When performing yajna or hawan, people often offer cow ghee into the fire followed by a mantra. The importance of Ghee is mentioned in the Vedas that refers to it as the antidote to poison.
When cow ghee hits the burning embers of a Havan, it’s not just a religious ritual; it’s an ancient practice of atmospheric purification. It contains divine properties which help enhance cosmic energy around the place. It also improves one’s aura and protects from negative influences.
Let's understand the spiritual and scientific significance of using Cow Ghee for havans.
The Vedic Foundation: Why Ghee Represents 'Sattvic' (Pure) Energy?
In Ayurveda and spiritual texts, the universe is made up of three gunas (qualities): Sattva (purity), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (inertia). Cow ghee is considered to possess the most Sattvic properties.
When Cow ghee is used and offered during Havan, it activates the Tej Tattva (absolute fire element) more effectively than other fuels. This enhances the Sattvic vibrations in the room, creating an atmosphere for deep meditation and peace. Thus, purifying the entire atmosphere.
When Cow ghee is used and offered during Havan, it activates the Tej Tattva (Image: Pexels)
Spiritual Significance Of Ghee In Havan
The auspiciousness of ghee is also mentioned in various ancient texts like the Atharvaveda (Chapter 4, Verse 5), which describes cow’s milk and ghee as the essence of creation; Charak Samhita (Sutrasthana, Chapter 25) emphasises the medicinal value of cow’s ghee.
- Surrender To The Divine: In Havan or yajna (fire ceremonies), ghee is the chief oblation poured into Agni, the fire god, with the chanting of mantras. The offering of ghee into fire symbolises surrender and nourishment of the cosmic order.
- Acts Medium: When ghee is poured into the havan kund while chanting mantras, it is believed to act as a medium that carries devotees' prayers to higher realms.
- Balance The Chakras: When ghee is used for havan, the flame usually shows three colours: red, yellow, and blue. This flame is believed to help balance the chakras in the body, especially the Manipura and Anahata chakras, which are linked to emotions and energy.
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Scientific Reason Of Using Ghee During Hawan
Due to rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, deforestation, and modernisation, air and water pollution have drastically increased. Because of this, the ozone layer has destabilised human, animal and plant life cycles.
The International Journal of Sanskrit Research claims that studies show performing yajna reduces physical ailments, sickness, and disease, and creates a pure, medicinal atmosphere. It also renews the brain cells, revitalises the skin, purifies blood, etc.
According to Dr Shirowich, a Russian scientist, cow’s ghee, when offered to the yajna fire, reduces the effect of atomic radiation to a great extent.
Studies show performing yajna reduces physical ailments, sickness, and disease (Image: Pexels)
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These are some major reasons why Cow Ghee is used in Havan.
FAQs
1. Why is ghee used in havan instead of oil?
Ghee is regarded as the purest, most sattvic offering for the sacred fire and burns cleanly. Pouring ghee into Agni is one of the oldest Vedic rituals, symbolising surrender and carrying prayers upward.
2. What kind of ghee should be used for puja?
Traditionally, pure cow ghee, ideally bilona-made from indigenous cows like the Gir, is used. Adulterated ghee is considered unfit for sacred offerings, so many keep authentic A2 Gir cow ghee for ritual use.