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Shri Datta Swami

 21 Feb 2022

 

What is the correct way of performing Agnihotra ritual?

[Shri Balaji asked: Namaste Swami, kindly clarify the following verses on rituals mentioned in the second chapter of the Mundaka Upanishad.

Mantra 2

"Yadaa lelaayate hyerchih samiddhe havya vaahane, tadaajya bhaagaavantarenaahutih pratipaadayet"

Here, it is said to offer the "aahuti" between the two portions of the "havya vaahana". How to understand the word "havya vaahana"? Why is it said to offer between the two portions of the "havya vaahana"?

Mantra 3

"Yasyaagnihotram adarsham apournamaasam... avidhaanaa hutam aa-saptamaamstasya lokaan hinasti"

Here, the verse cautions on the incorrect performance of the Agnihotra ritual. Kindly clarify on the performance of the Agnihotra ritual in the correct way as liked by God and if this yagna is actually universal in nature as intended by God and not just for the traditional practitioners of the Hindu tradition. Sincerely, Balaji]

Swami Replied: - The Vaishvanara fire exists in the centre of the stomach and the food that is offered to the Vaishvanara fire, naturally falls at the centre of the fire (Tasya madhye mahānagniḥ…, Tasya Madhya vahniśikhā…- Veda). Careful eating is recommended so that if the food particles slip to the sides, the vessel (stomach) carrying the air gets disturbed leading to severe cough. The Svaadhishthaana fire is also said to be in the stomach just below the navel cavity (Nābhyāmupari tiṣṭhati - Veda).

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