Model Of Agnistoma

Seven Soma Yāga s
Agnistoma It is the first of the Soma Yāga s and is the prakti (model) for others. Aajya to Agnimaruta is Agnistoma. 12 shastras are chanted in it + 12 samans. It is spread over five days and needs all the sixteen priests. It is performed annually in the spring season. The climax is reached during the madhyandinaasavana (extraction of the Soma juice, at midday) when the sacrificial fees are also distributed.
Atyagnistoma Agnistoma (1st to 12th stutis) + Shodashi (16th shastras)- 13 stutis totally.
Ukthya Soma in Ukthya vessel divided into 3 parts. Includes Agnistoma (12 shastras)+ Ukhtya (13th,14th & 15th shastras). After 13th stuthi offered to Indra Varuna , 14th to Indra Brihaspathi 15th to Indra Vishnu
Shodasi Has a

It is an optional form of Jyotiṣṭoma) and is performed in one day. The Aṣvins are offered puroḍaṣa. An ewe or a ram is sacrificed unto the goddess Sarasvati. As 29 shastras cannot be chanted in 24hrs this continues in night hence the name atiratra
Aptoryama A combination of Atiratra + 4 shastras. It is a modification of the Agniṣṭoma and is performed to fulfil any desire. The sacrificer is expected to gift away 1000 cows or even more. A chariot is also to be given to the hota priest

Chief Rituals Involved in Soma Yāga

Soma krya Purchase of Soma Yāga from Merchant by Advaryu. Yajamana carries bundle & Places in it on cart driven by 2 oxen and Subramanya priest is the driver.
Aathiyeshti Welcoming Soma as King by the Ritviks. Approaching Soma cart, place it on Asandi(wooden stool), guests offerings amidst hymns
Taanoopatr Grahana Pledge taken by Yajamana and Ritviks that we will not quarrel , harm or blame each other in the presence of fire.
Aapyayama Know as Swelling. Except Samavedins, all wash hands to touch and wet the Soma as Sadasya and Gravastat recites.
Ninhavana Yajamana hides prastara(grass) bundle takes place on every Upasad days
Pravrgya(Head) A rite in which hot milk is boiled in Mahavira pot, samans chanted by Prastota and offerings to

All the living entities on this planet is totally dependent on rain, ensuring timely and adequate rainfall helps in enriching the abundance, prosperity and well beings of all in the Universe.

In the study of Yajñas, Somayajñas plays a vital role in bringing Rainfall. The importance of Rain and its effect on the other things can be seen in the below verses.
अन्नाद्भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसम्भवः ।
यज्ञाद्भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञः कर्मसमुद्भवः ॥ ३-१४॥

annād bhavanti bhūtāni parjanyād annasaṁbhavah| yaġyād bhavati parjanyo yajñaḥ karmasamudbhavah|| BG 3.14 ||
All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from rain. Rains are produced by performance of yajña [sacrifice], and yajña is born of prescribed duties.
Human beings have devised their own ways of worshipping Fire (Agni) aiming to obtain strength from the spiritual source by give and take policies. Yajñas were performed to avoid dangerous happenings, to protect oneself with the divine energies, to attain prosperity, for gratitude expressing to seek blessings for a better world (Frits, Somayajipad, MacFarland, Nambudiri, & De Menil,