The yagyas were performed starting in the morning with a full 5 hour fire yagya (homam) followed by afternoon or evening abishekam yagyas where the offerings are liquid (milk, ghee, sesame oil, water, coconut juice, panchaamritam, sandal powder mixed in water, turmeric mixed in water, rose water) and poured over the diety.

The purpose of a homam is to strengthen the positive qualities of the planets.  The abishekam offers a soothing influence to calm planets that are out of balance in our jyotish chart.