Yagna derived from the Sanskrit root Yaj, meaning to worship, is a Vedic ritual invoking the Devatas through rituals and sacrifices. It involves making oblations into the Agnikund while chanting mantras.
In this short series, we shall learn about Yagna rituals, their significance, Devatas and other important aspects.
Introduction
Veda is derived from the root word Vid meaning to know. Veda forms the core of Hindu Dharma and lays down the rules for leading a happy and meaningful life. Attainment of knowledge and obtaining wealth are goals giving meaning to one’s existence. Vedas is a guide book every Hindu must attempt to learn and also apply its teachings so that they are able to shape their lives in such a manner that they become role models for the future generations.
Dharma (righteousness), Artha (materialism) and Kama (sensual pleasures) form the basis of human life. These three objectives put together are known as Trivarga Purusharthas and are the main object of any human being. Once a human achieves these three objectives, he/she is able to move towards the final goal known as Moksha (liberation). Moksha is called apa-varga, meaning outside the group, because it is the exact opposite of the first three. While the first three are related to the material world, Moksha seeks to sever all ties from the material realm.
To attain Moksha an individual must exhaust the first three objectives. It is only after overcoming the trivarga can the individual liberate oneself from this viscious cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Vedas state that both individuals and society must observe certain rules or laws to achieve goals of human life.
According to the Vedas, Rta (universal law) is the mainstay of human life and leading life in keeping with Rta is the only way to break the rebirth cycle. Yagna is the means to achieve the right way of life by following the universal laws mentioned in Vedic Hindu Parampara Granthas.
Yagna is not just was individuals but is beneficial for the society as a whole. Yagna includes prayers and purifications, consecrations and empowerments. The Yagna is Rta in action and is a human responsibility. It was meant to unfold the spiritual potential in humans, in addition to securing prosperity and welfare. Vedic tradition can be approached through karma-kanda (the way of life that ensures prosperity and welfare) and jnana-kanda (wisdom that liberates).
Are Yagna and Yaga the same?
Yagna and Yaga are two different terms that must not be confused with each other. Yagna refers to adoration, worship, prayer, praise, offering, presentation, oblation, consecration and sacrifice while Yaga means just a sacrificial rite where offerings are made. However, more than anything else it is important to have faith while performing rituals rather than undertaking rituals just for the sake of it.
Yagna besides being a very important Vedic rite is also an attitude, a resolve, a device, an initiation, an instrument and an act. It involves the whole being of the person who is engaged in the act, and transforms his psycho-physical form into a vehicle of divinity.
Purpose and symbolism of Yagna
As mentioned earlier Yagna is not just another rite or ritual to be followed blindly. It evokes several images and has rich symbolic associations.
Every sacrifice has three main parts: Uddesa, the intention or the deity for whom it is done; Tyag, the act of giving up something as an offering; and Praksepa, the specific place or sacred fire where the offering is made.
Yagna is the act of offering oblations into the sacrificial fire while chanting specific mantras. It brings numerous benefits to the one who performs it. The immediate benefits include materialistic one like abundance of food and wealth, efficiency in work, mental agility, physical vigour, longevity, good health, tranquillity, fearlessness and sound sleep. However, the ultimate goal of any Yagna is to go beyond materialism and help the sacrificer attain meritocracy that opens the doors of heaven them and helps them attain liberation.
Rig Veda’s Purusha Sukta explains the primordial sacrifice undertaken by the Devas. In this Yagna the Para Brahma (Supreme Being), also known as the Adi Purush, was Himself offered as an oblation. Satapatha Brahmana states that when the Devas undertook a Yagna to seek the favour of Prajapati, the latter was so pleased by their devotion that he offered himself as a sacrifice. This teaches us that the essence of sacrifice is effective regeneration through self-sacrifice. Thus, Yagna must be undertaken and performed in a spirit of self-sacrifice and for the larger benefit of the society.
We shall learn more about the Yagna Devata, types of Yagna priests, and other related content in the subsequent part of this series.
