Yajna (यज्ञः)

Characteristics of Yajna (Vedic Rituals):

‘Yajna’ (Vedic Rituals) is the most important feature of Vedic literature. It occupies very important cultural position in the literature and life as well. The word ‘Yajna’ is derived from the root ‘Yaj’ – to Worship or offering an oblation to a deity and paying one’s respect to it. Its meaning is further drawn signifying devotion in different ways. The materials offered to ‘Yajna’ are called ‘Havis’. The performance of offering, the dedicated ‘Havis’ into the principal of universal fire is ‘Homa’. ‘Adhvara’, ‘Kratu’, ‘Makha’, ‘Yaga’ and ‘Medha’ are other words used as synonyms for the term ‘Yajna’ in general sense though there are many features which differ among themselves. These play a great role in shaping our civilization order and peace. 

The Yajna is classified into three types viz. ‘Nitya’(Daily), ‘Naimittika’ (Occasional) and ‘Kamya’ (Optional) based on the practice. ‘Nitya’ is that which is performed daily, ‘Naimittika’ is attended to on particular occasion and ‘Kamya’ is that which is performed to attain some special object.

Spiritual sense

All activities in the limitless expansion of the universe are said to have generated from a grand eternal यज्ञ || Yagya.

Atharva Veda (9.15.14) describes Yagya as:

"अयम् यज्न विस्ह्वस्य भुवनस्य नभेएहि ||"

"ayam yajna vishvasya bhuvanasya nabheehiâ ||"

Meaning : Yagya as the fundamental process of manifestation of nature.

In physical terms, Yagya (होम || homam, हवन || havan or अग्निहोत्र || agnihotra) is a process of herbal sacrifices in holy fire aimed at the finest utilization of the subtle properties of sacrificed matter with the help of the thermal energy of fire and the sound energy of the mantras. Modern scientific research has also shown significant therapeutic applications of Yagya and also affirmed its potential in purification of environment. 

Literally speaking, Yagya means - selfless sacrifice for noble purposes. Sacrificing ego, selfishness and material attachments and adopting rational thinking, humane compassion and dedicated creativity for the welfare of all - is indeed the best Yagya which should be performed by all human beings. The philosophy of Yagya teaches a way of living in the society in harmony, a living style to promote and protect higher humane values in the society - which is indeed the basis of the ideal human culture.

Vedic yagyas (other name, yajna, yagna) are performed to create positive effects and avoid unwanted effects in the different areas of life of individuals and nations and to have the best possible nature support. Many people use the yagna or yajna words instead of yagya, the meaning of it is the same. We use the vedic word because yagyas are based on the knowledge of the ancient saints of vedic tradition. Vedic yagyas are done by specially trained वैदिक पण्डित || vedic pandits (pundits), who are the experts of vedic ceremonies, performances, and who live their lives' according to the rules of vedic tradition. Yagnas, yajnas are performed through the recitation of sound or vedic mantras to reach certain result. This is vedic music, vedic vibration. It is possible to use them as prevention but it is also possible to use them for promoting the different areas of life. The benefits of the yagya reigning are the vedic health, wealth, harmony and evolution. Head pandit is the expert of ज्योतिष || jyotish (astrologer), that vedic science which can be used to predict the life events of the individuals and which can be the well-grounded base of suggesting the necessary yagya services for a balanced life.

References

1. http://www.awgp.org/spiritual_wisdom/yagya
2. http://www.vedicyagya.com/about-yagya