agnihotra - ancient purification technology with ... · chair group: farming systems ecology bsc...

Title page with title research project, name student + registration number, name supervisor, name chairgroup, date

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November 2017

Agnihotra - Ancient Purification

Technology with Environmental and

Agricultural Perspective

Name Student: Philipp Avemaria

registration number: 880811-021-090

course code: PEN-80812

name supervisor: Kees van Veluw

chair group: Farming Systems Ecology

BSc Thesis Forest and Nature Conservation: Design Study

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Summary

This Bachelor Thesis in Forest and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University, written by

Philipp Avemaria, focuses on an ancient purification technology called Agnihotra. Agnihotra

is a fire technique that aims to cleanse water, soil and atmosphere through the agency of fire.

It is relatively simple to perform and very cost efficient. Investigating the available literature,

it was shown that the Agnihotra fire technique is indeed applicable for the improvement of

various aspects of the environment; and thereby has a positive influence on the thrive of living

organisms. An experiment was performed with the ashes that are produced during the

performance of the Agnihotra fire technique and its effect on the germination of rye seeds. The

results suggest that the ashes can have a positive influence on the development of plants.

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Table of Contents Summary ..........................................................................................................................................1

Acknowledgment .............................................................................................................................3

Introduction and Problem Description ..........................................................................................4

Scope and Limitations .................................................................................................................5

Theory / Conceptual Framework Chapter .....................................................................................5

The Agnihotra Fire Technique ....................................................................................................5

Performance ..............................................................................................................................7

Methodology .................................................................................................................................. 10

Literature Review ....................................................................................................................... 10

Experiment ................................................................................................................................. 11

Results ............................................................................................................................................. 12

Literature Review ....................................................................................................................... 12

Agnihotra and Water Purification ........................................................................................ 12

Agnihotra and Air Quality .................................................................................................... 15

Agnihotra and Soil Quality ................................................................................................... 18

Agnihotra and Plant Growth ................................................................................................. 21

Applications ............................................................................................................................ 27

Experiment ................................................................................................................................. 29

Discussion ....................................................................................................................................... 31

Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 33

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 34

Appendix ........................................................................................................................................ 36

Measured Data and Statistical Analysis (SPSS) ....................................................................... 36

SPSS Output ............................................................................................................................... 47

Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot.............................................................. 49

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Acknowledgment

The Agnihotra fire technique changed my life and the way I am perceiving the world. I am

grateful for having received this gift and hope that the knowledge about this technology will

keep on spreading.

I am especially grateful to Yannick Roller and my brother Darius Avemaria, who were

transmitting the knowledge about Agnihotra to me. Isabella Selin Norén for statistical advice

on the data of the experiment. Michael Wüst, for his pioneering work and the sharing and

spreading of information. Bernd Frank for his eager spreading of the Agnihotra knowledge;

his lectures, presentations and friendly support. The diligent volunteers and members of the

Homa-Hof Heiligenberg for their initiative. I am grateful for their openness and hospitality

and the permission for putting my tent on their farm. Thank you for your lectures and

presentations, good conversations, cakes and coffee. Gratitude goes to Horst Heigl for setting

up an Agnihotra initiative in Germany and spreading the knowledge about the Agnihotra fire

technique. Special thanks to Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot, who made

it his life-task to spread the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and save the planet from the

effects of pollution. And Gurudev Shree Vasant Paranjape, his disciple, who spread the

knowledge about Agnihotra and the Fivefold Path since 1972.

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Introduction and Problem Description

Human life as we now know it is on a very interesting point of its own history. Being a species

with the special ability of problem-solving, humankind encountered the challenges of live,

such as the constant battle for food and protection from the cold, with its very own responses.

We created complex systems to resist the challenges that were given by nature and made our

lives comfortable. But this comfort does not quite feel right. We are starting to realize that the

strive for comfort has challenged our living environment and that we are polluting and

depleting the live-giving nature of our planet. The trend of the development of the condition

of our natural systems is at an alarming state - without humankind changing its course, the

delicate balance of the systems of our very home is threatened.

Already thousands of years ago ancient Indian literature with relations to the Vedas, called

the Puranas, were describing a distant time of great pollution when mankind had

disassociated with nature and looted its very soil. This age is called Kali Yuga (Dettelbacher

2008). Comparing the prophetic outlooks with the current state of our planet one could draw

the conclusion that we are living in these very times. At the end of this age, it is said that light

will be brought into the chaos and the natural order will be restored.

The prophetic content of sacred literature that is collected in ancient scriptures found in the

Vedas and its contemporaneous Indian writing records are open for debate but the necessity

of changing human behavior is naked truth. The qualities of these times make it important to

empower oneself and face todays challenges for our own future. Agnihotra is a simple and yet

powerful technique that could be one possible answer to our problems of a polluted

environment. It is an ancient technology with relations to the Vedas and can be used as a

mighty tool which can empower the individuals to actively counteract pollution.

Agnihotra is a small fire performed at sunrise and sunset to purify atmosphere, water and

earth. It is a tool that can be used by literally everybody who has the ability and corresponding

responsibility to light and maintain a fire. This simple but powerful fire can bring hope to

people who feel defenseless about pollution and want to contribute in making the earth a

better place for all of us.

The fire technique is relatively simple to perform but the results that are obtained appear very

promising and could be implemented as powerful tools in agricultural systems and nature

conservation and restoration projects.

Since the Agnihotra is a pure physical process, it is very inviting to be introduced to a scientific

dialog. Especially in small scale farming, alternative production systems such as bio-dynamic

farming and even landscape restoration projects it can become a beneficial addition to current

practices.

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The intention of this design thesis is to analyze the available information about the topic and

give a small recommendation for further implementation possibilities. This intention results

into the following research questions:

• What is the Agnihotra fire technique and how is it performed?

• What is the current state of available scientific information about the Agnihotra fire

technique concerning agriculture and environmental issues?

• What is the effect of the application of Agnihotra ash on the germination of rye seeds?

The aim of this research is to introduce the Agnihotra fire ritual to a broader public and make

it more accessible for a scientific dialog. Its functionality and application possibilities should

be investigated and therefore it is important to share the knowledge about it. The reader will

be able to draw a coherent picture about the questions on what Agnihotra is and how it can be

performed and applied. The first research question will be considered and answered in the

Theory, conceptual framework chapter and it’s included subchapters. It’s methodology is not

specifically described since it is the same as research question two - the literature review. The

results of research question one can thus be found under the Theory chapter. The second

research question will be answered as a literature review and is divided into different sub-

chapters that consider topics like water, air, soil, plant growth and applications. The last

research question will be answered with an experiment, performed at Unifarm, Wageningen

University.

Scope and Limitations

Ancient rituals are, in our western society, a very unconventional topic for scientific research,

especially in the fields of agriculture and environment. It was expected that the scientific

literature around the topic would be of small availability. Thus, expert knowledge and the

consultancy of books was included.

Theory / Conceptual Framework Chapter

The Agnihotra Fire Technique

The Agnihotra fire technique is of Vedic origin but has a scientific background (Abhang et al.,

2015). It is the abbreviated version of an important Vedic sacrifice called Darsapurnamasa Isti

(Devi et al., 2004). In Vedic literature, the Agnihotra is described as the supreme discipline of

Yajnas. Yajnas are the science of purification through rituals that use fire as transformer - or,

as Berde et al. (2015) put it, the (citation) “(…) process of removing toxic conditions of the

atmosphere through the agency of fire”. The result is the purification of the atmosphere which

has a positive effect on life, enhancing its qualities for plants, animals and humans.

“Heal the atmosphere and the atmosphere heals you”

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In Sanskrit, the process of resolving toxic substances in the atmosphere through Vedic fire

technology is called Homa. In Vedic culture, Homa principles are applied at different subject-

matters, including Bioenergetics, Psychotherapy, Medicine, Agriculture and Climate

Technology, etc. (Devi et al., 2004). Derived from the nomenclature Homa are terms such as

Homa-Therapy or Homa-Farming. It is said that the Yajnas (fire purification techniques) were

given with the creation and have been collected in the ancient knowledge of the Vedas.

The Vedas is the ancient most body of knowledge known to mankind. The meaning of the

word ‘Vedas’ in the Sanskrit language can be expressed as ‘knowledge’ or ‘holy teachings’.

The Vedas were fist transmitted via mouth to ear and later in the 5th century written down as

recorded texts - traditionally recited in the form of chants. This collection of knowledge was

originally exclusive for the so called Dvija. Dvija were men from the first 3 varnas of the Indian

caste system that had their ‘second birth’ – the Upanayana. This second birth can rather be

understood as a cultural and spiritual birth then a physical birth. The Vedas contain

knowledge about spiritual and worldly matters and are still considered as secret and sacred

knowledge. After the immigration of the Aryan around 1500 B.C. to the northern floodplains

of the Indus and Ganges, the early Vedic time started. It was mainly a farmer’s culture with

isolate farms, herds and rarely cultivation of grain. The first oral records of Sanskrit text origin

from 1200-1000 B.C. In the late Vedic time (800-600 B.C.), the Indo-European culture of the

Aryan spread in the whole Ganges region and reached Delhi - and with them did the Vedas.

For the Brahmin, the Vedas are understood as ‘prescientific science’. While the word ‘Aryan’

originally described a tribe, it was later used to make religious distinction between those who

sacrifice properly and those who don’t belong to the Vedic religion. In later Hinduism the term

was denoting religious righteousness or piety.

Reports suggest that the famous Hathayogi Gorakhnath had already practiced Agnihotra near

Akkalkot, India as early as in the beginning of the 11th century (Devi et al., 2004). The ‘official’

re-introduction for a broader public that doesn’t exclude people with a non-Hindu

background happened in the 20th century. With a vow to Lord Parashurama on 27th

September 1944, Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot started to resuscitate

the Vedas and reintroduced the Agnihotra after several millennia. It became his life-task to

spread the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and save the planet from the effects of pollution.

He standardized the methodology of the Agnihotra technology and made it accessible for

virtually everybody who has the ability and corresponding responsibility to maintain a fire.

Nowadays, Agnihotra is gaining popularity again and several people from all over the world

are already busy with the Agnihotra fire technology, and, amongst others, apply it in

agricultural systems. An investigation of Pathak and Berk in the year 2015 has shown that as

much as 71 countries, including Germany, USA, China, Japan, UK, etc., are inhabited by

thousands of people actively performing Agnihotra, called ‘Agnihotris’, or people who are

busy with the research of Yajnas.

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There are different forms of Yajnas that are appointed to the fulfillment of various objectives.

Additional fire techniques that can be performed by nearly everybody to complement the

Agnihotra technique are the Vyahruti and the Om Tryambakam fire techniques. Both can be

performed on individual times and are not bound on any timeframes, making the performance

easier applicable. The difference also consists in the difference of the offering. While during

the performance of Agnihotra, rice serves as oblation; the Vyahruti and Om Tryambakam

require ghee as a sacrifice. The Vyahruti fire technique is especially useful as a ritual to

consciously make a fresh start; like the first sowing in the new year, before an important

appointment, to celebrate new year, etc. (Heigl and Heigl, 2011). The Om Tryambakam is

already known as healing mantra in the Vedic culture and is used as Yajna technique that can

be performed and maintained over a long period of time. These techniques can be seen as

addition to the Agnihotra techniques but do not act as a replacement of the Agnihotra.

Performance

To perform Agnihotra, one requires some simple materials. The fire technique is performed in

a geometrically prescribed copper vessel, representing the shape of a pyramid. This pyramid

shaped copper container has the measurements of 14.5 cm x 14.5 cm at the top, 5.25 x 5.25 cm

at the bottom and 6.5 cm in height. Copper is known to be a natural antimicrobial material

(oligodynamic action) and is a good energy conductor (Abhang and Pathade, 2017).

Alternatively, the Agnihotra vessel can also be made from gold. Picture 1 is showing the

Agnihotra vessel and Figure 1 is a sketch from the side view1.

1 For people interested in the geometric features of this copper pyramid; one can consult the book

Agnihotra: Ursprung, Praxis und Anwendung by Horst and Birgitt Heigl in which they are described in

detail over eleven pages.

Picture 3 The Agnihotra pyramid Picture 1 The Agnihotra pyramid Figure 1 Sketch of the Agnihotra pyramid (made by

Gregor Handrich)

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There is also the possibility of using a Agnihotra pyramid made from clay – with a slight

difference in measurements in the third square, which represents the measurements of the

forth square in the copper vessel. Note that the geometry and material of the Agnihotra vessel

is crucial for its functionality. To get best results, the sides are aligned with the cardinal points

and the person performing the Agnihotra is facing the East, alternatively North (Heigl and

Heigl, 2011).

The ingredients used for lighting the fire are dried cow dung and ghee. At the exact time of

either sunset or sunrise, a mantra is sung and a sacrifice of unbroken brown rice is given.

Cow dung is known to have detoxing effects – talking with people about cow manure, one can

hear the most astonishing results. Back in the days, it was apparently farmers knowledge that

you could easily get rid of the uncomforting consequences of a night drinking by simple being

in a dung heap for a certain time. Other stories even range from individuals that secretly and

successfully treated their sick family members with a tea made from dried cow manure.

Building a house and putting cow manure as plaster on the walls was known to keep vermin

away. When people where still building houses out of loam and other natural materials,

putting cow manure as plaster on the floor and the walls was common practice. In the Vedas,

it is even suggested that cow dung has properties that can shield radioactive radiation. As it

was shown at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, people who lived in houses that included cow

dung in the building materials were not affected by the radioactive contamination (Abhang

and Pathade, 2017).

The cow dung for the Agnihotra can be produced by all of the commonly used breeds of cows

(Paranjpe, n.d.). Preferably the cows were not treated with antibiotics for their influence on the

digestion and fermentation processes and the residues that contaminate the manure.

Naturally, to receive a normal manure, the cow should have been free ranged and have had

access to fresh grass and herbs which had the possibility to naturally ferment in the cow’s

intestines. Silage fodder fed cows will create a different product, which is not suitable for the

Agnihotra fire technique. Furthermore, cow dung that can be used in the Agnihotra fire comes

from cows with intact horns; since they are, as Rudolf Steiner already pointed out, part of their

digestive system (Spengler Neff et al., 1997) and thus have an influence on the fermentation

process. With few exceptions, all ruminant animals express elongation of the frontal bone,

which results into the horn. All non-ruminant animals lack this feature. The nasal mucous

membrane of a ruminant animal is present in all paranasal sinuses and reaches until the frontal

sinus that continues into the horn. The gaseous that are released during the rumination process

are inhaled by the animal and enter the horn. There, they are accumulated and reflected back

into the digestive system in potentized form (Spengler Neff et al., 1997).

To support cow dung in its burning process, the Agnihotra fire technique relies on Ghee. Ghee

is clarified butter, traditionally to the Indian subcontinent and is used in many Ayurvedic

medicines in which it usually is the base for unguents. Wikipedia suggests that Ghee would

have “intellect promoting” and “vitalizing” properties – fact is that Ghee contains all fat-

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soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K (Abhang and Pathade, 2017). It also has antiaging

effects, contains antioxidant agents, strengthens the immune system, secretes biliary lipids and

regulates levels of cholesterol (Abhang and Pathade, 2017).

The burning of cow dung and ghee was found to produce Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) and Nitric

Oxide (No). Both have functions as bio-signaler, thereby stimulating the growth of new blood

vessels and regulate diseases like Alzheimer (Abhang and Pathade, 2017).

The Agnihotra fire technique is in tune with the natural biorhythm and is performed during

the set and the rise of the sun. Sunset and sunrise are a very special time of the day. It is the

only time during the day, at which the human body is simultaneously breathing through both,

the left and the right nostril (Heigl and Heigl, 2011). This moment of balance lasts for about

four minutes. In this very moment, the sun is emitting far infrared radiation and other more

subtle energies which are received and are resonating with the Agnihotra copper pyramid

(Abhang and Pathade, 2017). These three to four minutes are exactly the time in which the

sacrifice of the Agnihotra fire technique can be performed. The pyramid thereby acts as a

generator, with the fire as energy source. The temperature that can be measured in Agnihotra

combustion process varies between 300 and 1000 Degree of Celsius with an energetic potential

of up to 10 000 calories; which is emitted from the pyramid in the form of a rotating pillar that

is reaching a height up to 12 kilometers. At its way, the atmosphere is purified, and pollution

is being reduced (Heigl and Heigl, 2011). Only at the given time window, when the sun is

resonation with the copper pyramid, the Agnihotra can be performed successfully. This is due

to the potential of the sun when far infrared radiation is resonating with the Agnihotra and is

producing vital energies that enhance the qualities of life processes (Abhang and Pathade,

2017).

When the ingredients for the Agnihotra are available and prepared, ghee is applied to the

pieces of dried cow dung. The pieces can then be lighted with a match after the Sulphur head

has burned down – letting the Sulphur burn down first makes sure to prevent contamination.

Alternatively, one can use a bee wax candle. Gas lighters, gasoline or similar lighting aids are

not suitable to light the Agnihotra fire. The burning dung pieces are then placed into the

Agnihotra copper pyramid in a way that allows sufficient air supply to maintain a flame. To

prevent the rice from landing on the copper when offered, placing a piece of cow dung at the

bottom of the pyramid has shown to help the rice to be properly burned by the flames. While

the fire is burning and when the exact timing2 has come, a mantra is sung. The Agnihotra

mantras3 are the following:

2 To calculate the exact time for a location one can visit the following website: https://www.heigl-

verlag.de/agnitimer.html 3 for the right pronunciation, rhythm and tone, one can consult several websites and listen to recorded

audio of the mantra

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The evening Agnihotra mantra:

„Agnaye svaha, agnaye idam na mama;

prajapataye svaha, prajapataye idam na mama“

The morning Agnihotra mantra:

„Suryaye svaha, suryaye idam na mama;

prajapataye svaha, prajapataye idam na mama“

People with Vedic background believe that the Agnihotra mantra captures cosmic energy

(Devi et al., 2004). The morning mantra is almost identically with the evening mantra but the

word “agnaye” is replaced with “suryaye”. During the mantra, the unbroken rice will be given

two times per performance with the word “svaha”. To do so, one can take the amount that can

be grabbed with three fingers and give it, mixed with some ghee, to the fire. As the language

of the Vedas, the record reference of the Agnihotra, the language of the mantras is Sanskrit.

Interestingly, unlike other languages, Sanskrit was never the mother tongue of any people in

the world. Nevertheless, every language contains words that derive from Sanskrit while

Sanskrit contains no words derived from other languages (Paranjape, n.d.). Sanskrit words are

condensed information and a literal translation does not do justice to the original meaning.

One can devote his whole life studying Sanskrit and the meaning of the mantras. Nevertheless,

a very short and summarizing translation attempt for the evening mantra could look like that:

“Light behind the light, I give you everything. Thy will be done.”

Methodology

Literature Review

This research consisted of a literature review in form of the analysis of the available scientific

literature on Agnihotra related to an agricultural and environmental context. Therefore,

scientific literature was searched with common search engines such as Google Scholar and

Scopus. In addition, consultancy of alternative literature including expert knowledge, books

and webpages was done to deliver consistent information. To collect additional information,

the author was visiting several informational events, that included lectures and open

discussions about the topic. Meeting shamans, yoga teachers, farmers, gardeners, beekeepers

and grandmothers that are practicing Agnihotra; including some visits at the Homa-Hof

Heiligenberg where Homa techniques are practiced since more than 25 years, the author was

getting a greater understanding of the matter. Eventually, the author of this Thesis was finally

able to perform the Agnihotra fire technique himself.

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Experiment

An experiment was performed at the facilities of Wageningen University to study the effect of

Agnihotra ash on the germination of rye seeds (Secale cereale). To perform the experiment, an

amount of 300 randomly selected rye seeds were divided into three groups that each received

three different kind of treatments. Every group had a sample size of 100 seeds that were

distributed over 10 standard petri dishes - thus 10 seeds randomly distributed in one petri

dish. The petri dishes were randomly placed in there belonging group in three identical

transparent plastic containers that were provided with ventilation holes, as they are used for

mushroom cultivation. All plastic boxes were placed into the same grow tunnel at

Droevendaal Farm, Wageningen University; ensuring that they would get the same amount

of light and other environmental conditions like temperature. Every petri dish from every

group was provided with two cotton patches. The seeds (rye seeds (Secale cereale) – variety:

Dukato; for organic agriculture) were randomly placed on top of the cotton patches. The

different treatments per group were the following:

• Group one was provided with 30ml tap water per petri dish

• Group two was provided with 30ml tap water and 0,05g control ash per petri dish

• Group three was provided with 30ml tap water and 0,05g Agnihotra ash per petri dish

Group 3 being the experimental group and group 1 and 2 as controls. To have access to

Agnihotra ash, the author first needed to gather the materials needed and learn how to

perform the ritual himself.

The control ash was produced with the same materials as the Agnihotra ash and likewise

burned in a copper vessel; but lacked the exact performance at sunrise and sunset timings and

the according mantra. Measurements were taken by hand every day for every seed

individually with millimeter scale paper for the rate of germination, root length and shoot

length - starting with a new random chronological order in the groups every day. This method

of measurement was chosen to provide a most accurate dataset with high sample sizes. After

the measurements, the petri dishes were placed back in random order in their according box.

Every day, after the measurements, the position of the three boxes was randomly exchanged.

The measurements ended with the end of the 8th day. At the 9th and 11th day, the fresh weight

of the seeds was measured for every petri dish.

For the statistical data analysis the different response variables used were shoot length and

root length. Exploring the data with SPSS, it showed not to meet normality and

homoscedasticity requirements. The predictor variables used were the different treatment per

group. After the data for root and shoot length was transformed with ln and lg, it still did not

meet normality. Possible hypotheses on the data were thus tested by non-parametric Mann-

Whitney U-tests. The data of the 8th day was tested on group 2 (control ash) and group 3

(Agnihotra ash) for significant differences with the Mann-Whitney U-tests.

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Results

Literature Review

Agnihotra and Water Purification

Water is one of the most precious resources on earth. With an increase in pollution levels

worldwide, the availability of clean water that is safe for human consumption and can be used

in agricultural systems will become a hot topic with increasing interest.

Berk and Sharma (2015) were making a research on the effect of the Agnihotra energy field on

water purification. Their findings were published in the Indian Journal of Traditional

Knowledge. The following lines are a small summary of their experiment:

To perform the experiment, river water was taken with a bucket from the Narmanda in

Mandleshawar, India. The water was mixed and stirred and then put into glass bottles for

further investigation. Three control bottles were immediately send to the laboratories of Shri

Umia College, Mandleshwar and AIMS College, Dhamnod. The control bottles were kept in

the office room of the laboratory (where they keep their control samples). The remaining

bottles were send to the Homa Therapy Goshala in Maheshwar. An amount of 9 bottles were

placed in pairs of 3 in different containers made from stainless steel, copper and aluminum –

creating a Faraday cage effect which acts shielding from electromagnetic waves. The metal of

the containers was not in contact with the glass of the bottles in any way. To make contact

impossible, a small piece of dried cow dung was placed at the bottom of the containers, placing

the bottle on top of it. The containers were closed with a tight-fitting lid to make sure to sustain

the Faraday Cage effect. 8 other bottles were placed without metal containers. In the end, these

bottles that were not the control were placed in the Agnihotra hut of Maheshwar Homa

Therapy Goshala, where the Agnihotra fire technique is performed regularly. In this hut, no

other activities are taking place. Even spoken words are reduced to the minimum required for

the Yajna mantras.

The duration of the experiment was 5 days. After that time, all the bottles were brought to the

laboratory and tested. The tests were run for the most important physicochemical parameters

of water: Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), hardness and count

of Coliform bacteria (commonly used bacteria indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water).

In order to prevent bias, the bottles were only marked with numbers before being examined

in the laboratory. Three replications of the experiment were done with the exact same setting.

All showed comparable results in all five parameters tested. The result was a general

improvement of the water quality in all parameters controlled. The changes are consistent

through the three replications. The following figure (Figure 2) by Dr. Berk and Sharma (2015)

summarizes the results graphically:

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Figure 2 Agnihotra atmosphere and water purification (Berk and Sharma, 2015)

Although the results shown in metal containers revealed some differences regarding

Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), compared to the samples

only kept in bottles without Faraday cage effect, this difference was rather minor compared to

the difference with the control bottles. Also, minor differences between the various kinds of

metal containers were measured – but again only minor differences compared to the

differences with the control.

The main results of Berk and Sharma (2015) were (citation):

a) “Agnihotra atmosphere helps to purify water.”

b) “This effect of purification is there whether or not the water samples are kept in Faraday

Cages.”

The conclusion was that the Agnihotra fire technique creates some sort of energy field which

is not of electromagnetic nature and thus not shielded by Faraday Cages. Berk and Sharma are

content to be informed about alternative explanations. Additionally, the authors were giving

recommendations on how to alter the design of the experiment for subsequent research. For

subsequent studies two hypotheses were suggested (citation Berk and Sharma, 2015):

1) “There are microorganisms in polluted water which are activated by Agnihotra energy

field and thus help to improve properties of water.”

2) “Agnihotra creates an energy field in the vicinity which is not confined to

electromagnetic fields.”

The first hypothesis is appointed to the field of microbiology, identifying these

microorganisms and examine how they can be influenced by performing the Agnihotra fire

technique. The second hypothesis is a challenge for physicists. The shape of the Agnihotra

14

vessel might be the carrying hint there. For additional information, the authors refer to Kumar,

I. R., Swamy, N. V. C., & Nagendra, H. R. (2005). Effect of pyramids on microorganisms.

Abhang et al. (2015) studied the beneficial effects of Agnihotra on the environment and

agriculture. Their results are supporting the suggestion that the Agnihotra fire technique may

be used in order to purify waste water. It was shown that integrating the Agnihotra in

agricultural systems is resulting in benefits concerning environment and plant growth.

One of the experiments from Abhang et al. (2015) was performed in order to study the effect

of Agnihotra ash on raw water. They prepared a column with 20 cm of height and 2,7 cm of

diameter tightly packed with Agnihotra ash. Before the start of the experiment, the column

was cleansed with distilled water. The source of raw water was the Mutha River, Pune, MH,

India. 500 ml of raw water was collected at a place where municipal waste water appears

mixed in the river. Following parameters were measured: pH, color, odor, conductivity, total

solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total hardness, Biochemical oxygen

demand, chemical oxygen demand, most probable number and standard plate count.

Handling of the sampling and analysis of parameters was done according to the guidelines of

the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi.

After passing the column of Agnihotra ash, a significant reduction of conductivity (48,28%),

total solid content (about 90%), hardness (83,75%), biological oxygen demand (up to 48,4%)

and chemical oxygen demand (7.15%) was observed and presented in Figure 3. The

antimicrobial properties of Agnihotra ash were shown to have strong effect on microbial

(especially pathogenic bacteria) count and resulted in a reduction of up to 95% (see Sr. No. 11

and 12 in Figure 3). Furthermore, the pH of the water sample becomes neutral and the

subjective impression of color and odor improved after the Agnihotra ash treatment. The

conclusion of Abhang et al., (2015) was that raw water becomes potable (according to

standards of WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality) after treatment with Agnihotra ash.

The suggestion was that Agnihotra ash can be utilized in water purification processes.

Figure 3 Purification of polluted water (Abhang et al., 2015)

15

Masaru Emoto showed with photographic documentation what influence a certain vibration,

like a positively charged word such as love can have on the molecular structure of water

(Emoto, 2011). In Patmos, Greece in the cave where the apostle John received the Apocalypse,

Agnihotra was performed and photographed. The photograph was used as an underlay for a

glass of water, which later would be send to the laboratory of Emoto for analysing. The crystals

formed where according to Masaru Emoto one of the most beautiful crystals he had seen in

this form and for the first time it was observed and photographed that an octagonal crystal

formed in water (Frank, 2013).

Agnihotra and Air Quality

Abhang et al. (2015) were investigating the fumes of Agnihotra, using microbial load, Sulphur

oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) levels as indicators. The study showed that the

Agnihotra fumes resulted in the reduction of microbial load and SOx levels but did slightly

increase the NOx levels in the ambient air.

The methods of Abhang et al. (2015) were the following: The air was sampled by settle plate

method. Sterile nutrient agar plates were placed at 10 feed distance from the Agnihotra and

were kept open for five minutes before and five minutes after the fire technique was

performed. Later they were incubated at 37 degrees Celsius and the colonies were counted

after 39 hours. The result shows that the agar plate after the Agnihotra showed 70% less colony

count then the agar plate placed before the performance of Agnihotra (Figure 4 and 5):

Figure 4 Agar plates placed and opened before and after Agnihotra (Abhang et al., 2015)

16

Figure 5 Effect of Agnihotra on microbial count (Abhang et al., 2015)

Pathade and Abhang (2014) also did a research on Agnihotra and air quality and observed

similar results. Agar plates were put in a room and were also opened before and after the

performance of the Agnihotra fire technique. The agar plates were incubated for 24 at room

temperature. The observation was captured in a picture, which is shown in Figure 6:

Figure 6 bacteria on agar plates, before and after Agnihotra (Pathade and Abhang, 2014)

To investigate on how far the effect of Agnihotra on colony count will be apparent, they placed

agar plates on distances of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 feet (respectively 0, 3.048, 6.096, 9.144, 12.192 meters)

of the Agnihotra. Figure 7 stands representative for the result:

Figure 7 colony count on different distances after Agnihotra (Pathade and Abhang, 2014)

17

These results suggest the hypothesis that the Agnihotra fire technique may be useful to reduce

microbial infections and may have anti-microbial properties. Further research with an

increased sample size is needed in order to statistically test this hypothesis.

In order to estimate SOx and NOx concentrations, Abhang et al. (2015) collected ambient air

by air handy sampler (Spectralab, HDS -8). SOx levels were estimated by improved P. West-

Gaeke method and NOx levels were estimated by modified Jacobs-Hochheiser method.

Samples were collected 30 minutes before during and 30 minutes after the performance of

Agnihotra at a distance of 10 feet (3.048 meters) from the Yajna. The samples collected for

control were taken from an area where no Yajna was performed. The results, graphically

represented in Figure 9 and Figure 10, showed that SOx levels reduced by 89,37% during the

performance of Agnihotra and stayed lower than the initial levels after Agnihotra. NOx levels

increased up to 50% during Agnihotra and later decreased again by 25% after Agnihotra.

Figure 9 Ambient SOx levels (Abhang et al., 2015)

Another paper, published in the Research Journal of the Academy of Sanskrit Research, by

Abhang and Pathade (2015) was supporting the findings that were already issued. In this

article, the effect of Yajnas on SOx and NOx levels was again probed. This time, respectively

on two different places, the first at the Biotechnology department of Fergusson College, Pune,

the second at Ramanbaug High-school, Pune, Agnihotra was performed. Additionally, other

Yajnas have also been investigated, one in the form of a Shree-sukta Yajna and another, also

Figure 8 Ambient NOx levels (Abhang et al., 2015)

18

performed twice on different places, in the form of a Samyag Yajna. Air was collected using a

handy sampler, during the Yajnas and afterwards. The results showed that SOX levels were

decreasing up to 10 times, respectively reduced with 90%. The level of NOx in the air increased

around 10-20% but again decreases later on to an initial level. The Somayag was performed

for 23 days in a row, measurements were taken every day in the morning and evening, until

day 25. Again, the representation in a graph makes the effectiveness of Yajnas visible in the

following Figure 9:

Figure 9 SOx levels development with Yajnas (Abhang and Pathade, 2015)

Agnihotra and Soil Quality

Applying Homa techniques in an agricultural system was shown to increase the overall

quality of the soil. This includes an improved water holding capacity and the increase and

solubility of macro nutrients and trace elements. Also earth worm activity is stimulated (Berde

et al., 2015). Agnihotra is also known to improve the availability of soil phosphorus for plants.

To investigate the effect of the Agnihotra fire technique on soil quality, Berde et al. (2015) were

taking a number of soil samples from different locations and added Agnihotra ash to it in a

ratio of 1 to 99 (a total of 1% Agnihotra ash in the sample). Soil samples for this experiment

were taken at five different locations. Location 1 to 4 (which respectively are resembled in

sample 1 to 4) were taken at the Shri Chaitanya Mala farm in Dahagaon, Thane, India. This is

a Homa organic farm, which means that they are performing Agnihotra on a regular base, thus

the soils are already under the influence of the Agnihotra atmosphere. The samples were

studied in the concern of effective and negative microbial flora of the soil.

Soil suspensions were made by mixing 10 grams of soil with 100 ml sterile distilled water. This

mix was shaken and then rested for 10 minutes to settle a clear suspension that was then used

for analyzing. A series of dilutions up to 10-4 were made with a combination of the soil

suspension and sterile saline. For the total viable count 0.1 ml of the last three dilutions were

19

taken and placed on nutrient agar plates for incubation. To investigate fungal growth, 0.1 ml

of the undiluted soil suspensions was placed on Sabauraud’s agar and then incubated. For the

effective or positive bacterial flora 0.1ml of the 10-4 dilution was placed on Ashby’s medium to

investigate the nitrogen fixers and Pikovaskaya’s agar medium respectively to show the

development of phosphate solubilisers. Incubation happened at room temperature. The results

are represented and can be described within in the following tables and explanations (adapted

and summarized from Berde et al., 2015):

Soil sample 1:

At soil sample 1, after the treatment with Agnihotra ash, one could observe an increase in the

overall bacterial count – nitrogen fixers (Ashby’s medium) in particular, and phosphate

solubilisers (Piksvaskaya’s agar) showed significant growth. Their count increased

respectively 100-fold for the nitrogen fixers and even 1000-fold for the phosphate solubilisers.

Thus, boosting the positive microbial community responsible for the soil fertility.

Additionally, fungal activity was observed to be stopped and presented no growth when

placed on a Sabauraud’s media.

Media Viable count

cfu/ml

Viable count

cfu/ml with

Agnihotra ash Nutrient agar 3.2 x10^6 5.9 x 10^7

Ashby’s agar 2.0 x10^6 1.0 x 10^7

Pikovaskaya’s agar 0.9 x10^5 2.6 x 10^7

Sabauraud’s agar White cottony

fungi

Pink fungi

Yeast colonies

No growth

Soil sample 2:

Again, this sample shows that bacterial growth was stimulated and phosphate solubilisers

exhibited a rise in numbers.

Media Viable count

cfu/ml

Viable count

cfu/ml with

Agnihotra ash Nutrient agar 2.5 x 10^6 1.2 x 10^7

Ashby’s agar 2.8 x 10^6 2.2 x 10^6

Pikovaskaya’s agar 4.6 x 10^5 4.8 x 10^6

Sabauraud’s agar Same as soil sample

1

20

Soil sample 3:

At soil sample 3, the results were comparable. One could observe a remarkable rise in the

amount of phosphate solubilisers and again fungal development was stopped.

Media Viable count

cfu/ml

Viable count

cfu/ml with


Ashby’s agar 3.0 x 10^5 1.0 x 10^6



growth with black

spores; Yeast

colonies

No growth

Soil sample 4

Again, this sample shows that bacterial growth was stimulated and phosphate solubilisers

exhibited a rise in numbers.

Media Viable count

cfu/ml

Viable count

cfu/ml with


Ashby’s agar 4.0 x 10^6 2.2 x 10^6



growth with black

spores

Growth with green

spores

Yeast colonies

Growth with grey

colonies

No growth

Soil sample 5

This sample represents the earth that was taken from a newly purchased farm and thus was

not under the influence of Homa techniques already. The results exhibit a 100-fold growth of

nitrogen fixers and phosphate solubilisers respectively. The yellow colonies that were growing

on the nutrient agar were heavily decreased. Fungal production was stopped. Thus, the

fertility of the soil was shown to be improved.

21

Media Viable count

cfu/ml

Viable count

cfu/ml with

Agnihotra ash Nutrient agar 1 x 10^6

Yellow colonies

innumerable

1.2 x 10^7

Ashby’s agar 1.2 x 10^5 3.8 x 10^6

Pikovaskaya’s agar 2 x 10^5 7.2 x 10^6

Sabauraud’s agar Yeast colonies no growth

Note that samples 2 and 4 were mixed to make sure that the amount of soil was sufficient for

microbial and chemical analysis. Therefore, their results in counts with Agnihotra ash are

identical.

To summarize:

The samples that were taken Homa-organic farm where Yajna fire techniques are performed

on daily base and the earth is under the influence of a Homa atmosphere already expressed a

good soil quality on the parameters tested before treating them with Agnihotra ash. The

treatment with Agnihotra ash expressed an increased nitrogen fixing, phosphate solubilisers

and overall bacterial count in all samples. The counts of phosphate solubilisers was greater

influenced than the nitrogen fixers. It can be concluded that soil quality can be enhanced by a

treatment with Agnihotra ash. It increases the effective organisms in the living soil community

and their activities. The ratio of positive to negative microorganisms in all the samples taken

was 100:0 – hence the application of Agnihotra ash results into 100% positive or effective

microorganisms in the samples that were investigated (Berde et al., 2015).

An experiment of Kratz and Schnug (2007) showed that Agnihotra ash can increase the amount

of solubilized Phosphorus in soils. Therefore, a 48-hour water extraction was performed and

the influence of Agnihotra ash on water solubility of soil Phosphorus observed. Interestingly,

also the control ashes showed an increasing effect on P solubility, especially if they were

likewise produced in a copper pyramid.

Agnihotra and Plant Growth

Berde et al. (2015) pointed out that the application of Homa Therapy in agricultural systems

was observed to improve photosynthesis and plant respiration and thereby the entire oxygen

cycle of plants. Pathade and Abhang (2014) found that Agnihotra ash promotes seed

germination – it was concluded that this is due to the high nutrient content of the ashes and

can thus be used as a fertilizer. In their experimental setting, seeds were put on petri dishes

and received 3 different kind of treatments: one dish received tap water, one control ash and

the other Agnihotra ash. The results were presented as the following observation (Figure 10):

22

Figure 10 Germination of mung beans with application of Agnihotra ash (Abhang et al., 2015)

Unfortunately, these photos are the only record of this study and there are no information

given about sample sizes or results that could have been measured.

Devi et al. (2004) refers to another study that was performed by Mishra (n.d.)4 with four

cemented pots, filled with a mix of soil and Agnihotra ash. The seeds of group one were treated

with a solution made from cow-dung, cow urine and Agnihotra ash; representing the Homa

Farming System. Every seventh day, a mixture of Agnihotra and other Homa ash was sprayed

on the plants. The second group, representing usual Farming Systems, the Agnihotra ash was

replaced with normal ash. The soil in the pots was supplied with standard doses of N, P and

K except the experimental group. The third, the control group was the same as group 2 but

without fertilizers.

The results presented a faster germination rate of the Homa Farming System compared to the

other groups. Furthermore, the plants showed greater height, larger number of tillers per

plant, better vigor and highest grain yield per plant compared to the other groups. The same

results were reproduced with mustard and another vegetable.

To study the effect of Agnihotra on the germination of rice seeds, an experiment was set up by

Devi et al. (2004) with four different rooms. The first room was the control, where germination

took place naturally without any Agnihotra techniques. In two other rooms, the Agnihotra

was performed not completely; one with the fire only without the chanting of the mantra and

the other with the chanting but without fire. In the fourth room, Agnihotra was properly

performed according to the correct framework.

Each room had a total count of 15 Petri dishes á 15 rice seeds (IR 20) and were supplied with

distilled water and Whatman’s filter paper. The data was taken in three sets, repeating the

experiment three times for the representation of different seasons; taking set 1 in October, set

2 in December and January and set 3 in April and May. Measurement were taken every day

4 Impact of Agnihotra in crop production, 1987 – unfortunately not accessible at the time

23

randomly from one Petri dish per room for a period of fifteen days in total and recorded shoot

length, root length, fresh and dry weight.

Agnihotra sacrifice showed significant effectiveness on the results. It was recorded that the

proper performance of Agnihotra increases root length, shoot length and fresh weight,

compared to the two groups. Dry weight was the same in all three setups.

The results have shown marginal effect of Agnihotra during summer and autumn in this

setup. The data for winter however, showed that the proper performance of Agnihotra had

significant influence on the germination rate compared to the control group where only little

grow took place. The following graphs represent the measurements of root and shoot length

for the winter season graphically:

Figure 11 Root and Shoot Length of rice seeds under Agnihotra atmosphere in winter (Devi et al., 2004)

24

It was concluded that the performance of Agnihotra can help to break through circumstances

in which growth is normally repressed. The data collected for the control and the room with

the chanting of the mantra as treatment were almost the same. The room in which the fire was

lit showed slight increase compared to the control, which can be explained due to the rise in

temperature because of the presence of the fire. The fact that the fire and the chanting as single

treatments showed negligible effect on the plant growth indicates that the fire and the mantra

solely have marginal additive effect but have a synergizing effect when combined which is

greater than any sum of their individual effects. It is the combined effect that makes the

Agnihotra technology into a powerful tool rather than a combination of its singular procedures

(Devi et al., 2004).

Another experiment on Agnihotra and plant growth was performed by Abhang et al. (2015).

Therefore, seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata) were placed into two pots for a time span of five

days, receiving the same amounts of water, light and the same environmental conditions. After

five days, ten seedlings with the same root and shoot length were selected and potted into 2

different pots. One pot was placed into a room where Agnihotra was performed and the other

was placed into a room where no Agnihotra took place; both rooms again received the same

amounts of water, light and were under the same environmental conditions. After another five

days, plant growth was measured according to root and shoot length.

The average shoot and root size measured in the control were 2.35cm and 0.65cm. The

experimental group with the performance of Agnihotra in the room showed an average of

3.8cm for the shoot and 0.95cm for the root length (see following Figure 12). The results

showed that the average shoot length had increased due to the Agnihotra treatment with 38%

compared to the control and increased with 31% in root length respectively (Abhang et al.,

2015).

Figure 12 Performance of Agnihotra on plant development (Abhang et al., 2015)

Abhang et al. (2015) investigated the influence of Agnihotra ash on seed germination, and

treated soaked chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) with 1.) distilled water, 2.) Agnihotra ash, 3.) cow

25

dung ash and 4.) rice ash. The germinated seed were counted after 36 hours; shoot and root

length were measured after a period of five days. The results were the following (Figure 13):

The treatment with Agnihotra ash showed an increase of 24% compared to the control

treatment with distilled water, an increase of 5% compared to the cow dung ash treatment and

an increase of 20% compared to the treatment with rice ash. These results can be explained

due to the increase in nutrients that are added with the ashes.

Figure 13 Effect of different ashes on plant growth (Abhang et al., 2015)

The application of Agnihotra ash can also help to reduce genotoxicity. Abhang et al. (2015)

showed that Agnihotra ash applied to onion root tips that are treated with colchicine, reduce

the toxic effects. Also, the use of normal ash from cow dung and rice ash have shown to

decrease genotoxicity. The setup was done according to the assay for genotoxicity from

Matsumoto et al. (2006) and represented in the following figure. It showed that the mitotic

index was 74% for a Agnihotra ash treatment, 50% for a cow dung ash treatment and 40% for

a rice ash treatment.

Figure 14 Genotoxicity Assay of onion root tips (Abhang et al., 2015)

A prior study of Pathade and Abhang (2014) also showed that Agnihotra can help to neutralize

genotoxic effects. Therefore, onion tips were grown in water that was either contaminated with

26

Colchicine or Methyl Parathoin, with and without the addition of Agnihotra ash. Also in this

report, a diminishing effect of Agnihotra ash on genotoxicity was observed (Figure 15):

Figure 15 Onion tips contaminated with colchicine; without (A.) and with (B.) the addition of Agnihotra ash

(Pathade and Abhang, 2014)

It was observed that normal mitosis with elongated root tips took place in the treatment with

Agnihotra ash, whereas without Agnihotra ash mitosis was inhibited and no spindle

formation took place.

Agnihotra helps plants in their vital functions under harsh conditions and has shown to reduce

effects like drought on plant growth. Furthermore, the cellular structure of plants is influenced

by the application of Homa principles and increases the translocation of nutrients to its fruits

(Bissa, 2014).

During the performance of an experiment concerning Agnihotra, Limaye (2013) was observing

that on the terrace where he performed the Agnihotra for his experiments, plants that were

lying dormant for years were developing new leaves and were triggered to grow after an

extended period of resignation.

27

Applications

The usage of ash as fertilizing substrate on agricultural fields has been a common practice

since ancient times. Agnihotra ash is alkaline and contains organic carbon, sulphur,

phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, aluminium, copper and zinc

(Abhang and Pathade, 2017). A complete analysis has shown that in the Agnihotra ash, all 92

natural elements are present, excluding the radioactive ones (Abhang and Pathade, 2017)5.

The ash can also be applied as pesticide; dissolved in water and sprayed on plants (Berde et

al., 2015). Also, photosynthesis and plant respiration were observed to be improved, such as

the entire oxygen cycle (Berde et al., 2015).

The Agnihotra ash is in its functionality comparable with regular plant fertilizers as they are

used nowadays and can easily compete with them. An analysis showed promising results for

Agricultural application (Heigl and Heigl, 2011):

Phosphorus 1440mg/100g

Potassium 1460/100g

Magnesium 570mg/100g

pH 10.3

The pH of the Agnihotra ashes is alkaline and can help to neutralize acid soil. Furthermore,

the Agnihotra ash is a more complete fertilizer then conventional one. Conventional fertilizers

focus mainly on a combination of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus; forgetting that our

soils are very complex systems and the addition of only three elements leads to a depletion of

other micronutrients. This conventional method will eventually lead to depleted and acidified

soils that depend on a regular addition of fertilizers in order to make anything able to grow.

The lack of important micronutrients in our soils can be traced back in our foods and its

nutritional values. It is known that our crops and fruits nowadays drastically decreased in the

content of important elements and vitamins for human nutrition. We consume a lot of empty

foods that lack their micro nutritional values. Consuming this kind of food leads to

malnutrition and obesity which are sadly enough no opposites anymore in our society. If one

mainly is focused on Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P, K), depletion and soil

degradation are certain. The commonly accepted application of fertilizers and its main focus

on three out of the 118 elements that are available on our earth leads to a vast spectrum of

problems. Alone for the sake of the health of humanity in general this old doctrine should be

reevaluated. Important nutrients like magnesium that are present in the Agnihotra ashes can

be found back in the food grown on the treated soils and improve the nutritious value of the

5 Unfortunately, the author of this thesis had no access to the original source:

Anonymous, Purification of atmosphere including neutralization of harmful radiation using Vedic science, (A

project by Biodynamic Association), 2009, 1.

Excerpts or access to this texts or other analysis of the Agnihotra ashes are more than welcome.

28

crops. Since the Agnihotra ash has shown to contain as much as 92 elements, it could help to

improve the health of our soils and help to make our food more nutritious.

Since the Agnihotra fire technique has the ability of unfolding its effect on many levels, it is a

much more developed tool compared to conventional fertilizers. The advantages of using

Homa technologies in agricultural systems compared to conventional methods are vast. There

is no added stress on the environment since the Agnihotra techniques and applications do not

pollute or acidify soils. The literature review has shown that applying Homa methods actually

can help to counteract pollution and support ‘positive’ microorganisms for a healthy soil

community. Ashes are generally alkaline and the Agnihotra ash is no exception in this aspect.

This can help to restore to restore overly acidified soil. The Agnihotra fire technique is very

easy to be applied and cost efficient. The combination with organic and bio-dynamic methods

is encouraged.

To receive a maximum output of the Agnihotra fire technique in an agricultural context, it

should be performed every evening and morning on a daily base in order to create a

supportive atmosphere surrounding the fields. The Agnihotra covers a radius of

approximately 1,5 km (Heigl and Heigl, 2011). This is rather small, compared to the scales of

conventional farming systems and thus is easier applicable in small scale farming and private

gardening. There is the possibility to create resonance points with an arrangement of 10

Agnihotra pyramids that have been activated. It increases its power and can cover an area up

to 80 hectares while only one Agnihotra is actively performed.

The guidelines of Homa farming advice a daily performance of Agnihotra, combined with a

minimum of four hours of Om Tryambakam. On full and new Moon, Om Tryambakam should

be performed for 24 hours.

The Agnihotra fire technique can also be helpful to restore normal seasonal cycles on earth.

The weather can be regulated due to its ability to trigger cloud formation. The atmosphere is

creating solidity, humidity and heaviness in the surroundings of the Agnihotra (Abhang and

Pathade, 2017). Other Yajnas such as the Vyahruti are even more powerful if one wants to

stabilize the weather or provoke an overdue rainfall. Additionally, reports of people that use

Agnihotra for their agricultural systems have stated that under Homa atmosphere the number

and diversity of birds remarkably increased (Bissa, 2015, Pathak and Berk, 2015, Heigl and

Heigl 2011).

As it was shown at the Chernobyl nuclear incident, Agnihotra and Tryambakam Yajnas can

help to control radioactive contamination (Abhang and Pathade, 2017). In 2011, after the

incident of Fukushima, Agnihotra was performed in the area of the incident. Water samples

were taken before and after the performance of the Agnihotra and later analyzed by Masaru

Emoto. The contaminated water before the Agnihotra showed no molecular structure. After

the Agnihotra, the water showed a recovery from the contamination and started to restore its

natural hexagonal structure (Frank, 2013). Pathak and Berk (2015) received reports from

Austria where there were measuring radioactivity of milk and vegetables after the Chernobyl

29

incident. It was shown that the products from a Homa farm where Agnihotra techniques are

regularly applied showed no increase in radioactivity while conventional farms in the area

around had problems with radioactive contamination.

The effect of Agnihotra on radioactivity in soil has also been reported by Devi et al. (2004).

Unfortunately, the original report (Leszek, M. (1988). Effectiveness of Agnihotra on soil

radioactivity. US Satsang, 15, 20.) was not accesible at the time when this Thesis was written.

Pathak and Berk (2015) are also referring to a study done at the Academy of Sciences in Kiev

where radioactively contaminated rice was completely neutralized after the application of

Agnihotra ash that was dissolved in water.

At the 3th December 1984, an incident occurred in Bhopal, India where a chemical pesticide

producing industrial unit exploded and 40-50 tons of highly toxic gaseous including

Methylisocyanate were released. Thousands of people in the direct area died of the explosion

or suffocated due to the leaked gases. Only 14 people in the surrounding area survived due to

immediate performance of the Om Tryambakam (Heigl and Heigl, 2011; Pathak and Berk

(2015).

Experiment

Performing the experiment, it was shown that Agnihotra ash is promoting the act of

germination. At the first day when visible roots and shoots were developed (fourth day of the

experiment), it was observed that the treatment with Agnihotra ash expressed a faster

development. Group one expressed 40 germinated seeds, group two 61 and group 3 had a

total count of 91 seeds that had already germinated. This is an increase in the experimental

group (group 3) of 127,5% compared to the control without ashes (group 1) and an increase of

49,18% compared to the control ash (group 2) (see Figure 16). This faster germination rate also

resulted in an increased amount of the total roots that were produced. Later in the experiment,

this effect is balanced out and the other groups reach their total germinated seeds within the

next days but the increase in total amount of roots remains until day 8 with 13,48% more shoots

compared to group 1 and 21,21% more roots compared to group 2 (Figure 17).

Figure 16 Germination counts, day 4

0

20

40

60

80

100

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3

Germination Rate at day 4

30

total amount of roots

Day 4 5 6 7 8

Group 1 40 137 198 252 282

Group 2 61 149 210 240 264

Group 3 91 211 266 305 320

Figure 17 Total amount of roots

The application of Agnihotra ash showed a significant effect on both, the shoot length (P=0.000,

Mann-Whitney U-test, n=100) and the root length (P=0.006, Mann-Whitney U-test, n=100). In

the following two figures, the average root and shoot sizes over time are graphically

represented (Figure 17 and Figure 18). The error bars in the graph are ± 1 standard error of the

according mean. The star represents the execution of a statistical test with SPSS, comparing

group 2 and group 3 for significant differences. For the complete statistical output of the SPSS

program and other graphical representations, please consult the appendix.

Figure 18 Shoot average over time

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

4 5 6 7 8

aver

age

sh

oo

t si

ze p

er s

eed

Days

Shoot average per group (100 seeds)


31

Figure 19 Root average over time

Discussion

Even though the scientific literature was yet of small availability, some aspects of the

Agnihotra have already been scientifically evaluated and published. As the literature review

has shown, Agnihotra can be used as a complementary tool in agricultural systems; especially

in the bio-dynamic sector and small-scale farming. It has shown to express water purifying

qualities (Berk and Sharma, 2015; Abhang et al., 2015), improves the quality of the air by

reducing pathogens (Abhang et al., 2015; Pathade and Abhang, 2014) and decreasing the

amount of Sulphur Oxides in the ambient air (Abhang et al., 2015). Furthermore, Agnihotra

has shown to dramatically improve the ratio of positive to negative effective microorganisms

in the soil. Nitrogen fixing microorganism and especially phosphate solubilisers can be

drastically increased in counts and activity by the application of Agnihotra techniques (Berde

et al., 2015). The ashes can replace conventional fertilizers and are a more holistic approach in

plant fertilization due to its chemical composition and can helps to decrease acidification of

the soils (Heigl and Heigl, 2011). Plant growth has shown to be promoted by Agnihotra (Devi

et al., 2004; Abhang et al., 20015) and even germination can be triggered under conditions in

which the seeds normally remain dormant (Devi et al., 2004). Interestingly, the literature

review has also shown that Agnihotra may help to reduce radioactive radiation (Abhang and

Pathade, 2017; Devi et al., 2004; Frank, 2013, Pathak and Berk, 2015). Unfortunately, the studies

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

4 5 6 7 8

aver

age

ro

ot

size

per

see

d

Days

Root average per Group (100 seeds)


32

reviewed about the reduction of radioactive potential refer to reports that were not

scientifically evaluated or other records that are not available at the time. Since there is no

method known or accepted by modern science on how to reduce radioactivity, those findings

should be scientifically addressed in greater depth and its application possibilities explored.

The experiment performed for this Thesis showed that the application of Agnihotra influences

the germination of rye seeds. The rate of germination was improved, especially in the

beginning, which corresponds with the finding of Devi et al. (2014) who concluded that

Agnihotra can help to break dormancy in plants. The development of roots and shoots has

shown to be significantly influenced by the application of Agnihotra ash and promotes its

growth on the parameters that were measured (root and shoot length) and the total amount of

developed roots. These findings are supported by the results that were obtained by Devi et al.

(2004) and Abhang et al. (2015). The experiment that was performed provides an additional

value to the existing literature. A similar experiment was performed by Abhang et al. (2015)

but the accuracy of the description of the methods, daily measurements with a high sample

size, the performance of statistical tests and a consistent documentation of the results that were

applied for the experiment in this report are complementing the existing literature.

It was expected that a supply of ashes would have a direct influence on the plant growth due

to its nutritious properties. Therefore, group 2 received a treatment with an ash that was

produced under the same circumstances, thus cow dung burned with ghee and rice in a copper

vessel. The fact that there still was a significant effect of Agnihotra ash on rye seed compared

to the normal ash was quite remarkable. This suggests that the Agnihotra fire technique can

indeed be used as a complementary instrument in agricultural systems. Furthermore, the

Agnihotra ash for the experimental group and the control ash for the control group were given

in a very small amount of 0,05 gram which were spread over the petri dishes as the last step

of the preparation for the experiment. This amount was chosen intuitively since it corresponds

with the amount of ashes that fit on a small copper spoon which is used for the performance

of other Yajnas. The ashes could have been firstly mixed with the water and then applied on

the petri dishes in order to distribute them better and make them more accessible for the

plants. Additionally, the amount of 0,05 gram seems very little and can thus be understood as

homeopathic dose. However, the usage of such a little dose still had a significant effect on the

development of the plants, which is rather astonishing. Since the experimental group

developed faster than both controls, it can be concluded that the Agnihotra ash also works on

a subtler level then only the addition of nutrition.

33

Conclusion

The actual processes behind the Agnihotra still remain uncertain but the hints seem to lead to

the potential of the sun and its far infrared waves that are in resonance with the Agnihotra

pyramid (Abhang and Pathade, 2017). Further research is needed if one wants to understand

the scientific explanation of the functionality of Agnihotra. Since it is ancient knowledge

prescribed in the Vedas and even referred to in the Bible (Heigl and Heigl, 2011), it remains an

artefact that our ancestors wanted to preserve for future generations. This suggest that there

might have been a better understanding which got lost over the millennia.

In the current state of pollution, it is important to share knowledge about alternative

production systems and raise the consciousness of the individual. Agnihotra remains a simple,

cost-efficient and powerful tool which can help human kind in its development.

The author of this Bachelor-Thesis does not want to promote Agnihotra for everybody. It is

everyone’s free will on what tools he or she might want to use, and everybody should decide

this for him- or herself. But if the reader feels attracted to this kind of technology, it is explicitly

encouraged to try it out him- or herself and apply it in any kind of system that might suit him

or her. Since ancient knowledge is sacred to many cultures, it should not be altered. Be aware

that any alterations of the Agnihotra techniques may have unknown effects and results into a

loss of functionality. It should not be seen as an invention with room for improvement. It is

revealed technology that should be performed accordingly.

Follow up experiments could increase the initial dose of Agnihotra ash and/or calculate

corresponding amounts of conventional fertilizers for comparison. It would be very

interesting to perform a long-term experiment that is looking at the full circle of a plant for

human consumption from seed to harvesting; applying Agnihotra technologies and compare

it with a control. This could be done with a more holistic approach in which one performs the

Agnihotra technique regularly at the place of the experimental group in addition of fertilizing

the plants with Agnihotra ash. The control group should thus be at a place which is at least

15000 meters away from the experimental group in order to exclude the control from the

Agnihotra atmosphere.

This report has shown that the Agnihotra fire technique remains yet unexplainable for a

western orientated mind. Even though the literature review, supported by the performance of

an experiment, has shown that its functionality is relevant for human kind; it will certainly be

criticized and categorized as esoteric superstition. Educated as a European with a western

mindset, the author of this Bachelor Thesis learned to accept the possibility of different

perspectives on our world and the importance of evaluating one’s own personal

indoctrination.

34

Bibliography

Scientific references:

Abhang, P., & Pathade, G. (2015). Study the effects of Yadnya fumes on SOx and NOx levels

in the surrounding environment. TATTVADIPAH, Research Journal of the Academy of Sanskrit

Research.

Abhang, P., & Pathade, G. (2017). Agnihotra technology in the perspectives of modern science–

A review.

Abhang, P., Manasi, P., & Pramod, M. (2015). Beneficial effects of Agnihotra on environment

and agriculture. International Journal of Agricultural Science and Research (IJASR).

Berde, C., Kulkarni, A., Potphode, A., Gaikwad, A., & Gaikwad, S. (2015). Application of

Agnihotra ash for enhancing soil fertility. International Journal of Science, Engineering and

Technology Research (IJSETR).

Berk, U., & Sharma, S. (2015). Effect of Agnihotra energy field on water purification.

Bissa, S. (2015). AGNIHOTRA: A BOON TO HUMANITY. International Education and

Research Journal, 1(5), 93-94.

Devi, H. J., Swamy, N. V. C., & Nagendra, H. R. (2004). Effect of Agnihotra on the germination

of rice seeds.

Kratz, S., & Schnug, E. (2007). Homa Farming-a vedic fire for agriculture: Influence of

Agnihotra ash on water solubility of soil P. Landbauforschung Volkenrode, 57(3), 207.

Limaye, V. (2013). Agnihotra: A Holistic Energy System Affecting Plant Growth (Studies on

some common Household plants). Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 1(1).

Matsumoto, S. T., Mantovani, M. S., Malaguttii, M. I. A., Dias, A. L., Fonseca, I. C., & Marin-

Morales, M. A. (2006). Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of water contaminated with tannery

effluents, as evaluated by the micronucleus test and comet assay using the fish Oreochromis

niloticus and chromosome aberrations in onion root-tips. Genetics and Molecular Biology,

29(1), 148-158.

Pathade, G., & Abhang, P. (2014). Scientific study of Vedic knowledge-Agnihotra. Bhartiya

Bouddhik Samada, Quarterly science journal of Vijnana Bharati, Issue, (43-44), 18-27.

Pathak, R. K., & BERK, E. U. (2015). HOMA THERAPY AN EFFECTIVE TOOLIN

MITIGATING SOIL, WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRISES. Climate Dynamics in

Horticultural Science, Volume Two: Impact, Adaptation, and Mitigation, 279.

Spengler Neff, A., Rist, L., & Rist, M. (1997). Studien zur biologisch-dynamischen

Rindviehzucht.

35

Books:

Emoto, M. (2011). The hidden messages in water. Simon and Schuster.

Dettelbacher, C. (2008). Im Maulbeerhain: Die Lehre von den 4 Weltzeitaltern: Einführung in die

Spuren der zyklischen Zeit. Rezeption, Schnittstellen, Geschichtsphilosophie-mit ständiger Rücksicht

auf Julius Evola. BoD–Books on Demand.

Heigl, H., & Heigl, B. (2011). Agnihotra: Ursprung, Praxis und Anwendung. Tübingen: Horst

Heigl Verlag.

Lectures:

Bernd Frank, Agnihotra - Jahrtausende alte Feuertechnik aus den Veden – Nutzen,

Erfahrungen, Ausführung, 20 January 2013, Yoga Vidya Bad Meinberg.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmlxqjyjqDw)

Shree Vasant Paranjape, Agnihotra – a talk by Shree Vasant Paranjpe, n.d..

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_LZGXSNYDo)

Additional reading material:

Kumar, I. R., Swamy, N. V. C., & Nagendra, H. R. (2005). Effect of pyramids on

microorganisms.

Puchalski, W. (2008). The report from studies in India. The Nature Laboratory, Konstantynow.

Credit to the pictures used:

• Title page background:

https://magicalforestblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/agni.jpg

• Header: https://athmaindia.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/agnihotra-011.jpg

• Theory, Picture 1: http://www.homatherapy.org/sites/default/files/pyramid.JPG

• Appendix, additional material:

https://bharathiradhu.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/bhopal_gas_agnihotra.jpg

• Appendix, Shree: http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-

maharaj.com/images/pictures/08-botschaften/Shree-Botschaft.jpg


maharaj.com/images/pictures/08-botschaften/Shree-Maharaj.jpg


maharaj.com/images/pictures/00-home/Shree-Agnihotrapot.jpg

• Appendix, Gurudev Shree Vasant Paranjape:

https://himalayahomahealing.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/gurudev-shree-vasant-v-

paranjpe.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmlxqjyjqDw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_LZGXSNYDo

https://magicalforestblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/agni.jpg

https://athmaindia.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/agnihotra-011.jpg

http://www.homatherapy.org/sites/default/files/pyramid.JPG

https://bharathiradhu.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/bhopal_gas_agnihotra.jpg

http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-maharaj.com/images/pictures/08-botschaften/Shree-Botschaft.jpg

http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-maharaj.com/images/pictures/08-botschaften/Shree-Botschaft.jpg

http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-maharaj.com/images/pictures/08-botschaften/Shree-Maharaj.jpg

http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-maharaj.com/images/pictures/08-botschaften/Shree-Maharaj.jpg

http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-maharaj.com/images/pictures/00-home/Shree-Agnihotrapot.jpg

http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-maharaj.com/images/pictures/00-home/Shree-Agnihotrapot.jpg

https://himalayahomahealing.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/gurudev-shree-vasant-v-paranjpe.jpg

https://himalayahomahealing.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/gurudev-shree-vasant-v-paranjpe.jpg

36

Appendix

Measured Data and Statistical Analysis (SPSS)

Note: Every horizontal row in every group represent one seeds. Empty columns that were not

filled in represent roots and shoots that are not present or not visible.

37

Day 4 Group 1 Group 2 Group 3

root 1 root 1 root 1

1 1,5 0,5

1 0,5 0,5

1 1 0,5

1 1,5 0,5

1 0,5 0,5

0,5 2,5 0,5

0,5 1 0,5

0,5 2 0,5

0,5 0,5 0,5

0,5 2 0,5

1 1 0,5

1 2,5 0,5

1 2 0,5

1 1 0,5

2 2 0,5

0,5 1 0,5

1 1 0,5

0,5 1 0,5

1 1 0,5

1 2 0,5

1 1 0,5

1 1 0,5

2 1 0,5

2 1 0,5

2 0,5 0,5

1 0,5 0,5

0,5 0,5 1

0,5 0,5 1

0,5 0,5 1

1 0,5 1

0,5 1 1

1 1 1

0,5 1 1

0,5 1 1

0,5 1 1

0,5 0,5 2

0,5 0,5 2

1 0,5 2

2 0,5 2

1 0,5 2

0,5 2

0,5 2

0,5 1

0,5 0,5

1 1

1 0,5

1 0,5

2 1

0,5 0,5

0,5 0,5

0,5 2,5

0,5 1

0,5 2

0,5 0,5

0,5 0,5

0,5 0,5

1 1

2,5 0,5

1 0,5

0,5 1

0,5 1

0,5

0,5

0,5

0,5

0,5

2

1

1

0,5

0,5

1

0,5

1

1

1

2,5

0,5

0,5

2

1

1,5

0,5

1,5

0,5

1

0,5

1

0,5

1

0,5

38


shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5

0,5 1 3 1 1 3 2

2 2 2 0,5 1 4

0,5 0,5 1 1 2 5 3 2

1 3,5 0,5 0,5 1 3 1

2 5 0,5 1 4 2 5 3 1 1

1 5 2 1 7 3 2 4 1

1 4 2 0,5 2 6 2

2 3 2 3 1 4 3 3

1 5 2 10 4 3 1 1 2

1 5 1 5 2 1 5 2

4 0 0,5 1

0,5 1 8 2 2 6 3

0,5 1 4 3 2 1 4 1

2 3 3 1 3 1 0,5 2 4 3 2

2 4 1 0,5 4 5 1 5 2 2

2 4 1 0,5 6 1 6 1

1 4 1 6 1 3

2 5 1 2 2 4

2 5 2 8 4 2 1 3 1

0,5 2 1 4 6 1 3 1

1 6 1 4 0,5 1 6 5 5

5 1 0,5 0,5 2 7 6 3

1 1 4 2 2

1 7 1 5 1 2 3 1

1 6 2 1 1 1 3 2 5 4 3 1

3 6 5 0,5 3 2 1 3 2

1 4 1 3 1 2 5

6 1 4 3 3 1

1 6 1 0,5 2 2 2 7 3 1

1 6 2 3 1 3 1 2 5 3

1 4 3 1 5 2 6 5 3

2 1 1 1 1 1 4 3 1

1 2 1 3 1 0,5 4 2 1

1 2 3 0,5 0,5 1 4 3 1

2 7 1 1 2 1 7 5 3 2

2 5 1 2 0,5 1

2 4 0,5 5 1 1 2 0,5

2 7 1 3 2 1 7 3

1 1 4 1 3

2 3 1 4 1 1 5 3 2

2 1 4 1 1 7 5 4 2

2 6 4 1 5 1 6 5 4 1

1 1 4 2 5 3

2 6 1 0,5 1 4 2 1

1 4 2 1 3 1 3 2

0,5 4 1 1 4 1 1 5 2

1 4 2 2 0 1 1 7 3 1

0,5 2 1 5 2 6 4 2

1 1 3 1 5 3

0,5 5 1 2 4 5 3 0,5 0,5

0,5 3 1 1 7 1 1 6 3 2 1

0,5 4 1 1 0,5 1

1 1 3 2 1 4 1

0,5 3 1 1 6 1 1 2 1 1

1 6 2 1 5 3 1 2 8 5 3 2 2

2 8 3 2 7 1 2 5 4 2

1 3 1 3 1 0,5 2

0,5 1 0,5 1 2 7 4 1

1 2 2 1 6 3 1 6 3

0,5 0,5 1 1 1 7 2

1 7 2 1 3 0,5 2

1 5 0,5 1 6 2 1 3

1 3 0,5 2 6 4 1 5 2

0,5 3 0,5 3 2 4 2 1

1 2 2 7 3 2 5 4 3

2 8 1 1 5 0,5 1 4 3 2

1 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 3

4 1 4 2 1 7 4

2 5 1 0,5 2 2 8 5

1 6 3 1 8 3 1 2

0,5 1 0,5 2 6 3 2 1 5 3

1 4 1 1 4 1

1 5 1 2 4 7 2 1 5 3

1 3 2 6 1 8 4 2 1 3 2 2

1 5 1 2 7 1 4 0,5

1 3 2 7 3 2 6 4 1

1 0,5 1 5 2 1 2 4 3

1 3 2 0,5 1 7 4

0,5 4 2 4 1 1 7 0,5

1 2 1 1 2 2 5 4 2 1

1 3 0,5 0,5

1 4 1 2 1 3 0,5

2 1 5 3 2 5 2 1

0,5 2 6 1 3 1

1 6 1 1 2 2 5 2 1 1

0,5 6 1 1 3 2 1 3 1

1 6 3 1 0,5 7 3 1 4

0,5 3 1 0,5 5 2 6 3

1 4 1 5 3 2 1

1 4 3 1 1 6 1

1 7 3 1

1 4

1

39


shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5

3 5 3 4 7 5 4 12 5 7

4 6 4 4 8 5 2 1 4 4

3 7 2 4 5 9 12 6

3 6 0,5 4 4 1 1 4 7 5

3 6 4 3 6 1 4 4 4 3

3 4 1 0,5 4 10 6 4 2 4 7 4

2 8 3 3 3 3 7 3 3 2

2 3 3 7 3 5 11 6 5

4 5 3 4 3 3 2 1 4 7 5

1 4 5 6 4 4 8 5 2

3 8 4 3 6 5 3

3 7 4 1 3 7 5 3 2 4

1 1 2 1 3 7 4 5

4 6 5 4 6 5 3 7 4 6 6

3 7 4 2 0,5 4 7 8 5 1

4 4 3 3 3 3 1 4 7 4 4

3 3 3 5 6 4 8 6 1

2 4 5 8 6 5 7 4 6 4 3

3 3 7 5 3 1 4 10 6 1

5 3 4 7 4 6 2

3 3 4 11 6 5 1

4 6 6 1 0,5 2 2 2 2

3 2 5 10 12 4

3 9 2 1 5 10 8 3 4 10 8 4 1

4 1 1 3 4 4 5 10 8 6 4

3 7 5 8 5 6 4

4 7 4 1 4 12 6 4 3 3 3 4 2

4 8 3 2 3 8 8 5 2 1 1

4 10 4 4 3 6 4 7 2 1 4 6 4 4

2 6 4 4 4 4 2 4 5 5 6 3 2

1 2 3 4 3 1 4 4 2

3 8 5 3 6 4 4 6 7 7 5 5

4 8 4 4 7 4 6 3 8 3 2

3 4 4 2 3 10 4 2 3 7 6 6

3 11 6 2 2 3 2 2

3 6 4 2 5 3 2 11 4 4

1 4 4 3 2 5 8 4 4

2 3 2 3 6 5 5 3 7 4 5

2 2 2 1 2 4 5 5 4

4 6 4 3 2 7 7 6 11 6 6 2

4 4 3 4 7 6 6 8 8 7

4 6 5 2 3 2 4 3 2

3 5 4 1 2 6 5 8 8 7 4

4 4 3 2 7 4 3 4 3

3 3 1 2 4 1 5 9 7 4

5 4 1 1 4 11 6 5 4

3 7 4 2 1 3 4 4

3 7 5 3 3 6 4 2 3 7 3

3 7 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 10 8 7

4 6 5 3 2 2 4 2

2 8 3 2 1

4 9 5 4 3 9 6 3 3 6 3 4

4 8 6 2 1 5 7 7 4 1

3 6 4 3 4 3 3 9 4 1

4 9 6 5 4 7 3 4 3 6 3 2 1

3 4 3 2 4 5 10 6 4

3 4 3 4 9 6 3 3 6 2

3 6 4 2 3 10 4 3 4 3 1

4 8 5 3 9 8 5 6 1 4 1

3 8 5 2 3 2 1 4 7 5

4 8 4 3 2 6 4 3 7 3

4 10 5 4 4 10 3 4

3 7 4 1 2 7 4 1 4 8 8 4

0,5 4 11 7 2 3 1

7 4 2 1 4 9 2 4 7 9 3

2 2 1 3 7 5 1 2 11 3 1

4 6 5 4 9 4 5 3 3 10 5 8 3

2 7 5 0,5 5 17 10 7 4 6 3 5

1 3 2 1 3 5 4 4 2 4 6 4 3

4 9 7 3 2 3 7 4 3 4 3 2 1

4 6 5 5 2 3 6 5 2

3 4 3 2 7 3 5 10 7 4 5 2

3 7 2 4 10 6 4 4 6 5 5

3 9 4 2 3 2 3 3 3

0,5 1 3 6 3 2

4 9 2 1 3 4 3 4 9 7 3

2 2 0,5 4 10 3 3 4 7

2 6 4 3 4 6 2 4 8 5 3

4 9 5 3 4 6 7 3 3 6

2 5 3 8 5 4 6 5 4 1

1 2 3 6 4 3 5 2

3 4 4 3 4 6 3 1 4 7 4 3 3

2 3 2 1 4 8 5 2 2 2

4 10 6 6 5 3 4 3 2 5 8 5 4 3

1 3 1 3 5 4 4 7 4 3

3 12 5 4 3 7 5 3 4

2 8 2 5 3 2 4 7 4 3 1

2 6 4 5 11 7 5 4 4 8 7 7

5 7 8 4 6 14 7 5 8 7 5 4

2 7 3 2 3 6 4 3 8 6 3

3 9 5 6 12 8 7 5

4 4 4 4

4 8 5 3

6 12 7 5

5 7 6 5 2 1

40


shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5 root 6

1 4 5 8 5 7

4 1 2 6 11 11 7 3 5 12 9 9 4 1

6 7 5 8 10 7 10 9 10 9 7 12 9 6 4

4 12 7 6 3 6 3 4 4 3 4

4 6 0,5 5 2 2 4 5 9 12

3 9 4 5 10 5 4 7 7 6 4 2

4 3 0,5 4 8 4 3 8 7 7 4

4 4 3 2 5 14 7 6 6 10 6 5 1

6 14 8 5 2 7 15 10 12 8

6 10 11 11 2 5 12 10 5 1 7 7 3 7

6 6 7 6 4 5 6 6 3 4 7

5 2 4 5 3 2 4 3 2 2

3 7 10 3 6 12 8 7 4 4 7 1

6 11 12 4 6 10 12 7 4 4 10 7 5

5 13 4 8 5 8 4 4 6 7 4 2

5 12 3 1 4 6 4 4 4 5 4

6 16 11 9 5 10 7 4 5 8 6 5 7

5 11 4 6 1 5 13 5 8 6 9 6 6

7 16 11 11 11 2 2 1 4

4 5 4 5 6 8 10 6 6 13 12 6

6 16 7 2 3 2 6 12 11 7 5

3 9 7 4 5 3 1 7 11 12 5

7 12 11 9 3 3 4

4 3 2 5 6 6 6 4 9 4

6 7 8 6 8 9 5 3 13 4 3

6 6 9 4 8 3 3 3 3 6 11 11 6

3 9 7 4 3 2 6 12 12

5 8 5 8 7 8 9 6 2 6 12 7 1

4 1 9 5 7 13 4 4 4

3 4 8 4 8 4 4 6 7

6 8 7 3 6 9 7 6 3 1

4 13 5 5 6 5 5 2 5 10 7 6 4 2

5 5 3 5 5 18 4 12 8 2

4 7 4 6 3 2 6 7 5 5 4

5 7 16 5 13 12 6 8 4 5 3

5 6 12 10 1 5 12 13 11 6 10 7 7

5 8 6 6 4 7 10 9 6 6

5 11 5 12 7 5 6 7 5 4

3 6 7 17 12 7 2 4 4 4 3 1

6 12 10 8 4 7 15 9 6 12 4 7 5 2

6 15 7 7 4 5 3 5 9 9 5 3

5 11 13 7 7 21 14 14 6 4 4 3

5 7 4 10 5 6 7 5 7 3 1

1 3 9 6 6 12 9 7 3

6 12 7 6 7 12 7 3 9 4 7 4 5

7 12 4 2 6 6 5 5 5 9 7 2 8 6

6 9 3 5 8 2 4 14 6 4

3 4 6 6 4 4 3 5

4 2 6 8 3 7 4 7 3 2 2

3 6 7 3 7 10 7 13 6 13 8 7

6 12 15 7 6 8 7 7 6 7 7 6 3

5 8 6 4 6 7 4 4 3 4 7 3

4 8 6 5 6 12 7 3 4 5 4 3

1 4 3 3 4 6 10 7 6 3

3 5 4 2 7 14 10 4 7

3 4 2 5 8 7 3 6 12 7 10 2

5 7 7 3 5 15 8 7 6 3 3 5 1

5 11 4 9 5 7 6 2 8 11 10 8 5

5 12 5 6 4 6 3 2 4 6 3 3 2

6 4 9 5 4 5 8 5 2

6 10 6 4 6 13 7 4 6 9 8 5 8 4 2

6 7 5 7 4 4 4 7 4 4 4 3

5 10 9 6 4 5 4 3 4 2 1

6 8 9 7 5 7 5 4 1 5 13 8 11 4

3 3 5 2 3 4 5 2

5 10 4 8 4 5 9 7 6 6 7 4 2 3

6 10 12 4 6 9 8 6 6 16 12 6

2 4 4 1 6 14 12 9 5

4 6 3 4 5 6 8 3 1

4 7 4 2 1 4 5 4 2 6 8 6 6 2

6 7 10 2 1 6 9 9 5 5 6 4 3 2

4 14 17 6 7 4 11 6 3 4 10 9 3

5 7 3 2 5 7 10 3 5 9 6 4 1

5 11 9 9 3 7 16 12 8 3 3 13 7 8

5 2 2 3 8 3 2 4 3 2 2

6 12 7 7 6 6 7 4 3 5

6 12 12 9 3 4 12 7 3 7 12 9 8 5

7 8 2 5 9 10 5 2

6 11 15 4 5 14 8 4 2 2

3 12 5 7 9 6 4 3 6 13 11 2 8

4 10 7 6 6 12 5 3 8 19 12 6 6

5 7 8 10 5 6 7 5 6 3 3 4

6 12 7 6 3 7 6 7 6 5 4

6 12 4 3 3 6 7 8 8 3

6 12 8 5 1 6 11 11 4 4 10 6 5

7 15 14 13 6 11 14 2 5 10 6 5

6 8 11 2 7 16 6 11 5 7 5

7 10 7 16 6 11 14 4 8 13 8 8 8

6 7 11 4 6 10 12 7 2 3 4 3

5 8 7 5 7 12 7 4 7 12 9 11 3

5 8 12 3 4 7 6 4 5 8 3 7 7

4 6 4 4 5 7 10 11 10

5 6 4 3 4 13 6 5 3

6 7 6 5 3

41

Day 8


shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5 shoot root 1 root 2 root 3 root 4 root 5 root 6 root 7 root 8

3 10 6 4 6 9 3

7 7 8 8 12 7 5 4 4 7 6 6 2 10

5 6 2 6 2 4 5 2 3 1

1 6 4 22 14 16 7 12 11 11 5

6 14 8 7 4 9 5 9 9

3 5 3 1 10 4 13 15 21 6 12 3 9 11

4 3 10 19 20 10 11 7 9 11 4 6

6 9 6 10 11 7 2 17 14 16 6 13 3

6 1 5 6 12 15 6 5 9 20

6 10 7 7 6 13 16 17 5 5 4 7

6 13 13 11 7 10 8 3 7 2 6 7

6 18 10 9 2 9 22 12 14 7 10 12 13

7 14 8 6 12 4 7 7 4 6 5 5 7 9 18

5 6 12 7 7 6 12 15 8 3 14 13 18 4

6 12 14 2 2 7 11 11 12 7 11 6 7 7

3 6 3 1 7 6 11 12 12 18 12 16 4

5 15 1 6 7 6 4 7 15 13 9

1 9 9 15 14 15 10 12 19 18 18

3 4 2 3 6 6 4 3 7 12 17 12

6 8 7 4 6 4 11 10 7 6 16 14 14

3 6 4 4 7 12 10 4 11 7 7 5 5 8

6 11 7 5 4 8 9 22 17 20 9

6 12 7 5 8 10 7 8 3 8 12 6 4

6 13 6 9 6 3 2 3 7 7 1 17 17

6 7 7 8 3 5 6 12 12 10 7 12 10 7

7 12 14 7 6 7 14 16 12 10 9 20 14 7

6 7 2 13 12 7 7 15 15 12 7 6 10 9

4 6 17 11 6 11 24 17 13 15

5 7 3 2 11 32 21 20 12 7 7 4 2

6 8 4 2 7 3 7 5 6 4 3

7 14 9 7 9 7 4 15 11 10 12 16 16 9

7 10 11 7 11 5 3 5 9 9 5

7 17 8 10 14 5 3 2 9 12 11 5

5 12 12 4 5 7 7 8 7 4 7 7 9 5 1

4 4 4 5 3 3 8 12 8 14 19 10 8

8 12 11 5 5 6 2 6 12 9 6

7 12 11 3 2 7 7 5 8 7 9 8 7

7 14 12 4 7 6 6 13 16 9 11 6 5 4

5 6 4 4 6 5 5 4 6

7 12 10 13 4 6 4 3 7 6 3 7 5 1

6 4 4 5 8 16 6 11 7 5 14 15

7 17 17 6 15 4 9 10 7 14

6 11 9 4 7 10 11 7 10 15 16 6 13

7 12 12 7 5 4 10 12 16 22 8

6 12 11 6 3 6 7 6 8 9 10 11 16

7 12 8 4 7 6 10 5 4 9 15 15 13 6

7 12 10 10 4 3 7 7 13 17 16 9 20 24 14 12

6 14 10 9 9 5 11 4 1 8

5 7 4 2 7 16 8 12 10 4 2 4 4 8 8 12 13

5 7 4 8 14 5 4 4 4 6 11 5 11

6 1 3 6 3 1 9 4 3 7 6

5 12 11 4 13 5 11 3 7 6 7 4 4 2

6 15 12 8 7 10 12 4 3 9 17 13 6 15

7 5 11 13 14 4 6 8 5 5

8 9 1 1 12 17 10 13 12

3 12 7 3 3 6 22 14 6 7 4 14 17 18

6 2 1 6 12 8 6 6 3 7 7

6 7 11 3 18 6 3 5 10 11 7 6 9 3

7 7 5 8 11 7 3 10 6 9 7 13 13 4

6 10 12 7 6 4 12 15 8 12 9 14 4

6 6 12 15 7 12 6 3 7 9 4 4

4 6 10 13 7 7 3 5 9 8 15 5 10 11

4 4 3 3 3 2 1 9 13 13 16

7 4 5 12 13 11 7 4 7 1 6 4 7

6 10 8 12 7 7 4 9 9 12 11 12 5

7 12 10 7 6 5 4 5 4 7 9 10 7 7

5 9 7 4 2 7 8 6 11 6 6 1

3 6 3 9 3 17 5

4 8 5 7 6 7 15 15 11 17 12 7 7

6 11 2 10 6 13 14 15 7 6 17 8

5 3 7 1 1 7 7 14 7 15 16 9 3 16 12 10

7 7 8 5 11 7 7 8 9 11 6 18 20

6 10 10 11 13 12 15 7 20 18 11 11

6 6 3 6 4 6 5 11 6 9 12 1

6 11 2 20 4 5 6 3

5 13 6 5 6 6 9 14 17 6 4 6 3

4 3 2 8 6 8 15 13 2

4 10 10 6 1 3 7 5 7 8

9 7 13 17 2 7 13 7 18 4 9 12 9 12 9

3 4 12 4 9 4 6 15 17

7 18 14 13 15 2 7 2 1 8 7 7 7 10

7 4 12 10 15 6 11 7 6 11 9 10 20 23

4 5 4 4 1 3 1 8 14 15 12 5

1 4 6 4 3 9

4 2 1 8 7 9 15 12

5 1 7 10 4 14 12 8 6 9 10 5 11

6 11 17 3 3 4 2 9 14 3 4 13

8 14 3 4 2 7 12 15 4 6 9 10 7 5

6 1 8 15 6 7 9 4 4 4

3 7 10 3 6 9 15 7 10 3 4 17 16 4

6 1 3 9 7 6 3 4 1 6 4

4 9 9 7 1 7 5 8 11 11 8 17 15 9 2 3

6 5 11 13 17 7 5 9 11

10 6 7 12 7

42

Shoot average

Day 4 5 6 7 8

Group 1 0 0,875 2,665 4,48 5,1

Group 2 0 0,92 2,81 4,53 5,73

Group 3 0 1,15 3,47 4,77 7,01

Root average

Day 4 5 6 7 8

Group 1 0,37 4,14 8,68 17,62 22,1

Group 2 0,585 4,785 10,375 16,74 23

Group 3 0,795 6,92 13,45 19,2 30,41

Root size total sum

Day 4 5 6 7 8

Group 1 37 414 868 1762 2210

Group 2 58.5 487.5 1037.5 1674 2300

Group 3 79.5 692 1345 1920 3041

Germination rate

Day 4 5 6 7 8

Group 1 40 88 90 93 93

Group 2 61 90 91 91 92

Group 3 91 93 95 94 94

total amount of roots

Day 4 5 6 7 8

Group 1 40 137 198 252 282

Group 2 61 149 210 240 264

Group 3 91 211 266 305 320

43

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100


Germination Rate at day 4

44

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

4 5 6 7 8

aver

age

sh

oo

t si

ze p

er s

eed

Days

Shoot average


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

4 5 6 7 8

aver

age

ro

ot

size

per

see

d

Days

Root average


45

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35


Root average

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8


Shoot average

46

Fresh weight:

Day 9:


0,53 0,58 0,75

0,63 0,7 0,87

0,64 0,67 0,73

0,72 0,62 0,63

0,59 0,65 0,71

0,62 0,61 0,87

0,69 0,53 0,73

0,62 0,64 0,66

0,53 0,66 0,76

0,64 0,59 0,86

sum

6,21 6,25 7,57

average

0,621 0,625 0,757

Day 11:

fresh weight:


0.8 0.71 0.9

0.77 0.76 0.76

0.63 0.76 1.04

0.73 0.61 0.74

0.8 0.77 0.97

0.71 0.83 0.92

0.65 0.83 0.89

0.86 0.71 0.89

0.71 0.8 0.92

0.62 0.68 1.04

0.78

sum

7.28 7.46 9.85

average

0.728 0.746 0.895455

47

Standard deviation (S): Standard error of the mean:

Shoot average Shoot average

Day 8 Day 8 Group 1 2.0616 Group 1 0.20616 Group 2 2.4974 Group 2 0.24974 Group 3 2.755 Group 3 0.2755

Root average Root average

Day 8 Day 0.8 Group 1 8.5807 Group 1 0.85807 Group 2 11.076 Group 2 1.1076 Group 3 10.369 Group 3 1.0369

SPSS Output

Ranks

Group N Mean Rank Sum of Ranks

Shoot 2.00 100 83.44 8343.50

3.00 100 117.57 11756.50

Total 200

Root 2.00 100 89.22 8921.50

3.00 100 111.79 11178.50

Total 200

49

Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot

The very person of Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot was too interesting to

withhold it from the reader. Therefore, this chapter is dedicated to him and his life. The

following text and pictures in this chapter were collected, summarized and translated from

the website: http://param-sadguru-shree-gajanan-maharaj.com/index.php/de/.

This website is an initiative of the Homa-Hof Heiligenberg.

To begin with, let’s first go into the most

obvious thing, his name. Param Sadguru

means “highest, absolute master”; Shree

means “holy” and Maharaj “royal”.

These are titles that were given to him

during his life. The name that was given

to him at birth was Gajanan. He is

commonly known as Shree.

Shree was born 1918 to a wealthy family

in Kharagpur, India. The omens of his

birth were almost identical to the ones of

the birth of Siddhartha Gautama

(Buddha). Both mothers received

fourteen almost identical dreams before

giving birth. In Hindi culture it is said

that holy people can be recognized by a

certain amount of features that can be

recognized on their physical body.

Shree’s body revealed more than 14 of

these signs, which is an indication for a

divine being. One distinctive sign was

the nail of the right big toe - it was red.

The same birth sign as Buddha. With the

age of seven, he was already devoted to

practice spiritual exercises.

In 1925, Shree was receiving his Yajnopavita – a sacred thread which is given to a child during

a ceremony, called the Upanayana, in which a guru accepts the child as a student and initiates

its’ second birth.

At 11.03.1938, Gangadhar Maharaj choose Shree as the successor of the supreme head of the

temple of the Guru Mandirs. Calling him in the process: “Sadguru Gajanan Maharaj”.

At the day of the 24. February 1938, Shree heard a powerful voice, inaugurating him in the

“Krishna-Shakti-Mantra”. Four years later, Lord Parashurama revealed himself to Shree;

teaching him the “Tripuri-Mantra” and thereby transferring him divine powers. Shree and

50

Lord Parashurama went on six pilgrimages together, visiting mystic places at the Himalaya

and South India. As it is known, Buddha was also visited by Lord Parashurama in the form of

“Bharagava Ashram”.

In 1942, fire appeared three times in a row in

front of Shree. Since this year, Shree had

frequent contact with Lord Parashurama. At the

21. September of 1944, Lord Parashurama gave

him a vision, showing him that the eternal

religion (Satya Dharma) is at trend to be lost and

forgotten. As a respond, Shree made a vow to

revive the Vedas. With this vow to Lord

Parashurama on 27th September 1944, he

started to resuscitate the Vedas and

reintroduced the Agnihotra fire technique after

several millennia. It became his life-task to

spread the ancient knowledge of the Vedas to

save the planet from the effects of pollution.

21. December 1944, it was revealed to Shree that

he would end the mission Buddha already

started; and end the offering of animals and

revive the pure and nonviolent sacrifices of fire.

At Christmas day, 25. December 1944 it was revealed to Shree that he already worked through

Ram, Krishna and Buddha and this time he incarnated as Son of Man (Manava Putra). The title

Son of Man is familiar to us, as it is also used in the bible and old Sanskrit texts. It describes

the rang of a person which is performing a divine task. In 1976 Shree was asked by Horst Heigl

who he is. Shree did let several days pass before he gave his answer:

“I am the light of the universe.”

Gurudev Shree Vasant Paranjape (picture on the left) later became

the disciple of Shree and spread the knowledge about Agnihotra and

the Fivefold Path since 1972 over the whole world.

51

„Showers of Love to all, O seekers of Eternal Truth,

O travellers of Divine Path.

Grace of Almighty Father which is in Heaven always be with you.

Kingdom of Heaven is nearing now!

OM TAT SAT“ - Shree

„Grace be with you all, O travellers of Kingdom of Heaven.

Light of the World has descended on Earth.

Divine Light is spreading throughout the whole planet.

Kingdom of Heaven is near at hand.

Blessed are who saw the Light. Fortunate are who walked in Light,

for they will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

OM“ – Shree

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