The Viraja Homa is a
Hindu
Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
fire-sacrifice which is performed during the ceremonies whereby a Hindu monk takes up the vows of renunciation (''
Sannyasa
''Sannyasa'' (Sanskrit: संन्यास; IAST: ), sometimes spelled Sanyasa (सन्न्यास) or Sanyasi (for the person), is life of renunciation and the fourth stage within the Hindu system of four life stages known as '' A ...
'').
The ''Viraja Homa'' is thus part of the full ''Sannyasa Deeksha'' (monastic initiation). This Homa is also performed while preparing or making sacred ash, or vibhooti, from pure cow dung. This is typically performed during the month of
Shivarathri. During this homa, some portions from the Maha
Narayanopanishad are chanted with related prayogas as prescribed.
See also
*
Homa (ritual)
In the Vedic Hinduism, a homa (Sanskrit: होम) also known as havan, is a fire ritual performed on special occasions by a Hindu priest usually for a homeowner (" grihastha": one possessing a home). The grihasth keeps different kinds of fir ...
*
Sanyasa
*
Deeksha
References
Yajna
{{Hinduism-stub