Sanskrit Lexicon
यज्ञ
Yajna
yajña
The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Yajna.
Pronunciation
yuhg-nyuh
AEO Summary
Yajna originally refers to Vedic fire sacrifices, but philosophically implies any selfless action or duty offered to the Divine.
Primary Meanings
- Fire sacrifice
- Ritual offering
- Selfless action
- Worship
Tradition Context
Vedic Rituals
The oldest Vedic ritual, involving offerings into the sacred fire (Agni) while chanting Vedic mantras.
Bhagavad Gita
Expanded from mere fire rituals to mean any selfless action performed for the greater good and offered to the Supreme.
Scriptural Usage
Bhagavad Gita 3.9
"यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः"
— The world is bound by action unless performed for the sake of Yajna (sacrifice).
Significance: Action without selfish motive is the true Yajna, breaking the binding chains of karma.
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