Hindus perform a special form of worship at the
beginning of every good thing. This form is known as Homam, popularly
referred to as Havan. Homams, like some other Hindu activities, are
usually performed by invoking one of the five elements of Earth, Fire. A
Homam is always performed for one particular God or Goddess. It is
believed to bring peace and prosperity to the performer.
Most of the auspicious days and Hindu festivals observe the Homam
performance for it is considered to be a sure harbinger of good. There
is a wide array of Homams that one can choose from for different
purposes. Some priests or divine teachers perform various Homams that
can bring about an ascertained wish fulfillment.
Homam can either be performed in a Yagyaashala, a place dedicated for
Homams only or even in a house. But the house needs to be cleaned and
mopped properly before this. A typically Vedic lifestyle incorporates
the performance of a Homam at the advent of any new venture and on all
auspicious days, like birthdays and anniversaries.
Considered to be one of the most pious activities of the Hindus, a Homam
is performed at marriages also. The bride and groom encircle the pious
fire of the Homam to be granted the social status of a man and wife.
Not only this, synonymous with purity, a Homam is also performed at the
naming ceremony of a Hindu child, commonly known as the UPNAYAN SANSKAR.
Homams are also performed at times to nullify the effects of black magic
and eye effect.
