Source: Hinduism Today Press Release
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, February 10, 2001: On receiving complaints from the public and religious organizations regarding the wrong practice of “agni hotra,” the Malaysia Hindu Sangam wrote to the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Peetham in Tamil Nadu, South India for advice. His Holiness, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, replied, “Agni hotra should not be done by everybody. There are lots of achara anusthana, rules and regulations. If everybody does it as they like, it will end up with ill effects. Therefore, the Hindu Sangam should make an effort to stop it”. A copy of the letter from Sri Jayendra was published by Sangam president A.Vaithilingam. The Sangam’s Hindu Religious Advisory Council advised the public that only those who are well versed with the knowledge of the rules and regulations and who have their guru’s initiation should do the agni hotra. A simplified version of the agni hotra, or fire worship ceremony, has been promoted in Malaysia and other parts of the world in recent years as something which could be done by anyone, regardless of training or initiation.