Fire is, of course, one of the greatest discovery of mankind. Our control over the fire dramatically changed the entire human habits; earlier it was used to cook food, protection from animals and to stay warm. Among the many applications of fire, one is Yajna (यज्ञ, yajña); also called as Havana (हवन) or Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्र).
Yajna is elaborately described in Yajurveda. In Yajurveda, Yajna is the greatest among all works (Karman). One can purify his /her soul by performing Yajna. In Vedic culture, it is thought that the holy fire is the mediator between Gods and us; when the offerings are made to Yajna with chanting mantras, it directly reaches the Gods, who bless the people with rains, food, health, and good luck.
According to Apastamba Sutra, the definition of Yajna is Vedic sacrifice; an act by which we surrender something for gods e.g. grains (Anna), pulse, milk and milk product (ghee, butter, curd) fruits, plant juice (soma), etc.
As we said; Yajna is the contact medium for gods and to seek their blessings. There are many types of Yajna performed by Hindus for e.g.,
Rajsuya Yajna
Ashwamedha Yajna
Chaaturmasya Yajna
Vaajpey Yajna
Purushmedha Yajna
Sarvamedha Yajna
Sidenote – Let us know in the comments below if you’d like us to cover each one of these in detail.
A common misconception is that Yajna is a fire-related ritual. However, that’s not true, there are many Yajnas which do not require the fire, just the chanting of Mantras is sufficient.
Havan is a type of Yajna on a small scale in which fire is kindled, oblation offered and Vedic hymns recited.
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते ।
यष्टव्यमेवेति मन: समाधाय स सात्विक:॥
aphalākāṅkṣhibhir yajño vidhi-driṣhṭo ya ijyate
yaṣhṭavyam eveti manaḥ samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ
Hindi:
यज्ञों में वही यज्ञ सात्त्विक होता है,जो शास्त्र के निर्देशानुसार कर्तव्य समझ कर उन लोगों के द्वारा किया जाता है, जो फल की इच्छा नहीं करते ।
English:
Of sacrifices, that sacrifice performed according to duty and to scriptural rules, and with no expectation of reward, is of the nature of goodness.
(Bhagavad Gita 17.11)
Scientific overview of Yajna
We all know that the energy can neither be produced nor be destroyed but it can be transformed into one form to another form. Here in the process of Yagya are involved two biggest energies i.e. sound (as Vedic hymns) and heat (as kindled in Yajna Kund) which transform the energy from one form to another beneficial energy which is for the physical, psychological and spiritual well being of human.
Some benefits are as below-
The aroma of Yajna– it can be sensed from a significant distance because of heat in Yajna helps in the diffusion of vaporized particles into our surroundings.
Yajna Kund architecture-pyramid- is structurally the strongest shape in the world, and studies show that the center of the pyramid is the source of energy. The Yajna Kund is also formed in that particular way as the center of it is lightened as the energy source.
Clarified butter (ghee)- ghee is natural combustion fuel to anything that made of hydrocarbons, it helps to keep the fire lightened.
Environmental purification- scientists proved that the place where Yajna is performed regularly, physical ailments, sickness, and diseases occur less commonly in that place. More info on this can be found in ‘The Integral Science of Yajna’, a book published in 1998 by Yug Nirman Yojna, Mathura
Sanskrit- all the words from Sanskrit contain some sort of vibrations and set a harmonious pattern to the sound wave constitute a great amount of energy. For example, chanting Gayatri Mantra can produce more than 10000 sound waves per second.
Fumigation– complex hydrocarbon combustion leads to formaldehyde and formalin production in the environment which is lethal to bacterial cells and it is a natural disinfectant.
Apart from that it also removes insects and foul smell from environment.
Materials and methods
Typical Yajna consists of 3 main things –
Yajna Vedi or Havan Kund (the place where the fire is lit)
Samidha (small dried wood sticks, to keep fire ignited)
Aahuti (offerings) – being a vast topic, we will cover it as a separate point in future
Yajnavedi
Yajnavedi is the place where the holy fire is lightened, Yajna doesn’t complete without Yajnavedi. Vedi is the term for “sacrificial altar” in the Vedic religion.
These are 8 types as per there significance.
Yajnavedi
Purpose
1
Yoni kund
For child birth
2
Semilunar kund
For clearance of family issues
3
Triangular kund
For victory
4
Octagon kund
For health
5
Round kund
For public well-being
6
Hexagon kund
For victory over enemy
7
Square kund
For overall good
8
Padma kund
For protection from magical powers
Samidha (समिधा)
Sameedhas’ are mostly plants that have some ritualistic significance; according to Indian mythology, Mango (Aam), Peepal (Peepal), Banyan (Bargad), Blackberry (Jamun), Sandal (Chandan) are considered holy.
These wooden sticks ignite the holy fire to receive the offering which is also called as Homa (होम) or Hotra (होत्र). Homa is prepared with grains scented herbs, ghee (clarified butter) sugar, fragranced roots, rice, etc. The mixture of all above is collectively called as Homa Or Hotra.
Religious overview of Yajna
The warmth or the heat we get from Yajna is a great energy source, as it vaporizes all gross substances from human body i.e. lethargy, ill tendency, dullness & despair and energizes oneself with eagerness, smartness, curiousness, and hope.
Hindus think that fire is the purest energy, and with its mere presence, anyone can become pure. And after the completion of Yajna, the remaining ash produced by fire reminds the transient nature of life.
Conclusion
Yajna teaches us 3 important things which are very practical in daily life
To contact with super soul– Yajna is the medium to seek God’s mercy and their blessings.
The habit of donation– “इदं न मम” (idam na mama) simply means is “it is not mine”. At the end of all offerings, the words are chanted as idam na mama. This teaches a man is that nothing in this world belongs to himself or herself.
The notorious nature of life– the end for everyone is the same; no matter who you are or what you have, at the end of your life, you will not be more than a handful of ashes. Yajna reminds us that no matter how high or how hot the Yajna fire is, at the and it will become a pile of ashes.
If you’d like us to cover more aspects of Yajna, please let us know in the comments section below.
Sir,
There are many books literature available written by Param Pujya Pt. Shreeram Sharma Acharya , Founder of ALL India Gayatri Pariwar , Shantikunj Haridwar, narrats about Yajna philosophy , established Bramha Varchas Shodh sansthan where research on Yajna Separate doctrine has developed known as Ygyopaithi has been established for curative & development measures for mental, physical and causal body health. under leadership Dr. Pranav Pandya who is now Chancellor of Devsanskriti Viswavidyalya( University) at Haridwar (http://www.dsvv.ac.in/)
Details can be accessed at link https://www.awgp.org/spiritual_wisdom/yagya http://www.awgp.org/spiritual_wisdom/scientific_spiritulality/brahmavarchas_research_centre
Scientific Aspects of Yagya
The teachings of yagya
Ashwamedh – The King of Yagyas
Types of Yagya
Yagya Therapy
References from Scriptures
Effect on Environment
The Yagya Campaign of Gayatri Pariwar
Yajna – The Foundation of Vedic Culture
FAQ
Benefits of Yagya
Yagyopathy
अती उत्तम।।🙏
Yes, I would like you to cover all the type of Yajna comprehensively. Thanks for sharing such treasured knowledge. Keep enlighting us ,today the world highly need this. Continue this work, highly Appreciated.🙂 🕉️
Any simplest form of yagna that we can perform at home? I have square shape Havan kund and havan samagri… but not well versed with sanskrit. I know common mantras but would love to do it once/twice in a month… any suggestion ?
There is a gap between our culture & what we know about it. This gap is widening with coming generations & at this crucial time resanskrit is filling this gap with utmost sincerity. Quite enriching article 🙏
I am a student of ancient Indian History. Such articles are very enlightening and they inspire students like me. Thank you very much for this post/article
Dear Re Sanskrit team ! Putting the Vedic Wisdom in this simplistic and accessible yet very impressive format is re defining the work done by our ancestors! Bless you .. I need to talk to you or the team .. how can I get in touch ? My email – [email protected]
Very nice information. Please add more information. Today’s generation must be aware about ‘Bhartiya Sanscriti’ with understanding science behind it. Everyone should respect our ancestors who studied all nature deeply and gave us perfect art of living life by a different concept.
493shares 325WhatsApp 36Messenger 0Facebook 7Twitter 79Pinterest 0LinkedIn 2Pocket 12EmailSummaryArticle NameWhat is Chaturmas (चतुर्मास)? Importance of Ekadashi (एकादशी)DescriptionWe explore the importance of Ekadashi. What is Chaturmas? We also explore the story and importance of Devshayani Ekadashi along with the benefits of fasting. Author Resanskrit and Akansha Sharma Publisher Name ReSanskrit Publication LLP Publisher Logo
The Science behind Yajna, यज्ञ!
Introduction
Fire is, of course, one of the greatest discovery of mankind. Our control over the fire dramatically changed the entire human habits; earlier it was used to cook food, protection from animals and to stay warm. Among the many applications of fire, one is Yajna (यज्ञ, yajña); also called as Havana (हवन) or Agnihotra (अग्निहोत्र).
Yajna is elaborately described in Yajurveda. In Yajurveda, Yajna is the greatest among all works (Karman). One can purify his /her soul by performing Yajna. In Vedic culture, it is thought that the holy fire is the mediator between Gods and us; when the offerings are made to Yajna with chanting mantras, it directly reaches the Gods, who bless the people with rains, food, health, and good luck.
According to Apastamba Sutra, the definition of Yajna is Vedic sacrifice; an act by which we surrender something for gods e.g. grains (Anna), pulse, milk and milk product (ghee, butter, curd) fruits, plant juice (soma), etc.
As we said; Yajna is the contact medium for gods and to seek their blessings. There are many types of Yajna performed by Hindus for e.g.,
Sidenote – Let us know in the comments below if you’d like us to cover each one of these in detail.
A common misconception is that Yajna is a fire-related ritual. However, that’s not true, there are many Yajnas which do not require the fire, just the chanting of Mantras is sufficient.
Havan is a type of Yajna on a small scale in which fire is kindled, oblation offered and Vedic hymns recited.
Scientific overview of Yajna
We all know that the energy can neither be produced nor be destroyed but it can be transformed into one form to another form. Here in the process of Yagya are involved two biggest energies i.e. sound (as Vedic hymns) and heat (as kindled in Yajna Kund) which transform the energy from one form to another beneficial energy which is for the physical, psychological and spiritual well being of human.
Some benefits are as below-
Apart from that it also removes insects and foul smell from environment.
Materials and methods
Typical Yajna consists of 3 main things –
Yajnavedi
Yajnavedi is the place where the holy fire is lightened, Yajna doesn’t complete without Yajnavedi. Vedi is the term for “sacrificial altar” in the Vedic religion.
These are 8 types as per there significance.
Samidha (समिधा)
Sameedhas’ are mostly plants that have some ritualistic significance; according to Indian mythology, Mango (Aam), Peepal (Peepal), Banyan (Bargad), Blackberry (Jamun), Sandal (Chandan) are considered holy.
These wooden sticks ignite the holy fire to receive the offering which is also called as Homa (होम) or Hotra (होत्र). Homa is prepared with grains scented herbs, ghee (clarified butter) sugar, fragranced roots, rice, etc. The mixture of all above is collectively called as Homa Or Hotra.
Religious overview of Yajna
The warmth or the heat we get from Yajna is a great energy source, as it vaporizes all gross substances from human body i.e. lethargy, ill tendency, dullness & despair and energizes oneself with eagerness, smartness, curiousness, and hope.
Hindus think that fire is the purest energy, and with its mere presence, anyone can become pure. And after the completion of Yajna, the remaining ash produced by fire reminds the transient nature of life.
Conclusion
Yajna teaches us 3 important things which are very practical in daily life
If you’d like us to cover more aspects of Yajna, please let us know in the comments section below.
Read next –
Ritucharya (ऋतुचर्या) – Ayurveda Recommended Seasonal Habits – Part 1
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₹699 – ₹2,49933 replies to “The Science behind Yajna, यज्ञ!”
Manish Swain
Very informative. Continue like this and enlighten us.
ReSanskrit
Thanks a lot. We will 🙏😊
Prabhash Tiwari
A much helpful work for humanity. Thankyou very much. The world needs this.
ReSanskrit
Thank you so much for your kind words.🙏
ऋणाल रवींद्र कुलकर्णी
खूपच छान माहिती.
ReSanskrit
Dhanyawad 🙏😊
Prafull
Thank you for sharing these information; glad to read these kind of articles 🙂
ReSanskrit
Thank you Prafull!
umeshgupta.ibm
Sir,
There are many books literature available written by Param Pujya Pt. Shreeram Sharma Acharya , Founder of ALL India Gayatri Pariwar , Shantikunj Haridwar, narrats about Yajna philosophy , established Bramha Varchas Shodh sansthan where research on Yajna Separate doctrine has developed known as Ygyopaithi has been established for curative & development measures for mental, physical and causal body health. under leadership Dr. Pranav Pandya who is now Chancellor of Devsanskriti Viswavidyalya( University) at Haridwar (http://www.dsvv.ac.in/)
Details can be accessed at link https://www.awgp.org/spiritual_wisdom/yagya
http://www.awgp.org/spiritual_wisdom/scientific_spiritulality/brahmavarchas_research_centre
Scientific Aspects of Yagya
The teachings of yagya
Ashwamedh – The King of Yagyas
Types of Yagya
Yagya Therapy
References from Scriptures
Effect on Environment
The Yagya Campaign of Gayatri Pariwar
Yajna – The Foundation of Vedic Culture
FAQ
Benefits of Yagya
Yagyopathy
ReSanskrit
Thank you so much for sharing the details. 🙂
Jatin Jangid
अती उत्तम।।🙏
Yes, I would like you to cover all the type of Yajna comprehensively. Thanks for sharing such treasured knowledge. Keep enlighting us ,today the world highly need this. Continue this work, highly Appreciated.🙂 🕉️
ReSanskrit
Thanks, Jatin. We will.
Ashish
Any simplest form of yagna that we can perform at home? I have square shape Havan kund and havan samagri… but not well versed with sanskrit. I know common mantras but would love to do it once/twice in a month… any suggestion ?
ReSanskrit
You can refer to the links mentioned in the above comment.
Deepak
Very good information. Could you please also write on Rudrabhishek(Laghurudrabhishek) of Lord shiva.
ReSanskrit
Dhanyawad Deepak. Sure we will write on Lord Shiva. 🙂
Sandeep
Nice. Yes, continue this series.
Is there an online store to buy the different shapes of Havan kunds?
ReSanskrit
Thanks, Sandeep. Not sure of the online store.
VINAY GUPTA K S
Kindly explain in detail all the types of Yagnas.
ReSanskrit
Sure Vinay! 🙂
Vaibhav Sidhdhapara
Thank you very much for this meaningful information..
It can help to understand our religion more Cleary…
धन्यवाद 🙏
ReSanskrit
Dhanyawad 🙏!
Shobhit Awasthi
There is a gap between our culture & what we know about it. This gap is widening with coming generations & at this crucial time resanskrit is filling this gap with utmost sincerity. Quite enriching article 🙏
Agam Joshi
Good information!
Thanks for putting all together
shreya shukla
this article is such an eye opener, thank you so much!
can you please write more on the “Aahuti” aspect of Yajna. _()_
coolnavk
Really enlightening, Resanskrit to oldest and richest Sanskriti
Ruchira Sarma
I am a student of ancient Indian History. Such articles are very enlightening and they inspire students like me. Thank you very much for this post/article
Hitesh Joshi
Dear Re Sanskrit team ! Putting the Vedic Wisdom in this simplistic and accessible yet very impressive format is re defining the work done by our ancestors! Bless you .. I need to talk to you or the team .. how can I get in touch ? My email – [email protected]
Jyoti
Please share more information about the different types of Yajnas, such as rajasuya yajna, etc
p.vijay Siva Kumar
Adhiparasakthi goddess blessings world people
Adhiparasakthi goddess blessings YAGNA holy fire
p.vijay Siva Kumar
1.Omsakthiye Parasakthiye
2.Omsakthiye Adhiparasakthiye
3.Omsakthiye Maruvoor arasiye
4.Omsakthiye Omvinayakaa
5.Omsakthiye Omkamachiye
6.Omsakthiye Ombangaru kamachiye
Adhiparasakthi goddess worship YAGNA
songs
(OM KALI JAI KALI)
p.vijay Siva Kumar
1.Omsakthiye Parasakthiye
2.Omsakthiye Adhiparasakthiye
3.Omsakthiye Maruvoor arasiye
4.Omsakthiye Omvinayakaa
5.Omsakthiye Omkamachiye
6.Omsakthiye Ombangaru kamachiye
Adhiparasakthi goddess worship YAGNA
songs
(OM KALI JAI KALI)
Shweta Ganpat Kedar
Very nice information. Please add more information. Today’s generation must be aware about ‘Bhartiya Sanscriti’ with understanding science behind it. Everyone should respect our ancestors who studied all nature deeply and gave us perfect art of living life by a different concept.
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What is Chaturmas (चतुर्मास)? Importance of Ekadashi (एकादशी)
493shares 325WhatsApp 36Messenger 0Facebook 7Twitter 79Pinterest 0LinkedIn 2Pocket 12EmailSummaryArticle NameWhat is Chaturmas (चतुर्मास)? Importance of Ekadashi (एकादशी)DescriptionWe explore the importance of Ekadashi. What is Chaturmas? We also explore the story and importance of Devshayani Ekadashi along with the benefits of fasting. Author Resanskrit and Akansha Sharma Publisher Name ReSanskrit Publication LLP Publisher Logo