 |
| Hawan-Samagri |
Homa or Hawan (होम या हवन) is an important ritual in Hindu Puja. It is rooted in Vedic traditions. Not only in Hindu worship but it has been adopted in other Asian religions like Buddhism and Jainism. In more than 3000 years of history of Asia, it is found from Samarkand to Japan. Homa on a bigger scale is also called Yagya (यज्ञ). The Homa is generally performed on the occasions of festivals like Navratras, Marriage, or other important Sanskaras after the Vedic Puja at Purnahuti or after the special Japa (like Mahamriyunjaya Japa, Rahu Japa, Shani Japa, etc.). Some devotees include it in their daily worship rituals at a smaller scale. On a larger scale, the Homa or Yagya is performed for some specific purposes. In this, Yajnakarta or the Yajman offers different types of sacrifices in the holy fire and in return, he expects something specific from the Yagyadeva. There are different types of Yagya based on the final expected outcome. Putreshthi Yagya is one of such Yagyas performed by King Dashratha on completion of which he got two bowls of Kheer from the Yagyadeva. Dashratha gave Kheer to his queens and the three queens conceived.
It is thought that the Aahuti along with the Mantras reaches the gods through the holy fire of the Hawan-Kund. Dry mango wood, Agar, black Til and Ghee are essential ingredients of Hawan Samagri. General Hawan Samagri also includes Jau (barley), Dhaan, jaggery, Gugal, Humaad, Kapoor, sandalwood powder, Lobaan and many other Aushadhi (exotic herbs). There are different types of wooden sticks called Samidha for Navagrahas. Different woods are for different Grahas (planets) as follows,
1. Ark or Aak - Sun
2. Palash -Moon
3. Khadir -Mars
4. Peepal - Jupitar
5. Apmarg - Mercury
6. Audumber (Goolar) - Venus
7. Shami - Saturn
8. Durva - Rahu
9. Kusha - Ketu
A whole dry coconut (inner part of the hard shell) is also wrapped in a red cotton cloth and offer in the Hawan-Kund in the end. Before wrapping it is cut at a place so that it does not burst in the fire.
The Homa/Havana has some process. There are some Mantras by which the holy fire (Agni) is called (Awahan) and a lit Kapoor is placed in the Hawan-Kund. Then with the chanting of Mantra, a pinch of Hawan Samagri is put in the fire with the word "Swaha". This is repeated 108 times (One Mala) or 11 times or as recommended by the priest. The process is repeated with another Mantra. Nawagraha Samidha is also put in the Kund one by one with the specific Mantra for the corresponding planet.
 |
| Humaad |
The general Samagri for the Homa is prepared by mixing Jau, Dhan and Black Til in equal proportion. Gud (jaggery) is mixed in somewhat less proportion. Now Ghee (Clarified butter from Desi Cow), and exotic herbs are added and mixed well. At the time of Homa, this mixture is picked on the adjoining middle and third fingers. The forefinger and the little finger is not used. At the chant of "Swaha", this is push dropped into the holy fire with the thumb. Separate Aahuti of Ghee is also offered. For this wooden spoon or a green mango-leaf is used.
The Mantras used for Hawan may be Gayetri Mantra, Mahamrityunjay Mantra, Beej Mantra of Chandika, Panchakshari, Ashtakshari or Dwadashakshari Mantra or Shlokas from Durgasaptashati.
The Hawan-Samagri is available everywhere at Puja-shops in India. It can also be purchased online from Amazon or Flipkart for which links are given below.
