Various Types of Homam and Their Benefits

What is Homam? The Hindu scriptures mention many rituals that a person should perform to appease various deities and invoke their blessings. Homam, also called Havan and Yagna, is one of the most important of these rituals. Fire or Agni, one of the 5 Panchabhootas or natural elements, plays a key role in a Homam. The ancient sages believed that Fire was one of the best elements for transmitting and retaining divine energy. Agni is, therefore, regarded as the divine messenger who carries the devotee’s prayer to the gods in heaven. Significance of Homam Sin is the cause of our suffering. It creates karma which in turn creates various problems in our life. The Vedas prescribe Homam as a remedy to expiate our sins and to acquire Punyam (merit/virtue). It helps us invoke the grace of divine beings and get relief from our sins and gain Punyam, so that our sufferings are eliminated and desires fulfilled. Homam is the fastest way to gain the blessings of deities compared to all the other rituals. Some of the major Homams include Ganapati Homam, Chandi Homam, Sudarshana Homam, Paashupata Homam, Mrityunjaya Homam, and Ayush Homam. Such Homams are usually performed by experienced priests in temples and homes. Homam enables Nadi-shuddi and brings good health. People feel cleansed and rejuvenated after performing Homam. The gases that emerge from the Fire pit or Homa-kunda help revitalize the environment and promote well-being. A lot of studies have explored the environmental benefits of Homam. On many occasions, there is rain immediately after the end of a massive Homa. In the ancient days, many Hindus performed Homas daily. They were called Nitya-Agnihotris. Lord Rama was one of them. He performed Homa even during his exile in the forest. However, as time passed and people became more modern, such ancient rituals became less prevalent. Benefits of Homam Homams bring many benefits. People perform them during auspicious occasions like marriages, housewarming, Bhoomi Pooja, etc. Some benefits of Homam include the following: Removes Negativity Homams can purify a place and remove any negative energy present in the site. Nullifies Planetary Afflictions Planetary afflictions or Doshas can have many adverse effects on our lives. Performing Homams, especially at certain powerspots associated with specific planets, can be an effective remedy to nullify or mitigate these effects. Attracts Divine Blessings Homams can attract divine blessings for good fortune and prosperity. Remedy for financial and career-related problems People who suffer from financial and professional problems often perform Homam to overcome them. For instance, Ganapati Homam can bring success in one’s career. Chandi Homam can help attract wealth, bestow high crop yields for farmers, and Vansh vriddhi or generational progress. Resolves Problems Homam can resolve many problems in our life, like delayed marriage, problems in marital life, lack of progeny, losses in business, poverty, litigation, etc. Different Types of Homam and Their Benefits Ganapati Homam This Homam is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who removes obstacles in life. His blessings are essential for attaining Siddhi, Buddhi, and Riddhi(success, wisdom, and prosperity). The main reason for performing Ganapati Homam is to remove hurdles in any new venture, like starting a new course, business, or getting married. People who have Ketu Dosha also perform the Dosha to remove the adverse effects of this Dosha. Benefits of Ganapati Homam

• Performing Ganapati Homam can bring wealth and remove all obstacles to success in life. Ganesha governs the Mooladhara chakra (material prosperity).
• One can get rid of all problems in new ventures.
• It can bestow spiritual wisdom and growth.
• It bestows good health and freedom from depression and anxiety.

Sudarshana Homam Sudarshana Homam invokes the Sudarshana Chakra, Lord Vishnu's powerful weapon, the discus, which Vishnu uses to destroy evil forces. People perform Sudarshana Homam for protection and relief from problems caused by enemies, evil eyes, and diseases. Those who seek success in their endeavors, wealth, and self-purification also perform it. Benefits of Sudarshana Homam

• It heals diseases and brings rejuvenation.
• It can bestow prosperity.
• It removes negative energies.
• It removes worries and suffering.

Chandi Homam Chandi Homam invokes Goddess Chandi (a form of Goddess Durga). It is a very powerful Homam that can eliminate planetary Doshas in the horoscope. Performing this Homam can bring victory in court cases or over your opponents. This ritual combines the energy of Tridevi, the 3 major goddesses of Hinduism - Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. Many people perform this Homam during the Navratri festival. The Homam begins during the day and ends before sunset. Benefits of Chandi Homam

• It attracts positivity and happiness.
• It protects you from the evil eye and curses.
• It removes negativity and suffering.
• It brings success and victory over enemies.

Navagraha Homam Navagraha Homa is one of the most important Homams mentioned in the Vedas. Vedic astrology claims that the Navagrahas, or 9 planets, influence our lives. Their placement in your chart determines your destiny. The Navagrahas affect all aspects of life, like love, wealth, health, marriage, career, and education. Some planets, in combination with others, can form certain Doshas, which create problems in life. This Homam can bestow prosperity, happiness, success in love, good relationships, etc., and protect one from black magic. It also brings peace and harmony to life. Priests chant Navagraha Mantras during the ritual. The process is called Graha Shanti. Benefits of Navagraha Homa

• Good health, wealth, success in career, and good relationships
• Success in business
• Harmony in the family and well-being of children
• Nullifies the malefic effects of planets in one’s horoscope
• Prevents misfortune and bad luck
• Promotes overall well-being
• Blessings of the Navagraha Devatas

Maha Mrityunjaya Homam This Homam is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is performed mainly when someone is suffering from a serious illness that could cause death. It can protect one from untimely death due to accidents, illness, etc. It can help one overcome the fear of death and bring victory over death. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is chanted during this Homam. A herb called Amrita and Durva grass are the main offerings in this Homam. It can also nullify the negative effects of Doshas in your horoscope and increase a person's life span. Some also perform it for old people on their deathbed so that they can have peace and Moksha/salvation. Benefits of Mrityunjaya Homam

• It boosts health.
• It can cure chronic illness.
• It bestows success in one’s career.
• It brings harmony to family life
• It removes evil influences in your life.

Ayush Homam People perform Ayush Homam for good health, long life, and wealth. The Homam is dedicated to Ayur Devatha. It is a custom for parents to do this homam on their child’s first birthday based on the latter’s birth star or Janma Nakshatra. It helps eliminate the effects of the evil eye on the child and bestows good health and a long life. Benefits of Ayush Homam

• Ayush Homam can bring relief to children who have poor health.
• It reduces the adverse effects of planets in your horoscope and protects you from illness, accidents, and injuries.
• It can alleviate mental and physical health problems.
• It can bestow success in material and spiritual endeavors.