Rig Veda · 146 of 1027
Mandala 1: HYMN CXLVI. Agni.
1.I LAUD the seven-rayed, the triple-headed, Agni all-perfect in his Parents’ bosom, Sunk in the lap of all that moves and moves not, him who hath filled all luminous realms of heaven.
2.As a great Steer he grew to these his Parents; sublime he stands, untouched by eld, far-reaching. He plants his footsteps on the lofty ridges of the broad earth: his red flames lick the udder.
3.Coming together to their common youngling both Cows, fairshaped, spread forth in all directions, Measuring out the paths that must be travelled, entrusting all desires to him the Mighty.
4.The prudent sages lead him to his dwelling, guarding with varied skill the Ever-Youthful. Longing, they turned their eyes unto the River: to these the Sun of men was manifested.
5.Born noble in the regions, aim of all mens’ eyes to be implored for life by great and small alike, Far as the Wealthy One hath spread himself abroad, he is the Sire all-visible of this progeny.
Asked of Guide
Why is Agni described as a calf and connected to two cows here?
The hymn portrays Agni as the household fire reborn as a divine calf, and the two cows are his Parents who “spread forth in all directions” to bring him forth. This image links domestic ritual fire to cosmic fertility: the cows measure out paths and entrust “all desires to him the Mighty,” making Agni the receiver and distributor of offerings.
The calf metaphor emphasizes growth and proximity—Agni “sunk in the lap of all that moves and moves not” and “plants his footsteps on the lofty ridges of the broad earth.” For a comparative note, read the Kumarasambhava’s birthing images or the way the Rigveda elsewhere treats Agni as both priest and sacrificial heir, who carries human pleas into the visible world.
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