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→Classification of Yagnas: added content from Agnihotra article
==== Shodasa Samskaras ====
==== Shodasa Samskaras ====
They are performed at different times in the life of an individual.
They are performed at different times in the life of an individual.
== श्रौतकर्माणि ॥ Srauta Karmas ==
Srauta karmas include elaborate activities such as yaagas meant for the well-being of mankind. These karmas are so called because their procedures are directly based on the Srutis or instructions given in Vedas. The brahmanas contain the description of yagnas (which last for many days) and different aakhyayikas as part of the Srauta karmas (for example Haviyagnakandam of Kanvasatapatha brahmana contains the details of Haviryagnas). However, in Kalpas the rules are methodically compiled in Sutra format without the aakhyayika part.<ref name=":122222222">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> Usually, Srauta karmas involve the Chaaturhotr - the four priests (Hota, Adhvaryu, Udgaata, Brahma).
Such procedures for Srauta karmas are compiled in Srauta Sutras as given in the Kalpa Vedanga. Some of them are as follows
Aasvalayana and Saankhyayana Srautasutras belong to Rig Veda.
Baudhayana, Hiranyakesi, Aapasthamba, Vaikhanasa, Vaadula and Kaathaka Srautasutras belong to the Taittiriya shakha of Krishna Yajur veda.
Maanava, Varaaha Srautasutras belong to the Maitraayani samhita of Krishna Yajurveda.
Katyayana Srautasutras are the only available texts belonging to Shukla Yajurveda.
Aarsheyakalpa, Kshudrasutras, Jaimineeya, Laatyayana, and Draahyayana Srautasutras belong to Saamaveda.
Vaitaana Srautasutras are the only available texts belonging to Atharvaveda.
Different classifications of Yaagas may be taken into consideration based on the offerings and time period of conducting them.
Vedic yagnas/yaagas are divided into
* Prakritiyaaga (Prinicipal)
* Vikritiyaaga (Subsidiary)
Vikritiyaagas derive their procedures from the respective Prakritiyaagas<ref name=":122222222" />.
=== प्रकृतियागम् ॥ Prakritiyaagas ===
In the Asvalaayana Srautasutra based on the Rig Veda, there are a number yagnas but five among them are regarded as Prakritiyaagas<ref name=":122222222" />. In the present days Prakriti yagnas mentioned in the Vedas are rarely conducted.<ref name=":022222222222">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://ignca.nic.in/vedic_heritage/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>
# होमम् ॥ Homa : '''Agnihotra''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Homas<ref name=":122222222" />
# इष्टिः ॥ Isthti : '''Darsapurnamaasa yaga''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Isthis<ref name=":122222222" />
# पशुयागम् ॥ Pasu : '''Nirudha Pasubandha''' is the Prakriti (model) of Pasuyaaga<ref name=":122222222" />
# सोमयागम् ॥ Soma : '''Agnistoma''' is the Prakriti (model) of all the Somayagas.<ref name=":122222222" />
# सत्रयागम् ॥ Sattra : '''Gavaamayana''' is the Prakriti (model) of all Satrayagas.<ref name=":122222222" />
=== विकृतियागम् ॥ Vikritiyaagas ===
The subsidiary rituals follow their respective principal sacrifices in the performance of different sacrifices. Vikriti Yaganas like Chandika Homa, Veda Samhita Svahakara Yagas, Rudra Yagas are being performed in temples.<ref name=":022222222222" />
In the context the kindling of fire, the Agnihotram mentioned as nitya karma has been discussed here and only a brief mention of Agnihotram as a part of vedic ritual during different occasions has been made.
== स्मार्तकर्माणि ॥ Smaarta Karmas ==
Smaarta karmas are based on the procedures directly given in Smritis. Smritis include the Dharmasastras, though are based on the Srutis (vedas) are modified versions.
Smritis are 18 in number. Upa-smritis are also 18 in number. All aspects of the worldly existence are covered extensively in Smritis, in sutra format on topics including varna-ashrama dharmas, all aspects of relationship between man and woman, rajadharmas, how to conduct daily activities such as eating, cleaning, bathing etc, pujas, yagnas and yaagas, different aspects related to shraadda karmas.<ref name=":022222222">Venkateswara Rao. Potturi (2010) ''Paaramaathika Padakosam'' Hyderabad: Msko Books</ref>
Asvalaayana, Aapasthamba, Baudhayana texts include both Srauta and Smaarta karmas procedures to conduct yajnas.
=== Spiritual sense ===
=== Spiritual sense ===
All activities in the limitless expansion of the universe are said to have generated from a grand eternal यज्ञ || Yagya.
All activities in the limitless expansion of the universe are said to have generated from a grand eternal यज्ञ || Yagya.