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== Classsification of Yajnas ==

== 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.  

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.  

* Yajnas are classified into two based on where their procedures have originated, viz.,  

 

# [[Shrauta Yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)]] based on their Vedic (Shruti) 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.

# '''Smarta''' Yajnas or [[Pakayajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)|Grhya Yajnas (पाकयज्ञाः)]] based on Smritis and Dharmashastras.

* Yajnas are classified into three types based on the time when they are performed, namely

 

# '''Nitya''' (नित्यम् । Daily): is that action which is performed daily. They also include other periodic activities such as Amavasya tarpanam, pitr tarpanam, [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|panchamahayajnas]]. Shastras prescribe that these yajnas are obligatory for dvija grhasthas and they do neither involve extensive dravyas nor time.

# '''Naimittika''' (नैमित्तिकम् । Occasional): include activities on particular occasions like samskaras at child birth, weddings etc.  

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>

#  '''Kamya''' (काम्यम् । Optional) : is that which is performed to attain some special purpose such as begetting children (Putrakamesthi) or establishing victory over other kings (Rajasuya). Naimittika and Kamya yajnas are not obligatory and depend on the interest and circumstances of the Yajamana.  

* '''नित्यकर्म ॥''' '''Nitya karmas''' (Daily)

* Yajnas are classified based on gunas as mentioned in the Bhagavadgita (17.11-13). Of them the Satvika yajnas are highly regarded.<ref name=":1">Pt. Shriveniram Sharma Gauda (2018) ''Yajna Mimamsa.'' Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan</ref>

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.

<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>

 

* '''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.

 

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)

# '''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)

# '''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)

# '''Tamasika Yajna (तामसिकयज्ञः)''' is when a yajna is performed against the prescribed ways given in the shastras (विधिहीनम्)

* Another classification of Yajna or yaga based on principal and subsidiary actions of Yajna include

* Another classification of Yajna or yaga based on principal and subsidiary actions of Yajna include

# '''Pradhana''' (प्रधानम् । Principal)

# '''Pradhana''' (प्रधानम् । Principal)