rule Vaajpeya Yajnas are conducted, for heaven Darshapaurna Maas Yajnas are conducted, for Saam Agni Jyotishtoma Yajnas are conducted, for siring a son Putreshti Yajnas are conducted and to overcome foes Shyena Yajnas are conducted. Yajna helps fulfill various desires and hence Prajaapati (creator) named it Kaamadhuka.
CHAPTER 8 WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF ‘YAJNA’? Yajna originates from the root word ‘Yaja’ in Sanskrit language. It means worship of divinity, congregation and charity. Yajna’s spiritual activity involves worship of divine powers of Almighty God, associating with God, devotion/meditation and whatever we call as ‘mine’ erroneously should be humbly placed at the feet of God so as to self surrender. Yajna also means humbly serving hallowed saints and associating with them with the aim of helping in their sacred mission. From the social standpoint we can say respecting our elders, friendship with those of our cadre and selflessly serving those of the lower strata of society too is true Yajna. Thus Yajna also connotes devotion to God, augmenting of the truth principle and mutual love and cooperation. Of course in terms of Havan or fire sacrifice Yajna is very well known. Even via fire ritual the above mentioned 3 goals can be attained. Following are some memorable quotes on Yajnas: “Yajna is the union of 3 sacred tasks viz. offering Havi to demigods, Vedic Mantra chanting and giving gifts/wealth to Ritwijas”. ……………………….Matsya Purana “Yajna is when preceptors teach Vedas to pious disciples along with Anga and Upanga”. “Yajna is that activity which pleases demigod Indra who in turn showers rain”. “Yajna is that program which helps us easily attain heaven and other hallowed worlds”. “Yajna is that program which leads to world welfare and well being”.