The Hindu tradition has many rituals to please gods and goddesses. Among them are yogas and homas. We may classify homas into two broad categories. One may be classified as Kaamyartha homa, to derive gain and fulfill certain wishes. The other one is Prayaschitta homa, to free us from the sins of our undesirable acts of omission and commission.
Difference between Yaga and Homa :
Yaga and Homa are not the same. Yagas are categorised as “srauta” karmas and are performed in “agnihotra” agnis. Homas are categorised as “smarta” karmas and are performed in “aupasana” agni.
Agnihotra Agni : This Agni has the characteristic of being a continuum. Yaga is performed by highly qualified Vedic scholars, who have to be Grahastas, well-versed in all the prayogas and Sastras as well, for universal benefit. Yagas such as Aswamedha, Soma and Vajapeya come under this category. Vedas speak about Yagas, which come under the category of Srauta karmas.
Aupasana Agni : All Grahastas (married persons) have to perform Aupasana every day both in the morning and in the evening. Homas like Vastu and Sraaddha are done in Aupasana Agni. A few more examples of homas would be the Ganapati homa, Navagraha homa and Sudarshana homa which are done in laukika agni. These homas are referred to as Smarta karmas. Homas have been codified, compiled and given to us by Sages with their divine powers. While the Vedas speak about Yagas, they contain no reference to homas – with the exception of one homa, i.e. Kushmanda Homa. The details of this powerful homa are found in the Yajur Veda (Second prasnam in Taitreeya Aaranyaka)
