Abstract

Gajanan Sopanrao Wayal*, Jyotsna Gulhane and Dharamchand Ratanlal Gupta

ABSTRACT

Agni is the essential driving force behind the process of digestion and transformation within the body. The food we eat needs to be digested, absorbed and assimilated in order to maintain life and all this mechanism is controlled by Agni. Classical Ayurvedic texts tend to identify Pitta with Agni which is said to be found in all Paramanu of the body and hence is innumerable. According to its functions and areas of action, Agni is divided into various categories including Jatharagni, Bhutagni and Dhatvagni. Jatharagni is the most important because it breaks down four forms of food and transforms it into Rasa and Mala. Agni plays a central role in the transformation of food and assimilation of consumed Aahar, in this context Jatharagni is most important particularly. This article analyzes physiological perspectives of Jatharagni.