Rig Veda · 455 of 1027
Mandala 6: HYMN XIV. Agni.
1.WHOSO to Agni hath endeared his thought and service by his hymns, That mortal cats before the rest, and finds sufficiency of food.
2.Agni, in truth, is passing wise, most skilled in ordering, a Seer. At sacrifices Manus’ sons glorify Agni as their Priest.
3.The foeman’s wealth in many a place, Agni, is emulous to help. Men fight the fiend, and seek by rites to overcome the riteless foe.
4.Agni bestows the hero chief, winner of waters, firm in fray. Soon as they look upon his might his enemies tremble in alarm.
5.For with his wisdom Agni, God, protects the mortal from reproach, Whose conquering wealth is never checked, is never checked in deeds of might.
6.O Agni, God with Mitra’s might call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven. Bring weal from heaven that men may dwell securely. May we o’ercome the foe’s malign oppressions, may we o’ercome them, through thy help o’ercome them.
Asked of Guide
Why do the rishis praise Agni as both priest and warrior in this hymn?
The hymn speaks of Agni as the sacrificial Priest who organizes rites and brings the gods’ favour, “most skilled in ordering, a Seer,” and as the warrior-power who grants victory and protection, giving the “hero chief” strength so enemies “tremble in alarm.” The poets link the ritual role and the martial role because visible success in battle and household prosperity both depend on Agni’s mediation between humans and gods.
This chapter treats ritual efficacy and worldly power as two sides of the same dependence on Agni: proper hymns and service win “sufficiency of food” and divine favour, which then manifest as conquered foes and stable dwelling. Compare Rig Veda Mandala 1 and later Brāhmana texts where Agni’s priestly function in the fire rites guarantees social order and military fortune.
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