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Besides, gods, brahmanas and guests a householder was expected to set apart some food for small creatures. The Vaisvadeva offerings are generally divided into three parts. The parts can be mentioned as first of all the oblations of the Vaisvadeva food are offered into the fire to various deities, it is called the Devayajna. Secondly the oblations of the food are offered at different places, this is called Bhutayajna and thirdly the oblations of the food are offered to the manes, this is called Pitryajna. These rites are followed by the feeding of a guest, which is called Atithiyajfia.
The householder was expected to make offering of food at four places. The first offering was made to Prthivi or Earth the second to Vayu or air, the third to Visvadevas and the fourth to Prajapati.
Bhutayajna implies that the householder was expected to set apart a portion of his daily food. He should do it not only for human beings but also for all living creatures in the universe. Underlying this duty of the householder was the Indian concept that all creation is a manifestation of the Universal Soul. If an individual wishes to live in harmony with the creation he should take food after feeding guests and setting apart some food for all the living beings in the universe.
(Last Updated on : 10-09-2009)
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