Editorial : Vol 9 Issue 1

Abstract

Interdisciplinary Journal of Yagya Research, published by Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, continues its founding commitment to advancing rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry into Yagya as both a spiritual practice and a subject of scientific study. Drawing inspiration from the vision of Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, who envisioned a synthesis of Vedic culture and spiritual wisdom with modern scientific inquiry, the journal carries this mission forward by inviting scholars across disciplines to examine Yagya's ritual, philosophical, and empirical dimensions.

The present issue (Volume 9 Issue 1) brings together contributions spanning Vedic philosophy, psychology, microbiology, and sacred geometry, illustrating the breadth of Yagya's relevance to contemporary scholarship.

The first article, by Roshni Gupta and Shlok Jindal, examines the nature of Yagya Agni through the Yama-Nachiketa dialogue in the Kathopanishad. Distinguishing sacrificial fire from ordinary fire through the tripartite classification of Pavak, Pavamana, and Shuchi, the authors explore the three ritual fires -- Garhapatya, Ahavaniya, and Dakshina Agni -- and relate the Panchagni Vidya to the Panchakosha and Pancha-prana, proposing Yagya Agni as a holistic bio-energetic framework bridging Vedic wisdom and consciousness studies.

The second article, by Chitra Kashyap and Santosh Vishvakarma, presents a qualitative analysis of Deva-Pujan, Dana, and Sangatikarana as a triadic framework underlying Yagya practice. Drawing on primary Vedic texts alongside contemporary research, the authors argue that mantra recitation and collective participation in Yagya foster emotional regulation, prosocial orientation, and community belonging, positioning Yagya as an indigenous paradigm for social inclusion and psycho-spiritual well-being.

The third article, by Mitali Das, reports an empirical investigation into the effects of Agnihotra fumigation on indoor airborne fungal spore load. Sampling conducted over five months showed a marked reduction in fungal spore counts following Agnihotra, while in vitro testing of Yagya samagri extracts, particularly Azadirachta indica, demonstrated notable antifungal activity against domiciliary fungal isolates, supporting the ritual's antimicrobial and air-purifying potential.

The fourth article, by Manish Manikrao Gode, offers a geometric analysis of the Yajna-Vedi as described in the Baudhayana Shulba Sutra, with particular focus on the Shyena Chiti (falcon-shaped altar). Employing literature review and geometric reconstruction, the study examines ancient units of measurement, area-equivalence between circles and squares, and the interlocking brick-layering technique across five layers, situating these methods as forerunners of modern masonry bonding and modular design principles.

The fifth article, a review by Raghava S. Boddupalli, surveys the significance and characteristic features of Yajna, Yaga, and Ishti as described across Vedic and Shrauta literature. The review outlines classifications of sacrifices, the roles of Ritviks, the construction of the Yajnavedi, and the range of food and fruit oblations offered to Agni, underscoring the continuing relevance of these practices for environmental and social welfare.

We express our sincere gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and contributors whose scholarly dedication has made this issue possible.

We hope this issue inspires deeper interdisciplinary engagement with the science and philosophy of Yagya, and we thank our readers for their continued support and welcome their feedback and suggestions.