CONCEPT OF AGNI AND AHARA PAKA (METABOLIC TRANSFORMATION) IN AYURVEDA Goverdhanam Vani J. S. R. A. Prasad Dept. of Sanskrit Studies, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India INTRODUCTION The definitions from Vachaspatyam, Sabda kalpadruma, Unadikosha, Agni has been described as the one who carries everything, moves everywhere, which can metamorphoses substances, which can bring transformation in substances, assimilates, which gives and takes, which has the capacity to enter into minute channels, which burns, which glows etc. 1,2,3 . All these definitions of Agni clearly states that Agni is the important key factor for transformation. Agni is key factor in transformation of consumed ahara viharadi dravyas of vijatiya origin to sajatiya nature. Agni is derivative of tejas (fire) mahabhuta, it carries metabolic transformations in which the inherent feature is change. Agni is having 13 categories. Jatharagni (1 type) looks after the functions of food digestion and absorption. Bhutagni (5 types) turns all the vijatiya panchabhautika dravyas consumed to sajatiya panchabhautika dravyas, i.e. conversion of heterogonous to homogenous. Dhatvagni (7 types) performs Synthesis and breakdown of tissues. Metabolic transformations occur after consumption of food. That leads to formation of two parts, Prasada (essence) and kitta (excretory waste). The Doshas and Dhatus, etc., get nourished by Prasada part (nutrients). Kitta part (metabolic waste) is to be excreted from the body in different forms. In Ayurveda the concept of agni and ahara paka (Metabolic transformation) provides an extensive field of research in the present day. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To emphasize and discuss the Concept of Agni and ahara paka (Metabolic transformations) in Ayurvedic classical literature. Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091 ABSTRACT According to Ayurveda "Sarvam dravyam Panchabhautikam" i.e all creation arises out of five great elements known as mahabhutas. As per Ayurvedic theory, like all the universal matter our body is also formed by the panca mahabhutas. In this pancabautika sharira various paka (metabolic transformations) are going on continuously. Agni is a key factor in transformation of consumed ahara viharadi dravyas of vijatiya origin to sajatiya nature and converts the food consumed and produces energy. In these sequences, the term Agni comprehends various factors which participates and regulate the course of digestion and metabolism. The paper tries to validate this theory scientifically. Keywords: Agni, ahara paka, panchabhautika sharira, Digestion, Metabolism