"Yajna," a term used throughout Sanskrit literature, the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, essentially represents the concept of "holy ritual" or "sacrifice". Derived from Sanskrit language, Yajna consists of ceremonial offerings, often in the form of fire, which are meant to honor deities or achieve certain spiritual, philosophical outcomes.

In the Mahabharata, the Yajna has plentiful references, representing various forms of sacrifices like Ashvamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice), Rajasuya Yajna (royal consecration sacrifice), and many others. These accounts often depict royal figures presiding large-scale Yajnas as part of court rituals or important events. They serve as a quest for power, respect, authority, and divine blessings.

Meanwhile, in the Bhagavad Gita, Yajna takes on a more philosophical perspective. Krishna, in his discourse to Arjuna, broadens the concept beyond the physical ritual. He defines Yajna as a duty or action performed for the betterment of society or the world at large without expecting anything in return. He emphasizes selfless action (Karma Yoga) is the ultimate Yajna.

Within general Sanskrit literature, Yajna has been depicted as an integral part of Vedic culture, a social ritual often performed by the householders. It is depicted not just as an offering to deities rather a mean to maintain the balance in the cosmos. Some literature also interprets Yajnas as a mechanism to fortify social relationships within the class-based society.

To conclude, Yajna in Sanskrit, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita symbolizes selfless commitment to duty and action, offering a transformative pathway towards spiritual enlightenment and social harmony.