TYPES OF HAVAN

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DETAILED INFORMATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAVAN

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Based on the image you provided, this is a page from a text regarding Vastu Shastra or Vedic Rituals (Karmakanda). It details specific types of Havan Kundas (Sacrificial Fire Pits).

In Hindu Vedic tradition, the shape of the fire pit is not arbitrary; each geometric form is strictly prescribed for specific goals, desires, or types of energy invocation. These are constructed with specific measurements and usually have three steps or tiers (called Mekhalas), which are clearly visible in your image.

Here is the detailed information on the specific Kundas shown in the image, reading from the standard Sanskrit meanings associated with these shapes:


1. Catuskona (Square Kunda)

  • Shape: Square (Catus = Four, Kona = Angle).

  • Purpose: This is the most common and universal type of Kunda. It is used for general welfare, worldly desires, and peace.

  • Significance: It represents stability and balance. It is typically used for daily Agnihotra or general Havan rituals seeking Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).

2. Trikona (Triangular Kunda)

  • Shape: Triangle (Tri = Three).

  • Purpose: Used for victory over enemies or rituals involving intense energy (often associated with Tantric practices).

  • Significance: The triangle represents fire (Agni) itself. In Vastu and ritual texts, this shape is used for Abhichara Karma (rituals to defeat rivals) or to overcome severe obstacles.

3. Vritta Kunda (Circular Kunda)

  • Shape: Circle (Vritta = Round).

  • Purpose: Used for public welfare, peace, and health.

  • Significance: The circle has no beginning or end, symbolizing the universe. It is famously used in large-scale yajnas meant to bring peace to a nation or community, or for maintaining general health.

4. Ardhacandra (Semi-Circular Kunda)

  • Shape: Half-Moon or Semi-circle (Ardha = Half, Chandra = Moon).

  • Purpose: Used for family harmony, resolving domestic trouble, and happiness.

  • Significance: The moon governs the mind and emotions. A Kunda in this shape is believed to cool heated tempers within a family and bring emotional stability.

5. Yoni Kunda (Yoni/Leaf Shaped)

  • Shape: Resembles a Pipal leaf, a heart, or the Yoni (womb).

  • Purpose: Used for progeny (having children) and curing difficult diseases.

  • Significance: This shape represents the source of creation and birth. It is specifically prescribed for couples seeking to conceive or for rituals aimed at curing ailments related to the body.

6. Padma Kunda (Lotus Kunda)

  • Shape: Lotus flower (Padma = Lotus).

  • Purpose: Used for accumulation of great wealth and abundance (Lakshmi).

  • Significance: The Lotus is the seat of Goddess Lakshmi (Wealth). Performing Havan in a lotus-shaped pit is believed to attract financial prosperity and material abundance.

7. Visama Sadasra (Hexagonal Kunda)

  • Shape: Six-sided (Sad = Six, Asra = Corners/Sides).

  • Purpose: Used for stopping enemies and preventing death/danger.

  • Significance: The hexagon is often associated with Lord Kartikeya (who has six faces) or protection. It is used to create a shield against negativity.

    • Note on the text: “Visama” usually implies “irregular” or “uneven,” suggesting the sides may not be equilateral in this specific diagram, but the ritual purpose remains connected to the six-sided form.

8. Visama Astasra (Octagonal Kunda)

  • Shape: Eight-sided (Asta = Eight).

  • Purpose: Used for health, comfort, and relief from suffering.

  • Significance: The number eight corresponds to the eight directions (Dikpalas). This Kunda is often used to bring all-around wellbeing and health to the performer.


Summary Table

Kunda Name Shape Primary Spiritual Use
Catuskona Square General Success, Peace
Trikona Triangle Victory over Enemies
Vritta Circle Public Welfare, Peace
Ardhacandra Half-Moon Family Harmony
Yoni Leaf/Womb Progeny (Children), Health
Padma Lotus Wealth (Lakshmi)
Sadasra Hexagon Protection, Stopping Enemies
Astasra Octagon Health, Comfort

A Note on Construction (Mekhalas)

If you look closely at the drawings, each Kunda has layers or steps surrounding the center. These are called Mekhalas (Girdles).

  • Standard Kundas usually have 3 Mekhalas.

  • They represent different cosmic principles (often White, Red, and Black colors are used to represent Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas gunas).

Would you like to know the specific measurements or directional placement (Vastu) required for any one of these Kundas?

 

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