Interdisciplinary Journal of Yagya Research

Comparative Physicochemical Characterization of Particulate Matter Emitted from Diya

2026-02-26T11:01:55+00:00

Particulate matter (PM) or carbon soot generated from combustion process can be a primary contributor to indoor air pollution and associated health risks, predominantly through the sequestration of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study conducted a comparative physicochemical analysis of PM generated from the combustion of kerosene, four common vegetable oils (mustard, peanut, coconut, castor), and two types of animal ghee (cow and buffalo) to establish a clear chemical hazard gradient. PM samples were characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). UV-Visible analysis showed Kerosene PM exhibited the highest overall absorbance, directly corresponding to the maximum concentration of toxic, high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs. This was substantiated by TGA, which confirmed Kerosene PM has the highest thermal stability, indicative of a highly condensed elemental carbon (EC) structure necessary for PAH binding. Conversely, Ghee PM consistently demonstrated lower aromatic signature and visible light absorption, and also the least thermal stability, suggesting a PM structure dominated by highly volatile organic carbon and a negligible concentration of condensed, hazardous PAHs. DLS analysis further confirmed Kerosene PM forms large, highly aggregated soot clusters, distinct from the finer lipid-based PM. The data demonstrate that PM from ghee combustion is structurally less condensed and volatile, supporting the observation that ghee-derived PM may pose a lower respiratory risk profile than kerosene PM.

Scriptural Aspect for Selection of the land for Yagya

2026-02-26T11:01:55+00:00

The process of selecting land for Yagya-related activities is deeply rooted in ancient Indian scriptures that view the Yagya not only as a ritual act but also as a scientific, ecological, and spiritual intervention. This paper investigates the criteria and methodologies described in traditional texts like Smartakunda Samīkṣā, Śāradātilaka, and Mandapakuṇḍa Sangraha for assessing the suitability of land for the construction of a Yagya Mandap (ritual altar or pavilion). The study highlights eight primary parameters—ranging from soil texture, fragrance, and taste to slope direction and the presence of impurities—used in ancient times for land evaluation. It also explores the environmental and geographical aspects, including proximity to water bodies and temples, terrain level, and energy flow as guided by the principles of Vāstu and Vedic cosmology. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the cow (Gau) in land sanctification. Scriptures recommend the use of cow horns buried beneath the surface to neutralize śalya (subsurface impurities), while cow dung is applied for its antiseptic and spiritual purifying qualities. These practices underscore the integration of sacred ritual with environmental awareness and bioenergetics. The paper aims to bring to light the holistic approach of ancient Indian traditions in harmonizing land, ritual, and consciousness. It serves as an informative exploration and suggests the consultation of Vedic scholars for practical application in contemporary settings.

Shri Kali Devi Temple, Patiala, India: History, Deity, Worship & Yagya System

2026-02-26T11:01:56+00:00

The Shri Kali Devi Temple in Patiala, Punjab, is a vibrant center of fierce Śākta–Tantric worship in North India, primarily dedicated to Maa Kali in her intense cremation-ground (*samśān rūpa*) form. The principal six-foot black stone idol, installed in 1936 under Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s patronage, depicts Kali in classical Bengali Śākta style: jet-black complexion, protruding tongue, muṇḍamālā, four arms bearing weapons and mudrās, standing upon Śiva—symbolizing the inseparability of dynamic Śakti and pure consciousness.
Daily worship follows a structured Bengali-influenced Āgamic pattern, including pre-dawn maṅgala āratī, abhiṣeka with milk, curd, honey and herbs, ṣoḍaśopacāra pūjā, sandhyā āratī, and bhoga offerings. Complementary deities (Śivliṅga, Bhairava, Gaṇeśa, Raj Rajeshwari, Navagrahas) reflect Śaiva–Śākta syncretism. Mantras draw from Kālī Tantra, Tantrasāra, Devi Māhātmyam, and Śiva Purāṇa, emphasizing protection, liberation, and ego-dissolution.
A hereditary priesthood, led by Mukhya Purohit Ravi Mishra, upholds guru–śiṣya transmission and personal sādhanā. The elaborate yagya system features daily nitya homa to sustain the śakti kṣetra, alongside major mahāyagyas during Navarātri and Amāvāsyā (Navakuṇḍa/Navachaṇḍī, Kāla Sarpa Doṣa Nivāraṇa, Śatru Vināśa, symbolic coconut bali. Devotees participate through sponsorship and saṅkalpa, seeking protection from black magic, enemies, fear, and planetary afflictions. Ethnographic observations (2023–2024) highlight the temple’s role as a living tīrtha sustaining devotional, cultural, and social continuity in contemporary Punjab.

Yajna Vidya in Agni Purana: A comprehensive study of ritual structure, philosophical basis and socio-spiritual significance

2026-02-26T11:01:56+00:00

अग्नि पुराण में यज्ञ विद्या का वर्णन एक समग्र, बहुआयामी और जीवन-केन्द्रित दृष्टिकोण प्रस्तुत करता है। यह पुराण भारतीय जीवन का विश्वकोष माना जाता है, जिसमें सृष्टि-प्रलय, मन्वन्तर, राजवंश, देव-महात्म्य के साथ-साथ दैनिक व्यवहार, सामाजिक व्यवस्था एवं आध्यात्मिक साधना के सूक्ष्म नियम संग्रहीत हैं। यज्ञ को मात्र कर्मकाण्ड या देव-आराधना तक सीमित न रखकर, इसे ब्रह्माण्डीय शक्तियों के साथ संनादित, आत्म-शुद्धि, सामाजिक संतुलन एवं भोग-मोक्ष दोनों की प्राप्ति का साधन माना गया है। पुराण के विभिन्न अध्यायों (11, 13, 30, 31, 32, 33, 107, 108, 162 आदि) में यज्ञ के विविध पक्षों का वर्णन मिलता है—विष्णु एवं शिव की सामान्य पूजा में समस्त परिवार, शक्तियों, आयुधों, दिक्पालों एवं तत्त्वों का यजन; कुण्ड-निर्माण की वैज्ञानिक विधि (चतुरस्र, वर्तुल, अर्धचन्द्र, पद्माकृति, मेखला, योनि, कण्ठ, सुषिर आदि); देवता-प्रतिष्ठा, समुदाय-प्रतिष्ठा, गृह-स्थापना एवं जीर्णोद्धार में सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक निरन्तरता; उत्सव-विधि में मङ्गलाङ्कुर, तीर्थयात्रा, रथयात्रा एवं सामूहिक अनुष्ठान; गणपूजा एवं त्रिपुरा-यजन में विघ्न-नाश एवं सिद्धि-प्राप्ति; यज्ञावधान में विभिन्न कामनाओं (शान्ति, पुष्टि, स्वास्थ्य, विजय, धन, सौभाग्य, संतान, आयु, बाधा-निवारण) के लिए विशिष्ट समिधा, हवि, मन्त्र एवं द्रव्य-संयोजन। यज्ञ को यहाँ केवल बाह्य अग्नि-हवन नहीं, अपितु आन्तरिक कल्मष-दहन, चेतना-शुद्धि एवं प्रकृति-संनाद का माध्यम माना गया है। यह जीवन-विज्ञान की एक सुव्यवस्थित प्रणाली है, जो लौकिक कल्याण एवं आध्यात्मिक उन्नति के मध्य सेतु का कार्य करती है। वर्तमान संदर्भ में भी इसकी प्रासंगिकता बनी रहती है, विशेषकर स्वास्थ्य, पर्यावरण संतुलन एवं सामाजिक एकता के क्षेत्र में।

Yagya and Dhupana karma in Disorders of Female Reproductive System

2026-02-26T11:01:57+00:00

The present paper discusses the guiding theme of Ayurveda, “Āyuḥ kāmaye manena hi dharmārtha-sukha-sādhanam”, which emphasizes the pursuit of a healthy and purposeful life. Following the laws of nature, the ancient Ācāryas established fundamental principles for promoting both individual well-being (hita-āyu) and social harmony (sukhāyu). They also highlighted the importance of sustaining the continuity of human life since its origin, as envisioned in the cosmic creation by Brahma. According to the Atharvaveda, Yagya possesses the inherent power to preserve a healthy, continuous life cycle. Women play a central role in sustaining life, and various disorders of the female reproductive system can disrupt this natural continuity. From this perspective, the present discussion explores the conceptual understanding of Yagya in the Vedas and dhūpana karma in Ayurveda, particularly in the context of striroga and prasūti roga. This review seeks to identify new directions for managing female reproductive disorders by integrating traditional Ayurvedic principles with the therapeutic potential of Yagya Therapy (Yagyopathy^TM).

Editorial

2026-02-26T11:01:58+00:00

International Journal of Yagya Research, published by Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, upholds its mission to advance scholarly inquiry into Yagya as a holistic science, integrating Vedic wisdom with modern scientific validation for health, environment, and spiritual well-being. Drawing inspiration from Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, the journal fosters research that bridges ancient rituals with contemporary applications, promoting harmony between humanity, nature, and the divine.

This issue showcases diverse explorations of Yagya, from scriptural guidelines and temple practices to physicochemical analyses and therapeutic potentials, highlighting its multifaceted role in Vedic traditions and modern contexts.

The first article, by Jahgir Ritambhara, Rathor Khushbu, Kamlesh Kumar, and Dinesh Kumar presents a comparative physicochemical characterization of particulate matter emitted from Diyas fueled by kerosene, vegetable oils, and ghee. Using FTIR, UV-Visible, TGA, and DLS analyses, the study reveals that ghee-based PM is less hazardous, with lower PAH concentrations and thermal stability, compared to kerosene.

The second article by Ekta Chandel investigates scriptural aspects for selecting land for Yagya. Referencing texts like Smṛtakuṇḍa Saṁkṣa and Śāradātilaka, it outlines parameters such as soil quality, slope, and sanctification using cow products, integrating Vastu principles to harmonize ritual spaces with environmental and spiritual energies.

The third research article, by Shraddha Gupta and Ipsit Pratap Singh explores the history, deity, worship, and Yagya system at Shri Kali Devi Temple in Patiala, India. Through ethnographic observations, it details the temple's Śākta-Tantric rituals, including daily pūjā and major mahāyagyas during Navarātri, highlighting its role as a living center for protection, liberation, and community devotion.

The fourth research article, a perspective written in Hindi by Manisha Bharadwaj delves into Yagya as described in the Agni Purana. Despite the Purana's concise style, it positions Yagya as a key element in daily life and samsaric knowledge, underscoring its significance within the broader encyclopedic content of this ancient text.

The fifth article, a review by Pravesh Tomar and Vandana Srivastava, examines Yagya and Dhupana karma in managing disorders of the female reproductive system. It draws from Vedic and Ayurvedic principles to propose integrative approaches for striroga and prasuti roga, emphasizing Yagya's potential in preserving life cycles and women's health through ritualistic and therapeutic interventions.

We express our profound appreciation to all contributors and reviewers for their scholarly commitment. We hope this issue stimulates further investigation into Yagya's scientific, cultural, and therapeutic dimensions.

We welcome reader feedback to strengthen the journal as a premier platform for Yagya research rooted in Vedic heritage.

Enjoy reading and enrich yourself. Have a wonderful year ahead!