BRIEF REVIEW OF AGNI AND ITS ROLE IN BODY FUNCTIONS W.S.R TO AYURVEDIC FUNDAMENTAL

Agni is the invariable agent in the process of Paka (digestion, transformation). Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated, which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life, and is performed by the Agni. Different examples are available in our classics to indicate that Pitta is the same as Agni, but some doubt arises behind this concept, that Pitta is Agni. Agni is innumerable because of its presence in each and every Paramanu of the body. Consumption of food may be various forms i.e. eatables, beverages, linctus (licked) andmasticable foods, which is wholesome if consumed in suitable quantity and free from contamination. These substances undergo metabolic transformation by the effect of Jatharagni, Bhutagniand Dhatvagni.During its normalcy it is responsible for longevity,complexion, strength, health, enthusiasm, well built, luster, immunity (Ojas), temperature, other Agni’s (Bhutagni and Dhatvagni) and other vital functions all are dependent on Jathargni. Therefore, healthy state of body and diseased condition is entirely dependent on status of Agni.