Some Scientific Aspects of Yagna - Environmental Effects

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Some Scientific Aspects of Yagna - Environmental Effects

 

Some Scientific Aspects of Yagna - Environmental EffectsThere are two basic energy systems in the physical world: heat and sound. In performing yagna, these two energies, namely, the heat from yagna’s fire andthe sound of the chanting of the Gayatri and other Vedic Mantras, are blended together to achieve the desired physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.

 

The fumigation, vaporization and subtlisation of specific substances in the yagna-fire constitute a verifiable scientific method of sublimation of matterand expansion of its colloidal state, generates ions and energy with positive effects in the surrounding atmosphere through the specific sonic waves ofthe mantras.

 

Fumigating Substances Used in Yagna:

 

In order to get an idea of the various chemical changes that take place during the performance of yagna, it is essential to know the various substancesused and offered in the yagna-fire. These can be broadly classified into two types: wood (samidhá), and a mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs (havansámagri)[1, 2].

 

Wood: Wood has to be dry and free from dust, insects and worms. Wood is cut into small pieces of varying sizes called samidhás depending upon the size ofthe altar or pit (kunda) in which the yagna is to be performed. Santalum Album (sandalwood), Aquilana Malaccensis and Valeriana Wallchii (borax wood oragar and tagar), Cedrys Libani (cedar or deodar), Mangifera Indica (mango), Butea Frondosa (flame of the forest or palásha), Aegle Marmelos (bengal quinceor bilva), Ficus Religiosa (the holy fig or pipal), Ficus Bengalensis (banyan or bargad), Proposis Spicigera (sponge tree or Shami), Ficus Glomerata (wildfig or gular) are considered appropriate for this purpose.

 

The havisya or havan sámagri should be prepared with a proper combination of the following. Odoriferous Substances: These are usually saffron, musk, agar,tagar, sandalwood powder, cardamom, nutmeg, javitri and camphor; Substances with Healing properties: clarified butter (ghee), milk, fruits, lin seeds,and cereals like wheat, rice, barley, various millet, gram, peas, etc; Sweet Substances: sugar, dried dates, resin, honey, etc; Medicinal Herbs: Theseare used as per the specific requirements. Some commonly used herbs are Tinospora cordifolia (tinospora/guduchi or giloya), Bacopa Monieri (bacopa or bráhmi),Convolvulus Pluricaulis (shankh pushpi), Mesua Ferrea (cobra’s saffron or nágkesar), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Bois (liquoric root or mulhati), Red Sandalwood,Terminalia Bellirica (beddanut or bahedá), Dry Ginger, and Terminalia Chebula (chebulic myrobalans or harada). Different combinations of these and/or otherspecial herbs are used for the treatment of specific diseases through yagna-therapy.

 

Products of Combustion:

 

The interpretation of the process of combustion in a yagna on a scientific basis is rather difficult due to the following reasons: (i) The properties ofsubstances, which are used here vary; (ii) The conditions under which combustion takes place inside the yagna-fire are very sensitive to the shape of thekunda and the type, quantity and arrangement of wood etc; (iii) the variation in the temperature and thermodynamic effects is quite significant from thetop to the bottom of the kunda and it also depends upon the shape and size of the latter. The products of combustion depend on the factors like –– (a)The nature of substances used and their proportions; (b) Temperature attained; © Controlled supply of air and (d) Interaction amongst the various productsformed.

 

Distillation of Wood:

 

Besides the complete combustion of the cellulose material of wood, it is also subjected to distillation. This happens due to the way samidhás are arrangedin the kunda (also called yagna kunda or havan kunda)2 and the levels of temperature and air supply which prevail in it.

 

Vaporization of Odorous Substances:

 

The temperature attained by the kunda varies between 250°C and 600°C, while in the actual flames it can rise as high as 1200°C to 1300°C. At their boilingpoints, the volatile constituents vaporize and their gaseous forms get diffused. Also, when cellulose and other carbohydrates undergo combustion, steamis formed in copious quantities by the combination of the hydrogen of the decomposed organic molecules with the oxygen. This is how the substances likethymol, eugenol, pinene, terpinol etc., are dispersed to in the surroundings and the aroma of a yagna can be smelt at a considerable distance.

 

In addition to steam, smoke is emitted in large quantities and solid particles existing in a decomposed state offer sufficient scope for its diffusion.Thus smoke also functions as a colloidal vehicle for the spreading of volatile aromatic substances. This process depends on the inside and surroundingtemperature and on the direction of the wind.

 

Combustion of Fatty Substances:

 

The fatty substances used in yagna are mainly ghee and other fatty substances of vegetable origin. Ghee helps in rapid combustion of cellulose of wood andkeeps the fire alight. All fatty substances used are combinations of fatty acids, which volatilize easily. The combustion of glycerol portion gives acetonebodies, 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.

 

Photochemical Process:

 

The vaporized products diffused in the atmosphere are also subjected to photochemical reactions in the sunlight. They undergo photochemical decomposition,oxidation and reduction reactions. To some extent even CO2 is also reduced to formaldehyde as follows:

 

CO2 + H2O + 112,000 cal = HCHO + O2

 

From an environmental angle, the reduction of CO2caused by yagna as explained above and the liberation of oxygen cannot be overemphasized. Similar kindsof other useful reactions take place in the presence of specific radiations from the sunrays. This may be perhaps the reason it has been recommended thatyagna should be performed during sunlight.

 

Inverted Pyramid Shaped Yagna Kunda:

 

The word ‘pyramid’ means ‘the fire in the middle’. This meaning is closely associated with the inexplicable energies emanating from its center and shape.The pyramid shape is widely known to generate and store a special energy field, which possesses bacteriostatic properties. The inverted pyramid shape ofthe agni kunda allows controlled generation and multidirectional dissipation of energy. It acts as a generator of unusual energy fields and spreads themin its surrounding atmosphere. Apart from the pyramid shape, some other special symmetric geometrical designs are also used according to the kind of energyfields and the cosmic currents one wishes to generate by the yagna. Specific types of kundas are recommended for different kinds of yagnas. The shapesand properties of the common agnihotra pot and some yagna kundas are illustrated in reference no. 3 cited below.

 

Chanting of Sanskrit Mantras:

 

The power of sound vibrations has since long been acknowledged in the field of science. With substantial amplification these vibrations can penetrate theenergy spheres at the subtle and cosmic levels. All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are endowed with special impulsive phonetics, which send outharmonious wave patterns when pronounced.

 

With the advent of spectrographic techniques and instruments like the Multichannel Tonograph and Retrometer, it has now become possible to study the soundeffects of mantras in relation to yagna. The patterns of chanting of the mantras are so designed that they latently contain the essence of the music orthe quintessential sound of the torrent of life-sustaining energies emanating from the cosmic energy center of the corresponding mantras. (The cosmic energycenter associated with the Gayatri Mantra is the Sun). The chanting of these mantras produces vibrations, which are soothing to human mind and all plantand animal life. These vibrations also help in spreading specific energy waves in the surrounding atmosphere while the oblations are offered[3-5].

 

Purification of Environment by Yagna:

 

The huge industrial complexes, rapid urbanization, deforestation, air and water pollution, ozone-depletion, radioactive wastes etc., have disturbed anddestabilized the natural harmony of human, animal and plant life cycles. The ecological imbalance caused by these criminal acts of the so called ‘civilizedman’ has resulted in a disastrous threat, not only to the human survival but, also to life as a whole on our planet.

 

Experimental studies show that the incidences of physical ailments, sickness and/or diseases become less in the houses where the yagna or agnihotra[3] isregularly performed because it creates a pure, hygienic, nutritional and healing atmosphere. It renews the brain cells, revitalizes the skin, purifiesthe blood and prevents growth of pathogenic bacteria. Agnihotra is basically a healing process. "Heal the atmosphere and the healed atmosphere will healyou", says Dr. Madhukar Gaikwad[6].

 

The medicinal fumes emanating from the process of agnihotra have been observed by researchers in the field of microbiology to be clearly bacteriostaticin nature, which eradicate bacteria and micro-organisms, the root causes of illness and diseases. This must be the reason why the incidence of physicalailments, sickness and diseases becomes less in the households where agnihotra is regularly performed.

 

Purification of environment through the constituent electrically charged particles of the substances fumigated in yagna is an obvious byproduct of thisprocess. The observations of some distinguished scientists (as reported in the reference nos. [2-5]) are noteworthy in this regard. According to Dr. Hafkine,the smoke produced by burning the mixture of ghee and sugar kills the germs of certain diseases; inhaling it from some distance induces secretion fromcertain glands related to the windpipe that fill our heart and mind with relaxation. "Burning sugar and its smoke has a significant effect in purifyingthe atmosphere. It kills the germs of T.B., measles, smallpox and cow-pox" – remarks Prof. Tilward. A Russian Scientist named Dr. Shirowich mentions that– "if cow’s ghee is put into the fire, its smoke will lessen the effect of atomic radiation to a great extent". He also related this process to yagna.

 

Particularly effective results with respect to the elimination or reduction in radiation were achieved through yagna’s fire and ash. These observationsare made by Dr. L. Matela Anatoninhowska of Poland after using P.S.I. techniques[2].

 

Even without going into detailed chemical bacteriology, it appears highly probable that performing yagna leads to the purification of air in view of thefollowing (as reported in the reference nos. [2, 5]):

 

Removal of Foul Odors:

 

As already stated, under steam volatilization, the various volatile oils get diffused in the surrounding atmosphere along with steam and smoke. Since theseoils have distinctly good smells, the foul odors are automatically neutralized. This aroma can be effortlessly smelt in the surroundings when yagna isperformed. It is due to the diffusion of substanceslike thynol, eugenol, piene, terpinol and oils of sandalwood, camphor and clove.

 

Removal of Bacteria:

 

As stated under products of combustion, the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons and decomposition of complex organic substances produce formaldehyde, whichis a powerful antiseptic. It is also interesting to note that the germicidal action of formaldehyde is effective only in the presence of water vapor, whichis also produced in large quantities in yagna. The use of formaldehyde sprays for disinfecting of walls, ceilings etc., is common and such an effect isautomatically produced when yagna is performed. The oxidation of hydrocarbons produces formic acid and acetic acid, both of which are good disinfectants.Use of formic acid for preservation of fruits and that of acetic acid in preserving vinegar is a common practice.

 

The antiseptic and antibiotic effects of the smoke of yagna have also been examined by conducting laboratory experiments on rabbits and mice and it hasbeen established that smoke emitted in yagna is a powerful antibiotic. Agnihotra ash is also found to purify and cleanse the water, making it fit for drinking[6].

 

Removal of Insects:

 

There are non-bacterial parasites like flies, ringworm, dice fleas etc., which are normally difficult to deal with since bacteriocides which can be usedagainst them are also harmful to other living organisms. Such insects are generally immune to ordinary reagents. However they either get killed or aredriven away when they come in contact with volatile oils like camphor, which are diffused in the environment during the performance of yagna.

 

Effects on Plants and Vegetation:

 

The disinfection of air is not only useful to animal life but it also helps plant life. The aromatic substances, which get diffused in the air through Agnihotraoffer protection to plant life against harmful organisms. This ensures a healthy plant growth. Agnihotra’s atmosphere and ash can be used as adjuvantsin the natural farming methods – also known as the agnihotra farming methods. It is a holistic concept of growing plants in pure and healthy atmosphereand balancing the ecological cycles by performing agnihotra (yagna) in the middle of the farm and using the yagna-ash as a fertilizer. Several experimentshave been conducted in the East European countries on the use of yagna ash in soil treatment. These, too, have shown positive effects and potential applicationsin Agriculture[7].

 

Role of CO2 Generated in Yagna:

 

The wood and fossil burning in atmosphere is always controversial because of the generation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and a consequent increasein the ‘green house’ effect. On this basis it can be argued that yagna also produces CO and CO2. It should be noted here that the way in which the samidhásare burnt in yagna is a process of slow combustion. It is not comparable to the burning of coal in the factories or household fire or running of steamengines etc, where oxygen is sucked in large quantities and CO2 is emitted likewise. In the slow combustion process that takes place in yagna, a smallquantity of O2 is utilized and CO2 is emitted in a quantity that poses no threat to the environment. In fact whatever CO2 is generatedis readily absorbedby the surrounding plant life and vegetation and thus the CO2 cycle is strengthened[5].

 

Another important fact to be noted is that CO2 produced in yagna is not free CO2. It is mixed with the vapors of other aromatic oils and antiseptic products.It acts as a vehicle in transporting such products to the surroundings.

 

The use of CO2 as a cerebral stimulant to assist patients suffering from lack of ventilation is a common practice in the medical field. Its use in controllingand curing many mental disorders is also known to medical science. Small amounts of CO2 inhaled by the persons performing yagna act as a stimulant forinhaling more and more aromatic fumes which helps in curing mental disorders.

 

Results of Some Recent Experiments:

 

A group of scientists led by Dr. Manoj Garg, Director, Environmental and Technical Consultants in association with the experts from the Uttar Pradesh PollutionControl Board had conducted experiments during the Ashwamedha Yagna at Gorakhpur, U.P. These experiments were set up at about 20 meters east of the Yagnashala.The samples of 100 ml each of water and air collected from the surroundings were analyzed, using high volume Envirotech APM-45 and other sensitive instrumentsfor testing water and air pollution. A summary of their results as reported in Akhand Jyoti, Sept. ’97 p.22, (ref no. [1]), showed an average reductionby 75% in the level of Sulphur Dioxide and about 10% in Nitrus Oxide; and Over 70% reduction in bacteria in water samples in the surrounding area. Severalmedicinal minerals were present in the ash (bhasma) of yagna. The average level of carbon monoxide was found reduced from 117 p.p.m. to 0 in some of theexperiments conducted on domestic yagnas at IIT Bombay (unpublished results); There are some more ongoing experiments on recording different gas levels and respirable particlesare currently ongoing, being conducted by some visiting scientists at Brahm Varchas Research Center of Gayatri Teerth, Shantikunj, Hardwar.

 

Yagna, thus, appears to be a promising scientific, cost effective, eco-friendly method to counter the ever-increasing deadly pollution of the environmentand purify and enrich the environment with healthy ingredients. May the environmental scientists and the experts of the Vedic Science of Yagna come togetherto enable its global expansion. The Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya at Shantikunj, Hardwar is venturing to be a pacesetter in this regard.

 

REFERENCES:

 

1. Selected Articles from Akhand Jyoti (Aug. ‘84, July & Aug. ‘92, March ’93, Sept. ’97). Publisher, Akhand Jyoti Sansthan, Mathura.2. Fumigating Substances used in Yagna –– article published in the proceedings of the Ashwamedha Yagna held in Montreal, Canada (26 to 28 July, 1996).3. "The Integral Science of Yagna". Book Published in 1998 by Yug Nirman Yojna, Mathura.4. Yagna’s Scientific Interpretation – article published in the proceedings of Ashwamedha Yagna held in Montreal, Canada (26 to 28 July, 1996).5. "Does Yagna Add to the Prevalent Pollution?" –– article published in the proceedings of Ashwamedha Yagna held in Montreal, Canada (26 to 28 July, 1996).6. "Agnihotra: The Message of Time" – Paper by Dr. Madhukar P. Gaikwad. (Presented in the National Symposium on Unification of Modern and Ancient Sciences,held in Andheri, Mumbai on April 30, 1995).7. Personal Communication with Dr. Vasant Rao Paranjape (www.theromoline.com)

 

Notes:

 

1. Sublimation (in chemistry): The process by which a solid is converted, on heating directly, into a gas, without going through a liquid state. Only asmall number of solids sublime; e.g. carbon dioxide, CO2 and Iodine, I2. Some solids that do melt to form a liquid still evaporate quite rapidly if keptbelow their melting-points; e.g. Iodine and sulphur. This is also sublimation, and can be used as a method of purification.2. Kunda (Agni-Kunda or yagna-kunda): The pit or small metallic vessel of a special design for yagnágni.3. Agnihotra (Havans or homam): Small-scale yagna that could be performed every-day at home.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Dear Sir,

 

Very nice article, this is certainly the need of the hour, all ancient knowledge and wisdom is coming back and we have to embrace it to save this earth and humanity, here is a excellent link og Yagna from gayatri pariwar, knowledge and wisdom of this sort will remove our ignorance and guide us to a better life and spiritual quest.

 

Thanks for sharing and god belss.

 

http://www.awgp.org/?literature/englishbook/Scientific_Spirituality/integrated_science_yagna.5

Om namah shivaya,

Divakar.

 

--- On Wed, 8/20/08, P. Subramani <subramani6912 wrote:

P. Subramani <subramani6912 Some Scientific Aspects of Yagna - Environmental EffectsUndisclosed-RecipientDate: Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 11:43 AM

 

 

 

Some Scientific Aspects of Yagna - Environmental Effects

 

Some Scientific Aspects of Yagna - Environmental EffectsThere are two basic energy systems in the physical world: heat and sound. In performing yagna, these two energies, namely, the heat from yagna’s fire andthe sound of the chanting of the Gayatri and other Vedic Mantras, are blended together to achieve the desired physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.

 

The fumigation, vaporization and subtlisation of specific substances in the yagna-fire constitute a verifiable scientific method of sublimation of matterand expansion of its colloidal state, generates ions and energy with positive effects in the surrounding atmosphere through the specific sonic waves ofthe mantras.

 

Fumigating Substances Used in Yagna:

 

In order to get an idea of the various chemical changes that take place during the performance of yagna, it is essential to know the various substancesused and offered in the yagna-fire. These can be broadly classified into two types: wood (samidhá), and a mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs (havansámagri)[1, 2].

 

Wood: Wood has to be dry and free from dust, insects and worms. Wood is cut into small pieces of varying sizes called samidhás depending upon the size ofthe altar or pit (kunda) in which the yagna is to be performed. Santalum Album (sandalwood) , Aquilana Malaccensis and Valeriana Wallchii (borax wood oragar and tagar), Cedrys Libani (cedar or deodar), Mangifera Indica (mango), Butea Frondosa (flame of the forest or palásha), Aegle Marmelos (bengal quinceor bilva), Ficus Religiosa (the holy fig or pipal), Ficus Bengalensis (banyan or bargad), Proposis Spicigera (sponge tree or Shami), Ficus Glomerata (wildfig or gular) are considered appropriate for this purpose.

 

The havisya or havan sámagri should be prepared with a proper combination of the following. Odoriferous Substances: These are usually saffron, musk, agar,tagar, sandalwood powder, cardamom, nutmeg, javitri and camphor; Substances with Healing properties: clarified butter (ghee), milk, fruits, lin seeds,and cereals like wheat, rice, barley, various millet, gram, peas, etc; Sweet Substances: sugar, dried dates, resin, honey, etc; Medicinal Herbs: Theseare used as per the specific requirements. Some commonly used herbs are Tinospora cordifolia (tinospora/guduchi or giloya), Bacopa Monieri (bacopa or bráhmi),Convolvulus Pluricaulis (shankh pushpi), Mesua Ferrea (cobra’s saffron or nágkesar), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Bois (liquoric root or mulhati), Red Sandalwood,Terminalia Bellirica (beddanut or bahedá), Dry Ginger, and Terminalia Chebula (chebulic myrobalans or harada). Different combinations of these and/or

otherspecial herbs are used for the treatment of specific diseases through yagna-therapy.

 

Products of Combustion:

 

The interpretation of the process of combustion in a yagna on a scientific basis is rather difficult due to the following reasons: (i) The properties ofsubstances, which are used here vary; (ii) The conditions under which combustion takes place inside the yagna-fire are very sensitive to the shape of thekunda and the type, quantity and arrangement of wood etc; (iii) the variation in the temperature and thermodynamic effects is quite significant from thetop to the bottom of the kunda and it also depends upon the shape and size of the latter. The products of combustion depend on the factors like –– (a)The nature of substances used and their proportions; (b) Temperature attained; © Controlled supply of air and (d) Interaction amongst the various productsformed.

 

Distillation of Wood:

 

Besides the complete combustion of the cellulose material of wood, it is also subjected to distillation. This happens due to the way samidhás are arrangedin the kunda (also called yagna kunda or havan kunda)2 and the levels of temperature and air supply which prevail in it.

 

Vaporization of Odorous Substances:

 

The temperature attained by the kunda varies between 250°C and 600°C, while in the actual flames it can rise as high as 1200°C to 1300°C. At their boilingpoints, the volatile constituents vaporize and their gaseous forms get diffused. Also, when cellulose and other carbohydrates undergo combustion, steamis formed in copious quantities by the combination of the hydrogen of the decomposed organic molecules with the oxygen. This is how the substances likethymol, eugenol, pinene, terpinol etc., are dispersed to in the surroundings and the aroma of a yagna can be smelt at a considerable distance.

 

In addition to steam, smoke is emitted in large quantities and solid particles existing in a decomposed state offer sufficient scope for its diffusion.Thus smoke also functions as a colloidal vehicle for the spreading of volatile aromatic substances. This process depends on the inside and surroundingtemperature and on the direction of the wind.

 

Combustion of Fatty Substances:

 

The fatty substances used in yagna are mainly ghee and other fatty substances of vegetable origin. Ghee helps in rapid combustion of cellulose of wood andkeeps the fire alight. All fatty substances used are combinations of fatty acids, which volatilize easily. The combustion of glycerol portion gives acetonebodies, 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.

 

Photochemical Process:

 

The vaporized products diffused in the atmosphere are also subjected to photochemical reactions in the sunlight. They undergo photochemical decomposition,oxidation and reduction reactions. To some extent even CO2 is also reduced to formaldehyde as follows:

 

CO2 + H2O + 112,000 cal = HCHO + O2

 

From an environmental angle, the reduction of CO2caused by yagna as explained above and the liberation of oxygen cannot be overemphasized. Similar kindsof other useful reactions take place in the presence of specific radiations from the sunrays. This may be perhaps the reason it has been recommended thatyagna should be performed during sunlight.

 

Inverted Pyramid Shaped Yagna Kunda:

 

The word ‘pyramid’ means ‘the fire in the middle’. This meaning is closely associated with the inexplicable energies emanating from its center and shape.The pyramid shape is widely known to generate and store a special energy field, which possesses bacteriostatic properties. The inverted pyramid shape ofthe agni kunda allows controlled generation and multidirectional dissipation of energy. It acts as a generator of unusual energy fields and spreads themin its surrounding atmosphere. Apart from the pyramid shape, some other special symmetric geometrical designs are also used according to the kind of energyfields and the cosmic currents one wishes to generate by the yagna. Specific types of kundas are recommended for different kinds of yagnas. The shapesand properties of the common agnihotra pot and some yagna kundas are illustrated in reference no. 3 cited below.

 

Chanting of Sanskrit Mantras:

 

The power of sound vibrations has since long been acknowledged in the field of science. With substantial amplification these vibrations can penetrate theenergy spheres at the subtle and cosmic levels. All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are endowed with special impulsive phonetics, which send outharmonious wave patterns when pronounced.

 

With the advent of spectrographic techniques and instruments like the Multichannel Tonograph and Retrometer, it has now become possible to study the soundeffects of mantras in relation to yagna. The patterns of chanting of the mantras are so designed that they latently contain the essence of the music orthe quintessential sound of the torrent of life-sustaining energies emanating from the cosmic energy center of the corresponding mantras. (The cosmic energycenter associated with the Gayatri Mantra is the Sun). The chanting of these mantras produces vibrations, which are soothing to human mind and all plantand animal life. These vibrations also help in spreading specific energy waves in the surrounding atmosphere while the oblations are offered[3-5] .

 

Purification of Environment by Yagna:

 

The huge industrial complexes, rapid urbanization, deforestation, air and water pollution, ozone-depletion, radioactive wastes etc., have disturbed anddestabilized the natural harmony of human, animal and plant life cycles. The ecological imbalance caused by these criminal acts of the so called ‘civilizedman’ has resulted in a disastrous threat, not only to the human survival but, also to life as a whole on our planet.

 

Experimental studies show that the incidences of physical ailments, sickness and/or diseases become less in the houses where the yagna or agnihotra[3] isregularly performed because it creates a pure, hygienic, nutritional and healing atmosphere. It renews the brain cells, revitalizes the skin, purifiesthe blood and prevents growth of pathogenic bacteria. Agnihotra is basically a healing process. "Heal the atmosphere and the healed atmosphere will healyou", says Dr. Madhukar Gaikwad[6].

 

The medicinal fumes emanating from the process of agnihotra have been observed by researchers in the field of microbiology to be clearly bacteriostaticin nature, which eradicate bacteria and micro-organisms, the root causes of illness and diseases. This must be the reason why the incidence of physicalailments, sickness and diseases becomes less in the households where agnihotra is regularly performed.

 

Purification of environment through the constituent electrically charged particles of the substances fumigated in yagna is an obvious byproduct of thisprocess. The observations of some distinguished scientists (as reported in the reference nos. [2-5]) are noteworthy in this regard. According to Dr. Hafkine,the smoke produced by burning the mixture of ghee and sugar kills the germs of certain diseases; inhaling it from some distance induces secretion fromcertain glands related to the windpipe that fill our heart and mind with relaxation. "Burning sugar and its smoke has a significant effect in purifyingthe atmosphere. It kills the germs of T.B., measles, smallpox and cow-pox" – remarks Prof. Tilward. A Russian Scientist named Dr. Shirowich mentions that– "if cow’s ghee is put into the fire, its smoke will lessen the effect of atomic radiation to a great extent". He also related this process to

yagna.

 

Particularly effective results with respect to the elimination or reduction in radiation were achieved through yagna’s fire and ash. These observationsare made by Dr. L. Matela Anatoninhowska of Poland after using P.S.I. techniques[2] .

 

Even without going into detailed chemical bacteriology, it appears highly probable that performing yagna leads to the purification of air in view of thefollowing (as reported in the reference nos. [2, 5]):

 

Removal of Foul Odors:

 

As already stated, under steam volatilization, the various volatile oils get diffused in the surrounding atmosphere along with steam and smoke. Since theseoils have distinctly good smells, the foul odors are automatically neutralized. This aroma can be effortlessly smelt in the surroundings when yagna isperformed. It is due to the diffusion of substanceslike thynol, eugenol, piene, terpinol and oils of sandalwood, camphor and clove.

 

Removal of Bacteria:

 

As stated under products of combustion, the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons and decomposition of complex organic substances produce formaldehyde, whichis a powerful antiseptic. It is also interesting to note that the germicidal action of formaldehyde is effective only in the presence of water vapor, whichis also produced in large quantities in yagna. The use of formaldehyde sprays for disinfecting of walls, ceilings etc., is common and such an effect isautomatically produced when yagna is performed. The oxidation of hydrocarbons produces formic acid and acetic acid, both of which are good disinfectants.Use of formic acid for preservation of fruits and that of acetic acid in preserving vinegar is a common practice.

 

The antiseptic and antibiotic effects of the smoke of yagna have also been examined by conducting laboratory experiments on rabbits and mice and it hasbeen established that smoke emitted in yagna is a powerful antibiotic. Agnihotra ash is also found to purify and cleanse the water, making it fit for drinking[6].

 

Removal of Insects:

 

There are non-bacterial parasites like flies, ringworm, dice fleas etc., which are normally difficult to deal with since bacteriocides which can be usedagainst them are also harmful to other living organisms. Such insects are generally immune to ordinary reagents. However they either get killed or aredriven away when they come in contact with volatile oils like camphor, which are diffused in the environment during the performance of yagna.

 

Effects on Plants and Vegetation:

 

The disinfection of air is not only useful to animal life but it also helps plant life. The aromatic substances, which get diffused in the air through Agnihotraoffer protection to plant life against harmful organisms. This ensures a healthy plant growth. Agnihotra’s atmosphere and ash can be used as adjuvantsin the natural farming methods – also known as the agnihotra farming methods. It is a holistic concept of growing plants in pure and healthy atmosphereand balancing the ecological cycles by performing agnihotra (yagna) in the middle of the farm and using the yagna-ash as a fertilizer. Several experimentshave been conducted in the East European countries on the use of yagna ash in soil treatment. These, too, have shown positive effects and potential applicationsin Agriculture[ 7].

 

Role of CO2 Generated in Yagna:

 

The wood and fossil burning in atmosphere is always controversial because of the generation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and a consequent increasein the ‘green house’ effect. On this basis it can be argued that yagna also produces CO and CO2. It should be noted here that the way in which the samidhásare burnt in yagna is a process of slow combustion. It is not comparable to the burning of coal in the factories or household fire or running of steamengines etc, where oxygen is sucked in large quantities and CO2 is emitted likewise. In the slow combustion process that takes place in yagna, a smallquantity of O2 is utilized and CO2 is emitted in a quantity that poses no threat to the environment. In fact whatever CO2 is generatedis readily absorbedby the surrounding plant life and vegetation and thus the CO2 cycle is strengthened[ 5].

 

Another important fact to be noted is that CO2 produced in yagna is not free CO2. It is mixed with the vapors of other aromatic oils and antiseptic products.It acts as a vehicle in transporting such products to the surroundings.

 

The use of CO2 as a cerebral stimulant to assist patients suffering from lack of ventilation is a common practice in the medical field. Its use in controllingand curing many mental disorders is also known to medical science. Small amounts of CO2 inhaled by the persons performing yagna act as a stimulant forinhaling more and more aromatic fumes which helps in curing mental disorders.

 

Results of Some Recent Experiments:

 

A group of scientists led by Dr. Manoj Garg, Director, Environmental and Technical Consultants in association with the experts from the Uttar Pradesh PollutionControl Board had conducted experiments during the Ashwamedha Yagna at Gorakhpur, U.P. These experiments were set up at about 20 meters east of the Yagnashala.The samples of 100 ml each of water and air collected from the surroundings were analyzed, using high volume Envirotech APM-45 and other sensitive instrumentsfor testing water and air pollution. A summary of their results as reported in Akhand Jyoti, Sept. ’97 p.22, (ref no. [1]), showed an average reductionby 75% in the level of Sulphur Dioxide and about 10% in Nitrus Oxide; and Over 70% reduction in bacteria in water samples in the surrounding area. Severalmedicinal minerals were present in the ash (bhasma) of yagna. The average level of carbon monoxide was found reduced from 117 p.p.m. to

0 in some of theexperiments conducted on domestic yagnas at IIT Bombay (unpublished results); There are some more ongoing experiments on recording different gas levels and respirable particlesare currently ongoing, being conducted by some visiting scientists at Brahm Varchas Research Center of Gayatri Teerth, Shantikunj, Hardwar.

 

Yagna, thus, appears to be a promising scientific, cost effective, eco-friendly method to counter the ever-increasing deadly pollution of the environmentand purify and enrich the environment with healthy ingredients. May the environmental scientists and the experts of the Vedic Science of Yagna come togetherto enable its global expansion. The Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya at Shantikunj, Hardwar is venturing to be a pacesetter in this regard.

 

REFERENCES:

 

1. Selected Articles from Akhand Jyoti (Aug. ‘84, July & Aug. ‘92, March ’93, Sept. ’97). Publisher, Akhand Jyoti Sansthan, Mathura.2. Fumigating Substances used in Yagna –– article published in the proceedings of the Ashwamedha Yagna held in Montreal, Canada (26 to 28 July, 1996).3. "The Integral Science of Yagna". Book Published in 1998 by Yug Nirman Yojna, Mathura.4. Yagna’s Scientific Interpretation – article published in the proceedings of Ashwamedha Yagna held in Montreal, Canada (26 to 28 July, 1996).5. "Does Yagna Add to the Prevalent Pollution?" –– article published in the proceedings of Ashwamedha Yagna held in Montreal, Canada (26 to 28 July, 1996).6. "Agnihotra: The Message of Time" – Paper by Dr. Madhukar P. Gaikwad. (Presented in the National Symposium on Unification of Modern and Ancient Sciences,held in Andheri, Mumbai on April 30, 1995).7. Personal

Communication with Dr. Vasant Rao Paranjape (www.theromoline. com)

 

Notes:

 

1. Sublimation (in chemistry): The process by which a solid is converted, on heating directly, into a gas, without going through a liquid state. Only asmall number of solids sublime; e.g. carbon dioxide, CO2 and Iodine, I2. Some solids that do melt to form a liquid still evaporate quite rapidly if keptbelow their melting-points; e.g. Iodine and sulphur. This is also sublimation, and can be used as a method of purification.2. Kunda (Agni-Kunda or yagna-kunda) : The pit or small metallic vessel of a special design for yagnágni.3. Agnihotra (Havans or homam): Small-scale yagna that could be performed every-day at home.