Homa is the most ancient and sacred ceremony in the Vedic tradition. In the presence of the fire element, Agni, the forms of the divine are invoked by the power of mantras and profound spiritual intention (sankalpa). Special offerings are cast into the fire while Sanskrit mantras are chanted. The element of fire is associated with the upward motion of the divine energy and is considered to be the most powerfully purifying element.

The vibrations created by the Homa have a profound effect on the atmosphere and surroundings. All homas are performed with an intention of universal happiness and peace: “lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu, Om shanti shanti shanti”, which means ‘may everyone be happy, may there be peace everywhere’. Apart from this, every specific homa will have a specific effect or benefits, depending on the type of energy the homa invokes and enhances (the ‘devata’ or divinity invoked).