agni hotra (thing)

In the various sects of Hinduism, the agni-hotra, or "fire ceremony", remains a major keystone in rites of passage. At times such as first intiation (diksha), marriage, etc., whilst in the temple, a priest (pujari) will chant mantras, pouring ladles of ghee into a sacrificial fire, whilst the followers do the same. Karma, it is said, is like a seed or grain that will later fructify into activity. The act of throwing grains in the ceremonial fire symbolises the burning off of one's karma in the fire of knowledge (vidya) and devotion (bhakti).