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Line 276: − − ==== सम्भाराः ॥ Sambharas ==== − Dravyas are poured or placed into the agnihotram using special ladles and vessals made of wood are used. A few are as follows − − '''स्रुक्पात्र ॥ Sruk''' : It is a long ladle, called variously based on the length and is made of wood. The shape of this implement is specific - it has a bowl or depression on top of it to contain the liquid, a beak shaped curved spout to pour out the liquid and a crowtail shaped tail portion or handle for holding. It represent the female principle or Prakriti. − − '''स्रुवा ॥ Sruva''' : Sruva is a smaller less elaborate ladle to pour liquids. It is smaller than Sruk having a small bowl or depression (diameter about the size of the thumb). − − The most common ladles used in yajnas for pouring ajya or ghee into the agnihotram are sruk and sruva. − − '''प्रोक्षणी ॥ Prokshani''' : It is a vessel that has a bowl or depression shaped like a lotus bud or leaf with a spout and . It is deep enough to hold water used for prokshana or purification of articles or dravyas. This water is purified by the placing of darbha blades. − − '''स्थाली ॥ Sthaali''' : Various kinds of clay bowls. These bowls are used to hold milk, ajya aagrayana etc. − − '''स्फ्य ॥ Sphya''' : It is a wooden sword for cutting the darbha-grass to the required size, for marking lines in yagashala for construction of kunda, for stirring boiled dravyas like purodasa, removing the upper layer of mud and digging the earth. − − '''शम्या ॥ Shamyaa''' : A wooden peg or small stick or staff having a rounded edge and looks like a mace. It is a measuring device used along with Sphya. Line 364:
Line 342: − − == Agnihotram in Samskaras == − Agnihotra is an important component during naimittika karmas such as those of the Shodasa Samskaaras. Almost all the activities of these samskaraas involve the use of Agnihotra where different homas are performed on each occasion which are given in detail in Grhya sutras of different shakaas. However, a few agnikaryas are mentioned here as follows. These homas are performed with the Aupasana Agni mainly by the grihastha, except a few where a priest conducts them. − − '''Pumsavanam and Seemantonnayanam''' − − Pumsavana homa (Apas.Grhy. Sutr<ref name=":1" />. 6.14.3), Ajyabhaga homa and Jayaati homa are performed. − − '''Jaatakarma''' − − The father takes a sachela snanam (bathing with all clothes on him) as soon as he hears the birth of the child. During Abhimarshanam outlined in Aapastamba grhya sutras (Aapa. Sutr. 6.15. 1 to 13)<ref name=":1" /> (Taittriya Samhita also gives these mantras), Agnihotra is lit and Raksha homam is conducted in the fire called Sootakagni. Mustard seeds(sashapa) and rice flakes (phaleekarana) are offered as aahuti by the father. <blockquote>जातं वात्सप्रेणाभिमृश्योत्तरेण यजुषोपस्थ आधायोत्तराभ्यामाभिमन्त्रणं मूर्धन्यवघ्राणं दक्षिणे कर्णे जापः १ (Aapa. Sutr. 6.15.1)</blockquote><blockquote>सर्षपान्फलीकरणमिश्रानञ्जलिनोत्तरैस्त्रिस्त्रिप्रतिस्वाहाकारं हुत्वा संशास्ति प्रविष्टे प्रविष्ट एव तूष्णीमग्नावावपतेति ६ (Aapa. Sutr. 6.15.6)</blockquote>This homa is performed to protect the child from evil forces and other doshas. − − '''Naamakarana''' − − Shaankhyayana Grihya sutras (1.25.1 to 26) mention the installation of Sutakagni as the child is born and into it aahuti is made during Naamakarana. − − '''Choulam and Choodakarana''' − − Though in the present days, many of these karmas are simplified and been done away with, the Grhya sutras lay emphasis on cutting of hair and piercing of the child's ears. Shaankhyayana Grhya sutras (1.28), Aapastamba Grhya Sutras (1.16), Gobila Grhya Sutras (2.9) detail the procedure while Taittriya Brahmana mantras are chanted from Ekagnikandam (2.1).<ref>http://samskaaram.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99&Itemid=375&lang=en</ref> − − '''Vivaha samskara''' is one of the most important ones of the Shodasa Samskaras. − − '''Paanigrahanam''' − − Agnihotra is initiated at the time of Paanigrahanam during marriage as given in Apasthamba Grhya Sutras<ref name=":1">[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AC%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#%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83 Aapastamba Grhya Sutras] </ref> (2.4.9 and 10) <blockquote>अथैनामुत्तरया दक्षिणे हस्ते गृहीत्वाग्निमभ्यानीयापरेणाग्निमुदगग्रं कटमास्तीर्य तस्मिन्नुपविशत उत्तरो वरः ९ (Aapa. Grhy. 2.4.9)<br> − अग्नेरुपसमाधानाद्याज्यभागान्तेऽथैनामादितो द्वाभ्यामभिमन्त्रयेत १० (Aapa. Grhy. 2.4.10)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : The agnihotram is established, the vara or groom holds the hand of the bride and brings her near Agni. They sit in north south direction. He offers aajya into the fire.</blockquote>'''Saptapadi''' − − Saptapadi is where the bride and groom take seven sacred steps around the witnessing Agni which has been started during the events.(Aapa. Grhy. Sutr. 2.4.15)<ref name=":1" /> − − '''Antyeshti''' − − 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>
→Classsification of Yajnas
== 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.,
* Yajnas are classified into two based on where their procedures have originated, viz.,
# '''Shrauta''' Yajnas based on their Vedic (Shruti) origin.
# [[Srauta Yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)|Shrauta Yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)]] 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
== Essential Elements of a Yajna ==
== Essential Elements of a Yajna ==
Vaidika yajnas have a few essential elements to conduct them. Broadly the following fundamental materials and people are required. While
=== '''हविस् ॥''' Havis ===
=== '''हविस् ॥''' Havis ===
# सोम ॥ Soma (Soma)
# सोम ॥ Soma (Soma)
# आज्यम् ॥ Ajyam (clarified butter)
# आज्यम् ॥ Ajyam (clarified butter)
Different types dravayas are which changes according to the yaagas, the fires being worshipped and purpose of the yaga. The dravyas or materials being offered in agnihotram are of the following kinds
Different types dravayas are which changes according to the yagas, the fires being worshipped and purpose of the yaga. The dravyas or materials being offered in agnihotram are of the following kinds
# Vegetable source : Soma juice, tila (sesame),
# Vegetable source : Soma juice, tila (sesame),
# Uncooked Animal source : Payaha (Milk) and milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee), navanita (butter). Vaapa (animal fat), honey and wine.
# Uncooked Animal source : Payaha (Milk) and milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee), navanita (butter). Vaapa (animal fat), honey and wine.
* For Pasu : Pasu sacrifice (goat). Aswamedha yaga - horse.
* For Pasu : Pasu sacrifice (goat). Aswamedha yaga - horse.
* For Soma yagas : Soma juice
* For Soma yagas : Soma juice
Cooking of the havis may be done on either garhapatya or ahvaniya according to one's sutra.
=== Yajnakunda Vedi ===
=== Yajnakunda or Vedi ===
Temples (and in some homes of aahitagni's) have the brick structures for the conduct of agnihotram. Temples also have designated yaaga-shalas.
Temples (and in some homes of aahitagni's) have the brick structures for the conduct of yajna. Temples also have designated yagashalas with many vedis.
Pradhana vedi, Uttara vedi are used to set up altars. Mahavedis are used when there is a requirement of wide spaces. Pasuvedis are used in Pasuyaagas. A large vedi, in the shape of Syena (eagle) is used for Somayaga<ref name=":122222222" />.
Pradhana vedi, Uttara vedi are used to set up altars. Mahavedis are used when there is a requirement of wide spaces. Pasuvedis are used in Pasuyaagas. A large vedi, in the shape of Syena (eagle) is used for Somayaga<ref name=":122222222" />.
Sulva sutras are the texts that describe the dimensions and geometric measurements, materials for constructing the yaaga-kunda. The yaaga-kunda for the three agnis are
Sulva sutras are the texts that describe the dimensions and geometric measurements, materials for constructing the yaga-kunda. The yaga-kunda for the three agnis are
# Gaarhapatya agni - It is placed to the west of the place and kindled in circular shaped kunda.
# Gaarhapatya agni - It is placed to the west of the place and kindled in circular shaped kunda.
# Aahvaniya agni - It is placed to the east of the place, in a rectangular shaped kunda.
# Aahvaniya agni - It is placed to the east of the place, in a rectangular shaped kunda.
# Dakshinaagni - It is placed to the south of the place, in a semi-circular (ardhachandra) shaped kunda.
# Dakshinaagni - It is placed to the south of the place, in a semi-circular (ardhachandra) shaped kunda.
Square and triangle shaped vedi's are also used. One yaagashala may contain many kundas for simultaneous performance of Agnihotram.
Square and triangle shaped vedi's are also used. One yagashala may contain many kundas for simultaneous performance of yajnas.
=== सम्भाराः ॥ Sambharas ===
=== सम्भाराः ॥ Sambharas ===
Dravyas are poured or placed into the agnihotram using special ladles and vessals made of wood are used. A few are as follows
Dravyas are poured or placed into the agnihotram using special ladles and vessals made of wood are used. A few are as follows
* '''स्रुक्पात्र ॥ Sruk''' : It is a long ladle, called variously based on the length and is made of wood. The shape of this implement is specific - it has a bowl or depression on top of it to contain the liquid, a beak shaped curved spout to pour out the liquid and a crowtail shaped tail portion or handle for holding. It represent the female principle or Prakriti.
'''स्रुक्पात्र ॥ Sruk''' : It is a long ladle, called variously based on the length and is made of wood. The shape of this implement is specific - it has a bowl or depression on top of it to contain the liquid, a beak shaped curved spout to pour out the liquid and a crowtail shaped tail portion or handle for holding. It represent the female principle or Prakriti.
* '''स्रुवा ॥ Sruva''' : Sruva is a smaller less elaborate ladle to pour liquids. It is smaller than Sruk having a small bowl or depression (diameter about the size of the thumb).
* The most common ladles used in yajnas for pouring ajya or ghee into the agnihotram are sruk and sruva.
'''स्रुवा ॥ Sruva''' : Sruva is a smaller less elaborate ladle to pour liquids. It is smaller than Sruk having a small bowl or depression (diameter about the size of the thumb).
* '''प्रोक्षणी ॥ Prokshani''' : It is a vessel that has a bowl or depression shaped like a lotus bud or leaf with a spout and . It is deep enough to hold water used for prokshana or purification of articles or dravyas. This water is purified by the placing of darbha blades.
* '''स्थाली ॥ Sthaali''' : Various kinds of clay bowls. These bowls are used to hold milk, ajya aagrayana etc.
The most common ladles used in yajnas for pouring ajya or ghee into the agnihotram are sruk and sruva.
* '''स्फ्य ॥ Sphya''' : It is a wooden sword for cutting the darbha-grass to the required size, for marking lines in yagashala for construction of kunda, for stirring boiled dravyas like purodasa, removing the upper layer of mud and digging the earth.
* '''शम्या ॥ Shamyaa''' : A wooden peg or small stick or staff having a rounded edge and looks like a mace. It is a measuring device used along with Sphya.
'''प्रोक्षणी ॥ Prokshani''' : It is a vessel that has a bowl or depression shaped like a lotus bud or leaf with a spout and . It is deep enough to hold water used for prokshana or purification of articles or dravyas. This water is purified by the placing of darbha blades.
'''स्थाली ॥ Sthaali''' : Various kinds of clay bowls. These bowls are used to hold milk, ajya aagrayana etc.
'''स्फ्य ॥ Sphya''' : It is a wooden sword for cutting the darbha-grass to the required size, for marking lines in yagashala for construction of kunda, for stirring boiled dravyas like purodasa, removing the upper layer of mud and digging the earth.
'''शम्या ॥ Shamyaa''' : A wooden peg or small stick or staff having a rounded edge and looks like a mace. It is a measuring device used along with Sphya.
=== यजमानि ॥ Yajamana ===
=== यजमानि ॥ Yajamana ===
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 to 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 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)'''
* 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)'''
The trees from which samidhas are obtained include : palaasa, asvattha (peepul), nygrodha (banyan tree), sami, aamra (mango), khadira, durva, darbha (kusa grass), bilva (bael) Apaamarga.
The trees from which samidhas are obtained include : palaasa, asvattha (peepul), nygrodha (banyan tree), sami, aamra (mango), khadira, durva, darbha (kusa grass), bilva (bael) Apaamarga.
=== पुनराधान पुनराधेय ॥ Punaraadheya and Purnaraadhana ===
=== पुनराधान पुनराधेय ॥ Punaraadheya and Purnaraadhana ===
Shatapatha Brahmana (SB 3.1.3.18) tells us that ''Agnihotra'' should be performed by the performer knowing that he will gain the strength and victories gained by Agni who conquered the earth, Vayu, the air and Surya, the sky, with whom he shares the world; and the same text further tells us that the ''Agnihotra'', doubtless, is the Sun.
Shatapatha Brahmana (SB 3.1.3.18) tells us that ''Agnihotra'' should be performed by the performer knowing that he will gain the strength and victories gained by Agni who conquered the earth, Vayu, the air and Surya, the sky, with whom he shares the world; and the same text further tells us that the ''Agnihotra'', doubtless, is the Sun.
== स्मार्तकर्माणि ॥ Smaarta Karmas ==
== स्मार्तकर्माणि ॥ Smaarta Karmas ==