In Indian religions, a homa (Sanskrit: होम), also known as homam (plural: homams) or havan, is a fire ritual performed on special occasions. In Hinduism, by a Hindu priest usually for a homeowner (grihastha: one possessing a home). The grihastha keeps different kinds of fire including one to cook food, heat the home, among other uses; therefore, a yajna offering is made directly into the fire. A homa is sometimes called a "sacrifice ritual" because the fire destroys the offering, but a homa is more accurately a "votive ritual". The fire is the agent, and the offerings include those that are material and symbolic such as grains, ghee, milk, incense, and seeds.
It is rooted in the Vedic religion, and was also adopted in ancient times by Buddhism and Jainism. The practice spread from India to Central Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Homa rituals remain an important part of many Hindu ceremonies, and variations of homa continue to be practiced in current-day Buddhism, particularly in parts of Tibet and Japan. It is also found in modern Jainism.
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