We pray that you read this entire article on Agnihotra. Everything in nature is a manifestation of the five elements. The creator of the five elements is called Prajapathi. He is not Brahma, as inappropriately attributed. Prajapathi is credited with creating all universes and all the elements present within. He is not a person.
Everything we own and borrow is born out of our desires. To fulfil our desires, we struggle. In ancient times, we called this penance sadhana or tapas. Tapas means tapa, which is derived from tāpa, meaning heat. Any activity that causes heat also causes transformation. Transformation brings us results.
Sadhana makes everything Sadhya (possible). Without sadhana, everything is asadhya (impossible). Sadhana means to intensely focus on what you wish to accomplish. Whether you want to pass your exams, buy an apartment or an expensive car, prepare for competitive exams, or get a trim and lean muscular body, sadhana is the way. However, sometimes, sadhana is not enough because there are mountainous challenges. Challenges can be natural, such as the weather, or man-made, such as arrogance, egotistical people or illogical rules that create obstacles. Regardless of the difficulties, Agnihotra can navigate them and take you to your destination.
What is Agnihotra?
This is a pre-Vedic ritual. It is an offering to the creator of the Universes and their elements. In this ritual, we pray to the Sun, without whom life on earth is not possible and fire without whom warmth and transformation is not possible. Then, we pray to Prajapathi, the creator.
How does it benefit me?
Agnihotra intensifies your sadhana or tapasya and helps you achieve your goals with fewer challenges. For example, when an aircraft has to take off, the direction the pilot or the Air Traffic Control officials take is the path of least resistance. This means they choose to take the help of the wind. Headwind helps the aircraft lift off easily. Similarly, using unseen natural elements helps us in unimaginable ways. Whatever your goal, whatever your desire, performing this ritual makes it possible.
Who can perform Agnihotra?
Anyone can perform Agnihotra, including women. There is no restriction. However, certain simple guidelines must be followed. For example, women during menses may experience excessive menstrual bleeding when they perform Agnihotra. Children must be assisted by adults as supervisors.
Where can it be performed?
Every house has a Vastu, which means it has a wind direction from which odour will travel to the rest of the house. Agnihotra can be done in that room. If that room happens to be a bedroom, then choose another room closest to it. That may be your living room, kitchen, or even the prayer room.
How much time does the Agnihotra offering take?
Agnihotra is an extremely simple ritual. It takes only ten minutes of your time, but in return, it saves you countless efforts that you would have to put in to achieve your goals and ambitions.
When does one do Agnihotra?
Agnihotra is performed at Sunrise and Sunset. You can perform this ritual at either time or both times. Householders can also perform this ritual at noon.
What are the physical benefits?
Agnihotra improves tissue nourishment and corrects metabolic syndrome. Tissue nourishment is the key to good health. People who have high triglycerides, anaemia, muscular fatigue, bone and joint disorders, and hair loss suffer from a metabolic syndrome called indigestion. Most chronic illnesses begin with a metabolic syndrome.
One who performs this ritual begins to see changes in their metabolic activity within a fortnight. Hair fall decreases, hunger gets corrected, improved sleep and cleaner and healthier air are some benefits. Good health is visible through the lustre or glow on your face.
Does Agnihotra have psychological benefits?
Yes! It improves self-confidence and reduces mental and emotional conflicts at home. The effect is transformative. It harmonises the home environment.
The place where we express ourselves day after day creates an energy pattern. Remember your favourite chair, your favourite corner? These are places where your thought patterns exist. Occupying these places makes your thoughts emerge that much sooner. Sometimes, there are negative thought patterns, such as anxiety, restlessness, anger, sorrow, fear, or procrastination. Performing Agnihotra breaks thought patterns and harmonises the home atmosphere.
Can my performing Agnihotra help others regain their health?
Nature is not selfish. The ancient sages and seers who discovered Agnihotra also realised that by performing this ritual, air was cleansed, emotions became sublime and clearer, and happiness and harmony in the home resounded. So, when you perform Agnihotra, the benefits are not limited to you. It causes a positive transformation in people living in your home. People who are depressed or anxious will feel better with regular practice.
Where can I learn to perform Agnihotra?
Several people teach Agnihotra. At Nadichikitsa, where we have been practising living naturally for over two decades, we invite people to come and learn with us. You can contact us by phone or email.
Are there any online resources available for me to learn this ritual?
Dr Mahesh Krishnamurthy offers Agnihotra online self-learning courses online. To access the online self-learning course, click this link.
