Rig Veda · 311 of 1027
Mandala 4: HYMN XV. Agni.
1.AGNI the Herald, like a horse, is led forth at our solemn rite, God among Gods adorable.
2.Three times unto our solemn rite comes Agni like a charioteer, Bearing the viands to the Gods.
3.Round the oblations hath he paced, Agni the Wise, the Lord of Strength, Giving the offerer precious boons.
4.He who is kindled eastward for Sṛñjaya, Devāvata’s son, Resplendent, tamer of the foe.
5.So mighty be the Agni whom the mortal hero shall command, With sharpened teeth and bountiful.
6.Day after day they dress him, as they clean a horse who wins the prize. Dress the red Scion of the Sky.
7.When Sahadeva’s princely son with two bay horses thought of me, Summoned by him I drew not back.
8.And truly those two noble bays I straightway took when offered me, From Sahadeva’s princely son.
9.Long, O ye Aśvins, may he live, your care, ye Gods, the princely son. Of Sahadeva, Somaka.
10.Cause him the youthful prince, the son of Sahadeva, to enjoy Long life, O Aśvins, O ye Gods.
Asked of Guide
Why does this hymn keep calling Agni a horse and mentioning horses so much?
The hymn uses the horse image because Agni functions as the ritual vehicle that carries offerings to the gods; calling him a horse or charioteer makes his role visible: “Bearing the viands to the Gods” and being “led forth at our solemn rite.” The simile links the sacrificial hearth to a prize-winning, carefully tended steed—cleaned and dressed—so the ritual’s care and speed in conveying gifts is dramatized.
The repeated horse language also connects Agni to royal patronage and protection for the sacrificer: the poem names Sahadeva and his son, invokes the Aśvins to grant long life, and says Agni was “summoned by him I drew not back.” This merges public honor, divine service, and the success of the ritual in one image, similar to how the Atharva Veda frames deities through everyday metaphors.
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.