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== Agnihotram ==

== Agnihotram ==

Agnihotra, is a term specifically applicable to the most common and important yagnas classified among the haviryajñas and considered to be nityakarma (daily activity). It is performed as a daily worship rather than with an intent to fulfill any specific desire<ref name=":032" />. Some salient features may be summarized as below

Agnihotra, is a term specifically applicable to the most common and important yagnas classified among the haviryajñas and considered to be nityakarma (daily activity). It is performed as a daily worship rather than with an intent to fulfill any specific desire<ref name=":032" />. Some salient features may be summarized as below

* It is prescribed by sastras that all the dvijas (the ‘twice-born,’ the men of the first three varṇas) are eligible to perform Agnihotra. A brahmachari so initiated during Upanayana is prescribed procedures and taught different mantras to conduct agnihotra, called as Agnikarya '''(recheck)'''. Valmiki Ramayana states that Sri Ramachandra and Lakshmana tended agnihotram while they lived in Panchavati.

* It is prescribed by sastras that all the dvijas (the ‘twice-born,’ the men of the first three varṇas) are eligible to perform Agnihotra. A brahmachari so initiated during Upanayana is prescribed procedures and taught different mantras to conduct agnihotra, called as Agnikarya '''(recheck)'''. Valmiki Ramayana states that Sri Ramachandra and Lakshmana tended agnihotram while they lived in Panchavati ().

* After marriage when the brahmachari enters the grihasta ashram, he is receives additional procedures and becomes eligible to perform Agnihotram twice daily at twilight time (dawn and dusk) along with his wife in the Gaarhapatya agni, this is also called as Aupasana.<ref name=":0">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>   

* After marriage when the brahmachari enters the grihasta ashram, he is receives additional procedures and becomes eligible to perform Agnihotram twice daily at twilight time (dawn and dusk) along with his wife in the Gaarhapatya agni, this is also called as Aupasana.<ref name=":0">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>   

* Agnihotra cannot be performed by an uninitiated bachelor. In present days, homas are being conducted by women priests but that process is outside the purview of nitya agnihotras.  

* Agnihotra cannot be performed by an uninitiated bachelor. In present days, homas are being conducted by women priests but that process is outside the purview of nitya agnihotras.  

=== दक्षिणाग्निः ॥ Dakshinaagni ===

=== दक्षिणाग्निः ॥ Dakshinaagni ===

Salient aspects about दक्षिणाग्निः ॥ Dakshinaagni is as follows

Salient aspects about दक्षिणाग्निः ॥ Dakshinaagni is as follows

* It is invoked only in special yaagas like Aahvaniya agni.

* It is invoked only in special yaagas similar to Aahvaniya agni.

* The first Dakshinaagni is established from the Gaarhapatya agni along with the recitation of specific mantras.

* The first Dakshinaagni is established from the Gaarhapatya agni along with the recitation of specific mantras during yagna karmas.

* It is not maintained everyday and is extinguished at the end of the specific yaaga for which it is invoked.

* It is not maintained everyday and is extinguished at the end of the specific yaagam for which it is invoked.

* It is placed to the south of the yagnavedi, in a half circle shaped kunda.

* It is placed to the south of the yagnavedi, in a half circle shaped kunda.

* It is used to offer aahutis to the pitrudevatas or forefathers only.  

* It is used to offer aahutis to the pitrudevatas or forefathers only.