dhuni

Dhuni refers to a sacred fire or hearth maintained continuously in certain ashrams and spiritual centers in India. It is not merely a physical fire but a symbolic representation of divine presence, knowledge, and warmth. The practice of maintaining a dhuni is ancient, with roots in Vedic traditions. It is believed to purify the atmosphere and the minds of those who meditate or gather around it.

The dhuni is typically lit with specific rituals and is tended to by monks or resident disciples who ensure it never extinguishes. Offerings of ghee, wood, and other sacred materials are made to the dhuni as part of daily worship. The smoke emanating from the dhuni is considered auspicious and is believed to carry prayers to the heavens. Many spiritual seekers visit places with dhunis to experience the serene and charged atmosphere. The continuous burning of the dhuni symbolizes the perpetual nature of the divine and the unceasing flow of spiritual energy.