Shri G. K. Kannan, now 73 old, had served in various capacities as an engineer till 1981. After retirement he went on an extensive pilgrimage. He had an opportunity right from his young age to come into contact with Mahatmas and great religious personalities like the Kanchi Paramacharya, Ramana Maharshi, Chinmayananda, Sivananda Saravati and many others. Similarly the writings of Krishnamurti, Rajneesh, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Vivekananda, Subramanya Bharati and others had also their own effect in moulding his life. For understanding the meaning of various Hindu rituals, he was deeply indebted to the teaching of Kanchi Paramacharya in particular. During 1996 and 1997 he personally attended various Vaidikayajnas in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, particularly in rural areas and collected valuable information from the presiding priests themselves.
Gita says that by pleasing Devas through yajnas, they in turn nourish the mankind through rain, food etc. Mankind is advised not to break this cycle.
In Hinduism, there are 40 samskaras (purificatory rites). They are divided into three groups:
a) A hnika Karmas (Daily rites) like Sandhya and five Mahayajnas.
b) Grhya Karmas beginning from conception right upto funeral rites like Garbhadhana, Upanayana, Vivaha and Antyeshti.
c) Srauta Karmas i.e. Haviryajnas and Somayajnas.
Ahnika Karmas and Grhya Karmas have been dealt with by the present author in Vol. I published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in 1997 under the title "Under-standing Veda Karma Kanda Vol. I Grhya Karma".
The present volume by the same author, Shri G.K. Kannan, deals with Srauta Yajnas. The book is divided into four sections a) Basics of Srauta Karmas, b) Havir Yajnas, c) Soma Yajnas and d) Agni Cayanas.
Thus out of the 40 obligatory purificatory rites Samskaras, 26 are Grhya Karmas dealt with in Vol. I and Srauta Karmas dealing with 7 Havir Yajnas and 7 Soma Yajnas are dealt with in this volume.
This present volume deals with the basics of Srauta Karmas. Havir Yajnas, Soma Yajnas and Agnicayanas. The Prakriti for Ishti is Darsa-Purna-Masa. The Prakriti for Havir Yajnas having animal sacrifices is Nirudha Pasu-Bandha. The Prakrti for Soma Yajnas is Agni-shtoma. The requisites for a yajna are sacrificer, Priests, Deity, altar, oblation materials, Tyaga (renunciation) and sacrificial implements. Soma is the King of plants. The various deities mentioned in the text are only the different attributes and aspects of the same one Deity. Materials for sacrifice are either liquid, semi-liquid or solid. Sacrificial instruments are as many as about 35. Metres like Gayatri etc. have their Devata and symblols. The Samans which are sung have their names and attributes. In Havir Yajnas, there are seven obligatory Yajnas, Kariri Ishti is performed for rainfall. There are some other sacrifices also like Rajasuya etc. which are dealt with in sruti.
The last section deals with Agnicayana or fire piling. Often these Cayanas are mystical evolution of creation of universe, based on legends of Mantras or Brahmanas.
The author of this book has dealt with this subject in the form of questions-answers and given detailed analysis of each subject in simple pithy language. These vedic yajnas are rare now-a-days and the general reader has only a faint idea about them. Even though the author is not a performing priest, the information collected here is very authentic as the author has minutely attended these sacrifices and obtained authentic details from experts performing priests.
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has great pleasure in publishing this work which the author has prepared with great care and accuracy and given detailed information about the subject.
Publisher's Note
The Vedas form the foundation of Hindu Dharma and Indian culture. They are distinguished alike for their language and literature. They are looked upon, not as compositions of human skill. But intuitions of the human mind. They are the gifts to mankind of seers, who attuned themselves to the Supreme. They are apaurusheya, not of human origin. They are anadi (without beginning) ananta, (many) and sanatana, (eternal).
There are four Vedas, the classification of which is attributed to Krshna dvaipayana, who is also hailed as Veda Vyasa. Each Veda is divided into four parts viz. Samhita, Brahmana. Aranyaka and Upanishad. Excluding the Upanishads, which contain the philosophical thought of our ancients, the rest is collectively known as Karmakanda. The hymns of the 'Samhita' part are chanted at the yajnas or Yagas, which are elaborately dealt with in the Brahmanas and the Aranyakas.
Four hundred sacrifices are said to be mentioned in the Vedas. Out of these 21 are required to be performed at least once in one's lifetime. These form part of the 40 samskaras which are elaborated in the Kalpa Sutras and the Dharma Sutras. These sacrifices fall into two broad categories Srauta and Smarta.
Explaining the importance of the 'Karmakanda', the Mahaswami of Kanchi, Paramapoojya Sri Chndrasekharendra Saraswati, has observed: "The Vedas and the Vedanta are not at variance with one another. The Karmakanda prepares us for Vedanta or Jnanakanda. The former has to do with this world and with many deities and its adherents are subject to the three gunas. But it is the first step to go beyond the three gunas and to severe oneself from worldly existence. If we perform the rites laid down in the Karmakanda, keeping in mind their true purpose, we shall naturally be qualifying for the Jnanakanda." (Hindu Dharma: The Universal Way of Life, a Bhavanas's publication.)
His Holiness was the source of inspiration to the author of this book. He explains, in the form of questions and answers in four sections: a) Basics of Srauta Karmas, b) Havir Yajnas, c) Soma Yajnas and d) Agni Cayanas.
As we step on to our 61st year of service in the cause of India's Ageless Culture, Education, Art and Moral Values, the Bhavan prayerfully offer this volume as its humble mite to foster Sanatana Dharma-Indian Culture.
Back of the Book
Born in Tiruchirpalli on 24th September 1926, G.K. Kannan joined Railways in 1945. He served in various capacities till 1981 and voluntarily retired as Assistant Signal & Telecommunication Engineer, Mysore, During the service, he was a member of Railway Engineers Trritorial Army. Consequently he had occasion to enter Bangladesh (Sylhet Sector) during the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. This personal experience of the tragedy of war had its own effect. After retirement, he went on an extensive pilgrimage of India, including Himalayan trekking to visit temples situated in high altitude remote corners. He was also associated with social services work in the cause of handicapped children, children, whose parents are life-convicts and leprosy patients. Etc. at Sri Perumbudur and Tenkasi.
Due to divine grace, he had the opportunity, right from an young age, to come into direct contact with great Mahatmas and have their blessings in various forms, like personal conversations/Pada namaskara/Participation in Pada Yatras/honorary service as Administrative Manage/Touch/Sight/Lectures, etc.
The Paramacarya of Kanchi Mamakoti Peetam, Sathya Sai Baba, Ramana Maharshi, Chinmayananda, Sivananda Sarasvati, Yogi Ram Surat Kumar are notable among them. The writings of J. Krishnamurti, Rajneesh, Sri. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and Vivekananda, Subramanya Bharati had their own effect in moulding the writer.
In trying to understand the path of rituals, lectures and reports of lectures of Paramacaryal had a deep influence, resulting in this Brahma Yajna debt discharge act.
Understanding Veda, Karma Kanda in 2 Volumes is his maiden venture.
Samarpana | v | |
Foreword | vii | |
Publisher's Note | xi | |
Acknowledgements | xiii | |
Transliteration | xv | |
SECTION A | ||
INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | ||
1 | Aim & Methodology | 1 |
Introduction Aim Methodology Unity in diversity | ||
2 | BACKGROUND MATERIAL SUMMARY | 5 |
Pramanas 3 Types of Karmas 40 Obligatory Karmas | ||
3 | Place of Srauta-Yajnasin Samskaras | 7 |
Child boyhood manhood middle age retirement sum up. | ||
4 | Essential Requirements Of A Yajna | 9 |
Yajamana Rtvij Devata Altar Havis Tyaga Sacrificial tools | ||
5 | Priests and Their Duties | 13 |
6 | Vedic Gods | 16 |
Introduction Indra Agni Soma Rudra Vishnu Brhaspati Aditi Mitra Varuna-Maruts Savitr-Visvedevas asvins Ushas Pushan Vayu DyavaPrthivi Yama Tvashtr Rbhus Goddesses Deities relating to function, place, abstract qualities sum up Evil forces - Gandharvas | ||
7 | Guide Lines For Understanding Deities | 34 |
Introduction Principles of successive events husband & wife relationship Lord aspect stressing a particular attribute cow as deity manliness purificatory aspect deity and victims nuances of prayers one God | ||
8 | Vedic Psyche regarding Animal Sacrifice | 40 |
Pas cattapa feelings and atonment acts modern cruelty | ||
6 | Vedic Gods | 16 |
9 | Relevance of Mantras In Samskaras | 43 |
Modern tendency of distraction external purity integration and purity on 3 planes through Mantras. | ||
10 | Oblation Materials | 46 |
Liquid semisolid - solid | ||
11 | Sacrificial Implements | 47 |
12 | Rationale of Various Chandas Samans Etc. | 49 |
details about Chandas, Samans, Stomas, Prshta-Stotras, - Their attributes numerals Kapalas Legends interlinking their birth. | ||
13 | Contents Of Rg-Veda-Samhita | 57 |
Introduction division of texts | ||
14 | Contents of Taittiriya - Samhita | 59 |
Introduction division of 7 Kandas and the Subjects Arsheya Patha Kramas of 5 Kandas and the subjects summary of subjects as per Kandnukrama. | ||
15 | Contents of Vajasaneyi - Samhita | 66 |
Introduction division of 40 Adhyaya and contents | ||
16 | Contents of Sama-Veda | 68 |
Introduction division into Purvarcika and Uttararcika different type of Ganas Vedic seers | ||
17 | Contents of Atharva - Veda | 71 |
Introduction division into 20 Kandas and summary of subjects. | ||
18 | Why Taittiriya Sakha References Given | 74 |
HAVIR - YAJNAS | ||
19 | General Back Ground | 76 |
Introduction 7 obligatory Yajnas sacred implements - Altar | ||
20 | Darsa-Purna-Masa | 78 |
Introduction Karyakrama details of Preliminary day details of principal day imprint on Hindu custom. | ||
21 | Agni-Adhana | 85 |
General Aupasana Agni Srauta Agni time sequential Angas of 1st day and 2nd day Punara dheya (rekindling) | ||
22 | Agni-Hotra | 88 |
General sequential Angas Agniupasthana Prayas citta Brahmana interpretation of micro macro scale. | ||
23 | Agrayana - Ishti | 90 |
24 | Catur - Masya | 91 |
Introduction-Va isvadevaparva Varuna praghasa parva-Sakamedha parva-Sunasiriya parva. | ||
25 | Nirudha Pasu - Bandha | 95 |
Introduction Salient Angas Legends and their influence on format. | ||
26 | Kauliki Sautramani | 102 |
27 | Other Kamya-Ishtis | 103 |
a) Nakshatra - Ishti | 103 | |
Astronomy Astrology - stars | ||
with their devatas. Havis, benefits | ||
b) Pasu-Bandha-Kamya | ||
c) Kamya-Ishtayah | ||
d) Karirishti (rain spell) | 108 | |
Introduction salient Angas - | ||
Significance of black colour | ||
e) Divah - Syenah | 109 | |
f) Apagha | 109 | |
SOMA-YAJNAS | ||
28 | The Broad Format of Soma-Yajnas | 111 |
sequence in brief of Soma-Yajna from Day 1 to 5 | ||
29 | Various Ishtis In Soma | 113 |
Ishti in connection with Diksha starting the Journey welcoming Soma-Connecting the head of hte Yajna to the body homage ceremonial transference of Agni and Soma final purificatory bath abandoning the sacrifical ground. | ||
30 | Civil Engineering Aspects | 119 |
Choosing the site collecting materials construction of bamboo shed, great Altar-shed for Havirdha na carts resonant holes Yupa etc. | ||
31 | Diksha | 123 |
Introduction physical purification Ishti wearing consecratingmaterials-imitating new born Legends regarding nails, hair, eye salves, darbha, deer skin, deer horn, intermediate Diksha | ||
32 | Transfer of Agnis | 127 |
Garhapatya Ahavaniya Dakshina Sabhya Avasathya Agnis transferring Ahavaniya Agni Procedures | ||
33 | Soma Aspect of Yajna | 131 |
Starting with the journey purchase transport reception homage brief details of 4th & 5th day | ||
34 | Legends and Soma Grahas | 133 |
Legend connected with optinal and obligatory Soma grahas impact of legend on other Angas like Prasarpana Altar offerings unity of priest and Yajamana purodasa Yupa Soma barter guarding soma stalks. | ||
35 | Paribhasha and Basics of Soma-Graha | 143 |
General technical terms of different waters, pressings, Soma storing vessels, cups and goblets, drawing of Soma, oferings standard procedure various Purodasa. | ||
36 | Complete Karya-Krama | 151 |
1st ay sequences- Diksha etc. | ||
2nd day sequences Soma stalks | ||
3rd day sequences Marking altar | ||
4th day sequences Agnishomiya - Yaga | ||
5th day sequences drawing of Soma-Savaniya | ||
Yaga Madhyamdina Savana Tritiya Savana tail end of Yajna | ||
37 | Different Samsthas of Agnishtoma | 170 |
Model Ukthya Shodasin Athyagnishtoma Vajapeya Ati-Ratra Aptoryama modification factors | ||
38 | Vajapeya | 174 |
39 | Ahina-Yajna | 176 |
Basic principles Dvadasaha model Dasasha-Shadaha | ||
40 | Sattra - Yajna | 178 |
Three types Model GavamAyana Ratri-Sattra | ||
41 | Sava - Yajna | 180 |
42 | Special Yajnas in Brief | 181 |
A) Rajasuya, | ||
B) Asvamedha, | ||
C) Purusha - Medha | ||
AGNI - CAYANA | ||
43 | Introduction and Different Cayanas | 184 |
A. Savitram | ||
B. Naciketam | ||
C. Vaisva - Srjam | ||
D. Catur-Hotriam | ||
44 | Maha-Agni-Cayana (Purusha-Suktam) | 189 |
Introduction central theme of Purusha Suktam sequence of Angas explanation of symbolisation Sun's movement Modern day Karya - Krama | ||
45 | ArunaKetu-Cayana | |
(Surya-Namaskara Mantras) | 197 | |
Legend of creation Sequence of Angas other points in T. A. Prasna I | ||
46 | Present Modifications. | 199 |
Then and now due to time, space, finance and practicability. | ||
47 | Modern Karya-Krama | 202 |
Agnishtoma Aptoryama with AgniCayana | ||
48 | Encouraging Factors in Bringing Out Vol.II. | 208 |
Evaluation of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Appreciation by a learned person well-versed in Srauta Yajnas useful books Participation of the Writer in modern time Yajnas. | ||
Appendix | 1. Glossary of Samskrta words | 211 |
2. Sketches of Vedi | 255 |
Shri G. K. Kannan, now 73 old, had served in various capacities as an engineer till 1981. After retirement he went on an extensive pilgrimage. He had an opportunity right from his young age to come into contact with Mahatmas and great religious personalities like the Kanchi Paramacharya, Ramana Maharshi, Chinmayananda, Sivananda Saravati and many others. Similarly the writings of Krishnamurti, Rajneesh, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Vivekananda, Subramanya Bharati and others had also their own effect in moulding his life. For understanding the meaning of various Hindu rituals, he was deeply indebted to the teaching of Kanchi Paramacharya in particular. During 1996 and 1997 he personally attended various Vaidikayajnas in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, particularly in rural areas and collected valuable information from the presiding priests themselves.
Gita says that by pleasing Devas through yajnas, they in turn nourish the mankind through rain, food etc. Mankind is advised not to break this cycle.
In Hinduism, there are 40 samskaras (purificatory rites). They are divided into three groups:
a) A hnika Karmas (Daily rites) like Sandhya and five Mahayajnas.
b) Grhya Karmas beginning from conception right upto funeral rites like Garbhadhana, Upanayana, Vivaha and Antyeshti.
c) Srauta Karmas i.e. Haviryajnas and Somayajnas.
Ahnika Karmas and Grhya Karmas have been dealt with by the present author in Vol. I published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in 1997 under the title "Under-standing Veda Karma Kanda Vol. I Grhya Karma".
The present volume by the same author, Shri G.K. Kannan, deals with Srauta Yajnas. The book is divided into four sections a) Basics of Srauta Karmas, b) Havir Yajnas, c) Soma Yajnas and d) Agni Cayanas.
Thus out of the 40 obligatory purificatory rites Samskaras, 26 are Grhya Karmas dealt with in Vol. I and Srauta Karmas dealing with 7 Havir Yajnas and 7 Soma Yajnas are dealt with in this volume.
This present volume deals with the basics of Srauta Karmas. Havir Yajnas, Soma Yajnas and Agnicayanas. The Prakriti for Ishti is Darsa-Purna-Masa. The Prakriti for Havir Yajnas having animal sacrifices is Nirudha Pasu-Bandha. The Prakrti for Soma Yajnas is Agni-shtoma. The requisites for a yajna are sacrificer, Priests, Deity, altar, oblation materials, Tyaga (renunciation) and sacrificial implements. Soma is the King of plants. The various deities mentioned in the text are only the different attributes and aspects of the same one Deity. Materials for sacrifice are either liquid, semi-liquid or solid. Sacrificial instruments are as many as about 35. Metres like Gayatri etc. have their Devata and symblols. The Samans which are sung have their names and attributes. In Havir Yajnas, there are seven obligatory Yajnas, Kariri Ishti is performed for rainfall. There are some other sacrifices also like Rajasuya etc. which are dealt with in sruti.
The last section deals with Agnicayana or fire piling. Often these Cayanas are mystical evolution of creation of universe, based on legends of Mantras or Brahmanas.
The author of this book has dealt with this subject in the form of questions-answers and given detailed analysis of each subject in simple pithy language. These vedic yajnas are rare now-a-days and the general reader has only a faint idea about them. Even though the author is not a performing priest, the information collected here is very authentic as the author has minutely attended these sacrifices and obtained authentic details from experts performing priests.
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has great pleasure in publishing this work which the author has prepared with great care and accuracy and given detailed information about the subject.
Publisher's Note
The Vedas form the foundation of Hindu Dharma and Indian culture. They are distinguished alike for their language and literature. They are looked upon, not as compositions of human skill. But intuitions of the human mind. They are the gifts to mankind of seers, who attuned themselves to the Supreme. They are apaurusheya, not of human origin. They are anadi (without beginning) ananta, (many) and sanatana, (eternal).
There are four Vedas, the classification of which is attributed to Krshna dvaipayana, who is also hailed as Veda Vyasa. Each Veda is divided into four parts viz. Samhita, Brahmana. Aranyaka and Upanishad. Excluding the Upanishads, which contain the philosophical thought of our ancients, the rest is collectively known as Karmakanda. The hymns of the 'Samhita' part are chanted at the yajnas or Yagas, which are elaborately dealt with in the Brahmanas and the Aranyakas.
Four hundred sacrifices are said to be mentioned in the Vedas. Out of these 21 are required to be performed at least once in one's lifetime. These form part of the 40 samskaras which are elaborated in the Kalpa Sutras and the Dharma Sutras. These sacrifices fall into two broad categories Srauta and Smarta.
Explaining the importance of the 'Karmakanda', the Mahaswami of Kanchi, Paramapoojya Sri Chndrasekharendra Saraswati, has observed: "The Vedas and the Vedanta are not at variance with one another. The Karmakanda prepares us for Vedanta or Jnanakanda. The former has to do with this world and with many deities and its adherents are subject to the three gunas. But it is the first step to go beyond the three gunas and to severe oneself from worldly existence. If we perform the rites laid down in the Karmakanda, keeping in mind their true purpose, we shall naturally be qualifying for the Jnanakanda." (Hindu Dharma: The Universal Way of Life, a Bhavanas's publication.)
His Holiness was the source of inspiration to the author of this book. He explains, in the form of questions and answers in four sections: a) Basics of Srauta Karmas, b) Havir Yajnas, c) Soma Yajnas and d) Agni Cayanas.
As we step on to our 61st year of service in the cause of India's Ageless Culture, Education, Art and Moral Values, the Bhavan prayerfully offer this volume as its humble mite to foster Sanatana Dharma-Indian Culture.
Back of the Book
Born in Tiruchirpalli on 24th September 1926, G.K. Kannan joined Railways in 1945. He served in various capacities till 1981 and voluntarily retired as Assistant Signal & Telecommunication Engineer, Mysore, During the service, he was a member of Railway Engineers Trritorial Army. Consequently he had occasion to enter Bangladesh (Sylhet Sector) during the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. This personal experience of the tragedy of war had its own effect. After retirement, he went on an extensive pilgrimage of India, including Himalayan trekking to visit temples situated in high altitude remote corners. He was also associated with social services work in the cause of handicapped children, children, whose parents are life-convicts and leprosy patients. Etc. at Sri Perumbudur and Tenkasi.
Due to divine grace, he had the opportunity, right from an young age, to come into direct contact with great Mahatmas and have their blessings in various forms, like personal conversations/Pada namaskara/Participation in Pada Yatras/honorary service as Administrative Manage/Touch/Sight/Lectures, etc.
The Paramacarya of Kanchi Mamakoti Peetam, Sathya Sai Baba, Ramana Maharshi, Chinmayananda, Sivananda Sarasvati, Yogi Ram Surat Kumar are notable among them. The writings of J. Krishnamurti, Rajneesh, Sri. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and Vivekananda, Subramanya Bharati had their own effect in moulding the writer.
In trying to understand the path of rituals, lectures and reports of lectures of Paramacaryal had a deep influence, resulting in this Brahma Yajna debt discharge act.
Understanding Veda, Karma Kanda in 2 Volumes is his maiden venture.
Samarpana | v | |
Foreword | vii | |
Publisher's Note | xi | |
Acknowledgements | xiii | |
Transliteration | xv | |
SECTION A | ||
INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | ||
1 | Aim & Methodology | 1 |
Introduction Aim Methodology Unity in diversity | ||
2 | BACKGROUND MATERIAL SUMMARY | 5 |
Pramanas 3 Types of Karmas 40 Obligatory Karmas | ||
3 | Place of Srauta-Yajnasin Samskaras | 7 |
Child boyhood manhood middle age retirement sum up. | ||
4 | Essential Requirements Of A Yajna | 9 |
Yajamana Rtvij Devata Altar Havis Tyaga Sacrificial tools | ||
5 | Priests and Their Duties | 13 |
6 | Vedic Gods | 16 |
Introduction Indra Agni Soma Rudra Vishnu Brhaspati Aditi Mitra Varuna-Maruts Savitr-Visvedevas asvins Ushas Pushan Vayu DyavaPrthivi Yama Tvashtr Rbhus Goddesses Deities relating to function, place, abstract qualities sum up Evil forces - Gandharvas | ||
7 | Guide Lines For Understanding Deities | 34 |
Introduction Principles of successive events husband & wife relationship Lord aspect stressing a particular attribute cow as deity manliness purificatory aspect deity and victims nuances of prayers one God | ||
8 | Vedic Psyche regarding Animal Sacrifice | 40 |
Pas cattapa feelings and atonment acts modern cruelty | ||
6 | Vedic Gods | 16 |
9 | Relevance of Mantras In Samskaras | 43 |
Modern tendency of distraction external purity integration and purity on 3 planes through Mantras. | ||
10 | Oblation Materials | 46 |
Liquid semisolid - solid | ||
11 | Sacrificial Implements | 47 |
12 | Rationale of Various Chandas Samans Etc. | 49 |
details about Chandas, Samans, Stomas, Prshta-Stotras, - Their attributes numerals Kapalas Legends interlinking their birth. | ||
13 | Contents Of Rg-Veda-Samhita | 57 |
Introduction division of texts | ||
14 | Contents of Taittiriya - Samhita | 59 |
Introduction division of 7 Kandas and the Subjects Arsheya Patha Kramas of 5 Kandas and the subjects summary of subjects as per Kandnukrama. | ||
15 | Contents of Vajasaneyi - Samhita | 66 |
Introduction division of 40 Adhyaya and contents | ||
16 | Contents of Sama-Veda | 68 |
Introduction division into Purvarcika and Uttararcika different type of Ganas Vedic seers | ||
17 | Contents of Atharva - Veda | 71 |
Introduction division into 20 Kandas and summary of subjects. | ||
18 | Why Taittiriya Sakha References Given | 74 |
HAVIR - YAJNAS | ||
19 | General Back Ground | 76 |
Introduction 7 obligatory Yajnas sacred implements - Altar | ||
20 | Darsa-Purna-Masa | 78 |
Introduction Karyakrama details of Preliminary day details of principal day imprint on Hindu custom. | ||
21 | Agni-Adhana | 85 |
General Aupasana Agni Srauta Agni time sequential Angas of 1st day and 2nd day Punara dheya (rekindling) | ||
22 | Agni-Hotra | 88 |
General sequential Angas Agniupasthana Prayas citta Brahmana interpretation of micro macro scale. | ||
23 | Agrayana - Ishti | 90 |
24 | Catur - Masya | 91 |
Introduction-Va isvadevaparva Varuna praghasa parva-Sakamedha parva-Sunasiriya parva. | ||
25 | Nirudha Pasu - Bandha | 95 |
Introduction Salient Angas Legends and their influence on format. | ||
26 | Kauliki Sautramani | 102 |
27 | Other Kamya-Ishtis | 103 |
a) Nakshatra - Ishti | 103 | |
Astronomy Astrology - stars | ||
with their devatas. Havis, benefits | ||
b) Pasu-Bandha-Kamya | ||
c) Kamya-Ishtayah | ||
d) Karirishti (rain spell) | 108 | |
Introduction salient Angas - | ||
Significance of black colour | ||
e) Divah - Syenah | 109 | |
f) Apagha | 109 | |
SOMA-YAJNAS | ||
28 | The Broad Format of Soma-Yajnas | 111 |
sequence in brief of Soma-Yajna from Day 1 to 5 | ||
29 | Various Ishtis In Soma | 113 |
Ishti in connection with Diksha starting the Journey welcoming Soma-Connecting the head of hte Yajna to the body homage ceremonial transference of Agni and Soma final purificatory bath abandoning the sacrifical ground. | ||
30 | Civil Engineering Aspects | 119 |
Choosing the site collecting materials construction of bamboo shed, great Altar-shed for Havirdha na carts resonant holes Yupa etc. | ||
31 | Diksha | 123 |
Introduction physical purification Ishti wearing consecratingmaterials-imitating new born Legends regarding nails, hair, eye salves, darbha, deer skin, deer horn, intermediate Diksha | ||
32 | Transfer of Agnis | 127 |
Garhapatya Ahavaniya Dakshina Sabhya Avasathya Agnis transferring Ahavaniya Agni Procedures | ||
33 | Soma Aspect of Yajna | 131 |
Starting with the journey purchase transport reception homage brief details of 4th & 5th day | ||
34 | Legends and Soma Grahas | 133 |
Legend connected with optinal and obligatory Soma grahas impact of legend on other Angas like Prasarpana Altar offerings unity of priest and Yajamana purodasa Yupa Soma barter guarding soma stalks. | ||
35 | Paribhasha and Basics of Soma-Graha | 143 |
General technical terms of different waters, pressings, Soma storing vessels, cups and goblets, drawing of Soma, oferings standard procedure various Purodasa. | ||
36 | Complete Karya-Krama | 151 |
1st ay sequences- Diksha etc. | ||
2nd day sequences Soma stalks | ||
3rd day sequences Marking altar | ||
4th day sequences Agnishomiya - Yaga | ||
5th day sequences drawing of Soma-Savaniya | ||
Yaga Madhyamdina Savana Tritiya Savana tail end of Yajna | ||
37 | Different Samsthas of Agnishtoma | 170 |
Model Ukthya Shodasin Athyagnishtoma Vajapeya Ati-Ratra Aptoryama modification factors | ||
38 | Vajapeya | 174 |
39 | Ahina-Yajna | 176 |
Basic principles Dvadasaha model Dasasha-Shadaha | ||
40 | Sattra - Yajna | 178 |
Three types Model GavamAyana Ratri-Sattra | ||
41 | Sava - Yajna | 180 |
42 | Special Yajnas in Brief | 181 |
A) Rajasuya, | ||
B) Asvamedha, | ||
C) Purusha - Medha | ||
AGNI - CAYANA | ||
43 | Introduction and Different Cayanas | 184 |
A. Savitram | ||
B. Naciketam | ||
C. Vaisva - Srjam | ||
D. Catur-Hotriam | ||
44 | Maha-Agni-Cayana (Purusha-Suktam) | 189 |
Introduction central theme of Purusha Suktam sequence of Angas explanation of symbolisation Sun's movement Modern day Karya - Krama | ||
45 | ArunaKetu-Cayana | |
(Surya-Namaskara Mantras) | 197 | |
Legend of creation Sequence of Angas other points in T. A. Prasna I | ||
46 | Present Modifications. | 199 |
Then and now due to time, space, finance and practicability. | ||
47 | Modern Karya-Krama | 202 |
Agnishtoma Aptoryama with AgniCayana | ||
48 | Encouraging Factors in Bringing Out Vol.II. | 208 |
Evaluation of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Appreciation by a learned person well-versed in Srauta Yajnas useful books Participation of the Writer in modern time Yajnas. | ||
Appendix | 1. Glossary of Samskrta words | 211 |
2. Sketches of Vedi | 255 |