By IANS,
Thiruvananthapuram : The organisers of Athirathram 2011, a 4,000 year-old vedic ritual, Friday announced that for the first time, a team of scientists will study the impact of the historic Yagna (fire) ritual on the environment and people.
The team of scientists will be led by V.P.M. Namboodiri, former director of the International School of Photonics, CUSAT, Kerala.
The study will analyse the psychological and physiological impact of the fire ritual on human beings and its impact on the atmosphere, soil and its micro-organisms.
Athirathram is considered as the ultimate invocation of vedic scriptures for universal harmony. It will be held at Panjal, a village in Thrissur district, from April 4 to April 15.
Athirathram is returning to Panjal after a gap of 35 years.
Spokespersons of Athirathram 2011, M. Krishnakumar, told reporters that the study was a pioneering effort to record the effects of the Yagna in a modern manner to endorse the belief in the ritual’s benefits to the society.
“From time immemorial, there has been an enduring belief in Athirathram as a ritual that benefits the community and the environment. The study will seek to further ascertain this belief which will help us understand the depth and scientific rationale of Athirathram and other ancient Indian rituals,” said Krishnakumar.
“We expect a large number of visitors for Athirathram 2011 and the turnout will run into lakhs. One of the significant visitors will be Frits Staal, the celebrated Vedic scholar,” said Krishnakumar.
It is widely believed that childless couples get blessed with children after consuming a sacred potion, Soumyam, on the 11th day of the fire ritual.
Athirathram, which will be held at the Lakshminarayana temple this year, has been positioned as an egalitarian exercise offering a rare opportunity for people from all walks of life to take part and share the benefits of the fire ritual.