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Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्रम्) (view source)

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== अग्निहोत्रम् ॥ Agnihotram ==

Agnihotra, is a term specifically applicable to the most common and important vaidika yagnas classified among the [[हविर्यज्ञानि ॥ Haviryagnas]] (offering of havis is made) or homas, and considered to be nityakarma (daily activity). It is performed as a daily worship and also with an intent to fulfill any specific desire<ref name=":03222" />. A brief outline of the various aspects about Agnihotram have been summarized below

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=== ~~अग्न्याधान॥ Agnyaadhana/~~Agnaadheya ===

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=== अग्न्याधेय ॥ Agnaadheya ===

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Agnaadheya is technically the process by which the sacred fire or agnihotram is newly established in the kundas along with the chanting of mantras as prescribed by Srauta sutras. This process is generally similar across all vedic srauta sutras, with a few differences. Some aspects are as follows

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अग्न्याधेय ॥ Agnaadheya is technically the process by which the sacred fire or agnihotram is newly established in the kundas along with the chanting of mantras as prescribed by Grhyasutras and Srauta sutras. This process is generally similar across all vedic srauta sutras, with a few differences. Some aspects are as follows

==== नक्षत्राणि ॥ Nakshatras ====

This ceremony is performed when chandra (moon) is situated in certain nakshatras. Krittika, rohini, margasira, phalguni, vishakha and uttara, hasta, chitta and sravana stars are preferred according to different Srauta sutras <ref>Asvalayana Srauta Sutram [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 (2.1.10)]</ref><ref>Aapasthamba Srauta Sutram [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%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%AB (5.3.3)]</ref><blockquote>कृत्तिकासु रोहिण्यां मृगशिरसि फल्गुनीषु विशाखयोरुत्तरयोः प्रोष्ठपदयोः ॥ १० (Asva. Srau. Sutr. 2.1.10) </blockquote><blockquote>kr̥ttikāsu rōhiṇyāṁ mr̥gaśirasi phalgunīṣu viśākhayōruttarayōḥ prōṣṭhapadayōḥ ॥ 10 (Asva. Srau. Sutr. 2.1.10)</blockquote><blockquote>कृत्तिकासु ब्राह्मण आदधीत मुख्यो ब्रह्मवर्चसी भवति ॥ ३ गृहांस्तस्याग्निर्दाहुको भवति ॥ ४ (Apas. Srau. Sutr. 5.3.3)</blockquote><blockquote>kr̥ttikāsu brāhmaṇa ādadhīta mukhyō brahmavarcasī bhavati ॥ 3 gr̥hāṁstasyāgnirdāhukō bhavati ॥ 4 (Apas. Srau. Sutr. 5.3.3 and 4)</blockquote>

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* 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=":122" />. 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)'''

==== हविस् ॥ Havis/Havishya ====

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Milk is the main dravya ~~for~~ offered as ~~havis~~ in the agnihotra.

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Milk is the main dravya or Havis offered as Aahuti in the agnihotra with the chanting of "Svaaha".

पयसा नित्यहोमः १ payasā nityahōmaḥ 1 (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2)

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The performer of Agnihotra is obliged to rear a cow primarily for providing milk as havis to devatas. The milk vessel which must be an earthen pot with a straight brim is called ‘agnihotra-sthālī’ and the ladle is called ‘agnihotrahavaṇī.’<ref name=":022222" /><ref name=":122" />

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The performer of Agnihotra is obliged to rear a cow primarily for providing milk as havis to devatas. The milk vessel which must be an earthen pot with a straight brim is called ‘agnihotra-sthālī’ and the ladle is called ‘agnihotrahavaṇī.’<ref name=":022222" /><ref name=":122" /> Milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee) are also offered.

==== काम्यकर्म ॥ Kaamyakarma ====

Although performing agnihotra is a regular activity, it is also performed to attain some special desires called as Kaamyakarma with varying aahutidravyas<ref>Asvalayana Srauta Sutram [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 (2.3.2)]</ref>.<blockquote>यवागूरोदनो दधि समिग्रामकामान्नाद्यकामेन्द्रियकाम-तेजस्कामानां २ (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2) </blockquote><blockquote>yavāgūrōdanō dadhi samigrāmakāmānnādyakāmēndriyakāma-tējaskāmānāṁ 2 (Asva. Srau. Sutr 2.3.2)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Yavaagu (gruel of Yavagu rice) is offered for acquiring leadership over villages, and curd is offered for attaining strength. </blockquote>

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The stick on top called the Uttara-arani is called Pururavas (Indra) and the lower arani called as Aadhara-arani is called Urvasi (Apsara). The rope used for manthana is called rasanaa. The process of generating fire is also described in various Srauta sutra texts apart from Taittriya Brahmana in the पौरोडाशिक काण्ड under अग्न्याधानम् prapathaka <ref>Taittriya Brahmana [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/तैत्तिरीयब्राह्मणम्_(विस्वरपाठः)/काण्डः_१/प्रपाठकः_०१ (1.1.9.1)]</ref>. <blockquote>शमीगर्भादग्निं मन्थति । एषा वा अग्नेर्यज्ञिया तनूः । (Tait. Brah. 1.1.9.1)</blockquote><blockquote>śamīgarbhādagniṁ manthati । ēṣā vā agnēryajñiyā tanūḥ । (Tait. Brah. 1.1.9.1)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : From the hearth of sami (sticks) Agni is churned. This is the yagna body of Agni.</blockquote>

==== समिधा ॥ Samidha ====

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Agnaadheya ceremony starts with the collection of arani (the samidha wood) and ends in purnaahuti (offering at the end of ceremony). Once the fire is kindled by Arani, it is maintained by the addition of smaller pieces of wood called Samidhas into the Agni. This process is called "Pratyavaroha"<ref name=":0" />.Agni samaaropa and pratyavaroha are to be executed by the karta himself and by others except by his wife who might perform the Pratyavaroha part.

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Agnaadheya ceremony starts with the collection of arani (the samidha wood) and ends in purnaahuti (offering at the end of ceremony). Once the fire is kindled by Arani, it is maintained by the addition of smaller pieces of wood called Samidhas into the Agni. This process is called "Pratyavaroha"<ref name=":0" />.Agni samaaropa and pratyavaroha are to be executed by the karta himself and by others except by his wife who might perform the Pratyavaroha part. अग्न्याधान॥ Agnyaadhana is the process where the samidhas are added to Agni.

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.

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==== Punaraadheya and Purnaraadhana ====

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==== पुनराधान पुनराधेय ॥ Punaraadheya and Purnaraadhana ====

In the event forbidden materials come into contact with Agni, or the Pavitra samidhas or the homa kunda, there would be agni nasha or destruction of agni called "Agnyopaghaata". In such case Punaraadheya or revival of Agni is to be performed with sterner measures.

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During the time when Asoucham occurs in the family - Rajodosha (menses time for wife), Sutakam (when there is a death or birth in the family) re-instatement of Agni by Punaraadhana process has to be done<ref name=":0" />. Many prayaschitta vidhis are to be performed if the Agni in the homa kunda is spent, lost due to travel, or destroyed. If for 12 days at a stretch homa is not performed (Homa lopa due to any reason) then prescribed Prayaschittas are to be performed by doing samidha samskaara (purification of homa dravyas) and additional Aahutis. This observance of prayaschitta varies according to different sutras. For example : Hiranyakeshi Sutras prescribe prayaschitta after homa lopa for 12 days, Aapasthamba Sutras advise prayaschitta after homa lopa for 3 days.

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==== ~~यज्ञ कुण्डम्~~ वेदि ॥ Kunda/Vedi ====

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==== हवित्री - यज्ञकुण्डम् वेदि वा ॥ Kunda/Vedi ====

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Kunda or Vedi (altar) is another important aspect of yagnas and yaagas including those for nitya agnihotra in homes. They are of different sizes and shapes depending on the type of fire and yaaga being performed. For temporary domestic purposes in the present days movable copper kundaas are used, while some prepare altars with sand and a few bricks.

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Kunda or Vedi (altar) called as Havitri<ref name=":022" /> is another important aspect of yagnas and yaagas including those for nitya agnihotra in homes. They are of different sizes and shapes depending on the type of fire and yaaga being performed. For temporary domestic purposes in the present days movable copper kundaas are used, while some prepare altars with sand and a few bricks.

==== आध्वर्यु ॥ Priest ====

The nitya agnihotram is performed by the yajamana only, he is the priest for it. In case of Agnihotra yaagam (as a part of Agnihotram Yaagam) 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, then only आध्वर्यु Adhvaryu is the only person who should perform the Agnihotram<ref name=":122" />.

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=== Agnikaaryam ===

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=== अग्निकार्यम् ॥ Agnikaaryam ===

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 is initiated into performing Agnihotram during Upanayana with prescribed procedures and is taught the relevant mantras to conduct the agnihotram. At the time of investing the yagnopaveeta, he is taught to perform daily aahuti in the fire called '''Praajapatyaagni'''. '''(recheck)'''.

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=== Aupaasana ===

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=== औपासन ॥ Aupaasana ===

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During vivaha samskara the one is initiated to enter the grihasta ashram by setting up the Aavasatyaagni<ref>Paraaskara Grhya Sutras [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%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 (1.2.1)]</ref> to the north of the vedi. (Paaraskara Grhya Sutra : Adhyaya 1 Kandika 2 Mantra 1) <blockquote>आवसथ्याधानं दारकाले १ दायाद्यकाल एकेषाम् २ ॥ āvasathyādhānaṁ dārakālē 1 dāyādyakāla ēkēṣām 2 (~~Para~~.Grhy.Sutra. 1.2.1).</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : The setting up of Aavasatya agni is (performed) at the time of wedding. At the time of inheritance according to some. </blockquote>He receives additional procedures to perform nitya Agnihotram. A few features include

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During vivaha samskara the one is initiated to enter the grihasta ashram by setting up the आवसथ्याग्निः ॥ Aavasatyaagni<ref>Paraaskara Grhya Sutras [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%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 (1.2.1)]</ref> to the north of the vedi. (Paaraskara Grhya Sutra Adhyaya 1 Kandika 2 Mantra 1) <blockquote>आवसथ्याधानं दारकाले १ दायाद्यकाल एकेषाम् २ ॥ āvasathyādhānaṁ dārakālē 1 dāyādyakāla ēkēṣām 2 (Paara.Grhy.Sutra. 1.2.1).</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : The setting up of Aavasatya agni is (performed) at the time of wedding. At the time of inheritance according to some. </blockquote>He receives additional procedures to perform nitya Agnihotram. A few features include

* Starting after marriage, a grihasta (along with his wife) offers aahuti twice daily at twilight time (dawn and dusk) in the Gaarhapatya agni, this is also called as Aupasana.<ref name=":022">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref> For Ex: Valmiki Ramayana states that Sri Ramachandra and Lakshmana tended agnihotram while they lived in Panchavati '''(Ramayana reference needed)'''.

* Every grihastha has to maintain Agnihotra until he is prevented by old age or illness or death. In case where he cannot perform it on behalf of him his son, brother or son-in-law. <ref name=":122">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> According to Satapatha Brahmana <blockquote>एतद्वै जरामर्यं सत्रं यदग्निहोत्रं जरया वा ह्येवास्मान्मुच्यते मृत्युना वा (Sata. Brah. 7.4.1.1) </blockquote><blockquote>ētadvai jarāmaryaṁ satraṁ yadagnihōtraṁ jarayā vā hyēvāsmānmucyatē mr̥tyunā vā (Sata. Brah. 7.4.1.1)</blockquote><blockquote>Summary: this agnihotram is 'jaraamarya satra' because he can get relief from this only if he dies or becomes old. </blockquote>

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* Nitya agnihotra is not to be performed by an uninitiated bachelor or women '''(Reference needed)'''.

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=== Aahitagni ===

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=== आहीताग्निः ॥ Aahitagni ===

Aahitagni is the sapatinika yajamani who has established the agnihotra by performing the Agnyadheya ceremony.

* The grihastha who never performed any Haviryagna and never studied Vedas, and whose father or forefathers never performed yaaga are not eligible to perform some yaagas/yagnas. Example : Somayaaga<ref name=":122" />.

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चत्वारो ह वा अग्नयः। आहित उद्धृतः प्रहृतो विहृतोऽयमेव लोक आहितोऽन्तरिक्षलोक उद्धृतो द्यौष्प्रहृतो दिशो विहृतोऽग्निरेवाहितो वायुरुद्धृत आदित्यः प्रहृतश्चन्द्रमा विहृतो गार्हपत्य एवाहित आहवनीय उद्धृतोऽथ यमेतमाहवनीयात्प्राञ्चं प्रणयन्ति स प्रहृतोऽथ यमेतमुदञ्चम्पशुश्रपणायाहरन्ति यं चोपयङ्भ्यः स विहृतस्तस्मात्प्रहार्येऽग्नौ पशुबन्धेन यजेत - ११.८.२.[१]

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~~== Aahutis (Offerings) in Agnihotram ==~~

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Aahuti is an important aspect of Agnihotram. Different types dravayas are offered as aahuti which changes according to the yaagas, the fires being worshipped and purpose of the yaaga. The dravyas or materials being offered in agnihotram are of the following kinds

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~~# Vegetable source : Soma juice, tila (sesame),~~

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~~# Uncooked Animal source : Payaha (Milk) and milk products like dadhi (curds), ajyam (ghee), navanita (butter). Vaapa (animal fat), honey and wine.~~

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~~# Cooked Animals/Pasu Offerings : Body parts of Goat, Cow, Sheep and Horse.~~

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~~# Cooked : Purodasa (made of powdered rice), Odana (cooked rice), Laajah (baked rice), yavaagu (rice gruel)~~

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~~Based on the type of yaagas the important aahuti's are~~

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* For Agnihotram : Milk

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* For Isthi : Purodasa

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* For Pasu : Pasu sacrifice (goat). Aswamedha yaaga - horse.

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* For Soma yaagas : Soma juice

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~~== Yaagakunda Vedi ==~~

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~~Temples (and in some homes of aahitagni's) have the brick structures for the conduct of agnihotram. Temples also have designated yaaga-shalas.~~

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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 Somayaaga<ref name=":122" />.

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~~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~~

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~~# Gaarhapatya agni - It is placed to the west of the place and kindled in circular shaped kunda.~~

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~~# Aahvaniya agni - It is placed to the east of the place, in a rectangular shaped kunda.~~

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~~# Dakshinaagni - It is placed to the south of the place, in a semi-circular (ardhachandra) shaped kunda.~~

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~~Square and triangle shaped vedi's are also used. One yaagashala may contain many kundas for simultaneous performance of Agnihotram.~~

== Yaagas/Yagnas without Agnihotram ==

Invocation of Agni in a vedi (altar) and offering of aahutis is performed in yagnas. However, not all yagnas involve this process.

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