Rig Veda · 377 of 1027
Mandala 5: HYMN XXIII. Agni.
1.By thy fair splendour’s mighty power, O Agni, bring victorious wealth, Wealth that o’ercometh all mankind, and, near us, conquereth in fight.
2.Victorious Agni, bring to us the wealth that vanquisheth in war; For thou art wonderful and true, giver of strength in herds of kine.
3.For all the folk with one accord, whose sacred grass is trimmed and strewn, Invite thee to their worship-halls, as a dear Priest, for choicest wealth.
4.For he, the God of all men, hath gotten him might that quelleth foes. O Agni, in these homes shine forth, bright God! for our prosperity, shine, Purifier! splendidly.
Asked of Guide
Why does this hymn keep asking Agni to bring wealth and victory repeatedly?
The hymn treats Agni as the community’s priest and warrior: “Invite thee to their worship-halls, as a dear Priest,” and as the divine power who “hath gotten him might that quelleth foes.” Repeating requests for wealth and victory is how the rishi links sacrifice to concrete goods—cattle, success in fight, and communal prosperity—by calling Agni into the household and the hall.
This chapter echoes themes found elsewhere in the Rig Veda where gods mediate worldly benefits; compare Mandala 1 hymns to Indra that likewise ask for “wealth that vanquisheth in war.” The repetition strengthens the petition and reminds the listeners that Agni’s presence guarantees both ritual correctness and tangible rewards.
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