Arya Samaj

Devo · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:36 am Post subject: Agnihotram

Agnihotram
A Brief Introduction into an Ancient Practice
by
Devendra Arya

In Vaidik Dharm, Agnihotra (also known as Havan) is significantly cultivated into every aspect of our daily human lives. Agnihotra involves the participation of fire as a means of combusting matter when offered into the Sacrifical fire.

In this fire ceremony, herbs, clarified butter, as well as grains comprise the pure substances that are offered. Our ancient Rishis developed a basic plan that would enable a sustainable environment based on the teachings of the Vedas as shown in the following equation.

The Laws of Dharma = The Laws of Nature

From this equation, we can clearly see that Dharma is based on Nature, and does not conflict itself with Nature and/or God’s creation. For us to play our part in helping to maintain the balance of that equation, Agnihotra comes into play.

The ghee, saamagree, and prasaadam are all macro-level materials which are converted in to micro-level materials, or smaller particles, when it comes into contact with fire. These atoms, when broken, becomes diluted, expand and spread into the atmosphere.

As these particles distribute themselves into the environment, they aid in cleansing impure particles and may also bond with other particles in the air to fight against other negativities. While the environment is cleansed of its impurity, our air quality changes, which in turn benefits our health. Futhurmore, the particles aid in eradicating bacteria and other transmitters of viruses.

The samidhaas, or wooden sticks, when offered produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas plays an important role in nature. Carbon dioxide is required for processes such as photosynthesis, a process that sustains the earth's vegetation.

In the Vedas, we are told to let the plants be our source of enrichment and a part of our in our well-balanced diet. Carbon dioxide gas is also important for maintaining the constant flow of oxygen in the atmosphere, which is the very basis of our survival.

The qualities of water and ghee make them unique. Under pressure (for example heat), the water and ghee are able to melt and/or change their respective states of matter, while in less stressful conditions (for example cooling), they freeze.

During agnihotra, the ghee particles undergo pressure, which causes them to become heated. These heated particles evaporate upwards into the atmosphere, until they reach less stressful conditions (level of the clouds), that causes them to freeze.

As these frozen ghee particles come into contact with the water vapour, together they create rain, from the process of condensation. Rainfall helps to replenish the earth, and maintain life on our planet.