[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c8.1735 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1735 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c8.1735 - **Language:** English ### [c8.1735](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1735) PĀÑCAMAHĀYAJÑA. For a Gṛhasthāśrami (householder) the following five apparatuses are unavoidable : A sifter, a grinding stone, a broom, a wooden mortar and a water-pot. It is believed that a sin is committed when each of these is used and to remove the sins thus committed the ancient sages have prescribed five yajñas and these five yajñas are called the Pañcamahāyajñas. They are the Brahmayajña, Pitṛyajña, Devayajña, Bhūtayajña and the Mānuṣayajña. Reciting of Vedas is Brahmayajña. Pleasing the manes by offering rice or libations of water is called Pitṛyajña. Giving offerings to the demi-gods in the sacrificial fire is called Devayajña and religious offerings of rice to the crows is called Bhūtayajña. Giving food for the guests is Mānuṣayajña. One who does not do the Pañcamahāyajñas is no better than dead. Some scholars have classified the Pañcamahāyajñas as Huta, Prahuta, Brāhmyahuta, Prāśita and Ahuta. - [Previous: c8.1734](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1734) - [Next: c8.1736](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1736) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1735](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1735) · Pramāṇa