MEGA YAGA: Agnihotris from different parts of India confabulating before the commencement of the `Agnishtoma Maha Yagna' in Mysore on Thursday. — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

MYSORE: After the rule of the Wadiyar dynasty, it is one of the biggest congregations of Agnihotris here in recent times.

They are here to perform the `Agnishtoma Maha Yaga' for the well-being of the universe.

Led by Agnihotri V. Raghunatha Shastri of Srirangam in Tirichirappalli, 18 Agnihotris during the next five days will perform the Agnishtoma Maha Yaga or the Soma Yaga, which commenced in Mysore on Thursday after a gap of over 50 years.

An Agnihotri is a person who worships Tretagni daily and performs the morning and evening Agnihotram.

Agnihotri is also a qualified person to perform all yagnas for the welfare of gods, who are believed to bless and bestow happiness to universe in return.

According to S. Venkata Subramanya of Triveni Aasthika Sabha, which is organising the Soma Yagna, such a big congregation of Agnihotris is rare as their number in the country is very less.

He pointed out that today 44 Agnihotris live in Tamil Nadu, 36 in Andhra Pradesh, 18 in Maharashtra and 23 in various parts of the country.

Mr. Venkata Subramanya said an Agnihotri is expected to perform at least 21 yagas during his lifetime, which includes seven Paga Yaga, seven Havir Yaga and seven Soma Yaga.

It is learnt that the then ruler of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar had performed the Soma Yaga at T. Narsipur when Mysore witnessed a big congregation of Agnihotris from across the country. Krishnaraja Wadiyar had also performed the Soma Yaga.

In Soma Yaga, Somalata juice is offered to Lord Indra with prayers for good rainfall, grain production, fame, good health etc. Soma Yaga is performed with the help of 16 ritviks.

In all, 24 procedures would be followed during the Soma Yaga.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail