The Illuminating Concept of Yagnas

Sacrifice brings transcendence. Transcendence through sacrifice is the meaning of life in the Vedic religion. Yagna or Yagya is a powerful ancient scientific technology of sacrifice for purification of life, believed to be a Vedic tradition practiced in front of a sacred fire as a form of worship or devotion in Hinduism.

Yagna is a ‘karma’ offering oblations (havis) to propitiate a God. Mantras are chanted when the ritual fire, Agni, is deployed in Yagna. The divine Agni (the god of fire) is also called the messenger of gods, who carries the havis to the Devatas. The two consorts of Agni are Svaha and Swatha, who deliver the offerings to Devatas and Pitris, respectively. The result of sacrifice can be visible (pratyakṣa) or invisible (ālaukika).

A divine aura is established when the tej of Agni intermixes with the intensity of hymns. All the senses experience a pure bliss when the two forms of energies; heat and sound coalesce.

There are specific rules, regulations and austerities of yajna, the geometry of altars, and the rites to be undertaken. It is performed in agnikunds or fireplaces made of bricks, and the ingredients offered includes milk, ghee, grains, cake, soma, fruits, flowers, cloth and money. Homa is a yagya performed for just a few hours in a single day to fulfill one’s minor desires.

Elements of Yagna are : Karma (rites involved in Yagna) , Bhavana (the inspiration to perform Yagna) , Svadhyay (learning) , Tyag (offering) , Devata (consumer of Havis) , Phala (results).

Due to modernization, it becomes unfeasible to perform the rites with the rigorous discipline as was done in Vedic times, yet the concept of yajnas can be outstretched to the day being, without losing its spirit.

Yajna teaches us to be righteous and maintain the ethics, performing duties without being greedy of results, abiding by moral codes, being content with one’s actions and continual performance of Karma. Opting yagnic ideals in our lives will influence positivism and create a sense of moral order in society by default.

Our awakening lies in absorbing the essence of our tradition, following a dharmic lifestyle. Before questioning and criticizing our ancient rituals, there is an urgent need to understand the greater meaning behind our divine texts and practices which were laid down with mix of logic and science, which still holds true.

Coming to the scientific benefits of yagya, they are in numerable. The sacred fire releases natural herbal smoke which cleanses one’s body, soul, intellect and environment as well. The smoke acts as a natural detoxifier which heals the atmosphere by killing parasites, harmful bacteria, pathogens and destroying foul odor.

The transformation of matter (offerings) into energy (fire) generates electromagnetic waves in the surroundings mediating extra terrestrial heavenly vibe, contained in the hymns to a spiritual cosmic level. According to ancient scientific prototypes, it was believed that conducting yagya increases ‘Sattva’ which is figuration of cleanliness, peace and purity.

An appropriate balance of Panchtatvas is estabished in the body by the elements of yagya: Water freshens the flow of fluid through throat, Fire balances the energies in the body, Earth brings tear in eyes which helps in cleaning them, Ether hightens the vibrations to a greater level, Air balances the respiratory activities.

The concept of yagna is cooperative to spiritual evolution and for purification of life as a whole. It is beneficial for revitalization of body, mind and is a means of sprouting energies in our systems.

References/Sources: Yajurveda is the primary Veda concerned with yajna. The Mantras used for Yagna are contained in samhita portion of the Veda an the Brahmana portion of the Veda deals with Karma kānda. Articles on Mantra Marg, Yog Shastra; Article by Hindupedia and BodhFoundation. Mimansa Sutras, Manyu sukta, Rig Veda.