Elemental Composition Of Vedic Ritual Ashes With Emphasis On Gayatri Mahayagya Ash: Effects On Soil Physicochemical Properties And Microbial Populations

Abstract

Hawan (Yagya) rituals, practiced in Vedic traditions, leave behind large quantities of ash as a by-product of burning wood and medicinal herbs. In this study, the elemental composition of ash from three rituals Gayatri Mahayagya, Maha Vishnuyag, and Navchandi Yagya was analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The results showed high concentrations of calcium and potassium, with moderate phosphorus and several trace elements, while heavy metals were found in very low amounts, indicating environmental safety for soil application. Among these, Gayatri Mahayagya ash was selected for soil incubation studies because the ritual is performed daily and frequently on a large scale, making its ash more widely available than other types. Fifteen treatments (0–30% w/w) were applied to uncultivated soil, and physicochemical and biological properties were assessed before and after incubation. Moderate incorporation (≈10–16%) enhanced nutrient availability (N, P, K, organic carbon, micronutrients), increased pH towards alkalinity, and supported higher microbial populations, particularly bacteria and actinomycetes. These findings demonstrate that Gayatri Mahayagya ash functions as a safe and nutrient-rich soil amendment, offering a practical way to recycle ritual by-products into agriculture.