Changes

As discussed previously, Yajna, broadly is a special act of offering dravya to devatas into the fire along with the recitation of prescribed mantras. Example : [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]] are nityakarmas, to be performed daily by grhastas. Mantras recited here are prescribed in Shrauta Sutras and Grhyasutras, for example, Haviryajna procedures are described in Brahmanas and Vedanga Kalpa.   

As discussed previously, Yajna, broadly is a special act of offering dravya to devatas into the fire along with the recitation of prescribed mantras. Example : [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]] are nityakarmas, to be performed daily by grhastas. Mantras recited here are prescribed in Shrauta Sutras and Grhyasutras, for example, Haviryajna procedures are described in Brahmanas and Vedanga Kalpa.   

==== '''यागम् ॥''' Yagam ====

==== यागम् ॥ Yagam ====

Defining Yaga in a commentary to Shrimad Bhagavadgita sloka (4.24), Sri Madhusudhan Saraswati explains the concept of Yaga and Homa as :<blockquote>देवतोद्देशेन हि द्रव्यत्यागो यागः। स एव त्यज्यमानद्रव्यस्याग्नौ प्रक्षेपाद्धोम इत्युच्यते। <ref>Shrimad Bhagavadgita ([https://www.gitasupersite.iitk.ac.in/srimad?show_mool=1&htrskd=1&httyn=1&htshg=1&scsh=1&hcchi=1&scram=1&scmad=1&scms=1&etsiva=1&etpurohit=1&etassa=1&choose=1&&language=dv&field_chapter_value=4&field_nsutra_value=24 Adhyaya 4]) from Gitasupersite with various commentaries for slokas.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dēvatōddēśēna hi dravyatyāgō yāgaḥ। sa ēva tyajyamānadravyasyāgnau prakṣēpāddhōma ityucyatē।</blockquote>Meaning: Setting apart some oblatory materials to offer to the deities is Yaga and the act of pouring or throwing or offering the material into the fire is Homa.  

Defining Yaga in a commentary to Shrimad Bhagavadgita sloka (4.24), Sri Madhusudhan Saraswati explains the concept of Yaga and Homa as :<blockquote>देवतोद्देशेन हि द्रव्यत्यागो यागः। स एव त्यज्यमानद्रव्यस्याग्नौ प्रक्षेपाद्धोम इत्युच्यते। <ref>Shrimad Bhagavadgita ([https://www.gitasupersite.iitk.ac.in/srimad?show_mool=1&htrskd=1&httyn=1&htshg=1&scsh=1&hcchi=1&scram=1&scmad=1&scms=1&etsiva=1&etpurohit=1&etassa=1&choose=1&&language=dv&field_chapter_value=4&field_nsutra_value=24 Adhyaya 4]) from Gitasupersite with various commentaries for slokas.</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dēvatōddēśēna hi dravyatyāgō yāgaḥ। sa ēva tyajyamānadravyasyāgnau prakṣēpāddhōma ityucyatē।</blockquote>Meaning: Setting apart some oblatory materials to offer to the deities is Yaga and the act of pouring or throwing or offering the material into the fire is Homa.  

Yagas involve elaborate ceremonial activities on a large scale (building of Agnichayana), extending from more than 12 days to a number of years, involving various offerings made into the fire, requiring not only the four [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Rtviks]] (Adhvaryu, Hotr, Udgata and Brahma) but others up to 16 in number for complicated yagas (Somayaga). The mantras used here are prescribed in the Vedanga Kalpas as Shrauta sutras. Example : Somayaga, Sattrayaga, Rajasuya yaga.  

Yagas involve elaborate ceremonial activities on a large scale (building of Agnichayana), extending from more than 12 days to a number of years, involving various offerings made into the fire, requiring not only the four [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|Rtviks]] (Adhvaryu, Hotr, Udgata and Brahma) but others up to 16 in number for complicated yagas (Somayaga). The mantras used here are prescribed in the Vedanga Kalpas as Shrauta sutras. Example : Somayaga, Sattrayaga, Rajasuya yaga.  

==== '''होमः ॥''' Homam or Havan ====

==== होमः ॥ Homam or Havan ====

It is the act of offering or pouring an oblatory material (havis) into the fire. The oblatory material is clarified butter, when no other material is mentioned, offered into the ahvaniya fire with a juhu (special laddle used to drop the butter into the fire). (Katy. Shra. 1.8.38, 44-45)<ref name=":3" /> Yaga means abandonment of dravya intending it for a deity; Homa means the offering of a dravya in the fire intending it for a deity.<ref name=":0" />

It is the act of offering or pouring an oblatory material (havis) into the fire. The oblatory material is clarified butter, when no other material is mentioned, offered into the ahvaniya fire with a juhu (special laddle used to drop the butter into the fire). (Katy. Shra. 1.8.38, 44-45)<ref name=":3" /> Yaga means abandonment of dravya intending it for a deity; Homa means the offering of a dravya in the fire intending it for a deity.<ref name=":0" />

==== इष्टिः ॥ Ishti ====

==== इष्टिः ॥ Ishti ====

It involves the oblations of havis, offered by the Adhvaryu, in a standing position to the south of the altar accompanied by utterance of  वषट्कार । Vashatkara followed by "yajyaanuvakya".(Katy. Shra. 1.2.6) <ref name=":3" /><blockquote>सवषट्कारासु तिष्ठन्दक्षिणत उदङ्प्राङ् वषट्कृते १८ (Katy. Shra. 1.9.18)<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>This class of rites, of which Darsa (one of the Haviryajnas) is the model (Prakrti) requiring four priests, is distinctly different from Homa class of rites, helped and sponsored by the yajamana and his wife.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>दर्शपूर्णमासयोश्चत्वार ऋत्विजोऽध्वर्युर्ब्रह्मा होताग्नीध्र इति (Baud. Shra.2.3)<ref>Kashikar, C. G. (2003) ''[https://archive.org/stream/TheBaudhayanaSrauta-sutra-VedicRitualText/The%20Baudhayana%20Srauta-sutra%20-%20Vedic%20Ritual%20Text/The_Baudhayana_Srauta-Sutra_Vol_I#page/n119 Baudhayana Srautasutra, Volume One].'' Delhi : Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref></blockquote>Meaning : In the Darsapurnamasa yajnas (Full moon and New moon sacrifices) there are four ritviks- Adhvaryu, Brahman, Hotr and Agnidhra.

It involves the oblations of havis, offered by the Adhvaryu, in a standing position to the south of the altar accompanied by utterance of  वषट्कार । Vashatkara followed by "yajyaanuvakya".(Katy. Shra. 1.2.6) <ref name=":3" /><blockquote>सवषट्कारासु तिष्ठन्दक्षिणत उदङ्प्राङ् वषट्कृते १८ (Katy. Shra. 1.9.18)<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>This class of rites, of which Darsa (one of the Haviryajnas) is the model (Prakrti) requiring four priests, is distinctly different from Homa class of rites, helped and sponsored by the yajamana and his wife.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>दर्शपूर्णमासयोश्चत्वार ऋत्विजोऽध्वर्युर्ब्रह्मा होताग्नीध्र इति (Baud. Shra.2.3)<ref>Kashikar, C. G. (2003) ''[https://archive.org/stream/TheBaudhayanaSrauta-sutra-VedicRitualText/The%20Baudhayana%20Srauta-sutra%20-%20Vedic%20Ritual%20Text/The_Baudhayana_Srauta-Sutra_Vol_I#page/n119 Baudhayana Srautasutra, Volume One].'' Delhi : Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi and Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.</ref></blockquote>Meaning : In the Darsapurnamasa yajnas (Full moon and New moon yajnas) there are four ritviks- Adhvaryu, Brahman, Hotr and Agnidhra.

== Classsification of Yajnas ==

== Classsification of Yajnas ==

# '''Anga''' (Subsidiary)

# '''Anga''' (Subsidiary)

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=":022">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>

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=":022">Radhakrishna Bhat, N. ''[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/pdf/Vedic_tradition_karnataka.pdf Vedic Ritual Tradition of Karnataka]'', Vedic Heritage Portal.</ref>

* Vedic yajnas/yagas are divided into two<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>

* Vedic yajnas/yagas are divided into two<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 yajnas]''</ref>

# '''Prakritiyaga''' (Model)   

# '''Prakritiyaga''' (Model)   

# '''Vikritiyaga''' (Modified)   

# '''Vikritiyaga''' (Modified)   

===  विकृतियागम् ॥ Vikritiyagas ===

===  विकृतियागम् ॥ Vikritiyagas ===

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=":022" />

The subsidiary rituals follow their respective principal yajnas in the performance of different yajnas. Vikriti Yaganas like Chandika Homa, Veda Samhita Svahakara Yagas, Rudra Yagas are being performed in temples.<ref name=":022" />

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.  

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.  

=== यजमान: ॥ Yajamana ===

=== यजमान: ॥ Yajamana ===

It is prescribed by sastras that all the dvijas (the ‘twice-born,’ the men of the first three varṇas) are eligible to kindle the fires and perform the yajnas and samskaras. A brahmachari is initiated into performing Agnihotram during Upanayana with prescribed procedures and is taught the relevant mantras to conduct the agnihotram. Such an initiated brahmachari is limited to perform the samidadhanam (nityakarma of offering samidhas in the fire morning and evening).<ref name=":322" />

It is prescribed by sastras that all the dvijas (the ‘twice-born,’ the men of the first three varṇas) are eligible to kindle the fires and perform the yajnas and samskaras. A brahmachari is initiated into performing Agnikaryam during Upanayana with prescribed procedures and is taught the relevant mantras to conduct the agnihotram. Such an initiated brahmachari is limited to perform the samidadhanam (nityakarma of offering samidhas in the fire morning and evening).<ref name=":322" />

However, the Karta (कर्ता । performer) of Shrauta yajnas should be sapatinika yajamana (सपत्नीक यजमानि। A person who has a wife). Smarta yajnas such as Pakayajnas are also to be performed after marriage.  

However, the Karta (कर्ता । performer) of Shrauta yajnas should be sapatinika yajamana (सपत्नीक यजमानि। A person who has a wife). Smarta yajnas such as Pakayajnas are also to be performed after marriage.  

* '''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. 

=== '''हविस् ॥''' Havis ===

=== हविस् ॥ Havis ===

It is defined as any oblatory material (dravya) that is poured as an oblation into the fire, example - barley, rice or similar things and includes the things prepared with them such as ''purodasa, and charu.'' <blockquote>व्रीहीन्यवान्वा हविषि १ (Katy. Shra. 1.9.1)<ref name=":4">Katyayana Shrauta Sutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>Milk is mentioned as Havis in Bharadvaja Shrautasutra (1.1.2). Clarified butter, limbs of animal are also offered as havis in some yajnas (Pasubandha). There are 5 types of havis namely:

It is defined as any oblatory material (dravya) that is poured as an oblation into the fire, example - barley, rice or similar things and includes the things prepared with them such as ''purodasa, and charu.'' <blockquote>व्रीहीन्यवान्वा हविषि १ (Katy. Shra. 1.9.1)<ref name=":4">Katyayana Shrauta Sutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote>Milk is mentioned as Havis in Bharadvaja Shrautasutra (1.1.2). Clarified butter, limbs of animal are also offered as havis in some yajnas (Pasubandha). There are 5 types of havis namely:

* For Agnihotram : Milk

* For Agnihotram : Milk

* For Isthi : Purodasa

* For Isthi : Purodasa

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

* For Pasu : Pasu yajna (goat). Aswamedha yajna - horse.

* For Soma yagas : Soma juice

* For Soma yagas : Soma juice

Cooking of the havis may be done on either garhapatya or ahvaniya according to one's sutra.   

Cooking of the havis may be done on either garhapatya or ahvaniya according to one's sutra.   

=== श्रौतसुत्राणि॥Shrauta Sutras ===

=== श्रौतसुत्राणि॥Shrauta Sutras ===

Kalpas are one among the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. Shrautasutras classified as one among the Kalpas deal with the rules for the execution of the great yajnas (sacrifices) which last for many days. All the four Vedas have their Shrautasutras.<ref name=":122222222" />

Kalpas are one among the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. Shrautasutras classified as one among the Kalpas deal with the rules for the execution of the great yajnas which last for many days. All the four Vedas have their Shrautasutras.<ref name=":122222222" />

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!Vedas

!Vedas

External rituals are physical, in which visible dravyas such as milk and ghee are offered to devatas.   

External rituals are physical, in which visible dravyas such as milk and ghee are offered to devatas.   

Internal rituals are mental or spiritual, in which the mind and the senses are withdrawn and engaged in contemplative or meditative practices, which culminated in self-absorption. In the internal rituals, the sacrificial model is internalized or visualized by mind by a process called Parikalpana. The mind and the body become the field or the sacrificial pit, breath becomes fire, whatever that is offered to the body such as food or pleasure becomes the offering. As man moves above in the series of ashramas from grihasta to vaanaprastha, the elaborateness of the yagas also decrease.   

Internal rituals are mental or spiritual, in which the mind and the senses are withdrawn and engaged in contemplative or meditative practices, which culminated in self-absorption. In the internal rituals, the yajnika model is internalized or visualized by mind by a process called Parikalpana. The mind and the body become the field or the yajnika pit, breath becomes fire, whatever that is offered to the body such as food or pleasure becomes the offering. As man moves above in the series of ashramas from grihasta to vaanaprastha, the elaborateness of the yagas also decrease.   

Aranyakas deal with a form of meditative yajnas wherein water is offered in place of milk as a substitute for it.   

Aranyakas deal with a form of meditative yajnas wherein water is offered in place of milk as a substitute for it.   

== Importance of Yajnas ==

== Importance of Yajnas ==

In physical terms, Yajna (होम | homam, हवन | havan or अग्निहोत्र | agnihotra) is a process of herbal sacrifices in holy fire aimed at the finest utilization of the subtle properties of sacrificed matter with the help of the thermal energy of fire and the sound energy of the mantras. Modern scientific research has also shown significant therapeutic applications of Yajna and also affirmed its potential in purification of environment. 

In physical terms, Yajna (होम | homam, हवन | havan or अग्निहोत्र | agnihotra) is a process of herbal offerings in holy fire aimed at the finest utilization of the subtle properties of offered matter with the help of the thermal energy of fire and the sound energy of the mantras. Modern scientific research has also shown significant therapeutic applications of Yajna and also affirmed its potential in purification of environment. 

Literally speaking, Yajna means - selfless sacrifice for noble purposes. Sacrificing ego, selfishness and material attachments and adopting rational thinking, humane compassion and dedicated creativity for the welfare of all - is indeed the best Yajna which should be performed by all human beings. The philosophy of Yajna teaches a way of living in the society in harmony, a living style to promote and protect higher humane values in the society - which is indeed the basis of the ideal human culture.

Literally speaking, Yajna means - selfless sacrifice for noble purposes. Sacrificing ego, selfishness and material attachments and adopting rational thinking, humane compassion and dedicated creativity for the welfare of all - is indeed the best Yajna which should be performed by all human beings. The philosophy of Yajna teaches a way of living in the society in harmony, a living style to promote and protect higher humane values in the society - which is indeed the basis of the ideal human culture.