✶Gnosis
← Contents
Theme
0882 / 1027

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 · 882 of 1027

Mandala 10: HYMN XLV. Agni.

1.FIRST Agni sprang to life from out of Heaven: the second time from us came Jātavedas. Thirdly the Manly-souled was in the waters. The pious lauds and kindles him the Eternal.

2.Agni, we know thy three powers in three stations, we know thy forms in many a place divided. We know what name supreme thou hast in secret: we know the source from which thou hast proceeded.

3.The Manly-souled lit thee in sea and waters, man’s Viewer lit thee in the breast of heaven, There as thou stoodest in the third high region the Steers increased thee in the water’s bosom.

4.Agni roared out, like Dyaus what time he thunders: he licked the ground about the plants he flickered. At once, when born, he looked around enkindled, and lightened heaven and earth within with splendour.

5.The spring of glories and support of riches, rouser of thoughts and guardian of the Soma, Good Son of Strength, a King amid the waters, in forefront of the Dawns he shines enkindled.

6.Germ of the world, ensign of all creation, be sprang to life and filled the earth and heavens. Even the firm rock he cleft when passing over, when the Five Tribes brought sacrifice to Agni.

7.So among mortals was Immortal Agni stablished as holy wise and willing envoy. He waves the red smoke that he lifts above him, striving to reach the heavens with radiant lustre.

8.Like gold to look on, far he shone refulgent, beaming imperishable life for glory, Agni by vital powers became immortal when his prolific Father Dyaus begat him.

9.Whoso this day, O God whose flames are lovely, prepares a cake, O Agni, mixt with butter, Lead thou and further him to higher fortune, to bliss bestowed by Gods, O thou Most Youthful.

10.Endow him, Agni, with a share of glory, at every song of praise sung forth enrich him. Dear let him be to Sūrya, dear to Agni, preeminent with son and children’s children.

11.While, Agni, day by day men pay thee worship they win themselves all treasures worth the wishing. Allied with thee, eager and craving riches, they have disclosed the stable filled with cattle.

12.Agni, the Friend of men, the Soma’s keeper, Vaiśvānara, hath been lauded by the Ṛṣis. We will invoke benignant Earth and Heaven: ye Deities, give us wealth with hero children.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn call Agni 'three powers in three stations' and mention him born in waters and heaven?

The hymn describes Agni as manifesting in three realms: born first from Heaven, then as Jātavedas among humans, and third in the waters. Those three births name his cosmic aspects—celestial fire, household/domestic fire, and the aquatic or cosmic germ—so the rishis account for all spheres where sacred energy appears.

This triadic birth explains why the hymn repeatedly ties Agni to creation and ritual: he is “Germ of the world” and “ensign of all creation,” the mediator who carries sacrifice from earth to heaven. The idea echoes themes in other Vedic hymns, for example the earlier Mandala 1 hymns that likewise make Agni the ritual envoy and world-primordium.

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.