Fine-tuning Agnihotra and Yajnya

The following points are answers to questions frequently asked by people who are beginning Agnihotra and Yajnya.

• The Agnihotra mantra is chanted once only.
• The amount of rice for one offering is what one can hold in the fingertips.
• The offering is to be given with the right hand. There is an energy in the right hand specifically for giving offering to Agnihotra fire.
• Ghee is made from unsalted cow’s butter. If it is made properly, it does not need to be refrigerated. Ghee may be stored in glass jars.
• Only dung from cows or male offspring of cows is to be used for Agnihotra.
• Agnihotra ash may be stored in a glass or ceramic container. It should not be stored in containers made of plastic or metals other than copper or gold. The lid may be made of other metals, as it does not touch the ash.
• Always wipe copper utensils after use. Ghee left in a copper bowl will oxidize and produce a toxin (copper oxide).
• Use a wooden match to light the fire. Do not use lighters, candles, or a gas stove. When lighting the fire, avoid dropping the matchstick into the fire.
• One should remove shoes before performing Agnihotra.
• Only dried cowdung, raw rice and pure cow’s ghee may be used for Agnihotra. NO OTHER SUBSTANCES OF ANY KIND MAY BE USED OR ADDED.
• Exact timings are essential for Agnihotra. The timings program is available for Windows PCs free of charge from www.agnihotrasupplies.com.

The following points refer to secondary effects of Agnihotra. To maximize Agnihotra’s effects, more experienced Agnihotra practitioners may wish to observe the following:

• When Agnihotra is performed correctly it will have effects no matter which way the pyramid faces, but for maximum effect it is best if the pyramid can be kept facing the same direction (N,S,E or W). You may make a small mark on the outside or top edge for reference.
• Some pyramids have a small dot on the upper lip of the pyramid for this.
• It is correct to sit facing east for Agnihotra, or to face east for morning Agnihotra and west for evening Agnihotra.
• If possible, it is best to leave the pyramid untouched and uncovered until it is time to prepare for the next Agnihotra. If necessary, it is permissible to cover the pyramid with a copper cover after the flames have gone out.
• If you need to move the pyramid, it is best to wait as long as possible before doing so.
• It is best if no other metals besides copper are close to the Agnihotra area. Please remove your watch before performing Agnihotra.

About Om Tryambakam Yajnya

When performing Om Tryambakam Yajnya, pour out only as much ghee into the ghee bowl as will be used for the Yajnya. If any ghee is left at the end of the Yajnya, it is to be offered to the fire, not poured back into the ghee jar; it may not be used for a later Yajnya. (Note: When people are taking turns performing Om Tryambakam Yajnya, it is okay for a person to use ghee that was poured out by the previous performer, but at the end, the last person is to use up all the ghee that was poured out; it may not be used for another Yajnya.)