Rig Veda · 197 of 1027
Mandala 2: HYMN VI. Agni.
1.AGNI, accept this flaming brand, this waiting with my prayer on thee: Hear graciously these songs of praise.
2.With this hymn let us honour thee, seeker of horses, Son of Strength, With this fair hymn, thou nobly born.
3.As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth-lover, giver of our wealth! With reverence let us worship thee.
4.Be thou for us a liberal Prince, giver and Lord of precious things. Drive those who hate us far away.
5.Such as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which no man may resist: Give food exceeding plentiful.
6.To him who lauds thee, craving help, most youthful envoy! through our song, Most holy Herald! come thou nigh.
7.Between both races, Agni, Sage, well skilled thou passest to and fro, As envoy friendly to mankind.
8.Befriend us thou as knowing all. Sage, duly worship thou the Gods, And seat thee on this sacred grass.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn call Agni an envoy between gods and humans?
The hymn names Agni “Sage” and “most youthful envoy,” because he physically carries offerings from humans to the gods and brings back divine blessing; verses 6–7 present him “through our song” and “passest to and fro” as the bridge in sacrificial exchange. The poet treats Agni as intimate with both realms—“befriend us thou as knowing all”—so his role is relational, a trusted intermediary who makes worship effective.
This chapter places weight on Agni’s gifts: rain, strength, food, and protection (verses 4–5), which explains why the ritual summons an envoy rather than a distant deity. Compare the same functional mediator in the Bhagavad Gita where Krishna acts to restore right order; here Agni’s mediation restores prosperity and safety through the sacrificial bond.
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