Rig Veda · 60 of 1027
Mandala 1: HYMN LX. Agni.
1.As ’twere Some goodly treasure Mātariśvan brought, as a gift, the glorious Priest to Bhṛgu, Banner of sacrifice, the good Protector, child of two births, the swiftly moving envoy.
2.Both Gods and men obey this Ruler’s order, Gods who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. As Priest he takes his seat ere break of morning, House-Lord, adorable with men, Ordainer.
3.May our fair praise, heart-born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e’en at his birth, is sweet as honey; Whom mortal priests, men, with their strong endeavour, supplied with dainty viands, have created.
4.Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice-worthy. May Agni be our Friend, Lord of the Household, protector of the riches in the dwelling.
5.As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, O Agni, as the guardian Lord of riches, Decking thee like a horse, the swift prizewinner. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn call Agni both a Priest and a bringer of treasure to Bhṛgu?
The hymn names Agni as Priest because he mediates between gods and men: he “takes his seat ere break of morning” and is the “House‑Lord, adorable,” performing the sacrificial role that makes offerings effective. His priesthood is active and domestic, protecting household wealth and receiving worshipful praise so the ritual connects human longing with divine attention.
The treasure Agni brings to Bhṛgu describes the ritual gift that Agni conveys upward and then bestows back as blessing; he is “Some goodly treasure Mātariśvan brought” and the “swiftly moving envoy,” emphasizing transport and transformation. This chapter echoes themes in the Upaniṣads about fire as mediator and conveyor of offerings into divine presence.
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