2020, Vol. 6, Issue 4, Part A

author(s)
Dr. Nibedita Goswami

abstract
Ghee (ghṛta) is the essential offering to Agni in all the sacrifices. Agni is the mouth of the Gods and Ghee is the food that feeds them. The Anuśāsana Parva of the Mahābhārata (Parva-13) says that Ghee is sacred because of its use in sacrifices. As the Ghee is burnt in the fire its smoke and fragrance covers the entire environment and the medicinal values embedded on it goes to all. It purifies the environment. Experimental studies show that the incidence of physical ailments, sickness and disease are reduced in the houses, where the Yajña (Agnihotra) is regularly performed because it creates a pure, nutritional and medicinal atmosphere. The observation of some distinguished scientists is note-worthy in this regard. Dr. Hafkine has mentioned that --- “mixing ghee and sugar and burning them creates smoke which kills the germs of certain diseases and secretion takes place from some glands relate to the wind-pipe, which fill our heart and mind with pleasure.^” Sugars present in Haviṣhya have great power to purify the atmosphere. It kills the germs of T.B., measles, smallpox and cow-pox --- remarks Prof. Tilward. This paper is an attempt to highlight the scientific values of oblations specially Ghee and its effect on environment.