WHAT IS AGNITHOTRA?

Agnihotra has a great reverence in the ancient science of Ayurveda. It is considered as a healing fire which purifies the atmosphere. Agnihotra is a ceremony performed daily at sunrise and sunset for purifying the surroundings with a specially ignited fire. It is an antidote for the issues we have created for ourselves and nature. It is the basic ‘HOMA’ amongst all the HOMA practices mentioned in ancient Vedic sciences such as psychotherapy, medicine, biogenetics, bio-energy, interplanetary communication, agriculture, and climate engineering.

The fire ceremony can be performed by anyone from any walk of the life for healing the atmosphere around them. Since ages, people have been performing the fire ceremony even at their home for creating positive vibes. The Sanskrit mantras help in making the change in the atmosphere.

WHAT HAPPENS WHILE AGNIHOTRA IS PERFORMED?

When the Agnihotra is performed, apart from the energy from the pious fire, subtle energies from mantras and rhythms are also created. These energies are spread in the atmosphere by the fire. Also, when various materials are burned, their qualities produce healing HOMA i.e. healing fire. Thus, the Agnihotra pyramid emanates pure healing energy.

During the ceremony, a tremendous amount of energy is accumulated around the copper pyramid. A magnetic field is created around the fire which reinforces positive energies and neutralizes the negative energies. Thus, a positive vibe is created by the performer of Agnihotra. The ceremony purifies the surroundings of the harmful radiations and pollutants. The resultant purified atmosphere offers nourishment to the plant life.

HOW IS THE PREPARATION FOR THE AGNIHOTRA FIRE CEREMONY DONE?

The Agnihotra ceremony can be performed only with help of certain ingredients which help in purifying the environment. For performing the Agnihotra fire ceremony, one needs to make the following preparation:

• A copper pyramid (agnihotra kund)
• Copper plate and pittal spoon
• Copper thongs
• Camphor
• Clarified butter (ghee)
• Full hull rice (unbroken)
• Dried cow-dung cakes
• Matchsticks
• Timetable for sunset and sunrise timing

THE FOLLOWING MANTRAS ARE CHANTED WHILE PERFORMING THE AGNIHOTRA:

Morning–
“Suryaya svaha suryaya idam na mama

                 Prajapataye svaha prajapataye idam na mama”

Evening–
Agnaye svaha agnaye idam na mama

               Prajapataye svaha prajapataye idam na mama”

HOW IS THE AGNIHOTRA CEREMONY PERFORMED?

• The fire kund is placed on a stone to prevent its contact from the ground.
• The performer needs to sit facing the east direction in the morning and west direction in the evening.
• Now, the dried cow-dung cakes are placed at the bottom of the pyramid after applying a generous amount of ghee.
• The cow-dung cakes are placed in such a way that air passes through them.
• Then the fire is light up in the pyramid. Initially, camphor is used for igniting the fire.
• A fan is used to kindle the fire. However, blowing from the mouth is prohibited.
• Later on, the small portions of rice are mixed with ghee and kept in a separate plate.
• At the exact time of the sunrise/ sunset, the small portion of rice is offered in the pyramid while chanting the mantra. The rice is offered in the flame saying ‘svaha’. Again a small portion is taken and offered in the flame to complete the offerings.
• Thereafter, facing the lord sun, a humble obeisance is offered. The performer bows down to the fire as a sign of respect to all the 5 elements of nature.
• The performer has to sit near the pyramid till the fire calms down and there is no smoke.
• It is advisable to leave the ashes in the pyramid till next Agnihotra to enhance the potency of the ashes.
• The ash is further removed in a natural container and used as protective ash, medicine, and fertilizer in the garden.

The spiritual practice of Agnihotra will connect the performer to the universal radiant energy of the powerful Sun. The performer becomes positive and confident. Regular practice of Agnihotra creates a protective field around the performer which could extend up to several kilometres.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF AGNIHOTRA

• Agnihotra revitalizes the skin
• It offers a holistic approach to life
• People who are allergic to smoke experience a healing effect near Agnihotra fire
• The healing effects are locked in the ashes as well. Thousands of people have experienced the healing effects of ashes while curing several ailments.