The Fire Ceremony: So what’s that all about?

It may seem strange throwing grains into a lit fire. Some may even see it as a waste of food. But what is happening is a very deep, subtle and healing process.

At the heart of the Haidakhan practice is the fire ceremony or yagya. Fire is a transformational element. Since ancient times the fire has been part of ceremonial worship in many traditions across the world. Yagya is the idea of the harvest and being thankful for what the earth provides. In offering to the fire, we are thanking Mother Earth and the Universe for all that we have.

The fire pit is aligned to the compass directions of north, south, east and west. The first part of the ceremony is called lingum puja. The pujari (master of ceremonies) offers milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, sugar and water to the lingum stone. The lingum and yoni represent the divine union of male and female in the universe.

After the lingum puja, the offerings to the fire begin with a mixture called ‘samagri’. It is made of grains (rice, bulgur wheat and sesame) fruit and nuts, sugar and incense. Also, fruit, coconuts and ghee are offered by the pujari. Those taking part offer grains from their right hand. As they throw the grains into the fire, they say the word ‘swaha’. It means ‘I offer’. Swaha is also the wife of Agni, the God of Fire. If you are not directly offering grains, you can visualise the process. Everyone says ‘swaha’ in unison.

A variety of mantras are used during the fire-ceremony. The offerings are to different deities. These divine archetypes are aspects which reside within everyone. By focusing on them we can cultivate these qualities within ourselves and recognise them in others.

What are the rules?

 After the havan kund (fire pit) has been built, it is now a sacred altar. Any service to the havan should be done barefoot with clean hands and mouth. The havan should only be used for ceremonies, but it may be lit to sing bhajans or to do meditation.

Only the fire pujari and his/her assistants tend to the fire. People attending a fire ceremony should be freshly bathed with clean clothes. They should fast the morning before. Drinks such as tea, coffee, and water are fine, just no food. The dress code is that men should wear lunghis and women saris or long dresses.

During the fire ceremony be silent and reflective. What you offer to the fire in your prayers is amplified many times as the offerings are carried by the flame to the ether. Therefore, it is best to be mindful with your thoughts. People can pray for many different things e.g. healing of others, wealth, happiness etc. Perhaps the best thing to pray for is liberation from suffering for all beings ‘Sabka Kalyan Ho’ through surrender to the Great Spirit.

What is the connection between Babaji and fire ceremonies?

 Babaji revived the havan as a main part of the Haidakhan sadhana during his appearance from 1970 to 1984. Every morning Babaji did a havan before sunrise. He performed them in the dhuni near his bedroom. Whilst travelling India, a dhuni was always provided for Babaji. At the core of his practice were daily fire ceremonies. Furthermore, he carried out hundreds of large fire ceremonies across India.

What are the effects of fire ceremonies?

This is what an experienced fire pujari said:

 “Fire ceremonies seem to accelerate the karmic process. Different people experience different emotions. It is a catharsis. It is important to give yourself time and space to process these emotions.

Almost certainly you will feel lighter and in a more etheric state of perception. It takes us away from dense material consciousness to a more heightened sense of spiritual awareness.

Often you will feel full of energy. The best way to channel that energy is through activity and work. The fire gives us the power to do great things as we work. Work and activity devoted to the Great Spirit is karma yoga. The fire is the fuel for the engine of karma yoga.

When you leave an ashram or gathering, the effect of the fire will go with you. It will help you cultivate your spiritual awareness. It may inspire you in creative ways in your work and personal life.

During and after the fire, the energy in your body or ‘kundalini’ is rising upwards from base to crown. This can feel a little unsettling if you are not used to it. In which case lie down and ground yourself.

Havan can quickly transform your problems and negative mind states. The fire is the greatest gift of all.”

What about the link to mythology?

In Hindu mythology, before the creation of this universe, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were said to have performed fire ceremonies to the Divine Mother. She was pleased by their actions and gave them each a boon: Brahma would create the universe, Vishnu preserve it and Shiva destroy it. For this reason, the fire ceremony is seen as the support of the earth.