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BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

What is Agnihotra?

Agnihotra is a fire performed exactly at the time of sunrise and sunset using pure cow dung, pure cow’s ghee, unpolished and unbroken rice in a pure copper pyramid of specific size and shape while chanting a simple two line mantra.

What is Homa Therapy?

Homa is a Sanskrit word used here synonymously with Yajnya. Homa Therapy is the technical term from the Vedic science of bioenergy denoting the process of removing the toxic conditions of the atmosphere and purification of the atmosphere through the agency of fire, prepared in the copper pyramid tuned to the biorhythm of sunrise/sunset. This means healing and purifying of the atmosphere with fire as the medium. Agnihotra is the basic fire in Homa Therapy.

How does Agnihotra work?

Tremendous amounts of energy are gathered around the Agnihotra pyramid just at Agnihotra time. A magnetic type field is created, one which neutralizes negative energies and reinforces positive energies. Therefore a positive pattern is created by one who does Agnihotra merely by his/her performance. When Agnihotra is performed, the Agnihotra smoke gathers particles of harmful radiation in the atmosphere and on a very subtle level neutralizes their radioactive effect. Nothing is destroyed, merely changed. When Agnihotra fire is burnt, there is not just energy from the fire but subtle energies are created by the rhythms and mantras. These energies are generated or thrust into the atmosphere by fire. The pyramid is the power generator, the fire is the turbine. Much healing energy emanates from the Agnihotra pyramid. An aura energy field is created around all living beings in the proximity of the pyramid. When the flame of the Agnihotra fire extinguishes, the aura field withdraws into the ash and medicinal properties gets locked into the Agnihotra ash. You heal the atmosphere through the medium of Fire and the healed atmosphere heals you.

Where does Agnihotra come from?

Agnihotra comes from Vedas, the most ancient body of knowledge known to man. This knowledge belongs to all mankind. In ancient days, this knowledge was all over the planet. Virtually all ancient civilizations had some practices of purification through fire. Archeological digs from around the world have found remains of fire altars, etc. In the course of time, the science behind Yajnya was lost, and today, in view of our polluted conditions, the science of atmospheric purification through Yajnya is being revived

Is Agnihotra a religion?

Agnihotra is ancient universal knowledge that anyone, of any religion or even no religion, can practice for his/her benefit.

WHO CAN PERFORM AGNIHOTRA?

Can anyone perform Agnihotra?

Agnihotra can be performed by anyone irrespective of religion, sect, caste, creed, nationality, color, gender and age. Men, women, and also children can practice Agnihotra. Agnihotra is for everyone.

How many people can make offerings for Agnihotra?

Only one person should make the offerings in Agnihotra. Others can derive benefits by sitting opposite the person performing Agnihotra or anywhere around the Agnihotra pyramid. Two or more members of the same household can perform Agnihotra individually, but they should prepare fire and make offerings in separate Agnihotra pyramids — one pyramid for each person practicing Agnihotra.

What if I cannot do Agnihotra every day?

Whenever Agnihotra is done correctly, it will have beneficial effects. Encourage the person to do it whenever they can. Of course, for maximum effect one should do it every day, twice a day, but if he or she does Agnihotra even once, it is better than never doing it at all. If a person tries Agnihotra and has a good experience, he/she may be motivated to find ways to do it more often. People sometimes find that their circumstances change in time to allow them to practice Agnihotra more regularly. It can be helpful to mention this to beginners who may be feeling discouraged about their schedules.

If I cannot do both sunrise and sunset Agnihotra because of my work schedule, should I be doing it at all?

Whenever Agnihotra is done correctly, it will have effects. It’s like taking a vitamin — the more regularly you take it, the greater the benefit will be, but it will have effects whenever you take it. Many people who now do Agnihotra regularly started by doing Agnihotra whenever they could.

If I start Agnihotra in my house can any other family members perform it?

Yes. If for any reason you cannot perform Agnihotra, another family member or friend can perform it. If you are not present at Agnihotra time, another family member or friend can perform it, in order to maintain the healing cycle. It is also possible to carry a second Agnihotra kit if you will be away from the house at Agnihotra time and you can perform it wherever you are at local timings.

If Agnihotra is discontinued for any reason will there be any bad effect?

No. If regular practice of Agnihotra is stopped or interrupted for any reason there will be absolutely NO bad effect as a result. Only the beneficial effects which are derived from its regular practice will dissipate.

DISCIPLINES ASSOCIATED WITH AGNIHOTRA

Which disciplines are compulsory for Agnihotra practice?

The following requirements are absolutely essential for correct practice of Agnihotra:

copper pyramid of prescribed shape and size
pure cow dung
pure cow’s ghee
uncooked, unpolished whole grains of rice
timings according to sunrise/sunset computer timetable up to seconds accuracy
mantras recited once only, precisely as given
offering made by one person only

Who can perform Agnihotra?

Any human being can perform this Agnihotra. Only women in monthly period should not perform it for 4 days. Agnihotra is a science. It is not related to any specific religion, caste, race, nationality, guru or organisation. Thousands of people on all continents belonging to different races, languages, religions and spiritual groups who practise Agnihotra have remarked that simply by performing daily Agnihotra they feel as if a protective film surrounds them.

Where should I perform Agnihotra?

Agnihotra can be performed anywhere at home, at work, inside or outside; wherever you may be.

Do I need to face a specific direction while performing Agnihotra?

It is best to face east while performing Agnihotra. It is also OK to face west at sunset. It is also good if the dot on the Agnihotra pyramid always faces the same direction, e.g. East.

How many people can perform Agnihotra in one copper pyramid?

Only one person can perform Agnihotra in one copper pyramid. If more people want to perform Agnihotra then they should get their own individual pyramids.

How many times should I chant the Agnihotra mantra?

You should chant Agnihotra mantra only once.

Can I give third offering of remaining rice?

No. Only two offerings of rice should be given. Remaining rice should be discarded and should not be used for even the next Agnihotra.

Can I chant “OM” in Agnihotra mantra?

“OM” should not be chanted in this Agnihotra. This Agnihotra mantra should be chanted exactly as given. No change should be made to that mantra.

How much rice should be used as offering in Agnihotra?

Quantity of rice should be as much you can hold in your three fingers (thumb, middle finger and ring finger, for example).

Is it necessary to take bath before Agnihotra?

Taking bath prior to Agnihotra is not compulsory. However, if water is available and you are in the habit of taking bath daily, then bathing before Agnihotra enhances the healing effect. If it is not possible to take a full bath then at least you can wash hands, feet and mouth. If one is planning to use Agnihotra ash for medicinal purposes, it is ideal to take a full shower and put on clean clothes prior to performing Agnihotra.

Is it necessary to adopt a vegetarian diet before taking up the practice of Agnihotra?

No. It is not necessary to adopt a vegetarian diet before starting to practice Agnihotra. However, many people have discovered that after practicing Agnihotra regularly for some time they feel less attracted to a non-vegetarian diet.

How long does it take to perform an Agnihotra?

It takes about 10 minutes to perform an Agnihotra.

How long do I need to sit after performing Agnihotra?

You can immediately get back to work after you chant the mantras and give the rice offering to fire. This completes Agnihotra. If it is possible you can sit till the fire goes out in the pyramid.

What should I do after Agnihotra?

After uttering the Mantra and giving the offering to the fire Agnihotra is complete. You can now go about your business. However, it is good if possible to sit quietly for a few minutes until the flames subside. If you are in the habit of practicing meditation or any other spiritual discipline, then the atmosphere created after performance of Agnihotra is ideal and conducive to these pursuits.

Where should I put the ash remaining in the Agnihotra copper pyramid?

You can strain the Agnihotra ash with a fine strainer and store it in a glass jar or earthen pot.

What should I do with the stored Agnihotra ash?

Since Agnihotra ash is extremely medicinal you can use it as a medicine. You can apply it to the body externally or take it internally (see website homahealth.com). You can also use it to energise and purify drinking water. You can also add small quantities of ash to the food while cooking so everyone in the family will get the healing benefits of Agnihotra ash.

What should I do if I have more Agnihotra ash than I can store?

You can put Agnihotra ash into the soil or in any water resource. Make sure Agnihotra ash is not put in a dirty or unhygienic place.

PREPARING THE AGNIHOTRA FIRE

Do I need to take a course to learn Agnihotra?

You can learn Agnihotra from our websites. There you will find videos on how to perform Agnihotra. It is simple and easy to learn.

Are cow dung and cow’s ghee the only materials that can be used to prepare Agnihotra fire?

Agnihotra should be performed using only 100% pure cow dung cakes and 100% pure cow’s ghee. When we say cow we mean either the male or female progeny of the cow species. Dung and ghee from other animals is strictly forbidden in the practice of Agnihotra.

Cow’s ghee is a unique substance with properties unlike any other known material. Ghee from other animals such as the buffalo or goat will fail to produce the same beneficial healing result.

Can I use guggul, camphor, cotton wick or oil to light the Agnihotra fire?

None of these materials should be used in this Agnihotra. Applying pure cow’s ghee to pure cow dung is enough to light the Agnihotra fire.

Must we use organic ghee and organic cow dung?

The ideal would be to use such, however, these may be hard to obtain or, in the case of organic ghee, too expensive. It is better to do Agnihotra than not to. Preferably the cow dung should come from grass-fed cows as opposed to grain-fed. Requirements for ghee are that it must be pure cow’s ghee and free of additives or antioxidants, etc. Generally Asian or Indian manufactured ghee contains undesirable additives and thus is not suitable for Agnihotra.

Are there any tips on how to make the Agnihotra fire?

Start by placing a piece of dried cow dung flat in the bottom of the pyramid. Add two small pieces in opposing corners. Continue adding pieces in alternating corners, using bigger and bigger pieces as the pile grows. Ghee can either be spread on each piece before adding to the pyramid or the ghee can be poured over each layer as you build. If you want, you may prepare a larger fire by continuing to stack the dung pieces above the top of the pyramid, but use smaller pieces to make the stack more stable. To light the dung, spread some ghee on a narrow piece of dung, ignite it and stick it down the “chimney” created by the layers of dung. The air flow will give you a blazing fire which will not collapse as it burns.

When igniting the Fire refrain from holding a match over the pyramid or a candle with dripping wax, as any match debris or wax etc that falls into the pyramid is a pollutant. If using a candle make sure it is extinguished before the time of making the offering. Also do not burn incense during Agnihotra.

The fire should be lit enough in advance so that the fire coming from the “chimney” is burning with maximum intensity exactly at the instant of sunrise or sunset. A hand-fan may be used if necessary, but lighter fluid or other ignitable materials, such as kerosene, should never be used.

In Agnihotra there are two offerings. The quantity of rice which can be held in the fingertips of one hand constitutes the rice for one offering. Apply a little ghee to the body of rice and divide into two portions. Exactly at sunrise and sunset utter the first Mantra and add the first portion of rice after you say the word “Swáhá.” The rice and ghee are given to the fire with the thumb between middle and ring fingertips. The right hand only should be used. There is a power present in the right hand of humans for the purpose of making the Agnihotra offerings. Even if the person is left-handed, offerings are always made with the right hand. Then utter the second Mantra and give the second portion of rice after the word “Swáhá.” All the ingredients in the pyramid should be consumed by the fire, leaving only ash. After the Mantras are uttered and the offerings have been made you can sit quietly until the fire subsides naturally. Never try to extinguish the fire.

For maximum effects, it is best if the pyramid always faces the same direction, and if possible, facing East. (This refers to the secondary effects of Agnihotra, as Agnihotra will have effects no matter which way the pyramid faces.) This is possible by scratching the underside of one lip of the pyramid with a sharp object. This scratch can be felt and used to orient the pyramid in the same direction each time. Also, some pyramids already have a dot on one side which then, accordingly, can always face east.

As the fire burns, concentrate your mind on something you regard as sacred, such as love, the image of any Divine Messenger, or holy symbol.

How do I tell if the contents are completely consumed by the fire and thus medicinal ash?

Completely burnt cowdung disintegrates easily into ash when handled, and burnt rice will be black and gritty to the touch. If there remains an unburnt piece of cow dung, the ash should not be used as medicine for human consumption.

Can I use medicinal herbs in Agnihotra fire?

No. The materials required for practice of Agnihotra are 100% pure cow dung cakes, 100% pure cow’s ghee and uncooked, unpolished whole grains of rice.

What about the medicinal Yajnyas mentioned in the book, Homa Therapy, Our Last Chance? Can I learn to put herbs in the Yajnya fire, as the book mentions?

In order to perform those Yajnyas with herbs, one would have to study for years. We teach Agnihotra, Vyahruti Homa, Om Tryambakam Homa, and they are very powerful. When the time comes, we will be shown how to do those other Yajnyas.

AGNIHOTRA PYRAMID

Can I perform Agnihotra in any copper pyramid?

No. This particular small Agnihotra should be performed in a pyramid of specific size and shape. Pyramids of different sizes or pyramids with handles or pyramids with inscriptions embossed on the rim are not suitable for Agnhotra.
Within INDIA you can order an Agnihotra pyramid set here.
For countries other than India please go here.

Can I perform different Homas or Yajnyas in this Agnihotra copper pyramid?

It is best if one pyramid is kept only for Agnihotra. Other Homas such as Vyahruti Homa and On Tryambakam Homa may be performed in a second pyramid.

What do you do with the pyramid and ash after Agnihotra?

If possible the Agnihotra pyramid and the energy resulting from the Agnihotra process are best left undisturbed until the next Agnihotra time. Just before the next Agnihotra you can empty the ash using your right hand and store it in a glass jar, paper bag, box or clay pot. Bags and containers made of plastic or metals other than copper are not recommended.

The ash from the Agnihotra fire is extremely medicinal. It can be ingested daily. Several ash medicines have been developed in Germany. The ash is also a powerful fertilizer for the garden or farm and beneficial in any water source.

What materials can be used for cleaning the Agnihotra pyramid?

It is not necessary to clean the Agnihotra pyramid. The gradual accumulation of ash on the inside of the pyramid does not adversely affect the Agnihotra vibration. In fact by cleaning the pyramid you may inadvertently disturb the crystalline structure of the copper atoms which would definitely interfere with the Agnihotra vibration. Never scratch the inside of the pyramid. In case a crust of unburnt substances has built up inside the pyramid, this can be removed by having a bigger fire.

What should I do if my pyramid breaks or bends or holes appear due to performance of fire?

You should get a new copper pyramid for Agnihotra.

TIMINGS

Where will I get exact timetable of sunrise and sunset for my place?

You can search in our database for your particular place. If your city name is not mentioned in our database then you can fill up the timetable request form giving your detailed address and we will send the time table for your city, town or village by email.

Why are the timings on my sunrise/sunset time sheet different from those in the newspaper?

For Agnihotra, we use a specific definition for sunrise and sunset. That definition is used in the computer program which calculates our time sheets. The timings given in newspapers refer to visible sunrise/sunset, and this is a different definition than that used for Agnihotra. (See next question.)

Why is there a difference between the visible sunrise/sunset timing and the one given in the computer timetable?

There is always a difference between visible and true sunrise/sunset timings. This difference is due mainly to a refraction effect (bending) as the sun’s rays enter the atmosphere of the earth as the density of the medium through which the light travels changes.

Where will I get exact timetable of sunrise and sunset for my place?

Why are the timings on my sunrise/sunset time sheet different from those in the newspaper?

Why is there a difference between the visible sunrise/sunset timing and the one given in the computer timetable?

There are several definitions of sunrise/sunset given in Vedas. For Agnihotra the definition used is that sunrise and sunset are when the middle of the sun’s disc is exactly at the horizon. But because of refraction we do not see the exact position of the sun – the top edge of the visible sun would be approximately one and a half discs above the horizon. Practically speaking, this means that at sunrise the sun will appear to have already risen at the correct timing of Agnihotra; at sunset the sun will appear to have not yet set at the correct timing. The difference in time between the visible and true timings may vary by up to as much as five (5) minutes.

Computer generated timetables for a whole year, for any particular place, are available up to seconds accuracy using software developed in Germany.

About the timings – how late is too late?

You should allow enough time to set up for Agnihotra and then you can count down the seconds until Agnihotra time, in order to do Agnihotra exactly on time to the second. The fire in the pyramid should be fully ablaze exactly at Agnihotra time.

It is difficult for me to practice Agnihotra at the times given. Can I practice another Yajnya instead?

No. Agnihotra establishes the basic healing cycle. The other Yajnyas strengthen that cycle.

If I miss the Agnihotra timing, should I still do it anyway?

No. If you miss the timing, it is not Agnihotra and the healing effects will not be there.

How can I set my watch to the second?

We suggest that first you get a good watch (good quality digital is best, e.g. Timex or Casio). It is a one-time only expense. You can adjust that watch by tuning to BBC Radio or All India Radio where they give beeps on the hour just before the hourly news bulletin.

In some very large cities, the telephone directory has a listing for Time, and that time service should provide the correct time to the second.

Alternatively you can use the clock on our website. The exactness of time given on this website depends on a good, high speed internet connection. If the internet connection is too slow, the time given is not exact enough for Agnihotra.

If you have a computer there is a program you can use to set your PC’s clock, which will keep it updated every time you go online. To set your PC’s clock to the atomic clock at the Naval Observatory in USA, select a time-keeping program from this address: www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp/software.html.

The easiest program (and freeware too) for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 users is at: www.thinkman.com/dimension4/. This program can be customized by the user. According to information on this site, at an interval you specify, Dimension 4 connects to a time server that you choose from an exhaustive list of time servers.

SANSKRIT MANTRAS

Why are you chanting Mantras? To whom are you praying?

There are three inputs to Agnihotra: specific organic substances burned, exact timings of sunrise/sunset, and vibrational input in the form of two short Mantras. All three inputs are necessary to produce Agnihotra’s effects.

Mantras are a vibrational input necessary to bring about Agnihotra’s healing and purifying effects. Scientists know that different vibrations have different effects on living things: if you play nice music to cows, they yield more milk; if you play nice music to plants, they grow better.

Agnihotra is a science of atmospheric purification simply. In such an atmosphere, the breathing becomes more calm, one’s mind becomes more at peace. It is thereby a good time for meditation, prayer or concentrating on the breath. If you wish to pray, that is your choice.

Agnihotra is not prayer, but a process of resonance which impacts the environment beneficially. Part of its effect is to alleviate stress on body and mind. Some people take advantage of the purified atmosphere and resultant calmness of mind and use Agnihotra time for prayer, meditation, etc. Agnihotra will enable you to become a better person and therefore a better Christian, a better Muslim, a better Jew, a better Buddhist, and so on.

Is it not correct to begin the Agnihotra Mantra with Om?

No. No change of any kind should be made in the Mantra as originally given.

Can the Agnihotra Mantras be rendered in other languages?

No. Agnihotra Mantras are given in Vedas in Sanskrit language. They are special sound combinations. They are unique in their vibrational effect. It is this vibrational aspect which provides the healing power. If you were to render the Mantra in any other language it would no longer be Agnihotra.

Can Agnihotra Mantras be chanted continuously?

No. The Agnihotra Mantras are to be recited only once and only two offerings are given at each Agnihotra performance. Apart from Agnihotra time, of course, we can sing or practice these mantras as long as we like.

EFFECTS OF PERFORMING AGNIHOTRA

What are the positive effects of doing Agnihotra?

Agnihotra relieves tension on the mind.
A magnetic field is created which neutralizes negative energy and reinforces positive energy.
When Agnihotra is performed, the Agnihotra smoke gathers particles of harmful radiation in the atmosphere and, on a very subtle level, neutralizes the radioactive effect. Nothing is destroyed, merely changed.
When Agnihotra fire is burnt, there is not just energy from the fire but subtle energies are generated and thrust into the atmosphere by fire – Much healing energy emanates from the Agnihotra pyramid.
Agnihotra has the ability to neutralize pathogenic bacteria.
Agnihotra has an excellent effect on the circulatory system.
Agnihotra renews brain cells.
Agnihotra revitalizes the skin.
Agnihotra purifies the blood.
Plants receive nutrition in Agnihotra atmosphere.

What will happen if I miss Agnihotra or perform Agnihotra in a wrong way, will there be any negative effects?

You will get healing benefits from only those Agnihotras which you performed correctly. However, there are no negative effects if you miss Agnihotra or if you do not perform Agnihotra as told; you simply won’t get any healing benefits from that specific Agnihotra.

How long does it take to see the results of Agnihotra?

Normally after fifteen days of regular performance of Agnihotra you will experiences the healing benefits. (based on the experience of people from all around the world). However, we do not guarantee any healing benefits in any specific time.

How long should I perform Agnihotra?

Agnihotra is a regular practice. It is simple to practise and has tremendous effects. You can practice it for as long as you want to experience the benefits.

How should I know if I am performing Agnihotra correctly?

After you perform Agnihotra for two months you should get some good experience from it. If you feel that you are not getting any good results then you can write to us and we will ask you a few questions so that we can tell you where the procedure is going wrong and correct it.

By burning cow dung and ghee, we are producing carbon dioxide. How can we say Agnihotra reduces air pollution? If you’re burning things in Agnihotra, how can you say that you are getting rid of pollution? Aren’t you creating more pollution?

Agnihotra is done to counteract pollution – chemical pollution of the air; physical pollution (radioactivity, nano particles); and, most importantly, thought pollution. Regular practice of Agnihotra maintains a biosphere which acts as a buffer to all kinds of pollution, including GMOs. This is the need of the hour as all these different kinds of pollution are increasing to levels which endanger human life on this planet.

Like any fire, Agnihotra produces carbon dioxide. Currently carbon dioxide is very much in the focus because of its contribution to the greenhouse effect. But we should be aware that the increase of greenhouse gases is only one aspect of atmospheric pollution. Alas, nowadays not much attention is paid to all the other aspects mentioned above. Also, carbon dioxide itself is not at all poisonous. On the contrary, it is necessary for plant metabolism. Plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen; humans breathe out carbon dioxide and breathe in oxygen. So carbon dioxide plays an essential role in the cycle of life on this planet.

However, this cycle is out of balance now due to indiscriminate burning of fossil fuels. (Carbon was slowly taken out of the cycle through millions of years, and now it is burnt within a few decades). Does Agnihotra add to this imbalance? No, not at all: When we perform Agnihotra immediately an aura energy field is created around all plants in the vicinity. This speeds up the rate of photosynthesis; thus more carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants and oxygen released. The net result will be that Agnihotra actually reduces carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.

In farming projects around the world, it has been shown that Agnihotra and Homa Therapy rejuvenated the plant life on farms and plantations, thereby increasing oxygen and helping to purify the atmosphere. Some plants have the ability to remove, degrade, or render harmless various hazardous materials present in the soil or groundwater. (This process is known as phytoremediation.) By supporting the plant kingdom, Agnihotra and Homa Therapy can help purify land and water contaminated by heavy metals and other pollutants.

Qualitatively this has been shown by increased growth of plants. Please see the many reports on the effects of Homa Therapy in agriculture (where in addition to Agnihotra the resonance technique is used and also Om Tryambakam fires are performed every day).

Quantitatively it would be interesting to measure exactly how much the plant metabolism and especially the photosynthesis are sped up in Agnihotra atmosphere so that we could exactly tell how much more carbon dioxide we remove from the atmosphere than the fires actually produce. But this quantitative analysis has not been done yet.

Isn’t all smoke bad for the lungs?

In many cases around the world, people with asthma, who normally cannot tolerate smoke, experienced improvement and relief by sitting in Homa atmosphere. Negative ions signify pure air. Positive ions signify polluted air. When scientists tested cigarette smoke, positive polluting ions were present. With Agnihotra fire, exactly the opposite occurred — negative ions were produced.

Will Agnihotra cure my sickness?

We cannot promise or make claims that Agnihotra will cure a particular person’s illness, but we can say that thousands of people around the world have been healed by Agnihotra and Homa Therapy. We can share Homa Therapy information – Agnihotra ash medicines, etc.