ISSN: 2322 - 0902 (P)

ISSN: 2322 - 0910 (O)

International Journal of Ayurveda
and Pharma Research

Review Article

CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF AGNI IN AYURVEDA

Ankita Thakur1*, Brij Kishor1, Akhilesh.K. Srivastva2, Rajesh Manglesh3
*1MD Scholar, 2Senior Lecturer, 3Reader, P.G. Dept. of Rog Nidan RGGPGAC Paprola, Kangra, HP, India.
ABSTRACT
Agni in Ayurveda has a significant role to maintain body homeostasis, body functioning,
metabolism of body and proper functioning of body. Agni in Ayurveda is correlated with digestive
power of the body. There are many reasons behind the maintenance of Agni (digestive power of
body) in Ayurveda. The main reason behind its maintenance is that it helps in growth and
development of the body. Agni is basically divided in three types which have further types and the
main three types which maintain body balance are Jhataragni (digestive fire), Bhutagni and
Dhatuvagni (metabolism at cellular level). They work together to maintain the balance in the body
as Jhataragni is maintaining metabolism and Bhutagni and Dhatuagni is maintaining the cellular
metabolism. Imbalance in the physiology of Agni is the main cause for the formation of Ama which
is the main reason for many diseases. So Agni is important for every function of body. This article
shows the importance of Agni and significance of Agni in Ayurveda.
KEYWORDS: Agni, Jhataragni, Bhutagni, Dhatuagni, Ama.
INTRODUCTION
As it is described in Ayurveda Agni is having remaining Pittas, present elsewhere in the body. Agni
many derivatives which shows the importance of in Ayurveda is reflected in the concept of Pitta of the
Agni as Ayu (longevity) which means it increases the system. The term of Pitta is derived from root to heat
life span of the human if Agni is working properly, or to burn. Agni is having both Subha Asubha Karma.
Varna (complexion) it maintains the color As Subha Karma is Pakati, Darshanam, Prakriti,
complexion of the body, Balam (strength) Agni Varan, Moha, Harsha and Asubha Karma are Apakti,
maintains the strength of the body, Swasthyam Adarshnam, Bhaya, Vikrta Varan etc.[3] The seat of
(health) it maintain the health i.e., physical, mental Agni is Grahani. Grahani is named as it receives the
status of the human being, Utsaha (enthusiasm) it food. It is situated in between Amashya and
maintain the interest of the human being in the life, Pakwashaya.[4] That is also the place of Pitta there are
Upachaya (body metabolism) it maintain the five types of Pitta that also are considered in Agni
digestive system and metabolism of the body, Prabha Raag (Ranjak Pitta) that has Rasa Ranjan Karma,
(luster) it maintain the gentle sheen and soft glow of Pakti (Pachak pitta) that has Ahaar Paachan karma,
the body, Ojas (tissue essence) it maintains the Tejo (Alochak Pitta) that has Darshan karma, Medho
immunity of the body, Agnayah (bio fires) it (Sadhak pitta) that has properties to maintain as
maintains the digestive fires of the body, Prana (life) Budhi, Medh. Ushma (Bhrajak pitta) has properties to
it maintains the stable life of human being. When maintain skin complexion.[5] Agni is the energy in our
Agni of the body get extinguished then the body body which activates metabolism function in the
(Sharir) is considered as dead. As far as Agni inside body which converts the food into the substance
the body remains in Sam Avastha (in proper amount), which gives strength to the body.
person live long without any ailment or disease.[1] As Types of Agni
Agni is correlated with Pitta and the type of Pitta Jatharangi
which is basically correlated with Agni is
This Agni is considered to be the
Panchakpitta. It is explained from the way in which it
Pradhyantam (principal fire) of all the Agni. This Agni
performs the Pakadi Karmas i.e., it digests food,
is situated in Amashya, because it contains food in it
separates Sara from Kitta of the food, because of this,
which stimulates the functions of digestion. The Kala
it is known as Pachakpitta.[2] Pachakpitta has
in which is situated in the entry of Pakvashya is
following synonyms Jatharagni, Kosthagni, directly
Pittdhara which is basically like a way to entrance of
participates in the digestion of food and at the same
the food in the stomach. Jatharangni is the energy
time, support to and augments the functions of
which maintains the process of Paka of Dhatus which
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 Ankita Thakur et al. Concept and Significance of Agni in Ayurveda
is basically present in the metabolism of tissues. It provide specific nutrients for the formation of the
controls all the functions and balance of the other particular Dhatu and this action of these Dhatvagni is
twelve Agni in the body which are equally important correlated as selective absorption criteria. As they
for the body. This Agni is explained by Chakarpani absorb its specific nutrient from the food or nutrient
that Jatharagni treatment is considered as treatment to form its specified Dhatu and get there proper and
of body. Its main function is digestion of food. This same nutrients.[7]
Agni converts Ahaar into Ahaar Rasa.[5] These Ahara Causes of Vitiation of Agni
rasa will form the other Dhatus. In modern Jatharagni Excessive (fast), indigestion, over eating and
is related with the digestion of food which is done in irregular eating, inappropriate food materials,
stomach and intestines by the chemicals present in improper use of Panchakarma, Emaciation as a result
the stomach and peristaltic movements in the of diseases, seasonal perversion, suppressions of
intestine. naturals urges. Being thus vitiated does not digest
Bhutagni even light food. This undigested food becomes sour in
The Agni which acts on cellular level of body. taste and it works like poison and it gives rise to
The body is formed by Panchmahabutas which are several diseases. These diseases will not be cured if
Akasha (the vacant spaces of the body), Vayu (the air the vitiation or Dushti of Agni is cured. There are
spaces in the tissues) Agni (digestive fire), Jala (the many herbs, compositions, remedies, Yoga in
watery material in the body as- lymph, blood), Pritivi Ayurveda to cure these diseases which are caused due
(solid material in body organs). Butagni is divided to Agni.
into five types of Agni which act on these Due to vitiation of Agni it is sub dived into four types
Panchmahabutas. They are Parthivagni, Aapyagni, as-
Agneyagni, Vayavyagni, Nabhasagni. Each body cell Vishamagni
and tissues are formed of these Agni. They are the
Here the digestive fire is disturbed by Vata.
basic units for the formation of elements in the body.
Because of variability in Vata, there are episodes of
These Agni which are formed of Panchmahabutas will
alternating cycles of strong appetite with loss of
work on only the same part of the food element
appetite.
which is consisting of same Agni particle. Even after
the digestion of these elements in the food it Tikshanagni
specifically nourishes its own Bhutas present in the Here the digestive fire is disturbed by Pitta.
body.[6] In modern it can be correlated with the This type of Agni can easily digest even high amount
enzymatic functions which are performed by the liver of ingested food. Sometimes in the absence of fuel it
in the metabolism of food particles as liver has many start consuming body’s own tissues (Dhatu).
enzymatic actions on the food digestion as Mandagni
metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats Here the digestive fire is disturbed by Kapha.
which provide the energy for the biochemical Because of variability in Kapha, there are episodes of
functions of the body. poor appetite, sluggish metabolism and tendency to
Dhatvagni weight gain despite optimal food consumption. Due
Dhatvagni is used for the formation of Dhatu to sluggish metabolism food becomes Vidagadh.
Utpati Karama (formation of the Dhatus). It is Samagni (Normal)
subdived into seven types Rasagni, Raktagni, Normal digestive fire is characterised by
Maansagni, Medo agni, Ashthyagni, Majjagni, strong and appealing appetite that is easily satisfied
Shukragni which ultimately form the immunity of the with normal food. Digestive functions are proper;
body. These Agni maintains the functions of the there are no episodes of gas, colic and constipation.
organs of the body.[2] These all Agni has different Samagni is largely responsible for human body
Srotas for their functioning. These Srotas will provide nutrition and building strong foundation of seven
a pathway for supplying nutrients for metabolism. tissues.
Each Agni presents a Dhatu. As Rasagni represents DISCUSSION
Ras Dhatu, Rakhtagni represents Rakta dhatu, Agni versus Ama[8]
Maansagni represents Maans Dhatu, Medo agni
In Ayurveda, the theory of Agni or biological
represents Medho Dhatu, Ashthyagni represents
fire is of prime importance. Agni is among the critical
Ashtha Dhatu, Majja Agni represents Majja Dhatu,
factors in determining optimal health and internal
Shukkaragni represents Sukhra dhatu. Dhalhan has
homeostasis. On the contrary, Ama is a toxin or
mentioned that at the end all the Dhatus Sara is Oja
pathogen, responsible for aetiology of all diseases.
i.e., immunity in modern. It has given in Ayurveda
Major cause behind Ama production is impairment of
that Agni is having Oja as its derivative. These all Agni

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 Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2018;6(9):76-80
Agni. Ama can be explained in Ayurveda that it is the Ama, accumulation of waste product is Ama, Dhosha
unhealthy, indigested food. It is the dry form of the Dhusti is also Ama.
food which is considered to be waste product for the Ama related diseases which are caused due to
body. This Ama is formed by Mandhagni which form Jhataragni are Alasaka, Visuchika, Atisara, Vilambika,
Rasaja and food indigestion which act on sub cellular Pravahika, Amalpitta, Basamak Roga, IBS.
level and form disease. Due to Mandhagni these Ama related diseases which are caused due to
undigested food particles start get accumulated in the Dhatvagni are Raspradhoshaj vikara, Rakhta-
body and form Aama Dhosha. It is again explained as pradhoshaja vikara, Masa pradhoshaj vikara, Medha
the undigested formed which is formed due to the pradhoshaja vikara etc. Madhumeha (diabetes),
weakness of Jhatharagni and Dhatvagni is called as Aamavata (rheumatoid arthritis), fever, Shawas
Ama. These are divided into three Pakaavastha as- (COPD), Sthaulya (obesity), inflammation.
In first Avastha due to weakness of Jhatharagni Ama Ama related diseases which are caused due to
get accumulated in Amashya (stomach). Bhutagni are liver disorders, metabolic disorders.
In second Avastha due to weakness of These all diseases are caused due to the
Dhatvagni the Dhatus didn’t get digested and form formation of Ama which is formed by the imbalance
Ama which is known as Ama visha. of the Agni in the body.
In third Avastha the mostly undigested food Agni and Pitta
gets accumulated and forms Ama.
Pitta is originated by two words in Ayurveda
This Ama food, Ama rasa, Ama Dhatus all are is metabolism and maintain the haemostasis
known as Ama. This Ama gets accumulated and stay (maintained heat in the body). By metabolism it will
in body as an auto antigen which cause many provide energy to the body by metabolizing the food
autoimmune disorders which causes allergies in the and by maintain the heat of the body it will provide
body. Due to these reactions many antibodies will be shine and enthusiasm to the body.[11] It is explained
formed in the body which ultimately causes many by some Ayurvedic texts that there is no existence of
diseases and one of them is Amavata. Acharya Charak separate Agni in the body. The basic Agni that
also explained the undigested food as Amavisha.[9] provides heat and has metabolic functions in the
There are many causative factors for Amavisha which body is Pitta in the body. This Pitta has many Gunas
are divided into Aaharaja and Viharaja causes. but its main Guna that is Ushana Guna represents
Overeating, less eating, improper eating, Guru, Sheet, Agni and its function in the body.[12] As the Pitta
Atirukhsha Aahar, preventing natural urges, day situation in the body is formed of Panchmahabutas.
sleeping, lethargy. And these all are the same reasons So the Agni and Pitta has the same composition. But
for the weakness of Agni in the body that is there are many examples which are given in Samhitas
Mandagni, which is the main reason for the formation that Grit is Pitashamaka but it aggravates Agni. Even
of Ama. This Amavisha will form the symptoms in the in Sushrut it is maintained that Samdhoshas Samagni
body which are stiffness, stasis of faecal matter, Samdhatu Mala Kriya indicates that Agni and Pitta
fatigue, headache, fainting, vertigo, backache, are different.[13]
yawning, malaise, vertigo, fever, thirst, anorexia,
Physiological significance of Agni[14]
tenesmus, indigestion and these symptoms will also
be seen in improper functioning of the Agni.[10] In Majority of the diseases are outcome of
modern the main contents of food that is malfunctioning of the Agni which rightly has been
carbohydrates, proteins and fats are digested by called as central root to health.[15] Agni not only plays
Jhataragni, Dhatvagni, Bhutagni and form a end vital role in absorption of macro as well as
product. Protein is converted into amino acids in the micronutrients, but is destructive to pathogens also.
presence of Jhataragni and in the presence of The food that in not properly digested is referred as
Dhatvagni it is converted into urea. Carbohydrates "Ama" in Ayurveda and it is nothing but a toxin or
and fat end product is carbon dioxide and energy. If pathogen responsible for diseases. Proper
the Agni is in a condition of Madhagni then there will functioning of digestive fire is evident from normal
be no formation of end product and intermediate tone of the digestive-system, circulatory-system,
product will be formed which are lactic acids, uric strong immunity or resistance against diseases,
acids and ketone bodies and they are a form of Ama. proper tissue growth and body complexion. It is also
Due to increased formation of these products they the source of intelligence, nutrition and awareness in
cause many diseases like Urusthamba, Vatarakta the body. It coordinates many physiological
(gout) and diabetes. This Ama can be correlated with processes of the body from the digestion,
many forms as the undigested Ras Dhatu is form of reabsorption, sensations and formation of energy.
This affects both body and mind of the human being.

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 Ankita Thakur et al. Concept and Significance of Agni in Ayurveda
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Cite this article as: *Address for correspondence

Ankita Thakur, Brij Kishor, Akhilesh.K. Srivastva, Rajesh Manglesh. Concept and Dr.Ankita Thakur
Significance of Agni in Ayurveda. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma MD Scholar Rog Nidan,
Research. 2018;6(9):76-80. RGGPAC Paprola, kangra HP.
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared Email: [email protected]

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