Characterization of Agnihotra ash

Agnihotra is a traditional domestic solemnity, performed to maintain harmony between living beings and nature, without harming and by giving respect. Agnihotra, the simplest forms of Yajnya performed at sunset/ sunrise in which cow dung is burned in the copper pot by using cow ghee and brown rice as oblations along with chanting of mantras of sun and fire. The ash produced after performance of Agnihotra yajnya has various applications in the agricultural sector, environmental pollution control, medical sector, etc. In the present study we have characterized the Agnihotra ash. Elemental analysis of Agnihotra ash was done with the help of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Characterization of Agnihotra ash was done by using X-Ray Diffraction analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared analysis. Analysis of ash compounds was done by X-Ray Diffraction – Theta-2-Theta spectrum and Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectrum. Agnihotra ash mainly consists of silicon dioxide (SiO2) as major compound. The Agnihotra ash was a highly porous material with a large internal specific surface area.