Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1737

c8.1737

Ahuta is Brahmayajña, huta is devayajña, prahuta is bhūtayajña, brāhmyahuta is mānuṣikayajña and prāśita is pitṛyajña. Even if at times one finds it not possible to do mānuṣikayajña one must perform daily brahmayajña and daivayajña. The offerings given to gods in the sacrificial fire go to the Sun. The Sun sends rains to the earth which in turn make the plants flourish. Vedas say that thus living beings increase. Just as all animals and objects depend on life-breath for living, a Brahmacārī, a Vānaprastha and a Sannyāsī depend upon a gṛhastha for sustenance. Therefore, the Gṛhasthāśrama is the best of all āśramas. (Chapter 3, Manusmṛti).