Rig Veda · 382 of 1027
Mandala 5: HYMN XXVIII. Agni.
1.AGNI inflamed hath sent to heaven his lustre: he shines forth widely turning unto Morning. Eastward the ladle goes that brings all blessing, praising the Godswith homage and oblation.
2.Enkindled, thou art King of the immortal world: him who brings offerings thou attendest for his weal. He whom thou urgest on makes all possessions his: he sets before thee, Agni, gifts that guests may claim.
3.Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, O Agni, most excellent be thine effulgent splendours. Make easy to maintain our household lordship, and overcome the might of those who hate us.
4.Thy glory, Agni, I adore, kindled, exalted in thy strength. A Steer of brilliant splendour, thou art lighted well at sacred rites.
5.Agni, invoked and kindled, serve the Gods, thou skilled in sacrifice: For thou art bearer of our gifts.
6.Invoke and worship Agni while the sacrificial rite proceeds: For offering-bearer choose ye him.
Asked of Guide
Why does this hymn call Agni the 'offering-bearer' and praise his light so much?
The hymn names Agni the “offering-bearer” because he carries human gifts to the gods and so secures blessing: “For thou art bearer of our gifts.” It treats his light and splendour as active power—his flame makes households prosperous, grants “mighty bliss,” and defeats enemies by turning the ritual’s warmth into worldly advantage.
Praising Agni’s brightness anchors him as both mediator and ruler: he is “King of the immortal world” who attends those who give offerings, and the ladle moving eastward links his flame to cosmic order and Morning. This practical theology matches the rest of the Vedic sacrificial corpus, where ritual fire functions as messenger and guarantor of reciprocal favor (see other hymns in the Rig Veda).
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