page_title: Yajna
section_title: Methods
hierarchical_section_title: Yajna / History / Methods
caption_attribution_description: മലയാളം: ശ്യേന ചിതിയുടെയും ഉപകരണങ്ങളുടെയും മാതൃക English: replica of the altar and utensils used during Athirathram
context_page_description: Yajna or Yagya literally means "sacrifice, devotion, worship, offering", and refers in Hinduism to any ritual done in front of a sacred fire, often with mantras. Yajna has been a Vedic tradition, described in a layer of Vedic literature called Brahmanas, as well as Yajurveda. The tradition has evolved from offering oblations and libations into sacred fire to symbolic offerings in the presence of sacred fire.
  Yajna rituals-related texts have been called the Karma-kanda portion of the Vedic literature, in contrast to Jnana-kanda portion contained in the Vedic Upanishads. The proper completion of Yajna-like rituals was the focus of Mimansa school of Hindu philosophy. Yajna have continued to play a central role in a Hindu's rites of passage, such as weddings. Modern major Hindu temple ceremonies, Hindu community celebrations, or monastic initiations may also include Vedic Yajna rites, or alternatively be based on Agamic rituals.
context_section_description: The Vedic yajna ritual is performed in modern era in a square altar called Vedi (Bedi in Nepal), set in a mandapa or mandala or kundam, wherein wood is placed along with oily seeds and other combustion aids. However, in ancient times, the square principle was incorporated into grids to build large complex shapes for community events. Thus a rectangle, trapezia, rhomboids or "large falcon bird" altars would be built from joining squares. The geometric ratios of these Vedi altar, with mathematical precision and geometric theorems, are described in Shulba Sutras, one of the precursors to the development of mathematics in ancient India. The offerings are called Samagri (or Yajāka, Istam). The proper methods for the rites are part of Yajurveda, but also found in Riddle Hymns (hymns of questions, followed by answers) in various Brahmanas. When multiple priests are involved, they take turns as in a dramatic play, where not only are praises to gods recited or sung, but the dialogues are part of a dramatic representation and discussion of spiritual themes.
  The Vedic sacrifice (yajna) is presented as a kind of drama, with its actors, its dialogues, its portion to be set to music, its interludes, and its climaxes.
  — Louis Renou, Vedic India
  The Brahmodya Riddle hymns, for example, in Shatapatha Brahmana's chapter 13.2.6, is a yajna dialogue between a Hotri priest and a Brahmin priest, which would be played out during  the yajna ritual before the attending audience.
  Who is that is born again?
  
     It is the moon that is born again.
  
  And what is the great vessel?
  
     The great vessel, doubtless, is this world.
  
  Who was the smooth one?
  
     The smooth one, doubtless, was the beauty (Sri, Lakshmi).
  
  What is the remedy for cold?
  
     The remedy for cold, doubtless, is fire.
  — Shatapatha Brahmana, 13.2.6.10-18
caption: A miniature illustration of a falcon bird Athirathram yajna altar built using the square principle.
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