Doing homam in open space

[Guest guest]

First I started homam when I was in US inside the house.

 

How ever, after moving back to India, to my current house, which had a terrace

for myself, I felt like doing homam in the morning in the open.

 

First day was fantastic, and with out problem. How ever, over the next few days,

the wind was blowing heavily and I could not keep the fire on for more than few

seconds.

 

Fool of me, I got upset and was cursing the air god. How ever, with some

persistant, I got better. Here are my learnings:

 

1. Initially, while praying to Ganesh before you start the fire, request him to

avoid any blockings

 

2. Keep 3 dry coconus pieces instead of 2.

 

3. Put a slightly bigger piece of camphor, and surrouse it with 2 pieces of dry

coconus (put vertically and not flat). This way, they block the air flow onto

camphor.

 

4. Leave a small gap on to your side, and ensure that the third peice is not

wide and insert into this gap. If this peice is wider, you will have to leave

more gap and air will blow easily through the gap.

 

5. Fire the camphor and be prepared to use your palms to block any air putting

the fire off. Initially, there will be heavy smoke as the inside portion of

verticle peices (which is white) will burn. Sooner, the outer side of the peices

will catch fire and then you can relax and remove your hands.

 

6. Keep few more pieces of coconus peices ready. Also have ghee ready for

liveral use. Beyond this, even a strong wind is likely to spare the fire.

 

7. Even after this if the fire goes off, don't get upset. It is not a bad omen

and simply start the fire again and continue from where you were. Feeling urge

to start all over again will eventually get you frustated.

 

Best regards,

Vijay