Agnihotra Yajna: A Prototype of South Asian Traditional Medical Knowledge

This study conceptualizes the principle of agnihotra yajna. The perusal of ancient and modern literature reveals that the functioning of the human body is impossible without maintaining an energetic continuum driven by sunlight. The seven major chakras existing over the spinal cord help to maintain this energetic continuum. Agnihotra yajna is proposed to balance the chakra system as a whole by minimizing entropy. Offerings of natural elements to fire lit in a copper pyramid during agnihotra liberate various volatile compounds having potent pharmacological actions. Attempts were made to enhance the efficacy of fumes by incorporating two to three pieces of coconut endosperm and "navadhanya" (nine grains) to the conventional fire oblations. This investigation clearly demonstrates that the purpose behind the practice of agnihotra yajna is "letting incessant flow of energy (LIFE)" through our meridian lines and acupuncture points. The volatile organic compounds in smoke were analyzed using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method, and the results are discussed.