Rig Veda · 370 of 1027
Mandala 5: HYMN XVI. Agni.
1.GREAT power is in the beam of light, sing praise to, Agni, to the God Whom men have set in foremost place like Mitra with their eulogies.
2.He by the splendour of his arms is Priest of every able man. Agni conveys oblation straight, and deals, as Bhaga deals, his boons.
3.All rests upon the laud and love of him the rich, high-flaming God, On whom, loud-roaring, men have laid great strength as on a faithful friend.
4.So, Agni, be the Friend of these with liberal gift of hero strength. Yea, Heaven and Earth have not surpassed this Youthful One in glorious fame.
5.O Agni, quickly come to us, and, glorified, bring precious wealth. So we and these our princes will assemble for the good of all. Be near in fight to prosper us.
Asked of Guide
Why does this hymn call Agni a Friend and Priest to men?
The hymn shows Agni as mediator: “Priest of every able man” who “conveys oblation straight,” carrying offerings and divine boons to gods and back to people. Agni’s role as Friend follows from that service and protection—he is “high-flaming,” “loud-roaring,” and grants “hero strength” and wealth to those who praise him.
This chapter places communal reliance on Agni’s agency; praise and worship make him present and beneficial, so worshippers ask him to “be the Friend of these” and “be near in fight to prosper us.” The portrayal echoes later vedic themes in the Bhagavad Gita where divine agents respond to devotion and duty.
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