Traditional Vedic Homa

 

Here are some popular Homa as prescribed in Vedic scriptures for the benefit of Humankind.

1. The Agnihotra Homa

2. The Vyahruti Homa

3. The Tryambakam Homa

4. Sri Ganesh Homa

5. Sri Maha Lakshmi Homa

6. Sri Lakshmi Narayan Homa

7. Sri Lakshmi Kuber Homa

8. Devi Sarasvati Homa

9. Devi Baglamukhi Homa

10. Devi Gayatri Homa

11. Various other Homa also available from Agnihotra Texas.

 

Traditional Vedic Homa by

Swami Krsna

Vedic Astrologer & Priest of India

For More info Please Call:

Dallas/Local: 1-214-550-1427

Toll Free (North America): 1-877-273-8859

e-mail: info@agnihotratexas.com

 

Homa to Gain Blessings of the Divine

Vedic Yagya or Homa is the highly developed science of contacting the celestial field of life. The ancient Rishis cognized specific procedures for gaining blessings from different manifestations of the Divine who create and administer the universe.

These Homa may be performed at almost any time, although certain times may be considered much more auspicious. They generally last between one and one-half to two and one-half hours, although some Homa fire ceremonies may last as long as six hours or more. These include:

Durga or Chandi Homa: To gain the grace of Mother Divine and receive Her blessings to remove ignorance, provide protection from adversity and eliminate suffering on an individual and cosmic level. Durga Homa can be of various lengths, from two hours to six hours or more, and may be performed on a single day, or on consecutive days. The recitation of selections from the Durga Saptashati, a collection of beautiful hymns to Mother Divine, is an especially enjoyable part of this Homa.

Mahamrityunjaya Homa: This special fire ceremony to Siva is for ensuring a long and healthy life and help bring an end to prolonged or severe sickness, as well as for many other purposes.

Krishna, Rama, Hanuman & Other Devas: According to the Vedic Tradition, there are literally thousands of Devas or expressions of the Divine that are responsible for progress in virtually every specific area of life.

Homa for Graha Shanti: Gaining Benefic Influence from the Planets. A second category of Vedic Ceremonies is "Graha Shanti" performances for reducing the negative effects of our past karma as expressed through the agency of our "cosmic counterparts" in the form of the seven planets plus Rahu and Ketu.

Navagraha Shanti Homa: Generally a "Navagraha Shanti" Puja and/or Homa is a performance that appeals to all nine of these heavenly bodies, with special emphasis on the one or two planets that may need special attention. These ceremonies are participatory: Although the Swami Krsna performs the Homa, the sponsor is intimately involved in the Navagraha ceremony, as he or she is in the other types of Vedic ceremonies. These Homa may last from two to four hours or more in length and may involve a homa.

A trained Jyotishi/Astrologer such as Swami Krsna, will be able to identify which of the planets may be in need of remedial measures and prescribe the appropriate measures. Swami Krsna is also especially skilled in evaluating Jyotish Compatibility for marriage and in determining muhurtas (auspicious times) for weddings, founding of businesses, etc.

In addition to the ceremony itself, there may be traditionally prescribed ritual "Upayas" or remedies that Swami Krsna may recommend to help reduce the negative effect of certain planetary influences, or even to improve the positive effect of other planets.

In addition to Graha Shanti Homa, certain ceremonies for Ganesh, Durga, Vishnu or Siva may also be appropriate to help alleviate the negative influence from a specific planetary situation. A special "Narayanvali" Homa to bring peace to one’s ancestors, may also be helpful in certain situations.

Birthday Graha Shanti Homa: On a person’s birthday, it is traditional to start one’s personal "New Year" with a Navagraha Shanti Homa, along with a Homa to Ganesh and Mother Divine to ensure support of Nature during the upcoming twelve months.

Inauguration Graha Shanti Homa: When starting any important endeavor, such as a business or going to school, a Navagraha Shanti Homa is traditionally performed, often accompanied by a Homa to Laksmi, Ganesh or Saraswati, depending on the nature of the endeavor being started.

Mool Shanti Homa: These special Homa  are performed to alleviate the negative effects of the natal moon's position in Aswini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Moola or Revati. Depending on the natal chart, they may be combined with Homa to Ganesha, Durga, Vishnu or Siva, or with the Navagraha Shanti Homa.

Kumbha Vivaha: This specialized ceremony for women is performed to neutralize certain Jyotish Yogas (such as Vaidhavya Yoga) that indicate widowhood or divorce.

Homa for Benefic Influence on a New-Born Child

When a baby is born a Graha Shanti Homa is also performed to help clear the path of any obstacles to the newborn’s evolution. In addition to the Graha Shanti ceremonies there are also specific Homa to ensure the good health of a new-born child whose birth chart has certain unfavorable combinations. These ceremonies include Mool Shanti. These Homa may also be appropriate for adults with certain planetary combinations.

Homa for Important Life Transitions

There are also Traditional Vedic Ceremonies to ensure smooth passage into virtually every new important state of human life. These ceremonies are performed on specially selected days that may precede the event or that may occur as an integral part of the specific transition.

These ceremonies for various life stages include:
Conception - Putraresthi Homa
Strengthening the Unborn Child (Seemanta)
Safe Delivery and Birth
First Time Out-of-Doors for the Baby
Name-Giving (Namakaran)
First Feeding of Grains (Annaprasan)
Piercing the Ears (Karanchhedan)
First Hair-Cutting (Chowla)
Start of Study of Alphabet (Vidyaramba)
Entering School
Initiation into Vedic Studies (Upanayan)

Vastu Shanti Ceremonies

Ground-Breaking for House Building (Bhoomi & Vastu Puja )
Establishing Door Frame in New Building
Entering a New Home or Building
Starting a Business
Wedding Anniversaries

There are also certain days during the month or the year when particular qualities of the Divinities listed above are most lively and Homa are most effective.

Practical Guidelines for Traditional Vedic Homa

Location & General Procedures:Once you have decided to schedule a Homa and contacted Swami Krsna, you will need to make practical preparations for your Yagya.

The following guidelines apply in most cases. Swami Krsna will advise you if any special arrangements are required.

General Preparation

In general, the location should be "sattvic" with good thoughts. Traditionally, homas are performed in a clean area. A clean sheet or carpet can be placed on the floor where the participants sit. Participants do not point their feet at the altar, nor do they step directly over the altar, even if it is on the floor. The right hand is used to make offerings, and any circular motions (such as waving a lamp or incense in the air) should be made in the clockwise direction.

Shoes and all leather items, including belts, purses and watch bands are not allowed in the room where the ceremony is performed. Traditionally, most of these ceremonies are performed in homes where no meat is eaten. This is especially important for homas to Lord Shiva. At the very least, there should be no meat in the house at the time the ceremony is performed.

Privacy is important so that the ceremony is not interrupted. It is advisable to put a note on the door, and put the telephone answering machine on or turn the ringer off if an answering machine is not available.

In a Homa Ceremony a good ventilation is essential. If possible, the Homa should be performed outside. A flat area is ideal and a covering for the ground for seating (for instance, plywood panels) will make the Homa more comfortable for the participants. A fire pit ("kunda") can be made of bricks or of a large metal receptacle at least two feet in diameter and five or six inches deep. A supply of small pieces of wood (approximately six inches in length) is also needed. One homa pit is sufficient for up to six people.

Personal Preparation

Traditionally, participants in Vedic Homa dress in fresh, clean clothing (lighter colored clothes are preferred, with nothing in solid black or dark blue or dark purple.) Participants should take a bath or shower the morning of the Homa and the mouth, hands and face should be washed immediately before commencing the Homa.

On the day of the Homa, it is customary to fast or to eat only very light food before the Homa. Fruit juice or milk are recommended drinks. If food is needed, yoghurt, fruit or cooked vegetables are recommended. Cooked grains (breads, rice, etc.) are traditionally avoided until after the ceremony. Pregnant or nursing mothers and children (or a sick or injured person) may eat their normal foods. After the Homa, a sumptuous meal may be enjoyed.

During the Homa, it is customary to drink only water if necessary. If the toilet facilities are used, hands are washed before returning to the Homa.

Homa should not be scheduled within 13 days of the birth or death of a blood relative.

Ingredients for a typical Homa

Swami Krsna will advise you if any special ingredients are required, but the following general guidelines apply in most cases:

Flowers (at least a dozen): Flowers should be cut from their stems. They should not touch the floor or be smelled before offering. If budget allows, a garland of flowers to go around the picture or statue of the main Deity is a nice extra offering.

For Navagraha Puja, twice this number will be needed, with at least two yellow flowers, two red flowers, three dark blue or purple flowers, two white flowers and some greens. If these color combinations are not available, then any type of flower will be acceptable.

Fruit (three or four, washed): The fruits should not touch the floor before offering. For Navagraha Puja, a dozen will be needed, with at least two yellow fruits, two red fruits, three dark blue or purple fruits, two light-colored (white) fruits and one green fruit such as apples or pears. If these color combinations are not available, then any type of fruit will be acceptable.

Rice (at least two cups, washed and dried)

Cow Dung or Wood pieces for burning Homa

Water (at least two cups)

Incense (at least 6-10 sticks)

Camphor (at least one block)

Ghee (1 lb for one type of Homa)

Sweets (Indian sweets such as laddoos, sesame halvah, etc.; marzipan or coconut/date rolls or similar confections four to six pieces. Sweets should not contain eggs.)

Firewood or Dried Cow Dung (for Homa only: at lease a dozen pieces 6-9" in length and 1-2" in diameter). You can acquire such wood from Home Depot, Lumber Department for around $ 2.97 per piece. You can even ask them to cut for you in 6 inches lenght.

Clean Cloths (a clean dish towel is fine)

Samagree (special mixture for Homa offerings -- Swami Krsna will advise you what Samagree you may need, in some cases Samagree can be 108 Diamonds, 200 Sheets of 22K Gold Paper, 100 Sheet of Silver Paper, Honey mixed with Gugul and much more.

Please consult with Swami Krsna, Vedic Astrologer and Priest of India, if you have a particular need or desire, and he can advise you which Homa may be appropriate, and on which date and time.