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Yajna (Vedic Rituals) is the most important feature of Vedic literature. It occupies very important cultural position in the literature and life as well.  

Yajna (Vedic Rituals) is the most important feature of Vedic literature. It occupies very important cultural position in the literature and life as well.

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

The word ‘Yajna’ is derived from the root ‘Yaj’ – to Worship or offering an oblation to a deity and paying one’s respect to it. Its meaning is further drawn signifying devotion in different ways. The materials offered to ‘Yajna’ are called ‘Havis’. The performance of offering, the dedicated ‘Havis’ into the principal of universal fire is ‘Homa’. ‘Adhvara’, ‘Kratu’, ‘Makha’, ‘Yaga’ and ‘Medha’ are other words used as synonyms for the term ‘Yajna’ in general sense though there are many features which differ among themselves. These play a great role in shaping our civilization order and peace.

The word ‘Yajna’ is derived from the root ‘Yaj’ – to Worship or offering an oblation to a deity and paying one’s respect to it. Its meaning is further drawn signifying devotion in different ways. The materials offered to ‘Yajna’ are called ‘Havis’. The performance of offering, the dedicated ‘Havis’ into the principal of universal fire is ‘Homa’. ‘Adhvara’, ‘Kratu’, ‘Makha’, ‘Yaga’ and ‘Medha’ are other words used as synonyms for the term ‘Yajna’ in general sense though there are many features which differ among themselves. These play a great role in shaping our civilization order and peace.

== Classsification of Yajnas ==

== Classsification of Yajnas ==

The Yajna is classified into three types namely  

The Yajna is classified into three types namely  

Vedic yagyas (other name, yajna, yagna) are performed to create positive effects and avoid unwanted effects in the different areas of life of individuals and nations and to have the best possible nature support. Many people use the yagna or yajna words instead of yagya, the meaning of it is the same. We use the vedic word because yagyas are based on the knowledge of the ancient saints of vedic tradition. Vedic yagyas are done by specially trained वैदिक पण्डित || vedic pandits (pundits), who are the experts of vedic ceremonies, performances, and who live their lives' according to the rules of vedic tradition. Yagnas, yajnas are performed through the recitation of sound or vedic mantras to reach certain result. This is vedic music, vedic vibration. It is possible to use them as prevention but it is also possible to use them for promoting the different areas of life. The benefits of the yagya reigning are the vedic health, wealth, harmony and evolution. Head pandit is the expert of ज्योतिष || jyotish (astrologer), that vedic science which can be used to predict the life events of the individuals and which can be the well-grounded base of suggesting the necessary yagya services for a balanced life.

Vedic yagyas (other name, yajna, yagna) are performed to create positive effects and avoid unwanted effects in the different areas of life of individuals and nations and to have the best possible nature support. Many people use the yagna or yajna words instead of yagya, the meaning of it is the same. We use the vedic word because yagyas are based on the knowledge of the ancient saints of vedic tradition. Vedic yagyas are done by specially trained वैदिक पण्डित || vedic pandits (pundits), who are the experts of vedic ceremonies, performances, and who live their lives' according to the rules of vedic tradition. Yagnas, yajnas are performed through the recitation of sound or vedic mantras to reach certain result. This is vedic music, vedic vibration. It is possible to use them as prevention but it is also possible to use them for promoting the different areas of life. The benefits of the yagya reigning are the vedic health, wealth, harmony and evolution. Head pandit is the expert of ज्योतिष || jyotish (astrologer), that vedic science which can be used to predict the life events of the individuals and which can be the well-grounded base of suggesting the necessary yagya services for a balanced life.

== Aahutis (Offerings) in Agnihotram ==

== Aahutis (Offerings) in Agnihotram ==

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

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

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

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

* For Soma yaagas : Soma juice

* For Soma yaagas : Soma juice

== Yaagakunda Vedi ==

== Yaagakunda Vedi ==

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

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

'''शम्या ॥ Shamyaa''' : A wooden peg or small stick or staff having a rounded edge and looks like a mace. It is a measuring device used along with Sphya. 

'''शम्या ॥ Shamyaa''' : A wooden peg or small stick or staff having a rounded edge and looks like a mace. It is a measuring device used along with Sphya. 

== यजमानि ॥ yajamana ==

== यजमानि ॥ yajamana ==

The कर्ता ॥ Karta should be सपत्नीक यजमानि ॥ sapatinika yajamana should perform this homa daily in the morning with milk, obtained separately from the cow reared for this purpose (agnihotra gaabhi).

The कर्ता ॥ Karta should be सपत्नीक यजमानि ॥ sapatinika yajamana should perform this homa daily in the morning with milk, obtained separately from the cow reared for this purpose (agnihotra gaabhi).

It is the last event where the dead body is offered onto the fire with chanting of mantras.  (Rig. Veda. 10.16.1)<ref>http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Antyesti#cite_note-1</ref>

It is the last event where the dead body is offered onto the fire with chanting of mantras.  (Rig. Veda. 10.16.1)<ref>http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Antyesti#cite_note-1</ref>

== Discussion ==

== Discussion ==

Ritual versus knowledge is a much debated topic. Shankara in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras states that the rightful observance of the ''agnihotra'' and other rites are meant for those desirous of attaining Heaven and other enjoyments, and the understanding of the rightful doctrine of the Soul is meant for those desirous of emancipation. Refence needed

Ritual versus knowledge is a much debated topic. Shankara in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras states that the rightful observance of the ''agnihotra'' and other rites are meant for those desirous of attaining Heaven and other enjoyments, and the understanding of the rightful doctrine of the Soul is meant for those desirous of emancipation. Reference needed

== References ==

 

== Reference ==