Instructions

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Agnihotra is an ancient practice that combines fire, mantra, and intention to purify the environment, calm the mind, and connect with the divine. This booklet will guide you through the steps of Agnihotra and explore its benefits for body, mind, and spirit. Agni means fire, and hotra means "to offer unto the fire" to create a healing effect. Agnihotra has also been called Homa Therapy, Fire Meditation, or Fire Therapy. Fire is the one element that has never been disturbed by humans. Agnihotra brings a return to the cycles and rhythms of nature. The process of purification takes place the moment the fire is lit and carries on beyond the moment the fire extinguishes naturally. The mind releases all stories and separate worries. The veil of confusion, feeling apart from nature and abundant life, becomes removed. This carries the practitioner and everyone within a large radius around the fire into a return to the peaceful state of natural divine presence. A feeling of wholeness, relaxation, and connection with life and nature overtakes the busy mind. Contentment, happiness, and a vigor for life express themselves during and after the Agnihotra fire. Along with reconnecting with spiritual divinity, the environment is purified in multiple ways. Scientific experiments have proven that Agnihotra can significantly reduce air pollution by decreasing particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone levels.  It is important to use the proper materials and use the proper pronunciation and annunciation when speaking the Sanskrit Mantra.  

Non- Negotiables

This is a sacred practice that has a few absolute "non-negotiables" when performing. They are the Materials, The Mantras and The Timing. Outside of these Non-Negotiables, there are a lot of things that can both increase the intensity of your experience and increase the potency of the ash produced.  These are referred to as "The Negotiables" and they are things like showering, facing a certain direction, setting intentions, etc... We will go over those after discussing the below non-negotiables.

Core Materials:

The materials must be as natural and pure as possible. Organic, unprocessed, and unadulterated ingredients are ideal. 

Dried cow dung

Ghee (clarified butter from cow’s milk)

Raw, unbroken rice grains 

Tools:

Copper pyramid (three Tiered)

Base: 14.5 cm x 14.5 cm (5.75 inches x 5.75 inches)

Height: 6.5 cm (2.5 inches)

Copper spoon

Copper dish or bowl

Supportive Materials:

Wooden matches or natural fire source

A tool for determining exact sunrise/sunset times

How to Perform Agnihotra 

• Copper pyramid: Clean and ensure it is free from residue.
• Dried cow dung cakes: Preferably from grass-fed cows, naturally dried in sunlight.
• Ghee (clarified butter): Made from cow's milk, unsalted.
• Raw, unbroken rice grains: Organic and unpolished if possible.
• Copper spoon and dish: For handling the offerings.
• Wooden matches: To ignite the fire naturally.

• Use an Agnihotra time calculator (app or website) to find the exact sunrise and sunset times for your specific location.
• Be prepared to begin the ritual a few minutes beforehand.

• Place the copper pyramid on a stable, heat-resistant surface in a quiet, ventilated area. Avoid placing it on synthetic or metal surfaces.
• Ideal to position yourself facing east for sunrise or west for sunset.

1. Place small, broken pieces of dried cow dung into the pyramid.
2. Smear a small amount of ghee on additional pieces of cow dung and layer them on top.
3. Leave some space in the center to allow airflow for combustion.

• Take two pinches of raw rice grains. Sort through them and remove any broken pieces
• Coat the rice with a small amount of ghee, ensuring all grains are evenly covered.
• Place the prepared rice in a copper dish or bowl.

• Use wooden matches to ignite the cow dung.
• Allow the fire to burn steadily until a smokeless flame is established.

• As the fire burns, wait for the precise moment of sunrise or sunset.
• At the exact time:
  1. Chant the first line of the mantra while offering one pinch of ghee-coated rice into the fire after "Swaha".
  2. Chant the second line of the mantra while offering the second pinch of rice into the fire after "Swaha".

• Allow the fire to extinguish naturally. Do not blow on it or extinguish it manually.
• The remaining ash is considered sacred and can be collected after cooling.

• Distribute or Use the Ash:
  • Use it as a natural fertilizer for plants.
  • Mix it with water for purification or consumption (in small amounts for health purposes).
  • Apply it to wounds or use it in spiritual practices.
• Clean the Pyramid:
  • Gently clean the pyramid after the ash has cooled, preparing it for the next use.

• Spend a few moments in silence, meditation, or reflection near the fire to absorb the energy and vibrations generated during the ritual.

As mentioned, there are many things that one can do to enhance their experience and also increase the potency of the ash.  If you are planning to consume the ash or even use it as toothpaste or salve, I would highly recommend doing all of these.  However, in the end, these are left up to you and your practice.  As long as you did the Non-Negotiables, you have performed Agnihotra.  Actually, Agnihotra technically ends once the Mantra is said and the offerings are made. 

• Set Intentions (as we know everything is Vibration, especially your thoughts.  This ritual is controlled, focused vibration, maintaining a high vibration during the preparation and throughout the fire is a very important- Pay Attention to your thoughts and set intentions for your fire/ meditation)
• Shower and Brush your teeth / Wash your hands
• Put on clean clothes
• Remove your Shoes
• Wait until 15 Minutes prior to the fire to put any ghee on the dung or rice
• Face East or Toward the sun 
• Elevate the Pyramid so that sits above Sacrum
• Gently mark the top lip edge of your pyramid and always keep that side Facing East
• Do not eat or drink directly prior or during the fire
• Refrain from consuming any chemicals before the fire (Even Caffeine)
• Keep Silent during the Fire
• Perform Agnihotra indoors or outdoors, ensuring minimal disturbance and a peaceful environment.
• Avoid using synthetic materials, as purity is crucial for the ritual's effectiveness.
• Maintain consistency by performing Agnihotra daily at both sunrise and sunset. 
• Perform Agnihotra for 15 Days Consecutively, every Sunrise and Sunset & Consume the ash 1/3 Teaspoon 3 times a day (Only Consume the Ash if you are doing all of the above & you are sure your mantras are correct pronunciation and annunciation!!!)

 Safety and Benefits of Burning Agnihotra Indoors

Burning Agnihotra indoors is considered safe and even beneficial due to the unique properties of its components and the controlled nature of the combustion process. Here are the reasons why it is generally regarded as safe to breathe the smoke and burn it indoors:

1. Pure Ingredients The materials used in Agnihotra are natural and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring clean combustion:

• Cow Dung: Acts as a slow-burning, carbon-neutral fuel. Dried cow dung is known for producing minimal smoke compared to synthetic fuels.
• Ghee (Clarified Butter): A pure fat that burns cleanly, releasing subtle aromatic compounds.
• Unpolished Rice: The offerings are organic, and no synthetic additives are introduced into the fire.

These materials result in a smoke that is less irritating and non-toxic compared to typical smoke from burning processed or synthetic materials.

2. Purifying Effects of Agnihotra Smoke Scientific studies have shown that the smoke from Agnihotra has purifying properties:

• Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Action: The combustion process releases compounds like formaldehyde, phenols, and organic acids, which have been shown to neutralize harmful microbes in the air.
• Detoxification: The chemical byproducts, combined with the heat and energy generated by the fire, can neutralize pollutants like ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde from the surrounding environment.

                                 3. Controlled Combustion The Agnihotra fire is small, with controlled combustion that ensures minimal production of particulate matter and toxic gases:

• Low Carbon Emissions: Due to the purity of the materials and proper airflow, Agnihotra produces very low levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and other harmful pollutants.
• Aromatic Compounds: The burning of ghee and cow dung releases aromatic hydrocarbons and other beneficial compounds that can create a calming and uplifting atmosphere

4. Ventilation and Safety Measures While Agnihotra can be performed indoors, practitioners often ensure:

• Adequate Ventilation: Some natural airflow (e.g., an open window or door) helps maintain fresh oxygen supply while allowing any excess smoke to dissipate.
• Proper Placement: The fire is burned in a small copper pyramid, ensuring contained combustion that minimizes the risk of fire hazards or excessive smoke.

5. Spiritual and Energetic Considerations From a spiritual perspective, Agnihotra is said to:

• Energize the Environment: The vibrations created by the mantra and smoke are believed to harmonize and uplift the indoor space.
• Ash Residues: The resulting ash is considered medicinal and purifying, further reinforcing the safety and benefits of the practice.

Comparison to Other Indoor Fires

Agnihotra is vastly different from burning incense, candles, or other materials indoors because:

• It does not contain synthetic chemicals or oils that may produce harmful byproducts.
• The materials used (cow dung, ghee, rice) burn cleaner and more efficiently.

Conclusion

Agnihotra is safe to perform indoors due to its use of pure, natural materials, minimal smoke production, and proven air-purifying effects. However, practitioners should ensure proper ventilation and monitor the fire responsibly for the best experience.