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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).  

Agni ( अग्निः) 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]] (दोषाः), [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] and [[malas (मलाः)]] which are the building blocks of the body.  Thus agni is an indispensable for [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] (आयुः | 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).  

== The similarities between Agni in Ayurveda and Agni in other vedic literature ==

== The similarities between Agni in Ayurveda and Agni in other vedic literature ==

[[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]] (Samskrit: अग्निः) means Fire, Lighting, Purifier.  According to [[Vedas (वेदाः)|vedas]], it is the devata for fire, yajnas and divine knowledge. In [[Agni in Vedavangmaya (अग्निः वेदवाङ्मये)|vedavangamaya, Agni]] has been praised in large number of mantras and suktas where it is considered to be the important devata next to [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]]. Kindling of Agni, which generically refers to lighting of fire, is one of the important aspects in all वैदिकयज्ञः (Shrauta Yajnas or rituals prescribed in Vedas) and गह्ययज्ञः (Grhyayajnas, homas in domestic affairs such as that in samskaras). Agni carries the ahutis (oblations) of men to the devatas in heavenly worlds, who thereby pleased ensure the continuance of conditions favorable to mankind. Hence agni is considered to be the chief carrier of havishya offered in [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|Yajnas]]. Similarly Agni in body described in Ayurveda is the chief carrier of food from outside to the internal bodily elements in a processed form suitable and acceptable to them. Paka or Pachanam (the activity which includes acceptance of the offered food and its transformation into the substances similar to the body elements to make them available to body tissues as a raw material for their growth and repair) is believed to be the chief job of the Agni. Thus Agni is an important vital entity in Ayurveda. This does not limit the role of agni only up to the digestion of ingested food but also extends to absorption of substances through skin, accepting the sensory stimuli from sense organs and processing the information into the form suitable for one's life processes.  

[[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]] (Samskrit: अग्निः) means Fire, Lighting, Purifier.  According to [[vedas (वेदाः)]], it is the devata for fire, yajnas and divine knowledge. In [[Agni in Vedavangmaya (अग्निः वेदवाङ्मये)|vedavangamaya (वेदवाङ्मयम्), Agni]] has been praised in large number of mantras and suktas where it is considered to be the important devata next to [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]]. Kindling of Agni, which generically refers to lighting of fire, is one of the important aspects in all वैदिकयज्ञः (Shrauta Yajnas or rituals prescribed in Vedas) and गह्ययज्ञः (Grhyayajnas, homas in domestic affairs such as that in samskaras). Agni carries the ahutis (oblations) of men to the devatas in heavenly worlds, who thereby pleased ensure the continuance of conditions favorable to mankind. Hence agni is considered to be the chief carrier of havishya (हविष्यम्) offered in [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|Yajnas (यज्ञाः)]]. Similarly Agni in body described in Ayurveda is the chief carrier of food from outside to the internal bodily elements in a processed form suitable and acceptable to them. Paka or Pachanam (the activity which includes acceptance of the offered food and its transformation into the substances similar to the body elements to make them available to body tissues as a raw material for their growth and repair) is believed to be the chief job of the Agni. Thus Agni is an important vital entity in Ayurveda. This does not limit the role of agni only up to the digestion of ingested food but also extends to absorption of substances through skin, accepting the sensory stimuli from sense organs and processing the information into the form suitable for one's life processes.  

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.  

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.  

== Agni as one of the panchamahabhutas ==

== gni as one of the panchamahabhutas ==

Agni or tejas is one of the [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Panchamahabhutas]] (the 5 basic elements in the nature).  

Agni or tejas is one of the [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Panchamahabhutas]] (पञ्चमहाभूतानि the 5 basic elements in the nature).  

* As a mahabhuta, rupa (illumination/vision) is the key attribute of Tejas or agni.  

* As a mahabhuta, rupa (illumination/vision) is the key attribute of Tejas or agni.  

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

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. <blockquote>न खलु पित्तव्यतिरेकादन्योऽग्निरुपलभ्यते, आग्नेयत्वात् पित्ते दहनपचनादिष्वभिप्रवर्तमानेऽग्निवदुपचारः क्रियतेऽन्तरग्निरिति; क्षीणे ह्यग्निगुणे तत्समानद्रव्योपयोगात् , अतिवृद्धे शीतक्रियोपयोगात् , आगमाच्च पश्यामो न [१] खलु पित्तव्यतिरेकादन्योऽग्निरिति ||९|| Su su 21.9</blockquote>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 involved in food transformation ==

== अग्निभेदाः॥ 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.  

# 7 types of Dhatvagnis (धात्वाग्नयः).  

# 7 types of Dhatvagnis (धात्वाग्नयः).  

=== Jatharagni ===

=== जाठराग्निः॥ Jatharagni ===

Jatharagni, the most important Agni, is present in Jathara (gut/gastrointestinal system) directly acts on four types of food, aids in digestion and transforms it into [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa]] (रसः) and [[Malas (मलाः)|Mala]] (मलः । waste and toxins) thus, converting the gross matter to subtle substance thereby providing energy for body's needs. Thus it is called as the pachaka (transformer) of Annam or [[Ahara (आहारः)|ahara]]. Since this being the first and foremost step in the transfer of energy in the form of food from outside to inside, without it no other agni can function and body can survive. Hence jatharagni is revered as Bhagawan or Ishwara (diety).<blockquote>जाठरो भगवानग्निरीश्वरोऽन्नस्य पाचकः | सौक्ष्म्याद्रसानाददानो विवेक्तुं नैव शक्यते ||२७|| (Sush. Samh. 35.27)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutra 27)</ref></blockquote>

Jatharagni, the most important Agni, is present in Jathara (gut/gastrointestinal system) directly acts on four types of food, aids in digestion and transforms it into [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa]] (रसः) and [[Malas (मलाः)|Mala]] (मलः । waste and toxins) thus, converting the gross matter to subtle substance thereby providing energy for body's needs. Thus it is called as the pachaka (transformer) of Annam or [[Ahara (आहारः)|ahara]]. Since this being the first and foremost step in the transfer of energy in the form of food from outside to inside, without it no other agni can function and body can survive. Hence jatharagni is revered as Bhagawan or Ishwara (diety).<blockquote>जाठरो भगवानग्निरीश्वरोऽन्नस्य पाचकः | सौक्ष्म्याद्रसानाददानो विवेक्तुं नैव शक्यते ||२७|| (Sush. Samh. 35.27)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutra 27)</ref></blockquote>

==== Site of Jatharagni in body: Grahani ====

==== जाठराग्नेः शरीरान्तरगतम् स्थानम्: ग्रहणी॥ Site of Jatharagni in body: Grahani ====

The site of jatharagni in the shariram (body) is known as Grahani. Grahani derives its name from its function to accept and hold food. Graha is the samskrit term which indicates to accept and hold. Grahani is located above nabhi (umbilicus) and is supported as well as maintained (in terms of the function) by the agni. It holds the undigested food, processes it and when completely processed that food matter is propelled further into the gut for further course of action. If this grahani is weak it fails to hold the food till its complete digestion and this undigested food known as aama is expeled out as it is.  <blockquote>अग्न्यधिष्ठानमन्नस्य ग्रहणाद्ग्रहणी मता| नाभेरुपर्यह्यग्निबलेनोपष्टब्धोपबृंहिता ||५६||

The site of jatharagni in the shariram (body) is known as Grahani. Grahani derives its name from its function to accept and hold food. Graha is the samskrit term which indicates to accept and hold. Grahani is located above nabhi (umbilicus) and is supported as well as maintained (in terms of the function) by the agni. It holds the undigested food, processes it and when completely processed that food matter is propelled further into the gut for further course of action. If this grahani is weak it fails to hold the food till its complete digestion and this undigested food known as aama is expeled out as it is.  <blockquote>अग्न्यधिष्ठानमन्नस्य ग्रहणाद्ग्रहणी मता| नाभेरुपर्यह्यग्निबलेनोपष्टब्धोपबृंहिता ||५६||

अपक्वं धारत्यन्नं पक्वं सृजति पार्श्वतः| दुर्बलाग्निबला दुष्टा त्वाममेव विमुञ्चति||५७|| (Char. Samh. 15.56-57)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 56-57)</ref></blockquote>

अपक्वं धारत्यन्नं पक्वं सृजति पार्श्वतः| दुर्बलाग्निबला दुष्टा त्वाममेव विमुञ्चति||५७|| (Char. Samh. 15.56-57)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 56-57)</ref></blockquote>

==== Pakam or pachanam : The chief function of Jatharagni ====

==== पाकम् पाचनम् वा: जाठराग्नेः प्रधान कार्यम्॥ Pakam or pachanam : The chief function of Jatharagni ====

अन्नमादानकर्मा तु प्राणः कोष्ठं प्रकर्षति|

Digestion of the food and its transformation into Rasa dhatu is the chief funciton of jatharagni. There are multiple steps involved in the process of transformation wherein along with the jatharagni other doshas like kapha and vata also are involved and aid the function of agni. This has been described in depth in Ayurveda literature. The prana vayu is responsible for ingestion and swallowing of the food till its transfer from mouth to the amashaya (आमाशयः | initial part of the gut where the food is stored after coming through the food-pipe). In this part a type of kapha involved in food digestion helps in preparing the food for the process of digestion. By its gunas like drava and snigdha it makes the food soft and homogenous and propels further for digestion by agni. A type vata known as Samana vata kindles the digestive fire i.e jatharagni. When the [[Ahara (आहारः)|ahara]] is taken on time and in proper quantity and quality it undergoes complete transformation in this way. The transformed food is separated into 2 parts namely [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa dhatu]] and [[Malas (मलाः)|mala]]. Rasa dhatu then enters the circulation and provides nourishment to entire [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|shariram]] mainly to [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. Ayurvedic scholars have explained this process of digestion and transformation with the help of a simple example of cooking rice in a pot kept on the flame of stove. The kapha plays role of water used in cooking, vata performs fucntion similar to  lighting the stove or maintaining the flame and Agni is equated to the fire below the pot which actually cooks the rice. <ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 5-8)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrdayam (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 36)</ref><blockquote>काले भुक्तं समं सम्यक् पचत्यायुर्विवृद्धये||७|| एवं रसमलायान्नमाशयस्थमधः स्थितः| पचत्यग्निर्यथा स्थाल्यामोदनायाम्बुतण्डुलम्||८|| Char. Samh. 15.5-8)<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>

समानेनावधूतोऽग्निरुदर्यः [१] पवनोद्वहः|

# Teekshnagni (तीक्ष्णाग्निः) - It indicates very intense type of fire / heat inside the pitta. Hence with this type of agni the process of pakam (digestion) is very fast. Consequently the [erson feels hungry often and can digest even guru (heavy) ahara faster than the rest of the agni types. 

काले भुक्तं समं सम्यक् पचत्यायुर्विवृद्धये||७||

It is known that, [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] (the building blocks of body or tissues) acquire their nourishment from the [[Ahara (आहारः)|ahara (food)]] that we ingest. different dhatus have different constitution of panchamahabhutas in them. Thus their nutritional requirements are distinct from with respect to the panchamahabhuta proportion in them. The bhutagni are present in each of the 5 mahabhutas and they perform the function of nourishing the similar mahabhuta present in body. Thus the function of  nourishing or balancing the mahabhuta levels in the body is the chief function of bhutagnis present in the food.

एवं रसमलायान्नमाशयस्थमधः स्थितः|

Therefore, Ayurveda believes that ahara with similar properties (mahabhutas) can increase or nourish the body elements with similar properties (mahabhuta constitution) and vice versa. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 60)</ref><blockquote>भौमाप्याग्नेयवायव्याः पञ्चोष्माणः सनाभसाः| पञ्चाहारगुणान्स्वान् स्वान् पार्थिवादीन् पचन्त्यनु॥ (Asht. Hrud. 3.59)<ref>Ashtang Hrudaya (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3 Sutra 59)</ref></blockquote>

==== भूताग्निभेदाः॥ 5 Types of bhutagni ====

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

==== 5 Types of bhutagni ====

Types of bhutagni are based on the panchamahabhutas. Thus these types are

Types of bhutagni are based on the panchamahabhutas. Thus these types are

# Agni of Prthvi mahabhuta

# Agni of Prthvi mahabhuta (पार्थिवग्नि/ भौमाग्नि)

# Agni of  Jala mahabhuta

# Agni of  Jala mahabhuta (आप्याग्नि)

# Agni of  Teja mahabhuta

# Agni of  Teja mahabhuta (तेजाग्नि/ आग्नेयाग्नि)

# Agni of Vayu mahabhuta

# Agni of Vayu mahabhuta (वायव्याग्नि)

# Agni of Akasha mahabhuta

# Agni of Akasha mahabhuta (नाभसाग्नि)

=== Dhatwagni ===

=== धात्वाग्नयः॥ Dhatwagni ===

सप्तभिर्देहधातारो धातवो द्विविधं पुनः|

सप्तभिर्देहधातारो धातवो द्विविधं पुनः|

यथास्वमग्निभिः पाकं यान्ति किट्टप्रसादवत् [१] ||१५|| Cha Chi 15.15

यथास्वमग्निभिः पाकं यान्ति किट्टप्रसादवत् [१] ||१५|| Cha Chi 15.15

==== 7 Types of dhatvagnis ====

==== धात्वाग्निभेदाः॥ 7 Types of dhatvagnis ====

The human body is made up of 7 types of [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. Each of these 7 dhatus is generated, nourished and maintained by the agni of its own known as dhatvagni. It controls the dhatu level metabolism and levels of dhatus, upathatus dhatu malas etc. These 7 types of dhatvagnis are as follows,

The human body is made up of 7 types of [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]]. Each of these 7 dhatus is generated, nourished and maintained by the agni of its own known as dhatvagni. It controls the dhatu level metabolism and levels of dhatus, upathatus dhatu malas etc. These 7 types of dhatvagnis are as follows,

# Rasa dhatvagni

# Rasa dhatvagni (रस धात्वाग्नि)

# Rakta dhatvagni

# Rakta dhatvagni (रक्त धात्वाग्नि)

# Mamsa dhatvagni

# Mamsa dhatvagni (मांस धात्वाग्नि)

# Meda dhatvagni

# Meda dhatvagni (मेद धात्वाग्नि)

# Asthi dhatvagni

# Asthi dhatvagni (अस्थि  धात्वाग्नि)

# Majja dhatvagni

# Majja dhatvagni (मज्जा धात्वाग्नि)

# Shukra dhatvagni

# Shukra dhatvagni (शुक्र  धात्वाग्नि)

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

== पञ्चपित्तभेदाः वा पञ्चाग्निभेदाः॥ 5 types of pitta or agni in body based on location ==

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,

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,

# Pachaka pitta/ Pachakagni

# Pachaka pitta (पाचकपित्तम्) / Pachakagni (पाचकाग्नि)

# Ranjaka Pitta / Ranjakagni

# Ranjaka Pitta (रंजकपित्तम्) / Ranjakagni (रंजकाग्नि)

# Sadhaka Pitta / Sadhakagni

# Sadhaka Pitta (साधकपित्तम्) / Sadhakagni (साधकाग्नि)

# Alochaka pitta / Alochakagni

# Alochaka pitta (आलोचकपित्तम्) / Alochakagni (आलोचकाग्नि)

# Bhrajaka pitta / Bhrajakagni

# Bhrajaka pitta (भ्राजकपित्तम्) / Bhrajakagni (भ्राजकाग्नि)

=== Pachakagni ===

=== पाचकाग्निः॥ Pachakagni ===

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" />

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" />

=== Ranjakagni ===

=== रंजकाग्निः॥ Ranjakagni ===

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" />

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" />

=== Sadhakagni ===

=== साधकाग्निः॥ Sadhakagni ===

Sadhaka means fulfilling or accomplishing agent. The agni located inside pitta present in the Hrdayam (the vital organ associated with mind, senses, intelligence, life energy etc) in palys indispensible role by becoming the effective agent to accomplish what is desired by the individual. Thus it is known as sadhakagni. <ref name=":0" />

Sadhaka means fulfilling or accomplishing agent. The agni located inside pitta present in the Hrdayam (the vital organ associated with mind, senses, intelligence, life energy etc) in palys indispensible role by becoming the effective agent to accomplish what is desired by the individual. Thus it is known as sadhakagni. <ref name=":0" />

=== Alochakagni ===

=== आलोचकाग्निः॥ Alochakagni ===

The agni inside pitta located in the sensory visual organ or eye which can capture the outside images and generate the appropriate signals for visual perception is known as alochakagni.<ref name=":0" />

The agni inside pitta located in the sensory visual organ or eye which can capture the outside images and generate the appropriate signals for visual perception is known as alochakagni.<ref name=":0" />

=== Bhrajakagni ===

=== भ्राजकाग्निः॥ Bhrajakagni ===

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.  

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.  

== Relation between all agni types ==

== ॥ Relation between all agni types ==

अन्नस्य पक्ता सर्वेषां पक्तॄणामधिको मतः|

अन्नस्य पक्ता सर्वेषां पक्तॄणामधिको मतः|

पालयेत्प्रयतस्तस्य स्थितौ ह्यायुर्बलस्थितिः||७२|| Asht. Hrud. sha 3.71-72)

पालयेत्प्रयतस्तस्य स्थितौ ह्यायुर्बलस्थितिः||७२|| Asht. Hrud. sha 3.71-72)

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

== ॥R ole of agni in human physiology according to ayurveda ==

Agni is an integral part of human body mechanics. In order to survive in the nature every individual has to establish a relationship with the nature. Through this relationship one's internal and external environment maintain a harmony and [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|purusha]] can survive and grow in the loka (external world/nature) as a part of it. However, this can be achieved only when one can take up the substances from outer world and convert them in a form suitable for acceptance by the body tissues so that it can be made use of to grow and repair the internal bodily environment. At the same time, the wastes generated through this process which are not compatible for body are separated by the agni and thrown out of the body. Thus agni plays the vital role of establishing and maintaining this crucial link between the man and the world. This function happens at multiple levels and thus the agni plays key role in maintenance of health and well-being. These various aspects of health controlled that are under the control of agni are listed by all the Ayurveda acharyas and thus they call agni the root of not just body but life.  

Agni is an integral part of human body mechanics. In order to survive in the nature every individual has to establish a relationship with the nature. Through this relationship one's internal and external environment maintain a harmony and [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|purusha]] can survive and grow in the loka (external world/nature) as a part of it. However, this can be achieved only when one can take up the substances from outer world and convert them in a form suitable for acceptance by the body tissues so that it can be made use of to grow and repair the internal bodily environment. At the same time, the wastes generated through this process which are not compatible for body are separated by the agni and thrown out of the body. Thus agni plays the vital role of establishing and maintaining this crucial link between the man and the world. This function happens at multiple levels and thus the agni plays key role in maintenance of health and well-being. These various aspects of health controlled that are under the control of agni are listed by all the Ayurveda acharyas and thus they call agni the root of not just body but life.  

Meaning: Agni is the prime agent in reducing aama, stiffness, cold, pains and aches etc. </blockquote>

Meaning: Agni is the prime agent in reducing aama, stiffness, cold, pains and aches etc. </blockquote>

== Role of sneha in agni strength ==

== ॥ Role of sneha in agni strength ==

अधुना स्नेहस्याग्निवृद्धिकरत्वं दृष्टान्तेन दर्शयति----

अधुना स्नेहस्याग्निवृद्धिकरत्वं दृष्टान्तेन दर्शयति----

सस्नेहैर्जायते तद्वदाहारैः कोष्ठगोऽनलः||७९|| A.H.chi 79

सस्नेहैर्जायते तद्वदाहारैः कोष्ठगोऽनलः||७९|| A.H.chi 79

== Role of quantity of food in agni strength ==

== ॥ Role of quantity of food in agni strength ==

यथाग्न्यभ्यवहारोऽग्निसन्धुक्षणानां (Char Samh sutra 25.40)

यथाग्न्यभ्यवहारोऽग्निसन्धुक्षणानां (Char Samh sutra 25.40)

== Agni: savior or killer ==

== ॥ Agni: savior or killer ==

आहारमग्निः पचति दोषानाहारवर्जितः|

आहारमग्निः पचति दोषानाहारवर्जितः|

धातून् क्षीणेशु दोषेषु जीवितं ढातुसङ्क्षये||९१|| Asht. Hrud. Chi. 10.91

धातून् क्षीणेशु दोषेषु जीवितं ढातुसङ्क्षये||९१|| Asht. Hrud. Chi. 10.91

== Causes of disturbances in Agni ==

== ॥ Causes of disturbances in Agni ==

अभोजनादजीर्णातिभोजनाद्विषमाशनात्|

अभोजनादजीर्णातिभोजनाद्विषमाशनात्|

अपच्यमानं शुक्तत्वं यात्यन्नं विषरूपताम् [१] ||४४|| Cha chi 15

अपच्यमानं शुक्तत्वं यात्यन्नं विषरूपताम् [१] ||४४|| Cha chi 15

== How to examine agni? ==

== ॥ How to examine agni? ==

प्रश्नेन च विजानीयाद्देशं कालं जातिं सात्म्यमातङ्कसमुत्पत्तिं वेदनासमुच्छ्रायं बलमन्तरग्निं Su su 10.5 (https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read&h=agni)

प्रश्नेन च विजानीयाद्देशं कालं जातिं सात्म्यमातङ्कसमुत्पत्तिं वेदनासमुच्छ्रायं बलमन्तरग्निं Su su 10.5 (https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read&h=agni)

== References ==

== References ==