Rig Veda · 199 of 1027
Mandala 2: HYMN VIII.Agni.
1.Now praise, as one who strives for strength, the harnessing of Agni’s car, The liberal, the most splendid One;
2.Who, guiding worshippers aright, withers, untouched by age, the foe: When worshipped fair to look upon;
3.Who for his glory is extolled at eve and morning in our homes, Whose statute is inviolate;
4.Who shines refulgent like the Sun, with brilliance and with fiery flame, Decked with imperishable sheen.
5.Him Atri, Agni, have our songs Strengthened according to his sway: All glories hath he made his own.
6.May we with Agni’s, Indra’s help, with Soma’s, yea, of all the Gods, Uninjured dwell together still, and conquer those who fight with us.
Asked of Guide
Why does this hymn keep calling Agni both a god and a household presence?
The hymn portrays Agni as a cosmic power and the home’s sacred guest by naming him “the liberal, the most splendid One” and praising his rites “at eve and morning in our homes.” Agni’s dual role appears as his function: he guides worshippers, kindles sacrifice, and secures the household while also taking honors and “glories” among the gods.
This merging of domestic and divine echoes how the Rig Veda treats ritual presence as the world’s operating principle; compare the Rig Veda’s other hymns to Agni where he is the priestly mediator and cosmic flame. The verse asks for Agni’s, Indra’s and Soma’s help to protect and strengthen the community.
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