South Asian Outlook: An Independent e-Monthly

Spirituality

A-Z Google Directory	Cosmic Connections	Hinduism Today
India Divine	Innerself Magazine	Religious Tolerance
We Believe in Something	Previous Columns 2002	Yoga and Hinduism

“Spiritual hunger is common to all; but tastes differ.
There are different forms of God to suit all tastes.”
- Swami Yogaswarupananda, of the Divine Life Society,
a Vedanta-based foundation in Rishikesh.

Significance of performing a Havan

Gyan Rajhans P. Eng.
BHAJANAWALI RADIO PROGRAM

Havan, which is also known as Homam, or Yagna, or Yagya, is an outer form of worship in which an altar is built, sacred fire is kindled using specific types of grass or wood; and then pouring into it oblations such as ghee or clarified butter, food, grains, sesame seeds, while chanting Mantras from the Vedas. The chanting of mantras while performing Havan is to invoke gods and seek their blessings and favours. It is also done to ensure fulfillment of specific desires and overall welfare of an individual, a group of people, the entire society, entire country, or for that matter – the entire universe.

Historical Perspective

It is believed, that during the early Vedic period, Havan was the only ritualistic worship of God and puja rituals are much later developments. The physical or the outer aspect of the Yagna was always viewed with suspicion by the followers of Gyan Marg (the path of wisdom). In Satapatha Brahmana we are told that both the gods and demons tried to derive benefits by performing the Yagna. However, the demons performed it externally while the gods while performing the Yagna also kindled the fire within them and thereby became immortal.

Symbolical Meaning

Now, I would like you to remember one important thing about Havan or Yagna. The visible fire that you see is not worshipped. It is only a symbolic act, which should be clear from the following purport of the mantra chanted during the Havan. The summary of the meanings of the mantras during Havan is as follows:

“Oh resplendent glory, light of the universe, we light this fire and remove darkness from our midst. Similarly, by concentration and meditation, we illuminate our mind. Though dwelleth within our hearts, may we burn out all our sins and vices. Bless us Oh Lord, with kindness and generosity, knowledge and strength, food and wealth and good children and useful animals. Oh Almighty Lord, in thy name we offer all these ingredients into this sacred fire. This fire does not keep within it what it receives, but transforms them into beneficial elements. Similarly Oh Lord, whatever we have received from thee - food and wealth, happiness and prestige, are not ours – they are thine. We place them at thy feet. We shall only keep the bare quantity with us, which is necessary for our subsistence. Let not our education, strength and wealth, make us arrogant and conceited, for they are all thine. Give us Oh Lord, such intelligence, as desired by our ancestors and learned ones.”

Thus from the aforementioned prayer, the symbolic significance of fire sacrifice during Havans should be well understood.

Practical Benefits

Now look at the practical benefits of performing Havans. Sweets and such other costly delicacies as well as rare perfumes are distributed for the welfare of the world through the agency of fire and wind, by performing Havans. All beings get the opportunity to inhale pure and healthy air. Every animal receives the material sacrificed in the Havan, mixed with air. This helps in the removal of diseases, and makes for increased and better health. The holy sound waves created by chanting Vedic hymns, during the Havan, spread in the sky and purify the mind. In this way, with little labour and expense, the doer of a Havan, greatly serves the entire universe.

Psychological and spiritual Benefits

“Idannamama” chanted at the end of every mantra during a Havan, literally means that this is not mine; it belongs to the whole society. The heat generated during a Havan, prints a divine impression on people’s hearts. Wherever a Havan is performed, there - the land gets an impression and purifies the culture. Also, those attending it receive a mental and physical impression, which lasts a long time. In olden times the spots where Havans were performed, became sanctified.

The houses and places where Havans or Yagna are performed are rid of sins, and the people who participate in them become psychologically elevated. A Havan or Yagna exerts a special power on women, infants and children. It also makes them highly cultured. That is the great efficacy of a Havan. As a Yagna or Havan cures a person of bad thoughts, wicked actions and vices, it is often called a killer of sins.

Gyan Rajhans, an internationally recognized heath & safety professional has been broadcasting the only non-commercial Vedic religion radio program in North America since 1981 & worldwide web cast on www.bhajanawali.com since 1999. Mr. Rajhans has published extensively on religious and spiritual matters. Some articles are available on the Bhajanawali web site. He has translated Sri Mad Bhagvad Gita in English for the younger generation. Mr Rajhans has been conferred various titles, including that of Rishi by Hindu Prarthana Samaj of Toronto Hindu Ratna by Hindu Federation of Toronto. He received Canadian Journalists' and Writers' Club (CEJWC) award for 2005 in the Internet category - Opinion - for his Spirituality columns in South Asian Outlook e-Monthly.]

Previous Columns:

Significance of Ma Lakshmi’s Symbols