Pt Sri Pranesh Achar (Ananda Rangan)
Pooja
Brahma Yajna refers to the daily study and recitation of the sacred scriptures.
Our Shastras say:
“Angāni Vedāḥ Chatvāraḥ, Mīmāṁsā Jñāna-vistaraḥ,
Purāṇam Dharmaśāstrañca Vidyā hyetāś caturdaśa.”
This means there are fourteen Vidyās (branches of sacred knowledge):
The four Vedas
The six Vedāṅgas
The Purāṇas
The Dharmaśāstras
The Nyāya and Mīmāṁsā Śāstras
Together, these make up the fourteen sacred sciences.
A Brahmana is expected to study these daily. This does not mean that one must recite every mantra, shloka, or sutra in full every day. Even reciting a small portion from each of these Shastras with devotion and understanding is considered Brahma Yajna.
After performing Brahma Yajna, one must express gratitude to the Devatas, Rishis, and Acharyas, because it is through them that this sacred knowledge has come down to us. Therefore, Tarpana is offered to them using Tulasi leaves sanctified with Vishnu’s Nirmalya Teertha. This is called:
Devata Tarpana
Rishi Tarpana
Acharya Tarpana
These offerings are made as a mark of respect and gratitude.
When should Brahma Yajna and Tarpana be done?
The proper order is:
Perform Sandhyavandana in the morning
Chant the twelve names of Vishnu
Perform Gayatri Japa
Do Pratah (morning) Upasana
Then perform Brahma Yajna
After Brahma Yajna, offer Tarpana to Devatas, Rishis, and Acharyas
This is the traditional and scripturally prescribed way of performing Brahma Yajna.
