Listen

Dhammapada · narration sample

A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.

Rig Veda · 45 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN XLV. Agni.

1.WORSHIP the Vasus, Agni! here, the Rudras, the Ādityas, all Who spring from Manu, those who know fair rites, who pour their blessings down.

2.Agni, the Gods who understand give ear unto the worshipper: Lord of Red Steeds, who lovest song, bring thou those Three-and-Thirty Gods.

3.O Jātavedas, great in act, hearken thou to Praskaṇva’s call, As Priyamedha erst was heard, Atri, Virūpa, Aṅgiras.

4.The sons of Priyamedha skilled in lofty praise have called for help On Agni who with fulgent flame is Ruler of all holy rites.

5.Hear thou, invoked with holy oil, bountiful giver of rewards, These eulogies, whereby the sons of Kaṇva call thee to their aid.

6.O Agni, loved by many, thou of fame most wondrous, in their homes Men call on thee whose hair is flame, to be the bearer of their gifts.

7.Thee, Agni, best to find out wealth, most widely famous, quick to hear, Singers have stablished in their rites Herald and ministering Priest.

8.Singers with Soma pressed have made thee, Agni, hasten to the feast, Great light to mortal worshipper, what time they bring the sacred gift.

9.Good, bounteous, Son of Strength, this day seat here on sacred grass the Gods Who come at early morn, the host of heaven, to drink the Soma juice

10.Bring with joint invocations thou, O Agni, the celestial host: Here stands the Soma, bounteous Gods drink this expressed ere yesterday.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn keep asking Agni to bring the 'Three-and-Thirty Gods'?

The hymn asks Agni to bring the “Three-and-Thirty Gods” because Agni functions as the ritual mediator who summons the entire divine assembly to the sacrifice. Lines 2 and 9 call him “Lord of Red Steeds” and seat the gods “on sacred grass,” portraying Agni as the priestly courier who conveys offerings and invites the celestial host to drink Soma.

This chant treats Agni as both flame and officiant—“Herald and ministering Priest” (line 7)—so invoking him secures presence and participation of all deities. That practical role matches what the Brihadaranyaka and other Vedic texts describe: Agni makes the sacrifice effective by bringing gods into the ritual space.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.