When we read the Bhagavat Geetha, the noble thoughts on spirituality gives us inexplicable pleasure. I have been fascinated by the unparallel renditions of Sri Krishna.

Through 18 chapters, various aspects of spirituality are discussed in detail. One such aspect is Karmayoga. Yoga in one angle means all those actions to attain spiritual consciousness. In Karmayoga Lord Sri Krishna depicts the importance of Action in our life and the attitude and ways of performing one's duties.

Man is always in action. It can be mental, verbal, physical. He cannot exist without action. Through this perspective we have to discuss the importance of Karma in our life.

Here comes the Panchamahayajnas advocated to Householders. Yajna means in vedic sense, sacrifices for general well being. People generally understand Yajnas as Homas, Poojas etc. But Yajna Bhavana or Yajna Concept should be understood as those actions which will bring prosperity, peace and general welfare not only to the performer but to the world at large. It is the principle of Give and Take.

Panchamaha Yajnas are Five in number. They are 1)Brahma Yajna 2)Deva Yajna 3)Pitru Yajna 4) Nru Yajna 5) Bhoota Yajna.

Brahma Yajna or Rishi Yajna consists of Tapas,Swadhyaya which means austerities for mental,physical equanimity and study of scriptures with meaning. Through this our knowledge is enriched and can visualise any problem with wisdom and find solutions. Through swadhyaya we are repaying our debts towards Rishis. It is very important for a householder to acquire the necessary knowledge of God and spirituality so that his life in this world will be peaceful and meaningful.

Deva Yajna consists of respectful ablutions to deva concepts of Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Space. These Five elements are indispensable in our life. The physical homas, poojas etc are included in this Yajna. We are made of These five elements. We experience the world because of these elements. We see because of Light which is the manifestation of Fire. We get taste because of Water content in our Palate. We sense the smell because of Earth element in our nose. We hear because of Air. We feel the sense of touch because of space. So we are indebted to these elements. Indian spirituality has attributed Deva status to Vayu, Agni, Varuna, Bhoomi Devi, Indra. So Deva Yajna is actually Thanksgiving to these Devas.

Pitru yajna means those services we render to our Parents and forefathers while they are living. It is misunderstood as the rites we perform after the death of our loved ones. We should help our parents, give whatever they want to their hearts's content while they are alive. That is most important. Remembering once in a year and performing services also is recommended. That day if we are able to give food to the poor, Clothes to the needy, these are also termed as Pitru Yajna.

Nru Yajna means treating our guests. Guest or Athithi is one who comes without informing. In our concept Athithi is equivalent to God. It also includes considering all living beings as equal to ourself and providing help when needed. Global brotherhood is a concept of Nru yajna.

Bhoota yajna means giving food to Birds, animals, ants and other living beings which we see around. In our ancient times the householders never used to take food before offering them to other living beings. Also it was common,at night the mother of the house will call out loudly that whether anybody is without food for that night. Pets are nothing but living beings with whom we should share our food and love. It is told that in the earlier Brahmin homes, Kolams or drawings used to be put in front of the house with Rice powder so that ants will come and eat it. This is a typical example of Bhoota Yajna.

These five Yajnas will definitely help us to live peacefully. We will get mental satisfaction if we are able to do all these yajnas punctually. Material prosperity and Spiritual bliss will follow a person who does these Yajnas with devotion and dedication.

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI!!