Swamiji answers questions on Homa

[Guest guest]

Dear Family,

 

Namaste!

 

We recently completed five online classes on various topics. The last

class was on Homa and Arpan. Here are Swamiji's answers to questions

that came up during our chat sessions.

 

Sincerely

srini

 

1. What is the meaning or symbolism behind Homa?

 

Homa is a form of yajna, which means to unite. Usually a homa, which

lasts up to a few hours, is somewhat shorter in duration from a

yajna, which can last for many days or even months.

 

2. Does the fire element have qualities that add particular benefit to

creating union?

 

Fire is the purest of the elements. When all impurities are removed,

union takes place.

 

3. What do the tongues of fire (Kali, Karali, etc.) mean?

 

Agni has seven tongues with which he purifies the karma on seven

levels of consciousness. Each of them has a different color, which

are the attributes which can be seen in the fire.

 

4. After a puja the offered food that has been received,

embraced/eaten, and blessed by the deity propitiated is shared by

worshippers, as 'prasad'. In homa, food offerings are consumed in the

fire. Is the ash resulting from the homa akin to puja prasad, or does

it have a different significance?

 

It has a different significance. The remnants of the food offering to

the Gods or Goddesses are fit to be consumed by devotees. The

remnants of the offerings to the fire, which is the purest element,

become ashes, which is the purest form of the other four elements:

earth, water, air, and ether. We apply those ashes to our third eye

or Ajna Chakra, so that everything we perceive, is perceived through

the lenses of purity.

 

5. What is the difference between Homa and Yajna?

 

Usually a homa, which lasts up to a few hours, is somewhat shorter in

duration from a yajna, which can last for many days or even months.

 

6. Can you use a copper bowl or similar container to perform Homa

at home or do you have to make a fire pit?

 

A copper container works fine. We have even used a fireplace, or a

small steel barbecue.