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Pakayajnas (Samskrit: पाकयज्ञाः) are a class of yajnas defined based on the offering of cooked items (पाकसाध्यो यज्ञः)<ref name=":1">Vachaspatya (See explanation for word [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8 Pakayajna])</ref> in the specific grhyaagni, at different times of the year and one some occasions (samskaras). Some of these yajnas are performed once while others are recurrent in the year. The [[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutras]] specifically deal with these yajnas which are the prescribed nityakarmas or obligatory activities of a grhastha. They are the yajnas for individual and his extended family. The technical term Pakayajna is used to refer to Grhyayajnas to distinguish them from the Shrauta yajnas.

Pakayajnas (Samskrit: पाकयज्ञाः) are a class of yajnas defined based on the offering of cooked items (पाकसाध्यो यज्ञः)<ref name=":1">Vachaspatya (See explanation for word [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8 Pakayajna])</ref> in the specific grhyaagni, at different times of the year and one some occasions (samskaras). Some of these yajnas are performed once while others are recurrent in the year. The [[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutras]] specifically deal with these yajnas which are the prescribed nityakarmas or obligatory activities of a grhastha. They are the yajnas for individual and his extended family. The technical term Pakayajna is used to refer to Grhyayajnas to distinguish them from the Shrauta yajnas.

== लक्षणम्॥ Definition ==

== लक्षणम्॥ Definition ==

=== चत्वारः पाकयज्ञाः ॥ Four kinds ===

=== चत्वारः पाकयज्ञाः ॥ Four kinds ===

Paraskara and Shankhayana, however, mention four kinds of Pakayajnas in a different context. They are Huta (हुतः), Ahuta (अहुत), Prahuta (प्रहुतः), Prashita (प्राशितः)<blockquote>चत्वारः पाकयज्ञा हुतोऽहुतः प्रहुतः प्राशित इति १ (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 1.4.1)<ref name=":3">Paraskara Grhyasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%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><ref name=":5">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>Paraskara explains Ahutada (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 2.15.3) are the Marutganas who are said to be the consumers or "eaters" of Ahuta or Bali offerings. To them instead of Ajya offerings Bali is offered.  

Paraskara and Shankhayana, however, mention four kinds of Pakayajnas in a different context. They are Huta (हुतः), Ahuta (अहुत), Prahuta (प्रहुतः), Prashita (प्राशितः)<blockquote>चत्वारः पाकयज्ञा हुतोऽहुतः प्रहुतः प्राशित इति १ (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 1.4.1)<ref name=":3">Paraskara Grhyasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%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><ref name=":5">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>Paraskara explains Ahutada (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 2.15.3) are the Marutganas who are said to be the consumers or "eaters" of Ahuta or Bali offerings. To them instead of Ajya (Ghee) Bali is offered.  

Shankhayana explains the four kinds, Huta is that in which offering is made into the Agnihotra (here it is the grhyagni), Ahuta means an offering of Balis, Prahuta involves offerings to the Pitrs, Prashita is an offering to Brahmanas (food given to Brahmanas).<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>हुतोऽग्निहोत्रहोमेनाहुतो बलिकर्मणा प्रहुतः पितृकर्मणा प्राशितो ब्राह्मणे हुतः ७ (Shan. Grhy. Sutr. 1.10.7)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote>According to Manusmrti, Ahuta, Huta, Prahuta, Braahmya-huta and Prasita are also the names of the [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]]. <blockquote>अहुतं च हुतं चैव तथा प्रहुतं एव च । ब्राह्म्यं हुतं प्राशितं च पञ्चयज्ञान्प्रचक्षते ।। ३.७३।।  जपोऽहुतो हुतो होमः प्रहुतो भौतिको बलिः । ब्राह्म्यं हुतं द्विजाग्र्यार्चा प्राशितं पितृतर्पणम् । । ३.७४ (Manu. Smrt. 3.73-74)<ref>Manusmrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3])</ref></blockquote>The five 'great yajnas are called Ahutam, Hutam, Prahutam, Brahma-hutam, and Prashitam. Ahuta stands for the recitation of vedas, Huta for homa, Prahuta for the Bali offered to the bhutas (Baliharana), Brahmahuta for the respectful hospitality show to Brahmanas and uninvited guests. Prashita stands for tarpana offered to Pitrs.<ref>Pt. Manamathnath Dutt (1979) ''The Dharam shastra, Hindu Religious codes, Volume 5.'' New Delhi:Cosmo Publications. (Page 95)</ref>

Shankhayana explains the four kinds, Huta is that in which offering is made into the Agnihotra (here it is the grhyagni), Ahuta means an offering of Balis, Prahuta involves offerings to the Pitrs, Prashita is an offering into the agni after consumed by Brahmanas (food given to Brahmanas).<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>हुतोऽग्निहोत्रहोमेनाहुतो बलिकर्मणा प्रहुतः पितृकर्मणा प्राशितो ब्राह्मणे हुतः ७ (Shan. Grhy. Sutr. 1.10.7)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote>According to Manusmrti, Ahuta, Huta, Prahuta, Braahmya-huta and Prasita are also the names of the [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]]. <blockquote>अहुतं च हुतं चैव तथा प्रहुतं एव च । ब्राह्म्यं हुतं प्राशितं च पञ्चयज्ञान्प्रचक्षते ।। ३.७३।।  जपोऽहुतो हुतो होमः प्रहुतो भौतिको बलिः । ब्राह्म्यं हुतं द्विजाग्र्यार्चा प्राशितं पितृतर्पणम् । । ३.७४ (Manu. Smrt. 3.73-74)<ref>Manusmrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3])</ref></blockquote>The five 'great yajnas are called Ahutam, Hutam, Prahutam, Brahma-hutam, and Prashitam. Ahuta stands for the recitation of vedas, Huta for homa, Prahuta for the Bali offered to the bhutas (Baliharana), Brahmahuta for the respectful hospitality show to Brahmanas and uninvited guests. Prashita stands for tarpana offered to Pitrs.<ref>Pt. Manamathnath Dutt (1979) ''The Dharam shastra, Hindu Religious codes, Volume 5.'' New Delhi:Cosmo Publications. (Page 95)</ref>

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+Similarities between Panchamahayajnas and Pakayajnas

|+Similarities between Panchamahayajnas and Pakayajnas

''Also called Shravana-karma (श्रवणाकर्म), Sarpabali (सर्पबलिः)''

''Also called Shravana-karma (श्रवणाकर्म), Sarpabali (सर्पबलिः)''

As this ceremony is performed in the month of Shravana, specifically on the Purnima day, it is called Shravana as per most Grhyasutras. This should not be confused with the Shravanam or Upakarma ceremony related to study of Vedas, though both are performed on the same day. This ceremony is performed keeping the snakes or serpents in view. One may easily understand that Shravana masa corresponding to the month of August is the rainy season, when the rain water runs into the holes of the ground, due to which many burrowing animals come up to the surface. Fear of snakes entering the houses and snake-bite is a natural fear instinct. Snakes are worshipped and our ancients have taught us to offer prayers and bali not only on that day to seek protection. Manava GS, explicitly mentions about the fear of snakes and propitiation of powerful snakes. Baudhayana GS (3.10.2-6) states that Sarpabali  should be performed every year, every season, or every ayana (six months) or every month, specifically in the rainy season under the Ashresha nakshatra. It gives a long list of deities which are to be propitiated on the occasion of the Sarpabali; some of the names include Dhritarashtra, Takshaka, Taarkshya, and Aahira.

As this ceremony is performed in the month of Shravana, specifically on the Purnima day, it is called Shravana as per most Grhyasutras. This should not be confused with the Shravanam or Upakarma ceremony related to study of Vedas, though both are performed on the same day. This ceremony is performed keeping the snakes or serpents in view. One may easily understand that Shravana masa corresponding to the month of July - August is the rainy season, when the rain water runs into the holes of the ground, due to which many burrowing animals come up to the surface. Fear of snakes entering the houses and snake-bite is a natural fear instinct. Snakes are worshipped and our ancients have taught us to offer prayers and bali not only on that day to seek protection. Manava GS, explicitly mentions about the fear of snakes and propitiation of powerful snakes. <blockquote>श्रावण्यां पौर्णमास्यामस्तमिते स्थालीपाकः ५ पार्वणवदाज्यभागान्ते स्थालीपाकाद्धुत्वाञ्जलिनोत्तरैः प्रतिमन्त्रं किशुकानि जुहोति ६ (Apas. Grhy. Sutr. 7.18.5-6)<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>Apastamba GS states that on the fullmoon of the (month of) Sravana after sunset a sthalipaka is offered. At the end of offering Ajyabhaga in a manner similar to the Parvana yajna, with each mantra he offers, with joined hands, the Kimsuka flowers.

 

Baudhayana GS (3.10.2-6) states that Sarpabali  should be performed every year, every season, or every ayana (six months) or every month, specifically in the rainy season under the Ashresha nakshatra. It gives a long list of deities which are to be propitiated on the occasion of the Sarpabali; some of the names include Dhritarashtra, Takshaka, Taarkshya, and Aahira.

==== Brief Procedure ====

==== Brief Procedure ====

Paraskara GS describes this ceremony in detail and the procedure is similar to that described other grhyasutras. The grhastha cooks a Sthalipaka and Purodasa cake along with preparation of the fried grains and pounding them. He offers the pounded grains and performs the two Ajyabhagas with Svahakara and recitation of relevant mantras.  

Paraskara GS describes this ceremony in detail and the procedure is similar to that described other grhyasutras. The grhastha cooks a Sthalipaka and Purodasa cake (in one kapala) along with preparation of the fried grains and pounding them. He offers the pounded grains and performs the two Ajyabhagas with Svahakara and recitation of relevant mantras. The sthalipaka or cooked food is offered to Vishnu, Shravana nakshatra, the full moon of Shravana and the rainy season.  <blockquote>स्थालीपाकस्य जुहोति विष्णवे श्रवणाय श्रावण्यै पौर्णमास्यै वर्षाभ्यश्चेति ६ धानावन्तमिति धानानाम् ७ घृतान्सक्तून्सर्पेभ्यो जुहोति ८ (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 2.14.6-8)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote>He offers the ahutis of flour of the fried grains, filled with ghee, reciting the specified mantras with a Svahakara to sarpadhipati of terrestrial serpents  under Agni (पार्थिवानां सर्पाणामधिपतये स्वाहा), sarpadhipati of aerial serpents under Vayu (अन्तरिक्षाणां) and ultimately to the sarpadhipati of celestial serpents belonging to Surya (दिव्यानां सर्पाणामधिपतये).<ref name=":0" />

 

स्थालीपाकस्य जुहोति विष्णवे श्रवणाय श्रावण्यै पौर्णमास्यै वर्षाभ्यश्चेति ६

धानावन्तमिति धानानाम् ७ घृताक्तान्सक्तून्सर्पेभ्यो जुहोति ८ (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 2.14.6-8)<ref name=":3" />

The sthalipaka cooked ahutis or the purodasa are offered in either the Dakshinagni (the southern fire of the Tretagnis) in the case of an Ahitagni (one who maintains the Shrauta agnis) or in the Aupasanagni (grhyaagni) by an Anaahitagni. After consuming the remnant of the offerings, he silently first offers water and then Saktu (a cooked preparation) as bali, in a spot outside the house/room, to the snakes to ward them off. Then with the recitation of the mantras he should walk around the house, three times, covering the area with an uninterrupted stream of water. The residue of Saktu is stored in a secluded place. From that day, this offering of Saktu with a darvi (a yajna upakarana) as bali should be performed every day post his daily evening aupasana, till the time of the Prayavarohana. The he ascends the high couch or bedstead. The Asvalayana GS (2.1.14) adds that he should offer the Bali in the evening and morning till Pratyavarohana time with specific mantras. While the Hiranyakeshi GS also prescribes the offering of Kimshuka flowers to the serpents, the Apastamba GS in addition to it prescribes the offering of Aaragvadha wood along with Ushiira roots. <ref name=":0" />

=== प्रत्यवरोहणम् ॥ Prayavarohana ===

=== प्रत्यवरोहणम् ॥ Prayavarohana ===

''Also called Aagrahayani (आग्रहायणी)'', ''Aagrahayani-karma (आग्रहायणीकर्म)''

''Also called Aagrahayani (आग्रहायणी)'', ''Aagrahayani-karma (आग्रहायणीकर्म)''

Prayavarohana (प्रत्यवरोहणम्) which means to "descend again" is a rite which marks the ceremonial descent of the entire family from a high couch or cot, which was used from Sravana Purnima (fullmoon of Sravana maasa) due to increased presence of snakes at that time. It is also called Aagrahayani (आग्रहायणी) because it is performed on the Purnima day in the month of Margashira masa which is called as Agrahayana (अग्रहायणम्) masa.<ref name=":32" />  

Prayavarohana (प्रत्यवरोहणम्) which means to "descend again" is a rite which marks the ceremonial descent of the entire family from a high couch or cot, which was used from Sravana Purnima (fullmoon of Sravana maasa) due to increased presence of snakes at that time. It is also called Aagrahayani (आग्रहायणी) because it is performed on the Purnima day in the month of Margashira masa which is called as Agrahayana (अग्रहायणम्) masa.<ref name=":32" /> Scholars explain this aspect that Aagrahayani is that Purnima (full moon day) which falls in the beginning of the year. According to this version, in certain calendars Margashira masa also called as Agrahayana which was said to be the beginning of the year. Hence the festival that is celebrated on this day came to be known as Aagrahayani. 

 

Shankhayana GS states that during Aagrahayana masa, Pratyavarohana rite is conducted. Paraskara GS states Aagrahayani karma instead of using the term Pratyavarohana. Ashvalayana GS state the sarpadevatas have to be offered bali in the morning and evening with Svahakara (स्वाहाकारः).<blockquote>आग्रहायण्यां प्रत्यवरोहेद् १ (Shan. Grhy. Sutr. 4.17.1)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote><blockquote>मार्गशीर्ष्यां पौर्णमास्यामाग्रहायणीकर्म १ (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 3.2.1)<ref name=":3" /> </blockquote><blockquote>सर्पदेवजनेभ्यः स्वाहेति सायं प्रातर्बलिं हरेदा प्रत्यवरोहणात् १४ (Ashv. Grhy. Sutr. 2.1.14)<ref name=":6" /></blockquote>

the sarpadevatas have to be offered bali in the morning and evening with Svahakara (स्वाहाकारः).<blockquote>आग्रहायण्यां प्रत्यवरोहेद् १ (Shan. Grhy. Sutr. 4.17.1)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote><blockquote>मार्गशीर्ष्यां पौर्णमास्यामाग्रहायणीकर्म १ (Para. Grhy. Sutr. 3.2.1)<ref name=":3" /> </blockquote><blockquote>सर्पदेवजनेभ्यः स्वाहेति सायं प्रातर्बलिं हरेदा प्रत्यवरोहणात् १४ (Ashv. Grhy. Sutr. 2.1.14)<ref name=":6" /></blockquote>

== References ==

== References ==

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