The rishis created the process of yajna for a special reason. They knew that life on earth depended on the sun’s rays and rainfall. The sun constantly gives heat and light to the earth. Rainfall brings down life-giving particles, and they were called 'soma'. This process, they thought, needed to be balanced. What was taken from the sun and rain had to be returned in some way.

The rishis understood that without giving back, this natural cycle could not continue. They wanted to return important things to nature to keep the balance. They saw yajna as a way to do this. In a yajna, items like ghee (clarified butter), wood, food, and the fat of animals like goats were offered into the fire. These offerings symbolized life-giving materials that helped restore balance to nature.

The smoke from the yajna rises up to the sky. This smoke was thought to help create clouds, which then give rain. This cycle, according to the rishis, made sure that life continued. It helped plants grow, animals survive, and humans thrive. They believed that by performing yajna, they were helping to ensure that rain would come and life would keep regenerating.

In modern terms, we think about protecting the environment. We plant trees and reduce pollution so that nature can stay healthy. The ancient rishis had a similar idea. They believed in giving back to nature what was taken from it. This was their way of ensuring that life on earth could continue without disruption.

The idea behind yajna also showed the rishis' belief in the cycle of life. They thought that life moved in two directions: upward and downward. Life comes from the divine and returns to it through certain actions. Yajna was one of those actions. By performing it, they were helping to maintain the natural flow of life.

In short, yajna was more than just a ritual. It was the rishis' way of keeping the world in balance. They wanted to ensure that the earth would keep receiving sunlight and rainfall, so they gave back to nature through these sacred offerings. This way, the cycle of life would continue, ensuring that future generations could live and thrive. 

Thus, the yajna was a powerful practice. It was not just about worship, but about understanding the deep connection between humans, nature, and the divine.

Knowledge Bank

Is it harmful to keep Mahabharata at home?

Not at all. There is no evidence anywhere. Mahabharata itself says that regular reading or listening to Mahabharata is highly beneficial (both materially and spiritually).

Why do we wear tilak, bhasma, sandal paste, etc. on the forehead?

The forehead, particularly the spot between the eyebrows, is considered the location of the 'third eye' or 'ajna chakra,' representing spiritual insight and wisdom. Applying a tilak here is believed to enhance spiritual awareness. 2. The tilak is often applied during religious ceremonies and is considered a mark of divine blessing and protection from deities. 3. The style and type of tilak can indicate the wearer's religious sect or the deity they worship. For instance, Vaishnavites typically wear a U-shaped tilak, while Shaivites wear three horizontal lines. 4. Wearing a tilak is a way of expressing one's cultural and religious heritage, serving as a visible reminder of one's beliefs and traditions. 5. The tilak signifies ritual purity and is often applied after performing ablutions and prayers, symbolizing a purified mind and body ready for worship. 6. Wearing a tilak is a demonstration of piety and devotion, showing reverence to the divine in daily life. 7. The area where the tilak is applied is believed to be an important acupressure point. Stimulating this point is thought to promote calmness and concentration. 8. Some tilaks are made from sandalwood paste or other cooling substances, which can have a soothing effect on the forehead. 9. Applying a tilak is a part of daily rituals and practices in Hindu households, reinforcing the importance of mindfulness and spiritual discipline. 10. During festivals and special ceremonies, the tilak is an essential element, adding to the festive and auspicious atmosphere. In summary, wearing a tilak on the forehead is a multifaceted practice with deep spiritual, cultural, and traditional significance. It serves as a reminder of one's faith, enhances spiritual consciousness, and signifies purity and devotion.