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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 239 of 1027

Mandala 3: HYMN V. Agni.

1.AGNI who shines against the Dawns is wakened. The holy Singer who precedes the sages. With far-spread lustre, kindled by the pious, the Priest hath thrown both gates of darkness open.

2.Agni hath waxen mighty by laudations, to be adored with hymns of those who praise him. Loving the varied shows of holy Order at the first flush of dawn he shines as envoy.

3.Amid men’s homes hath Agni been established, fulfilling with the Law, Friend, germ of waters. Loved and adored, the height he hath ascended, the Singer, object of our invocations.

4.Agni is Mitra when enkindled duly, Mitra as Priest, Varuṇa, Jātavedas; Mitra as active minister, and House-Friend, Mitra of flowing rivers and of mountains.

5.The Earth’s, the Bird’s dear lofty place he guardeth, he guardeth in his might the course of Sūrya, Guardeth the Seven-headed in the centre, guardeth sublime the Deities enjoyment.

6.The skilful God who knows all forms of knowledge made for himself a fair form, meet for worship. This Agni guards with care that never ceases the Soma’s skin, the Bird’s place rich in fatness.

7.Agni hath entered longingly the longing shrine rich with fatness, giving easy access. Resplendent, pure, sublime and purifying, again, again he renovates his Mothers.

8.Born suddenly, by plants he grew to greatness, when tender shoots with holy oil increased him, Like waters lovely when they hasten downward may Agni in his Parents’ lap protect us.

9.Extolled, the Strong shone forth with kindled fuel to the earth’s centre, to the height of heaven. May Agni, Friend, adorable Mātariśvan, as envoy bring the Gods unto our worship.

10.Best of all luminaries lofty Agni supported with his flame the height of heaven, When, far from Bhṛgus, Mātariśvan kindled the oblation-bearer where he lay in secret.

11.As holy food, Agni to thine invoker give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in marvels. To us be born a son and spreading offspring. Agni, be this thy gracious will to us-word.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn call Agni both Priest and envoy and list so many roles for him?

The hymn shows Agni as the visible link between humans and gods: he is the Priest who carries offerings, the envoy who brings the Deities to worship, and the household guardian who ‘‘guardeth… the Deities’ enjoyment.’’ Those overlapping titles describe functions—mediator, protector, nourisher—so Agni is every office needed for ritual life and cosmic order.

This chapter’s layering of names echoes how Vedic poets compress theology into action, as when it calls him ‘‘Mātariśvan’’ and ‘‘Jātavedas’’ while describing Agni’s lighting of oblations and renewal of ‘‘his Mothers.’’ For a parallel, read Hymn I.1 where Agni’s igniting of worship similarly makes him the central operative force between stars, sacrifice, and human well‑being.

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.