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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 858 of 1027

Mandala 10: HYMN XXI. Agni.

1.WITH offerings of our own we choose thee, Agni, as Invoking Priest, For sacrifice with trimmed grass,—at your glad carouse-piercing and brightly shining. Thou art waxing great.

2.The wealthy ones adorn thee, they who bring us horses as their gift: The sprinkling ladle, Agni,—at your glad carouse -and glowing offering taste thee. Thou art waxing great.

3.The holy statutes rest by thee, as ’twere with ladles that o’erflow. Black and white-gleaming colours,—at your glad carouse-all glories thou assurnest. Thou art waxing great.

4.O Agni, what thou deemest wealth, Victorious and Immortal One! Bring thou to give us vigour,—at your glad carouse -splendid at sacrifices. Thou art waxing great.

5.Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan brought to life. He was Vivasvān’s envoy, at your glad carouse-the weIl-loved friend of Yama, Thou art waxing great.

6.At sacrifices they adore thee, Agni, when the rite proceeds. All fair and lovely treasures-at your glad carouse-thou givest him who offers. Thou art waxing great.

7.Men, Agni, have established thee as welcome Priest at holy rites, Thee whose face shines with butter,—at your glad carouse-bright, with eyes most observant. Thou art waxing great.

8.Wide and aloft thou spreadest thee, O Agni, with thy brilliant flame. A Bull art thou when bellowing,—at your glad carouse-thou dost impregn the Sisters. Thou art waxing great.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn repeat “at your glad carouse” so often for Agni?

The phrase “at your glad carouse” frames Agni as the celebrant and center of sacrificial ritual; the hymn lists gifts, powers, and roles while returning to that celebratory image. Each repetition ties Agni’s functions—Invoking Priest, giver of treasures, friend of Yama—to the communal feast where offerings and flame unite the worshippers.

This use of refrain shapes a liturgical rhythm that makes theological claims memorable and performative, turning description into participation. The technique matches other Vedic hymns that use repeated lines to anchor ritual action, as seen in Mandala 1’s recurring refrains that unite hymn and rite.

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