 HAVAN
: The Sacrificial Fire
From the Vedic age, all Hindu sacraments, religious rituals and worship, have been
accompanied by a havan or homa. The meaning of both words is the lighting of
a sacred fire, which witnesses all sacraments.
The kunda or container for a sacrificial fire is usually square-shaped,
representing the stability of the earth. The ground where this structure (called Vedi),
is made, is first sanctified by holy water. Then square upon square of bricks or clay is
mounted till the structure acquires a suitable depth for holding the fire, which is lit
ceremonially by using wooden logs and chips. In a havan, Agni the fire god, is
offered puffed rice, ghee, jaggery, sugarcane, milk, honey and other sacred food. A havan
celebration is held in many Hindu homes at least once every year. People believe that it
helps to ward off evil, purify the air and sanctify the home.
|
