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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 308 of 1027

Mandala 4: HYMN XII. Agni.

1.WHOSO enkindles thee, with lifted ladle, and thrice this day offers thee food, O Agni, May he excel, triumphant through thy splendours, wise through thy mental power, O Jātavedas.

2.Whoso with toil and trouble brings thee fuel, serving the majesty of mighty Agni, He, kindling thee at evening and at morning, prospers, and comes to wealth, and slays his foemen.

3.Agni is Master of sublime dominion, Agni is Lord of strength and lofty riches. Straightway the self-reliant God, Most Youthful, gives treasures to the mortal who adores him.

4.Most Youthful God, whatever sin, through folly, we here, as human beings, have committed, In sight of Aditi make thou us sinless remit, entirely, Agni, our offences.

5.Even in the presence of great sin, O Agni, free us from prison of the Gods or mortals. Never may we who are thy friends be injured: grant health and strength unto our seed and offspring.

6.Even as ye here, Gods Excellent and Holy, have loosed the cow that by the foot was tethered, So also set us free from this affliction long let our life, O Agni, be extended.

Asked of Guide

Why do the hymns ask Agni to free worshipers from sin and bondage?

The hymn treats Agni as an active, mediating power who bestows wealth, health, and liberation when duly served: “Most Youthful God…gives treasures” and “free us from prison.” Agni’s ritual role makes him guardian and liberator whose favor transforms the petitioner’s social and spiritual fortunes.

This chapter links sacrifice to tangible outcomes — prosperity, offspring, release from wrongdoing — by addressing Agni as Jātavedas and a deity who can “remit, entirely, our offences.” That practical theology resembles the emphasis in the Gṛhya-sūtras on sacrificial acts producing concrete household benefits.

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.