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Panchamahayajnas (Samskrit : पञ्चमहायज्ञाः) or the five great yajnas is a very important part of the daily functions of a householder consisting of a set of five-fold duties. The performance of these five [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]] is conducive to the spiritual evolution or growth of a man. An individual in [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]] (सनातनधर्मः) observes these mahayajnas on a daily basis and gradually learns that he is not a separate entity, isolated creature or isolated unit, but is a part of a great whole.

Panchamahayajnas (Samskrit : पञ्चमहायज्ञाः) or the five great yajnas is a very important part of the daily functions of a householder consisting of a set of five-fold duties. The performance of these five [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]] is conducive to the adhyatmik evolution or growth of a man. An individual in [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]] (सनातनधर्मः) observes these mahayajnas on a daily basis and gradually learns that he is not a separate entity, isolated creature or isolated unit, but is a part of a great whole.

==  परिचयः || Introduction ==

==  परिचयः || Introduction ==

* सोमयज्ञाः || Somayajnas (7)   

* सोमयज्ञाः || Somayajnas (7)   

Panchamahayajnas are performed by a person in the [[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|Grhastha ashrama]]. 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 [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharya ashrama]] is to absorb all the knowledge, during which time he is supported by the persons already in Grhastha ashrama for food, clothing and shelter and needs of everyday life. The great seers and pitrus (पितृ | 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>

Panchamahayajnas are performed by a person in the [[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|Grhastha ashrama]]. 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 [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharya ashrama]] is to absorb all the knowledge, during which time he is supported by the persons already in Grhastha ashrama for food, clothing and shelter and needs of everyday life. The great seers and pitrus (पितृ | ancestors) have to be remembered with gratitude for their contribution to his adhyatmik 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 ashrama, his duties become multifold as he enters the Grhastha ashrama. The physical body constitutes the [[Panchabhutas (पञ्चभूत)|panchabhutas]] and is obtained from his parents, nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The Devas and the Pitrus 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 ashrama, his duties become multifold as he enters the Grhastha ashrama. The physical body constitutes the [[Panchabhutas (पञ्चभूत)|panchabhutas]] and is obtained from his parents, nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The Devas and the Pitrus 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 sub-human 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>.   

Protecting sub-human 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 adhyatmik 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 adhyatmik 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 -  

Therefore, he owes a fivefold debt to Nature -