Anvadhan

Vedic Ritual / Preparatory Observance / Daily Rite (for Agnihotris)

Not a public holiday. It is a personal or community religious observance for specific practitioners.

Typically a short ritual, lasting from a few minutes to an hour, performed immediately before the main Yajna/Homa or as a daily rite for Agnihotris.; Typically a few hours, performed on the day before the main Yajna.

Anvadhan is the solemn vow (Sankalpa) taken before commencing a Vedic Yajna or Homa. It involves resolving to perform the sacrifice with specific intentions, offerings, and for particular deities. It's a crucial preparatory step, emphasizing the importance of clear intention and dedication before undertaking a spiritual or ritualistic act. For Agnihotris, It's a daily ritual performed at sunrise and sunset. Anvadhan is a crucial preparatory ritual performed by adherents of the Shrauta (Vedic sacrificial) tradition. It signifies the formal resolution (Sankalpa) and initial preparation for undertaking a major Vedic fire sacrifice (Yajna) on the following day. It involves lighting/maintaining the sacred fires and making preliminary offerings, establishing the pure intention for the main ritual.

Key Rituals & Practices

Taking the Sankalpa (solemn vow) detailing the purpose, time, place, and deities for the upcoming Yajna/Homa.

Offering oblations (Ahutis) to Agni, seeking permission and blessings for the ritual.

Recitation of specific Vedic mantras related to the vow and the ritual's commencement.

Preparation and invocation of the sacred fire (Agnisthapana) if not already maintained.

Concentration and purification of mind before the main ritual.

Making a formal 'Sankalpa' (resolution or pledge) to perform the specific Vedic fire sacrifice on the next day.

Meticulous lighting and/or maintenance of the three sacred Shrauta fires: Garhapatya (householder's fire), Ahavaniya (offering fire), and Dakshinagni (southern fire).

Offering 'samidh' (sacred twigs, often of Palasha or Khadira wood) into the fires.

Recitation of specific Vedic mantras related to the establishment and purification of the fires and the intention of the Yajna.

Often involves a preparatory fast or strict dietary restrictions for the performer.

Associated Deities

Agni (the fire deity, as It's primarily an offering into the sacred fire)

The specific deities to whom the oblations of the subsequent Yajna/Homa are intended.

Agni (Fire God)

Deities of the specific Yajna to be performed on the subsequent day

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Not specific to a particular Hindu month; depends on the timing of the Yajna.

Paksha

Not specific to a particular Paksha; depends on the timing of the Yajna.

Tithi

Not specific to a particular Tithi; depends on the Muhurta chosen for the Yajna.

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Rooted deeply in the Vedic texts, Anvadhan is an essential component of the Karma Kanda (ritualistic section) of the Vedas. It emphasizes the importance of intention (Sankalpa) and proper commencement before any spiritual endeavor, ensuring the ritual is performed with full awareness, dedication, and alignment with Dharma. It's not associated with a specific myth but is fundamental to the proper execution of all Vedic fire rituals. Anvadhan is an integral part of the ancient Vedic sacrificial system (Shrauta Dharma), whose origins trace back to the Rigveda and later elaborated upon in the Yajurveda, Brahmanas, and Shrauta Sutras. It represents the formal commitment and spiritual preparation required before undertaking complex and elaborate Vedic Yajnas like the Darsha-Purnamasa Isti (New Moon and Full Moon sacrifices). It underscores the importance of purity of intention (Sankalpa) and methodical preparation for sacred rites in Hindu tradition. It is not associated with a specific myth but is a procedural ritual described in the foundational texts of Vedic ritualism.

Alternative Names

Anvadhaana

Sankalpa (in the context of Vedic rituals)

Pledge for Yajna

Agnyadhan (broadly, establishment of fires)

Gregorian Date

Not a fixed Gregorian date. Performed daily by Agnihotris (those who maintain sacred fires) or as a preparatory ritual before any major Vedic Yajna/Homa, depending on the specific Muhurta chosen for the main event.