Disclaimer:
- ☆The article is based on my studies, my concept, my thoughts on the subject. It is further supplemented with my experiences and self realization.
- ☆I found some link between modern science(Quantum mechanics) and teachings of ancient sages as mentioned in Vedanta, regarding Universe, Supreme Consciousness or the Ultimate truth , the Ultimate Reality whatever we say.
- ☆ The term “MAN” wherever used in this entire text is intended to consider as “HUMAN” irrespective of gender differences.
- ♡ Having gone through the Vedanta/ancient texts, commentaries, translated by different writers, translators, publishers on the same topic, I have tried my best to share the subject matter as I understood and convinced too. My intention is to reach to you with the topic that I found very useful for human lives. I am not good in English literature. Please give your valuable suggestions for the improvement and valuable inputs to make the text beneficial for mankind.
- ☆ The Spiritual context is purely based on ancient sacred texts. Sanskrit slokas are taken from books and websites. There may be little variation in the translations and commentaries. I have shared my own views and explanations according to my concept gathered in the subject through experience and intuitions. There is no discrimination against any religion, race, cast or creed.
- Your feedback will be highly appreciated. I am sure that the subject matter is highly logical and does not bring any conflict. Hope you will enjoy reading. Regards. NAMASTE. I can be reached at : arun7663@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION:
Note: The word Vidya in Panchagni Vidya is to be understood as Upasana~ Meditation. Here Vidya does not mean Knowledge.
The Five Fires~ Panchagni in the Panchagni Vidya are:
- Heaven
- Rain God
- Earth
- Male
- Female
The Belief is that the five fires are given the five liquid oblations of
- Faith to Heaven: Soma Raja is generated.
- Soma to Rain god: Rain is generated.
- Rains to Earth: Food is generated.
- Food to Man: Sperm is generated.
- Seminal fluid to Woman: Newborn emanated.
॥ पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ॥
The first question asked by the King:
King then asked second question:
The Third question:
The Fourth question:
The Fifth question:
Great king imparted to the circle of Brahmins by way of this initiation called the knowledge of the Panchagni-Vidya. The King explained five fires:
5.4.1-2: The First fire is svargaloka (Heaven): The Sun is the fuel (sacrificial stick) of this Fire. The rays of the Sun are the smoke, while the day is the flame. The moon is the ember (red hot coal~चिंगारी). The stars are the sparks of this fire. When Agnihotra is performed, the jivas become Soma Raja(moon) and enter svargaloka.
5.5.1-2: The Second fire is Parjanya.
O Gautama! the god of rain is the sacrificial fire; air is its fuel; the cloud is the smoke. Lightning is the flame. The Thunderbolt is the charcoal. The roars of the fire are the sparks. Soma Raja (Jiva) is the oblation in this fire.
5.6.1-2: The Third fire is the Earth. For this fire, the year is the sacrificial fire. Akasha (sky) is the smoke. The night is the flame. The directions are the live charcoals. The directions are the sparks. The oblation in this case is rain. When the rains reach the earth, food is grown.
5.7.1-2: The forth is man himself. His speech(vaak) is the sacrificial fire. His prana is smoke. His tongue is the flame. The eyes are the live charcoals, and his ears are the sparks. Here the oblation is food. From that food the seed of man is born.
5.8.1-2: The fifth fire is Woman. The interconnection between man and woman is the live charcoal. The small pleasures are the sparks. The oblation is the seed of man and from this does a new-born emanate.
Commentary:
The Jiva which has ascended to the Heavenly world by the virtue of good deeds descends on the exhaustion of that merit to the earth to take up another life, from heaven in the form of rains. There in the earth, the self enters a food grain growing on a plant and then enters the blood of the male who consumes that food grain and that turns into sperm. Finally, when the seminal fluid enters the female womb upon coitus, the Jiva also enters the womb along with it. In the womb it gets embodied.
**Khanda 5.4 to 5.8 describe the conception of Human being using metaphor of Sacrifice (Yajna~ meditation). The fifth offering mentioned here is the seed of man (Semen) that brings about conception at the end.
॥ इति अष्टमः खण्डः ॥
इति तु पञ्चम्यामाहुतावापः पुरुषवचसो भवन्तीति
स उल्बावृतो गर्भो दश वा नव वा मासानन्तः शयित्वा
यावद्वाथ जायते ॥ ५.९.१॥
स जातो यावदायुषं जीवति तं प्रेतं दिष्टमितोऽग्नय
एव हरन्ति यत एवेतो यतः संभूतो भवति ॥ ५.९.२॥
5.9: The Ten months in mother’s womb:
5.9.1: Thus after the fifth oblation, water becomes Purusha [ पुरुषवचसो] known as Man. The foetus lies within the mother’s womb, covered with membrane, for about nine or ten months, and then it is born. [**This is the answer to the fifth question asked by the King Pravahana]
5.9.2: When a person is born, he lives as long as he is destined to live. Then, when he dies as ordained, he is carried from here to the fire from which he came.
5.10: Path of Devayana
5.10.1-2: Those wo know this (Panchagni vidya), and those who live in the forest, practicing austerities with faith- they go to the path of Devayana(the world of light) From the world of light they go to the world of day; from the world of day to the world of bright fortnight; from the world of bright fortnight to the six months when Sun moves northward [Uttarayana]; from there go to the Sun, from the Sun to the moon; and from the moon to lightning. There someone, not human, receives them and leads them to Brahmaloka. This path is Devayana (path of gods).
5.10.3: On the other hand, those who live in the village and perform acts of public service, charity, and so on, attain the world of smoke. From there they go to the world of the night; from night they go to the world of the dark fortnight; and from the dark fortnight they go to the world of the six months when the Sun moves to the south. This means that they never attain the world of the year.
5.10.4: From the six months of the southern solstice, they go to the world of the ancestors, from there they go to the sky. Then from the sky they go to the moon. This is King Soma. This is the food of the gods. The gods enjoy eating this food.
5.10.5-6: Living in the world of the moon until the merit (the fruits of his work) is exhausted, he then returns to this world along the same path. First going to the sky, he then goes to air. Having become air, he next becomes smoke. Having become smoke, he then becomes mist. From mist they become a cloud, after which they pour forth as rain. Then they are born as food. To emerge from these is difficult, only if someone or other eats him as food and pours him out as semen can he be reborn. [ Those who eat these things produce children just like themselves]
5.10.7: Those whose conduct on Earth has given pleasure, can hope to enter a pleasant womb; but those whose conduct has been foul can expect to enter a foul and stinking womb.
5.10.8: But those small and continually returning creatures (like flies and worms) are not to be found on either of these two paths: theirs is a third condition, ” Be born and die” That is why the world up there is not filled up, and that is why a man should carefully watch his actions. On this there is the following verse:
This completes the answers to the five questions.
5.10.9: A person who steals gold, or drinks liquor, or goes to bed with his master’s wife, or kills a Brahmin-these four are lost. Also lost is the fifth- one who keeps company with such people.
5.10.10: But he who knows the five fires remains pure even if he is in the company of these people. He who knows this is pure and innocent, and after death he goes to the world of the good and pure.
The Celestial Region, the Atmosphere, the Earth, Man and Woman- These are the five stages of the Fire which becomes the object of meditation known as the Panchagni Vidya.
By the interconnection, combination and harmonious adjustment of the structure of these five levels of manifestation, birth takes place. This symbiology of Birth is applicable for all organisms in the world. This is theory of manifestation. Every event is Universal event, even the birth of a human. Every birth is to be considered in the light of Panchagni Vidya.
The whole point of this description in the context of the Panchagni Vidya is to describe us how the event of Births happens? What are the stages of the descent of the soul into the physical embodiment? It has to be understood through philosophical point of view. The point made out is that higher realms are activated by the consequences produced by our actions, in turn which become causes of our descent.
Two paths are laid before the soul after death. One is Devayana, the Northern path. It is for those who sought Wisdom. The other is Southern Path~ Pitriyana.
A Single autonomous Process:
Universe and its various constituents are only parts of it, internally connected. The whole universal manifestation is a single process, and it is a continuous process. The process of Births and Deaths are to be explained from this point of view, where all phenomenal experiences are part of this single autonomous process and are connected to ultimate cause. There is some law which works in some particular manner on account of which we are compelled to follow this course of repeated cycle of Births and Deaths, known as transmigration.
The whole universe is our father; the entire universe is our mother:
When the secret is known, no one will say, ” It is my son or my daughter.” It is neither yours neither mine. It belongs to that from where it has come.
Conclusion:
Connected Universe:
Readers are requested to study further on the following topics/websites.

Recommended readings:
- Back to the Truth: 5000 years of ADVAITA by Dennis Waite. **
- THE TEN PRINCIPAL UPANISHADS: Translated by Shree Purohit** Swami and W.B.Yeats
- Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Sankaracharya: Translated by Swami Gambhirananda.**
- Commentary of ChAndogya Upanishad: By Swami Krishnananda.
- ChAndogya Upanishad: By Swami GuruBhaktananda.
- EIGHT UPANISADS -VOL-1 with commentary of Sankaracharya, Translated by SWAMI GAMBHIRANANDA.
- THE TAITTIRIYA UPANISHAD: SHIKSHAVALLI-ANANDAVALLI-BHRIGUVALLI with Sri Shankara’s Commentary By Sri Swami Satchidanandera Saraswati.
- A-U-M Awakening to Reality: By Dennis Waite***
- Panchadasi: Swami Vidyaranya:
- Information available on internet.
It’s so deep, but interesting and informative. I liked the concept of Panchagni and five liquid ablations.
Thank you so much Kaushal ji for your comments 😊
I am happy to know that it was interesting and informative too.
I personally feel that this section (panchagni vidya) is not only philosophical but fully scientific. From the viewpoint of quantum physics and quantum biology, the concept could be well understood. I am thankful for your inspiring comments.
My best regards 😊🙏
You’re more than welcome 😊 my regards to you 🙏
🙏❤️😊🙏
Beautiful explanation of our lives
Thank you so much for your beautiful comments.
My best regards to you Roy Sir 😊🙏
Sir, whenever I come across resemblance on upanishads verses it amazes me of its interconnection. The five liquid oblations made me to remember this verse of Taittriya Upanishad:- Akashat Vayuhu, Vayur Agnihi, Agnir Apaha, Adyah Pruthivi, Pruthivya Oshadhayaha, Oshadhayo Annam, Annaath Purushaha. Your details on the process of birth and their existence invoke self inquiry interest. Is pitriyana and pitru yagna same? I wonder what is the significance of shukla paksha in here? Like how moon does not have recognition on its own but borrows from the sun same applies to the universe as a whole. I believe that temple abodes are fueled by the collective prayers of humans which gives the desired effect. Thank you for this elaborated explanation and happy to receive its hidden wisdom.
Soon I will reply with elaboration.
Thank you so much for your comments with most important points and reference of Taittiriya Upanishad.
I remember what you quoted.
God bless you and give you more vedantic knowledge.
Regards 🙏🙏
I think pitriyana and pitru yagna are different. Pitru yagna is one kind of ritual.
Pitriyana is a path of jiva after leaving this body. Pitru loka is another dimension (loka) below Brahmaloka. Karmic accounts balance decide the path like Devayana or Pitriyana etc.
Finally you will see in the sixth chapter of Chandagyo Upanishad *tat tvam asi* . That is the main concept. Knowledge and beyond karma. You know that very well.
However we must follow the guidelines as described in the ancient Texts. And let us forget the fruits of action. Let us focus on liberation.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts in this context.
I am learning and sharing. Learning and sharing.
Best wishes 😊
ARUN
Sir, that is so true about the karmic accounts. It is always fascinating to read the karma theory and it’s scope. I have come across pitruloka and pitruyagna but this is the first time to have known about pitriyana. Interesting information and thanks for sharing this to us. 🙏
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, your comments.
Together we can build up our knowledge more.
I am truly thankful for this.
Always stay blessed. 🙏🙏
Arun Ji. This is very precious. And utmost important for us to not just know but share just as much you are doing. Thank you for this. Even though i had some idea about it but your detailed narrative made it all come alive with its essence. Thank you again.
Narayan x
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.
Please feel free to give me suggestions for improvement. My intention is to reach out to the world with the peace message.
I know you are very busy.
However, I get enough support from you. Your kind words are very powerful for me. Inspire me.
That is why I need feedback from all corners.
My best regards Sir.
Stay blessed 🙏
Very well received Arun Ji. I feel on this journey, we ought to keep finishing our task and a time comes when it gets used by the forces of nature at the right time.
It is important that you amongst all of us, are compiling such jewels which makes a difference the moment readers lend their eyes to them.
Thank you
Narayan x
Thank you so much for your encouraging comments. We are all trying to get a peaceful society. Let’s hope there will be a peaceful World ☺️🙏
Pleasure Arun ji
Regards 😊🙏🙏
Excellently elaborated the essence ,
So nicely explained ,
my personal experience when I tried to read upanishad ,I found it needs lot of devotion and understanding ,and of course time,
Thank you so much for sharing ,
Very informative and enlightening post👌💐💐💐💐
Thank you so much my dear child Reena. I am very happy to know that you have interest in Upanishad (Vedanta philosophy). Indeed, the Texts from Upanishad gives us direction to find the Reality, the ultimate truth. After knowing that, all kinds of suffering vanishes. It is not magic. It is logic. It is purely scientific.
Thanks again.
God bless you.
Inspiring words👌💕
Thank you for this article share. Again I have learnt something about life and put a few things into perspective under my eyes. Its interesting the young boy didn’t know everything as earlier thought and the fires elaboration is so clear. Thank you again.
Thank you so much my dear friend that it was a nice story and you learnt something from it.
These stories are all for great teachings.
I have just published my latest blog on my journey through books 📚
Please find time to have a glance.
You will like it.
Regards 😊🙏❤️
Welcome dear friend. Yes, I did. I will definitely read it. 🙂
🤗😊🙏
Very Nicely Explained. Very truly,I heard Upanishads ‘Part ‘ ‘Part ‘ only by Different Writers.
I’m very Lucky to get touch A learned Person like You,He who bear Knowledge in Modern Science as well as in Sanatana Dharma .Thanks Bandhu. Jay Shri Krishna 🙏
Thank you so much my dear friend for your lovely and encouraging words.
We will learn more about Vedanta.
God bless you and your family 👍😊🙏❤️
Read mine
It is really important to have this knowledge of five fires. Well written and good explanation. Thank you for sharing this with us. 😊🙏🙏