Significance of Agnihotra
Agnihotra is a significant Vedic fire ritual central to Hindu practices, performed as a daily sacrifice to honor Agni, the fire god. This ritual involves offerings made with substances like milk and rice at dawn and dusk, symbolizing the connection between spiritual and earthly realms. It serves multiple purposes, including purification, spiritual elevation, and the attainment of wealth and health. Practitioners believe that Agnihotra not only sustains personal well-being but also contributes to environmental purity and positive vibrations.
Synonyms: Fire sacrifice, Ritual offering, Vedic ritual, Fire ceremony, Fire ritual, Homa, Yajna
In Dutch: Agnihotra; In German: Agnihotra; In Finnish: Agnihotra; In Spanish: Agnihotra; In Swedish: Agnihotra; In Malay: Agnihotra; In French: Agnihotra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Agnihotra'
Agnihotra in Buddhism may be interpreted as a Vedic fire sacrifice ritual, emphasizing the connection between actions and outcomes, and serving as a means to attain reliable knowledge about spiritual goals like reaching Heaven.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A specific Vedic ritual mentioned as a subject of the teachings that suggests a direct relationship between actions and their consequences.[1] (2) A Vedic ritual involving fire sacrifice, which is cited in the context of providing certain and reliable knowledge about desired outcomes such as reaching Heaven.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Agnihotra'
Agnihotra in Hinduism is a daily Vedic fire ritual involving offerings to Agni, the fire god, emphasizing purification, spiritual merit, and serving as a vital practice for Brahmanas in maintaining Dharma and connection to higher knowledge.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A specific fire sacrifice performed as a sacred rite that is integral to the spiritual duties of certain castes.[3] (2) A specific ritual sacrifice that is compulsory in nature and must be performed throughout life as per scriptural instructions.[4] (3) An obligatory ritual that can bring about desired results, similar to the practice of eating facing the East.[5] (4) A Vedic fire ritual performed at specific times of the day, regarded as a significant practice for spiritual growth and purification.[6] (5) A specific Vedic fire ritual serving as a metaphor for the importance of spiritual duties connected to lineage.[7]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A Vedic fire ritual involving specific offerings and recitations meant for propitiating deities.[8] (2) A Vedic fire ritual performed at sunrise and sunset, intended for purification and offering to the deities.[9] (3) A Vedic ritual that involves offerings made to fire, which is significant in the practice of Hindu sacrificial rites.[10] (4) A Vedic fire offering made at dawn and dusk, specifically timed according to the conclusion of the Ishti.[11] (5) A morning ritual involving the offering to Agni, performed without the recitation of a mantra.[12]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific type of fire ritual whose neglect can lead to detrimental consequences.[13] (2) A Vedic ritual of offering to fire, traditionally performed at sunrise and sunset.[14] (3) A fire ritual that involves offerings made to Agni, the fire god, which is significant in Hindu rituals.[15] (4) A specific ritual that involves making offerings to the fire deity, Agni.[16] (5) Agnihotra is a specific ritual concerning fire that includes instructions for setting the domestic fire in a blaze, foundational to Vedic sacrificial practices.[17]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A type of Vedic fire sacrifice performed at dawn and dusk, significant for spiritual purification.[18] (2) A Vedic fire offering performed by hermits, especially at dawn and dusk, which is integral to their rituals.[19] (3) A sacred fire ritual performed at sunrise and sunset, significant for the daily spiritual practices of a Brahmana.[20]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A Vedic fire offering ritual that the hermit is instructed to perform.[21]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific Vedic fire sacrifice mentioned in the context of Grihya ceremonies, which continues to be relevant in the rituals.[22]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) A specific type of sacrifice prescribed by the Yajur-veda.[23]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A Vedic ritual performed at the domestic fire, symbolic of purification and devotion.[24]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A specific fire ritual involving kindling fire as part of the ceremonial practices in Vedic traditions.[25]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A Vedic fire ritual performed in the evening, where offerings are made to Agni, the fire deity.[26]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This specific practice, along with other duties, must be executed in all situations; its function is to be performed because of the twofold indicatory marks.[27] (2) A type of sacrifice, that is connected to the darshapurnamasa, and is used with materials, and is connected to the two oblations, and is mentioned in the scripture.[28] (3) The text uses this term to describe an offering, specifically an oblation, offered to the pranas, and the passage further applies the term to five oblations, drawing comparisons to hungry children and their mother.[29] (4) This is a singular sacrificial performance with subordinate members, that is used as an example of how subordinate members are combined into one whole even if they are mentioned in different texts.[30] (5) A Vedic fire ritual that is considered a means of purification and spiritual elevation and can be performed either with or without knowledge.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A specific fire ritual or sacrifice performed, as part of the set of practices aimed at attaining the heavenly world.[32] (2) A fire ritual that is referenced here, connected to both the performer's life and their spiritual aspirations.[33] (3) A special work or ritual that is significant as it is believed to lead to knowledge and is necessary for those who desire its results.[34] (4) A specific sacrificial ritual mentioned in the text that involves the carrying of firewood and is significant within the context of spiritual practices.[35] (5) A specific fire sacrifice that is to be performed daily, representing a permanent obligation tied to life according to the ashrama's duties.[36]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A specific fire ritual mentioned in the text that has implications on the spiritual journeys and routes of the offerings.[37] (2) A Vedic ritual that symbolizes the connection between ritual practices and higher knowledge, discussed in the dialogues between Janaka and Yajnavalkya.[38] (3) A Vedic ritual that is mentioned in context with life and duties that should, according to certain interpretations, continue until death.[39] (4) A ritual connected with the elements of fire that involves offerings referred to as water due to their liquid form, marking the practice of rites.[40]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A Vedic ritual sacrifice involving fire, representing part of the duties for the Householder life-stage.[41] (2) A Vedic ritual of fire offering performed for spiritual purification and benefits.[42] (3) A spiritual ritual performed by householders, which is intended for purification and connection to divine energies.[43] (4) A Vedic ritual that involves offerings made in the fire, important for spiritual and communal harmony.[44]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A specific practice mentioned as part of the dharma, signifying traditional rituals that are integral to spiritual duty.[45] (2) Agnihotra is a specific form of karma or fire ritual that is performed as part of the practices observed by karma-devas, as mandated by Scriptures.[46] (3) A specific sacrifice performed by the sacrificer, which is instrumental in attaining heaven.[47]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A Vedic ritual involving fire offerings, associated with places where Paramahamsas may reside.[48] (2) A fire-sacrifice performed as a ritual, significant for a sannyasin when leaving worldly life.[49]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A Vedic fire-worship ritual that is classified as an obligatory act.[50] (2) A specific Vedic ritual where offerings are made into a fire and serves as an example in discussions about differences in sacrificial practices.[51]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A specific fire ritual performed as an offering to the Devas, which must be accompanied by various sacred timings and practices to be effective.[52]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) A Vedic ritual or sacrifice that is considered essential and requires the performance of other rituals such as Darsa, Paurnamasa, and Chaturmasya.[53]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A fire ritual that, when offered with knowledge, can lead to the burning away of one鈥檚 sins.[54]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A fire ritual performed in Vedic traditions aimed at purification and offering to deities.[55] (2) A specific type of fire sacrifice performed as part of the ancient rituals which aimed at gaining spiritual benefits and ensuring a connection with the divine.[56] (3) A specific fire ritual performed during sacrificial offerings, emphasizing personal participation.[57] (4) A specific fire ritual performed by the initiates, mentioned in context of health issues during the sacrificial rites.[58] (5) The morning and evening libations performed daily, considered a fundamental sacrificial duty.[59]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A type of ritual sacrifice involving fire, which Bhurisravas is credited with performing, reflecting on his pious and righteous life.[60] (2) A Vedic ritual honoring fire, which is performed regularly by the Brahmana in the story.[61] (3) Sacred rituals or offerings made to the fire in Vedic tradition.[62] (4) A Vedic fire ritual performed by the Brahmana, which required his fire-sticks and churning staff.[63] (5) A Vedic fire sacrifice performed as a spiritual ritual, which holds significance in honoring the Divine.[64]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A fire sacrifice that embodies the ideas presented in Yajna-murti, signifying the divine source of all sacrificial acts.[65]
Jain concept of 'Agnihotra'
Agnihotra in Jainism may be interpreted as a ritual initially maintained by Kapila, highlighting its significance in Hinduism, but which Kapila declared became impure due to the involvement of Rama and Lakshmana.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A ritual maintained by Kapila, indicating its importance in Hindu tradition, which Kapila claimed became impure due to Rama and Lakshmana's presence.[66]