Yajman

A mini story:Yajman

Let me first explain the meaning of "Yajman".For every family ,there is a Purohit a chaste Brahmin who doe all Hindu rites like marriage,various pujas and death anniversary rites etc.Purohit calls the family members as Yajman.This continues from generation to generation.Purohit is held at high respect by the Yajmans.

Mr.Khirod Tripathy is a Brahmin,but a qualified civil engineer and serving as Surintendent engineer in the government.He was staying inthe Govt quarter in a colony meant for government employees.Being well qualified,he doesnot do Yajmani.But his ancesters were doing.In every sunday,he does not take bath in bath room,rather goes to near by river and does sun worship and Tarpan.While going to river,he passes through a small village where poor people live.One sunday ,he was returning to his quarter through that Basti after taking bath in the river.He was bare bodied and sacred thread was shining bright on his chest.Whle passing through the village,he saw one widow was crying.He asked her why for you are crying.She said today is the death death aninversary of her husband.Due to un aviodable circumstances,their Purohit,Nakul Panda could not come.If she does not offer Shrada her husband's soul will remain hungry for one year.Therefore she is crying.Mr Tripathy wuthout disclosing his identity said I am also a Brahmin,if you say I can do the Shrad rites.When she saw the sacred thread,she said,if you do,I shall be grateful.So he entered poor woman's house and did the rites uttering Slokas in right manner.When over,she offered him 1/2 kg boiled rice,one brinjal,one green banana,some salt,a piece of pumpkin and 5 rupees.He accepted these with a smiling face.She bowed with great respect and touched his feet.He blessed her.She requested for taking food,which Mr.Tripathy denied apologetically.When he returned to his quarter,his mother asked the cause of delay.He gave those boiled rice and vegetables and Rs.5/to her and told I am happy with this earning .His mother was glad to learn the story and instructed daughter inlaw to cook them and all of us will eat.Because,I am proud that my son has done Yajmani duty as a brahmin.