By Swami Harshananda
Ājya is literally translated either
- ‘[that which is] thrown into [the fire]’
- ‘[that which is] smeared with oil’
Offering oblations (homa) into a duly consecrated fire is an important part of Vedic rituals. Melted butter, generally used in such oblations is called ājya. When no specific material is prescribed for a homa, ājya can be used. Though cow’s ghee is preferred as the best, buffalo’s ghee or sesame oil may also be used for the purpose. Ājyabhāga is the name given to the two libations of ājya offered to Soma and Agni preceding the principal oblation in the Darśa sacrifice.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore