यज्ञाः are the sacrificial offering to please various deities. The word “यज्ञः” is derived from the Sanskrit root यज् (यजति - यजते) (1st Ubhayapada), which means to worship/ to sacrifice/ to make an oblation. There are other names also for the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) like यागः & यजनम् (a sacrifice/an oblation); while daily sacrifices are called होमः (an offering/ daily sacrifice) & हवनम् (an oblation/ sacrifice/ invocation). An apt definition of Sacrificial Ritual (यज्ञः) is, a ritual /action /method performed by offering oblations & invoking the deities with the help of chanting hymns. The offerings of the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) are made to the deities through the Fire god (अग्निः). The sacred word is स्वाहा (means exclamation) [स्वधा is used while performing sacrifices for ancestors or forefathers (पितृ यज्ञः)] is mostly used while offering the oblation.
Sacrificial Ritual (यज्ञः) is one of the oldest rituals in Sanatana Dharma for invoking or pleasing the deities. Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) hold a supreme position in Hindu culture; every major ceremony or milestone of human life is incomplete without inviting/invoking the Fire god (अग्निः). According to the Vedas the Fire god (अग्निः) has a responsibility to be an eye witness of the deities for every ceremony one performs & because of this reason, even today our elders ask us to lit the lamp (दीपम्) before starting any prayer. Sacrificial Ritual (यज्ञः) comprises of threefold meaning, worship of deities (देवपूजनम्), unity (ऐक्यम्) & charity (दानम्). It also includes the qualities of hospitality or welcoming a guest (सत्कारः / आतिथ्यम्) & putting the needs of another over our own (उपकारः). Since it is all about giving & developing the positive energy within & in the surrounding area, people are advised to perform the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः).
Multi-fold offerings to the Fire god (अग्निः) is what the Sacrificial Ritual (यज्ञः) is all about, accompanied by chanting of Vedic hymns each time offering an oblation (आहुति) is made. The Sacrifice (यज्ञः) should be performed by a qualified priest having good knowledge of Vedas. All the concerning Gods are first pleased with prayers & flowers, then a fire is lit on the Sacrificial altar (यज्ञ कुण्डम् / वेदिः). After which the continuous chanting of the verses & hymns is done by the Priest with which performer offers oblations (आहुति) with the materials of oblations (हविष्यन्नम्) (i.e., clarified butter, wood, cooked rice, coconut, etc.), followed by taking blessings from God & the Priest.
Aspects of the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः)-
The time is very important while performing the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः), it should be auspicious; if the time has not been properly selected the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) may not bear any fruit or may give an unwanted result. Place of performing the Sacrificial Ritual (यज्ञः) must be carefully chosen. There should be no disturbance & it should be clean; it should not be near crowded or noisy environment. The platform of an altar of fire into which the oblations are offered is known as वेदिः or यज्ञ कुण्डम् in Sanskrit. The wood, cow dung & cow ghee are used to stoke the fire, the special woods used for the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) are known as काष्ठानि, & are only obtained from specified trees like ashvattha, palash, khadira, nyagrodha or shami. The ladle used to pour ghee into the fire is known as सर्वो; while oblation of coconut is offered with the ladle is known as सूचि.
The person who sponsors & performs the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) is known as यजमानः. The chief brahmin priest conducting the rites is known as अध्वर्युः or आचार्यः. He may be accompanied by another priest/s who chants hymns are known as उद्गाता & होता. Vedic Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) are authorized to be conducted by four Vedic priests; it is customary for no less than four priests to be present at any Sacrificial Ritual (यज्ञः) & sometimes it may increase the number of priests according to the different Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) & according to the numbers of the oblations (यज्ञः) offered in the Sacrifices (यज्ञाः). The chief priest (अध्वर्युः) is the in-charge of the physical details of the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) like measuring the ground & building the altar, as mentioned in the Yajur-Veda. The accompanied priest (उद्गाता) is the chanter of hymns/verses stated in the Vedas. Another accompanied priest (होता), completes the latter half hymns/verses & offers oblations. Since these chants involve three kinds of vital breaths Prana, Apana & Vyana in the body, the accompanied priests should have basic knowledge of breath control (प्राणायाम्).
Experts conducting the Sacrificial Ritual (यज्ञः) should have the twelve virtues directed by the Scriptures like; charming, self-endeavour, intelligent/knowledgeable, control over senses, wisdom, piety, master of Vedas, bodily strength, glory, control over breath, knowledge of hymns & the knowledge of the precise pronunciation. A beautiful aspect of the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) is that, when the hymns are uttered by the priests while performing the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) they ask the performer of the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) to offer the oblation (आहुति) into the fire & to chant “इदम् न मम” which means “This is not mine”; here lies the main significance of the Sacrifice (यज्ञः). When the possessive “मम” (i.e., mine) is removed from one’s thinking, ego (अहंकारः) too gets destroyed. This is the essence of Sanatan Dharma expressed through its Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः), which appeals humans to ab&on the self-centredness & offer oneself in the service of others.
Types of the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः)-
As many as 400 Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) are described in the Vedas, of which 21 are considered compulsory. The compulsory/daily Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) are called the नित्यकर्माः while the optional Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) are called the काम्यकर्माः & it is related to the specific desire. Of the 21 compulsory/daily sacrifices (नित्यकर्माः), only the अग्निहोत्रम् & the उपासना are to be performed twice daily, at dawn & at dusk. The remaining Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) are performed over the course of the year.
There are few Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) connected to the life ceremony. Few famous name & it’s fruits are specified here; विवाहयज्ञः - A Sacrifice conducted during the marriage ceremony, a marriage is incomplete without the presence of Fire god (अग्निः). A Sacrifice (यज्ञः) to pray for the offspring is known as पुत्रकामेष्टियज्ञः. The best example of this Sacrifice (यज्ञः) is given in the epic Mahabharata where the king Drupada performs the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) for the attainment of the son but he gets a beautiful & intelligent daughter Draupadi/Yagnaseni. A sacrifice called अश्वमेधयज्ञः is very famous sacrifice. The अश्वमेधयज्ञः, literally meaning to rule & it is also famous from the epic Ramayana. When Sita was bringing up her sons in sage Valmiki's ashram in the forest, after being banished from her kingdom, Rama conducted the अश्वमेधयज्ञः. When the horse let loose goes into the forest where Sita lives, her twin sons try to stop the horse, ignoring the warning written on the horse's headplate not to hinder its progress. One son ropes the horse while the other challenges the royal army.
There are Different Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) which are performed to please different gods like; the रुद्रयागः is for Lord Shiva, the विष्णुयागः is for Lord Vishnu, the लक्षमीहोमः is for goddess Lakshmi & the गणेशयागः is for Lord Ganesha. The नवग्रहहवनम् is the sacrifice to please nine planets which removes the faults of the planets in one’s horoscope & the वास्तुहोमः which is usually performed on the purchase of a new house or to remove the faults/negativity from the house & life. The duties & responsibilities of Hindu life includes performing the five great Sacrificial Rituals (पञ्च माहायज्ञाः) & they are; (1) ऋषियज्ञाः - Honouring rishis by studying the holy scriptures & teaching them to others. (2) देवयज्ञाः - Worshipping the celestials or deities by doing sacrifice & giving oblations into the sacred fire. (3) पितृयज्ञाः - Sacrifices which offers peace to the souls of the ancestors (पितृ) & it is done by doing श्राद्धः (a ceremony performed in honour of ancestors) & तर्पणम् (performing a ceremony presenting libations of water to the ancestors). (4) मनुष्ययज्ञाः - Charity of food, clothes etc. to the needy humans. (5) भूतयज्ञाः - Feeding animals like cows, dogs, birds, etc. & watering trees & plants.
Besides the types of Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः), there are 3 main categories of Sacrifices (यज्ञाः)- (1) पाकयज्ञाः, it involves the use of cooked food offerings made from grains, milk, yogurt, ghee, etc. (2) हविर्यज्ञः, it involves use of raw offerings i.e., uncooked rice or other grains, milk, honey, ghee, coconut. पाकयज्ञाः & हविर्यज्ञः are done in frequency ranging from twice a day (like अग्निहोत्रम्) to daily, to monthly, bi-monthly, half-yearly, etc. (3) सोमयज्ञाः, it consists of offering the Soma juice, along with other items. सोमयज्ञाः was mostly done till Dwaparyuga & performed mostly by Kshatriyas.
Significance of the Sacrificial Rituals यज्ञाः –
According to the Vedas, Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) are the tools to led happy & peaceful life. It is one of the ways to gratify & thank the deities to gain their grace & blessings. Sacrifice can also be performed to seek blessings of the deities on various occasions like birthday, anniversary, house warming, hair tonsure ceremonies, festivals, etc.
Sacrifice is an action (कर्मः) & every action (कर्मः) comprises of three qualities; (1) the qualities of goodness (सात्त्विकः), (2) the qualities of passion (राजसिकः), (3) the qualities of ignorance (तामसिकः). These qualities are perceived to the intention of the person performing the Sacrifice (यज्ञः). When the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) is done without the feeling of doer-ship, without desire of any fruit, with only spiritual faith, without any love or hate it is called सात्त्विककर्मः – an action with the qualities of goodness. When it is done with the intention of enjoyment with egotism, with desired fruits it becomes राजसिककर्मः – an action with the qualities of passion; for e.g., पुत्रकामेष्टियज्ञः, अश्वमेधयज्ञः, etc. come under राजसिककर्मः. When it is undertaken through ignorance or bad intensions & without thinking of the outcome, with loss to oneself, injury to others, it becomes तामसिककर्मः – an action with the qualities of ignorance; for e.g., the Sacrifice (यज्ञः) done with the intension to end all snakes & serpents undertaken by king Jaanamejaya was तामसिककर्मः.
Fire (अग्निः) is the vital part of the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) as by making an offering of gratitude & sacrifice to the fire, the offering reaches to the deities directly & quickly; therefore Fire (अग्निः) is called the messenger or mediator between the deities & humans. The very first Hymn in Rig-Veda (the oldest of the Vedas), praises the Fire god (अग्निः). Fire god (अग्निः) takes all the oblations of all the deities & give it to Lord Indra & later Lord Indra gives individual offerings & oblations to each deity. In Rig-Veda there is a prayer to evoke Lord Indra to take sacrificial oblations & offerings (आहुति). It is stated that;
यज्ञो हि त इन्द्र वर्धनो भूदुत प्रियः सुतसोमो मियेधः।
यज्ञेन यज्ञमव यज्ञियः सन्यज्ञस्ते वज्रमहिहत्य आवत्।।३.३२.१२।।
Meaning- O Indra! The sacrifice has indeed become your expansion & may this well-praised sacrifice be dear to you. As you protect your sacrificer in the same way your thunderbolt (weapon) protects us.
यज्ञेनेन्द्रमवसा चक्रे अर्वागैनं सुम्नाय नव्यसे ववृत्याम्।
यः स्तोमेभिर्वावृधे पूर्व्येभिर्यो मध्यमेभिरुत नूतनेभिः।।३.३२.१३।।
Meaning- O Indra! May the sacrificer increase you with this Sacrifice. Do indeed take the oblation (given to you). So, I invoke you towards me by this money (of mine), because you are invoked with the Soma hymns & you get expanded with the ancient & modern hymns.
Many Scriptures suggests the importance of the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः), some of them are stated here. According to the Yajurveda;
“अयं यज्ञो विश्वस्य भुवनस्य नाभिः।”
Meaning- This Sacrifice (यज्ञः) is said to be the navel (i.e., centre) of the entire world. Just like navel is the most important place in the Human body, so is the role of Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) in this world.
The Shatapatha Brahmana also suggests the importance of sacrifice by stating;
“यज्ञो वै श्रेष्ठतमं कर्म।”
Meaning- Sacrifice is the best of all deeds.
Skandha Purana has given the importance of the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) through the story of vow of 13th day (प्रदोषव्रतकथा) by affirming;
एष ते तनयः पूर्वजन्मनि ब्रह्मणोत्तमः।
प्रतिग्रहैर्वयो नित्ये न दानाद्यैः सुकर्मभिः।।
Meaning- O Brahmani! This son of yours was the best Brahmin but he spent his previous birth by partaking the food received through offerings/alms & did not do any sacrifices or charity due to which he is living this birth in great poverty.
Importance of the Sacrificial rites & the reasons to perform Sacrifices (यज्ञाः) are also specified in Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta;
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः।
तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः।।३.१२।।
Meaning- Worshipped by sacrifices, the gods will give you the desired objects of enjoyment. They are indeed thieves who enjoy their gifts without giving their share in return.
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः।
भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यामकारणात्।।३.१३।।
Meaning- Those who eat what is left after sacrifice, are released from all sins. But those who cook food for the self alone (without sharing it with others), such degraded men eat sin.
यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम्।
नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतोऽन्यः कुरुसत्तम।।४.३१।।
Meaning- Those who partake nectar, the sacramental remnants of sacrifice, attain to the eternal Brahman. O You the best of the Kurus! For one who sacrifices not, this world is lost, not to speak then of the hereafter.
Scientific benefits of performing the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) –
1. The cow ghee & cow dung cake used in the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) react to release abundance of oxygen & other gases which make the atmosphere pure.
2. Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) acts as a natural detoxifier as all the harmful microbes & viruses gets cleared due to the smoke emitted by burning of herbs.
3. While performing the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः), the performer goes into the alpha brainwave state & higher levels of consciousness that opens up other areas of perception. The performer gets deeper relaxation, balanced state of body & mind, creativity is enhanced, immunity is enhanced & increase in awareness.
4. It renews brain cells, revitalizes the skin & purifies the blood.
5. It leaves a great impact on the minds as the verses & hymns chanted in the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) have mind calming powers.
6. It helps in calming stress, anxiety, depression, all kinds of emotional & mental problems.
7. Carbon dioxide in small quantities gets mixed with aromatic vapours & act as a brain stimulator.
8. Fire & cow dung smoke act as a pesticide for the surrounding area & kills numerous of the insects, moths & bacteria.
9. It purifies the atmosphere through its smoke that creates a pure, nutritional & medicinal atmosphere.
10. While performing Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः), earth attracts minerals due to heat.
11. The ashes of the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) can be used as an effective fertilizer.
12. Hymns recited during Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) acts as a sound energy which helps to improve physical & mental health.
13. According to the scientists the oblations given in the sacrifice releases gases which enters the body & kills the bacteria which spreads diseases like typhoid, malaria, pneumonia, viral fever, etc.
14. Those gases & smoke also helps in recovering the diseases related to liver & asthma & helps in betterment of respiratory system.
15. Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) have a positive effect in resolving various problems related to; financial, health, marital/ family, career/ job & to remove the faults of house (वास्तुदोषाः).
16. They even help to correct various planets & constellations (ग्रहाः & नक्षत्राणि) problems in the horoscope.
Killing of animals in Sacrifices was not in general practice during Vedic time. Even the fire which was impure was thrown away before the start of the sacrifice. Those who believe that animals sacrifice was compulsory in Sacrifices are, perhaps, misled by the language of Vedas (वेदभाषा).
Thus, the holy smoke from Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः), not only eliminates all illness & negativity from the house but, it also attracts peace, happiness, prosperity, wealth & contentment. The Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) keeps balance of the nature from the movement of the galaxies to the movement of electron in an atom both on macro & micro levels. Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) purify the body, give peace to the mind & spiritual awakening to the soul. These are the reasons one should perform Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) frequently or at least once a year & because of these amazing aspects based on science, the Sacrificial Rituals (यज्ञाः) till today hold a vital part in Hinduism.
माघः कृष्णपक्षे १०, २०७७