Definition of a Vedic sacrifice. Yajña, sacrifice, is an act by which we surrender something for the sake of the gods. Such an act must rest on a sacred authority (āgama), and serve for man's salvation (śreyortha). The nature of the gift is of less importance.

Fortunately for the scholars of Indology and Vedic studies, Vedic sacrifices have not totally disappeared yet though they have become very rare. Even during this 20th century, 70 Vedic sacrifices are known to have been performed. They include the well-known sacrifices like: Agniṣṭoma; Aptoryāma; Atirātra; Cāturmāsya; Niruḍha-paśubandha

Specific rituals and sacrifices of the Vedic religion include, among others: the Soma rituals; Fire rituals involving oblations (havir); and the Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice). [15][16] The rites of grave burials as well as cremation are seen since the Rigvedic period. [17] .

2024年12月3日 · Vedic sacrifice in Hinduism encompasses ritual offerings and practices prescribed by Vedic scriptures, aimed at appeasing deities, securing spiritual merit, and achieving cosmic harmony, highlighting faith, devotion, and community engagement within the tradition.

In its simplest form, each standard Vedic ritual or sacrifice has the following components: intention, sacrificer, sacrificed, object of sacrifice, altar or the sacrificial pit, sacrificial fire, utensils used for the ritual, officiating priests (Brahmana), hymns, songs and prayers, the remains of the sacrifice, and gifts (dakshina).

During the early Vedic period there were five great kinds of sacrifices namely brahmayajna, devayajna, pitriyajna, manushyayajna and bhutayajna as sacrifices to Brahman (the highest Reality), to devas, to ancestors, to human beings and to all living creatures respectively.

2024年10月1日 · Vedic Yajna in Hinduism involves ritual sacrifices adhering to Vedic rules, emphasizing Dharma and requiring specific expertise, showcasing a strict traditional practice that underscores spiritual devotion and intricate participation.

5 天之前 · Vedism was a polytheistic sacrificial religion involving the worship of numerous male divinities (and a few goddesses), most of whom were connected with the sky and natural phenomena. The priests who officiated at that worship were drawn from the Brahman social class.

Vedic Indian practiced various rituals or sacrifices, which were known as Yajnas (Yagnas). Other names given to them are homa, havana, and yaaga or yagya. The last two are corrupted forms (vikrti) of Yajna. The other two minor variations of yajna arise from the nature of offerings and the scale of functions.

The concept of Yajna or Vedic sacrifices is one of the central tenets in Hinduism, with its roots tracing back to the earliest Vedic texts. The term "Yajna" comes from the Sanskrit root "yaj," which means "to worship," "to honor," or "to sacrifice."