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Line 91: − − == स्मार्तकर्माणि ॥ Smaarta Karmas == − 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, 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. − − === Spiritual sense === − 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 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, 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, 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, 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. Line 169:
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→Classsification of Yajnas: editing
‘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.
Difference Between Yajnas and Yagas:
== Yajnas in Rig Veda ==
== Yajnas in Rig Veda ==
=== श्रौतसूत्राणि ॥ Shrauta Sutras ===
=== 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" />
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, many individual sutras being couched in the very language of the Brahmanas.<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>The procedures for Shrauta karmas are compiled in Shrauta Sutras as given in the Kalpa Vedanga. Some of the Shrauta Sutras associated with particular vedas are as follows<ref name=":122222222" />
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>The procedures for Shrauta karmas are compiled in Shrauta Sutras as given in the Kalpa Vedanga. Some of the Shrauta Sutras associated with particular vedas are as follows<ref name=":122222222" />
* Sama Veda : Aarsheyakalpa, Kshudrasutras, Jaimineeya, Laatyayana, and Draahyayana Srautasutras.
* Sama Veda : Aarsheyakalpa, Kshudrasutras, Jaimineeya, Laatyayana, and Draahyayana Srautasutras.
* Atharvana Veda : Vaitaana Srautasutras are the only available texts here.
* Atharvana Veda : Vaitaana Srautasutras are the only available texts here.
The present article is based on the Shrauta sutras of Asvalayana, Apastamba, Katyayana, Baudhayana.
The present article is based on the references of Shrauta sutras of Asvalayana, Apastamba, Katyayana, Baudhayana with occasional references to Samhitas and Brahmanas.
== Classsification of Yajnas ==
== 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 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.,
* Yajnas are classified into two based on where their procedures have originated, viz.,
# Shrauta Yajnas based on their Vedic (Shruti) origin.
# '''Shrauta''' Yajnas based on their Vedic (Shruti) origin.
# Smarta Yajnas based on Smritis and Dharmashastras.
# '''Smarta''' Yajnas based on Smritis and Dharmashastras.
* Yajnas are classified into three types based on the time when they are performed, namely
* 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.
# '''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.
# '''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).
# '''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
* Another classification of Yajna or yaga based on principal and subsidiary actions of Yajna include
# Pradhana (Principal)
# '''Pradhana''' (Principal)
# Anga (Subsidiary)
# '''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" />
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 yajnas/yaagas are divided into two<ref name=":122222222" />
Vedic yajnas/yaagas are divided into two<ref name=":122222222" />
# '''Prakritiyaaga''' (Model)
# '''Vikritiyaaga''' (Modified)
Vikritiyaagas derive their procedures from the respective Prakritiyagas.
Vikritiyaagas derive their procedures from the respective Prakritiyagas.
In the context the kindling of fire, the Agnihotram mentioned as nitya karma has been discussed here and only a brief mention of Agnihotram as a part of vedic ritual during different occasions has been made.
In the context the kindling of fire, the Agnihotram mentioned as nitya karma has been discussed here and only a brief mention of Agnihotram as a part of vedic ritual during different occasions has been made.
== Aahutis (Offerings) in Agnihotram ==
== Aahutis (Offerings) in Agnihotram ==
In case of Agnihotra yagam (as a part of Agnihotram yagam) it is performed by the yajamani or his son, brother, son-in-law on behalf of the the yajamani. Only in the absence of all these persons आध्वर्यु Adhvaryu is the only person who should perform the Agnihotram<ref name=":122222222" />.
In case of Agnihotra yagam (as a part of Agnihotram yagam) it is performed by the yajamani or his son, brother, son-in-law on behalf of the the yajamani. Only in the absence of all these persons आध्वर्यु Adhvaryu is the only person who should perform the Agnihotram<ref name=":122222222" />.
== अग्नेः नित्यकर्माणि प्राधान्यम् ॥ Importance of Agni in Nityakarmas ==
== अग्नेः प्राधान्यम् ॥ Importance of Agni in Yajnas ==
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=":022" />
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=":022" />
It is the last event where the dead body is offered onto the fire with chanting of mantras. (Rig. Veda. 10.16.1)<ref>http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Antyesti#cite_note-1</ref>
It is the last event where the dead body is offered onto the fire with chanting of mantras. (Rig. Veda. 10.16.1)<ref>http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Antyesti#cite_note-1</ref>
== स्मार्तकर्माणि ॥ Smaarta Karmas ==
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, 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.
=== Spiritual sense ===
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 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, 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, 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, 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.
== Discussion ==
== Discussion ==