A dhuni is (according to the dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc.) a sacred site represented as a cleft in the ground. This cleft is emblematic of the yoni or female vulva and generative organ. A dhuni therefore represents a site of worship dedicated to Shakti.

A dhuni is worshipped by spiritual intention and the kindling of a flame inside it. Suitable materials are offered to the dhuni and consumed by the heat or flame. This represents the eternal process of change and transformation on all levels of existence.



"Like a river, a dhuni is always changing. Each dhuni also has its own personality that is as much subject to moods as a person. The glow of the dhuni is both a receiver and a transmitter, and like a screen on which Rorschach-like images are projected, it delivers a code".[1]
As the yoni is the nexus from which all manifest beings come into this world, the worship of the dhuni represents a sacred nexus for the path of return from the physical to spiritual level. This is an intentional process of inversion or return to our spiritual source. The dhuni is a sacred site and focal point for this form of spiritual exertion or sadhana.



Shirdi Sai Baba is certainly the most influential modern Supersoul to tend the Dhuni which he kept lit at that place until 15/10/18 when he moved on. It is said that the same fire has been kept burning by Hindu devotees who were familiar with the notion of Agnihotri or Worship by offering fire. Much of the popularity of Joss sticks from India is due to this ancient tradition and this may have roots in the ceremonies referred to in the Mahabharata and also in the Ramayana.

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A flame still burns at the Samadhi- Mandir although this may not be at the original site. It may be interesting to note that this Mandir is almost certainly the focal point for the largest new growth of Worship on the planet Earth.