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Agni is an important vital entity in Ayurveda. It is called vital because its absence indicates death. Any fluctuation in the strength of agni leads to imbalances in the level of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] and [[Malas (मलाः)|malas]] which are the building blocks of the body.  Thus agni is an indispensable for [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] (life) of any individual. In the physical body, Agni is involved in the process of Paka (पाकः । Digestion and transformation). Different Ayurvedic texts mention that Agni is Pitta (पित्तम्), one of the [[Doshas (दोषाः)|tridoshas]] (त्रिदोषाणि) of the human body, which are vata (वातः), pitta (पित्तम्) and kapha (कफः).  

Agni is an important vital entity in Ayurveda. Its chief function is to assimilate or transform. It has a potential to convert the biologically distinct substances into the form which can be used up by the body tissues for their growth and nourishment. This action happens at multiple different sites in the body and is responsible for many life processes. Any fluctuation in the strength of agni leads to imbalances in the level of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] and [[Malas (मलाः)|malas]] which are the building blocks of the body.  Thus agni is an indispensable for [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] (life) of any individual. In the physical body, Agni is involved in the process of Paka (पाकः । Digestion and transformation). Different Ayurvedic texts mention that Agni is Pitta (पित्तम्), one of the [[Doshas (दोषाः)|tridoshas]] (त्रिदोषाणि) of the human body, which are vata (वातः), pitta (पित्तम्) and kapha (कफः).

 

 

A unique feature about [[Agni in Vedavangmaya (अग्निः वेदवाङ्मये)|Agni in vedas]] is that it is classified and called by different names based on its purpose in [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]] (Shrauta | श्रौतः and smarta । स्मार्तः ), the ahutis (आहुति-s । oblations) offered and its use in laukika kriyas (cooking). Similarly Agni in Ayurveda has also been classified in different types based on its site and specific action.  

== What is Agni in Human body? ==

== What is Agni in Human body? ==

== Can agni exist in body without pitta? ==

== Can agni exist in body without pitta? ==

Ayurved acharyas have explained that agni inside the body can not exist without pitta. It can perform various actions only through the medium of pitta.  

Ayurveda acharyas have explained that agni inside the body can not exist without pitta. It can perform various actions only through the medium of pitta.  

न खलु पित्तव्यतिरेकादन्योऽग्निरुपलभ्यते, आग्नेयत्वात् पित्ते दहनपचनादिष्वभिप्रवर्तमानेऽग्निवदुपचारः क्रियतेऽन्तरग्निरिति; क्षीणे ह्यग्निगुणे तत्समानद्रव्योपयोगात् , अतिवृद्धे शीतक्रियोपयोगात् , आगमाच्च पश्यामो न [१] खलु पित्तव्यतिरेकादन्योऽग्निरिति ||९|| Su su 21.9

न खलु पित्तव्यतिरेकादन्योऽग्निरुपलभ्यते, आग्नेयत्वात् पित्ते दहनपचनादिष्वभिप्रवर्तमानेऽग्निवदुपचारः क्रियतेऽन्तरग्निरिति; क्षीणे ह्यग्निगुणे तत्समानद्रव्योपयोगात् , अतिवृद्धे शीतक्रियोपयोगात् , आगमाच्च पश्यामो न [१] खलु पित्तव्यतिरेकादन्योऽग्निरिति ||९|| Su su 21.9

Meaning: Agni can not exist without pitta. It is because of the agneyatwam (original nature of agni i.e. heat) of pitta which performs functions like burning, cooking/digesting (which are similar to agni in nature) it is treated like antaragni. If the agni nature of pitta reduces dravyas (substances) having similar nature to agni are utilized, when this agni nature is excessive cooling therapies are used (similar to agni in nature). Also we know it from the agama ( traditional doctrine or perspect also known as [[Pramanas in Astika Darshanas (आस्तिकदर्शन-प्रमाणानि)|Shabda pramana or aptopadesha]]) that agni can not exist without pitta.  

Meaning: Agni can not exist without pitta. It is because of the agneyatwam (original nature of agni i.e. heat) of pitta which performs functions like burning, cooking/digesting (which are similar to agni in nature) it is treated like antaragni. If the agni nature of pitta reduces dravyas (substances) having similar nature to agni are utilized to kindle it, when this agni nature is excessively increased, cooling therapies are used to reduce its severity. Also we know it from the agama ( traditional doctrine or perspect also known as [[Pramanas in Astika Darshanas (आस्तिकदर्शन-प्रमाणानि)|Shabda pramana or aptopadesha]]) that agni can not exist without pitta.  

== Types of the agni ==

== Types of the agni involved in food transformation ==

Agni inside the body is called by various different names at various instances. Although the agni or pitta is present everywhere and the same all over the body, it has been classified into various categories depending on its location and action specific to that location. Also agni inside substances that come in contact with our body when those are consumed has also been considered and has been given considerable attention.  

Agni inside the body is called by various different names at various instances. Although the agni or pitta is present everywhere and the same all over the body, it has been classified into various categories depending on its location and action specific to that location. Also agni inside substances that come in contact with our body when those are consumed has also been considered and has been given considerable attention.  

== 5 types of pitta or agni in body based on location ==

== 5 types of pitta or agni in body based on location ==

तच्चादृष्टहेतुकेन [१] विशेषेण पक्वामाशयमध्यस्थं पित्तं चतुर्विधमन्नपानं पचति, विवेचयति च दोषरसमूत्रपुरीषाणि; तत्रस्थमेव चात्मशक्त्या शेषाणां पित्तस्थानानां शरीरस्य चाग्निकर्मणाऽनुग्रहं करोति, तस्मिन् पित्ते पाचकोऽग्निरिति सञ्ज्ञा; यत्तु यकृत्प्लीह्नोः पित्तं तस्मिन् रञ्जकोऽग्निरिति सञ्ज्ञा, स रसस्य रागकृदुक्तः; यत् पित्तं हृदयस्थं तस्मिन् साधकोऽग्निरिति सञ्ज्ञा, सोऽभिप्रार्थितमनोरथसाधनकृदुक्तः; यद्दृष्ट्यां पित्तं तस्मिन्नालोचकोऽग्निरिति सञ्ज्ञा, स रूपग्रहणाऽधिकृतः; यत्तु त्वचि पित्तं तस्मिन् भ्राजकोऽग्निरिति सञ्ज्ञा, सोऽभ्यङ्गपरिषेकावगाहालेपनादीनां क्रियाद्रव्याणां पक्ता छायानां च प्रकाशकः ||१०|| Su su. 21.10

Apart from digestion and transformation of the food, agni inside pitta doshas performs various different functions. Thus 5 types of pitta doshas based on their chief site and peculiar function are also known as 5 types of agni performing different functions in the body. <ref name=":0">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 10)</ref> These 5 types are,

 

 

The agni involved in the digestion, absorption, assimilation of food leading to formation of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa dhatu]] and [[Malas (मलाः)|malas]] of food like purisha (stools), mutram (urine) in known as pachakagni. It is the chief agni which also provides strength and controls function of all other types of agnis involved in various different functions in the body. It is located in the koshtha (roughly equivalent to gut) between Pakwashaya (roughly equivalent to large intestine) and Amashaya (roughly equivalent to stomach). <ref name=":0" />

 

Ranjaka means coloring agent. Agni that is present in pitta located at Yakrt (roughly equivalent to liver)  and Pleeha (roughly equivalent to speen) acts on [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa dhatu]] to help it transform into [[Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु)|rakta dhatu]] by adding color pigments to it is known as ranjakagni. <ref name=":0" />

 

 

 

The agni inside pitta located in twak (skin) is called as bhrajakagni. It can absorb the externally applied substances like oil, medicate liquids, packs etc on skin and make them available to body tissues. Since it is also the factor responsible for appearance of chaya (Chaya means shadow or shade or skin complexion. It is generally indicate changes in complexion due to a disease pathology.) on one's body/skin it is called as bhrajaka (bhraj- lusture/shine) agni. <ref name=":0" /> Chhaya has been deeply studied in Ayurveda. It is believed to be associated with the imbalances in the internal bodily environment and thus any change in the body inside can be reflected outside through chhaya which can affect the original color and complexion of the individual.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Indriyasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 10-17)</ref> Since the agni inside skin has the potential to reflect / throw light on / illuminate the changes in internal environment of body through chaya of skin (which can be visible outside) it is calle das illuminator/ reflector i.e. bhrajakagni.

== Role of agni in human physiology according to ayurveda ==

== Role of agni in human physiology according to ayurveda ==