YAJNA

(Sanskrit: sacrifice, offering), in Hinduism, worship based on rites prescribed in the earliest scriptures of ancient India, the Vedas, in contrast to puja (q.v.), which may include image worship and devotional practices non-Vedic in origin. A yaja is always purposeful, even though the aim may be as general as sustaining the natural order of the universe. Correct performance of the ritual and recitation of the necessary mantras, or sacred formulas, is considered essential; and the performer and the objects employed must all be in a high state of purity. Such ritual requirements gave rise to the professional class of priests, the modern Brahmans, who are still required to officiate at all important public yajas. Many orthodox Hindu householders continue to perform the mahayajas, the five daily domestic offerings.