All activities in the limitless expansion of the universe are said to have generated from a grand eternal Yajna(Yagya). Atharva Veda (9.15.14) describes Yagya as: Ayam Yajna Vishvasya Bhuvanasya Nabheehiâ implying Yagya as the fundamental process of manifestation of nature.
In physical terms, Yagya (homam, havan or 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 Yagya and also affirmed its potential in purification of environment.
Literally speaking, Yagya 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 Yagya which should be performed by all human beings. The philosophy of Yagya 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.
Gayatri has been regarded as the mother and, Yagya as father of Indian spiritual tradition. Yagya finds place in all sacred and auspicious ceremonies in Indian culture . In Gayatri Upasana too, it is essential. The number of oblations in Havan may preferably be one-tenth... Read More
Gayatri and Yagya form an inseparable pair. One is said to be the mother of Indian culture and the other, the father. They are inter-linked. Gayatri Anusthan cannot be said to be fully accomplished unless it is accompanied by Yagya . In old affluent times Agnihotra used to be performed... Read More
Gayatri and Yagya constitute a pair. Gayatri has been called righteous wisdom and Yagya as righteous act. Coordination of both gives wisdom to solve all problems. Yagya may be performed as and when it is convenient. It can suffice to utter Gayatri Mantra and offer ghee and sugar in fire.... Read More
On a small scale, the members of the family may offer 2400 (cumulative) Ahutis in a Single Kund Yagya . If neighbors, relatives and friends also wish to participate, a five Kundiya Yagya may be organized and five thousand oblations offered. कुण्डों की संख्या... Read More
The scriptures have directed the usage of Swaha and Swadha while offering the oblations. In a praise of God (Yajna Purusha) it has been said: "Tvamekam Sharanyam" (you are the one and only Refuge for us), "Tvamekam Varenyam" (you are the one and only Choice for us). In the worship... Read More
Amidst the fascinating achievements of the modern era of science and technology in improving our comfort levels, stress and pollution have posed the major challenges for our well-being. The world is beginning to realize that the comforts provided to us by modern science and technology do not necessarily always make... Read More
In the existing circumstances, it is advised to replace Brahmbhoj with Brahmadan, wherein instead of sweets, literature pertaining to Gayatri Sadhana is distributed as Prasad to the deserving participants. ... Read More
Yagya s at a larger scale are required to be performed to purify the subtle environment and destroy pollution permeating the atmosphere. It infuses religious sentiments and enthusiasm in persons who are present and those who participate in it get an opportunity to take a vow to abandon one vice... Read More
In fact scriptures advise performance of marriages and associated Agnihotra ( Yagya ) during the day only. However, it has become customary in India to perform marriages during the night because of the convenience and leisure of participants. Agnihotra associated with matrimonial functions performed during the night are, therefore, exceptions.... Read More
During a Yagya , the purifying energy emanating from the Agnihotra stimulates the outer skin and permeates the body through the physical perforations, bringing out sweat and other impurities from within. It is therefore, advisable to wear loose clothes to permit an easy intake of ' Pran'- the life -force... Read More
Scriptures do not permit Akhand Yagya . Yagya should be completed in a fixed time during the day only. The reason being the possibility of insects, worms etc. getting killed in the sacred fire, which makes it a violent and profane act.... Read More
Jap and Havan are basic ingredients of an Anusthan . After initiation (Dikcha) the worshipper (Sadhak) makes a total surrender to Gayatri and Yagya (his spiritual parents), which are inseparable. Invocation of both is done through specified procedures during the Anusthan .... Read More