Anamika Kalita, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Nagaon, Barpeta, Assam, India.
RELEVANCE OF THE FIVE GREAT SACRIFICES IN THE MODERN WORLD : AN ANALYTICAL STUDY
Authors
Abstract
‘Yagna’ (sacrifice) is a ritual that has been going on since the vedic period. It is explained
extensively in various scriptures such as the Brahmana, the Kalpa Sutra, the Samhita etc.
Earlier, Yajna was the sacrifices towards the God of Fire. Basically it is divided into three
rites- Obligatory (Nitya), Occasional (Naimittik) and Optional (Kamya) rites. The Pancha
Mahayajna (Five great sacrifices), which was done occasionally by the Brahmanas is called
Naimittik, and the yagnas done according to the householder’s wish is called Kamya. In this
paper, the five great sacrifices of the Brahmanas will be discussed.
The five great sacrifices- Deva yajna, Bhoota yajna (baliharana), Pitri yajna, Manushya yagna
and the Brhama Yagna is first mentioned in the ‘Shatapatha Brahmana.’ In deliberation of the
five great sacrifices, we find liberal, scientific, and modern aspects to an extent. So, how they
are relevant in present context is endeavored to discuss.