agnihotra

Agnihotra is a ritual from the Vedic yajña tradition. In modern usage, agnihotra refers to a specific small-fire ceremony conducted with a copper pyramid-shaped altar, known as a havan kund. The ceremony is performed twice daily, at sunrise and sunset, with precise timing. A small amount of rice and a touch of ghee are offered into the fire, which is fueled by dry wood or other approved material. A mantra is traditionally recited as the offerings are made. The resulting ash is collected and, in some practices, used as a soil amendment or compost additive.

Advocates claim the practice purifies the immediate environment, supports plant growth, and improves soil health, air quality, and even human well-being by balancing natural energies. The ritual is sometimes described as part of Homa therapy, a broader modern movement that uses similar fire-based rituals for environmental purposes.

Reception and evidence: Agnihotra is part of religious and cultural practice for many followers, but there is limited scientific support for the asserted environmental and health benefits. Some studies have reported changes in atmospheric chemistry or microbial activity in controlled settings, but results are not consistent or broadly validated. Critics view the claims as unproven or pseudoscientific. The practice remains controversial within the scientific community; it is generally regarded as a spiritual or cultural ritual rather than a proven environmental technology.

History: The form of agnihotra used today arose within the broader tradition of yajñas and later gained global popularity in the 20th century, spreading to many countries through practitioner organizations.