Author(s): Dr. Naba Kumar Das Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sanskrit (UG & PG) Sitananda College, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India Guest faculty, Dept. of Sanskrit, Rabindra Bharati University Email: nabakumardas@sitanandacollege.ac.in Page no: 1-11
Abstract: The Vedic literature presents Yajña as the central institution of ritual, philosophy, and social order. This paper explores select topics on yajñatattvas preserved in the Saṃhitās, Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas and Śrautasūtras. It begins with the etymology and origin of Yajña, tracing its mythical emergence from Prajāpat as a cosmic prototype. The study then outlines classifications—Śrauta rituals; Nitya, Naimittika and Kāmya and Praśchitta sacrifices; and the canonical triad of Iṣti Yajña,Paśu Yajna and Soma yajña. Detailed attention is given to Dravyas such as ghṛta, puroḍāśa, soma, paśu, and their symbolic values. The role of Devatās (Agni, Indra, Varuṇ, etc.), the function of Yajamāna and the organization of Ŗtvij priests (Hotṛ, Adhvaryu, Udgātṛ, Brahmā) are critically examined. Finally, the paper highlights the Brāhmaṇic interpretation of Yajña as the reenactment of cosmic sacrifice, thereby establishing its significance as both theological principle and socio-religious praxis in Vedic civilization. Keywords: Yajna, Origin, Yajamāna, Dravyam, Devata, Ritwik
