Scientific rationale of Yagya: a review

Abstract

Yagya is an ancient Hindu Vedic ritual aimed at ablution of the body and surroundings by reinforcing the natural equilibrium in various components of the body and ambient environment. Yagya is directed with selective medicinal preparation of herbs that is forfeited in the holy fire inflamed by specific woods along with the chant of distinct Vedic Hymes (mantras). Medicinal smoke significantly removes human pathogenic microbes. The vaporization and sublimation of ingredients of havan samagri in an inverted pyramid shaped yagya-kunda deliver vast amount of therapeutic and environmental benefits. The chemical transformation (into vapor or gaseous phase/ colloidal forms) of the herbal/ plant medicinal preparations in Hawan lead to release of medicinal phytochemicals; which affect many endogenous chemicals including hormonal axis. These fumes help in purifying the air and have anti-epileptic, anti-pyretic, anti-fungal, antibacterial effects amongst the numerous other benefits. Regular chanting of hyms helps in purifying the mind. Improvement has been noticed with respect to digestion, hypertension, mental agitation and sleep after chanting the Mantras.