Yagna

Yagya is derived from the verb - "Yaj" = Fire Sacrifice. Yagya is a combination of Traditional Vedic Rituals perfomed for getting nature support in a particular direction. In a YAGYA, 6 duties are performed - Bhakti (devotion), Puja (worship), Jap (recite of Vedic Mantra or Vedic Verses for a particular purpose), Hawan (fire sacrifice), Daan (donation) & Brahman Bhojan
When we say sacrifice that means we are sacrificing herbs, wood and fruits whatever literally we are offering to the Fire. We are sacrificing them to the Fire burning them up totally, taking away whatever prana is left in them. Thus the offerings are sacrificedthier Life) in Fire that becomes a Yagya.
In Bhagwat Gita Lord Krishna says: "Yagya Karmasu Kaushalam" It means doing the right karma at the right time is yagya. Yagya is also referred to as having the power of Kaamdhenu (the celestial cow possessed by Rishi vashisht) that it can give desired object to the person who performs this sacrifice.

Samskaras-Overview-2

Jatakarma was performed before the severing of the navel chord. This can change because of other factors like death in the family etc.
Namkarna is performed on tenth or twelth day after birth. There is again a wide option for the dates.
Each Rashi contain two and a half Nakhshatras. That is why when you go to a South Indian Temple, the priest wants to know your name, Gotra, and Nakshatra. This is more precise than Name, Gotra, and Rashi. Most of us know our Rashis but have no clue about the Nakhshatra. Ask your priest. This side discussion apart, the naming has a lot to do with the nakhshatra (Nakhetur in koshur).
Finally, I must again point out that ALL samaskaras among ALL Hindus are performed according to GrehaSutras. The details of Homas (havan), naming convention for Namkarna etc, are standard. The details vary according to the local traditions. For example, Kashmiris use Tantric symbols that are absent in all of South India. Kashmiris chant vedas in Sama (singing) style, whereas South Indians chant in very crisp measured style. The stuff they chant is exactly the same. The Dhrivyas (items for worship) are also local stuff. Naturally we use things we are used to, like walnuts and almonds, and Nabad (nabaat of persians). South Indians use coconut, palm leaves, etc. So, if you want to do any of these ceremonies here, go find a knowlegeable South Indian priest, tell him a few things about your own customs, and enjoy a genuine function. DO NOT ask them to use tantric signs they are taught to stay away from such stuff.
Background, texts, and rituals of the five major sets of Hindu samskaras: prenatal, natal, education, marriage and funeral. Also background on Hindu traditions.

samskar-overview

The Vedic Samskaras give expression to aspirations and ideals of the Hindus. They aim at securing the welfare of the performer and developing his personality. They go back to a hoary antiquity. The Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Grhyasutras, the Dharmasutras, the Smrtis and other treatises describe the rites, ceremonies and customs here and there but they do not present them in their historical evolution.
The present work is a systematic study of all the Samskaras enjoined to be performed at the various epochs in the life of an individual from conception to crematorium. The author has cited parallels in other religions to show that they are universal and have a recognised place in ancient cultures and are still represented within the limits of modern religion. He has also shown that the sacramental beliefs and practices, far from being an irrational priestcraft, are consistent and logical and have practical utility and intention.
This work discusses the source, meaning, number, purpose and the constituents of Samskaras grouped under five heads: prenatal, natal, educational, nuptial and funeral. Besides being a landmark in the Vedic culture, it presents patterns of life based on high ethical, spiritual and humanistic values.
The Samaskaras of childhood are:
1. Jatakarma (birth Ceremony) 2. Namakarana (Name-Giving) 3. Nishkramana (First Outing) 4. Anna-Prashana (First Feeding) 5. Chuda Karana (Mundan or Tonsure) 6. Karnavedha (Boring the ears)

VEDIC SAMSKARAS

Samskaras are traditional sacramental ceremonies performed by qualified priests -usually within temples. It is valuable to perform Vedic Sacraments in the Temple because the Lord is particularly present in His installed Murti, or Divine Form. However, some ceremonies are best performed at home, either for the comfort of family members, or to purify the dwelling.Vedic Sacraments are highly beneficial, sanctifying and increasing auspicious influences. They help one to progress peacefully in life to the ultimate goal -attaining the Absolute Truth- by smoothing the path of spiritual progress.Samskaras rectify and sanctify relationships between family and friends, parents and children, husband and wife. They drive away evil influences and attract the blessings of saintly Vaisnavas. Most importantly, Vedic Sacraments provide a ceremonial focus for the yuga dharma, the chanting of the names of God.Vedic Sacraments are performed at particular times during life and are considered rites of passage. They purify the body and soul and prepare one for devotional service to God by invoking auspicious qualities for those who perform them. They are performed for the benefit of both the individual and the family.

Welcome to my blog

Hare Krishna!
Welcome everybody
This is Anandamaya Dasa.
Iam a Vedic Priest and Bhajan(devotional music) singer by profession.
I have varied intrests and thats the reason why I got into blogging--- to express myself and share my thoughts with likeminded people.