Significance of Yajna
Synonyms: Sacrifice, Offering, Ritual, Ceremony, Worship, Oblation, Devotion
In Dutch: Yajna; In Finnish: Yajna; In Spanish: Yajna; In German: Gebet
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 symbolizes Vedic rituals involving offerings to deities, often accompanied by chanting mantras, aimed at invoking blessings, maintaining cosmic order, and fostering spiritual connections within communal and individual practices.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A traditional sacrifice or ritual performed according to specified rules.[1] (2) A Vedic ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras.[2] (3) A Vedic ritual for offerings or sacrifices, significant in the religious practices being discussed.[3] (4) A ritual sacrifice or offering made in reverence to deities, specifically mentioned as 'yajnah'.[4] (5) A sacrificial ritual performed as part of Vedic traditions, signifying offerings to deities.[5]
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.[6] (2) Sacrifice; one of the practices in earlier Yugas which kirtana can replicate in terms of spiritual benefits.[7] (3) Sacrificial rituals performed with devotion, whose perfection leads to the receipt of desirable boons.[8] (4) Ritual sacrifices performed to please the deities and ensure the harmony of the universe.[9] (5) Ritualistic sacrifices established by Brahma to nourish and maintain the cosmic order.[10]
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.[11] (2) A Vedic sacrificial ritual that is associated with fire and offerings, symbolizing the practice of charity and worship in Treta-yuga.[12] (3) A Vedic ritual performed by Lord Gaura in memory of his father, embodying honor and reverence.[13] (4) A Vedic ritual of offerings made to the demigods, which Jagannatha Mishra performs to seek blessings for his son, Lord Gaura.[14]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A Vedic sacrifice or ritual performed to invoke deities and fulfill desires.[15] (2) Sacrificial rituals performed as per the Vedic tradition to fulfill specific desires.[16] (3) A ritual sacrifice or offering to the divine, which is equated with Vishnu, signifying selfless action.[17]
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.[18]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) a sacrifice in which a deity is propitiated by chanting prayers and offering ghee.[19]
From: 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.[20] (2) Vedic rituals and sacrifices performed as offerings to deities.[21] (3) Vedic rituals or sacrifices intended to invoke divine blessings, often considered a means to attain spiritual merit.[22] (4) Ceremonial sacrifices or rituals offered to please the gods and derive blessings, which Mahisha plans to share after conquest.[23] (5) Sacrificial rituals mentioned in the Vedas intended to produce specific outcomes, including the destruction of enemies.[24]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Vedic rituals of offerings performed to deities, which yield spiritual benefits.[25] (2) Sacrificial offerings performed by Devas, which are part of the worship associated with Agni, the Fire-god.[26] (3) Rituals or sacrifices performed to honor deities and invoke blessings.[27] (4) A sacred sacrifice that Bharadvaja is devoted to and wishes to protect.[28] (5) Sacrificial rituals that sages initiated again for spiritual significance.[29]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Ritual sacrifices performed by kings like Devavridha, considered vital for prosperity and good fortune.[30] (2) A sacred ceremony or sacrifice that the ascetic Kashyapa is engaged in, which influences the fate of Vajranabha.[31] (3) The Hindu ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras, crucial for spiritual fulfillment.[32] (4) Yajnas are grand sacrifices performed, notably by King Arjuna, involving offerings and rituals.[33] (5) Vedic rituals or sacrifices performed to appease the gods, which were hindered by Andhaka's interference.[34]
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.[35] (2) Sacrificial rituals prescribed in the Vedas, which can be interpreted broadly to include all selfless actions performed with the right intention.[36] (3) A sacrificial ritual in Vedic tradition, which signifies action performed for a higher purpose.[37] (4) 'Yajna' refers to sacrificial rituals and actions performed for divine purposes, considered non-binding when done selflessly.[38]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A sacred ritual or sacrifice performed in reverence to deities, referencing the spiritual connection to the divine.[39]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A Vedic term referring to sacrificial rituals meant to create harmony between humans and the divine.[40]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Another term for sacrifice, indicating a ritualistic offering that can be associated with Hiranyagarbha as a Pankta.[41]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ceremonial offerings and sacrifices made to deities as a method of worship, central to Hindu spirituality.[42]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A sacred sacrifice or ritual that is central to achieving success and obtaining spiritual merit.[43]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to the sacrificial ritual or the act of offering itself, integral in various contexts within the text.[44] (2) Another term for sacrifice, emphasizing the act of giving and the transformative nature of the ritual.[45] (3) The sacrifice that symbolizes the union between Yajna and Vac (speech), having both divine and earthly implications.[46]
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.[47]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The sacrificial ritual itself, which is interlinked with the practice of reciting verses dedicated to Vishnu.[48]
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.[49]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A ritual sacrifice or worship performed for various purposes, often involving offerings to deities.[50]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A Vedic term referring to the sacrificial rites and offerings made to deities during the process of worship.[51]
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.[52]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A Vedic ritual of offerings made to the gods, which a Jyotishaka must understand.[53]
Jain concept of 'Yajna'
In Jainism, Yajna is interpreted as a sacred ritual or sacrifice, highlighting its importance in religious practices and community spirituality. It embodies the commitment to faith through structured ceremonies and offerings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A sacred ritual or sacrifice, significant in the context of religious practices.[54]
The concept of Yajna in local and regional sources
Yajna encompasses various sacrificial rituals integral to both Balinese and Vedic traditions, symbolizing spiritual and worldly aims, legitimizing authority, and highlighting interconnectedness through offerings to deities, as detailed in sacred texts and rituals.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A sacrificial ritual representing the continuous offering made to the deities, whether in the cosmic context or within the body of a person.[55] (2) A Vedic ritual of offerings accompanied by chanting, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence.[56] (3) A Vedic term for a form of sadhana characterized by sacrifices that are seen not as ends in themselves but as means for achieving spiritual and worldly aims.[57]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The performance of Yajnas is mentioned as the corner-stone of the work-portion of the Vedas, indicating its importance in the Vedic tradition.[58]