Yagna (also spelled yajna or yagya) is the archetypal Vedic ritual: oblations of ghee, grains, and herbs are offered into the sacred fire while priests chant mantras, with Agni carrying the offerings to the devas. The terms yagna, havan, and homa overlap in everyday use, though yagna often denotes the larger, more elaborate rites — historically including royal sacrifices like the Ashvamedha and Rajasuya — while havan/homa usually refers to domestic fire rituals. The Bhagavad Gita broadens yagna into a philosophy of sacrifice, teaching that any selfless action offered without attachment is a form of yagna. Large community yagnas for rain, peace, or world welfare (such as Maha Rudra or Ati Rudra yagnas) remain living traditions.