What were Yajna and Yagas important during the Vedic period?

Yagas and yajnas were an integral part of the religious practices during the Vedic period.

1. Yagnas which included animal sacrifices were done to get good rainfall and to win over the enemies.

2. The yagnas were headed by a priest who was called as Hotaru. He recited slokas needed for the yagna.

3. Agni or the God of Fire was given priority in all yagnas.

4. Shlokas on Lord Indra were also recited. Lord Rudra was also given prominence. Minor gods such as God of Cultivation, God of plough were also worshipped during yagnas.

5. During the post Vedic period, different yagnas like Samaan, Adhvaryu, and Atharvan were conducted. Based on these yagnas, the names of the other three Vedas, Yajur, Sama and Atharva emerged.

6. Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra were worshipped as prominent Gods during yajnas.

Ashwamedha Yaga was performed as a special yoga by almost all the kings. A royal horse was allowed to roam all over the territories and return to the capital.