Devayajna, aka: Devayajña, Deva-yajna; 9 Definition(s)

Introduction

Devayajna means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Devayajña (देवयज्ञ):—One of the five Great-Sacrifices (pañchamahāyajña);—This sacrifice is intended to honor the gods, who represent the cosmic forces maintaining the harmony of the universe. The fulfilment of these sacrifices (or, five debts) are presented as the duty of every human being. The five sacrifices are presided over by Chinnamastā (one of the ten mahāvidyās), who represents the power of the sacrifice (yajña).

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Dharmashastra (religious law)

Devayajña (देवयज्ञ):—One of the five great sacrifices (pañcamahāyajña) to be performed by a householder, according to Manu. Devayajña refers to the performance of homa.

Devayajña (देवयज्ञ):—According to Manusaṃhitā, performing of homa is called Devayajña - homo daivo. Through this sacrifice, the gods are worshipped by burnt oblations according to the rule - homoirdevān. Huta or the burnt oblations offered to the gods is also called Devayajña by the great sages. The twice born people shall offer oblations to the gods (Vaiśvadeva and the oth er gods) in the sacred domestic fire according to the rule of the Gṛhyasūtra

In the Manusaṃhitā, we found a list of deities to offer oblations. They are—Viśvadeva, Agni, Soma, Danvantari, Kuhu, Anumati, Prajāpati, Dyāvāpṛthivi, Sviṣṭakṛt etc. These gods are generally related to the nature. Through this, we learn to be harmony with the nature.

context information

Dharmashastra (धर्मशास्त्र, dharmaśāstra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Devayajña (देवयज्ञ) refers to “ceremonial sacrifices for the propitiation of gods”, as defined in the Śivapurāṇa 1.14.—Accordingly, “[...] this is called agniyajña in as much as it enters the sun during the day. The different sacrifices sthālīpāka etc. for the propitiation of Indra and other gods by offerings in the fire are called devayajña. The rites of caula (ceremony of tonsure) etc. are performed in the ordinary fire”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

dēvayajña (देवयज्ञ).—n S Oblation of food (before beginning the meal) to the gods. The first of the five yajña. See pañcayajña.

dēvayajña (देवयज्ञ).—n Oblation of food to the gods.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Devayajña (देवयज्ञ).—a sacrifice to the superior gods made by oblations to fire, or through fire to the gods; (one of the five daily sacrifices of a Brāhmaṇa; see Ms.3.81,85 and pañcayajña also).

Derivable forms: devayajñaḥ (देवयज्ञः).

Devayajña is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms deva and yajña (यज्ञ).

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