Changes

Agnihotra (Samskrit : अग्निहोत्रम्) refers to the process of invocation of Agni, whereby a grihastha makes daily offerings of ghee or milk in it while reciting the mantras. Sanatana Dharma is founded on the principle that the primary responsibility of perpetually maintaining Agni at home, called as Agnihotra, is vested with a grihastha. Apart from grihastha many other events like homas, yagnas, yagas, isthis, involve the kindling of fire as evident from ancient Rig Vedic Agni sukta.

Agnihotra (Samskrit : अग्निहोत्रम्) refers to the process of invocation of Agni, whereby a grihastha makes daily offerings of ghee or milk in it while reciting the mantras. Sanatana Dharma is founded on the principle that the primary responsibility of perpetually maintaining Agni at home, called as Agnihotra, is vested with a grihastha. Apart from grihastha many other events like homas, yagnas, yagas, isthis, involve the kindling of fire as evident from ancient Rig Vedic Agni sukta.

In present days, very rarely, grihasthas are maintaining Agni at homes nor are conducting regular Agnihotra rituals as prescribed by sastras. However, Agni is invoked in every occasion (auspicious and inauspicious) of dharmic life, from lighting lamps in nityapuja for devatas, in temples, in events like prayers during festivals, housewarming, grahashanti homas, birth, upanayana and other samskara celebrations, at weddings (the yajna where the bride and groom circle the fire seven times) and lastly for cremation. 

In present days, very rarely, grihasthas are maintaining Agni at homes nor are conducting regular Agnihotra rituals as prescribed by sastras. However, Agni is invoked in every occasion (auspicious and inauspicious) of dharmic life, from lighting lamps in nityapuja for devatas, in temples, in events like prayers during festivals, housewarming, grahashanti homas, birth, upanayana and other samskara celebrations, at weddings (the yajna where the bride and groom circle the fire seven times) and lastly for cremation. Elaborately conducted yaagas such as Aswamedha yaagas are not performed, while Varuna yagam for propitiating Varuna devata, to obtain rains is performed at regular intervals.  

== परिचय || Introduction ==   

== परिचय || Introduction ==   

''Agnihotra yajna'' - sacrificial fire  

Agnihotra is the ritual in which "offerings are made to Agni (sacrificial fire)".  

The ''Agnihotra'' is the "sacrificial fire". ''Agnihotra'' is believed to free the ''yajmāna'' (the performer of the ''yajna'') from evil and death, both signified by Agni.^[37]Prajapatihad to create milk as food for the hungry Agni and perform the first act of ''Agnihotra'' to avoid death and preserve his own existence.^[37]

''Agnihotra'' is believed to free the ''yajmāna'' (the performer of the ''yajna'') from evil and death, both signified by Agni.^[37]Prajapatihad to create milk as food for the hungry Agni and perform the first act of ''Agnihotra'' to avoid death and preserve his own existence.^[37]  

Vedic times === The Agnihotris once maintained a perpetual fire in their homes. This ritual ceremony was conducted on important and auspicious occasions. In many homes prayers are still offered to Agni (fire).  The sage of the Atharvaveda (Sukta 19.55.3) prays to the fire for happiness and peace, for a happy temperament, resolve and good health, for strength and mental contentment, and as the ladder to spirituality. The sage also states that ''Agnihotra'' destroys enemies.^{[note 5]}

Vedic times === The Agnihotris once maintained a perpetual fire in their homes. This ritual ceremony was conducted on important and auspicious occasions. In many homes prayers are still offered to Agni (fire).  The sage of the Atharvaveda (Sukta 19.55.3) prays to the fire for happiness and peace, for a happy temperament, resolve and good health, for strength and mental contentment, and as the ladder to spirituality. The sage also states that ''Agnihotra'' destroys enemies.^{[note 5]}