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O Agni, I invoke you along with your energy and radiance. Give us good food, bless us with long life and protect us from sin.

The ultimate objective of human life is to be free from sin. Therefore one should always aspire for increment of strength, food and long life because each of them is dependent on other. One should always endeavour to be free from any type of deficiency because destitute leads us to sin.

31. AVA PATANTIR VADANDIVA OSHADH YASPARI VAM JEEVAM ASHNAVAA MAHAI NA SA RISHYATI PURUSHAH.

-------------(12/91, Yajurveda)

Herbs (medicines),while descending down from heaven to earth proclaimed "those who eat us, are never destroyed.

This particular 'richa' eulogises the importance and utility of Herbs. Medicine cure us and give us relief from all type of ailments/diseases provided they are taken on the prescription of an efficient doctor. By taking these medicines one can also escape death which means that they give us a long life.

32. SAMYAK SRAVANTI SARITO NA DHENAA ANTARHRIDDA MANASAA POOYAMAANAAH

-------------(13/38, Yajurveda)

Speech emanating from a pure heart and mind of learned men and scholars are naturally pure just like water of a river.

We should speak only after our thoughts have been purified and our mind and heart have become pure. We should avoid speaking unpleasant things which our heart and mind do not approve of. This means to say that one should speak twice before speaking.

33. AAYURME PAAHI PRAANAM MEIM PAAHMA PAANAM MEIM PAAHI VYAANAM MEIM PAAHI CHAKSHURME PAAHI SHROTRAM MEIM PAAHI VAACHAM MEIM PINVA MANO MEIN JINVAAT MAANAAM MEIM PAAHI JYOTIRME YACHCHAM.

-------------(14/17, Yajurveda)

O God! Protect my life,protect my vital force, protect my 'Apaan' and 'Vyaan' vayu, protect both my eyes, both my ears, bless my mind and speech, protect my soul and bless us with radiance.

Self-development can not take place until and unless our heart, mind, body and soul have been purified. Once this is done the process of self-development's inception starts automatically which shall unequivocally lead to success and prosperity.

34. ISHE TVONJE TVAA RAIYAI TVAA POSHAAYA TVAA LOKAM TO INDRAM

-------------(14/22, Yajurveda)

I accept you(Agni) for you are the provider of food grains and the nurturer of all.May you protect this world! Everybody adores the great king Indra.

Agni or fire is the one that gives us food because it is present in sunlight which is necessary for germination of seeds and growth of plants. Agni(heat) is imperative for growth and energy therefore one should take maximum advantage of this natural force for the production of diverse things. This will automatically lead to the use of 'Agni' for the welfare of all and as a result everywhere peace and prosperity will prevail.

35. RASMINAA SATYAAYA SATYAM JIND PRETINAA DHARMANAA DHARMA JINVA

-------------(15/6, Yajurveda)

Pacify truth with the help of 'Agni' so that nothing but truth prevails and pacify 'Dharma' by imbibition of supreme and divine knowledge.

One should always adhere by 'Satya'(truth) and accept it in totality so that it can be protected. One should not only imbibe the divine knowledge but also bring it in practice because this is the only way of protecting 'Dharma'. Imbibition of 'Satya' and 'Dharma' in one's life automatically leads to self development. So it is imperative that for the 'preservation of Truth' and 'prevalence of Dharma' we bring both of them into practice.

(36) PRATIPADASI PRATIPADE TVAA ANUPADASYANUPADE TVAA SAMPADASI SAMPADE TVAA TEJO ASI TEJASE TVAA ||

-------------(15/8, Yajurveda)

You are the intellect! I invoke you so that I am blessed with intelligence; You are the cereals! I invoke you for the attainment of food-grains; You are the wealth! I invoke you so that I am blessed with prosperity; You are the radiance! I invoke you so that I am blessed with brilliance.

A man is judged by his intelligence.Knowledge increases with the refinement of intelligence because it becomes easy to grasp knowledge. By eating nutritious food the body gets energy necessary to perform our regular duties. Wealth and prosperity determines man's status and capability in the society and so it has it's own importance which can not be overlooked. In the same manner attractiveness and magnetism of man's personality is the result of his inner radiance. Therefore a man should endeavour to adopts all the means that are helpful in the growth and increment of intelligence, food-grains, wealth and radiance.

(37) PRAVRIDASI PAVRITE TVAA VIVRIDASI VIVRITE TVAA SAVRIDASI SAVRITE TVAA |

-------------(15/9 Yajurveda)

You are the one who inspire everybody to do his duty; I am inspired by your 'inspiration of duty';You are directly or indirectly involved with each and every action that takes place in this world. Your morality is impeccable and that is why I am inspired by you.

We should take inspiration from learned-people and sages and put them into practice. We should try to accomplish our work by employing fair means. A scholar who also possesses good character is respected and emulated by all.

(38) YATHA NAH SARVAMIJJA GADAYAKSHMAM SUMANAA ASAT |

-------------(16/4 Yajurveda)

O Rudra ! may the entire universe be free from diseases and all it's inhabitants should be blessed with supreme thoughts.

A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Good thought can be imbibed by reading and studying good books and by contemplating on them. Therefore one should regularly exercise and take nutritious food.

(39) NIHAARENA PRAAVRITAA JALPYAA CHAASUTRIP UKTHA SHAASASCHARANTI |

-------------(17/31 YAJURVEDA)

Those whose minds are covered by the darkness of ignorance, who merely play with words just to impress people and receive their recognition as 'enlightened-souls' but believe only in preserving their bodies are nothing but hyppocrites. Ignorance makes a man atheist and makes him bereft of divine knowledge the attainment of which is the prime objective of man's life. Just as the maxim goes that 'little knowledge is dangerous things' such pseudo-intellectuals are a threat to the society because they poison the minds of common man. One cannot attain god unless ignorance is washed away. Ignorant people search God 'without' but the fact is that God is present within each individual in the form of consciousness- the fountainhead of divine-knowledge. The attainment of divine-knowledge leads to 'bliss' and finally 'God-realisation'.

(40) UDGRAABHAM CHA NIGRAABHAM CHA BRAHMA DEVAA AVEEVRIDHAN |

-------------(17/64 Yajurveda)

May the Gods bless us with supreme capabilities so that we are always victor against our enemies and so that our knowledge is enhanced. In this particular 'richa' the deities have been prayed for strength and might so that we are successful in vanquishing our enemies. One should therefore constantly try to enhance his knowledge and strive for self-improvement by employing intelligent means so that our enemies don't even think of any misdemeanour against us.

(41) EYAKSHMAANAA BHRIGUBHIH SAJOSHHAH SWARYANTU YAJAMAANAAH SWASTI |

-------------(17/69 Yajurveda)

Even a desire of performing Yagya is enough to destroy all the sins of a man alongwith othe added benefits like love for mankind and attainment to heaven. This particular 'richa' eulogises the virtues of 'yagya' in glowing terms and implying that one who makes a resolution to perform an 'yagya' and then accomplishes it successfully not only get absolved of all his sins but is also blessed with many other virtues like love for entire mankind.Such a man definitely attains to heaven after his death.

(42) VAAJASHYA ME PRASAVASHCHA ME PRAYATISHCHA MEIN
PRASITISHCHA MEIN DHEETISHCHA MEIN KRATUSHCHA ME
SWASHCHA ME SHLOKASHCHA ME SHRAVASHCHA ME
SHRUTISHCHA ME JYOTISHCHA ME SWASHCHA ME YAGYENA KALPANTAAMA|

-------------(18/1 Yajurveda)

May the peformance of this 'yagya' brings to me- food, comforts, perseverance , discriminative-intelligence , pure-speech and hearing, radiance, inner-strength and energy to performs and eulogise the virtues of 'Yagya'.
The acquirement of above mentioned virtues and qualities shall unequivocally lead to success and prosperity.

(43) YADAA KUTAATSAM SUSRODDHADO VAA MANASO VAA SAMBHRITAM CHAKSHUSHO VAA |

-------------(18/58 Yajurveda)

One should endeavour to acquire 'absolute-knowledge' by keeping his heart, mind and all the senses (external) open. The source of knowledge is undoubtedly within us. We have to just imbibe it by self -study, introspection, contemplation and action. We would strive to enhance our 'knowledge' as much as possible.

(44) SHANYUNA PATNI SANYAAJAANSA MISHTA YAJUSHAA SANSTHAAM |

-------------(19/29, Yajurveda)

Practice of self-control and restraint is helpful in developing a cordial relationship between husband and wife. Unanimous decision decision taken by an institution helps it to function smoothly. Any plan that an institution or an organisation desires to implement for the welfare of society can not be successful unless and until it is unanimous. Difference of opinions will definitely mar its prospects.

Similarly,over-indulgence in sensual pleasues acts as a barrier and hinderence in married life. By exercising little bit of self-control one can tremenously enjoy his married life. Excess of anything leads to monotony and gradual decline of interest in that particular thing on the contrary a 'middle-path' always increases its charm.

(45) VRATENA DIKSHAA MAAPNOTI DIKSHAAYAA AAPNOTI DAKSHINAAM DAKSHINAA SHRADDHA-MAAPNOT SHRADDHYA SATYA MAAPYATE|

-------------(19/30, Yajurveda)

Austerities helps a man to attain efficiency. Efficiency develops faith which is helpful in experiencing 'Satya' or truth.

When a person resolves to do a Yagya,he naturally puts his heart and soul into it for its successful accomplishment. Constant practise of austerities increases his eficiency. Accomplishment of austerities and the resultasnt efficiency develops staunch-faith and unflinching-devotion in 'Yagya'. Ultimately, devotion and faith in Yagya helps him to experience 'Satya' or truth.

(46) RITEN SATYAM INDRIYAM VIPAANAM SHUKRAMANDHASA INDRASYE INDRIYAMIDAM PAYO AMRITAM MADHU|

-------------(19/76, Yajurveda)

Realisation of absolute-truth and the consequential knowledge urges him to indulge in virtuous deeds which automatically brings abundance of food, milk, honey, comfort, radiance, glory, powerful and strong army.
By following the righteous path one can get all the good qualities and things mentioned above. Therefore, one should strive for 'Satya' and follow the righteous path with unwavering faith.

(47) NISHSAADA DHRITVRATO VARUNAH PASTYAASWA SAAMRAAJYAAYA SUKRATUH MRITYOH PAAHI VIDYOTPAHI|

-------------(20/2, Yajurveda)

May who treads the path of truth and accomplishes austerities of the 'yagya' be blessed with 'good-intellect' and earn honour and respect in the society for his good deeds. May he protect the people from life threatening natural events like 'lightening' and 'death'.
The person who accomplishes his tasks in a desciplined way is blessed with leadership qualities and he naturally becomes the leader of the masses. It is natural for such a man to think of people's well-being and welfare. Such benevolent deeds naturally brings name and fame to him and he receives honour and accolades from people.

(48) BAAHU ME BALAM INDRIYAM HASTAU ME KARMA VEERYAM|

-------------(20/7, Yajurveda)

May my shoulders and every sense organ be strong. May both my hands be blessed with valiance and be constantly engaged in deeds.
There is no doubt that if sense organs and limbs are active and functioning to their potential then it naturally shows on man's strength and power.

(49) MAHO ARNAH SARASWATI PRA CHETAYATI KETUNAA DHIYO VISHWA VI RAAJATI|

-------------(20/86, Yajurveda)

Saraswati- the goddess of knowledge and learning illuminates the vast expanse of the sky with the light of consciousness and enlightens the minds of people with all kinds of diverse knowledge.

It is explained that goddess enlightens all the minds with knowledge. Emulating Her,a man should with the help of his awakened consciousness illuminate his mind with the light of knowledge.

(50) SHAM NO BHAVANTU VAAJINO HAVESHU DEVATAATAA MITADRAVAH SWARKAAH| JAMBHAYANTO AHIM VRIKAM RAKSHAANSI SANEMYASMADYU YAVANA NAMIVAAH||

-------------(21/10, Yajurveda)

O Scholars! Just like the deities invoked in the 'Yagya',you are strong and intelligent, disciplined and blessed with supreme-knowledge. May you free us from the terror of snakes, demons, wolves so that our yagya could be accomplished successfully and we are blessed with eternal happiness and good health. Scholars who are expert of their respective fields are respected by masses. During the vedic period people were faced problems in accomplishing their yagyas because of wild creatures like snakes, demons wolves, etc.So,in this richa scholars are invoked to neutralize the terror of such problematic creatures.

(51) TATSA VITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI DHIYO YONAH PRACHODAYAT|

-------------(22/9,30/2, Yajurveda)

We contemplate on the divine form of Almighty, who is the creator,protector and preserver of the Universe and who inspires our intelligence to follow the path of virtuosity.

Gayatri Mantra has been formed by adding 'Om Bhurbhuvah Swah' in the above mantra of the Yajurveda. The Gayatri mantra is as follows-

AUM BHUR BHUVAH SWHAH TATSA VITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI DHIYO YONAH PRACHODAYAAT|

This mantra means - 'AUM' the supreme cosmic soul is the creator of this universe and the provider of all the comforts and luxuries of life. He is the one, who enlightens the minds of all the creatures- who is pure and free from any kind of impurity and worthy of being eulogised.
We consecrate this almighty in the temple of our heart so that he leads us to the path of virtuosity by making our intelligence pure. Having unflinching devotion in Him and indulging oneselves in virtuous deeds gives peace and prosperity.

(52) AAYURYAGYEN KALPATAAM PRANO YAGYEN KALPATAAM CHAKSHURYAGYEN KALPATAAM SHROTRAM YAGYEN KALPATAAM VAAGYAGYEN KALPATAAM MANO YAGYEN KALPATAAM ATMAYAGYEN KALPATAAM BRAHMAA YAGYEN KALPATAAM JYOTIRYAGYEN KALPATAAM SWARYAGYEN KALPATAAM PRISHTHAM YAGYEN KALPATAAM YAGYO YAGYEN KALPATAAM|

-------------(22/23, Yajurveda).

May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' bless us with long-life. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' strenghthen our vital-force or 'prana'. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' strenghthen our vision. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' improve our hearing. May the accomplishment of 'Yagya' improve our speech. May our soul become enlightened by the virtues attained from the performance of 'Yagya'.May 'Brahma' derive power from the 'Yagya'. May the flames of self-knowledge be enkindled in our heart by the virtue of Yagya. May we attain to 'Swarga' and 'Brahmaloka' by the virtues of 'Yagya'. Let the accomplishment of 'Yagya' propagates the tradition of 'Yagya'.