THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF YAJNAS ALONG WITH ITS WISDOM ASPECT-6

THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF YAJNAS ALONG WITH ITS WISDOM ASPECT

in Hindi

By LATE YUGA RISHI SHRIRAM SHARMA ACHARYA

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BY

MS. HEENA A. KAPADIA

CHAPTER 17

OPTIMAL BALANCE OF SUPER DIVINE POWERS

According to Vedas Yajnas have 3 arenas viz. cosmos, body and earth.

1) COSMOS: In this gigantic cosmos many known and unknown movements occur. Behind

these many invisible forces are at work. Interstellar space Yajnas are those wherein subtle

movements take place in this world that include reactions due to the influence of planets/stars,

seasonal changes, activities of demigods like Indra/Varun/Rudra/Marut, human sentiments and

activities etc.

2) Bodily Yajna encompasses bodily movements directed by the 5 elements, wind exhalation in

the form of Prana/Apaan/Vyaan etc, phlegm/bile/wind functioning and activities of

mind/intellect/ego/psyche. When both these Yajnas function optimally the world’s peace and

prosperity remain balanced. When either of these Yajnas becomes imbalanced many distortions

and calamities erupt. If the cosmic Yajna goes haywire earthquake, famine, storms, floods, no

rain, diseases, epidemics etc ensue and this in turn results in communal hatred, agitations, wars,

strife and hardships. If bodily Yajnas go haywire ill health, weakness, short life, despair, worries,

hatred, delusion of mind etc manifest rampantly.

3) The third Yajna is Havan. It helps overcome distortions and lack that manifest in the above 2

Yajnas. When the atmosphere predominates with cold we light up the hearth of our house and

ward it off. When vitamins decrease in our body we take medicines and injections to augment

them. Similarly Havans make use of certain materials and powerful Vedic Mantra chanting so as

to optimally balance micro and macro Yajnas. With the result true joy and everlasting peace rule

the roost.

In many places these 3 Yajnas are described in sacred scriptures. Cosmic Divine Powers are

forever involved in peace initiation, protection and uplifting of living beings of all worlds. Is it not a

Yajna since these powers are constantly working towards advancement of all beings?

A description in various spiritual texts is given regarding the action Yajna of cosmic Divine

Powers. In the Gopath Braahmana (1/13) it is said:

Agni is Hotaa, Vaayu is Ardhavyoo, Surya is Udgaataa, Chandramaa is Brahmaa and Megha is

Sadasya.

In the Yajurveda it is said:

The Yajna Vedi has 7 boundaries. It has 21 Samidhaas. These Yajnas are made widespread by

demigods. Purusha like a beast is bound to it. Demigods getting Havi from Purusha make this

Yajna widespread.

In the Atharva Veda (11/10/29) the body is called Yajna:

By looking upon bones as Samidhaa and sperm as Ghee 8 types of tastes were taken by

demigods so as to enter the Purusha’s body.

In the Shatpath Braahmana it is said:

This Purusha body itself is Yajna because it is a medium via which Yajnas are performed.

Those Divine powers which reside in space for propagation/nurturing this cosmos have entered

the human body too. Both are strongly bound to each other. The micro gets cold, heat, light, air,

food, water etc from the cosmos or macro. In the same way our sense organs are under the

jurisdiction of Divine Powers. If there is no light how can our eyes function? If there is no sound

how can our ears listen? Thus micro (creatures) and macro (cosmos) are inseparably bound to

one another in a Yajna manner. One Yajna results in another Yajna akin to a chain reaction. In the

Shatpath Braahmana it is said: I make Yajnas from Yajnas. Other Vedic references of this sort

also are available: Yajnas are created from Yajnas. Demigods execute Yajnas from other Yajnas.

Those Yajnas use spring season as Ghee, hot season as fuel and autumn season as Havi.

It is the Spiritual Yajna of Divine Powers in the human body that helps sustain life. Via air we

inhale/exhale, via fire we digest our food, via water blood circulation takes place, earth helps

nurture bones, sun nourishes our eyes, sonic waves help in hearing to things in a Yajna manner.

Demigods reside in Brahmarandhra on the scalp, Sahasradal Kamal, Kanda of Kundalini Power,

Aajnaa Chakra, Swaadhishtaan Chakra, Manipur Chakra, Anaahat Chakra, Soorya Chakra, Idaa,

Pingalla, Sushumnaa etc. The Divine powers of invisible worlds are also related to the mind, ego,

intellect, psyche and other mental centers. The Praanaagni Upanishad says: All demigods dwell

in this body. The Atharva Veda (11/8/32) says: A realized saint who knows this Purusha says ‘it is

verily Brahman’. This is because just as cows dwell in cowsheds so too all demigods reside in the

body. The Yajna taking place between the body and cosmos creates a very strong bond. To the

extent this bond remains balanced the body and mind remain healthy. When this bond weakens

or deteriorates distortions ensue. If even a slight imbalance takes place in the general state of

cosmic Divine Powers turbulence manifests in this and other worlds. Accidents, strife and

obstacles too manifest as a result of this.

Yajna is a therapy whereby bodily and spatial demigods’ displeasure, mismanagement and

imbalance is corrected optimally. Vedic Mantra chanting full of deep import, Samidhaa of special

tree wood, special Havya materials and special methodology performed in a congregational

manner induces balance, joy and nurturing in demigods. Thus every type of steadiness and joyful

conduciveness are created.

CHAPTER 18

SATIATING DIVINE POWERS VIA YAJNAS

Demigods are nothing but God’s powers that manage this cosmos. Different powers are given

specific names. It has a strong correlation with various problems faced by the entire world and

man’s individual life pertaining to wealth, joy, advancement, downfall, loss, gain, illness, strife,

stress etc. By attaining pleasure of demigods (divine powers) man can easily throw wide open the

doors of his all round success and prosperity. Assuming that demigods get displeased even

intense effort on the part of that person will reap failure only. Amongst all the spiritual practices

enumerated that help make conducive Divine Powers, Yajnas reign supreme. Yajna pleases

demigods and they bestow apt situations on its devotee. There are many scriptural proofs for this

viz. Matsya Puraana (239/38):

The lotus eyed Lord Vishnu is pleased via Yajnas. If he is appeased the world remains joyous and

if he is content, the world experiences contentment.

During the Yajna conducted by the demon King Bali Lord Janardana as Vaaman (small boy) had

come there. Not as a guest but as an alms asker. As per the Matsya Puraana (246/20):

If that Lord who is not easily pleased even via religious vows/Vratas, fasting etc starts asking for

alms, is it not astounding? All this was the greatness of King Bali’s Yajna.

The Hansa answered the Rishis when asked which actions give which corresponding fruits as per

Vishnoo Dharmottar Puraana (137):

Man on performing Yajnas attains the world of Vishnoo etc. Havans destroy sins. Mantra chanting

satisfies ones desires. Speaking the truth helps attain the supreme state.

Hansa is praising Yajnas in the Vishnoo Dharmottar Puraana (162):

Yajnas sustain demigods and Pitrus/ancestors. World creatures are under the control of

demigods and demigods are controlled by Yajnas. Yajna verily is that Lord Vishnoo in which all

animate/inanimate beings reside. For Yajnas the world of demigods and herbs has been created.

Swayambhu Manuji created this world of humanity for Yajna sake only and said: Yajna bestows

well being on one and all and hence assiduously work in a Yajna fashion. We can overcome sins

by eating remnants of Yajna food. Wise men proclaim that wealth possessed by Yajna doers is

divine.

Via Yajnas saintly people enter heaven where demigods reverently worship them. Hansa told

great Rishis: O divine Rishis! A saintly Yajna performing person on entering heaven attains

innumerable comforts. Hence with intense perseverance worship Almighty God via Yajnas.

Hansaji is describing the methodology of Havans to great Rishis in Vishnoo Dharmottar Puraana

(287/3-4-5-7-15)):

The mouth of demigods who work for world well being is fire and desires can be fulfilled only by

appeasing demigods. Yajna fire verily is the supreme image of Vishnu. By offering materials in

this fire it reaches sun god. Sun helps make clouds which rain water. Water produces food grains

and this in turn creates world living beings (3-4).

Demigods shower in the downward direction and human beings upwardly. The chief upward

showering in fire are materials created from earth (5).

Demigods attain self fulfillment when materials are offered in Havan fire. These satiated

demigods satiate mankind by fulfilling their desires (6).

Yajna performing helps cleanse ones soul of all ‘dirt’ and thus heaven is attained. Yajnas help

destroy all vile activities of the world and none should doubt this. (15).

In the 3rd chapter of Manu Smriti (75-76) it is written:

Those demigods/saintly men associate with Homas are known to nourish/nurture the entire world.

This is because materials offered to the Homa fire reaches Aaditya demigod. This in turn induces

sun to form clouds which shower us with rain. Rain water produces food grains and thus living

beings are created. Hence anyone performing Yajnas are in fact nurturing all world creatures.

In Shri Vishnu Puraana (6) it is written:

O Dharmaraaj! Demigods satiated by Yajnas pour rain which in turn satiated world denizens.

Yajnas always bestow world welfare.

In Kurmapuraana (Poorvaardha 20/40) Bharadwaaj says:

During a Yajna if anyone worships the eternal Lord Vasudeva they are in fact worshipping all

demigods since they are manifestations of Almighty God himself. Thus it connotes that by

worshipping eternal Lord Vasudeva in a Yajna all demigods are automatically worshipped.

In the Shiv Puraana (1/4) it is said:

(Yajna is a supreme means to please Lord Shiva) hence O great Rishis! All of you must go to

planet earth and perorm a long gigantic Yajna for 1000 years.

In the Brihad Naaradpuraana (39/61) it is said:

Those who worship God via Yajna in a selfless manner ‘transports’ his/her 21 generations to

Hari’s temple.

In the Vaaman Puraana (39/64) Sootaji said:

O Rishis! Those devoid of mental attachments worship God and his followers via Yajnas are

known to sanctify the entire world with the sacred dust of their holy feet.

In the Vaaman Puraana (37/46) it is said:

The Lord of all demigods Shri Vishnu took up his Vaaman form so as to satisfy a Yajna and fire

god in the same way as a Ritwija does so to the Yajmaan/Yajna doer.

In the Matsya Puraana (183/1/42) it is said:

Via Yajna and Mantras those who worship me, worship Rudra become devoid of fear.

In the Matsya Puraana (183/1/24) it is said:

Lest my devotees with a strong resolve worship me via Yajnas for salvation or Mukti know for

sure that for thousands and millions of Kalpas he/she will not take rebirth.

In the Kalikaa Puraana (31) it is said:

Via Yajnas demigods and world denizens experience fulfillment. Yajnas produce food grains. Only

Yajnas add to the grandeur of this world. This entire world is Yajna incarnate.

In the Kalikaa Puraana (32) it is said:

Yajnas satiate demigods. The entire world resides in Yajnas. Yajna helps remain steady Mother

Earth. Yajnas liberate world denizens from bondage.

In the Saur Puraana (7/14) it is said:

Lord Shankar is the enjoyer of Yajnas which means he is pleased via Yajnas.

In the Saur Puraana (7/36) it is said:

Yajnas help worship Lord Shankar.

In the Padma Puraana (5) it is said:

Great saints via Yajnas worship God and in turn demigods too get fulfillment.

Shri Parasharji says in this context:

O meritorious one! For Yajna program Brahmaji created the 4 Varnas which are great means of

Yajnas.

In the Yajurveda (11/6/7) Almighty God says that Yajna is man’s righteous duty because Yajna is

the substratum of this world:

Via Yajnas Almighty God created all animals, Rig/Yajur/Saama/Atharva Veda Richaas and via

Yajnas he nurtures them.

Via Yajnas if demigods do not receive their share they tend to weaken with the result the world

faces small/big calamities. In the Kalikaa Puraana (20) Shri Maarkandeyaji says:

Without Yajnas the food of demigods does not reach them. Thus clouds get destroyed and rain

does not pour. Lack of rain water man has to go hungry because of famines and epidemics.

In the Kalikaa Puraana (20/16) it is said:

Without Yajnas world humanity becomes fearful and sorrow ridden and lack of rains world

humanity dies because of strife and stress.

Life devoid of Yajnas and penance leads to stress and hardships because food grains deplete

alarmingly and so does ones wealth.

As quoted above the greatness of Yajnas has no limits. It is like a freely moving bull that roams

with head held high the world over. Its potency is eulogized in every corner of the globe. Thus

Yajna incarnate bull with its war like cry echoes goodwill in every direction.

In the Go Braahmana (3/7) it is said:

Rig, Yajur, Saama and Atharva Vedas are the horns of the bull called Yajna. Their legs are the

morning, noon and dusk eulogies/prayers. Its 2 heads are Brahmaudan and Pravargya. These 3

are bound to Mantra, Kalpa and Braahmana. Its 7 hands are the 7 metres/ Chhandas of Gayatri

etc.

CHAPTER 19

NOURISHMENT OF DIVINE PRINCIPLES VIA YAJNAS

In the Paanini Sootras the word Yajna comes from:

Yajayaachayatavicha uprakcharaksho nad.

It means worship of God, association with saints and charity. Thus according to Paanini Yajna

means worship of demigods and worship of demigods via Hari. Just as each country elects its

government for managing its nation aptly so as to ward off hardhips and problems faced by its

citizens so too demigods are varius powers of Almighty God that give apt rainfall to the entire

world and keep the cosmos well managed/governed. When the elected government’s tax

collection is poor the lay public faces crime, looting etc. Similarly if Yajnas (tax) are not performed

to appease demigods (government) as mentioned in Vaayu Puraana demigods fail to control

water and other elements. Thus either the world faces floods or total lack of rains like famines etc.

In turn world denizens undergo immense hardships and stressful lives.

In Nirukta (3/19/6) Yajna is synonymous with worship of demigods, fire sacrifices etc. Overhere

demigods are appeased who in turn optimally control water, fire and other powers. In turn as a

result world denizens sustain life without getting destroyed. But today in India because

governments are secular the import of Vedas and Yajnas no longer rule the roost. The dire result

of all this is that the world over, natural calamities have taken over. If only Yajna and Yaagas are

performed everywhere along with other sacred activities natural calamities can be warded off so

that joy and peace can reign everywhere around the globe.

HOW CAN THE ENTIRE WORLD BE NURTURED VIA YAJNAS?

The thing is we must offer demigods their required materials called Havya. We are gross but

demigods are subtle. Suppose we give them their required materials, how will they actually

receive them? They need subtle materials only then can they be propitiated. The solution given

was ‘Yajna’. We must understand its example. We must give ‘food’ to our soul. We are gross and

the food offered by us is gross too whereas the soul is subtle. How can the soul receive gross

food? It requires subtle food. The solution for this is that we swallow this food via our mouths as

an offering to Jatharaagni or fire of the stomach. This fire transforms gross food into a subtle

form. This subtilized food is then imbibed by the soul which also renders our body hale and

hearty. If gross food is not given to the soul our mind, body, sense organs will become diseased.

Thus neither can we benefit nor aid others to do so. Our intellect will not only refuse to work for us

but that it will not help others in need too.

When we offer sacred materials/Havya to the Yajna fire this gross fire transforms Havya into a

subtle form. Further gross fire too becomes subtle in nature which merges into Super Subtle Fire.

This in turn with the help of subtle wind enters the atmosphere and Diu Loka. Overhere demigods

receive their subtle food. Demigods satiated by this subtle food shower rain on earth for food

grain production. As a result mankind oozes with joy and peace. This is spoken of in Manu Smriti

and Vedas too.

In the Nirukta (7/25/1) Shri Durgaachaarya writes that when we please demigods all

animate/inanimate beings will be nurtured aptly because they are dependent on good rainfall and

food grains. The way to please demigods is via Yajnas and hence Yajnas are of great value.

Scriptures proclaim that Yajnas are a must for appeasing demigods. So a pertinent question

asked is who are demigods? How is mankind related to them? We cannot ignore them by not

performing Yajnas and demigods too have their duty towards mankind. In the Bhagwad Geeta it is

written that Prajaapati spoke thus:

Influence demigods appropriately via Yajnas. By satiating them they will satisfy you all. By

mutually satiating one another attain the pinnacles of supreme greatness. The question asked is

which are those demigods who can be pleased via world humanity using Yajna as the means?

How do demigods in return create joyful circumstances for satisfying man’s desires?

If we delve deep into the above questions the names of demigods like Agni, Chandra, Prithvi,

Soorya, Aushadhi, Vanaspati etc come to mind. How do Yajnas give them contentment? This

question too must be pondered over in depth. A gross vision of this has been portrayed by Manuji

in the following verse:

Yajna materials offered to sacred fire contact solar rays. Thus an apt atmosphere is created in

interstellar space which manifests cloud formation. At the right time these clouds shower rain on

earth which help produce herbs, plants, trees, fruits, vegetables, flowers etc. These are not only

beneficial for human beings but that all living beings take full advantage of them to sustain their

very existence. Various types of life forces are present in herbs, plants, trees, fruits, vegetables,

flowers etc which sustain life of all creatures. These life forces are created by demigods like Agni,

Chandra, Prithvi, Soorya, Aushadhi, Vanaspati etc. Therefore if we offer demigods their subtle

food via Yajna fire they will help augment various life forces in a wholesome manner. This then is

the method of satiating demigods via Yajnas. Prajaapati or world creator is performing Yajnas in

the form of sun/moon sending rays to earth, sun sends heat and light, wind circulates life force

and a group of demigods join forces to obstruct ‘demons’ in the form of virus/germs/bacteria from

making us ill or warding off imminent death by them. Hence if we fail to execute Yajnas in a big

way, demigods will refuse to perform their duty towards world creatures. This will then give a free

for all roadway to demons to execute vile activities like epidemics, diseases, famines etc.

If we perform Yajnas methodically it helps in proper nourishing of demigods. This is what we

mean by purifying atmosphere or warding off air pollution via Yajnas. Over here it also connotes

nourishing of all demigods and not merely wind god. Thus all types of atmospheres are purified.

Once demigods are nourished optimally they kill all human enemies like diseases etc which then

go to bestow on man a long healthy life span. It is clearly mentioned in sacred scriptures that

Yajnas are ‘food’ for demigods. In the Shatpath Braahmana it is said:

Prajaapati told demigods that Yajna materials are their food. Suppose we keep demigods humgry

by not performing Yajnas most definitely tainted activities will augment the world over. Man will

become diseased and die prematurely. Today all this is witnessed by us everywhere. It is an

imperative fact that demigods obtain energy to function from Yajnas.

In the Shatpath Braahmana it is said:

Demigods function with means called Stoma. Stoma is a type of Yajna and thus only via Yajnas

can demigods act.

Do Yajnas create beneficial situations or not in the atmosphere? This can be experienced first

hand by one and all. When Yajna materials are offered to Yajna fire a special fragrance is inhaled

by individuals in far off places. Life utility based powers of Yajna materials (Aahutis) are rendered

extremely subtle. The help manifest life forces in demigods like Vayu, Prithvi, Soorya etc and they

in turn sustain the life force of all creatures.

There are many who fear that instead of burning Ghee, grains and other valuable materials in the

Yajna fire why not donate it to individuals in society for their welfare? Why ‘unnecessarily’ burn up

all these materials to ashes? In reality those who question thus are purposely flaunting their

ignorance. Assuming we donate a portion of Ghee to one individual only he/she will benefit

marginally but if that same portion is offered to Yajna fire thousands will benefit by inhaling sacred

Yajna fumes. It is hence that Yajnas are full of selfless service and renunciation. Every individual

associated with it lovingly serves all beings. One portion of Yajna offering/Aahuti becomes so

subtle which activitates infinite fold life forces in demigods. The latter in return give benefits to

thousands of creatures in this world. In the Shatpath Braahmana such sentiments pertaining to

Yajnas has been written beautifully as follows:

Asuras or demons covered all herbs with fatally venomos substances. Men and animals use

herbs to sustain life. They thought that by making them use this we can defeat demigods. But

what happened is that only animals ate those herbs and since human beings did not use them,

demons could not defeat demigods.

One must note minutely in the above story that it is best to abstain eating food/herbs which

contain demons in the form of disease generating bacteria, germs etc. Demons yearn to defeat

demigods by making human and other creatures eat food grains, herbs etc that are infected by

poisonous germs. Of course it is a fact that by not eating food, beings go hungry. How long can

living beings live without food, air and water? And demons are so sly and vile that they do not

reveal themselves very easily. It is difficult to first recognize them and then overcome them.

Hence demons are said to put on a false garb and façade which deludes and harasses

demigods. As mentioned in the story above demons were hiding in the food grains etc. Hence

demigods vowed to destroy these demons so as to protect themselves from a demonic

onslaught. Someone asked the demigods as to how would they destroy these demons? The

answer given was that via Yajnas this was very much achievable. From this episode it becomes

crystal clear that in order to destroy, germs, venom etc in food grains etc that are responsible for

ill health one has to definitely take recourse to Yajnas. Wherever Yajna programs are conducted

on a regular footing there health destroying bacteria etc dwelling in food, herbs etc are easily

warded off.

The above story’s gist is given in Shatpath Braahmana thus:

Only via yajna health destroying germs were killed that are present in food/herbs partaken by

humans and other beings. As a result not only world humanity but other beings too started

partaking these herbs etc. What more proof is required to point out that Yajnas purify the

atmosphere and thus ward off air pollution? In Braahmana texts there are many more such

examples elucidated in detail. Readers can further refer to Gopath Braahmana’s Uttar Part (1/19)

and Kausheetaki Braahmana (5/1).

In a nutshell one can say that it does not matter whether one is performing Yajnas for desire

fulfillment or a regular Yajna. Its fruits may be material or spiritual but what stands out is that all

Yajnas purify the atmosphere. None can refute this priceless fact. After performing Yajnas we

cannot escape its great results. This is an imperative and most definite result of Yajnas. If we wish

to attain any other goal of Yajnas even then we will have to go through this path. This is an

inseparable bond between demigods and human beings. In this manner it is a root substratum of

human society’s advancement.

It is only when humans successfully complete their Yajna, can demigods perform their appointed

Yajna in return. This is a supreme righteous precept. It is one without a second, great and

incomparable to anything else.

Maharshi Yaaska while commenting on Vedic terminology has the following to say about the word

‘Deva’:

Why are Devas/demigods called thus? The answer is because they donate/give charity. They

throw light, become illumined themselves or stay in Diu Loka. Maharshi Yaaska’s observations

clearly opine that ‘daa dyotana’ meaning illumination or illumining other things. It also connotes

demigods who dwell in space. These qualities help identify demigods easily. Researchers opine

that if you wish to prove anything 2 aspects are most required. What are they? One is

characteristic and the other is proof. Scriptures too say that something can be proved only by

their characteristic and proof. From the above characteristics Soorya, Chandra, Prithvi, Jal, Agni

etc connote demigods/Deva which is their existence’s proof.

In the Yajur Veda (14/20) a Mantra tells us that earth, fire and other matter are clearly demigods:

If the Mantra is read aptly the reader will realize which material objects connote demigods. If

demigods are revered via Yajnas man attains various powers. How does this happen? Let us

understand this answer.

Regular Agnihotra is called Divine Yajna in scriptures. Divine Yajnas mean performing pious acts

keeping demigods in mind. A Yajna pyre is erected and fire is lit in it. On a daily basis Havya or

Yajna materials are offered in this sacred fire. By doing this demigods are pleased or in other

words they are sanctified.

Fire is the mouth of demigods. Hence any material added to fire is received by various demigods.

It is akin to humans eating food which is then passed on to every organ/cell of the body. In the

same way materials added to Yajna fire are easily received by demigods like water, earth, fire,

space etc.

When demigods like water, earth, fire, space etc. get purified it is called ‘honoring’ of demigods.

Via Yajnas demigods are sanctified. Meaning they are purified. These sanctified/pleased

demigods are utilized by householder beings. Via their sense organs all living beings imbibe

these material objects.

This augments the power of our sense organs. Senses become pure, life becomes sacred and

disease free. Our bodily organs made of pure and sacred water, food etc too becomes sanctified.

Your mind is synonymous with the type of food you eat. Is it not power attained when the senses

become potent and the mind is rendered pure and sacred? Which indeed is greater power than

this? With a pure mind man can carry out innumerable tasks for sure.

CHAPTER 20

YAJNA PURUSHA’S GREATNESS

At the time of Pralaya or cosmic annihilation everywhere darkness/Tamas ruled the roost.

Almighty Lord or creator of this world at that time did ‘Eekshana’. This then induced movement in

Prakriti/nature made of 3 Gunas which were initially equipoised. At that time Almighty God was

called Yajna Purusha (Yajur Veda 31 & Taitereya Braahmana 3/3/75). From this Yajna Purusha

manifested various other Yajnas and later as time elapsed, all Yajnas put together manifested as

this Cosmic Yajna in a fully developed manner. Since the Lord himself is Yajna incarnate and so

too is his created cosmos nothing apart from Yajnas exist in this world. This we can say without

overstating. The 4 Vedas too manifested from Yajna incarnate Almighty God (Yajur Veda 31/7 &

Shatpath Braahmana 1/1/4/3). Hence they too are Yajna incarnateand whatever exists is nothing

beyond Yajnas. And say what else can exist? Apart from Yajnas nothing exists. Anything outside

the periphery of Yajnas gets destroyed. Certain Yajna Sciences are called demonic powers but

know for sure that too is God’s Maya or power of illusion (Rig Veda 10/55/2).

In the Bhagwad Geeta it is written that Prajaapati created both Yajnas and creatures together. He

ordered all creatures to attain their desires via Yajnas. On an average in the Atharva Veda Sookta

all types of Yajnas have been enumerated. Further it says that Yajnas manifested from Almighty

God. Their names are Darshapaurnamaas, Vaajpeya, Ashwamedha, Raajasooya etc. Chiefly

these Yajnas were created for human beings. In the Rig Veda (1/84/2) it is said that Indra attends

eulogies sung in praise of Rishis and Yajnas conducted by human beings.

From the above Mantra it is clear as to what special qualities are possessed by man and

demigods. There are other Mantras wherein separate descriptions of mankind and demigods are

given. The above mentioned Mantra should not be misconstrued by believing that Rishis never

performed Yajnas. Rishis did perform Yajnas. And yet what the above mentioned Mantra is trying

to say that predominantly Yajnas are instruments for world humanity to fulfill their desires. In

comparison to what man attains via Yajnas great Rishis attain much more via Sankalpa/power of

resolve and eulogy to Almighty God (Yajur Veda 17/28). But this power of eulogy was attained by

Rishis via fire worship (Atharva Veda 4/23/5) and Rig Veda 10/80/4). In the Mahaabhaarata’s

Shanti Parva it is said that at the beginning of Tretaa Yuga Vaivamvat Manu manifested. Hence

humanity was created in Tretaa Yuga. Yajnas specifically were performed more and more in this

era. This is because era degeneration rendered power of resolve and eulogies that much more

ineffective. Keeping this fact in mind the above Mantra says that man has a special bond with

Yajnas. Krit Yuga is Divine Era. In it nature based Yajnas function optimally and hence at such

times man does not require Yajna help in any major way. During this era there is no variedness or

great potency of Yajnas. At that time earth lived in a Divine Era. If demigods themselves manifest

on planet earth whom will mankind offer Yajnas to? In those times Rishis and demigods were the

chief authors of World Yajnas.

Human Yajnas are just not merely mediums of understanding World Yajnas but are helpers in

directing World Yajnas. Micro Yajnas are transformed into Macro/Cosmic Yajnas by human

Yajnas. These Yajnas are not called Kalpa because of Kalpanaa or imagination. In fact ecause

they have divine potential they are called Kalpa. Anyone who methodically performs Yajnas,

manifest divine energy in their soul/psyche. This happens so that they become capable enough to

direct World Yajnas. Sometimes in the World Yajna controlled by Yajna incarnate Almighty God

some calamities do set in like flooding, famine, earthquake, tsunamis etc. The question asked is

that is all this given to us by God? No! Certainly not! This is not given by God. All this is but the

fruits of our actions. God is not harsh and merciless to induce flooding, famine, earthquake,

tsunamis etc. and thus bring stress and strife in the lives of mankind who are God’s beloved

children. Hence all these taints and distortions definitely man made. It also follows suit that if man

can induce flooding and other calamities he can also induce optimum rainfall, apt circumstances

and wholesome seasons. In a certain sense we are authors and directors of apt seasonal control.

In this manner in order to make World Yajnas well managed and regular time and again, God

gave great Rishis at the commencement of creation ‘technology’ called Yajna. Via God’s regular

duties there is arrangement of proper rainfall everywhere and yet on certain occasions excess or

lack of rainfall is witnessed by us all the world over. Via Kaareerishta Yajnas Rishis create

monsoon seasons. Germs, bacteria etc found in natural dwellings, various places seasons are

destroyed by Rishis via Bhaishajya Yajnas. Putreshti Yajna helps childless married couples to

give birth to children. Via great Yajnas called Ashwamedha, Raajasooya and Vaajpeya partial

Yajnas of the microcosm along with its energy is rendered equivalent to that of World Yajnas.

Hence we can say that human Yajnas are simply means to understand Cosmic Yajnas and are

their reformers, controllers and aides too. They destroy sins and generate grandeur plus Divine

Powers.

Generally we perform Yajnas in the form of Agnihotra wherein fire is lit. Never ever look upon this

fire as material and wordly (Yajur Veda 5/4). Vedas proclaim that within this material fire manifests

one more fire. This added fire can be visualized only via a divine vision or Rishis who are imbued

with Divine Powers. In other words great saints via these powers manifest one more fire in the

material fire of Agnihotra. This inner fire present in the cave of material fire is said to the ‘son’ of

great Rishis. How then do Rishis create this subtle fire? A general answer would be via friction.

This is friction takes place in divine vision, divine speech and divine thinking/reflection.

In previous verses (Yajur Veda 5/20) it is said that fire is churned via Mantras. On reflection a

question asked is whether the second fire that emerges from churning is Almighty God in his

Cosmic Fire form or is it some other fire. Scholarly and wise men must deeply reflect over this

point. I forone simply has to say this that the ordinarly loking Yajna fire must never be looked

upon as worldly or material. Within it there definitely exists another fire which Vedas are indicating

in various verses. Keeping this inner subtle fire in mind we must perform Yajnas with intense faith

(Yajur Veda 3/11). If faith is lacking Yajnas never succeed. Yajna oozes with both material and

spiritual grandeur. Yajna protects everybody. Yajnas help destroy all our sins. Yajnas help fire

enact extraordinary feats and tasks. A great responsibility rests on the shoulders of those Yajna

devotees who harbor intense faith. Hence they must prove to world humanity the enormous

power and influence of Yajnas (Yajur Veda 1/2; Rig Veda 1/24/14; Rig Veda 6/3/5; Rig Veda

8/23/8; Atharva Veda 12/2/37).

From the above facts it is crystal clear that the aura and radiance of an individual who does not

perform Yajna gets destroyed. In order to protect this aura and radiance Yajnas are most required

and imperative. In the Purusha Sookta of the Vedas Almighty God is called Yajna. It simply means

that God created this world in an optimal fashion and that it is well managed in an unanarchic

manner. Secondly this world itself is Yajna incarnate. All its tasks are carried out under such

stringent laws that all objects function aptly in their appointed tasks. Just as this world is a

gigantic Yajna in the same way man’s life akin to a cog in the wheel too is a Yajna. Its aim is to

induce mankind to create a semblance of balance between his inner and outer being. In this

manner he/she can forge a strong bond optimally with the entire world.

The above observations help us conclude that in ancient eras Yajnas were not considered to be a

special spiritual task or some miraculous mantra chanting. In fact Yajnas were very much a part

and parcel of life in those times. Yajnas are categorized chiefly in 3 ways viz. seasonal basis,

man’s righteous duties and nation’s governance and management. Thus in order to solve

problems related to economy, culture and political governance certain cooperative and social

endeavors were pursued with. These tasks were rooted in Yajnas. So in ancient eras Indian

society and culture were nothing short of Yajna manifestation. Gopath Braahmana Yajna names

and methodology are enumerated wherein it becomes clear that ancient Indian citizens verily

lived a life of true Yajna. As a result they oozed with great health, good charactered progeny,

good rainfall, good governance, knowledge, wisdom, science and God or Self Realization.

Following are the types of endeavors fulfilled via Yajnas:

1) Health is of 2 types. One is individual and the other is social. Seasonal illnesses like cold,

cough, diaorrhea etc and epidemics like plague, malaria etc can attack anyone and everyone. A

lone individual is just not capable enough to overcome them. In days of yore Yajnas based

season wise could help decrease drastically disease based distortions. Thus society enjoyed

good health. In fact because of this Gopath Braahmana calls them Bhaishajya Yajnas.

2) If one is childless and wants a great child with a long life span we are ordained to perform

Putrakaameshti Yajna. A certain portion of this Yajna is also conjoined to Sanskaaras like

Garbhaadhaan, Punsavan and Seemantonnayan and also to Pitru Yajna.

3) Yajnas have a special relationship with rainfall because the prime basis of wealth generation

by the lay public depends on rainfall. In ancient eras when a drought like situation occurred great

Rishis would manifest rainfall via Yajnas. This has been detailed in many places and even in

today’s contemporary times these Yajnas have proved fruitful.

4) The true import of wealth means materials of good utility value in our life. Currencies and

other avenues are merely means of buying/selling these materials and can be changed any time.

Thus true wealth connotes food, livestock, clothes, shelter etc. which are a must for comfortable

living. This type of wealth is definitely required even for conducting Yajnas. For this Gomedha

Yajnas are prescribed wherein wealth belonging to society augments a great deal.

5) In ancient culture a kingdom was such wherein society was governed in an optimal manner.

All world human society was tied in a bond of oneness so that joy and peace prevailed

everywhere. This helped people overcome fear of wars and strife and instead used their precious

time and energy not only for personal benefits but for society at large. In order to work for world

welfare Ashwamedha Yajnas were conducted on a gigantic scale. This in turn helped anarchic

and unruly regions in the world get transformed into aptly governed ones. Thus no longer could

they break peace and welfare that ruled the roost everywhere.

6) Via 5 great Yajnas the solar and lunar worlds were made radiant and as a result guests,

aged, ill, downfallen, animals, birds etc were fed sumptuously. Hence say is there anything

greater than such selfless service and pious sentiments of compassion? It is because of such

Yajnas that mankind manifested sacred sentiments of forgiveness, compassion, non-violence etc.

Thus their lives were not limited to mad material pursuits but that divine qualities too were given

an apt platform to proliferate.

7) After doing all this when a true devotee says ‘Idam na mama’ meaning O Lord all that exists

is not mine but yours only, he/she can never experience bondage to the world and any

actions/Karmas. This selflessness is a very special characteristic of Yajna. In the Bhagwad Geeta

Lord Krishna says: Apart from Yajna actions all other actions lead to bondage. In this manner a

person who realizes the deep import of Yajnas also acts accordingly and hence becomes capable

enough of attaining salvation or liberation (Moksha/Mukti).

It has been proved beyond doubt that in ancient Indian culture Yajnas were given utmost

importance and from here its sacred precept spread all over the world. Of course it is but natural

that because of disparity as far as region and society is concerned the methodology, actions,

materials etc of Yajnas vary in different regions. And yet the root source of Yajna sentiments is the

same in any country and culture. In ancient Greek and Roman civilization Yajna culture did exist

and even today Parsis are devout fire worshippers. Within Jainism and Buddhism incense and

flame lamps used are subtle forms of Yajna only. In Jewish, Christianity, Islam and other semetic

sects traditions of lighting flame lamps, candles etc are definitely found. Chinese tradition calls

Yajna ‘Ghoma’ which appears to be a resultant of the word ‘Homa’. Ancient indwellers of Egypt

and Red Indians of America too were known to perform Yajnas. From this it can be proved that

Yajna has been the root righteous duty of human civilization and it was spread everywhere by

Indian Aryans. As long as Indian citizens understood the Science of Yajnas and put it into practice

in their day to day living, so long India remained the crest jewel amongst all world nations. In fact

India then was called Jagadguru or the Preceptor of the World. But alas when people started

ignoring the sacred sentiments of Yajnas it resulted in them killing animals for sacrificial offering in

Yajnas and eating/drinking those items which are taboo (animal flesh, intoxicants etc). Since then

India went head on to a downfall because inner weaknesses started ruling the roost. Even today

Indian society can be uplifted and reformed only if the true precept of Yajna is first understood

deeply and then imbibed in ones day to day transactions.

END OF THIS E-BOOK

LET US PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD SO AS TO CREATE

“A BEAUTIFUL BORDERLESS WORLD”.

Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(End...) 

(My humble salutations to Shri Shriram Sharma Acharya ji  and thankfulness to Ms. Heena A Kapadia ji for the collection)