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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 200 of 1027

Mandala 2: HYMN IX. Agni.

1.ACCUSTOMED to the Herald’s place, the Herald hath seated him, bright, splendid, passing mighty, Whose foresight keeps the Law from violation, excellent, pure-tongued, bringing thousands, Agni.

2.Envoy art thou, protector from the foeman, strong God, thou leadest us to higher blessings. Refulgent, be an ever-heedful keeper, Agni, for us and for our seed offspring.

3.May we adore thee in thy loftiest birthplace, and, with our praises, in thy lower station. The place whence thou issued forth I worship: to thee well kindled have they paid oblations.

4.Agni, best Priest, pay worship with oblation; quickly commend the gift to be presented; For thou art Lord of gathered wealth and treasure. of the bright song of praise thou art inventor.

5.The twofold opulence, O Wonder-Worker, of thee new-born each day never decreases. Enrich with food the man who lauds thee, Agni: make him the lord of wealth with noble offspring.

6.May he, benevolent with this fair aspect, best sacrificer, bring the Gods to bless us. Sure guardian, our protector from the foemen, shine, Agni, with thine affluence and splendour.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Agni both 'Herald' and 'best Priest'?

The hymn portrays Agni as the community’s intermediary: “Envoy” and “Herald” describe his role carrying offerings and messages between worshippers and the gods, keeping the Law with “foresight” and bringing “thousands.” Those lines present Agni as the visible channel through which blessings and wealth flow to a householder.

Calling Agni “best Priest” names his ritual function—he receives oblations and “commend[s] the gift to be presented,” acting like a priest who consecrates offerings so the gods will bless people with “opulence” and “noble offspring.” This dual language—public messenger and ritual officiant—matches how the Rig Veda treats Agni elsewhere, as in Mandala 1 where he is both divine guest and sacrificial medium.

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