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Cow-Dung
Cake Fire
Fire
for Agnihotra is prepared by lighting cow-dung cakes in
the prescribed pot. To prepare the fire, arrange well-broken
bits of these cow-dung cakes one over the other in a circular
formation in the Agnihotra pot. The cake bits should be
so placed as to leave a little open space in the middle
of the pot where either a piece of camphor, ghee-soaked
wick of cotton or kundru gum may be placed to be lighted
with a match stick. This should be done about ten minute
before the appointed time. The placing of the cake beat
should be such as would allow air to pass between them to
ensure good burning. The little opening in the middle where
camphor, cotton, or gum has been placed is also the spot
to receive the Agnihotra oblations. In about ten minutes
time cow dung cake bits would come good stage of burning.
Oblations should then be offered in the prescribed way with
chanting of indicated mantras on the exact time.
It
is scientifically proved that cow-dung contains chemicals
like menthol, phenol, ammonia, indal and formalin. Many
curative properties are attributed to it. That is why cow
-dung cake fire in Agnihotra pot is important. Cow-dung
picked up form a clean place uncontaminated with rubble
or rubbish of any kind should be used in the making of cakes.
If such cakes were not available for purchase in the market,
then it would be advisable, that the performer should prepare
them at home. Petrol, diesel, gas, kerosene, and such other
malodorous polluting stuff should not be used to ignite
Agnihotra fire. As has been said, use only camphor, guggulu,
and kundru gum or cotton wick soaked in Cow-ghee only.
1. DEFINITE TIMINGS
2. POT TO BE USED OF A SPECIFIC SHAPE
AND SIZE
3. COW-DUNG CAKE FIRE
4. OFFERINGS(OBLATIONS)
5. UTTERANCE OF THE MANTRAS
Compliance
of these regulations justifies the adoption of right method
for performing daily Agnihotra. Once you start this practice
you will notice that nothing is impossible or difficult
in doing so and it is much easier than can be imagined.
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