Significance of Yajna
Yajna, as defined in various spiritual traditions, particularly Hinduism, represents a sacrificial ritual that embodies the act of offering, aimed at creating a communion between the earthly and divine realms. It encompasses a range of practices, including the chanting of Vedic mantras and offerings to deities, which are integral to spiritual and communal life. Each tradition interprets Yajna uniquely, from its divine implications in Vaishnavism to its role in maintaining cosmic order in Upsanas and Dharmashastra, emphasizing the significance of sacrifice in spiritual merit and devotion.
Synonyms: Sacrifice, Offering, Ritual, Ceremony, Worship, Oblation, Devotion
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Yajna'
Yajna in Hinduism encompasses various Vedic sacrificial rituals, signifying devotion through offerings to deities, accompanied by chanting mantras. These rites exemplify spiritual practices aimed at achieving prosperity, harmony, and divine blessings within the tradition.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Ritual offerings performed to appease deities, considered essential for the sustenance and balance of the cosmos.[1] (2) A Vedic ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras, crucial in Hindu religious practices.[2] (3) Holy rites or sacrifices performed for divine favor, questioned on their value when disconnected from the realization of the Supreme Atman.[3] (4) Sacrificial rites based on the Vedas that sustain the Devas.[4] (5) A sacrificial ritual that involves offerings made to deities.[5]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) Sacrificial rituals performed by kings, including Budha, as acts of devotion and piety.[6] (2) Sacrificial rituals that involve offering to the fires.[7] (3) Ritual sacrifices performed by individuals like Kauberaka on the heights of mountains.[8] (4) A Vedic ritual of offerings to deities for maintaining cosmic order.[9] (5) Sacred fire sacrifices performed to please deities and maintain cosmic order.[10]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The sacrificial offering made to the Devas, viewed as a means of generating positive energy and maintaining harmony in the universe.[11] (2) Vedic rituals and sacrifices performed as offerings to deities.[12] (3) Vedic rituals or sacrifices intended to invoke divine blessings, often considered a means to attain spiritual merit.[13] (4) Ceremonial sacrifices or rituals offered to please the gods and derive blessings, which Mahisha plans to share after conquest.[14] (5) Sacrificial rituals mentioned in the Vedas intended to produce specific outcomes, including the destruction of enemies.[15]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) A ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting, symbolizing the connection between the material world and the divine.[16] (2) Ritual sacrifices that are part of the cosmic order and practices to please the divine.[17] (3) An incarnation of the Supreme Person that plays a role in guiding Manu and other functionaries in their duties.[18] (4) Sacrificial rituals outlined in Vedic texts, essential for maintaining cosmic order and spirituality.[19] (5) A Vedic sacrifice or ritual involving offerings to deities, characterized as a personification of the Cosmic Man, highlighting the importance of devotion and integration in worship.[20]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Vedic rituals of offerings performed to deities, which yield spiritual benefits.[21] (2) Sacrificial offerings performed by Devas, which are part of the worship associated with Agni, the Fire-god.[22] (3) Rituals or sacrifices performed to honor deities and invoke blessings.[23] (4) A sacred sacrifice that Bharadvaja is devoted to and wishes to protect.[24] (5) Sacrificial rituals that sages initiated again for spiritual significance.[25]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Ritual sacrifices performed by kings like Devavridha, considered vital for prosperity and good fortune.[26] (2) A sacred ceremony or sacrifice that the ascetic Kashyapa is engaged in, which influences the fate of Vajranabha.[27] (3) The Hindu ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras, crucial for spiritual fulfillment.[28] (4) Yajnas are grand sacrifices performed, notably by King Arjuna, involving offerings and rituals.[29] (5) Vedic rituals or sacrifices performed to appease the gods, which were hindered by Andhaka's interference.[30]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A Vedic ritual of offerings, often associated with selflessness and devotion, which signifies the importance of actions devoted to the welfare of others.[31] (2) Sacrificial rituals prescribed in the Vedas, which can be interpreted broadly to include all selfless actions performed with the right intention.[32] (3) A sacrificial ritual in Vedic tradition, which signifies action performed for a higher purpose.[33] (4) 'Yajna' refers to sacrificial rituals and actions performed for divine purposes, considered non-binding when done selflessly.[34]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) The son born to Akuti symbolizing sacrifice and worship, critical in Vedic rituals.[35] (2) An ancient sacrificial ritual that is central to the text’s religious practices and forms of worship.[36] (3) Holy rites and sacrifices indicative of the virtues and practices upheld by the brahmins.[37] (4) A Vedic fire sacrifice performed for various purposes, including the appeasement of deities.[38]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) A sacrificial ritual in Hinduism which is often associated with invoking deities.[39] (2) A type of ritual sacrifice performed to appease the deities, often involving offerings into a sacred fire.[40] (3) A Vedic ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras to deities as a form of worship.[41]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) Rituals performed for worship and adoration of the gods, which involve the Riks, the Yajus, and the Samans.[42]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) Vedic rituals of offerings made to deities, a crucial aspect of ancient Hindu practices.[43]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A type of Vedic ritual involving offerings into a sacred fire performed for various spiritual benefits.[44]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A sacred ritual or sacrifice performed in reverence to deities, referencing the spiritual connection to the divine.[45]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A traditional sacrifice or ritual performed according to specified rules.[46] (2) A Vedic ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras.[47] (3) A ritual sacrifice or offering made in reverence to deities, specifically mentioned as 'yajnah'.[48] (4) A Vedic ritual or sacrifice performed in honor of the Supreme being, central to spiritual practice in the context of the text.[49] (5) A sacrificial ritual performed as part of Vedic traditions, signifying offerings to deities.[50]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A Vedic ritual or sacrifice that is being conducted by Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, which he finds difficult to perform without divine support.[51] (2) Sacrifice; one of the practices in earlier Yugas which kirtana can replicate in terms of spiritual benefits.[52] (3) Sacrificial rituals performed with devotion, whose perfection leads to the receipt of desirable boons.[53] (4) Ritual sacrifices performed to please the deities and ensure the harmony of the universe.[54] (5) Ritualistic sacrifices established by Brahma to nourish and maintain the cosmic order.[55]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A sacred fire sacrifice performed by Brahma and the demigods as part of a ceremonial offering, reflecting the spiritual rites acknowledged by Lord Mahaprabhu.[56] (2) A Vedic sacrificial ritual that is associated with fire and offerings, symbolizing the practice of charity and worship in Treta-yuga.[57] (3) A Vedic ritual performed by Lord Gaura in memory of his father, embodying honor and reverence.[58] (4) A Vedic ritual of offerings made to the demigods, which Jagannatha Mishra performs to seek blessings for his son, Lord Gaura.[59]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A Vedic sacrifice or ritual performed to invoke deities and fulfill desires.[60] (2) Sacrificial rituals performed as per the Vedic tradition to fulfill specific desires.[61] (3) A ritual sacrifice or offering to the divine, which is equated with Vishnu, signifying selfless action.[62]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A Vedic sacrifice or offering that was originally a form of Vaishnavite worship but later adapted by other religious traditions.[63]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) a sacrifice in which a deity is propitiated by chanting prayers and offering ghee.[64]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Rituals and sacrifices that are performed in accordance with the Vedas, crucial to the Karmamimamsa philosophy.[65]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A Vedic term referring to sacrificial rituals meant to create harmony between humans and the divine.[66]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Another term for sacrifice, indicating a ritualistic offering that can be associated with Hiranyagarbha as a Pankta.[67]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ceremonial offerings and sacrifices made to deities as a method of worship, central to Hindu spirituality.[68]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A sacred sacrifice or ritual that is central to achieving success and obtaining spiritual merit.[69]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) A form of sacrifice or offering performed for the benefit of deities.[70] (2) Ritual sacrifices in Hinduism, often seen as pathways to spiritual realization and communion with the divine.[71] (3) Vedic rituals or sacrifices that serve as means for spiritual purification and attainment of higher consciousness.[72]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A ritual sacrifice that should not be performed if the Bhasmadharana is not completed.[73] (2) A sacred fire ritual invited by Saptatantu, which was intended to be performed without the presence of Shiva.[74]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to the sacrificial ritual or the act of offering itself, integral in various contexts within the text.[75] (2) Another term for sacrifice, emphasizing the act of giving and the transformative nature of the ritual.[76] (3) The sacrifice that symbolizes the union between Yajna and Vac (speech), having both divine and earthly implications.[77]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The broader term for sacrificial acts, under which both Yaga and Homa fall; it signifies the essence of offering and ritual.[78]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The sacrificial ritual itself, which is interlinked with the practice of reciting verses dedicated to Vishnu.[79]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The sacrificial offerings or rituals of worship performed in Hinduism, typically involving the sacred fire and numerous offerings to deities.[80]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Ritualistic sacrifices in ancient India that included performances of monologue.[81]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) A Vedic ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras.[82]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Sacrificial rites involving the chanting of Vedic mantras, practiced in the Vedic age to connect with the deities.[83]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A Vedic sacrificial rite performed for various purposes, such as for health or victory in war.[84]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Religious sacrifices or rituals that are believed to confer spiritual benefits, particularly when associated with health care or providing cures.[85]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A Vedic ritual of offerings made to the gods, which a Jyotishaka must understand.[86]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A ritual sacrifice or worship performed for various purposes, often involving offerings to deities.[87]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A Vedic term referring to the sacrificial rites and offerings made to deities during the process of worship.[88]
Jain concept of 'Yajna'
In Jainism, Yajna is interpreted as a sacred ritual or sacrifice, integral to religious practices, symbolizing devotion and spiritual purification within the Jain faith.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A sacred ritual or sacrifice, significant in the context of religious practices.[89]
The concept of 'Yajna' in local and regional sources
Yajna is a Vedic tradition involving sacrificial rituals central to educational practices and kingship, as well as a significant element in Balinese religions, encompassing unique symbols and purposes within various ritual cycles associated with deities.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) A vedic tradition involving sacrifices, as detailed in sacred texts and performed in ritual contexts.[90] (2) Ritual sacrifices conducted by priests that played a vital role in legitimizing the king's authority.[91] (3) Sacrificial rituals involving offerings to deities, integral to Vedic religious practices.[92]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) Various sacrificial rituals performed in Balinese religion, each with unique symbolism and purposes.[93] (2) A term for ritual sacrifices in Balinese religion, integral to the practice of five ritual cycles associated with various deities and forces.[94]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) A sacrificial ritual that was central to the educational practices and responsibilities of students during the Brahmanic period.[95]