‘Agnihotra’: The Awakening From Within – A Vedic Philosophy

It is not a miracle to live a radiant and buoyant life, but it is a miracle not to.

Facing next level challenges is the new norm and so our capability to handle them must be next level. No matter where in the world we live, we must be so prepared that any challenge, any difficulty looks easily manageable.

And THIS is the kind of environment the next generation should grow in – fully equipped yet joyful, carefree, and fearless.

Different kinds of physical training may help us build our confidence and prepare ourselves, up to a certain limit. But what about the mindset? A rock steady, powerful yet kind mindset, a mindset that knows exactly what one wants, a mindset to live not just for oneself but also to contribute to the greater good and has the capacity to do it, a mindset that has a higher intellect and is yet always at peace.

Such a mindset can only be transformed in a healthy, tranquil, and protective environment. The ‘process’ which can create such atmosphere, is known as ‘Agnihotra‘.

Agnihotra is a simple yet profound Vedic technique to connect with the higher self within you. Agnihotra creates a suitable environment at a very subtle level, that transforms you and others living in this environment, from within. It is a process of creating equilibrium with the nature within us and around us.

Agnihotra is a complete lifestyle which takes us from Abhyudaya (excellence in the material world) to Nishreyas, meaning happiness and abundance in our own being.

That is why Agnihotra is a timeless science, or science and beyond.

There is a hymn that lists the various effects of Agnihotra.

Meaning –

O Havya-vahan OR Agni, the carrier of offerings, on performing Yadnya (Agnihotra), bestow upon me (देहि मे)

Shraddha – Faith

Medha – Intelligence

Yasha – Success in both material and spiritual planes

Pradnya – Wisdom

Vidya – Knowledge

Buddhi – Intellectual capacity

Shree – Attainment of union with the divine and material prosperity

Bala – Strength

Ayushyam – Long life

Tej – A glow of positivity

Arogya – Health and complete well-being

Today, Agnihotra is performed in 40 different countries by people of different faiths. Anyone can perform Agnihotra and be benefitted by the results.

You may also like to read about Holi

Process of Agnihotra –

Agnihotra is performed at the local Sunrise and Sunset time, by offering two pinch full oblations of unbroken rice smeared with cow’s ghee into a well-lit fire made of cow dung cakes, placed in a semi-pyramid shaped copper pot of specific size, while simultaneously chanting two simple mantras. Time required – 5 to 10 minutes. Cost – minimum.

Agnihotra must be performed in a specific way as follows, to enjoy the full benefits.

• Agni (The fire) – The fire must be prepared by burning cow dung cakes.
• Agni-Patra (The firepot) – A semi-pyramid shaped copper pot.
• Time – Exact local Sunrise and Sunset time, which can be viewed on the ‘Vishwa Agnihotra’ app (free to download and use).
• Offerings – Two pinch-full of unbroken, uncooked rice smeared with 2-4 drops of cow’s ghee. Divide this in two parts for the two offerings.
• Mantras – Specific Sanskrit Mantras as mentioned below.

Mantras at Sunrise:

Sooryāya Swāhā, Sooryāya Idaṃ Na Mama |
(After the word Swāhā, add the first portion of rice & ghee into the fire)

Prajāpataye Swāhā, Prajāpataye Idaṃ Na Mama ||
(After the word Swāhā, add the second portion of rice & ghee into the fire)

This completes the Sunrise Agnihotra

Mantras at Sunset:

Agnaye Swāhā, Agnaye Idaṃ Na Mama |

(After the word Swāhā, add the first portion of rice & ghee into the fire)

Prajāpataye Swāhā, Prajāpataye Idaṃ Na Mama ||

(After the word Swāhā, add the second portion of rice & ghee into the fire)

This completes the Sunset Agnihotra

To know more about the Agnihotra process and the experiences of Agnihotra practitioners around the world, please visit https://agnihotra.vishwaglobal.com/overview.

You can also contact me for any queries related to performing Agnihotra in the UK.

References used for this post –

1. ‘The Vedic Way‘ YouTube series by Hon. Dr. Purushottam Rajimwale.
2. Book ‘Agnihotra, the secret of radiant life’ by late Shri V. G. Apte.

About the author : Ashwini Vaze

Ashwini Vaze is a third generation Agnihotra practitioner, who works in an IT company in Manchester, UK.

She continues performing Agnihotra even after moving to the UK.

vaze.ashwini@gmail.com