The five major Yajnas are Brahmayajna, Pitriyajna, Devayajna, Bhuthayajna and Manushayajna. The question of why this should be practised can be answered as – to the peaceful existence of the universe and society. Throughout this universe, every living thing is part of a rich ecosystem. The Lord of creation has done it with great care. Human beings along with billions of other living beings born into this universe, perform their own righteous responsibilities and then die. Nothing here is unwanted by the universe. God created man with a capacity for thinking.A good intellect knows that he cannot live on this earth all alone. Without mutual dependence, no one can accomplish anything on their own. In order to live, we need oxygen, water, food, clothing, and proper housing facilities. All this is obtained through various systems of the universe. Is it enough just to enjoy the prosperities that the universe bestows on us? Shouldn’t we pay a debt of gratitude to the creator of this universe and our life.
Now let’s talk about what is brahmayajna? Moral consciousness is essential for the peaceful life of an individual, family and society. We get these moral values from our parents, teachers, mythological legends and good stories.
Brahmayanja means to know more about such knowledge and to tell it to others, to our next generation, to the children. Brahmayajna is also known as Rishiyajna. The second yajna is Pitruyajna. Pitruyajna means to care for ones parents and express love and respect to everyone around.
Then performing Tharpanam or Shraddha for our deceased ancestors.
Next, is the Devayajna. Each and every thing that is gifted to us by the nature has its own divinity like Sun God, Indra God, Varuna God, Agni God and so on. God provides us with the resources which we need to live. The yagas and yajnas which we perform for such deities is called Devayajna. Sandhyavandanam , prayers all these are part of Deva Yajna.
Next comes Bhuthayajna. It is to provide food and water to the animals and plants around us. Watering and growing plants, lighting a deepam infront of Tulsi, taking care of cows, feeding birds etc. are all rituals that is done as a part of Bhuthayanja.
Manushayajna is the yajna that man does to man. Receiving guests courteously is essential to be done. Atithi(guest) is said to be one who have been traveling for more than one tithi(day) and those who come without informing the tithi. They can also be called Bhikshamdehis and Sannyasis. Since people believe that today Bhikshandehi comes with malicious intent, nobody accepts them at home. Instead, do what you can to help the needy, try to offer food to every hungry stomach. Greatest virtue in one’s life is to help the suffering one’s , to help children to get the basic right of education. Thus one should live his life for others.
There are four karmas that we perform. First one is the Nitya karma which we perform daily. Second,Naimithika karma which is performed only under certain circumstances. Kamyakarma is considered to be the third karma.
It is done for the fulfilment of our desire. Last one is the praayashchithakarma. These are done out of sorrow for doing what is forbidden or not doing what is supposed to be done.
Panchamahayajna is included in Nitya Karma, so it should be practiced daily.
“Panchayajnana kuurvan nunum durgati mapnuyat yajnavasishtabhoktara: sprishyante na hi papmabhi:
The meaning of this sloka is that one who does not perform these five yajnas including Brahmayajna will suffer hell and those who perform panchayajnas will not be affected by any sin.
This year’s Karkidaka Vavubali will be conducted by duly accepting Panchayajna.
Poojari Manoj K Viswanthan