmas to be performed on a daily basis while + + + − + − Gopatha Brahmana (1.5.23)<ref>Gopatha Brahmana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A5_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7_(%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB Purvabhara Prapathaka 5])</ref> describes the Haviryajnas and Somayajnas as follows<blockquote>अग्न्याधेयम् अग्निहोत्रं पौर्णमास्यमावास्ये । नवेष्टिश् चातुर्मास्यानि पशुबन्धो ऽत्र सप्तमः ॥ इत्य् एते हविर्यज्ञाः </blockquote><blockquote>अग्निष्टोमो ऽत्यग्निष्टोम उक्थ्यः षोडशिमांस् ततः । वाजपेयो ऽतिरात्रश् चाप्तोर्यामात्र सप्तमः ॥ इत्य् एते सुत्याः</blockquote>Agnyadheyam and Navesti are given Gopatha Brahmana as one of the Haviryajnas, whereas according to 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 are given summarized in the tables+ − : <blockquote>श्रौताग्निसप्तसंस्थाः । यथा । सोमयागः स एवाग्निष्टोमः १ अत्यग्निष्टोमः २ उक्थ्यः ३ षोडशी ४ वाजपेयः ५ स द्बिविधः संस्था कुरुश्च । अतिरात्रः ६ अप्तूर्य्यामः ७ ।</blockquote> − Srauta Yajnas are 14 in number. They are divided into two main groups : Haviryajnas and Somayajnas<ref name=":122222222" /><ref>Introduction to Rituals ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/rituals/# Vedic Heritage Portal])</ref>. Gautama Dharmasutras also mention these yajnas (8.18). − !Somayajnas − |अग्निष्टोम ॥ Agnistoma − |अत्यग्निष्टोम ॥ Atyagnistoma − |उक्थ्य ॥ Ukthya − |षोडशी ॥ Sodashi − |वाजपेय ॥ Vajapeya − |अतिरात्र ॥ Atiratra − |आप्तोर्याम ॥ Aptoryam − + − + Line 76:
Line 59: − == अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ Agnihotram ==+ − Agnihotra, is a term specifically applicable to the first and important vaidika yajnas classified among the Srauta karmas - [[हविर्यज्ञानि ॥ Haviryagnas|हविर्यज्ञानि ॥ Haviryajnas]] (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 as below. Agnihotra<ref>Swaminathan, C. R. (1997) ''[http://ignca.nic.in/eBooks/KANVASATAPATHABRAHMAAAM_Vol_I.pdf Kanvasatapathabrahmanam Volume 1.]'' New Delhi : Indra Gandhi National Centre For the Arts and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref> − === अग्न्याधान ॥ Agnyadhana === − ==== नक्षत्राणि ॥ Nakshatras ====+ − ==== ऋतु ॥ Seasons ====+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Line 96:
Line 97: − + − ==== 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 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 yajna body of Agni.</blockquote>
→कर्ता ॥ Karta
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.
Agnihotra (Samskrit : अग्निहोत्रम्) is the name of a yajna (sacrifice), which involves offerings made to Agni, as a nityakarma. The procedure to perform Yajnas including Agnihotra is described in brahmana part of Veda (also called as Shrutis), thus they are called as Srauta Yajnas.
However, the term 'Agnihotra' is also used for setting up of [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]] in a yajnavedi (altar) invoked by the chanting of mantras during homas of special occasions like marriages and samskaraas and nitya Grhyakarmas.<ref name=":0222222" />
However, the term 'Agnihotra' is lately also used to refer to the fire altars set up during Grhyakarmas like those required during samskaras.<ref name=":0222222" />It needs to be emphasized that the term Agnihotra technically refers to the Srauta yajna that is performed as a nityakarma (daily basis).
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 (where the bride and groom circle the sacred fire seven times) and lastly for अन्त्येष्टिः ॥ Anteysti (cremation).
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 (where the bride and groom circle the sacred fire seven times) and lastly for अन्त्येष्टिः ॥ Anteysti (cremation).
== श्रौतयज्ञाः ॥ Srauta Yajnas ==
Srauta Yajnas are 14 in number. They are divided into two main groups : Haviryajnas and Somayajnas<ref name=":122222222" /><ref>Introduction to Rituals ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/rituals/# Vedic Heritage Portal])</ref>. Gautama Dharmasutras also mention about these yajnas (8.18).
=== श्रौतयज्ञाः ॥ Srauta Yajnas ===
=== हविर्यज्ञाः ॥ Haviryajnas ===
According to 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 are the Srauta yajnas summarized in the table
: <blockquote>तत्र श्रौताग्निकृत्य- हविर्यज्ञाः सप्त । यथा । आग्न्याधानं तदेवाग्निहोत्रम् १ दर्शपौर्णमासौ २ पिण्डपितृ-यज्ञः ३ आग्रयणम् ४ चातुर्म्मास्यः ५ निरूढ-पशुबन्धः ६ सौत्रामणिः ७ ।</blockquote>
: <blockquote>तत्र श्रौताग्निकृत्य- हविर्यज्ञाः सप्त । यथा । आग्न्याधानं तदेवाग्निहोत्रम् १ दर्शपौर्णमासौ २ पिण्डपितृ-यज्ञः ३ आग्रयणम् ४ चातुर्म्मास्यः ५ निरूढ-पशुबन्धः ६ सौत्रामणिः ७ ।</blockquote>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Srauta Yajnas
|+Srauta Yajnas
!Haviryajnas
!Haviryajnas
|-
|-
|अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ Agnihotra
|अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ Agnihotra
|-
|-
|दर्शपूर्णमास ॥ Darsapurnamasa
|दर्शपूर्णमास ॥ Darsapurnamasa
|-
|-
|आग्रयण ॥ Agrayana
|आग्रयण ॥ Agrayana
|-
|-
|पिण्डपितृयज्ञ ॥ Pindapitryajna
|पिण्डपितृयज्ञ ॥ Pindapitryajna
|-
|-
|चातुर्मास्य ॥ Chaturmasya
|चातुर्मास्य ॥ Chaturmasya
|-
|-
|निरूढपशुबन्ध ॥ Nirudha Pashubandha
|निरूढपशुबन्ध ॥ Nirudha Pashubandha
|-
|-
|सौत्रामणी ॥ Sautramani
|सौत्रामणी ॥ Sautramani
|}
|}
The most common of these yajnas is the Agnihotra, where daily havis of milk is given in the three fires, every morning and evening. Apart from Agnihotra, Darsapurnamasa (performed on New and Full Moon days) and Chaturmasya (performed at the beginning of three seasons) are also important.
The most common of these yajnas is the Agnihotra, where daily havis of milk is offered in the three fires (Srautagni), every morning and evening. Apart from Agnihotra, Darsapurnamasa (performed on New and Full Moon days) and Chaturmasya (performed at the beginning of three seasons) are also important.
=== श्रौतसुत्राणि॥Srauta Sutras ===
=== श्रौतसुत्राणि॥Srauta Sutras ===
Kalpas are one among the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. Srautasutras classified as one among the Kalpas deal with the rules for the execution of the great yajnas (sacrifices) which last for many days. All the four Vedas have their Srautasutras.<ref name=":122222222" />
Kalpas are one among the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. Srautasutras classified as one among the Kalpas deal with the rules for the execution of the Srauta yajnas (sacrifices) which last for many days. All the four Vedas have their Srautasutras.<ref name=":122222222" />
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Vedas
!Vedas
Besides these above mentioned Srautasutras, there are many others but their texts are not available at present.
Besides these above mentioned Srautasutras, there are many others but their texts are not available at present.
== अग्न्याधान ॥ Agnyadhana ==
अग्न्याधेय ॥ Agnaadheya (also called Agnyadhana) is technically the process by which the sacred fire or agnihotram is newly established in the kundas along with the chanting of mantras as prescribed by Grhyasutras and Srauta sutras. Samhita texts form the base from where the Grhya and Srauta sutras are compiled from. This process is generally similar across all vedic srauta sutras, with a few variations. Some aspects are as follows
अग्न्याधेय ॥ Agnaadheya (also called Agnyadhana) is technically the process by which the sacred fire or agnihotram is newly established in the kundas along with the chanting of mantras as prescribed by Grhyasutras and Srauta sutras. Samhita texts form the base from where the Grhya and Srauta sutras are compiled from. This process is generally similar across all vedic srauta sutras, with a few variations. Some aspects are as follows
=== नक्षत्राणि ॥ Nakshatras ===
This ceremony is performed when chandra (moon) is situated in certain nakshatras. Krittika, rohini, margasira, phalguni, vishakha and uttara, hasta, chitta and sravana stars are preferred according to different Srauta sutras <ref name=":122">[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 Asvalayana Srauta Sutram Adhyaya 2] (2.3.2)</ref><ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%AB Aapasthamba Srauta Sutram Prasna 5] (5.3.3)</ref><blockquote>कृत्तिकासु रोहिण्यां मृगशिरसि फल्गुनीषु विशाखयोरुत्तरयोः प्रोष्ठपदयोः ॥ १० (Asva. Srau. Sutr. 2.1.10) </blockquote><blockquote>kr̥ttikāsu rōhiṇyāṁ mr̥gaśirasi phalgunīṣu viśākhayōruttarayōḥ prōṣṭhapadayōḥ ॥ 10 (Asva. Srau. Sutr. 2.1.10)</blockquote><blockquote>कृत्तिकासु ब्राह्मण आदधीत मुख्यो ब्रह्मवर्चसी भवति ॥ ३ गृहांस्तस्याग्निर्दाहुको भवति ॥ ४ (Apas. Srau. Sutr. 5.3.3)</blockquote><blockquote>kr̥ttikāsu brāhmaṇa ādadhīta mukhyō brahmavarcasī bhavati ॥ 3 gr̥hāṁstasyāgnirdāhukō bhavati ॥ 4 (Apas. Srau. Sutr. 5.3.3 and 4)</blockquote>
This ceremony is performed when chandra (moon) is situated in certain nakshatras. Krittika, rohini, margasira, phalguni, vishakha and uttara, hasta, chitta and sravana stars are preferred according to different Srauta sutras <ref name=":122">[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 Asvalayana Srauta Sutram Adhyaya 2] (2.3.2)</ref><ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%AB Aapasthamba Srauta Sutram Prasna 5] (5.3.3)</ref><blockquote>कृत्तिकासु रोहिण्यां मृगशिरसि फल्गुनीषु विशाखयोरुत्तरयोः प्रोष्ठपदयोः ॥ १० (Asva. Srau. Sutr. 2.1.10) </blockquote><blockquote>kr̥ttikāsu rōhiṇyāṁ mr̥gaśirasi phalgunīṣu viśākhayōruttarayōḥ prōṣṭhapadayōḥ ॥ 10 (Asva. Srau. Sutr. 2.1.10)</blockquote><blockquote>कृत्तिकासु ब्राह्मण आदधीत मुख्यो ब्रह्मवर्चसी भवति ॥ ३ गृहांस्तस्याग्निर्दाहुको भवति ॥ ४ (Apas. Srau. Sutr. 5.3.3)</blockquote><blockquote>kr̥ttikāsu brāhmaṇa ādadhīta mukhyō brahmavarcasī bhavati ॥ 3 gr̥hāṁstasyāgnirdāhukō bhavati ॥ 4 (Apas. Srau. Sutr. 5.3.3 and 4)</blockquote>
=== ऋतु ॥ Seasons ===
The people of different sections are advised to establish fire in different seasons - Brahmanas in vasanta or spring season, while the kshatriya and vaishya varnas can establish it in summer, rainy and autumn seasons<ref name=":122222222" />.
The people of different sections are advised to establish fire in different seasons - Brahmanas in vasanta or spring season, while the kshatriya and vaishya varnas can establish it in summer, rainy and autumn seasons<ref name=":122222222" />.
=== 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 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 yajna body of Agni.</blockquote>
== अग्नेः नित्यकर्मणि प्राधान्यम् ॥ Importance of Agni in Nityakarmas ==
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 name=":0">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>
=== श्रौताग्निः॥ Srautagni ===
Srautagni is meant for the srauta karmas (srauta yajnas such as Haviryajnas and Somayajnas). It involves the use of three fires burning in three mounds hence called [[Tretagni (त्रेताग्नयः)|Tretagni]].
* From the Aupasanagni, by the procedure of Agnyadhanam, Srautaagni also called as the Garhapatyagni is kindled at the time of the vivaha samskara and maintained throughout his life by the grihastha.
* Of the three sacred fires (tretagni), "garhapatya" belongs to the master of the household. It must be kept burning in the garhapatya mound which is circular in shape.
* The section in the Apastamba-sutra dealing with rites performed in it is called "Tretagni-kanda" for those following Yajurveda.
* One who worships all these three Agnis is called a "Tretagni" or "'''Srautin'''".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":322" />
* One who worships the Srauta and Grhyagnis, is called an "'''Ahitagni'''".
* Aupasana (in Smartagni) and Agnihotra (in Srautagni) are the two Agnikaryas (fire rituals) in the Nityakarmas to be performed everyday apart from the other nityakarmas like Sandhyavandanam, Vaisvedeva, and Panchamahayajnas.
== अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ Agnihotram ==
Agnihotra, is a term specifically applicable to the first and important vaidika yajnas classified among the Srauta karmas - [[हविर्यज्ञानि ॥ Haviryagnas|हविर्यज्ञानि ॥ Haviryajnas]] (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 as below. Agnihotra<ref>Swaminathan, C. R. (1997) ''[http://ignca.nic.in/eBooks/KANVASATAPATHABRAHMAAAM_Vol_I.pdf Kanvasatapathabrahmanam Volume 1.]'' New Delhi : Indra Gandhi National Centre For the Arts and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref>
==== कर्ता ॥ Karta ====
==== कर्ता ॥ Karta ====
The कर्ता ॥ Karta should be सपत्नीक ॥ sapatinika (have a wife) which is the main criteria to perform Aupasana.
The कर्ता ॥ Karta should be सपत्नीक ॥ sapatinika (have a wife) which is the main criteria to perform Aupasana.
पयसा नित्यहोमः १ payasā nityahōmaḥ 1 (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2)
पयसा नित्यहोमः १ payasā nityahōmaḥ 1 (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2)
The performer of Agnihotra is obliged to rear a cow primarily for providing milk as havis to devatas. The milk vessel which must be an earthen pot with a straight brim is called ‘agnihotra-sthālī’ and the ladle is called ‘agnihotrahavaṇī.’<ref name=":022222222222" /><ref name=":122222222" /> Milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee) are also offered.
The performer of Agnihotra is obliged to rear a cow primarily for providing milk as havis to devatas. The milk vessel which must be an earthen pot with a straight brim is called ‘agnihotra-sthālī’ and the ladle is called ‘agnihotrahavaṇī.’<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><ref name=":122222222" /> Milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee) are also offered.
==== काम्यकर्म ॥ Kaamyakarma ====
==== काम्यकर्म ॥ Kaamyakarma ====
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>
==== समिधा ॥ Samidha ====
==== समिधा ॥ Samidha ====
Agnaadheya ceremony starts with the collection of arani (the samidha wood) and ends in purnaahuti (offering at the end of ceremony). Once the fire is kindled by Arani, it is maintained by the addition of smaller pieces of wood called Samidhas into the Agni. These pieces of wood are collected with bark and are 10 to 12 inches long. This process is called "Pratyavaroha"<ref name=":0222222" />.Agni samaaropa and pratyavaroha are to be executed by the karta himself and not by others except by his wife who might perform the Pratyavaroha part.
Agnaadheya ceremony starts with the collection of arani (the samidha wood) and ends in purnaahuti (offering at the end of ceremony). Once the fire is kindled by Arani, it is maintained by the addition of smaller pieces of wood called Samidhas into the Agni. These pieces of wood are collected with bark and are 10 to 12 inches long. This process is called "Pratyavaroha"<ref name=":0222222" />.Agni samaaropa and pratyavaroha are to be executed by the karta himself and not by others except by his wife who might perform the Pratyavaroha part.