Yajna, Yaaga, Homa, Havis

यज्ञ, याग, होम, हविस्
(Yajna, Yaaga, Homa, Havis)

The four terms generally refer to a sacrificial act, often in a sacrificial offering in a fire, but have various connotations.

यज्ञ
(Yajna)
A Yajna may mean (appropriate to the context) a sacrifice, sacrificial rite, an act of worship, any pious or devotional act, or spiritual offering or endeavour.

A fivefold yajna is enjoined on householders, particularly brahmins, as:

1.Bhoota Yajna. For the welfare of all beings- human and animal.

2. PitRu Yajna. Obsequial offerings, daily libations to the departed elders.

3. Deva Yajna. Offerings to all gods.

4.ManuShya Yajna. Offerings to people,hospitality, hospitable reception of guests.

5. Brahma Yajna. Teaching and reciting Vedas.

Note : A man had many rituals to perform for the benefit of the family and go out for earning bread for the family. So the division of duty for woman was to to do household works. And, from the religious side was prescibed service of the man. i.e. husband.

The word Yajna may be used in an extended sense for other pious, devotional, spiritual endeavours and projects and observances, e.g. Japayajna, Naamayajna, Geetayajna and the like.

याग
(Yaaga)
This is a public Yajna, on a very large scale, generally arranged by kings. Specialist priests for different specific duties (Advaryu as supervising priest, Hotra for reciting Rugveda, Udgaata for chantings hymns from Saamaveda, and up to 16 priests). Kratu is a yaaga in which animal sacrifice is prescribed.

होम
(Homa)
A Homa is a Yajna on a smaller scale, domestic in nature, performed with oblations for deities. Part of Devayajna. Recitation of PuruShasookta and of the Geetaa, etc.

हविस्
(Havis)
A Havis is offering into the fire.