Devayadna, Bhutayadna or Brahmayadna, Rishiyadna or Atithiyadna, Pitruyadna and Manushyayadna. The offerings of rice, ghi, firewood, Til or sesamum, Java or barley, etc. are made in these yadnas. It is also worshipped at the time of Shrávani or Upákarma—the ceremony of renewing the sacred thread annually in the month of Shrávan.[25]
Among the lower classes fire is worshipped on the Mahálaya or Shráddha day. They throw oblations of food into the fire on that day.
The fire produced by rubbing sticks of the Pipal or Shevari tree is considered sacred, and it is essentially necessary that the sacred fire required for the Agnihotra rites should be produced in the manner described above.
Agnihotra is a perpetual sacred fire preserved in Agnikunda,—a hole in the ground for receiving and preserving consecrated fire. A Bráhman, who has to accept the Agnihotra, has to preserve in his house the sacred fire day and night after his thread ceremony, and to worship it three times a day after taking his bath. When an Agnihotri dies, his body is burnt by the people who prepare fire by rubbing sticks of Pipal wood together.[26]
There are some Bráhmans who keep the fire continuously burning in their houses only for Cháturmás or four months of the year. The fire which is preserved and worshipped for four months is called “Smárta Agni.”[27]
[1] School Master, Adivare, Ratnágiri. [↑]
[2] School Master, Kálshe, Ratnágiri. [↑]