The name is derived from the root ‘Yaj’. It has a large number of derivatives, each with a particular meaning. But, the meanings most current are ‘Worship of God’ (Deva Puja) and charity, granting gifts. The Yajur Veda describes the modes and methods of performing Yajna and Yaga to propriate the Gods. Adhwara also means a ‘sacrifice’; so Yajur Veda is sometimes referred to as Adhwara Veda. The Yajur Veda has two recensions, one centring round the tradition of Aditya or the Sun and the other, around the tradition ofBrahma. The latter is distinguished as Krishna (Dark) Yajur Veda and the former as Sukla (White) Yajur Veda. The Sukla Yajur Veda Yajur Veda is widely current in North India while the Krishna recension is close to the hymns of the Rig Veda collections. The mantras or formulae contained in this are used in the worship of Gods and while placing offerings to the gods in the sacrificial fire.
The Sukla Yajur Veda had seventeen noteworthy branches but they too had to succumb to the ravages of time: Only two of them are available now. When we consider how momentous and meaningful (Mahat) these two are, one has to conclude that the unique value of this Veda is well nigh indescribable. (LKV, pp. 13-14)