In the upcoming post we shall see about a ritual of velvi*, homam and yagna. In general the word homam means lighting a fire, adding so many things to it and worshipping to god. In the Hindu tradition, this ritual has been in practice from the Vedic period. This way of worship is in practice in other religions also.
In the life of the ancient human the worshipping of Sun was most prominent. After knowing the importance of fire, they have considered it as delegate of the powerful Sun. To protect themselves from fire and to carry their prayers to the view of Sun, people started to use fire as a medium. This is the point where the method of velvi or homam has started. They consider as if they are doing sacrifice to the god, they put certain things, animals or even human beings into the fire and worship to god.
In the Yajur veda we find the information about the 30 kinds of yagnas. Since many ages there has been a tradition where the people of certain community only are supposed to perform these yagnas. There are different kinds of yagnas for each god and each angel. Also the things that we use in the yagnas also varies from god to god. By doing yagnas to a particular god we can satisfy him and get benefits out of it. These opinions are responsible for still keeping this way of worship in practice.
Though the religious beliefs are on one side, there must be scientific reasons beyond this practice and many researches are being performed to prove. The results of those researches are also being shared. Even on the internet also we can find information related to it. The idea of this post is not to discuss about it.
But to share the information told by the Siththars only I have initiated this post. With further information I shall catch up in the next post.
*Velvi – sacrifice
Original – www.siththarkal.com
Translated by சந்தியா
