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Scientific Aspects of Agnihotra
Updated: Jul 30
In physical terms, Yagnya is a process aimed at the refinement of the subtle energy existing in matter with the help of thermal energy of the Mantras. The knowledge of philosophy and science of Yagnya is as essential for understanding and experimenting the science of spirituality as the knowledge of elementary physics is for material based sciences. The experiments of Yagnya, when performed at a small scale in day to day life are called --- Havan or Agnihotra.
There are two basic energy systems in the physical world: Heat and Sound. In performing Yagnya, these two energies, namely, the heat from Yagnya’s fire and the sound of the Vedic Mantras, are combined to achieve the desired physical, psychological and spiritual benefits. The fumigation of specific substances in the Yagnya --- fire is a scientific method of subtulisation of matter into energy and expanding its potential and positive effects in the surrounding atmosphere. The electromagnetic waves generated thereby help in transmitting, at cosmic level, the desired sonic signals ‘stored’ in the Mantras, which are chanted during the process of sacrificing the special materials in the fire.
Photo-Chemical process : When all the volatile substances are diffused in the surrounding atmosphere, these are further subjected to photochemical reactions in the sunlight. This may be the reason why it has been recommended that Yagnya should be performed in the presence of strong sunlight. These changes occur in the ultra-violet and other short wavelength regions. The products of fumigation thus go photochemical decomposition, oxidation and reduction. To some extent even CO2 is also reduced to formaldehyde as follows:
CO2 + H2 O + 112,000 cal. = HCHO = O2 From environmental angle, reduction of CO2 produced in Yagnya as above and liberation of oxygen cannot be overemphasized.
Products of Combustion:
Vaporization of wood
Besides complete combustion of Gomay (driend cow dung patties)/cellulose material of wood, it is also subjected to vaporization. This happens due to the way Samidhas are arranged in the Agnikunda (copper pyramid), the conditions of temperature and air supply which prevail in it.
Steam Volatilization of Odorous Substances
The temperature attained in the Kunda(pot) varies between 250°C and 600°C, while in actual flames it can go as high as 1200°C to 1300°C. The boiling points of volatile constituents get diffused over in the surrounding atmosphere. Also when cellulose and other carbohydrates undergo combustion, 10 steam is formed in copious quantities by the combination of hydrogen of organic substances with the oxygen. This is how the substances like thymol, eugenol, pinene, terpinol etc., are carried over in the surroundings and the aroma of a Yagna can be smelt even at a considerable distance.
In addition to steam, smoke is also given out in copious quantities and solid particles existing in a highly divided state offer sufficient surface for mechanical diffusion. Thus smoke also functions as colloidal particles for diffusion of volatile aromatic substances depending on temperature and direction of the wind.
Combustion of Fatty Substances
The fatty substances used in Yagnya are mainly ghee. Ghee helps in rapid combustion of Dried Cow dung Patties/cellulose of wood and keeps the fire alight. All fatty substances used are combinations of fatty acids, which volatilise easily. The combustion of glycerol portion gives acetone bodies, pyruvic aldehyde and glyoxal etc.
The hydrocarbons produced in the reactions again undergo slow combustion and as a result methyl and ethyl alcohols, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, formic acid and acetic acids are formed.
Photo-Chemical process
When all the volatile substances are diffused in the surrounding atmosphere, these are further subjected to photochemical reactions in the sunlight. This may be the reason why it has been recommended that Yagnya should be performed in the presence of strong sunlight. These changes occur in the ultra-violet and other short wavelength regions. The products of fumigation thus go photochemical decomposition, oxidation and reduction. To some extent even CO2 is also reduced to formaldehyde as follows: CO2 + H2 O + 112,000 cal. = HCHO = O2 From environmental angle, reduction of CO2 produced in Yagnya as above and liberation of oxygen cannot be overemphasized.
Conditions
At the outset, it can be said that the interpretation of process of combustion in a Yagna in a physical scientific terms is rather difficult due to the following reasons:
(i) The properties of substances which are used is vastly varying;
(ii) The conditions under which combustion takes place remain unspecified. The products of combustion depend on the following factors like ---
(a) The nature of substances used and their proportions;
(b) Temperature attained;
(c) Controlled supply of air and
(d) Interaction amongst the various products formed.
Inverted Pyramid Shaped Copper Agni Kunda (pot)
The word ‘pyramid’ means the fire in the middle’. This ancient-word meaning for pyramid is closely connected with the inexplicable energies emanating from its central shape. The pyramid shape is widely experienced to generate and store a special energy field, which possess bacteriostatic properties.
The inverted pyramid shape of the Agni kunda (also called Havan Kunda) 1 allows controlled generation and multidirectional dissipation of energy. It acts as a generator of unusual energy fields and spreads them in its surrounding atmosphere.
For a daily Agnihotra (Balivaishva) a small copper pot is used. The inverted pyramid shaped Agnihotra pot receives , generates and decentralizes electrosphere. It acts as an effective bacteriostatic and antimicrobial reactor. Copper is universally acknowledged for its excellent conduction of electricity and heat. The Agnihotra has an obvious link with fire, heat, electro-magnetic force and because of its inverted pyramid shaped Kunda, it does have connection with the cosmic energy fields. The dimensions of the copper pot used for the daily Agnihotra's are: 14.5 cm×14.5cm at the top. 5.25cm×5.25 cm at the bottom and 6.5 cm in height with three steps.
For large scale Yagnyas, the dimensions are increased proportionately and the Kundas are also made up of specific combinations of clays. A part from the pyramid shape, some other special symmetric geometrical designs are also used according to the kind of energy fields and the cosmic currents required to be generated by the Yagnya. Specific types of Kundas are recommended for different kinds of Yagnya. A pit for sacrificial fire or a pot (altar) or small reservoir / clay-structure (made up on the ground in which the Yagnya fire is lit.)
Chanting of Sanskrit Mantras:
The power of sound vibrations is long since acknowledged in the field of science.These vibrations can penetrate the energy spheres at the subtle and cosmic levels.
All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are endowed with special vibrational powers, which set out harmonious wave patterns when pronounced.
It is interesting to note that Dr. Howard Steingull, an American Scientist has established that recitation of Gayatri Mantra produces 110,000 sound waves per second. In fact recitation of the Gayatri Mantra during the fireworship (Yagna) acts supplementary.
The patterns of chanting of Mantras are so designed that they latently contain the essence of the music or the quite essential sound of the torrent of life sustaining energies emanating from the cosmic energy centre of the corresponding Mantras. (The cosmic energy centre a deity associated with the Gayatri Mantra is Sun). Uttering of these Mantras produces vibrations which are soothing to human mind, all plant and animal life. These vibrations also help in spreading specific energy waves in the surrounding atmosphere as the oblations are offered.
Fumigating Substances Used in Yagnya
In order to get an idea of the various chemical changes which take place, it is essential to know the various substances offered in Yagnya. They are principally as described below: (A) Wood: Wood has to be dry and free from dust, insects and worms. The wood is cut into small sticks of varying lengths called Samidhas according to the size of the altar or Agnikunda. The principal types of wood used are the following: I. Sandal-wood (Santalum Album) II. Agar and Tagar wood (Aquilana Malaccensis and Valeriana Wallchii) III. Deodar (Cedrys Libani) IV. Mango (Mangifera Indica) V. Dhak or Palash (Butea Frondosa) VI. Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) VII. Pipal (Ficus Religiosa) VIII. Bargad (Ficus Bengalensis) IX. Shami (Proposis Spicigera) X. Gular (Ficus Glomerata) In addition to wood, various Havishya or Havan samagri are offered in Yagna can be divided into the following four groups:
(B) Odoriferous Substances : These are --- saffron, musk, agar, tagar, chandan, illaychi, jayphal, javitri and camphor.
(C) Substances with Healthy Constituents: These are clarified butter (ghee), milk, fruits and cereals like wheat, rice, barley, til, kangu, munga, chana, arhar, masur or peas.
(D) Sweet Substances: These usually are --- sugar, dried grapes, honey or chuhara.
(E) Medicinal Herbs: These are used as per specific requirement. Some common herbs are Somalata or Giloya, Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Nagkesar, Mulhati, Red Chandan, Baheda, Sonth and Harad. Now-a-days Havan samagri is readily available in the market consisting of the following substances in a crude powder form: Saw dust of sandal-wood and pine wood, the agar and tagar wood chips, kapurkachari, gugal, nagarmotha, balchhaar or jatamansi, narkachura, sugandhbala, illayachi, jayphal, cloves and dalchini.