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In Ayurveda the concept of Agni and ahara paka (Metabolic transformation) provides an extensive field of research in the present day. Ingested food is to be digested, absorbed and assimilated, which is unavoidable for the maintenance of life, and is performed by the Agni. . Agni has got similar function to that of pitta in aspects of digestion and metabolism. JatharAgni Paka (Gastro intestinal digestion) is described as Avasthapaka in Ayurveda. JatharAgni plays a key role in digestion of food-stuffs composed of the five basic elements and transforms it for utilization by the respective tissues . About the importance of Agni, Acharya Charak has mentioned that after stoppage of the function of Agni, the individual dies, and when the Agni of an individual is sama, then that person would be absolutely healthy and would lead a long, happy, healthy life. But, if the Agni of a person is vitiated, the whole metabolism in his body would be disturbed, resulting in ill health and disease. Hence, Agni is said to be the base (mool) of life.