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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 195 of 1027

Mandala 2: HYMN IV Agni.

1.FOR you I call the glorious refulgent Agni, the guest of men, rich in oblations Whom all must strive to win even as a lover, God among godly people, Jātavedas.

2.Bhṛgus who served him in the home of waters set him of old in houses of the living. Over all worlds let Agni be the Sovran, the messenger of Gods with rapid coursers.

3.Among the tribes of men the Gods placed Agni as a dear Friend when they would dwell among them. Against the longing nights may he shine brightly, and show the offerer in the house his vigour.

4.Sweet is his growth as of one’s own possessions; his look when rushing fain to burn is lovely. He darts his tongue forth, like a harnessed courser who shakes his flowing tail, among the bushes.

5.Since they who honour me have praised my greatness,—he gave, as ’twere, his hue to those who love him. Known is he by his bright delightful splendour, and waxing old renews his youth for ever.

6.Like one athirst, he lighteth up the forests; like water down the chariot ways he roareth. On his black path he shines in burning beauty, marked as it were the heaven that smiles through vapour.

7.Around, consuming the broad earth, he wanders, free roaming like an ox without a herdsman,— Agni refulgent, burning up the bushes, with blackened lines, as though the earth he seasoned.

8.I, in remembrance of thine ancient favour have sung my hymn in this our third assembly. O Agni, give us wealth with store of heroes and mighty strength in food and noble offspring.

9.May the Gṛtsamadas, serving in secret, through thee, O Agni, overcome their neighbours, Rich in good heroes and subduing foemen. That vital power give thou to chiefs and singers.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Agni both a guest of men and the messenger of the gods?

The hymn describes Agni as “the guest of men” because he lives in human households where offerings are made; his presence at the fire binds domestic life to sacred action and makes him intimate with people. The same verses call him the “messenger of Gods” and “Jātavedas” because through those household rites Agni carries oblations and news upward, linking mortals to the divine and moving between worlds with “rapid coursers.”

This double role explains why praise of Agni promises worldly goods: the poet asks Agni to grant “wealth…heroes…and noble offspring” because the god, honored at the home-fire, acts on behalf of worshippers to influence divine favor. The hymn’s portrayal matches what H. H. Wilson and other translators note about Agni’s functions as sacrificial mediator in the Rig Veda.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.