Yajnas (Fire sacrifices for different purposes)

According to the different material needs of the persons concerned, different types of yajnas are recommended in the Vedas. But ultimately all yajnas are meant for gradual promotion to the transcendental position. The Lord can be pleased by the performance of sacrifices; therefore, one who cannot perform them will find himself in scarcity. This is the low of nature.

"The demigods, being pleased by the sacrifices, will also please you; thus nourishing one another, there will reign general prosperity for all." (Bhagavad-Gita 3-11)

Performance of yajnas has many side benefits, ultimately leading to liberation from material bondage. Some of the yajnas are meant to satisfy particular demigods; but even so doing, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in all yajnas as the chief beneficiary.

It is stated in Bhagavad-Gita that Krishna Himself is the beneficiary of all kinds of yajnas: bhoktaram yajna-tapasam. Therefore, ultimate satisfaction of yajna-pati is the chief purpose of all yajnas. When these yajnas are perfectly performed, naturally the demigods in charge of different departments of supply are pleased.

"In charge of the various necessities of life, the demigods, being satisfied by the performance of yajna [sacrifice], will supply all necessities to you. But he who enjoys such gifts without offering them to the demigods in return is certainly a thief". (Bhagavad-Gita 3-12)

"Act of sacrifice, charity and penance are not to be given up; they must be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity and penance purify even the great souls." (Bhagavad-Gita 18-5)