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The origin of the Grhyasutras appear to be traceable to an oral tradition prevalent among the people of ancient times which preserved them till date. They employ many mantras from the veda samhita parts while performing the domestic rituals. So one can understand the antiquity of these ceremonies which are traced back to the time of the Vedas.  

The origin of the Grhyasutras appear to be traceable to an oral tradition prevalent among the people of ancient times which preserved them till date. They employ many mantras from the veda samhita parts while performing the domestic rituals. So one can understand the antiquity of these ceremonies which are traced back to the time of the Vedas.  

== Subject-matter of Grhyasutras ==

== Subject-matter of Grhyasutras ==

[[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]] form an important subject of the Grhyasutras. They pertain to the activities surrounding an individual and fundamentally prescribe the procedural methods and specifical mantras to be recited at different stages of a particular samskara. Dharmasutras on the other hand rarely describe the procedural aspects of a ritual and delve upon the code of conduct of an individual. Broadly the topics treated in these texts include pre-birth ceremonies for the mother Pumsavana, Seemantonnayana etc) and post-birth ceremonies of the child starting from Namakarana, a detailed account of [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]], Upakarma, [[Samavartana (समावर्तनम्)|Samavartana]], [[Snataka (स्नातकः)|Snataka]] conduct, marriage followed by Antyeshti or the funeral ceremonies. The Grhyasutras give a detailed account of the ceremony of Upanayana and other education related samskaras which a child undergoes starting from initiation into the study of Veda. Being the pivot of all domestic ceremonies, the marriage with its diverse and diffuse details occupies a great deal of explanation in the Grhyasutras.

[[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]] form an important subject of the Grhyasutras. They pertain to the activities surrounding an individual and fundamentally prescribe the procedural methods and specifical mantras to be recited at different stages of a particular samskara. Dharmasutras on the other hand rarely describe the procedural aspects of a ritual and delve upon the code of conduct of an individual. Broadly the topics treated in these texts include pre-birth ceremonies for the mother Pumsavana, Seemantonnayana etc) and post-birth ceremonies of the child starting from Namakarana, a detailed account of [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]], Upakarma, [[Samavartana (समावर्तनम्)|Samavartana]], [[Snataka (स्नातकः)|Snataka]] conduct, marriage followed by Antyeshti or the funeral ceremonies. The Grhyasutras give a detailed account of the ceremony of Upanayana and other education related samskaras which a child undergoes starting from initiation into the study of Veda. Being the pivot of all domestic ceremonies, the marriage with its diverse and diffuse details occupies a great deal of explanation in the Grhyasutras.

The daily obligatory activities of a grhastha such as [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], Pakayajnas and the periodical yajnas, [[Shraddha (श्राद्धम्)|shraddha]], monthly rituals to be performed on the new-moon and full-moon days, annual rituals among other information are extensively discussed. The yajnas that are performed annually include Sravana, the Indrayajna, the Asvayuji, the Agrahayani, the Ashtakas, the Phalguni, and the Chaitriyajna.

The daily obligatory activities of a grhastha such as [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], Pakayajnas and the periodical yajnas, [[Shraddha (श्राद्धम्)|shraddha]], monthly rituals to be performed on the new-moon and full-moon days, annual rituals among other information are extensively discussed. The yajnas that are performed annually include Sravana, the Indrayajna, the Asvayuji, the Agrahayani, the Ashtakas, the Phalguni, and the Chaitriyajna.

Apart from the above, these texts contain ceremonies connected with agricultural operations, cattle welfare and festivities associated with them. The ceremony of Vrshotsarga, wherein a stud-bull is left at liberty, is discussed, so also the Sulagava yajna for the prosperity of cattle. Mantras which are to be recited while driving cattle to and from from pasture find a mention. Ploughing the field is started with special ceremonies as is the method of worshipping the Sita (which literally means a furrow). Agrayana yajna is connected with agriculture wherein the first fruits of the crop are to be offered to the deities. All these activities have marginally reduced but are still followed by our farmers in the present day.  

Apart from the above, these texts contain ceremonies connected with agricultural operations, cattle welfare and festivities associated with them. The ceremony of Vrshotsarga, wherein a stud-bull is left at liberty, is discussed, so also the Shulagava yajna for the prosperity of cattle. Mantras which are to be recited while driving cattle to and from from pasture find a mention. Ploughing the field is started with special ceremonies as is the method of worshipping the Sita (which literally means a furrow). Agrayana yajna is connected with agriculture wherein the first fruits of the crop are to be offered to the deities. All these activities have marginally reduced but are still followed by our farmers in the present day.  

Next topic of importance discussed in the Grhyasutras includes the choice of land for building a house, the rites to be performed for laying the foundation and the main door or gate of the house, and when the pujas to be performed when the owner first enters the house after its completion.  

Next topic of importance discussed in the Grhyasutras includes the choice of land for building a house, the rites to be performed for laying the foundation and the main door or gate of the house, and when the pujas to be performed when the owner first enters the house after its completion.  

Other topics discussed include ceremonies to be performed on the appearance of certain animals such as cats, birds such as pigeons, crows in the house. Other events such as bursting of the central pillar in the house and other inauspicious signs such as sight of a solitary jackal or a cat and the prayaschittas for the same are discussed. Expiating actions for the neglect of obligatory duties and rites are aptly discussed.<ref name=":0" />

Other topics discussed include ceremonies to be performed on the appearance of certain animals such as cats, birds such as pigeons, crows in the house. Other events such as bursting of the central pillar in the house and inauspicious signs such as sight of a solitary jackal or a cat and the prayaschittas for the same are discussed. Expiating actions for the neglect of obligatory duties and rites are aptly discussed.<ref name=":0" />

Special attention is given to kamyakarmas done for fulfillment of certain desires, such as desire for prosperity of cattle, achievement of glory, gaining favour of certain people, appease an angry person, and desire to become a king.   

Special attention is given to kamyakarmas done for fulfillment of certain desires, such as desire for prosperity of cattle, achievement of glory, gaining favour of certain people, appease an angry person, and desire to become a king.   

* Atharvaveda gives copious information about Grhya ritual described in Grhyasutras - marriage, Pumsavana, Jatakarma, Upanayana, Antyeshti, Godana, Astaka and so on.

* Atharvaveda gives copious information about Grhya ritual described in Grhyasutras - marriage, Pumsavana, Jatakarma, Upanayana, Antyeshti, Godana, Astaka and so on.

* Brahmana texts mention a number of rites and rituals found in Grhyasutras example, Agrahayana ceremony (Ait. Brah. 7.9, Kaus. Brah. 4.12, Tait. Samh. 5.7.2)

* Brahmana texts mention a number of rites and rituals found in Grhyasutras example, Agrahayana ceremony (Ait. Brah. 7.9, Kaus. Brah. 4.12, Tait. Samh. 5.7.2)

* Sathapatha Brahmana discusses the [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], and [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]], Garbhadhana, Namakarana (of the samskaras) and others such as Soshyantikarman, Ayushyakarman, and Medhajanana.

* Tattriya and Sathapatha Brahmanas discuss the [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], and [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]], Garbhadhana, Namakarana (of the samskaras) and others such as Soshyantikarman, Ayushyakarman, and Medhajanana.

=== List of Grhyakarmani ===

=== List of Grhyakarmani ===

==== [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)|पाकयज्ञाः ॥ Pakayajnas]] ====

==== [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)|पाकयज्ञाः ॥ Pakayajnas]] ====

Now, while Gautama included these yajnas as part of samskaras, these yajnas are gradually fading away with very few people actively conducting them in the present society. Except for the Shraddha related yajnas the rest are rarely seen. Additionally the differences seen in the vidhis as per the veda shakas are not handed down to future generations.  

Now, while Gautama included these yajnas as part of samskaras, these yajnas are gradually fading away with very few people actively conducting them in the present society. Except for a few such as Aupasana, Vaisvadeva, and the Shraddha related yajnas the rest are rarely seen. Additionally the differences seen in the vidhis as per the veda shakas are not handed down to future generations.  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

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* Prayayana was at the time of putting the corn into the barns

* Prayayana was at the time of putting the corn into the barns

* Offerings to Akhuraja (the moles)

* Offerings to Akhuraja (the moles)

* Agrayana (आग्रयाणम्) or Nava-yajna is the offering of first fruits of the season in Tretagni or Grhyagni

* [[Agrayana (आग्रयाणम्)]] or Nava-yajna is the offering of first fruits of the season in Tretagni or Grhyagni

* Vrshotsarga was done to let loose a stud-bull for the purpose of breeding

* Vrshotsarga was done to let loose a stud-bull for the purpose of breeding

* Shulagava (one of the Pakayajnas) is performed by offering of an ox to Rudra for attaining good cattle progeny, sons and fulfillment of all desires.

* Shulagava (one of the Pakayajnas) is performed by offering of an ox to the deity Rudra for attaining good cattle progeny, sons and fulfillment of all desires.

 

 

== Shrauta and Grhyasutras ==

== Shrauta and Grhyakarmas ==

Grhyasutras discuss about yajnas to be performed in domestic situations for short time periods, unlike the great yajnas like Asvamedha and Sattra yagas which are performed over a long time. Here we summarize how they differ from the Shrauta yajnas in many ways.  

Grhyasutras discuss about yajnas to be performed in domestic situations for short time periods, unlike the great yajnas like Asvamedha and Sattra yagas which are performed over a long time. Here we summarize how they differ from the Shrauta yajnas in many ways.  

{| class="wikitable"

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|3

|3

|Entirely based on the Brahmanas

|Entirely based on the Brahmanas

|Founded on Brahmanas to a certain extent

|Founded on Brahmanas to a certain extent, based on prevalent customs and traditions

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|-

|4

|4

|Majority of shrauta yajnas extend over a long time period (years more than ten)

|Majority of shrauta yajnas extend over a long time period (some extend over ten years or more)

|Grhya yajnas typically are of short duration (days)

|Grhya yajnas typically are of short duration (days)

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|6

|6

|Ceremonies pertaining to welfare of the society at large  

|Ceremonies pertaining to welfare of the society at large (Rajasuya)

|Ceremonies pertaining to welfare of the individual (samskaras)

|Ceremonies pertaining to welfare of the individual (samskaras)

|-

|-