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The history of Vedic rituals is quite ancient and can be traced to the period of Vedic Samhithas. A few definitions here would throw light on the terms used in this context.     

The history of Vedic rituals is quite ancient and can be traced to the period of Vedic Samhithas. A few definitions here would throw light on the terms used in this context.     

'''Yagna''' : A common term used to denote all satkarmas, which may or may not include the piling of Agnihotra. Bhagavad geeta gives the process of Jnanayagna. Adhiyagnam katham 8 .2 bhagavadgeeta Karma brahmo 3.15 bhagavadgeeta Yagnanardhat karmano yatra 3.9 Bhagavadgeeta 9.15 Jnana yagne, 9.16     

'''Yagna''' : A common and general term used to denote all satkarmas (good deeds) and encompasses several aspects such as worship, praise, pleasing of a deity, a purpose to achieve, a yaaga, an oblation and could be a mental (Jnana) or physically ritualistic process (Kratu) which may or may not include the piling of Agnihotra.      

'''Yaagam''' : Yaagas are elaborate rituals involving Agnihotra with special offering of suitable materials to the devatas, lasting for at least three or more days. However, some yaagas like Sattrayaagam involves nitya Agnihotram, but does not involve special invocation nor offerings to Agni and includes reading and discussion of texts such as bhagavatam '''(recheck).''' Sarpa sattra yaga was performed by King Janamejaya where all sarpas serpents were destroyed.        

 

'''Yaagam''' : Yaagas are elaborate rituals involving Agnihotra with special offering of suitable materials (havish including purodaasa, milk, ghee, etc) to the devatas, lasting for at least three or more days. However, some yaagas like Sattrayaagam involves nitya Agnihotram, but does not involve special invocation nor offerings to Agni and includes reading and discussion of spiritual texts such as Shrimad Bhaagavatam '''(to recheck).''' Sarpa sattra yaga was performed by King Janamejaya where all sarpas serpents were destroyed in the yaaga fire.        

A ‘Yaga’ is made up of several rituals which has its own principal part (Pradhana). Those that form subsidiary or supplement to this are called ‘Angas’. Some of the rituals may be common to several ‘Yagas’<ref name=":02" />.      

A ‘Yaga’ is made up of several rituals which has its own principal part (Pradhana). Those that form subsidiary or supplement to this are called ‘Angas’. Some of the rituals may be common to several ‘Yagas’<ref name=":02" />.      

A Yaga is specialized process involving an intention (sankalpa), an altar (yajnakunda), a host (yajamana), sacrificial offerings of various kinds (kratuvu, bali), utensils, sacred fire (yagagni), one or more officiating priests (purohita), gifts (dakshina) for the priests and guests, expiation ceremony (prayaschitta) and other concluding rituals. They are performed in open or in a house, temple, palace or a temporary structure (yajnavatika) built for the purpose<ref name=":0" />.

A Yaga is specialized vedic process involving an uddesa or intention (sankalpa) towards a particular deity, an altar (yajnakunda), a host (yajamaana), sacrificial offerings of various kinds (kratuvu, bali), utensils, sacred fire (yagagni), one or more officiating priests (purohita), gifts (dakshina) for the priests and guests, expiation ceremony (prayaschitta) and other concluding rituals. They are performed in open or in a house, temple, palace or a temporary structure (yajnavatika) built for the purpose<ref name=":0" />.

 

'''Homa''' : Homa refers to both the small scale rituals involving specially constructed altars with Agnihotra such as in navagraha homa conducted for grihapravesam (housewarming) to larger scale rituals such as Chandi homa conducted in temples. Homas are usually conducted as Angas for mantrajapas and do not involve all the vedic procedures.

'''Agnihotra''' : This term specifically applies to the most common and important yagnas classified among the haviryajñas and considered to be nitya. It is performed as a daily worship than for the fulfillment of any specific desire.  

'''Homa''' : Homa refers to both the small scale rituals involving specially constructed altars with Agnihotra such as in navagraha homa conducted for grihapravesam (housewarming) to larger scale rituals such as Chandi homa conducted in temples. Homas are usually conducted as Angas for mantrajapams and do not involve all the vedic procedures.

It is ceremonially established with the elaborate vedic procedure called agnyādhāna should be started from the very evening of the day on which (establishing the Vedic fire ceremonially) is done. It is obligatory to perform it daily till death or old-age or sanyasa.  

It is ceremonially established with the elaborate vedic procedure called agnyādhāna should be started from the very evening of the day on which (establishing the Vedic fire ceremonially) is done. It is obligatory to perform it daily till death or old-age or sanyasa.