Bhuta Yajna (भूतयज्ञः)
Bhuta Yajna is one of the five great sacrifices prescribed to householders by the great sages. They are expected to be performed everyday.
परिचयः ॥ Introduction
Also called as Prahuta - प्रहुतो भौतिको बलिः । prahuto bhautiko baliḥ ।, Bhuta Yajna refers to the Bali offering given to the Bhutas - र्भूतानि बलिकर्मणा | bhūtāni balikarmaṇā ।(Manu 3.74 and 3.81 ) [1][2]
बलिविधिक्रमः ॥ The Order of Bali Offering
According to Manusmrti, a Brahmana shall offer according to the rule of his Grihya-sutra, a portion of the cooked food destined for the Vaisvadeva in the sacred domestic fire to the following deities: (Manu 3.84)[1][2]
- First to Agni, and (next) to Soma, then to both these gods conjointly, further to all the gods (Visve Devah), and (then) to Dhanvantari (Manu 3.85)
- Further to Kuhu (the goddess of the new-moon day), to Anumati (the goddess of the full-moon day), to Prajapati (the lord of creatures), to heaven and earth conjointly, and finally to Agni Svishtakrit (the fire which performs the sacrifice well) (Manu 3.86)
- After having thus duly offered the sacrificial food, let him throw Bali offerings in all directions of the compass, proceeding (from the east) to the south, to Indra, Yama, Varuna, and Soma, as well as to the servants (of these deities) (Manu 3.87)
Saying, '(Adoration) to the Maruts,' he shall scatter (some food) near the door, and (some) in water, saying, '(Adoration to the waters;' he shall throw (some) on the pestle and the mortar, speaking thus, '(Adoration) to the trees.'(Manu 3.88)
Near the head (of the bed) he shall make an offering to Sri (fortune), and near the foot (of his bed) to Bhadrakali; in the centre of the house let him place a Bali for Brahman and for Vastoshpati (the lord of the dwelling) conjointly (Manu 3.89)
Let him throw up into the air a Bali for all the gods, and (in the day-time one) for the goblins roaming about by day, (and in the evening one) for the goblins that walk at night (Manu 3.90)
In the upper story let him offer a Bali to Sarvatmabhuti; but let him throw what remains (from these offerings) in a southerly direction for the manes (Manu 3.91)
Let him gently place on the ground (some food) for dogs, outcasts, Kandalas (Svapak), those afflicted with diseases that are punishments of former sins, crows, and insects (Manu 3.92)
भूतयज्ञफलम् ॥ The fruit of Bhuta Yajna
According to Manusmrti, that Brahmana who thus daily honours all beings, goes, endowed with a resplendent body, by a straight road to the highest dwelling-place (i.e. Brahman) (Manu 3.93)
एवं यः सर्वभूतानि ब्राह्मणो नित्यं अर्चति । स गच्छति परं स्थानं तेजोमूर्तिः पथा र्जुना । । ३.९३ । ।
evaṁ yaḥ sarvabhūtāni brāhmaṇo nityaṁ arcati । sa gacchati paraṁ sthānaṁ tejomūrtiḥ pathā rjunā । । 3.93 । ।