Fault, crime, sin, offense, evil. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

However carefully a man may live, he is prone to commit five types of doshas (offences) unwittingly. The first of these relates to the use of words. The second relates to actions like sweeping and cleaning. The third relates to walking. The fourth relates to the use of fire for different purposes. The fifth concerns the use of water.

The words one uses may cause pain to others, or harm them in one way or another. Moreover, in the act of speaking many germs may get killed. Their death affects us even if we are not aware of it. When we sweep or clean the house, countless ants or other insects may be destroyed. Likewise, when we are walking, many tiny creatures may get crushed under the feet without our knowing it. When fire is lit for one purpose or another, some living objects may get burnt. When water is used for washing or other purposes, several microbes and other organisms may be killed. These five types of offences, though they may be committed unconsciously, have their effects on a man’s life and may cause suffering and sorrow. How is one to avert the consequences of such offences? The Vedanta (concluding essence of ancient revealed scriptures, the vedas) has laid down five kinds of Yajnas (sacrificial acts) to expiate for such offences. These are: DevaYajna, PitruYajna, DaivaYajna, BhutaYajna and AtithiYajna. These five kinds of Yajnas help to mitigate the consequences of the five types of doshas (offences).(SSS Vol.17, pp. 74-75)