Q.6. What is the necessity of collective-Yagyas?
Ans. Yagyas at a larger scale are required to be performed to purify the subtle environment and destroy pollution permeating the atmosphere. It infuses religious sentiments and enthusiasm in persons who are present and those who participate in it get an opportunity to take a vow to abandon one vice by way of offering Dev-dakshina and adopt one virtue or righteous tendency. In this way big Yagyas help in uplifting the moral and ethical levels of the participants.
The meaning of the word Yagya is to do sacrifice, to give money in charity and do worship. Its practical meaning is that one ought not to spend his entire earnings on himself and his family, but should also contribute a part of it for the welfare of others. It also implies that divinity and gentlemanliness should be respected and people should live together in mutual cooperation.
Q.7. Is ‘Agnihotra’ during the nights justified for matrimonial functions?
Ans. In fact scriptures advise performance of marriages and associated Agnihotra (Yagya) during the day only. However, it has become customary in India to perform marriages during the night because of the convenience and leisure of participants. Agnihotra associated with matrimonial functions performed during the night are, therefore, exceptions. Although marriages during the night have become a norm for this reason, the best period for the ceremony is considered as the dusk time.
Q.8. What type of clothes are recommended during performance of Yagya?
Ans. During a Yagya, the purifying energy emanating from the Agnihotra stimulates the outer skin and permeates the body through the physical perforations, bringing out sweat and other impurities from within. It is therefore, advisable to wear loose clothes to permit an easy intake of ‘ Pran’- the life-force and excretion of impure elements (Kalmash). For this reason, in ancient times a two-piece wear of Dhoti and Dupatta was recommended which permitted a free circulation of air in and around the body. Course, heavy and tight clothing is not advisable for this very reason, Dhoti and Kurta are cheap and convenient wears, which, besides meeting the above objectives, also serve the purpose of religious and cultural integrity. Dhoti and Kurta are also easily washable. In those regions where Dhoti-Kurta are not traditional wears, clean-washed Pyjama may be used. Socks should never be worn during the Sadhana. These are considered as dirty as shoes. (However, to ward off extreme cold, one may wear clean socks reserved exclusively, for this purpose).
Though traditionally a yellow Dupatta (Angavastra) on shoulders is recommended, it is not mandatory. Ladies may wear yellow Saree or a loose traditional wear.
For Group performance, it is advisable to keep stock of spare clothes for the visiting participants. Continuance of a Yagya in the night is not justifiable.
✍ЁЯП╗ Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
ЁЯУЦ Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 67
Ans. Yagyas at a larger scale are required to be performed to purify the subtle environment and destroy pollution permeating the atmosphere. It infuses religious sentiments and enthusiasm in persons who are present and those who participate in it get an opportunity to take a vow to abandon one vice by way of offering Dev-dakshina and adopt one virtue or righteous tendency. In this way big Yagyas help in uplifting the moral and ethical levels of the participants.
The meaning of the word Yagya is to do sacrifice, to give money in charity and do worship. Its practical meaning is that one ought not to spend his entire earnings on himself and his family, but should also contribute a part of it for the welfare of others. It also implies that divinity and gentlemanliness should be respected and people should live together in mutual cooperation.
Q.7. Is ‘Agnihotra’ during the nights justified for matrimonial functions?
Ans. In fact scriptures advise performance of marriages and associated Agnihotra (Yagya) during the day only. However, it has become customary in India to perform marriages during the night because of the convenience and leisure of participants. Agnihotra associated with matrimonial functions performed during the night are, therefore, exceptions. Although marriages during the night have become a norm for this reason, the best period for the ceremony is considered as the dusk time.
Q.8. What type of clothes are recommended during performance of Yagya?
Ans. During a Yagya, the purifying energy emanating from the Agnihotra stimulates the outer skin and permeates the body through the physical perforations, bringing out sweat and other impurities from within. It is therefore, advisable to wear loose clothes to permit an easy intake of ‘ Pran’- the life-force and excretion of impure elements (Kalmash). For this reason, in ancient times a two-piece wear of Dhoti and Dupatta was recommended which permitted a free circulation of air in and around the body. Course, heavy and tight clothing is not advisable for this very reason, Dhoti and Kurta are cheap and convenient wears, which, besides meeting the above objectives, also serve the purpose of religious and cultural integrity. Dhoti and Kurta are also easily washable. In those regions where Dhoti-Kurta are not traditional wears, clean-washed Pyjama may be used. Socks should never be worn during the Sadhana. These are considered as dirty as shoes. (However, to ward off extreme cold, one may wear clean socks reserved exclusively, for this purpose).
Though traditionally a yellow Dupatta (Angavastra) on shoulders is recommended, it is not mandatory. Ladies may wear yellow Saree or a loose traditional wear.
For Group performance, it is advisable to keep stock of spare clothes for the visiting participants. Continuance of a Yagya in the night is not justifiable.
✍ЁЯП╗ Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
ЁЯУЦ Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 67
рдХोрдИ рдЯिрдк्рдкрдгी рдирд╣ीं:
рдПрдХ рдЯिрдк्рдкрдгी рднेрдЬें