Vedic Science International Multidisciplinary Peer-reviewed Journal 

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Article  Information

Journal: Vedic Science
Volume: 27 | Issue: 2 | Year: 2025
Pages: 74–80
DOI: https://doi.org/10.66718/vsj.v27.i2.7

Received: 1 April. 2025
Accepted: 20 May 2025
Published:  30 June 2025

पञ्चमहायज्ञों की प्रासङ्गिकता (Relevance of Panchmahayajnas) 

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Asstt. prof. Govt. Women's College Puri, Odisha-752002

Abstract

In Vedic culture, Yajñas  hold significant importance. The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa states, "Yajño vai śreṣṭhatamam karma," meaning Yajña is the supreme deed. Three means of righteousness (Dharma) have been identified: (i) Knowledge (Jñāna), (ii) Action (Karma), and (iii) Devotion (Bhakti), all of which are integrated into Yajña—"Sarvam Yajñamayaṁ Jagat," meaning "the entire universe is permeated by Yajña." The Brāhmaṇa texts of Vedic literature provide detailed descriptions of various Yajñas, such as Smārta and Śrauta.

In the Mahābhārata, Yudhiṣṭhira conducted the Rājasūya Yajña. Similarly, the Rāmāyaṇa mentions the performance of rituals like Putreṣṭi and Aśvamedha Yajñas. The Taittirīya Āraṇyaka offers an extensive description of the five great Yajñas (Pañca Mahāyajñas), which are:

(i) Brāhma Yajña

(ii) Deva Yajña

(iii) Pitṛ Yajña

(iv) Bhūta Yajña

(v) Nṛ Yajña

The responsibility of performing these Yajñas is generally assigned to householders. These Pañca Mahāyajñas are vital components of Indian culture. India's global reputation is deeply rooted in its culture and the Sanskrit language. Hence, it is said, "Bhāratasya Pratiṣṭhe dve—Saṁskṛtam Saṁskṛtistathā," meaning "India's prestige lies in both Sanskrit and its culture."

In this materialistic age, where Western culture is rapidly influencing societies, the relevance and importance of the Pañca Mahāyajñas are profoundly understood for the preservation and propagation of our cultural heritage.

Keywords

हवि, सृष्टि, श्रौत्र, स्मार्त्त।

References

1. ऋग्वेद
2. मत्स्यपुराण
3. विष्णुधर्मोत्तरपुराण
4. अथर्ववेद
5. मनुस्मृति-३.७०

How to cite this article

Mishra, R. K. (2025).पञ्चमहायज्ञों की प्रासङ्गिकता. Vedic Science, 27 (1), 135–138. https://doi.org/10.66718/vsj.v27.i2.7