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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 70 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN LXX. Agni.

1.MAY we, the pious, win much food by prayer, may Agni with fair light pervade each act,— He the observer of the heavenly laws of Gods, and of the race of mortal man.

2.He who is germ of waters, germ of woods, germ of all things that move not and that move,— To him even in the rock and in the house: Immortal One, he cares for all mankind.

3.Agni is Lord of riches for the man who serves him readily with sacred songs. Protect these beings thou with careful thought, knowing the races both of Gods and men.

4.Whom many dawns and nights, unlike, make strong, whom, born in Law, all things that move and stand,— He hath been won, Herald who sits in light, making effectual all our holy works.

5.Thou settest value on our cows and woods: all shall bring tribute to us to the light. Men have served thee in many and sundry spots, parting, as ’twere, an aged father’s wealth.

6.Like a brave archer, like one skilled and bold, a fierce avenger, so he shines in fight.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Agni both 'germ' of things and 'Lord of riches'?

The hymn presents Agni as the generative spark—“germ of waters, germ of woods, germ of all things”—emphasizing his presence in the origin and sustaining life in both animate and inanimate realms. That same creative power becomes economic and social: Agni as “Lord of riches” rewards proper service and secures cows, woods, and tribute for those who perform the rites.

Calling him Herald who “sits in light” links creation, law, and ritual efficacy: his light consecrates actions and makes “effectual all our holy works.” See the Bhagavad Gita for a later synthesis where divine presence both sustains the world and blesses devoted action.

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