Homa Therapy (Agnihotra)
Homa therapy is a ritualistic fire treatment in Ayurvedic medicine where various herbs and spices are burned ritualistically to heal the body, mind, and environment. Agnihotra is one part of medical Homa therapy. BACKGROUND
What is Agnihotra? Agnihotra is a Vedic ritual that offers ghee (clarified butter) and rice into a sacred fire. It is a form of yajna, which is a Vedic fire sacrifice. Agnihotra is performed twice daily, at sunrise and sunset.
The practice of Agnihotra is said to have originated in ancient India. It is mentioned in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. Agnihotra is also mentioned in the Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts that are part of the Vedic tradition. The Vedas are believed to have been composed in ancient India between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. It was first transmitted orally from one generation to another for centuries until it was written down. The first record of the Vedas was written in Vedic Sanskrit. Although the Vedic texts are considered the oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism, Vedic knowledge existed long before religions and cultures.
BENEFITS OF PRACTISING AGNIHOTRA Agnihotra is believed to have many benefits, including:
Purification of the atmosphere
Improved health and well-being
Increased energy and vitality
Improved mental clarity and focus
Enhanced creativity and intuition
Increased spiritual awareness
MODERN REVIVAL OF AGNIHOTRA
One prominent figure associated with the revival of Agnihotra is Vasant Paranjpe, an Indian philosopher and disciple of Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot. Vasant Paranjpe and his wife, Shaila Paranjpe, played a significant role in spreading the practice of Agnihotra and Homa therapy in India and internationally. They have conducted workshops, written books, and established organizations such as the Fivefold Path Mission to promote Agnihotra and its healing properties.
In the photo below, our clinical director Dr Lennie Soo is doing Agnihotra with Dr Purushottam S. Rajimwale, the President of the Vishwa Foundation and the grandson of Paramsadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Shivpuri Akkalkot.
AN EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT There is limited scientific research on specific aspects of homa therapy, and it is important to note that it falls outside the mainstream scientific paradigm. Nevertheless, those who practice Agnihotra have experienced various healings that benefit the body, mind, and environment, and for centuries people have benefited from this practice. According to proponents, Homa therapy helps to strengthen the mind and power of discrimination, healing the body and mind. It can also improve physical, mental, and emotional health, neutralize negative energies, and reinforce positive energies. Additionally, Homa therapy is believed to repair the ozone layer and remove harmful radiation in the air. The smoke from the Homa (fire offering) is also thought to be a natural mosquito repellent. Here is a testimony of a stroke patient in Malaysia who recovered after practising Homa therapy. In the background, you will hear the voice of Dato Alan Yong, a prominent Malaysian businessman who spends much time spreading knowledge about Agnohotra to Malaysians.
INGREDIENTS USED IN AGNIHOTRA
Agnihotra is a powerful ritual that has been practised for centuries. It is believed to have many benefits for the individual and the environment. Here are some additional details about the Agnihotra ritual:
The fire is made in a special copper vessel called a dhuni.
The ghee and rice are offered into the fire while chanting Sanskrit mantras.
The ritual is performed facing east at sunrise and west at sunset.
Agnihotra can be performed by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The dung comes from the Ahimsa species of cow.
According to Dr Purushottam, when we offer the rice mixed with ghee to the fire when we recite the mantras, we are telling the fire to take all our negative energies, bad luck, bad karma and so forth because by offering this fire, we gain the gratitude of the Gods for helping the Gods to heal God's creation and to bring balance to it. Thus, when doing Agnihotra, we should not have any intentions and be ready to accept whatever gratitude or blessings the Universe will bestow on us graciously. THE SANSKRIT MANTRA
There are two sets of mantras: sunrise and sunset. The mantras sound almost the same, with a slight variation in time. Each time swáhá (meaning "so be it") is recited, rice/ghee will be offered to the fire. Sunrise mantra (Awakening Fire) sooryáya swáhá, sooryáya idam na mama prajápataye swáhá, prajápataye idam na mama Sunset mantra (Resetting Fire) agnaye swáhá, agnaye idam na mama prajápataye swáhá, prajápataye idam na mama
WHO CAN PERFORM AGNIHOTRA?
Agnihotra is a simple ritual that anyone can perform. It does not require any special training or initiation. However, it is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure that the ritual is performed correctly.
WHERE DO I GO TO EXPERIENCE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT AGNIHOTRA?
You can learn more about medical Homa therapy and watch more testimonies by following the webinar series that is organised by Persatuan I-Inspire. These webinars feature Dr Abel Hernandez, who conducts Homa therapy in state hospitals in Lima, Peru for his patients.
If you are interested in learning more about Agnihotra, many resources are available online and in libraries.
If you want to experience Agnihotra, and Agnihotra practitioners who can teach you the correct procedures. Monthly agnihotra sessions that are open to the public are organised by Persatuan I-inspire on the 2nd Friday of every month. To join, call Persatuan I-Inspire +60176007813. 360 Wellness Hub is the host for these events. The event will be held at our 360 Wellness Hub, Bangsar South branch.
