Homa

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

By Swami Harshananda

Homa literally means ‘pouring oblation’.

Growth[edit]

Vedic sacrifices, which were very simple in the beginning, gradually grew into a labyrinth of rites and rituals. Eventually, simpler fire-rituals conducted in the domestic fire evolved. Homa was initiated in such way.

Meaning[edit]

Literally, homa (or havana) means the act of pouring an oblation (usually of ghee or clarified butter) into a duly consecrated fire. It is an essential feature of domestic rites. It is often considered as an integral part of special pujā or worship of a deity.

Procedure[edit]

The major steps involved in the performance of a homa are:

  1. Preparing the sthaṇḍila[1]
  2. Purification of the ājya[2]
  3. Warming the ladle
  4. Putting the faggots and lighting the fire
  5. Pouring of the oblations with mantras appropriate to the deity
  6. Purṇāhuti[3]
  7. Ceremonially putting out the fire, generally with curds
  8. Preparing the rakṣā[4]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Sthaṇḍila is an altar for the fire, a raised surface of sand or loose earth.
  2. ↑ Ājya means ghee used for oblation.
  3. ↑ Purṇāhuti means final offering.
  4. ↑ Rakṣā means ashes from the remnants pasted with ghee, to be applied on the forehead as a religious mark.
  • The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

Contributors to this article

Krishna Maheshwari, Deval Sancheti

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