What is Havan and its
purposes?
A daily Havan is a ritual started in ancient Vedas to instill the
strength of dedication for the common good of all. This is done by
repeatedly reciting Vedic hymms that express self-enlightenment and
selflessness. A Havan is mandatory for a householder who desires worldly
gains and spiritual uplift.
The fire in the ritual
represents the ultimate energy inside of us as well as the energy in the
rest of the universe. The fire signifies the celebration of light. Fire
has provided us with heat, energy, and light to live in this world. For
example, if there were not a Sun, life would have been impossible. Like
incense, Havan purifies the air and our surroundings. The Havan produces
many gases. The water, which surrounds the Havan, vaporizes and
displaces oxygen, absorbing some harmful gases in it.
The main purpose of a Havan is for the purification of our surroundings.
It is a person’s duty to thank Nature for balancing our surroundings and
making them fit for human existence. Meditation and prayer are part of
Havan or good karma. Respect and humbleness is also considered part of
good karma, which purifies your heart. Concentration of the mind gives
power for self-realization.
There are five senses that are purified through a Havan. For instance,
when you offer something into the fire with your good hands, you are
using your sense of touch. The beautiful fire of a Havan reminds one of
the enlightenment he/she seeks and removes the darkness from one’s
heart. It reminds us to always look for good things through our eyes and
spread the same light amongst others. The burning incense in a Havan
creates a happy surrounding and a sense of seeing the greatness and
divinity in others. Hearing melodious Vedic hymms gives a sense of
delightfulness and blissfulness to your soul. On the other hand, when
you listen to bad words it generates bad feeling in your mind and
disturbs the peace within you. Prasad, an offering of fruits and sweets
to the God within you, generates a divine feeling to have a sweet
nature. Similarly, when you walk into a temple and pray to a divine
figure or a picture of God, all of the senses are purified with divine
thoughts. On the other hand, when you look at pictures that give off a
bad feeling it creates bad thoughts in your mind. There is no Heaven or
Hell on this Earth. If you are living in vain, misery, pain, or
calamities due to bad thoughts and feelings about anybody then you have
created a Hell. If you are living in a world of bliss, joy, happiness,
and peace, it is due to your divine thoughts towards yourself and
others. Please look deep into yourself and ask yourself about the good
deeds you expect from others and do the same for them. This will bring
you happiness.
-Janki Patel
Peru, IL, U.S.A
