Importa- nce of agnihotra
The importance of agnihotra from the point of view of sādhanā and the journey of the jīva (Embodied Soul) towards the akāsh-mandal (Celestial sphere) in presence of Deities
‘By offering oblations, with recitation of mantrās, in the fire of agnihotra, performed as regular topical karma, that respective karma (Of oblations) is offered with bhāv to the Deities Prajāpati, Indra, Agni and Surya in their benevolent presence
The principle Deities associated with agnihotra-sādhanā, Their mission and Their effects on the jīva performing this karma and on the atmosphere:
Importance of the Deity Prajāpati and His function: He is the Deity of Creation in the Nirgun form.
The Deity Indra and His function: This Deity takes care of all the organs of the body.
The Deity Surya (Sun) and His function: The Sun gives momentum to the Tēj.
Importance of the Deity Agni and Its function: Agni Itself is a form of Tēj Principle and absorbs in itself the gross desires of a jīva. Therefore by performing agnihotra-sādhana, both the gross and subtle bodies of the jīva are purified. Over a period of time, jīva can merge with the manifest form of the Deities with the help of agni and can dissolve itself with that fraction of the Supreme God which is left behind after pervading the Universe meaning a state which is beyond body consciousness.