Significance of Agnihotra
Agnihotra, according to Hinduism, is a significant Vedic fire ritual involving offerings to Agni, the fire god, performed at dawn and dusk. This ritual plays a crucial role in achieving spiritual purification, prosperity, and maintaining cosmic order. It often involves specific oblations, such as milk and rice, symbolizing devotion and connection to the divine. By engaging in this daily ritual, practitioners aim to secure divine nourishment and ensure their well-being, making Agnihotra an essential practice in the spiritual life of Hindus.
Synonyms: Fire sacrifice, Ritual offering, Vedic ritual, Fire ceremony, Fire ritual, Homa, Yajna
In Dutch: Agnihotra
In Finnish: 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'
In Buddhism, Agnihotra may be interpreted as a Vedic fire sacrifice ritual emphasizing the connection between actions and consequences, offering reliable knowledge for achieving desired outcomes, including the attainment of 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 sacred fire ritual performed twice daily, essential for purification, spiritual benefit, and connection with deities, specifically Agni, featuring offerings and mantras that emphasize its significance in Vedic practices.
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: Skanda Purana
(1) A Vedic fire sacrifice, whose merit is compared to that obtained from taking a holy bath in certain Tirthas.[27] (2) A Vedic fire ritual that brings prosperity and works to achieve a spiritual connection with the divine.[28] (3) A Vedic fire ritual that involves making offerings to the deity of fire, performed by Brahma as instructed by Hari.[29] (4) A Vedic fire sacrifice performed on specific lunar days, integral to Vaidiki Bhakti.[30] (5) A worship ritual performed by Sage Vishravas involving the Fire-god.[31]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A type of ritual sacrifice involving fire, which Bhurisravas is credited with performing, reflecting on his pious and righteous life.[32] (2) A Vedic ritual honoring fire, which is performed regularly by the Brahmana in the story.[33] (3) Sacred rituals or offerings made to the fire in Vedic tradition.[34] (4) A Vedic fire ritual performed by the Brahmana, which required his fire-sticks and churning staff.[35] (5) A Vedic fire sacrifice performed as a spiritual ritual, which holds significance in honoring the Divine.[36]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A specific type of Vedic ritual focused on fire offerings, performed by certain groups among the Pitris and considered significant for spiritual merit.[37] (2) A Vedic fire ritual that the people were eager to perform emphasizing traditional practices.[38] (3) A specific Vedic fire ritual performed by Brahmanas involving offerings made into the fire as part of a sacrifice.[39] (4) A Vedic fire ritual performed as an offering to deities, traditionally involving the use of Kusha grasses.[40] (5) An important Vedic fire ritual performed for purification and spiritual benefit, often conducted at specific times.[41]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A sacrificial rite whose ashes shall be used for Tripundra by men seeking intellect.[42] (2) A specific type of fire ritual that is part of the Vedic sacrifices and is performed to attain spiritual merits.[43]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A Vedic fire ritual performed to invoke blessings and maintain purity, significant in Brahminical duties.[44] (2) A Vedic ritual associated with significant merit, which can be equated with the benefits of listening to the Purana.[45]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A fire ritual performed at sunrise and sunset, involving specific mantras and offerings.[46] (2) A sacred fire ritual dedicated to the sun and its deity, with the purpose of satisfying divine beings.[47]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Maintenance of sacred fire and offering oblations to it, a significant ritual for a Vanaprastha.[48]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A type of sacrifice that is performed as part of certain religious rituals.[49]
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.[50] (2) A fire ritual that is referenced here, connected to both the performer's life and their spiritual aspirations.[51] (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.[52] (4) A specific sacrificial ritual mentioned in the text that involves the carrying of firewood and is significant within the context of spiritual practices.[53] (5) A specific fire sacrifice that is to be performed daily, representing a permanent obligation tied to life according to the ashrama's duties.[54]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A specific fire ritual mentioned in the text that has implications on the spiritual journeys and routes of the offerings.[55] (2) A Vedic ritual that symbolizes the connection between ritual practices and higher knowledge, discussed in the dialogues between Janaka and Yajnavalkya.[56] (3) A Vedic ritual that is mentioned in context with life and duties that should, according to certain interpretations, continue until death.[57] (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.[58]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A Vedic ritual sacrifice involving fire, representing part of the duties for the Householder life-stage.[59] (2) A Vedic ritual of fire offering performed for spiritual purification and benefits.[60] (3) A spiritual ritual performed by householders, which is intended for purification and connection to divine energies.[61] (4) A Vedic ritual that involves offerings made in the fire, important for spiritual and communal harmony.[62]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A specific practice mentioned as part of the dharma, signifying traditional rituals that are integral to spiritual duty.[63] (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.[64] (3) A specific sacrifice performed by the sacrificer, which is instrumental in attaining heaven.[65]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A Vedic ritual involving fire offerings, associated with places where Paramahamsas may reside.[66] (2) A fire-sacrifice performed as a ritual, significant for a sannyasin when leaving worldly life.[67]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A Vedic fire-worship ritual that is classified as an obligatory act.[68] (2) A specific Vedic ritual where offerings are made into a fire and serves as an example in discussions about differences in sacrificial practices.[69]
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.[70]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A Vedic ritual that Mandana asked about regarding its relevance in Kaliyuga, challenging Shankara's views on ritualistic practices.[71]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A Vedic ritual or sacrifice that is considered essential and requires the performance of other rituals such as Darsa, Paurnamasa, and Chaturmasya.[72]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A fire ritual that, when offered with knowledge, can lead to the burning away of one’s sins.[73]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A fire ritual performed in Vedic traditions aimed at purification and offering to deities.[74] (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.[75] (3) A specific fire ritual performed during sacrificial offerings, emphasizing personal participation.[76] (4) A specific fire ritual performed by the initiates, mentioned in context of health issues during the sacrificial rites.[77] (5) The morning and evening libations performed daily, considered a fundamental sacrificial duty.[78]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A fire sacrifice that embodies the ideas presented in Yajna-murti, signifying the divine source of all sacrificial acts.[79]
Jain concept of 'Agnihotra'
In Jainism, Agnihotra represents a significant ritual originally established by Kapila, reflecting its Hindu roots. However, it is viewed as tainted due to the involvement of figures like 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.[80]
The concept of Agnihotra in local and regional sources
Agnihotra is a Vedic fire sacrifice essential for personal and cultural merits, involving specific offerings like milk and rice. It purifies the air, promotes positive energy, and underscores the significance of fire in Vedic traditions.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) One of the five great sacrifices within Vedic traditions, emphasized in the context of grants made by the Gurjara kings.[81] (2) A Vedic fire ritual that involves the offering of ghee into the fire, significant in Vedic culture.[82] (3) An obligatory Vedic sacrifice to Agni using specific oblation ingredients like milk and cooked rice.[83] (4) A Vedic fire sacrifice performed for personal benefit and religious merit.[84] (5) A specific fire ritual that is part of the daily rituals mentioned, reflecting the importance of fire in vedic practices.[85]
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) A small everyday ritual sacrifice practiced by followers of Vedic religion that purifies the air and promotes positive vibrations.[86]
The concept of Agnihotra in scientific sources
Agni-hotras, a Vedic ritual, highlights the spiritual importance of food consumption by designating specific times for eating, thereby enhancing the ritualistic and meaningful experience of nourishment in a cultural context.
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) A Vedic ritual associated with specific times for eating, enhancing the spiritual significance of food consumption.[87]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) A Vedic fire ritual that produces ash used as a fertilizer and for purifying the environment.[88]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
(1) A ritual practice related to fire offerings that was part of Joshi's daily routine.[89]