Rig Veda · 75 of 1027
Mandala 1: HYMN LXXV. Agni.
1.ACCEPT our loudest-sounding hymn, food most delightful to the Gods, Pouring our offerings in thy mouth.
2.Now, Agni, will we say to thee, O wisest and best Aṅgiras, Our precious, much-availing prayer.
3.Who, Agni, is thy kin, of men? who is thy worthy worshipper? On whom dependent? who art thou?
4.The kinsman, Agni, of mankind, their well beloved Friend art thou, A Friend whom friends may supplicate.
5.Bring to us Mitra, Varuṇa, bring the Gods to mighty sacrifice. Bring them, O Agni, to thine home.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn call Agni both 'kinsman of mankind' and 'wisest Aṅgiras'?
The hymn names Agni “kinsman of mankind” to show his intimate role: he accepts offerings, acts as a Friend, and links humans to gods by carrying their prayers. Calling him “wisest Aṅgiras” praises his priestly, illuminating function and situates him within the rishi lineage that embodies sacred knowledge.
The poem asks Agni to “Bring to us Mitra, Varuṇa,” which records his mediating power between human ritual and divine presence. This portrayal matches what Max Müller highlights in his translations about Agni as both domestic hearth and cosmic priest who unites worlds through sacrifice.
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