Yājyā
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Yājyā literally means ‘that which is to be sacrificed’.
It is the technical name of a formula of consecration. It is a verse from the Ṛgveda chanted by the hotṛ priest while the libation of ājya[1] is offered by the adhvaryu priest. Before the recital begins, the adhvaryu gives directions to the hotṛ with such statements as ‘samiddho yaja’.[2] Then the hotṛ begins to chant the appropriate yājyā formula loudly, preceded by the invocation ‘ye yajāmahe’ and followed by ‘vauṣaṭ’. The yājyās occur in prayājas and anuyājas.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore