The Darsha Purnamasa Vedic Rituals, also known as the Darshapurnamasa, are ancient Vedic sacrifices performed on the new moon (Darsha) and full moon (Purnamasa) days. These rituals are part of the broader category of Vedic sacrifices called yajnas and yagas.
The Darshapurnamasa rituals are considered obligatory and
are classified under the category of 'ishti,' a type of sacrifice performed by
four priests: adhvaryu, agnidhra, hotir, and brahman.
The term 'darsha' refers to the new moon day, while
'purnamasa' signifies the full moon day. Both rituals are nearly identical,
with only minor variations. Hence, they are often grouped together and referred
to as 'Darshapurnamasa.'
The Darsha sacrifice takes place on the new moon day and the
following day (pratipad), while the Purnamasa is performed on the full moon day
and the subsequent day.
The main difference in procedure between the Darsha and
Purnamasa rituals lies in the offering of purodasha (rice-cake). In Darsha, it
is offered to Indra and Agni, while in Purnamasa, it is offered to Agni-Soma.
The rituals begin with the sacrificer performing preliminary
activities such as shaving, bathing, and fasting on the 'upavasaha' day. This
is followed by various rites including anvadhana, pindapitryajna, Agnihotra,
preparation of offerings, repetition of verses, libations, and oblations.
The principal offerings are made with purodasha to the
accompaniment of puronuvakyas and yajyas chanted by the priests. In Darsha, the
offerings are made to Indra and Agni, while in Purnamasa, they are made to Agni
and Soma.
After the main offerings, secondary offerings are made to
Agni, followed by supplementary offerings, speeches of adoration, and
benediction by the priests.
The rituals conclude with minor rites including offerings to
the consorts of the deities, removal of the yoktra, expiatory rites, and
ceremonially taking four steps by the sacrificer.