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Line 7: − − == Classsification of Yajnas == − Yajnas have been classified variously based on their description in Vedas or subsequent Smritis and the time they are performed. Thus, primarily Yajnas are classified into two, viz., − # Srauta Yajnas based on their Vedic (Shruti) origin. − # Smarta Yajnas based on Smritis and Dharmashastras. − The Yajna is classified into three types based on the time when they are performed, namely − # Nitya (Daily): is that action which is performed daily. The following are included − #* Sandhyavandanam − #* Samidhadanam − #* Aupasana − #* Vaisvedava − #* Agnihotram − #* Panchamahayajnas − # Naimittika (Occasional): is attended to on particular occasion. For example − #* Darsapurnamasyesthi − #* Chaturmasya − #* Shodasa Samskaras − # Kamya (Optional) : is that which is performed to attain some special purpose. For example − #* Putrakamesti − #* Varuna yagam − #* Kareeresthi − − == कल्पः ॥ Kalpa == − In the Vedangas, Kalpas (कल्पः) mainly deal with explaining Vedic Yajna procedures. The very name itself means ‘Kalpyate Samarthyate Yaga Prayogo Atra’ which means “The practice of Vedic ritual traditions are explained here”. − − Kalpa Vedanga deals with four types of sutras namely, − * '''Sulvasutras''' : Practical manuals with mathematical measurements necessary for construction of yagna vedi (sacrificial altar). − * '''Srautasutras''' : Contain rules for the conduct of great sacrifices lasting for many days. − * '''Dharmasutras''' : Contain spiritual and worldly laws − * '''Grhyasutras''' : Lays down rules for the ceremonies and yagnas involved in everyday life. − The ‘Sulvasutras’ and ‘Srautasutras’ directly deal with the performance of Vedic rituals. These texts provide guidance for the performance of Vedic sacrifices. The performance of Vedic rituals is being continued even to modern period especially in South India.<ref name=":022" /> − − == श्रौतसूत्राणि ॥ Shrauta Sutras == − Shrauta, as the name suggest, refers to the texts which have been derived from the Shruti or the Vedas. The Shrauta sutras contain a very detailed, meticulously accurate and vivid description of the several sacrifices that were performed in ancient times. These works were manuals compiled for the practical purpose of giving directions to those who engaged in such sacrifices. They are based on ancient Brahmana texts, which they quote at every step.<ref name=":0" /> − − The Shrauta rituals cover a whole gamut of rituals from the simplest to the most complicated. Most of them are no more practiced, but their study is useful for historical reasons. According to Prof. Radhakrishna Bhat, <blockquote>"Most of the ‘Haviryajnas’, ‘Agnihotra’, ‘Darsapurnamasa’ and ‘Caturmasya’ sacrifices, the basic ‘Somayajnas’, ‘Agnistomas’ and its varieties, and some culturally and historically important sacrifices like ‘Vajapeya’, “Asvamedha’, ‘Sarvamedha’ etc are found in ‘Yajurveda’ (Adhvaryuveda). Later in ‘Puranas’ the references to Vedic rituals and practices are found. In classical Sanskrit literature some references to Vedic rituals and practices are mentioned. This shows that the Vedic ritual tradition is continued to modern period too without any interruption". <ref name=":022">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref></blockquote> Line 67:
Line 31: − + − − == Classification of Yagnas == − A ‘Yaga’ is made up of several rituals which has its own principal part (Pradhana). Those that form subsidiary or supplement to this are called ‘Angas’. Some of the rituals may be common to several ‘Yagas’.<ref name=":022" /> − − The different modes of classifications of Yagnas are − − 1. ‘Prakrti’ (Model) and ‘Vikrti’ (Modified) − − 2. ‘Pradhana (Principal) and ‘Anga’ (Auxiliary) − − 3. ‘Isti’, ‘Pasubandha’ and ‘Saumika’ − − 4. ‘Nitya’, ‘Naimittika’ and ‘Kamya’ − + − Aitreya Aranyakam (2.3.3) (belonging to Rig veda) describes five categories of srauta yagnas as follows+ − − sa esha yajnah panchavidho agnihotram darsapurnamaasau chaturmasyaani pasu somah − # Agnihotra − # Darsapurnamaasa − # Chaaturmasya − # Pasu − # Soma − As per tradition, the Srauta Shastras identify the following six types of sacrifices (yajnas). − − ==== Paaka yagnas ==== − They involve cooking of food (paka) for offering to gods. They go by different names such as aṣtaka, sthālipāka, parvana, srāvaṇi, āgrahayani, etc. − − ==== Soma yagnas ==== − These sacrifices involved the extraction of Soma and its offering to Soma, Indra and their companion gods. Examples of Soma sacrifices are Agnistoma, atyagnistoma, uktya, shodasi, vājapeya etc. − − ==== Havir yagnas ==== − In these sacrifices, the priests poured oblations of milk, vegetable oil, sesame oil, clarified butter, honey and other liquid offerings. Agniyādhāna, Agnihotra, Darśa-Pūrṇamāsa, Agrayana, Cāturmāsya, Sautrāmaṇi are a few important Havir yajnas − − ==== Panchamahayagnas ==== − They are performed daily by the householders. − − ==== Vedavratas ==== − These were meant to mark the progress of a student’s education under a teacher and his success in attaining the knowledge of the Vedas, while keeping his vows of celibacy and secrecy until his graduation as a Snataka (one who has bathed and was ready for the life of a householder or an apprentice). − − ==== Shodasa Samskaras ==== − They are performed at different times in the life of an individual. − − == 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">Purkayastha, Dipanjona (2014) Ph. D Thesis from Assam University : ''[http://hdl.handle.net/10603/41946 A Study of the Asvalayana srauta sutra with reference to the principal sacrifices]''</ref> Usually, Srauta karmas involve the Chaaturhotr - the four priests (Hota, Adhvaryu, Udgaata, Brahma). Line 128:
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→Classsification of Yajnas: adding content
‘अध्वर Adhvara’, ‘Kratu’, ‘Makha’, ‘Yaga’ and ‘Medha’ are other words used as synonyms for the term ‘Yajna’ in general sense though there are many features which differ among themselves. These play a great role in shaping our civilization order and peace.
‘अध्वर Adhvara’, ‘Kratu’, ‘Makha’, ‘Yaga’ and ‘Medha’ are other words used as synonyms for the term ‘Yajna’ in general sense though there are many features which differ among themselves. These play a great role in shaping our civilization order and peace.
== Yajnas in Rig Veda ==
== Yajnas in Rig Veda ==
* The Pikira grant of Simahavarman (E. I. vol. 8 at p.162) describes the Pallavas as the performers of many Asvamedhas. Other inscriptions refers to performance of Agnistoma, Vajapeya and Asvamedha.<ref name=":0" />
* The Pikira grant of Simahavarman (E. I. vol. 8 at p.162) describes the Pallavas as the performers of many Asvamedhas. Other inscriptions refers to performance of Agnistoma, Vajapeya and Asvamedha.<ref name=":0" />
* We find that Maharajas while making grants often expressed that the object of the grants was to enable the brahmana donees to offer bali and charu and to perform Agnihotra. (Example : Sarasvni plates of Buddharaja, A.D. 609-10, and Damodarpur plates, A.D. 443-44 and 447-48)
* We find that Maharajas while making grants often expressed that the object of the grants was to enable the brahmana donees to offer bali and charu and to perform Agnihotra. (Example : Sarasvni plates of Buddharaja, A.D. 609-10, and Damodarpur plates, A.D. 443-44 and 447-48)
During the centuries of muslim domination no help from royalty could be expected and so the institution of Vedic Yajnas languished. In the last hundreds of years or so, solemn shrauta yajnas have been performed only rarely. But since many of the grhya ceremonies as set forth in the Grhya sutras, which closely imitate the shrauta yajnas, formed the first and foremost manifestation of the sentiments of faith and worship in Bharatavarsha.
During the centuries of muslim domination no help from royalty could be expected and so the institution of Vedic Yajnas languished. In the last hundreds of years or so, solemn shrauta yajnas have been performed only rarely. But since many of the grhya ceremonies as set forth in the Grhya sutras, which closely imitate the shrauta yajnas, formed the first and foremost manifestation of the sentiments of faith and worship in Bharatavarsha.<ref name=":0" />
=== Categories of Srauta Yagnas ===
== श्रौतकर्माणि ॥ Srauta Karmas ==
Shrauta karmas include the elaborate activities related to Shrauta yajnas and yagas 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 yajnas (which last for many days) and different aakhyayikas as part of the Srauta karmas (for example Haviyagnakandam of Kanvasatapatha brahmana contains the details of Haviryajnas). However, in Kalpas the rules are methodically compiled in Sutra format without the aakhyayika part.<ref name=":122222222">Purkayastha, Dipanjona (2014) Ph. D Thesis from Assam University : ''[http://hdl.handle.net/10603/41946 A Study of the Asvalayana srauta sutra with reference to the principal sacrifices]''</ref> 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
Such procedures for Srauta karmas are compiled in Srauta Sutras as given in the Kalpa Vedanga. Some of them are as follows
Vaitaana Srautasutras are the only available texts belonging to Atharvaveda.
Vaitaana Srautasutras are the only available texts belonging to Atharvaveda.
== कल्पः ॥ Kalpa ==
In the Vedangas, Kalpas (कल्पः) mainly deal with explaining Vedic Yajna procedures. The very name itself means ‘Kalpyate Samarthyate Yaga Prayogo Atra’ which means “The practice of Vedic ritual traditions are explained here”.
Kalpa Vedanga deals with four types of sutras namely,
* '''Sulvasutras''' : Practical manuals with mathematical measurements necessary for construction of yagna vedi (sacrificial altar).
* '''Srautasutras''' : Contain rules for the conduct of great sacrifices lasting for many days.
* '''Dharmasutras''' : Contain spiritual and worldly laws
* '''Grhyasutras''' : Lays down rules for the ceremonies and yajnas involved in everyday life.
The ‘Sulvasutras’ and ‘Srautasutras’ directly deal with the performance of Vedic rituals. These texts provide guidance for the performance of Vedic sacrifices. The performance of Vedic rituals is being continued even to modern period especially in South India.<ref name=":022" />
== श्रौतसूत्राणि ॥ Shrauta Sutras ==
Shrauta, as the name suggest, refers to the texts which have been derived from the Shruti or the Vedas. The Shrauta sutras contain a very detailed, meticulously accurate and vivid description of the several sacrifices that were performed in ancient times. These works were manuals compiled for the practical purpose of giving directions to those who engaged in such sacrifices. They are based on ancient Brahmana texts, which they quote at every step.<ref name=":0" />
The Shrauta rituals cover a whole gamut of rituals from the simplest to the most complicated. Most of them are no more practiced, but their study is useful for historical reasons. According to Prof. Radhakrishna Bhat, <blockquote>"Most of the ‘Haviryajnas’, ‘Agnihotra’, ‘Darsapurnamasa’ and ‘Caturmasya’ sacrifices, the basic ‘Somayajnas’, ‘Agnistomas’ and its varieties, and some culturally and historically important sacrifices like ‘Vajapeya’, “Asvamedha’, ‘Sarvamedha’ etc are found in ‘Yajurveda’ (Adhvaryuveda). Later in ‘Puranas’ the references to Vedic rituals and practices are found. In classical Sanskrit literature some references to Vedic rituals and practices are mentioned. This shows that the Vedic ritual tradition is continued to modern period too without any interruption". <ref name=":022">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref></blockquote>
== Classsification of Yajnas ==
Yajnas have been classified into 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 based on their Vedic (Shruti) origin.
# Smarta Yajnas based on Smritis and Dharmashastras.
* Yajnas are classified into three types based on the time when they are performed, namely
# Nitya (Daily): is that action which is performed daily. They also include other periodic activities such as Amavasya tarpanam, pitr tarpanam.
# Naimittika (Occasional): is attended to on particular occasion like child birth, weddings etc.
# Kamya (Optional) : is that which is performed to attain some special purpose such as begetting children (Putrakamesthi) or establishing victory over other kings (Rajasuya).
Another classification of Yajna or yaga based on principal and subsidiary actions of Yajna include
# Pradhana (Principal)
# Anga (Subsidiary)A ‘Yaga’ is made up of several rituals which has its own principal part (Pradhana). Those that form subsidiary or supplement to this are called ‘Angas’. Some of the rituals may be common to several ‘Yagas’.<ref name=":022" />
Vedic yagnas/yaagas are divided into
Vedic yajnas/yaagas are divided into two
* Prakritiyaaga (Prinicipal)
* Prakritiyaaga (Prinicipal)
* Vikritiyaaga (Subsidiary)
* Vikritiyaaga (Subsidiary)
Vikritiyaagas derive their procedures from the respective Prakritiyaagas<ref name=":122222222" />.
Vikritiyaagas derive their procedures from the respective Prakritiyaagas<ref name=":122222222" />.
1. ‘Prakrti’ (Model) and ‘Vikrti’ (Modified)
3. ‘Isti’, ‘Pasubandha’ and ‘Saumika’
=== प्रकृतियागम् ॥ Prakritiyaagas ===
=== 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=":022" />
In the Asvalaayana Srautasutra based on the Rig Veda, there are a number yajnas but five among them are regarded as Prakritiyaagas<ref name=":122222222" />. In the present days Prakriti yajnas mentioned in the Vedas are rarely conducted.<ref name=":022" />
# होमम् ॥ Homa : '''Agnihotra''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Homas
# होमम् ॥ Homa : '''Agnihotra''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Homas
# इष्टिः ॥ Isthti : '''Darsapurnamaasa yaga''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Isthis
# इष्टिः ॥ Isthti : '''Darsapurnamaasa yaga''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Isthis
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.
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 shraddha karmas.<ref name=":022222222">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>
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, yajnas and yaagas, different aspects related to shraddha karmas.<ref name=":022222222">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>
Asvalaayana, Aapasthamba, Baudhayana texts include both Srauta and Smaarta karmas procedures to conduct yajnas.
Asvalaayana, Aapasthamba, Baudhayana texts include both Srauta and Smaarta karmas procedures to conduct yajnas.
=== Spiritual sense ===
=== Spiritual sense ===
All activities in the limitless expansion of the universe are said to have generated from a grand eternal यज्ञ || Yagya.
All activities in the limitless expansion of the universe are said to have generated from a grand eternal यज्ञ || Yajna.
Atharva Veda (9.15.14) describes Yagya as:<blockquote>अयम् यज्न विस्ह्वस्य भुवनस्य नभेएहि || ayam yajna vishvasya bhuvanasya nabheehiâ ||</blockquote>Meaning : Yagya as the fundamental process of manifestation of nature.
Atharva Veda (9.15.14) describes Yajna as:<blockquote>अयम् यज्न विस्ह्वस्य भुवनस्य नभेएहि || ayam yajna vishvasya bhuvanasya nabheehiâ ||</blockquote>Meaning : Yajna as the fundamental process of manifestation of nature.
In physical terms, Yagya (होम | homam, हवन | havan or अग्निहोत्र | agnihotra) is a process of herbal sacrifices in holy fire aimed at the finest utilization of the subtle properties of sacrificed matter with the help of the thermal energy of fire and the sound energy of the mantras. Modern scientific research has also shown significant therapeutic applications of Yagya and also affirmed its potential in purification of environment.
In physical terms, Yajna (होम | homam, हवन | havan or अग्निहोत्र | agnihotra) is a process of herbal sacrifices in holy fire aimed at the finest utilization of the subtle properties of sacrificed matter with the help of the thermal energy of fire and the sound energy of the mantras. Modern scientific research has also shown significant therapeutic applications of Yajna and also affirmed its potential in purification of environment.
Literally speaking, Yagya means - selfless sacrifice for noble purposes. Sacrificing ego, selfishness and material attachments and adopting rational thinking, humane compassion and dedicated creativity for the welfare of all - is indeed the best Yagya which should be performed by all human beings. The philosophy of Yagya teaches a way of living in the society in harmony, a living style to promote and protect higher humane values in the society - which is indeed the basis of the ideal human culture.
Literally speaking, Yajna means - selfless sacrifice for noble purposes. Sacrificing ego, selfishness and material attachments and adopting rational thinking, humane compassion and dedicated creativity for the welfare of all - is indeed the best Yajna which should be performed by all human beings. The philosophy of Yajna teaches a way of living in the society in harmony, a living style to promote and protect higher humane values in the society - which is indeed the basis of the ideal human culture.
Vedic yajnas (other names include yagna, yagn, yagyas) are performed to create positive effects and avoid unwanted effects in the different areas of life of individuals and nations and to have the best possible nature support. Many people use the yagna or yajna words instead of yagya, the meaning of it is the same. We use the vedic word because yagyas are based on the knowledge of the ancient saints of vedic tradition. Vedic yagyas are done by specially trained वैदिक पण्डित || vedic pandits (pundits), who are the experts of vedic ceremonies, performances, and who live their lives' according to the rules of vedic tradition. Yagnas, yajnas are performed through the recitation of sound or vedic mantras to reach certain result. This is vedic music, vedic vibration. It is possible to use them as prevention but it is also possible to use them for promoting the different areas of life. The benefits of the yagya reigning are the vedic health, wealth, harmony and evolution. Head pandit is the expert of ज्योतिष || jyotish (astrologer), that vedic science which can be used to predict the life events of the individuals and which can be the well-grounded base of suggesting the necessary yagya services for a balanced life.
Vedic yajnas (other names include yagna, yagn, yajnas) are performed to create positive effects and avoid unwanted effects in the different areas of life of individuals and nations and to have the best possible nature support. Many people use the yagna or yajna words instead of yajna, the meaning of it is the same. We use the vedic word because yajnas are based on the knowledge of the ancient saints of vedic tradition. Vedic yajnas are done by specially trained वैदिक पण्डित || vedic pandits (pundits), who are the experts of vedic ceremonies, performances, and who live their lives' according to the rules of vedic tradition. Yajnas are performed through the recitation of sound or vedic mantras to reach certain result. This is vedic music, vedic vibration. It is possible to use them as prevention but it is also possible to use them for promoting the different areas of life. The benefits of the yajna reigning are the vedic health, wealth, harmony and evolution. Head pandit is the expert of ज्योतिष || jyotish (astrologer), that vedic science which can be used to predict the life events of the individuals and which can be the well-grounded base of suggesting the necessary yajna services for a balanced life.
== Aahutis (Offerings) in Agnihotram ==
== Aahutis (Offerings) in Agnihotram ==
The कर्ता ॥ Karta should be सपत्नीक यजमानि ॥ sapatinika yajamana should perform this homa daily in the morning with milk, obtained separately from the cow reared for this purpose (agnihotra gaabhi).
The कर्ता ॥ Karta should be सपत्नीक यजमानि ॥ sapatinika yajamana should perform this homa daily in the morning with milk, obtained separately from the cow reared for this purpose (agnihotra gaabhi).
* If the yajamāna (performer of the sacrifice) goes on a pilgrimage along with his wife, he can carry the gārhapatya fire with him or can ceremonially put it out and perform punarādhāna (re-establishing the fire) on his return. When he dies, the various wooden implements used by him for Agnihotra should be kept on various parts of his body as prescribed and then his body is cremated with the gārhapatya fire.<ref name=":03222">http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Agnihotra#cite_note-1</ref>
* If the yajamāna (performer of the sacrifice) goes on a pilgrimage along with his wife, he can carry the gārhapatya fire with him or can ceremonially put it out and perform punarādhāna (re-establishing the fire) on his return. When he dies, the various wooden implements used by him for Agnihotra should be kept on various parts of his body as prescribed and then his body is cremated with the gārhapatya fire.<ref name=":03222">http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Agnihotra#cite_note-1</ref>
* Wife, son, pupil or a priest can perform Agnihotram on behalf of the yajamani in case of emergencies. Agnihotra cannot be performed by a widower, however on remarriage a widower becomes eligible to perform all yagnas<ref name=":122222222" />. When the yajamana is separated from his wife and he chooses not to remarry, he can instill his wife's idol for the process of the yaaga. Example : Aswamedha yaaga performed by Sri Ramachandra in Ayodhya while his consort Seetadevi was in Valmiki Maharshi's ashram following the sastra laid down exceptions to some situations.'''(Ramayana reference needed)'''
* Wife, son, pupil or a priest can perform Agnihotram on behalf of the yajamani in case of emergencies. Agnihotra cannot be performed by a widower, however on remarriage a widower becomes eligible to perform all yajnas<ref name=":122222222" />. When the yajamana is separated from his wife and he chooses not to remarry, he can instill his wife's idol for the process of the yaaga. Example : Aswamedha yaaga performed by Sri Ramachandra in Ayodhya while his consort Seetadevi was in Valmiki Maharshi's ashram following the sastra laid down exceptions to some situations.'''(Ramayana reference needed)'''
=== ऋत्विक् ॥ Priest ===
=== ऋत्विक् ॥ Priest ===