The vessel or Patra prescribed for Agnihotra is made of pure copper which is known for its Oligodynamic (i.e. antibacterial) properties. Copper, which is known to be an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, plays an important role in the process of Agnihotra. Agnihotra has close connection with fire, heat, electromagnetic forces and cosmic energy fields. The shape of Agnihotra vessel is precisely similar to pyramid.
Fire for Agnihotra is to be prepared out of dried cow dung cakes. Cow here means the cow family. Thus the dried dung of calves and bulls may also be used. Cow dung is regarded as highly medicinal and healing substance by Ayurveda and other alternative healing systems. Its possesses anti-bacterial properties, it is used as a pesticide and a fertilizer in farming, etc
It is also useful in many disorders like skin diseases, kidney diseases, liver ailments, obesity, heart ailments, etc.
The Cow’s Pure Ghee as per Ayurveda, the Ghee has many medicinal qualities that get released in the atmosphere on combustion in the Fire.
Ghee is said to promote all three aspects of mental functioning - learning, memory and recall. Ayurveda considers Ghee as a rejuvenating and longevity-promoting food. In many cultures around the world, rice is part of daily diet. Ayurveda considers rice to be a complete food grain as it is easy to digest and has many vital nutrients.
The offerings of Agnihotra are to be offered to the fire along with the chanting of Sanskrit mantras.
All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are endowed with special vibrational powers. Their utterance in esoteric combination produces unique sound waves. These vibratory sound waves are powerful beyond imagination. Their effect on the atmosphere, living beings and even plants is extremely pacifying. These particular combinations of sounds and meanings of the Sanskrit language are known as Mantras.
Agnihotra Mantras are to be uttered in their original form that is in Sanskrit. They are not to be translated in any other language because it will change their original frequency patterns. The translated words will be devoid of creating the beneficial vibratory sound waves and hence no benefits can be derived from uttering such words.
Agnihotra time is referred to as ‘Sandhya’ i.e. transitional moment. It is neither day nor night, neither light nor darkness. Veda describes this particular period as the Passage to Enlightenment ‘(Tirtha). The science of Yoga attaches importance to this transitional moment. As per Yoga a man makes the use of either the left or the right nostril for breathing during the period from sunrise to sunset and there is a shift in the order beginning with sunset to sunrise. During this period ‘Ida’ and ‘Pingala’, Nadis or channels of flow of energy, located in the breathing apparatus of the body, remain active in succession.
Agnihotra is ordained to be performed exactly on these vitally important transitional moments. During these moments changes take place in the atmosphere which causes vital impact on all life forms and on the environment.
Exactly at the time of sunrise and sunset they are in the process of transition. The mind and body are in balance during this time band. Performance of Agnihotra synchronizing with this time strengthens the beneficial effects on the mind and the body.