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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 248 of 1027

Mandala 3: HYMN XIV. Agni.

1.THE pleasant Priest is come into the synod, true, skilled in sacrifice, most wise, Ordainer. Agni, the Son of Strength, whose car is lightning, whose hair is flame, hath shown on earth his lustre.

2.To thee I offer reverent speech: accept it: to thee who markest it, victorious, faithful! Bring, thou who knowest, those who know, and seat thee amid the sacred grass, for help, O Holy.

3.The Two who show their vigour, Night and Morning, by the wind’s paths shall haste to thee O Agni. When men adorn the Ancient with oblations, these seek, as on two chariot-seats, the dwelling.

4.To thee, strong Agni! Varuṇa and Mitra and all the Maruts sang a song of triumph, What time unto the people’s lands thou camest, spreading them as the Sun of men, with lustre.

5.Approaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this day fulfilled for thee thy longing. Worship the Gods with most devoted spirit, a Priest with no unfriendly thought, O Agni.

6.For, Son of Strength, from thee come many succours, and powers abundant that a God possesses. Agni, to us with speech that hath no falsehood grant riches, real, to be told in thousands.

7.Whatever, God, in sacrifice we mortals have wrought is all for thee, strong, wise of purpose! Be thou the Friend of each good chariot’s master. All this enjoy thou here, immortal Agni.

Asked of Guide

Why do they call Agni a 'Priest' and also 'Son of Strength' in this hymn?

The hymn treats Agni as the living ritual center: calling him “the pleasant Priest” names him the officiant who receives sacrifice and mediates between humans and gods. Calling him “Son of Strength” and describing his car as lightning and “hair is flame” locates that priestly role in power and presence — Agni’s action is both liturgical and energetic.

The singers ask Agni to “seat thee amid the sacred grass” and to bring “those who know,” which shows they expect him to convene gods and grant blessings by his authority. This double identity — officiant and divine power — matches how later texts like the Upanishads treat Agni as both ritual priest and inner flame, a bridge between outer ritual and inner knowledge.

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