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==  परिचय || Introduction ==

==  परिचय || Introduction ==

Dharma sastras proclaim that samskaaras are a series of sacrifices and ceremonies indicating the passage of various stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particular ashrama. All human beings, especially the द्विज || Dvija (after upanayanam) or twice born and grihasthas are required to perform a number of sacrifices with oblations for gods, ancestors and guardians in accordance with the vedic mantras laid down for a righteous living. Scholars differ in the number of samskaras being forty and a few saying 25 and 16.     

Dharma sastras proclaim that samskaaras are a series of sacrifices and ceremonies indicating the passage of various stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particular ashrama. All human beings, especially the द्विज || Dvija (after upanayanam) or twice born and grihasthas are required to perform a number of sacrifices with oblations for devatas, ancestors and guardians in accordance with the vedic mantras laid down for a righteous living. Scholars differ in the number of samskaras being forty and a few saying 25 and 16.     

== संस्कारम् || Samskaram ==

== संस्कारम् || Samskaram ==

Forty सम्स्काराः || samskaras have been prescribed by Goutama Smriti, as a part of purificatory activities, for not just the physical body but the Jeevatma and for removal of paapam or sins accrued in different ways. They are     

Forty सम्स्काराः || samskaras have been prescribed by Goutama Smriti<ref>Kannan. P. R. Translation of Article : [http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/articles/INITIAL%20SAMSKARAS.html Initial Samskaras] from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham</ref>, as a part of purificatory activities, for not just the physical body but the Jeevatma and for removal of paapam or sins accrued in different ways. They are     

सम्स्काराः || Samskaras (11 of the Shodasa samskaras)   

सम्स्काराः || Samskaras (11 of the Shodasa samskaras)   

सोमयज्ञाः || Somayagnas (7)   

सोमयज्ञाः || Somayagnas (7)   

Panchamahayagnas are performed by a person in the [[Grihastha]] ashram. As a student he obtains knowledge by studying the sacred scriptures given by great Rishis and since he lives in a group or society he is helped and associated with fellow-beings like friends and relatives. The main goal of students of [[Brahmachaari]] ashram is to absorb all the knowledge, during which time he is supported by the persons already in Grihastha ashrama for food, clothing and shelter and needs of everyday life.  The great seers and पितृ || pitris (ancestors) have to be remembered with gratitude for their contribution to his spiritual development.   

Panchamahayagnas are performed by a person in the [[Grihastha]] ashram. As a student he obtains knowledge by studying the sacred scriptures given by great Rishis and since he lives in a group or society he is helped and associated with fellow-beings like friends and relatives. The main goal of students of [[Brahmachaari]] ashram is to absorb all the knowledge, during which time he is supported by the persons already in Grihastha ashrama for food, clothing and shelter and needs of everyday life.  The great seers and पितृ || pitris (ancestors) have to be remembered with gratitude for their contribution to his spiritual development.<ref>[http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/hist/hist_8b.html A Short History of Religious and Philosophic Thought In India] By Swami Krishnananda. Divine Life Society</ref>  

Once a Brahmachari crosses this ashram his duties become multifold as he enters the Grihastha ashram. The physical body constitutes the [[Panchabhutas (पञ्चभूताः)|पञ्चभूत || panchabhutas]] and is obtained from his parents, nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The Devas and the Pitris bless him in his endeavors and activities of daily life. The five sense organs, with whose help he conducts his life are a blessing of the Devas and thus he learns to be grateful to the Devas who gave him the ability and intellect.   

Once a Brahmachari crosses this ashram his duties become multifold as he enters the Grihastha ashram. The physical body constitutes the [[Panchabhutas (पञ्चभूताः)|पञ्चभूत || panchabhutas]] and is obtained from his parents, nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The Devas and the Pitris bless him in his endeavors and activities of daily life. The five sense organs, with whose help he conducts his life are a blessing of the Devas and thus he learns to be grateful to the Devas who gave him the ability and intellect.   

Protecting subhuman beings such as cattle, dogs, ants, birds, medicinal plants and trees has been an integral system of Sanatana Dharma.  The householder on whose shoulders rest the responsibility and well-being of all animate and inanimate, is thus entrusted to care for these speechless beings with due dignity towards them. Food, milk and grains are all provided by this bountiful nature and man owes gratitude to plants and trees with reverence. Thus, in the spiritual evolution of man he learns humility and compassion by providing for and protecting them. Garuda Purana details the importance of Cow not only for providing the material things required for sustenance in this world but greatly stresses the absolute requirement of a Cow, which helps cross the Vaitarini river (a river which is very difficult to cross on the way to Yamaloka), when the soul is transiting from the material world to the spiritual world.   

Protecting subhuman beings such as cattle, dogs, ants, birds, medicinal plants and trees has been an integral system of Sanatana Dharma.  The householder on whose shoulders rest the responsibility and well-being of all animate and inanimate, is thus entrusted to care for these speechless beings with due dignity towards them. Food, milk and grains are all provided by this bountiful nature and man owes gratitude to plants and trees with reverence. Thus, in the spiritual evolution of man he learns humility and compassion by providing for and protecting them. Garuda Purana details the importance of Cow not only for providing the material things required for sustenance in this world but greatly stresses the absolute requirement of a Cow, which helps cross the Vaitarini river (a river which is very difficult to cross on the way to Yamaloka), when the soul is transiting from the material world to the spiritual world<ref>[http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/practice/Process.of.Spiritual.Practice.pdf The Process of Spiritual Practice] (Chap 4) By Swami Krishnananda</ref>.   

Therefore, he owes a fivefold debt to Nature - to his parents and ancestors (for the physical body and lineage), the rishis (for the knowledge of the Vedas), devas (for their blessings), nature (including the animate (plants and animals) and inanimate (panchabhutas)) and fellow human beings (for their support in society). He must pay back his debt by performing these five sacrifices daily. Further, numerous insects are killed by him unconsciously during walking, sweeping, grinding, cooking, etc. This sin is removed by performance of these five sacrifices.  

Therefore, he owes a fivefold debt to Nature - to his parents and ancestors (for the physical body and lineage), the rishis (for the knowledge of the Vedas), devas (for their blessings), nature (including the animate (plants and animals) and inanimate (panchabhutas)) and fellow human beings (for their support in society). He must pay back his debt by performing these five sacrifices daily. Further, numerous insects are killed by him unconsciously during walking, sweeping, grinding, cooking, etc. This sin is removed by performance of these five sacrifices.<ref>Mani, V. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>  

In addition to these daily rites, the householder has also to perform certain monthly ceremonies such as offering oblations to the ancestors on the new-moon day and the observance of the vow of Ekadasi or fast on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight.  

In addition to these daily rites, the householder has also to perform certain monthly ceremonies such as offering oblations to the ancestors on the new-moon day and the observance of the vow of Ekadasi or fast on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight.  

==    पञ्चमहायज्ञाः  || Panchamahayajnas ==

==    पञ्चमहायज्ञाः  || Panchamahayajnas ==

Manusmriti gives the definitions and essence of Panchamahayagnas in the 3rd Chapter (slokas 67 to 83).     

* Manusmriti gives the definitions and essence of Panchamahayagnas in the 3rd Chapter (slokas 67 to 83).<ref name=":0">Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Third Adhyaya])</ref>      

 

<blockquote>पञ्च सूना गृहस्थस्य चुल्ली पेषण्युपस्करः । कण्डनी चोदकुम्भश्च बध्यते यास्तु वाहयन् । । ३.६८ (Manu Smri. 3.68)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>For a grihastha (householder) five apparatus namely a sifter, a grinding stone, a broom, a mortar and a water-pot are unavoidable. It is believed that when these instruments are used for daily activities a householder incurs paapam or sins (attributable to killing of numerous small beings such as ants, insects and such minute organisms unconsciously).   

For a grihastha (householder) five apparatus namely a sifter, a grinding stone, a broom, a mortar and a water-pot are unavoidable. It is believed that when these instruments are used for daily activities a householder incurs paapam or sins (attributable to killing of numerous small beings such as ants, insects and such minute organisms unconsciously).   

* Panchamahayagnas have been described in Grhyasutras.  <blockquote>अथातः पञ्चयज्ञाः १ </blockquote><blockquote>देवयज्ञो भूतयज्ञः पितृयज्ञो ब्रह्मयज्ञो मनुष्ययज्ञ इति २</blockquote><blockquote>तद्यदग्नौ जुहोति स देवयज्ञो यद्बलिङ्करोति स भूतयज्ञो यत्पितृभ्यो ददाति स पितृयज्ञो यत्स्वाध्यायमधीयते स ब्रह्मयज्ञो यन्मनुष्येभ्यो ददाति स मनुष्ययज्ञ इति ३ </blockquote><blockquote>तानेतान्यज्ञानहरहः कुर्वीत ४ १ (Asva. Grhy. Sutr. 3.1.1 to 4)<ref name=":2">[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%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 Asvalaayana Grhya Sutras]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Now the Panchayagnas. The yagna for devatas, yagna for (other living) beings, yagna for forefathers, yagna for Brahma, yagna for human beings. Here when offerings are made in Agni, this yagna is for the devatas. That which is offered as bali, is the yagna for other beings. That (pindas) which is given for forefathers, is the pitru yagna. That study (of the vedas) is the brahma yagna, and that which gives to men, is the manushya yagna. These five yagnas are to be performed everyday. </blockquote>

 

* The ancient rishis have prescribed these Panchamahayagnas in Taittiriya Aranyaka<ref>[http://www.vedamu.org/PageViewerImage.aspx?DivId=998 Taittriya Aranyaka] (2.10 in Page 144)</ref> (2.10) for removal of these sins.  <blockquote>तद्विधिप्रसङ्गेन पञ्चमहायज्ञान्विधत्ते - The procedure to perform panchamahayagnas is now given</blockquote><blockquote>पञ्च वा एते महायज्ञा: संतति प्रतायन्ते सतति संतिष्ठन्ते | देवयज्ञ: पितृयज्ञो भूतयज्ञो मनुष्ययज्ञो ब्रह्मयज्ञो इति-, इति ||</blockquote>Meaning : Five of these mahayagnas are observed and completed day after day, on a daily basis. They are Devayagna, Pitruyagna, Bhutayagna, Manushyayagna and Brahmayagna.  

Panchamahayagnas have been described in Grhyasutras.  <blockquote>अथातः पञ्चयज्ञाः १ </blockquote><blockquote>देवयज्ञो भूतयज्ञः पितृयज्ञो ब्रह्मयज्ञो मनुष्ययज्ञ इति २</blockquote><blockquote>तद्यदग्नौ जुहोति स देवयज्ञो यद्बलिङ्करोति स भूतयज्ञो यत्पितृभ्यो ददाति स पितृयज्ञो यत्स्वाध्यायमधीयते स ब्रह्मयज्ञो यन्मनुष्येभ्यो ददाति स मनुष्ययज्ञ इति ३ </blockquote><blockquote>तानेतान्यज्ञानहरहः कुर्वीत ४ १ (Asva. Grhy. Sutr. 3.1.1 to 4)<ref name=":2">[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%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 Asvalaayana Grhya Sutras]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Now the Panchayagnas. The yagna for devatas, yagna for (other living) beings, yagna for forefathers, yagna for Brahma, yagna for human beings. Here when offerings are made in Agni, this yagna is for the devatas. That which is offered as bali, is the yagna for other beings. That (pindas) which is given for forefathers, is the pitru yagna. That study (of the vedas) is the brahma yagna, and that which gives to men, is the manushya yagna. These five yagnas are to be performed everyday. </blockquote>The ancient rishis have prescribed these Panchamahayagnas in Taittiriya Aranyaka (2.10) for removal of these sins.  <blockquote>तद्विधिप्रसङ्गेन पञ्चमहायज्ञान्विधत्ते - The procedure to perform panchamahayagnas is now given</blockquote><blockquote>पञ्च वा एते महायज्ञा: संतति प्रतायन्ते सतति संतिष्ठन्ते | देवयज्ञ: पितृयज्ञो भूतयज्ञो मनुष्ययज्ञो ब्रह्मयज्ञो इति-, इति ||</blockquote>Meaning : Five of these mahayagnas are observed and completed day after day, on a daily basis. They are Devayagna, Pitruyagna, Bhutayagna, Manushyayagna and Brahmayagna.  

=== देवयज्ञः || Deva Yagna  ===

=== देवयज्ञः || Deva Yagna  ===

Even if at times one is incapable of doing Maanushya yagna one must perform the Brahma and Deva yagnas .  The offerings given to gods in the sacrificial fire goes to Surya and he sends rains to the earth which enable the plants to grow. Thus food is obtained and Vedas say thus the living beings increase.  Just as how all animals and objects depend on the life-breath for living, Brahmachaari, [[Vaanaprastha]] and [[Sanyasi]] are dependent on the Grihastha for sustenance. Therefore, the Grihastha ashrama is the best of all ashramas according to Manusmriti (chap 3).  

Even if at times one is incapable of doing Maanushya yagna one must perform the Brahma and Deva yagnas .  The offerings given to gods in the sacrificial fire goes to Surya and he sends rains to the earth which enable the plants to grow. Thus food is obtained and Vedas say thus the living beings increase.  Just as how all animals and objects depend on the life-breath for living, Brahmachaari, [[Vaanaprastha]] and [[Sanyasi]] are dependent on the Grihastha for sustenance. Therefore, the Grihastha ashrama is the best of all ashramas according to Manusmriti (chap 3).  

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

== सम्वाद || Discussion ==

These, in ordinary religious parlance, are called the Panchamahayajna, or the five great sacrifices which a householder, especially in India, has to perform. These sacrifices mean the way in which one recognizes one’s own self in the variety of creation that he sees before him, by means of sympathy, consideration and feeling for others. That is the first step that one takes before moving on to the difficult task of complete identification with the Inner Being or Atma of all things.

These, in ordinary religious parlance, are called the Panchamahayajna, or the five great sacrifices which a householder, especially in India, has to perform. These sacrifices mean the way in which one recognizes one’s own self in the variety of creation that he sees before him, by means of sympathy, consideration and feeling for others<ref>The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad by Swami Krishnananda ([https://www.swami-krishnananda.org/brdup_audio/brdup-12.pdf Discourse-12)]</ref>. That is the first step that one takes before moving on to the difficult task of complete identification with the Inner Being or Atma of all things.

The sympathy and compassion that one psychologically exercises in respect of others is the first step. The identity with others is a more difficult thing to feel and maintain that भावना || bhavana (feeling). To feel for others is easier than to become others though that is the ideal. So, the Upanishad tells us, try to feel for others first and manifest this feeling in your actions before you totally become, or aspire to become one with them.

The sympathy and compassion that one psychologically exercises in respect of others is the first step. The identity with others is a more difficult thing to feel and maintain that भावना || bhavana (feeling). To feel for others is easier than to become others though that is the ideal. So, the Upanishad tells us, try to feel for others first and manifest this feeling in your actions before you totally become, or aspire to become one with them.

== References ==

== References ==