Agnistoma, the first of the seven somayajnas, is a ritual performed once a year during the spring. Also known as Jyotistoma, this ritual lasts for six days. Literally Agnistoma means ‘the praise of Agni’. During this ritual, the hymns from
Sama Veda are recited.
Agnistoma is originally performed as a feast for all gods, before whom food-offerings such as milk, butter and the soma (nectar obtained by the pressing of some plants) drink are set on the holy grass before the altar. During the yagna, the triple pressing of the soma is performed at specific intervals during the day.
The Agnistoma can only be performed by a Brahmin whose ancestors have did it before him.
