Author: T P Nijeesh
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 28, 2012
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/US-varsity-scholars-to-conduct-study-on-Pravargya-rituals/articleshow/15861159.cms

A group of scholars from Harvard and Howard universities is all set to conduct a detailed study on the 'Pravargya' rituals, the introductory part of Somayagam (Agnishtomam) and its impact on nature.

 The scholars, Michael Witzel, department of south-Asian studies in Harvard University, Finnian Moore Gerety, department of Sanskrit, Harvard University and T P Mahadevan, professor of Indology at Howard University, Washington DC, will document all the rituals related to 'Pravargya' and conduct a detailed study on the positive and negative impacts of the rituals on the atmosphere with the support of scientists.

 Various studies have been conducted in the past on the effect of the Yaga rituals on the atmosphere. And scientists from Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) had found that the 'Yaga' had had a positive impact on soil, air and the atmosphere in general. However, they have not, so far, been able to explain the reason for this. It is for the first time that a study is going to be conducted on the 'Pravargya' rituals alone.

 It's believed that the 'Pravargya' rituals help cleanse a large area of the atmosphere.

 In the three-to-six day-long rituals, ghee is poured into a special pot and boiled. The pot is made by mixing well soil, iron powder and goat's hair with milk. When the pot turns red, goat's milk is poured into it. This produces a huge ball of fire, which cleanses the atmosphere.

 All the rituals are performed during day time, and they are preceded and followed by 'Saanthijapam' (chanting for peace and tranquility). Professor T P Mahadevan, who had recently come to Naras Mana in Edappal in connection with the study, told TOI that the new study, which would deal with all aspects of 'Pravargya' and its impact on nature, would also be a comparison between the philosophical and the practical side of the introductory rituals of the 'Yagas'.

 'We will try to give more clarification to the findings of the scientists," he said, adding that Michael Witzel and Finnian Moore Gerety would soon visit the Naras Mana.

 In 1975, Frits Staal, a professor of philosophy and south/southeast Asian Studies at the University of California, had organized 'Athirathram', and documented it.

 Vedic expert Itty Ravi Namboothiri of Naras Mana, who associated with Frits Staal in his research, said the fresh study was expected to help revive the rituals that were on the verge of extinction.