Understanding the Ritual of

Havan
By Manpreet Singh Nihang

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Contents
Dedication ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3
2. What is Fire?.............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Origin of Fire.............................................................................................................................. 4
4. Havan In Light of Gurmat ........................................................................................................... 7
5. Scientific Benefits of Havan...................................................................................................... 12
6. Physical aspect of Havan .......................................................................................................... 14
7. Agni Dev as per Hindu Tradition and Sikh Belief ....................................................................... 15
8. Who and How? ........................................................................................................................ 15
9. Some Frequently asked questions ........................................................................................... 19
10. References .............................................................................................................................. 21

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 Dedication

Dhan Mata Sahib Deva Ji (Divine Mother of Guru Khalsa Panth)

I humbly bow to the lotus feet of Dhan Mata Sahib Kaur Ji and offer this book as sewa. Without the
Divine shakti, I would not have been able to move. It is her, she is the driving force, with her blessings
the book was written. I then offer my head to Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Nirankaar, who is the
ultimate guide. I then offer my Fateh to Dhan Sri Baba Sri Chand Ji (Sahibzadey of Dhan Sri Guru Nanak
Dev Sahib Nirankaar) who has kept the puritan maryada alive in me.

I thank sadh-sangat (Bibi Harshin Kaur, Akaali Bibi Manjit Kaur Ji, Mahakaal Baba Gurdyal Singh Ji
Shiromani Budha Dal), with whose help the information contained in this book was gathered. If the
reader shall find any flaws in this work, they are mine alone, please forgive me and send me your
feedback.

1. Introduction
This book is an effort to revive and bring in-light the puratan Havan tradition of the Khalsa Panth,
which is still carried out in the Dal Panth (Budha Dal and Tarna Dal) and other Nihang Singh Sampradas
(like Dal Baba Bidhi Chand). Over the years, the puratan traditions of the Khalsa have seen a down-fall
in regular practice, in my opinion was one of the disadvantages of the Singh-Sabha movement which
began in 1870s, as some practices which were carried out by puratan Sikhs were discouraged and
labelled as the tradition of Hindus and some as those of the Muslims. This book will not dig-deep into
what and how things happened as a cause of Singh Sabha movement; but will only stress on the
tradition of Havan and its importance both in terms of Gurmat and Scientific facts. As Havan is known
to be practiced by the Hindu’s at large, some reference to their tradition will also be made to draw
conclusions based on comparisons.

For those who have an open-mind and willingness to learn, this book will help provide a glimpse. If
you are one of those who uses books and articles as a tool to raise objections and slander the puratan
traditions; I humbly ask the reader to read no further. As I do not wish to cause any anger in you,
which stems out of preconceived and strongly rooted false notions (which are the great works of Ego).

If you have any feedback or questions, you are more than welcome to reach out to me on my email:
mannvinder@gmail.com.

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 2. What is Fire?
'Wonderful is the fire which works wonders' (Var Asa M. l, p. 464) 'Agni is called Baisantar Devta' (Var
Asa M. l, ang. 473). Its other names are Pavak and Tejas. It is an evolute from Air (Paun Devata) and
labours hard like him under the Fear of the Lord. 'When the sun blazes in the sky, the earth is roasted,
and her sap is dried by the fire of the sun.' (Baramaha Tukhari M. l, ang. 1108) The sun is the main
source of heat (Agni) and light.
Fire is latent in wood. Guru Ram Das says: "The fire is locked in the wood; it is struck only by the
person, who knows the method."(Katyan M. 4, ang. 1323) Just as the fire of the womb is within the
body, the fire of maya is out (of the body). (Ramkali M. 3, Anand, ang. 921)
Desire is also a kind of fire, which can be extinguished by the Name of the Lord. There is also a mention
of the fire of the forest (Dawa Agan), which destroys the plants and trees of the forest as well as the
insects, birds and animals. (ang. 120, 732, 1416) A little spark of fire is enough to burn down a huge
stack of firewood. (Sorath M. l, ang. 637) The fire is also a great purifier. It purifies metal. (Salok Farid,
ang. 1380) The fire of hell is meant for the sinners. The abode of the sinner is in the fire. (Bhairo
Namdev, ang. 1165) From water, heat (Agni) and electricity are produced. (Maru M. l, ang. 1033) There
is no direct reference to any episode about Agni, the god of fire in Guru Granth Sahib.
We produce below a quotation regarding Agni, the god of fire, as given in Epics, Myths and Legends
of India (p. 28) by P. Thomas. It conveys the significance of this Vedic Demi-God: "Agni is the lord,
protector, king of men. He is the lord of the house, dwelling in every abode. He is guest in every home;
he despises no man, he lives in every family. He is therefore considered as a mediator between gods
and men, and as a witness of their actions; hence to the present day he is worshipped, and his blessing
sought on all solemn occasions, as at marriage, death, etc.

In these old hymns, Agni is spoken of as dwelling in two pieces of wood, which being rubbed together
produce fire, and it is noticed as a remarkable thing that a living being should spring out of dry (dead)
wood. Strange to say, says the poet, the child as soon as he is born begins with unnatural voracity to
consume his parents. Wonderful is his growth seeing that he is born of a mother who cannot -nourish
him; but he is nourished by the oblations of clarified butler which are poured into his mouth and which
he consumes [Kohli, Surindar Singh, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib Ji,
1993].

3. Origin of Fire

3.a Scientific Perspective

To understand this let’s take the example of firewood. Typically, fire comes from a chemical reaction
between oxygen in the atmosphere and some sort of fuel (wood or gasoline, for example). Of course,
wood and gasoline don't spontaneously catch on fire just because they're surrounded by oxygen. For
the combustion reaction to happen, you must heat the fuel to its ignition temperature.

Something heats the wood to a very high temperature. The heat can come from lots of different things
like a match, focused light, friction, lightning, something else that is already burning.

When the wood reaches about 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius), the heat decomposes
some of the cellulose material that makes up the wood.

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Some of the decomposed material is released as volatile gases. We know these gases as smoke. Smoke
is compounds of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The rest of the material forms char, which is nearly
pure carbon, and ash, which is all the unburn-able minerals in the wood (calcium, potassium, and so
on). The char is what you buy when you buy charcoal. Charcoal is wood that has been heated to
remove nearly all the volatile gases and leave behind the carbon. That is why a charcoal fire burns
with no smoke.

The actual burning of wood then happens in two separate reactions:

When the volatile gases are hot enough (about 500 degrees F (260 degrees C) for wood), the
compound molecules break apart, and the atoms recombine with the oxygen to form water, carbon
dioxide and other products. In other words, they burn.

The carbon in the char combines with oxygen as well, and this is a much slower reaction. That is why
charcoal in a BBQ can stay hot for a long time.

A side effect of these chemical reactions is a lot of heat. The fact that the chemical reactions in a fire
generate a lot of new heat is what sustains the fire. Many fuels burn in one step. Gasoline is a good
example. Heat vaporizes gasoline and it all burns as a volatile gas. There is no char. Humans have also
learned how to meter out the fuel and control a fire. A candle is a tool for slowly vaporizing and
burning wax.

As they heat up, the rising carbon atoms (as well as atoms of other material) emit light. This "heat
produces light" effect is called incandescence, and it is the same kind of thing that creates light in a
light bulb. It is what causes the visible flame. Flame colour varies depending on what you're burning
and how hot it is. Colour variation within in a flame is caused by uneven temperature. Typically, the
hottest part of a flame -- the base -- glows blue, and the cooler parts at the top glow orange or yellow.

In addition to emitting light, the rising carbon particles may collect on surrounding surfaces as soot.

The dangerous thing about the chemical reactions in fire is the fact that they are self-perpetuating.
The heat of the flame itself keeps the fuel at the ignition temperature, so it continues to burn as long
as there is fuel and oxygen around it. The flame heats any surrounding fuel, so it releases gases as
well. When the flame ignites the gases, the fire spreads.

On Earth, gravity determines how the flame burns. All the hot gases in the flame are much hotter (and
less dense) than the surrounding air, so they move upward toward lower pressure. Therefore, fire
typically spreads upward, and it's also why flames are always "pointed" at the top. If you were to light
a fire in a microgravity environment, say onboard the space shuttle, it would form a sphere!

3.b Ayurvedh Perspective

The Elements: Building Blocks of Life

The creation principle developed five essential elements—or building blocks that all life forms contain:
ether, air, fire, water, and earth. We can easily see how life was created from the subtlest to the
grossest matter. From eternity, the subtlest form of matter is ether. Ether mixing with eternity creates
air, a more observable or experiential element. As air moves, it eventually creates friction, which
creates heat or fire. Heat produces moisture, thus creating water, the densest element yet: if one tries
to walk through water, one is slowed by its density. Finally, water produces the densest form of
matter, earth. Vedas say that all the creation, including humans, is made up of combinations of all five
essential elements. These elements are the subtlest aspects of human life, finer than the molecular,
atomic, or subatomic levels.

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3.c Fire in the Human Body

Fire exists in the human body in the following six forms, generally called as Pitta.

Pitta:

a. Pachaka exists in the small intestine, stomach, and colon as non-liquid heat, bile, or
digestive fire. The fire digests and transforms food, emulsifying food fats and
separating absorbable nutrients from waste, so they may be passed to lacteals by
absorption. [Food becoming partially digested in the stomach is known as chyme. This
chyme passes into the small intestine where it becomes digested by the pancreatic
juice and bile. The usable by-product is lymph and fatty matter, or chyle. The chyle
moves through lacteals, or lymphatic vessels which carry chyle from the small
intestine to the thoracic duct. From the thoracic duct, the chyle is sent into the blood.]
b. Pachaka (digestive enzymes), through digestion, automatically nourishes the other
four Pittas.
c. Ranjaka is located in the stomach, liver, and spleen, and gives colour to lymph chyle
when it is transformed into blood as it passes through the liver and spleen.
d. Sadhaka is found in the heart. It helps in performing mental functions such as
knowledge, intelligence, and consciousness by maintaining rhythmic cardiac
contractions.
e. Alochaka resides in the retina of the eyes and governs sight.
f. Bhrajaka resides in the skin. It regulates complexion by keeping secretions from the
sweat and sebaceous glands of the skin active.

Pitta relates to internal fire, bile, body heat, digestive enzymes, physio-chemical, biological,
metabolic and endocrine systems. It is responsible for digesting the chyle into a
protoplasmic substance like sperm and ovum.

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 4. Havan In Light of Gurmat
As per Gur-maryada we all are aware of langar of food (Community Kitchen), this is one type
of Havan, where the Guru-Khalsa panth makes use of Agni (Fire) to feed the sandh-sangat
(holy congregation). From here one can easily establish the importance of fire, as without
Agni food cannot be cooked. A year of Langar sewa is equivalent to 12 years of Havan (which
is setup in a kund, and offerings are made in the fire).

Figure 1 Langar of food being made by use of Fire

It will be worth a mention that, food which is normally served in the restaurant and other
eateries is not called langar. The reason being; it is Gurbani (The word of God/ Guru) which
transforms the food being prepared into parshad (Holy Food, which is then served to the holy
congregation – Sadh Sangat). So, by reading Gurbani we infuse the spirit of Gurbani into the
food, rendering it best for spiritual upliftment of the soul. Another point of view will say that;
without Gurbani being read of recited food which is prepared or eaten is poison.

The second type of Havan, which the Khalsa Panth has seen a decline in due to the limited
understanding and research, is setting up of fire/ Chanda and reading Gurbani by sitting
around it. Most of the Sikhs today term this as Hindu ritual. If this is true, then whatever the
hindus do, we should not be doing. But that being said, we do keep water in vessel while
reading Gurbani, we offer flowers and incense to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, we do
chaur sahib and many more rituals. Rituals by itself have no meaning at all, if it is not coupled
with LOVE. Bhagti only stems from LOVE. In addition to this Sikhs worship Sri Akaal Purakh Ji,
and not the demi-gods; although we respect them as they are the creation of Sri Vaheguru Ji;

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and have been appointed different positions and tasks in this universe as per the hukam of
Sri Vaheguru Ji.

4.a Passage from Sri Sarbloh Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Below is a passage from Sri Sarbloh Granth Sahib Ji where Guru Gobind Singh Ji gives updesh
[teaching] to the Khalsa. This follows the Mangla Charan [preamble] and is just before the
main story from Sri Sarbloh Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

ਉਠ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਇਸਨਾਨਾ, ਪ੍ਦ ਪ੍ੰ ਕਜ ਮਤਹ ਲੀਨਾ ॥

Wake up in the early hours of the morning, and merge with the Lotus Feet [of the Lord].

ਜਥਾ ਸਕਤਿ ਦਾਨ ਭੂਖੈ ਕਹੁ, ਤਨਮਖ ਰੰ ਗ ਭੀਨਾ ॥

As much as your means allow give charity to the hungry, in every moment be entrenched in the
love [colour] of Vahiguru.

ਕਰੋਧ ਤਨਵਾਰ, ਦਯਾ ਮਨ ਲਾਵਹੁ, ਤਹੰ ਸਾ, ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਿਯਾਗੋ ॥

Destroy anger, instill compassion in your mind, disregard violence and poor thinking.

ਇਕਮਨ ਹੋਇ ਭਜਹੁ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ, ਤਖਮਾ ਧਰਮ ਅਨੁਰਾਗੋ ॥

With one mind worship Narayan, create a love for forgiveness and rightousness.

ਿੀਰਥ, ਬਰਿ, ਨੇਮ, ਸੁਤਿ ਤਕਰਯਾ, ਸੀਲ, ਸੰ ਿੋਖ, ਆਿਾਰੋ ॥

[Make] Pilgrimages, desireless worship, the Name, truthful actions, restraint, contentment your
nature.

ਪ੍ੂਜਾ, ਤਿਲਕ, ਹੋਮ, ਗਾਯਿਰੀ, ਸੰ ਧਯਾ, ਿਰਪ੍ਨ ਧਾਰੋ ॥

Conduct worship, [adorn a] Tilak, [conduct] Havans, [recite] Gayatri [mantras], worship at the
prescribed times, instill these virtues [in your heart].

ਗੁਰੁ, ਠਾਕੁਰ, ਤਪ੍ਿੁ, ਮਾਿ, ਬੰ ਧ ਜਨੁ, ਤਮਤਟਿ ਬਿਨ ਅਤਭਲਾਖੋ ॥

Speak sweetly to your Guru, your Thakur, Father, Mother, and in laws.

ਸਤਭ ਕੀ ਰੇਨੁ ਹਇ ਰਹੇ ਪ੍ੰ ਖਰੂ, ਮੰ ਦਾ ਤਕਸਤਹ ਨ ਭਾਖੋ ॥੯॥

Become the dust from the feet of others and stay humble, do not call anyone else bad.

ਇਟਿ, ਦੇਵ, ਤਰਖੀ, ਤਪ੍ਿਰ, ਬਰਹਮਨ, ਗਉ, ਅਭਯਾਗਤਿ ਮਾਨੋ ॥

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 Recognize [respect] your Beloved, God, Sages, your Father, the Brahman, the Cow, and those
who have their face to the Guru

ਕੀਟ ਹਸਤਿ ਮੇਰੁ, ਤਿਰਣਨਨ ਮਤਹ, ਸਰਬ ਤਨੰਰਜਤਨ ਜਾਨੋ ॥

In a small ant, a large elephant, a massive mountain and even in a small blade of grass, the Lord
Niranjan resides in all.

ਸਿਯ ਰੂਪ੍ ਆਿਮ ਅਤਬਨਾਸੀ, ਬਰਹਮ ਸਤਿ ਪ੍ਤਹਿਾਨੋ ॥

Your true Aatma [form] never dies, recognize Braham [God] as always true as well.

ਏਕ ਬਰਹਮ ਸਭ ਘਤਟ ਘਤਟ ਪ੍ੂਰਨ, ਆਤਦ ਪ੍ੁਰਖੁ ਭਗਵਾਨੋ ॥੧੦॥

The One Braham is in all; Bhagvaan was here from the very beginning.

Ang. 81 Chapter 1, Sri Sarbloh Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Notes:

ਪ੍ੂਜਾ, ਤਿਲਕ, ਹੋਮ, ਗਾਯਿਰੀ, ਸੰ ਧਯਾ, ਿਰਪ੍ਨ ਧਾਰੋ ॥

Tilak has traditionally been seen a sign [nishan] of someone who does worship [bhagti] of
Parmesvhar. At Takht Sri Hazur Sahib they still apply Tilaks to pilgrims. Traditionally when the
Gurgaddi was passed to another Guru a Tilak was adorned as part of the ceremony. Furthermore,
anointing weapons [shastars] with blood is also seen as a form of Tilak, a practise which can be
seen at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib and within the Nihung Singh groups.

Hom here refers to Havans. Havan is a traditional practise where a fire is lighted and various
materials are offered into the fire. For the Khalsa, Giani Baba Inderjit Singh Ji Raqbe wale;
explained that making langar is a form of hom, as it uses fire and provides for the needy.
Furthermore, traditionally the Khalsa would lite Havan when reading Aad, Dasam or Sarbloh Guru
Granth Sahib Ji or when preparing for war. It was seen to appease Vahiguru's Shakti, Chandi.
Shakta is Sri Vaheguru and his shakti is given the name Chandi. Both Shakta and Shakti are ONE.

4.b Episode Before Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji went for war

ਦੀਪ੍ ਤਸੰ ਘ ਟਾਹੀਦ ਕੀ ਗਾਥਾ ਸੁਨੋ ਉਦਾਰ । ਧਰਮ ਜੁੁੱ ਧ ਕਤਰ ਤਸਰ ਦਯੋ ਥਯੋਟਹੀਦ ਤਵਿਾਰ ।
Oh world listen to the story of Shaheed Deep Singh, For Dharam Judh he gave his head, contemplate how
he attained martyrdom.

ਤਮਸਲ ਟਹੀਦਨ ਕਾ ਸਰਦਾਰੈਂ ॥ ਤਨਕਤਟ ਜਲੰਧਰ ਗਰਾਮ ਦੁਕੋਹੇ । ਕੇਰ ਹੁਿੋ ਸੰ ਧੂਜਟ ਵੋਹੇ ।੮।
Baba Deep Singh was the leader of the Misal Shaheedan, He was born near the town of Jalandar at
Dukohe and was a Sandhu Jatt.

ਅਤਧਕ ਦਮਦਮੇਂ ਰਤਹ ਿਲਵੰ ਡੀ । ਹੁਿੋ ਬੀਰ ਬਰ ਬਲੀ ਘਮੰ ਡੀ ।

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 He would remain at Damdama Sahib in Talwandi. He was a great and brave warrior.

ਸੁਤਨ ਬੇਅਦਬੀ ਬਹੁ ਗੁਰੁਦਵਾਰੈਂ ।ਿੰ ਡੀ ਿਢੀ ਿਾਂਤਹ ਅਤਿ ਭਾਰੈਂ ।੯।
When hearing about the disrespect at the Gurdrawa [Harimandar], The spirit of Chandi arose within him.

ਸੁਤਨ ਤਸੰ ਘ ਪ੍ਾਠ ਅਖੰ ਡ ਕਰਾਯੋ । ਹਮਨ ਕਰਯੋ ਕੰ ਗਨਾ ਬੰ ਧਵਾਯੋ ।

Baba Ji organized an Akhand Paat and completed a Havan [before heading towards the battle] and tied a
wedding bracelet around his wrist [a preparation for martyrdom as death is seen as a merging with their
beloved Lord]

The battle that ensued was quite ferocious.

ਤਬਲੁੱਛ ਲੁੱਛ ਸਾਯਕਾ ਸਪ੍ੁੱ ਛ ਸਾਂਪ੍ ਸੇ ਤਿਰੈਂ ।

Arrows, Battle standards, and Double-edged swords move throughout the battlefield like snakes.

As per this extract, both the meanings of Havan can be applied, and both seem to be correct as per
preparing oneself for war – one needs to be both physically and mentally sound.

Figure 2 Nihang Singh Performing Havan of Sri Bhaguati Brahm Kavach

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4.c Gurbani Pangtis in light of Havan

ੴ ਵਾਤਹਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਿਤਿਹਜੀ
Some gurbani pangtis about Hom/yag/havan from Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib, Sri
Sarbloh Granth Sahib, Bhai Gurdas Ji, Suraj Prakash, Panth Prakash and many other.

੧ ਵੁਠੈ ਘਾਹੁ ਚਰਹਹ ਹਿਹਿ ਸੁਰਹੀ ਸਾ ਧਿ ਦਹੀ ਹਵਲੋ ਵੈ ॥ ਹਿਿੁ ਹਘਇ ਹੋਮ ਜਗ ਸਦ ਪੂਜਾ ਪਇਐ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਸੋਹੈ। (ਆਹਦ
150)

੨ ਹੋਮ ਜਗ ਅਰੁ ਪਾਠ ਪੁਰਾਣ ॥ ਜੋ ਹਿਸ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਪਰਵਾਿ ॥3॥ (ਆਹਦ 1257)

੩. ਕਹਰ ਪੂਜਾ ਹੋਹਮ ਇਹੁ ਮਿੂਆ, ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਹਿ ਗੁਰਦੇਵਾ ॥3॥ (ਆਹਦ 614)

੪. ਸਭ ਜੀਅ ਜੱ ਗ ਅਪਾਰ ॥ ਮੁਖ ਹੋਮ ਕੀਿ ਅਹਿਚਾਰ ॥ (ਦਸਮ)

੫. ਅਿ ਮੱ ਧ ਹੋਮ ਕਰਾਇ ॥ ਧਿੁ ਭੂਪ ਿੇ ਿਹੁ ਪਾਇ ॥ (ਦਸਮ)

੬. ਿਿ ਿੋਹਲਓ ਹਿਿ ਪਹਰਇ ॥ ਕਹਰ ਜਗ ਕੋ ਹਚਿ ਚਾਇ ॥ (ਦਸਮ)

੭. ਸਹਿਜੁਗ ਮੈ ਸੁਹਿ ਰਾਇ ॥ ਮਖ ਕੀਿ ਚੰ ਡ ਿਿਾਇ ॥ (ਦਸਮ)

੮. ਅਗਹਿ ਭੀਿਰ ਹੋਮੀਐ, ਸੁਹਿ ਰਾਜ ਰਾਜ ਅਹਿਚਾਰ ॥(ਦਸਮ)

੯. ਜਗੱ ਯ ਕਰੈ, ਇਕ ਿੇਦ ਰਰੈ, ਭਵ ਿਾਪ ਹਰੈ, ਹਮਹਲ ਹਧਆਿਹਹ ਲਾਵੈ ॥ (ਦਸਮ)

੧੦. ਯਗੱ ਯ ਜਾਪ ਹਹਰ ਦਰਸਿ ਪਿਾਪਹਿ ॥ ਸ਼ਯਾਮ ਦਰਸ ਕਰ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਧਿਾਪਹਿ॥ (ਸਰਿਲੋ ਹ)

10.5 ਪੂਜਾ ਹਿਲਕ ਹੋਮ ਗਾਯਿਿੀ ਸੰ ਧਯਾ ਿਰਪਿ ਧਾਰੋ ॥ (ਸਰਿਲੋ ਹ)

੧੧. ਪੜੈ ਯਾਹਹ ਹਿਹਧ ਸੋ, ਕਰੇ ਹੋਮ ਿਰਿੀ ॥ ਮਿੋ ਕਾਮਿਾ, ਹਸਹਧ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੁ ਲਹਿੀ ॥ (ਸਰਿਲੋ ਹ)

੧੨. ਭਾਉ ਭਗਹਿ ਪਰਵਾਣ ਹੈ, ਜਗ ਹੋਮ ਿੇ ਪੁਰਿ ਕਮਾਈ ॥ (ਗੁਰਦਾਸ ਜੀ)

੧੩. ਕਰੈ ਹੋਮ ਗੁਰ ਮੰ ਿਿ ਕੋ, ਸਕਲ ਹਿਘਿ ਦੇ ਖਾਪ॥ ਕਾਰਜ ਹੋਰੁ ਿੰ ਧਿ ਿੁਟੈ, ਸਿੀ ਮੁਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਿਿਾਪ॥( ਸੂਰਜਪਿਕਾਸ਼)

੧੪. ਪਿਥਮ ਮਾਰਜਿ ਹੋਮ ਹਿਹਧ, ਹਲਖ ਕਹਰ ਸਹਭ ਸਮਝਾਇ ॥ ਮਹਾ ਮਹਾਿਮ ਮੰ ਿਿ ਇਹ, ਚਾਰ ਪਦਾਰਥ ਦਾਇ
॥(ਸੂਰਜਪਿਕਾਸ਼)

੧੫. ਇਹਿ ਸਿੀ ਿੇਗ ਿਹਾਦੁਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ, ਹਿਿੰ ਦ ਿੀਰਿਹਿ ਿੀਰ ਹਿਵਾਸ॥ ਸਭ ਅਸਥਾਿ ਦਾਿ ਦੇ ਮਾਿਦ ਪਾਵਿ ਿੇ ਪਾਵਿ
ਕਰ ਿਾਸ॥ ਜਗੱ ਯ ਹੋਮ ਦਛਿ ਿਹੁ ਕੰ ਚਿ, ਸਾਧਿ ਹਦਜਹਿ ਰੰ ਕ ਜੇ ਰਾਸ॥ (ਸੂਰਜਪਿਕਾਸ਼)

੧੬. ਦੁਰਗਾ ਪਾਠ ਅਿੇ ਕ ਕਰੰ ਿੇ ॥ ਸੱ ਜ ਸਕੇਲੀ ਹਵਿ ਹੁਵੰਿੇ॥ (ਸੂਰਜਪਿਕਾਸ਼)

੧੭. ਹਮ ਜਿ ਹਵਿ ਯੱ ਗ ਕਰਵੇ ਹੈ॥ ਖੁਸ਼ ਹੈ ਘਿ ਜਲ ਿਹੁ ਿਰਸੈ ਹੈ॥ ਦੁਰ ਹਭਖ ਿਸੇ ਅੰ ਿ ਿਹੁ ਥੈ ਹੈ॥ ਸੁਹਕਿਿ ਸਭ ਕਰਿੇ
ਲਗ ਜੈ ਹੈ ॥(ਿਵੀਿ ਪੰ ਥ ਪਿਕਾਸ਼)

11
੧੮. ਦੋਹਹਰਾ ॥ ਸਿੀ ਸਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਅਕਾਲ ਕੋ, ਧਯਾਿ ਠਾਿ ਹਹਰ ਗਯਾਿ॥ ਜਗਯ ਹੋਮ ਜਯੋ ਗੁਰੂ ਕਰੈ, ਸੋ ਅਿ ਕਰਿ
ਿਖਯਾਿ॥(ਿਵੀਿਪੰ ਥਪਿਕਾਸ਼)

੧੯. ਦੋਹਹਰਾ ॥ ਯਾ ਹਿਹਧ ਿਾਮ ਉਚਾਰ, ਹਿਹਧ ਪੁਿਾ ਕਹਰਓ ਪਰਯੋਗ ॥ ਪਾਠ ਸਵਾ ਲੱਖ “ਹਵਿ” ਕਹਰ, ਜੀਿ ਜੰ ਗ ਿਿ
ਹੋਗ॥ (ਪੰ ਥ ਪਿਕਾਸ਼)

੨੦. ਚਾਹਲਸ ਹਦਿ ਮੈ ਪੀਛੈ, ਸੋ ਸਹਿਿਾਮ ਕਾ ਹਮਿ ਕਰੈ, ਿਾਰਾੲਹ ਿ ਪਿਸੰਿ ਹੋਇ ॥ (ਮੁਕਹਿ ਮਾਰਗ ਪਾ:੧੦)

੨੧. ਹੋਮ ਕਰੈ ਗੁੜ ਹਘਿਿ ਹਿਲ, ਿੇਰੀ ਕੀ ਸਮਧਾ ਜਗਾਵੈ॥ (ਮੁਕਹਿ ਮਾਰਗ ਪਾ:੧੦)

੨੨. ਹੋਮ ਹਘਿਿ ਧੂਪ ਸੋ ਜੁਰੇ ਮੁਿ ਦੇਖੀਐ, ਘੋਖ ਿੇਦਾਿ ਧੁਿ ਗਿਿ ਕਾਖੈ॥ (ਗੁਰਹਿਲਾਸਪਾ:੧੦ਵੀ)

੨੩. ਰਖੀ ਹੋਮ ਪੂਜਾ॥ ਰਹਹਯੋ ਭਾਵ ਦੂਜਾ॥ (ਉਲੇ ਖ ਹਜੂਰਸਾਹਹਿ ਦੀ ਪੁਰਾਿਿ ਸਾਖੀ)

੨੪. ਪਾਠ ਸਮਾਪਿੀ ਮੇ ਹੋਮ ਕਰਣਾ॥(ਉਲੇ ਖ ਸੂਰਜ ਿੰ ਸੀਯ ਖਾਲਸਾਪੰ ਥ ਗਿੰ ਥ)

੨੫. ਿੀਸਰੇ ਪਹਹਰ ਹਰ ਸੰ ਕਿਾਂਿ, ਹੋਮ ਕਰਿਾ ਸ਼ੁਧ ਧੂਪ ਦਾ॥(ਉਲੇ ਖ ਪੈੈੰਿੀਸ ਅਖਰੀ)

੨੬. ਿੀਰ ਰਸ ਦਾ ਉਪਜਾਉ ਹੋਮ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਲਈ ਯੁਧ ਦੀ ਚੜਹਾਈ ਸਮੇ, ਹੋਮ ਦੀ ਹੀ ਯੋਗਿਾ ਹੈ॥ (ਉਲੇ ਖ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਧਰਮ
ਸ਼ਾਸ਼ਿਿ)

੨੭.ਅਖੰ ਡ ਪਾਠ ਸਾਹਹਿ ਿਾਮ ਜਪੁਜੀ ਸਾਹਹਿ ਦਾ ਪਾਠ ਹੋਣਾ॥

ਹਵਿ ਿਾਰੀਅਲ ਕੁੰ ਭ, ਮੂਲ ਮੰ ਿਿ ਦਾ ਜਾਪ, ਪੁਰਾਣੀ ਮਹਰਆਦਾ ਹੈ॥ (ਉਲੇ ਖ ਭਾਿੂਪਕ
ਿ ਾਸ਼ ਗਿੰ ਥ)

5. Scientific Benefits of Havan

Havan (Homa) refers to a ritual, wherein an oblation or any religious offering is made into fire.
The fire is the agent, and the offerings include those that are material and symbolic such as
grains, clarified butter, milk, incense and seeds.

HOW HAVAN PURIFIES THE ATMOSPHERE:

When the havan is performed the air touches the fire, gets purified and becomes lighter in
nature. So, this light air goes up and replaces the cold/ the impure air and this process
continues (as we studied in geography; how the lighter air from the plains replace the heavier
air from the poles) and the air keep getting purified till the ritual is being performed. The main
ingredient in havan is mango wood which when burnt releases FORMIC ALDEHYDE a gas
which kills harmful bacteria thus purifies the atmosphere as per the research (scientist TRELLO
from FRANCE). Scientists then made FORMALIN from formic aldehyde gas which is used to
preserve the fruits, vegetables and species in the medical laboratories.

The jaggery burnt in the havan also releases the formic aldehyde gas. If we stay in a place
where havan is being performed for 30 minutes the germs of typhoid fever are killed. The
cow’s ghee is very important ingredient for havan and has been referred as an antidote to
poison. Its fragrance purifies the atmosphere. Ghee when burnt in fire goes up in the
atmosphere and the fat particles get laden on the dust particles in the atmosphere (somewhat
similar to the stickiness on the objects in the kitchen) and comes back to the earth in form of

12
rain; thus nourishes the vegetation on the mother earth. Dr. Shirowic a Russian scientist says
that if cow’s ghee is put in fire its smoke will lessen the effect of radiation in the atmosphere
to a great extent. In this day and age, it would be a very good practice, as the technology is
advancing towards 5G which is known to cause many illnesses.

As per the research conducted by Dr. Kundan lal M.D. in allopathic medicine found that no
bacteria was killed when 1 kg of mango wood was burnt in a closed room but when the same
was burnt with havan samagri the bacterial count was reduced by 94% (Chander Shekhar
Nautiyal) head of the division studying plant- microbe interaction. The air sample even after
24 hrs showed that bacteria count was lower by 96%. So havan is helpful to prevent air born
infections like T.B. and other viral infections.

Havan has been found an effective method to reduce the fungal load in small office or room.
As per the experiments conducted the havan fire smoke has the potency to kill fungi like
aspergillus, penicillium, curvuleria and cladosporium.

Havan smoke is like inhalation therapy derived from Ayurveda and as described above; it
relaxes the mind and heals the body and has positive spiritual effects because of the holy
verses (mantras) chanted during the havan.

There have been reports from people living in the area where regular havan takes place; these
people have experienced peace of mind, enhanced sense of well-being, renewed vitality,
release from addictions, faster healing of wounds and recovery from illness, improved
relationships. When havan is coupled with the recitation of Gurbani, the performer and
partakers of havan will experience a deeper and prolonged smaadhi.

For the students of science, let’s try to understand what happens at the energy level. The
human body or in fact all materials made from mixture of five elements (fire, either, earth,
water and air) at quantum level are all vibrations. Out of all the five elements, fire is the only
elements which requires our cooperation in order to continuously express itself. Fire in for of
heat has the capability to transform. In majority of chemical reactions heat acts as a catalyst
or is one of the agents which results in combination or combustion; hence forming new
chemical combinations. To point out this simple fact, observe how food is cooked. A wise cook
or chief will point out the importance of right amount of temperature to cook the meal and
to bring out the flavours. Gold and many other metals undergo the process of purification
when they are applied heat.

Now according to the law of conservation matter is neither created nor destroyed, hence the
burning of fire in the form of havan releases energy (subtle and vibrational), which in turn has
its effect on other materials such as the human body, animals, plants and mother earth.

I will like to reiterate, for a Sikh to conduct any ritual; first and foremost – Gurbani abhyaas
should be the aim. Second - it should be accompanied with faith and love and third - he or
she should have the gyan of why this ritual is being done. Any ritual (Nem) which is devoid
any of the 3 aforementioned points; will not reap its full benefit.

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 6. Physical aspect of Havan
We ponder over the ideals, hidden in the basic sacrificial performance of Yajna.
The welfare of all prominently does manifest as its primary aim, because the materials such
as clarified butter and herbs etc. which a person offers in fire in a Yajna are not his own
individual good only. They are not congenial to him only, but it is for the welfare of all and
that his own welfare is desired through this common welfare. As mentioned by Lord Krishna
in the Geeta (Chapter # 3 –Couplets from 9 to 15) “Yajna purifies air, which in turn causes
rains, purifies all vegetation and herbs, and finally produces cereals that bestow longevity of
life.

If all citizens perform Yajna daily, as was prevalent in the Vedic age, this statement will not be
an airy imagination but will again become a reality, as it was then. Today, the vexation and
intricate problems of the atmospheric pollution are endangering human existence on earth.
This serious challenge can be best controlled and eradicated, along with other means by the
device of Yajna also and the congenial changes can be brought about by further discovering
the materials for oblations more suited to our present needs.

Havan is an ancient ritual which is performed to purify the atmosphere and the environment.
Since, the formaldehyde is effective only in the presence of water that is why there is a ritual
of sprinkling the water around the havan kund and in the air. The water is also available in
form of water vapours found in the atmosphere.
Heal the atmosphere with Havan and the healed atmosphere will heal you, says Dr Madukar
Giakwaad.
DR. Hafkin says that inhaling the fumes of havan from distance induces secretions from
certain glands related to windpipe that fills our mind and heart with relaxation.
The use of carbon dioxide as cerebral stimulant suffering from lack of ventilation (mouth to
mouth breathing technique) is a common practice in medical world. Similarly; carbon dioxide
produced in havan is at a very slow pace and then this smoke is rich with the aroma of all the
material burnt in it acts as stimulant to the brain and the same carbon dioxide is used by the
plants also. This was published as Yajna’s Scientific Interpretation (an article published in the
proceedings of Ashawmedha yajna held in Montreal Canada 26-28 July 1996).
The chemical reaction which takes place during the burning of all the havan samagri during
the process of havan is as below:
Co2 +h2o +112,000 cal → àhcho +o2
Carbon dioxide +water+112,000 cal → formaldehyde +oxygen
So, to large extent carbon dioxide is converted into oxygen by havan.
While performing the ritual of Havan it has to be kept in mind that there should be absolute
combustion of the material in the havan samagri to tap the maximum benefit of the havan.

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 7. Agni Dev as per Hindu Tradition and Sikh Belief

It is popularly believed and mentioned in the scripture of the hindus that Agni Dev (a demi-god) who
in the form of fire is used to appease the Deity. It is said that Agni Devta transfers the offered samagri
to the Deity and thereby the deity is appeased and blesses the performer of the havan, or for whom
the havan is being performed. This being true for our Hindu brothers, is not exactly the reason why
the Sikhs perform Havan.

Behind every action, stands the motive/ intention of performing the action. Similarly, for Havan – the
majority of hindus are believe in the concept of appeasing demi-gods for attaining mostly material
blessings. But for the followers of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, we do not approach demi-gods for any
blessings. We only do adrass benti to Sri Akaal Purakh Vaheguru Ji, who is the Creator of all that is. He
is the creator of the demi-gods. As per Gurbani, all the demi-gods (including Sri Vishnu Ji, Sri Brahma
Ji and Sri Mahesh Ji) are within the creation of maya, and thus trying to appease the demi-gods is
fruitless for Sikhs, as our aim is Sri Akaal Purakh Vaheguru Ji, we are to aim for him who is above Maya
– The Supreme Creator.

There is also an internal Havan, which takes places every time we eat, this process is called digestion.
The food when it enters the stomach is broken down by the combination of multiple acids, which
causes the internal temperature of the stomach to rise. This in Gurbani is called as Jathar Agni (the
form of fire which resides in the stomach). So, it can be said the so-called Agni Devta which resides in
the stomach, transforms the food into subtle form, which is then circulated in the body by blood. As
per Gurbani, whatever is present in the Universe is present in the body of the individual as well. So,
the Agni Devta in the stomach nourishes all the devtas present in the body. A balanced food thus helps
in a well-nourished body. The Agni Devta by himself has no power, his power is derived from Sri Akaal
Purakh Vaheguru Ji, who also resides within the human body as Joyt saroop.

8. Who and How?

Anyone who wants to – do Gurbani sadhna/ abhyaas, improve the vibrational energy of his
surroundings, cure illness, help nourish the atmosphere. Male or female, young or elder, educated or
uneducated, wealthy or poor, well respected or unknown to the world can practice this. You only need
to learn how to do it correctly and begin with heartfelt intention. Just like starting anything new, you
will need some discipline and dedication. This is an energy ritual and to reap its benefits, the performer
must restrain for lies, corruptions, bad habits and must have good moral values.

How can you perform havan? In sampradas, the basic most widely used shape is Square. Big or small
depending on the area you have available or according to your capacity. Different shapes of havan
kund, emit different types of vibrational energy (which won’t be covered in this book, I encourage the
reader to do their own research or ask vidhvans of this ritual).

15
 Figure 3 Udasi Sikh performing havan (square havan kund)

Now don’t be disheartened if you do not have much space to establish a havan kund, you can still reap
the benefits by making use of portable havan kunds (good if the material is copper). Why copper in
specific – because it is a great conductor of heat and it is affordable. A good conductor of heat will
help transform most of the heat energy into vibrational energy. In Sikhi; the portable havans are to be
made of sarbloh (as for us Sarbloh is blessed metal). The requirement of samagri to perform
Chakarvartee havan are the same as from the list of ingredients for large havan, but in lesser
quantities.

Figure 4 Portable Havan Kund made of copper

For those who still find it cumbersome to keep a portable havan kund, to make it even easier you can
make use of big kadcha (ladle). This is mostly used in Aarti and Aarta ceremony after the holy
recitations of Sri Rehras Sahib and during amritvela before Sri Assa di Vaar kirtan/ paath. In the Dal
panths (Nihang Dal) it is used for performing dhoop-bati infont of panj-nishan singh and panj pyare
sahibans. In this method you will require a lot lesser amount of samagri (ahuti) and it is much easier
to perform. This is called “Chakarvartee havan”, in the dal panth havan is also known as “Chanda
Pargat karna”. The minimum requirement of samagri to perform havan in a portable kund are 1, 7 and
21 from the list of ingredients mentioned in table 1.

16
 Figure 5 Dhoophiya singh performing dhoop in front of five nishan singh

List of ingredients (Samagri) for a large havan (Chanda):

Table 1 List of samagri for havan

S. No Ingredients Quantity Quantity

(1ft x 1ft) (0.5ft x 0.5ft)
1 Red or white Sandal wood or mango sticks 5 kg 2.5 Kg
2 Chadd
3 Muthra
4 Bhoj Pattar (Betula utilis) 10 –20 leaves 5 - 8 leaves
5 Jaun (Barley) 1 cup 1/2 cup
6 Inder Jaun (Holarrhena antidysenterica) 1 cup 1/2 cup
7 Guggal (Commiphora wightii) 300 gm 100 gm
8 Supari (Areca nut) 300 gm 100 gm
9 Sandhoor (Vermillion) 200 gm 50 gm
10 Chuahrey (Dry Dates) 10 pieces 3-5 pieces
11 Badam (Almonds) 20 pieces 5 -8 pieces
12 Dakhan (Raisins) 250 gm 25-50 gm
13 Khoppa (Coconut) 1 full 1/2
14 Elachee Hari (Cardamom) 150 gm 20 -40 gm
15 Long (Clove) 50 gm 10 gm
16 Musak Kapoor (Camphor) As required to As required to
burn the wood burn the wood
17 Till (Sesame) 250 gm 50-80 gm
18 Kesar (Saffron) 25 gm 5- 10 gm
19 Khand (Sugar) 250 gm 50 gm
20 Gheo (Clarified butter) 1 – 2 Kg 1/4 -1/2 Kg

Time to conduct havan:

It can be carried out during amritvela (before sunrise) or at the time if sunset. In case you are
conducting chakarvatee havan there is no strict time frame, but best to follow during amritvela and
sunset.

17
How to conduct havan:

1. Clean the havan kund and the surrounding make sure there is proper ventilation (not too
windy).
2. Keep all ingredients ready. Also keep two vessels (kumb) of water, you may use one for
precautionary measures and one kumb covered with a lid.

The water kumb which is covered with a lid, will turn into amrit roop as it will absorb the vibrations of
Gurbani. You may sprinkle this water in your house, water some of your plants, or even best – drink
it.

3. Practice silence for a couple of minutes and then start by doing a simple ardaas.
4. Place camphor (as many as required, based on the size of your kund and the number of mango
stick you will use)
5. Place the mango sticks in the havan kund making sure that proper air follow will be maintained
in the kund (as air helps in burning the ingredients completely)
6. Light the camphor with the help of a matchstick and then pour little ghee on the mango stick
(wait till the mango stick catches fire properly).
7. Add in the samagri little by little (once you feel the portion of samagri offered into the fire
earlier has been burned properly).
8. Add ghee as and when required to keep the fire burning (helping the mango sticks to burn
efficiently).
9. Sprinkle few water droplets into the fire (as little moisture helps in efficient burning).
10. To make this practice easier you may assign different tasks to your friends accompanying you
(in the roop of sadh-sangat).
11. Keep on reading Gurbani with love to reap maximum benefit.

Gurbani that can be read during Havan (not limited to):

1. Sri Jap Ji Sahib

2. Sri Jaap Sahib
3. Sri Akaal Ustat
4. Sri Chaupai Sahib
5. Sri Uggardanti
6. Sri Chandi Di Vaar (not to be performed separately, but along with other Gurbani; there is a
special maryada for performing Sri Chandi Di Vaar Havan, which is out of scope of this book).
7. Sri Brahm Kavach
8. Sri Chandi Charitar (Dooja)
9. Achkada Chand
10. Mohin Chand

One can also perform havan and recite Mool mantar and Gurmantar.

Note: There are many other types of havan, which are practiced in the panth (which are mostly gupt).
These can be learnt only by spending time and getting gyan from a vidhvan/ Mahapurash. Hence, it is
out of scope of this book.

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 9. Some Frequently asked questions

Q1. Are Havan, homa or yagna the same thing or different?

Ans. Havan is a Sanskrit word, it has the same meaning as homa or yagna. The performer of the ritual
is called agnihotri (Agni – Fire, Hotri – the performer of the practice of agni or the one who puts the
samagri into the fire/ ahuti).

Q2. What can go wrong with this ceremony?

Ans. At first it is very common that the practitioner might become a bit absent minded, as you are still
in the leaning process. Thing will fall in place eventually, so don’t be disheartened if you miss out on
any steps. If wind blows out the fire, don’t consider it inauspicious (for a sikh everything is hukam, and
when we have Gurbani accompanying us everything turns into auspicious).

Q3. When should you not perform this ceremony?

Ans. When you are severely ill and when you have not taken a proper bath (best to do keshi ishnan).

Q4. What should I not do or how can I go wrong?

Ans. Just use common sense and do not use more wood than your havan kund can handle. Do not
blow into the fire of the havan (as the mouth contains germs, and you do not want to spread them).

Q5. Can a woman experiencing menses perform havan?

Ans. As already explained in this book, havan is an energy ritual. The flow of energy during havan is
from the lowest chakra (muladhar chakra) towards the highest chakra (Sahastara Chakra). But during
menses the flow of energy in a woman is top to down. So, performing havan during this period can
diminish or even stop the menses blood; causing energy block, hence it is not safe at all for a woman
to practice havan during menses.

Q6. Does ash from the previous havan ceremony need to be removed from the kund?

Ans. Preferably yes. You may collect the ash in a glass storage jar. This ash may be sprinkled on plants
and mixed with soil as it will provide a good amount of carbon dioxide to the plant.

Q7. What if some of the samagri from the havan is unburnt or partially burnt?

Ans. Toss it out in the glass storage jar. It is recommended that it should not be reused. Use it in the
garden (compost).

Q8. Should I use the right or the left hand?

Ans. This again has to do with how the energy flows in the body. The energy pattern of the right hand
differs from that of the left. The right hand is favoured for making any sort of offering. There has been
no scientific evidence to support the effect of this fact during the havan ceremony.

Q9. Can Camphor cause breathing problem?

Ans. If used in large quantities yes, and it can cause smoke (which may be heavy in its nature). So those
who have issues in breathing are strictly advised not to use camphor to ignite fire. You may dip the
mango stick in ghee and then directly light them up with the help of matchstick.

19
Q10. Is Havan necessary for enlightenment?

Ans. Not at all necessary. Havan is just a tool like using mala for Gurbani abhyaas or Simran. The tool
can be many, but the motive is Single - to practice Gurbani. Use which ever tool you feel comfortable
with.

Q11. Will havan help me solve the problems of this life?

Ans. No, Gurbani will. As mentioned before, Havan is one of the many tools, which can be used. We
are all tied to our Karmas (the parabda karam which we are born with, due to which we experience
states of happiness and sadness, needs to be experienced by us. But with the help of Gurbani, we rise
above the concept of happiness and sadness; realising its true nature. The abhyassi of Gurbani burn
this stored karam (Sanchit and Agami Karam) with the fire produced by Gurbani, which is known as
brahm agni. When the parabda karam is experienced in neutral state (rising above pain and pleasure
with the help of Gurbani) and having Sanchit and Agami exhausted by Brahm Agni, the soul does not
need to take up any other body (This is known as mukti from the birth - death cycle).

Q12. What if I am unable to find all the ingredients used as offering (samagri) for havan?

Ans. Do not worry, try and make use of whatever samagri you are able to purchase. But it is not difficult
to purchase, as it is readily available via online markets (internet).

Q13. How does havan relate to meditation or vice versa?

Ans. Havan creates an environment which calms the mind, thus preparing the practitioner for deeper
meditation. The fumes and subtle energy help in the secretion of chemicals in our brain, thus calming
the mind to a certain extent; meditation on gurmantar further helps in calming the mind resulting in
deeper meditation.

Q14. What is the significance of jyot/ deewa?

Ans. You may consider jyot as a mini version of havan. As the ghee is the offering, which in turns helps
in ignition of fire. I have heard from elders that different fragrances attract different subtle beings. We
are never alone. There are more subtle beings on this planet than human beings. The world of the
subtle beings includes angels (good heavenly souls), demon (the souls which are suffering on Earth
due to their karmas) and Shaheed singhs (the martyrs). Burning different types of oil, release different
fragrances, these fragrances attract these beings in our surrounding. A general breakdown is – using
Oil as fuel in jyot attracts good souls (which the hindus call devi-devtey) as the nature of oil is rajoguni.
Candle attracts demons as its nature is tamoguni and Ghee attracts divine souls (Shaheed Singhs) as
its nature is satoguni. Just as havan, the joyt helps in calming the mind. Having a joyt lit during
recitation of Gurbani helps in abhyaas and builds concentration of the mind. The vibrational energy
emitted from the joyt (ghee) is the best and this vibration fills the room (prayer room), and makes it
very inviting for the practitioner. Just imagine, how you would feel entering a place which is full of
welcoming fragrance compared to a stinking place.

Q15. Will havan attract different kinds of subtle beings?

Ans. Yes, this depends on the type of samagri you are using. The fragrances emitted by the burning of
these samagri attracts subtle beings in the surrounding. The type of samagri which is mentioned in
this book is satoguni and will this attract pious divine souls only which pose no threat to the
practitioner. There are other types of havan, which use different types of samagri which are done for
purposes other than bhagti like tantarik rituals for black magic, these types of havan are extremely
tamoguni in nature and includes meat, alcohol, sperm, blood etc as their list of samagri.

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Q.16 Can I use the ash of havan?

Ans. Yes you can, it is used in many ayurvedic treatments as well. You may follow this procedure:

Making the ash: Place the ash in a kitchen strainer set over a bowl and stir it with a spoon; until the
fine ash is collected in the bowl. The finer ash is what is used in many treatments. The larger ash
chunks can be used in garden compost.

Storage: Store in ceramic, glass or copper containers. Do not store in plastic or metal. The ash does
not lose it potency even if stored for years.

Ash Application: It can be used directly on wounds, rashes, on plants or even mixed directly with the
soil. If applied to wound, cover it with a band-aid or cloth, as the ash applied may cause stains.

Ash Condiment: Store the strained ash in spice shaker; shake onto food or add a little to soup and
sauces. It provides a slightly smoky flavour to the dish.

Ash Water: I encourage the reader to google “agnihotra ash water crystals” to learn about this.

10. References
I sincerely thank Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj and Baba Sri Chand Ji Maharaj for helping me in writing
this book. If the reader finds any mistake, it is mine alone. Please forgive me and keep me in your
ardaas.

1. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

2. Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji.
3. Sri Sarbloh Granth Sahib Ji.
4. Bhai Gurdas Ji
5. Suraj Prakash Granth
6. Panth Prakash Granth
7. Mukt Marag Granth
8. Yajna a comprehensive survey by Sannyaso Gyanshriti and Srividhyananda
9. Agnihotra havan on Earth by Ellie Hadsall
10. Elder Nihang Singh’s of Guru Khalsa Panth
11. Elder Namdhari Sikhs
12. Vedas
13. Puraans

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