Savitri
A Legend and a Symbol

Canto 16Vamadeva Gautama · Suktas 1–15

Book 2. Part Two: Other Hymns to Agni

1. Thee, O Fire, ever with one passion the gods have sent in-
wards, the divine Traveller;1 with the will they sent thee in;
O master of sacrifice, they brought to birth the immortal in
mortals, the divine who brings in the divinity, the conscious
5thinker, they brought to birth the universal who brings in
the divinity, the conscious thinker.
2. Then do thou, O Fire, turn towards the godheads with the
right thinking Varuna, thy brother who delights in the sac-
rifice, the eldest who delights in the sacrifice, — even him
10who keeps the truth, son of the infinite Mother who upholds
seeing-men, the king who upholds seeing-men.
1 Or, worker. This root seems to have indicated originally any strong motion, action
or work.
Other Hymns to Agni
15sK
sKAym yA
vv
vAf
n
20c5
rLy
v
r
VAm y
25dm
r
VA
an
m
300Fk
vzZ
scA
Evdo
mzs
35Ev
vBAn
q
tokAy
t
f
f
cAn
f
ym y
dm
f
k
50ED
3. O Friend, turn towards and to us in his motion the Friend as
two rapid chariot-horses turn a swift wheel, for us, O strong
worker, like galloping horses; O Fire, mayst thou be with
us and find for us bliss in Varuna and in the Life-powers
55who carry the universal light; for the begetting of the Son,
O thou flaming into lustre, create for us peace, for us, O
strong worker, create the peace.
v
no
60an
vzZy
Ev7An
d
vy
0o'v
yAEssFSA
yEjSo
vE>tm
70fof
cAno
Ev
vA
qA
75Es
m
m
ymt
4. Do thou, O Fire, for thou knowest, labour away from us
80the wrath of divine Varuna; flaming into lustre, strongest
to sacrifice, mightiest to bear, unloose from us all hostile
powers.
s
v
85no
an
'vmo
BvotF
n
90EdSo
ayA
uqso
y
O
95av
yLv
no
vzZ
rrAZo
100vFEh
m
0Fk
s
hvo
eED
5. Do thou, O Fire, be most close to us with thy protection, be
most near in the dawning of this dawn: rejoicing in us put
away from us Varuna2 by the sacrifice; reach the bliss, be
110ready to our call.
ay
SA
s
Bgy
d
g
d
vy
120EctmA
my
q
f
Ec
t
n
tPm‹yAyA
pAhA
vy
m
hn
v
no
6. Most glorious is the vision of this Godhead, most richly
bright in mortals; as if the pure and warm butter of the
2 I.e. the pressure of the wrath of Varuna against our impurity.
140The prayer to put Varuna away sounds strange. But if the inner sense is grasped it
becomes cogent and apposite. The sacrificer — the seeker — is praying Agni to be close
to him, to protect him. He is aspiring that the Divine Fire should be his protector when
the Dawn of the higher light comes to his soul, Varuna being the Lord of wisdom.
Mandala Four
145milch-cow that cannot be slain, her desirable gift is the vision
of the Godhead.3
Ery
tA
prmA
150sEt
syA
pAhA
d
vy
155jEnmAyn
ant
at
pErvFt
aAgAQC
160Ec
f
5o
ayo
rozcAn
1657. Three are they, his supreme truths, the desirable births of
the divine Fire; within in the infinite he is spread wide ev-
erywhere and has come to us pure and brilliant and noble,
shining in his beauty.4
s
$
to
Ev
v
175dEB
vE
swA
hotA
Ehr@yrTo
s
Ej4
roEhd
vo
185vp
yo
EvBAvA
sdA
r@v
190Ept
mtFv
s
st
8. He is a messenger, a priest of the call, whose yearning is
195towards all the planes, golden is his chariot, red are his
horses, ecstatic his tongue of flame, beautiful his body,5 wide
his lustre, ever is he rapturous like a banquet hall full of the
wine.6
s
tymn
qo
y.bD
t
205mVA
rfnyA
nyEt
s
yy
yA
s
sADn
d
215vo
mt
y
sDEnvmAp
9. He makes men conscious of the knowledge and is the friend
220of their sacrifice; they lead him on with a mighty cord; he
3 Here the connection between Fire and Ray-Cow and Aditi comes out; so also the
psychological nature of the clarified butter and its connection with the vision of the Sun.
Who is this cow that “cannot be slain” if not the cow aditi — the Infinite Mother —
the supreme Divine Consciousness creative of the cosmos, of the gods and the demons,
225of men and of all that is?
4 These three births of Fire are not, as usually explained, its three physical forms —
which even if accepted shows the Vedic people far from the mere primitive barbarian
— his birth is connected with Truth — his births are “within in the Infinite” — sac-
cid¯ananda. These are the three levels of the earthly evolution on each of which this
230Divine Fire takes his birth, pariv¯ıtah., on the plane of matter and life and mind.
5 Or, great is his body,
6 Or, well-stored with food.
Other Hymns to Agni
dwells in the gated house of the being accomplishing his
235aims; divine, he accepts companionship in the riches of the
mortal.
s
t
$
240no
aEnn
yt
jAn3QCA
r&
vB8t
ydy
EDyA
yd
250Ev
v
am
tA
ak
255@vn
OEptA
jEntA
sym
n
10. Let this Fire taking knowledge of all things lead us towards
the ecstasy that is enjoyed by the Gods, which all the im-
mortals created by the thought and Father Heaven was its
begetter raining the truth.7
jAyt
Tm
pyAs
mho
rjso
ay
yonO
apAdfFqA
hmAno
atA''yoy
vAno
v
280qBy
nF0
11. He was born first and supreme in the Rivers,8 in the founda-
tion of the vast mid-world, in his native seat; without head,
without feet, concealing his two ends he joins them in the
285lair of the Bull.9
fD
aAt
Tm
EvpyA
-ty
yonA
v
qBy
295nF0
pAho
y
vA
vp
300yo
EvBAvA
sP
EyAso'jnyt
v
12. He came forth with a vibrancy of light, the first and supreme
force, in the native seat of Truth, in the lair of the Bull,
desirable and young and beautiful of body10 and wide in
lustre; the seven Beloved brought him to birth for the Bull.11
3107 This joy — ratna — in its origin is created by the immortals with the help of their
“thought” — and it was the raining down upon the lower hemisphere of the Truth that
gave birth to the joy here.
8 Or, in our habitations,
9 The same Fire joins his two extremities — of the superconscient and the spirit and
315inconscient matter — in the lair of the Bull. This is the Bull which represents the Purusha.
The lair of the Bull is the original status of Him called at other places, vis.n.oh. parama ˙m
padam, sad¯a pa´syanti s¯urayah..
10 Or, great in body
11 Or, brought to birth the Bull (but the case is the dative).
320Mandala Four
amAkm
Eptro
mn
yA
325aEB
s
d
-
tmAf
330qAZA
a
mv
jA
s
GA
vv
atzd
*A
340aAj3
qso
h
vAnA
13. Here our human fathers went forward on their way towards
345the Truth desiring to possess it; they drove upwards the
luminous ones, the good milk-cows in their stone (rocky)
pen within the hiding cave, calling to the Dawns.12
t
mm
350jt
dd
vA
so
aEd
355td
qAmy
aEBto
Ev
vocn
vyAso
aEB
kArmc
n
365Evdt
6yoEt
ck
pt
DFEB
37014. They rent the hill, they made themselves bright and pure,
others around them proclaimed that work of theirs; drivers
of the herd,13 they sang the chant of illumination to the
Doer of the work; they found the Light, they shone with
their thoughts.14
g ytA
mnsA
d
D
ND
gA
y
mAn
385pEr
qtmEd
m
d
[h
390nro
vcsA
d
# y
n
j
gomtm
Efjo
Ev
400vv
15. By a mind seeking the Rays they rent the firm massed hill
which encircled and repressed the shining herds, men desir-
ing laid open the strong pen full of the Ray-Cows by the
divine word.
mvt
Tm
nAm
D
410noE
sP
mAt
prmAEZ
Evdn
415t6jAntFr yn
$
qt
v
A
420aAEvB
vdzZFy
fsA
go
16. They meditated on15 the first name of the Milk-cow, they
425discovered the thrice seven supreme planes16 of the Mother;
That knowing the herds lowed towards it, the ruddy Dawn
became manifest by the glory of the Cow of Light.
12 This Rik makes the connection between the hidden cows and the Truth, also the
Cows and the Dawn.
43013 Literally, having the control over the animal or animals, or, the “instruments of
control”.
14 Or, they did work by their thoughts. This is Sayana’s interpretation.
15 Or, held in their thought
16 Or, names
435Other Hymns to Agni
n
ft
tmo
d
440EDt
roct
Ozd
d
yA
445uqso
BAn
rt
aA
s
yo
b
htEtSd{A
;
455-j
mt
q
v
EjnA
p
yn
17. The darkness was wounded and vanished, Heaven shone
out, up arose the light of the divine Dawn, the Sun en-
465tered into the fields of the Vast, looking on the straight and
crooked things in mortals.
aAEdt
p
cA
b
DAnA
yHy3AEdd
r&
475DAryt
B8tm
Ev
v
Ev
480vAs
d
yA
s
d
485vA
Em
EDy
vzZ
symt
49018. Then, indeed, they awoke and saw all behind and wide
around them;17 then, indeed, they held the ecstasy that is
enjoyed in heaven. In all gated houses were all the gods. O
Mitra, O Varuna, let there be the Truth for the Thought.
aQCA
495voc
y
f
f
cAnmEn
500hotAr
Ev
vBrs
yEjSm
f
505Qy
$
Do
at
Z3
510gvAmDo
n
p
$
t
515pErEq8tm
fo
19. May my speech be towards the upblazing Fire, the priest of
the call, the bringer of all things, strong to sacrifice. It is as
if one drank from the pure udder of the cows of light, the
520purified juice of the Plant of Delight poured on all sides.
Ev
v
qAmEdEty
E.yAnA
525Ev
v
qAmEtETmA
n
qAZAm
530aEnd
vAnAmv
aAv
ZAn
s
0Fko
Bvt
jAtv
dA
20. The indivisibility of all the gods, the guest of all human
beings, may the Fire draw to us the protection of the gods
and be blissful to us, the knower of all things born.
SUKTA 2
545yo
my
vm
t
-tAvA
vo
d
v
vrEtEn
555DAEy
hotA
yEjSo
m>A
f
560cy
#
h y
#rEnm
n
Iryy
#
1. He who is immortal in mortals and with him is the Truth,
17 Then, indeed, and after waking they wholly saw;
570Mandala Four
who is the God in the gods, the Traveller,18 has been set
within as the priest of the call, most strong for sacrifice, to
blaze out with the might of his flame, to give men speed on
the way by the power of their offerings.
575ih
v
s
$
no
580shso
no
a
jAto
jAtA
uByA
;
atrn
d
t
Iys
y
y
595jAn
-v
-j
m
kAn
qZ
f
5A
c
6052. O Son of Force, here today art thou born for us and movest
as a messenger between those born of both the Births yoking,
O sublime Flame, thy males straight and massive and bright
in lustre.
ayA
Dˆ
$
roEhtA
G
615tˆ
$
-ty
my
mnsA
620jEvSA
atrFys
azqA
y
jAno
mA
c
d
vAn
630Evf
aA
c
mtA
n
6353. I hold in thought with my mind thy two red gallopers of the
Truth, swiftest, raining increase, raining light; yoking the
ruddy-shining pair thou movest between you Gods and the
mortal peoples.
ay
640mZ
vzZ
Emm
qAEmd
AEvZ
mzto
aE
vnot
v
650vo
an
s
rT
s
655rADA
ed
vh
s
hEvq
660jnAy
4. Aryaman for them and Mitra and Varuna, Indra, Vishnu
and the Maruts and the Ashwins do thou well-horsed, well-
charioted, great in the joy of achievement, bring now, O
Fire, for the giver of good offerings.
665gomA
;
an
'EvmA
;
vF
y.o
n
vsKA
675sdEmdm
y
i0AvA
;
eqo
680as
r
jAvAn
dFGo
rEy
T
b
sBAvAn
5. O Fire, ever inviolable is this sacrifice and with it is the Cow,
690the Sheep and the Horse, it is like a human friend,19 and
18 Or, fighter or worker,
19 Or, it is a comrade with whom are the gods,
Other Hymns to Agni
with it, O mighty Lord, are the word and the offspring; it is
695a long felicity of riches with a wide foundation, and with it
is the hall.
yt
im
jBrt
700EsEvdAno
m
$
DA
n
705vA
ttpt
vAyA
B
vty
710vtvA
;
pAy
rn
Ev
715vmAt
sFmGAyt
uzy
6. To him who brings to thee thy fuel with the sweat of his
labour and heats his head with thee, be a protector in thy
720self-strength, O Fire, and guard him from all around that
would do him evil.
yt
BrAdE3yt
Ecd3
725EnEfqmd
mEtETm
dFrt
aA
d
730vy
ErnDt
d
roZ
tEmn
735rEyD
vo
at
dAvAn
7. He who when thou desirest thy food brings thy food to
740thee, who whets thy flame and sends upwards the rapturous
guest, he who as seeker of the godhead kindles thee in his
gated house, in him may there be the abiding and bounteous
riches.
yvA
745doqA
y
uqEs
f
sAt
750Ey
vA
vA
k
Zvt
755hEvmAn
a
vo
n
v
760dm
aA
h
MyAvAn
tm
765hs
pFpro
dA
vA
sm
7708. He who in the dusk, he who in the dawn would give expres-
sion to thee, or bringing his offering makes thee a beloved
friend, as the Horse with golden trappings in his own home
mayst thou carry that giver beyond the evil.
yt
775 ymn
am
tAy
dAfd
d
780vv
k
Zvt
yt*
k
s
rAyA
ffmAno
Ev
790yoq3
#nm
h
pEr
vrdGAyo
7959. He who gives to thee, O Fire, to the Immortal, and does
in thee the work outstretching the Ladle, may he not in his
labour be divorced from the riches, let not the sin of one
who would do evil surround him.
Mandala Four
800yy
vmn
avr
j
joqo
vo
mt
y
s
810EDt
rrAZ
Ft
ds=oA
sA
815yEvSA'sAm
yy
EvDto
v
DAs
10. He in whose pilgrim-rite thou takest pleasure and, divine,
takest delight in the well-founded work of a mortal, may the
Power of the Call be pleased with him, O most young Fire,
of whom worshipping may we bring about the increase.
825EcE1mEcE1
Ecnvd
Ev
Ev7An
p
v
vFtA
v
EjnA
mtA
n
rAy
c
vpyAy
d
v
EdEt
rAvAEdEtm
zy
11. Let the knower discriminate the Knowledge and the Igno-
rance, the straight open levels and the crooked that shut in
850mortals; O God, for the riches, for the right birth of the
Son,20 lavish on us the finite and guard the Infinite.21
kEv
ffAs
kvyo'dNDA
855EnDAryto
d
yA
vAyo
atv
yA
;
an
etAn
865pEX
B
p
y
rY
870tA
;
ay
ev
#
87512. Seers unconquered proclaimed the seer, they established
him22 within in the gated house of the human being. Then,
O Flame, mayst thou reach with thy journeying feet and,
exalted, see those transcendent23 ones who must come into
our vision.24
880vmn
vAGt
s
ZFEt
s
885tsomAy
EvDt
yEvS
r&
Br
890ffmAnAy
G
v
p
T
895cd
mvs
cq
EZA
13. O Fire, ever most young, mayst thou giving thy good leading
900to the singer of the word who has pressed the wine and per-
formed the sacrifice, bring to him in his labour, O luminous
one, an ecstasy wide in its delight, filling the seeing man for
his safeguard.
20 Or, for the riches with the fair offspring,
90521 Diti and Aditi, the divided and the undivided Consciousness, the Mother of division
and the Indivisible Mother.
22 Or, commanded the seer, they upheld him
23 Or, wonderful
24 Or, made visible; the word means either “visible” or “to be seen”.
910Other Hymns to Agni
aDA
h
yd
vymn
915vAyA
pEX
Bh
t
EB
920ck
mA
tn
$
EB
925rT
n
5to
apsA
B
930Erjo-
t
y
m
s
aAf
qAZA
14. O Fire, as we have done with our hands, with our feet,
with our bodies in our desire of thee, like men who make a
940chariot with the toil of their two arms, so, the wise thinkers
have laboured out the Truth and possess it.25
aDA
mAt
zqs
945sP
EvA
jAy
mEh
TmA
Dso
n
^
n
955Edvp
A
aEHrso
Bv
mA'Ed
960zj
m
DEnn
f
ct
96515. Now may we be born as the seven illumined seers of the
Dawn, the mother, supreme creators creating the Gods
within us; may we become the Angirasas, sons of Heaven
and, shining with light, break the hill that has within it the
riches.
970aDA
yTA
n
Eptr
prAs
975&Aso
an
-tmAf
qAZA
f
980cFdyn
dFEDEtm
8TfAs
AmA
EBdto
985azZFrp
v
n
16. Now, too, O Fire, even as our supreme and ancient fathers,
desiring to possess the Truth, speakers of the word, reached
990the very purity, reached the splendour of the Light;26 as they
broke through the earth and uncovered the ruddy herds.
s
kmA
Z
zco
d
vyto'yo
n
vA
jEnmA
Dmt
f
1005cto
aEn
vv
Dt
id
$
v
g y
pErqdto
1015amn
17. Perfect in action, perfect in lustre, desiring the godhead,
becoming gods, they smelted and forged the Births as one
forges iron, flaming with light they made the Fire to grow,
surrounding Indra they reached the wide mass of the Ray-
1020Cows.
25 Or, desiring to possess it.
26 Or, entered into meditation and reached the very purity;
Mandala Four
aA
$
T
v
mEt
vo
aHyd
d
vAnA
1035y6jEnmAy
g
mtA
nA
Ecd
fFrk
n
v
D
1045Ecdy
upryAyo
18. There was seen as if herds of the Cows in an opulent place,
that which, seen near, was the birth of the gods,27 O Forceful
Fire; they both illumined the widenesses28 of mortals and
1050were aspirants29 for the growth of the higher being.
akm
t
vpso
aB
m
-tmv*3
qso
EvBAtF
$
nmEn
p
zDA
cd
d
vy
mm
cAz
c
19. For thee we worked and became perfect in our works, the
Dawns shone out and illumined the Truth; we lit the un-
1075stinted Fire in the multitude of its kinds, in the fullness of
his delight, brightening the beautiful eye of the Godhead.
etA
t
an
1080ucTAEn
v
Do'vocAm
kvy
tA
qv
uQCocv
k
Z
vyso
no
mho
rAy
zvAr
yED
/
20. These are the utterances, O creator, O Fire, we have spoken
1100to thee the seer, in them take pleasure. Flame upwards, make
us more full of possessions; O thou of many boons, give us
the Great Riches.
SUKTA 3
aA
rAjAnmvry
zd
hotAr
syyj
1110rodyo
aEn
p
rA
tnEy&orEc1AE=r@y!pmvs
Z
vm
1. Create for yourselves the King of the pilgrim-rite, the Ter-
rible, the priest of the invocation who wins by sacrifice
1120the Truth in earth and heaven,30 create Fire golden in his
27 Or, there was seen like herds of the Cow in an opulent place that which is near to
the birth of the godheads,
28 Or, achieved the wide illuminations
29 Or, warriors
112530 Or, who worships with sacrifice the Truth for earth and heaven,
Other Hymns to Agni
form for your protection before the outspreading of the
Ignorance.31
ay
1130yoEn
ck
mA
y
vy
jAy
v
py
uftF
vAsA
avA
cFn
pErvFto
qFd
mA
u
t
1150vpAk
tFcF
2. This is thy seat which we have made for thee, even as,
desiring, a wife richly robed for her lord; thou art turned
towards us and wide-extended around, sit here within: O
1155once far distant Fire,32 these are now fronting thee.
aAf
@vt
ad
EptAy
n
cs
s
m
11650FkAy
v
D
d
vAy
1170fEtmm
tAy
f
s
g
v
sotA
mD
q
ymF0
3. O ordinant of sacrifice, to Fire that hears, inviolate, the
strong in vision, the happy, the immortal Godhead speak
the Thought, the word expressing him, whom I pray as
1185with the voice of the stone of the pressing when it presses
out the honey-wine.
v
Ec3
fMyA
ayA
-ty
boy
tEct
1195vADF
kdA
t
u8TA
sDmAAEn
1200kdA
BvEt
sHyA
g
h
4. Thou, too, O Fire, turn towards our labour, become aware
of this word, in perfect answer of thy thought, Truth-
conscious, become aware of the Truth. When shall there be
thy utterances that share in our ecstasy, when thy acts of
1210companionship in the house?
kTA
h
td
vzZAy
1215vmn
kTA
Edv
gh
s
aAg
kTA
EmAy
mF[h
p
ET y
#
b
kdy
MZ
kd
BgAy
12355. How dost thou blame it, O Fire, to Varuna, to Heaven, what
is that sin we have done? How wouldst thou speak of us to
Mitra, the bountiful, how to earth? What wilt thou say to
Aryaman, what to Bhaga?
31 Or, before the thunder-crash from the unknown.
124032 Or, O Fire, perfect in wisdom,
Mandala Four
kd
ED@yAs
v
1245DsAno
an
kd
vAtAy
tvs
B
y
pEr6mn
nAsyAy
v
kdn
zd
Ay
†
6. What, O Fire, growing in thy abodes, wouldst thou say for
us, what to the wind most forceful, to the seeker of the
Good, the all-pervading, to the lord of the journey, to the
1265earth? What, O Fire, to Rudra the slayer of men?
kTA
mh
p
E
1270BrAy
p
$
Z
kd
Ay
s
mKAy
hEvd
EvZv
uzgAyAy
r
to
v
kdn
frv
b
#
7. How wilt thou speak of us to Pushan, the mighty bringer
of increase, what to Rudra great in sacrifice, giver of the
offering? What seed of things to wide-striding Vishnu, or
1295what, O Fire, to vast doom?
kTA
fDA
y
mztAm
1300tAy
kTA
s
$
r
ht
p
QC
ymAn
b
vo'Edty
t
rAy
1315sADA
Edvo
jAtv
dE
cEkvAn
13208. How when they question thee wouldst thou answer to the
host of the Life-Gods in their Truth, or to the Sun in his
vastness, to the mother indivisible, to the swift traveller? O
knower of all things born, thou knowest the Heaven, for us
accomplish.
n
-t
EnytmF0
aA
1330gorAmA
scA
mD
mt
p8vmn
ZA
stF
zftA
DAEsn
1340#qA
jAmy
Z
pysA
pFpAy
13459. I ask for the truth governed by the Truth, together the unripe
things of the Cow of light and that of her which is sweet
and ripe, O Fire. Even black of hue, she nourishes with a
luminous supporting, with a kindred milk.33
33 The Cow (the Vedic symbol of knowledge) even in the Ignorance where it is black
1350still nourishes us with a truth which is still luminous and governed by the Greater Truth
which is hers on higher levels where she is the radiant Cow of Light.
Other Hymns to Agni
-t
n
mA
v
qBE
cd8t
mA
;
aEn
pysA
S
y
n
apdmAno
1370acrd
vyoDA
v
qA
f
d
h
p
E`!D
10. For the Fire, the Bull, the Male, is inundated with the Truth,
with milk of the heights: unstirred he ranges abroad estab-
lishing the wideness, the dappled Bull has milked out the
bright udder.
nAEd
ysn
EBdt
smEHrso
1390nvt
goEB
f
n
nr
1395pEr
qd3
qAsmAEv
vrBv6jAt
anO
140011. By the Truth the Angiras-seers broke the hill, they parted
it asunder, they moved34 together with the Ray-Cows; men
sat happily around Dawn, the Sun-world35 was manifested
when the Fire was born.36
-t
d
vFrm
tA
am
14108tA
aZo
EBrApo
mD
mEYrn
1415vAjF
n
sg
q
t
1420BAn
sdEmt
*Evtv
dDy
12. By the Truth the divine and immortal, inviolate Waters
1425with their honied floods, like a steed of swiftness pressing
forward37 in its gallopings, raced ever on to their flow.
mA
ky
y
1430sdEm=
ro
gA
mA
v
Emnto
mAp
mA
B
rn
an
jo-
Z
mA
sHy
d
ErpoB
m
13. Mayst thou never pass over to the Power38 of one who is a
thief, or of a neighbour or one intimate who would do us
injury,39 mayst thou not incur the debt of a brother who is
145534 Or, came
35 Or, the Sun
36 Or, in the birth of the Fire.
37 Or, urged forwards
38 The word means supernatural or occult Power which captures the force of Agni, the
1460lord of Tapasya, to use it for harm.
39 Or, diminishes us,
Mandala Four
crooked, may we not suffer by evil thought from40 friend or
foe.
Zo
an
tv
rZ
rArAZ
s
mK
FZAn
P
r
Ev
zj
1480vFX
v
ho
jEh
ro
1485mEh
Ecd
vAv
DAnm
14. O Fire, strong in sacrifice, protect us ever guarding us with
1490thy keepings, taking pleasure in us; burst out in flame, break
the strong evil, slay the (Rakshasa) demon even when he is
increasing into greatness.
eEBB
v
mnA
an
ak
#
1500ErmAp
f
mmEB
f
$
vAjAn
ut
b
A@yEHro
qv
s
t
fEtd
1515vvAtA
jr
t
15. O Fire, become great of mind by these hymns of illumi-
nation, by our thinkings touch these plenitudes, O heroic
1520Flame, so take joy in the words of knowledge, O Angiras,
let our speech expressing thee come close to thee, enjoyed
by the gods.
etA
Ev
Evd
q
t
y
Do
nFTAyn
En@yA
vcA
EnvcnA
kvy
kA yAyf
Esq
1540mEtEBEv
u8T
#
16. Thus have I, an illumined sage, by my thoughts and utter-
ances spoken to thee, who knowest, O Fire, O creator, secret
1545words of guidance, seer-wisdoms that speak out their sense
to the seer.41
SUKTA 4
k
Z
pAj
EsEt
n
p
1555LvF
yAEh
rAj
vAmvA
;
n
t
vFmn
EsEt
$
ZAno'tAEs
Evy
rstEpS
1. Make thy mass like a wide marching, go like a king full of
40 Or, by the skill of; here, again, it is skill in an occult working, or an occult and hostile
direction of thought that is feared.
41 Or, all these in my thoughts and utterances I have spoken to thee, I, an illumined sage,
1575to thee the knower, O Fire, O creator, words of guidance, secret words, seer-wisdoms
that speak out their meaning to the seer.
Other Hymns to Agni
strength with his following, running in the rapid passage of
thy march; thou art the Archer, pierce the demons with thy
1580most burning shafts.
tv
B
mAs
aAf
ptyn
p
f
D
1590qtA
fof
cAn
tp
$
j
4A
ptHAns
Edto
s
j
Evvg
SkA
16052. Swiftly rush thy wanderings; blazing up follow and touch
with thy violence; O Fire, spread by thy tongue thy burning
heats and thy winged sparks; unleashed, scatter on every
side thy meteors.
Et
1610pfo
Ev
s
j
t
EZ
tmo
BvA
pAy
fo
ayA
adND
yo
d
$
r
aGf
yo
ayn
mAEk
yETrA
1635dDqF
t
3. Swiftest to act, spread abroad thy scouts to their places,
and become the indomitable protector of this being: he who
would bring evil by speech against us from afar or one from
1640near, let not any such bringer of anguish do violence to thee,
O Fire!
udn
EtS
yA
v
yEmA
;
aoqtAt
1650Etmh
t
yo
no
arAEt
1655sEmDAn
c5
nFcA
t
DLyts
f
km
4. Arise, O Fire, spread out towards us, consume utterly the
unfriendly, O sharp-missiled Flame; O high-kindled! who-
1665ever has done enmity against us burn him down like a dry
log.
Uvo
Bv
Et
1670EvyAymdAEvk
Z
v
d
# yAyn
ETrA
tn
Eh
yAt
$
nA
jAEmmjAEm
m
1685ZFEh
f
$
n
5. High-uplifted be, piercing through reveal in us the things
1690divine, O Fire; lay low what the demon forces42 have estab-
lished: companion or single, crush the foe.
42 Or, demon impulsions
Mandala Four
s
jAnAEt
s
mEt
yEvS
Ivt
b
Z
gAt
#rt
Ev
vAym
#
EdnAEn
rAyo
<Ayyo
Ev
ro
aEB
Ot
6. He knows thy right-mindedness, O youngest of the Gods,
1720who hastens the journey43 for the Word in its march. For him
the high doer of works has made to shine about his doors
all brightnesses of the day, all treasures and splendours of
the light.
s
at
s
Bg
s
1730dAn
y
vA
Eny
n
1735hEvqA
y
u8T
#
EpFqEt
aAy
Eq
d
roZ
v
dm
#
s
1750EdnA
sAsEdE
7. May he, O Fire, be fortunate and munificent who with the
eternal offering, who with his utterances, seeks to satisfy
thee in his own life, in his gated house; may there be for him
1755all brightnesses of the day, may such be his sacrificing.44
acA
Em
t
s
1760mEt
GoyvA
k
s
t
1765vAvAtA
jrtAEmy
gF
v
vAvA
rTA
mj
y
mA'm
1775AEZ
DAry
rn
$
n
17808. I make to shine thy right thought in me, may this word
diffused in its peal approach close to thee. Rich in horses
and chariots may we make all bright and pure for thee,
mayst thou hold up thy mights in us from day to day.
ih
B
$
yA
cr
p
mn
doqAvtdF
EdvA
1795smn
$
n
5F0tvA
s
1800mns
sp
mA'EB
<A
tETvA
jnAnAm
9. Here in this world should one largely act from one’s self in
the presence of thee as day by day thou shinest out in morn
and in dusk: right-minded may we touch thee as we play,
1810taking our stand on the luminous inspirations45 of men.
43 Or, who drives the path
44 Or, may all that sacrifice of his be bright in its days.
45 Or, luminous energies
Other Hymns to Agni
1815yvA
v
v
s
Ehr@yo
upyAEt
vs
mtA
rT
ty
AtA
BvEs
ty
1830sKA
yt
aAEtLymAn
qg
j
1835joqt
/
10. He who comes to thee, O Fire, with strong horses, with
fine gold, with his chariot full of riches, thou becomest his
deliverer, his friend and comrade, — he who takes joy in thy
1840uninterrupted guesthood.
mho
zjAEm
bD
tA
1845vcoEBtmA
Ept
go
tmAdEvyAy
v
ay
vcsE
cEkE=
hoty
1855EvS
s
5to
dm
$
11. I break great ones by my words, by my friendship with thee;
that came down to me from Gotama, my father: domiciled
in the house do thou become conscious of this word of ours,
O youngest God! O priest of the call! O strong Will!
1865avJnjtrZy
s
f
vA
atd
1870Aso'v
kA
a2EmSA
t
pAyv
1875sŽy)co
EnqA'n
tv
n
pAvm
r
12. Undreaming, ever in movement, blissful, undrowsing, un-
torn, untired may thy guardian powers sitting linked to-
gether guard us, O thou untouched by ignorance, O Fire!
pAyvo
mAmt
y
t
p
yto
aD
d
1895ErtAdrn
rr
tAs
k
to
vv
dA
EdJst
id
1905Erpvo
nAh
d
B
13. Thy guardian powers, O Fire, which protected the son of
1910Mamata from evil, for they saw and he was blind, the Omni-
scient guarded them in their good work; the foe who would
have hurt him could not hurt.
vyA
vy
1915sDyvotAtv
ZFy
yAm
vAjAn
uBA
sA
s
$
dy
1925sytAt
'n
S
yA
k
VxyAZ
14. By thee as thy companions, guarded by thee, by thy lead-
ing, may we win the plenitudes; impel to their way both
annunciations, O builder of Truth: straightway, confident,
1935create.
Mandala Four
ayA
t
an
1940sEmDA
EvD
m
Et
tom
1945fymAn
g
BAy
dhAfso
rs
1950pAVmAn
d
ho
Endo
Emmho
1955avAt
15. With the fuel may we do thee worship, O Fire, accept the
hymn which we utter, burn the demons who speak not the
word of blessing, guard us from the doer of harm, from the
censurer and his blame, O friendly Light!
1960SUKTA 5
v
#
vAnrAy
mF[h
sjoqA
kTA
dAf
mAny
hYA
an
$
n
b
htA
vT
nop
1980tBAyd
pEm3
roD
1. How should we give, one in our joy in him, vast in light,46
to the bounteous Universal Fire? With his vast and ample
1985upbearing he props up the firmament like a pillar.
mA
Endt
y
imA
rAEt
d
vo
ddO
1995myA
y
vDAvAn
pAkAy
g
am
to
Evc
tA
#
vAnro
n
tmo
2010y4o
aEn
2. Blame not him who in his self-law has given this gift, divine
to me the mortal, the wise to the ignorant, the immortal, the
wide in consciousness, the most strong and mighty Universal
2015Fire.
sAm
E7bhA
mEh
EtmB
sh*r
tA
v
qBt
2025EvmAn
pd
n
gorpg
$
EvEv7AnEnm
V
d
vocmnFqAm
20353. In his twofold mass47 may the puissant Bull with his thou-
sandfold seed, with his keen blaze discovering the great
Possession, the deeply hidden seat of the Cow, declare to
me that Mind of wisdom.
46 Or, shining with the light of the vast,
204047 Or, force
Other Hymns to Agni
tA
;
aEnb
2045Bst
EtmjMBtEpS
n
foEcqA
y
rADA
y
EmnEt
vzZy
2055DAm
EyA
Emy
c
tto
vAEZ
4. May the Fire sharp-tusked with his most burning flame of
light, he who is full of felicity,48 consume them, they who
impair the domain of Varuna and the beloved and abiding
2065things of Mitra the conscious knower.
aB
Atro
n
yoqZo
2070 yt
pEtErpo
n
jnyo
d
vA
pApAs
sto
an
asyA
id
pdmjntA
gBFrm
20855. Going on their way like women who have no brothers, like
wives49 with evil movements who do hurt to50 their lords,
sinful are they, untrue and full of falsehood, who brought
into being this profound plane.
id
an
Ekyt
pAvkA'Emnt
g
BAr
n
mm
b
dDAT
D
qtA
gBFr
p
S
ysA
sPDAt
21106. For me who howso small, impair not the heavy burden of
this thought, O purifying Fire, uphold with the violence of
thy delight this vast and profound and mighty sevenfold
plane.51
tEmv
smnA
smAnmEB
5vA
p
2120ntF
DFEtr
yA
ssy
cm
21253ED
cAz
p
`
rg
aAzEpt
jbAz
7. Him now may the purifying Thought reach and possess by
the will, like attaining to its like, in the movement52 of the
2135peace, over the form of the dappled Mother figured out on
the summit in its might and its beauty.
48 Or, he who is ever happy in achievement,
49 Or, mothers
50 Or, deceive
214051 Or, plane with its seven layers.
52 Or, the action
Mandala Four
vAQy
vcs
m
ay
g
hA
2150Ehtm
p
EnEZg
vdEt
yd
2155E*yAZAmp
vAErv
v
n
pAEt
zpo
ag
pd
v
21658. What of this word do they say to me, what that has to
be declared and is mysterious and hidden in the secrecy?53
What was as if a covering defence of the rays54 they have
uncovered, — he guards the beloved form, the summit plane
of the being.55
2170idm
ymEh
mhAmnFk
yd
E*yA
2175sct
p
$
y
gO
2180-ty
pd
aED
dFAn
g
rG
yd
rG
yd
2190Evv
d
9. This which is that great front of the Great Ones to which as
its supreme place adheres the shining Cow, he came to know
flaming in the plane of the Truth, hastening in its speed in
2195the secrecy.56
aD
tAn
Epo
scAsA'mn
g
V
cAz
p
mAt
pd
prm
aEt
gov
Z
foEcq
yty
2215Ej4A
/
10. Now shining in union with the two Parents, close to him,
he perceived the beautiful and secret abode of the dappled
Cow. There was the tongue of the Bull of flame intent on its
2220action, it was near the Cow of Light, in the supreme plane
of the Mother.
-t
voc
nmsA
QC
ymAntvAfsA
jAtv
do
2230ydFdm
vmy
yEs
y=
Ev
EdEv
yd
d
EvZ
p
ET yAm
11. Asked with obeisance I voice the Truth, this which I have
won by thy declaring of it,57 O knower of all things born;
2245thou possessest all this that is, the treasure which is in heaven
and that which is on the earth.
53 Or, cave?
54 Or, the shining Cows
55 Or, the Bird.
225056 Or, cave.
57 Or, by thy wish,
Other Hymns to Agni
Ek
no
d
EvZ
k=
r&
no
voco
jAtv
dE
2265cEkvAn
g
hAvn
prm
y3o
r
k
pd
n
2275EndAnA
agm
12. What is the treasure of this Truth, what the delight of it,
wholly declare to us, O knower of the births, for thou art
aware. That supreme plane in the secrecy which is the high-
2280est goal of our path, which is over and above all, that we
have reached, free from bondage.
kA
myA
dA
nA
k=
vAmmQCA
gm
rGvo
n
vAjm
kdA
d
vFrm
ty
p&F
$
ro
vZ
n
2305ttn3
qAs
13. What is its boundary, its manifestation of knowledge, what
the joy of it towards which we must move like gallopers
towards the plenitude? When have the divine Dawns, wives
2310of the immortal, woven it into shape by the hue of light of
the sun?
aEnr
Z
vcsA
2315PSv
n
tFy
n
k
nAt
pAs
aDA
t
EkEmhA
vdynAy
DAs
aAstA
2330sctAm
14. Those who live undelighted with the word that is languid
and scanty, narrow and dependent on their belief, what now
and here can they say to thee, O Fire? Uninstrumented let
them remain united with the unreal.
E2y
sEmDAny
v
Zo
2340vsornFk
dm
aA
zroc
zfd
2345vsAn
s
d
fFk!p
EEtn
2350rAyA
p
zvAro
aOt
15. For the glory and beauty of the Bull in his high burning the
2355flame-force of the master of riches glowed in its splendour;
clothing himself with brilliance in his form of perfect vision,
he has shone out full of many boons like a dwelling with its
treasure.
Mandala Four
2360SUKTA 6
Uv
U
q
Zo
2365avry
hotrn
EtS
d
vtAtA
2370yjFyAn
v
Eh
Ev
vm yEs
v
DsE
ct
EtrEs
2380mnFqAm
1. O Fire, summoner priest of the pilgrim-rite, stand up very
high for us, strong for sacrifice in the forming of the gods:
thou art the ruler over every Thought and thou carriest
forward the mind of thy worshipper.
$
ro
hotA
ysAEd
2390EvLvEnm
d
o
EvdT
q
tA
Uv
BAn
sEvt
2400vA2
m
t
v
D
m
tBAyd
p
Am
24102. Free from ignorance, Fire, the rapturous priest of the call
has taken his seat in creatures, the conscious thinker in their
findings of knowledge. He enters into a high lustre like a
creator Sun, like a pillar he makes his smoke a prop to
heaven.
2415ytA
s
j
$
ZF
2420rAEtnF
G
tAcF
dEEZd
d
2425vtAEtm
rAZ
ud
vzn
vjA
2430nA5
p
vo
anE8t
s
2435EDt
s
m
k
3. A luminous force of giving, swift and put forth into ac-
2440tion, he widens the formation of the gods as he turns round
it; new-born he stands up high58 like an arrow-shaft well-
planted and firm59 and shows by his light the herds.
tFZ
bEh
sEmDAn
anA
Uvo
avy
j
qAZo
aTAt
py
pf
pA
n
hotA
2460EEvƒ
Et
Edv
urAZ
4. When the sacred grass is strewn and kindled burns the flame,
2465the leader of the pilgrim-rite stands up high rejoicing in his
work; Fire, the priest of the call, like a guardian of the herds
thrice moves round them, the Ancient of days, ever widening
his circle.
58 Greek akros.
247059 Or, a sun-beam fixed and constant. Or, it may possibly mean, a pole, a banner
well-planted and firm he shows (the place of) the herds.
Other Hymns to Agni
pEr
mnA
2475Emtd
r
Et
hotA'Enm
d
mD
vcA
-tAvA
d
2485vyy
vAEjno
n
fokA
Byt
vA
B
vnA
ydB
5. He goes round in his self-motion with measured run, Fire,
the rapturous priest of the call, sweet of word, possessing
the Truth; his flames gallop like horses, all the worlds are in
fear when he blazes.
A
t
an
vnFk
d
g
Gory
sto
2510Evq
Zy
cAz
n
yt
foEctmsA
vrt
n
vmAntvF
p
aA
D
6. O Fire of the fair front! happy is thy vision; even when thou
2525art terrible and adverse great is thy beauty: for they hem not
in thy flame with the darkness, for the destroyers cannot set
evil in thy body.
n
yy
2530sAt
j
EntorvAEr
n
mAtrAEptrA
$
EcEdO
aDA
Emo
s
EDt
pAvko'EndF
dAy
2545mAn
qFq
Ev
7. He is the begetter of things and his conquest cannot be held
back, not even the father and the mother can stay him any
2550longer in his impulsion. Now like a friend well-established,
the purifying Fire has shone out in the human peoples.
E7y
p)c
jFjns
2555vsAnA
vsAro
aEn
mAn
qFq
uqb
DmTyo
n
dt
vAs
prf
n
Etmm
25708. The twice five sisters who dwell together have given birth to
the Fire in the human peoples, the waker in the dawn, like
a tusk of flame, brilliant and fair of face, like a sharp axe.
tv
y
hErto
G
tˆA
roEhtAs
2580-6v)c
v)c
azqAso
v
qZ
m
kA
aA
d
2590vtAEtm4t
dmA
9. Bay-coloured are those horses of thine, dripping light, or
they are red, straight is their motion, swift is their going,
males, ruddy-shining, straight and massive, great in their
2595deeds they are called to our forming of the Gods.
Mandala Four
y
h
y
shmAnA
ayAsv
qAso
an
y
crEt
y
nAso
d
vsnAso
aT
t
2615EvvZso
mAzt
n
fD
/
262010. These are thy rays, O Fire, that put forth overwhelming
force, moving, impetuous in their blaze, they move towards
the goal like hawks in their action, with many voices of
storm like an army of the life-god.
akAEr
sEmDAn
t
y
f
2630sAy
8T
yjt
y
$
hotArmEn
mn
qo
En
d
n
myt
uEfj
smAyo
11. O high-kindled Fire, the Word has been formed for thee, one
voices the utterance, one sacrifices, — now ordain: men set
the Fire within as the priest of the call, making to him their
2650prostration of surrender, aspirants to the self-expression of
the human being.
SUKTA 7
ayEmh
Tmo
2655DAEy
DAt
EBho
tA
yEjSo
2660avr
vFX
y
ymJnvAno
B
2665gvo
Evzzc
v
n
q
Ev v
Evf
Evf
1. This is he who was established as chief and first by the
2675Founders of things, the priest of the call, most strong for
sacrifice, to be prayed in the pilgrim-rites, — he whom the
doer of works and the flame-seers60 set shining wide in the
forests, rich in light, all-pervading, for man and man.
an
2680kdA
t
aAn
qg
B
d
vy
c
tnm
2690aDA
Eh
vA
jg
EB
mtA
so
EvLvFX
ym
27002. O Fire, when shall the conscious waking of thy godhead
become uninterrupted? For now mortals have laid hold on
thee as one desirable in human creatures.
60 Apnavan and the Bhrigus
Other Hymns to Agni
2705-tAvAn
Evc
ts
p
yto
2710AEmv
t
EB
Ev
v
2715qAmvrAZA
hktA
r
dm
dm
27203. For they see thee, possessor of the Truth and wide in knowl-
edge like waking heaven with its stars, the smile of light of
all these pilgrim-sacrifices in house and house, —
aAf
d
t
Evvvto
Ev
vA
cq
ZFrEB
aA
jB
t
mAyvo
B
gvAZ
2740Evf
Evf
4. The swift messenger of the illumining Sun who comes to all
the seeing people; men hold him as the ray of intuition and
he shines as the Bhrigu-flame-seer for each being.
2745tmF
hotArmAn
qk
EcEkvA
s
q
Edr
r@v
pAvkfoEcq
2755yEjS
sP
DAmEB
5. This is the priest of the call whom they set within, who
uninterruptedly wakes to knowledge, rapturous with his
2760purifying flame, most strong to sacrifice by his seven seats.61
t
f
vtFq
mAt
vn
aA
vFtmE2tm
Ec
g
hA
Eht
s
d
k
$
EcdET
6. Him in the many mothers linked together, wide-spread and
unapproached in the forest, abiding in the secret Cave and
rich with many lights, full of knowledge or moving to some
unknown goal.
2785ssy
yd
Evy
tA
sEm3
D3
ty
DAmn
rZyt
vA
mhA
;
aEnn
2800msA
rAth yo
v
rvrAy
sdEmd
2805tAvA
7. When in the separation from sleep the Gods have joy in that
udder of the Cow, in the plane of the Truth, great becomes
the Fire by the offering given with prostration and journeys
for the pilgrim-sacrifice and the Truth is ever with him.
281061 Or, with his seven lights.
Mandala Four
v
rvry
d
yAEn
Ev7An
B
atA
2820rodsF
s
EcEkvAn
d
$
Iys
Edv
urAZo
Evd
Edv
aAroDnAEn
8. He journeys knowing the embassies of the pilgrim-sacrifice
between both the firmaments, utterly awakened to knowl-
2835edge. A messenger, the Ancient of days, ever widening, ever
greater in knowledge, thou travellest the mounting slopes
of heaven.62
k
Z
em
zft
p
ro
cEr@vEc
v
p
qAEmd
ydvFtA
dDt
h
gB
c6jAto
BvsFd
d
$
9. Black is the path of thy shining, thy light goes in front, a
journeying ray, the one supreme of all thy bodies; when one
unimpregnated bears thee as the child of her womb, in the
sudden moment of thy birth thou art already the messenger.
jAty
dd
fAnmojo
ydy
2870vAto
an
vAEt
foEc
v
2875ZE8t
EtmAmts
q
Ej4A
ETrA
2880Ecd3A
dyt
Ev
jMB
#
10. The moment he is born his might becomes visible when
the wind blows behind his flame; he turns his sharp tongue
round the trunks and tears his firm food with his jaws of
flame.
q
yd3A
t
q
vv
t
q
d
t
k
Z
t
2905y4o
aEn
vAty
m
E0
2910sct
Enj
$
v
3Af
vAjyt
Ehv
avA
11. When quickly he carries his foods on his rapid tongue, this
2920mighty Fire fashions himself into a swift messenger; con-
suming all he clings to the mad course63 of the wind, as a
driver a swift horse he sets it to gallop for the seeker of the
plenitude.
62 Or, thou travellest to the inmost places of heaven.
292563 Or, to the roar
Other Hymns to Agni
SUKTA 8
d
$
vo
Ev
vv
ds
2935h yvAhmmy
m
yEjSm
)js
EgrA
29401. Array with your word the messenger, the carrier of your
offerings, most strong to sacrifice, the omniscient, the Im-
mortal.
s
Eh
dA
vs
EDEt
mhA
aAroDn
Edv
s
d
;
eh
vEt
2. For he knows the place of the possession of the riches, he
2960knows the ascending slope of heaven, he shall bring here the
gods.
s
v
d
v
aAnm
d
vA
-tAyt
dm
dAEt
EyAEZ
2975Ecd
vs
3. A God, he knows for the seeker of the Truth his way of
submission to the gods in the house of Truth, and he gives
the beloved treasures.
hotA
s
d
d
y
EcEkvA
;
atrFyt
2990Ev7A
;
aAroDn
Edv
4. He is the priest of the call, it is he who travels between, aware
2995of his embassy, knowing the ascending slope of heaven.
t
yAm
y
any
3000ddAf
h
ydAEtEB
y
_
yt
iDt
5. May we be of those who have given to the Fire with the gift
of their offerings, who kindle him and increase.
rAyA
t
s
vFy
ssvA
so
Ev
f
3020E@vr
y
anA
dEDr
d
6. They by the treasure, by the hero-strengths have conquered
Mandala Four
and have heard who have upheld their work in the Fire.
am
3030rAyo
Edv
Edv
s
crt
zp
h
am
vAjAs
3040IrtAm
7. In us may the riches move from day to day bringing the
multitude of our desires, may we receive the impulsion of
the plenitudes.
s
cq
ZFnA
fvsA
mAn
3050qAZAm
aEt
E
v
EvyEt
30558. An illumined seer, by the might of seeing human beings he
pierces beyond like a swift arrow.
SUKTA 9
an
m
3060mhA
;
aEs
y
ImA
vy
jnm
iy
T
3070bEh
rAsdm
1. O Flame, be gracious, for great art thou who comest to the
seeker of the godheads to sit on his seat of sacrifice.
s
3075mAn
qFq
d
$
0Bo
AvFrmy
d
$
to
v
qA
B
vt
30902. He becomes manifest in human beings,64 invincible,65 im-
mortal, the messenger of all.
s
sw
pEr
3095ZFyt
hotA
md
o
EdEvEq
potA
En
qFdEt
3. He is borne round the house, a rapturous priest of the call
3105in our heavenward urges; he takes his seat as the priest of
the purification.
64 Or, he becomes in human beings a protector,
65 Or, indestructible,
Other Hymns to Agni
nA
aEnrvr
uto
g
3115hpEtd
m
ut
b
A
qFdEt
4. The Fire is the Goddess-powers in the pilgrim-rite and he is
the master of the house in his home, he sits too as the priest
of the word.
Eq
VvrFytAm
pv8tA
jnAnAm
3130h yA
c
mAn
qAZAm
5. Thou comest to the offerings as the speaker of the sanction
3135for human beings when they would perform the pilgrim-
sacrifice.
v
qF7y
d
y
yy
j
joqo
3145avrm
h y
mt
y
vo[hv
31506. Thou comest to be his envoy to him in whose sacrifice thou
takest pleasure to carry the offerings of the mortal.
amAk
joyvrmmAk
y.mEHr
3155amAk
f
Z
DF
hvm
31607. Take pleasure in our pilgrim-rite, in our sacrifice, O Angiras,
hear our call.
pEr
t
d
0Bo
rTo'mA
;
a`ot
vt
y
n
rEs
3175dAf
q
8. Let thy invincible car reach us and move round us on every
side by which thou guardest the givers of the offering.
SUKTA 10
tmA'
v
n
tom
5t
n
Bd
m
3190}Edp
fm
yAmA
t
aoh
1. O Fire, let us today make thee affluent with our lauds as thy
Mandala Four
vehicles to bear thee, — even that of thee which is as if the
Horse, as if a happy will touching the heart.
3200aDA
Vn
5toB
d
y
sADo
rTF-
ty
b
3210hto
bB
$
T
2. For now, O Fire, thou hast become the charioteer of a
3215happy Will, of an all-accomplishing Discernment, of the
Vast Truth.
eEBno
ak
#
vA
no
avA
R
6yoEt
an
Ev
v
s
mnA
anFk
#
32353. Become close to us, O Fire, by these hymns of illumination,
right-minded with all thy flame-powers, thy light like the
sun-world.
aAEB
a
3240gFEB
g
Zto'n
dAf
m
Edvo
n
tnyEt
f
4. Today uttering thee with these utterances may we give to
thee, O Fire; thy strengths thunder forth like the heavens.66
tv
vAEdSA'n
d
EErdA
Ecd>
idA
3260Ecd8to
E2y
z‚o
n
roct
3265upAk
5. Most sweet is thy vision, now in the day, now in the night; it
shines out close to us like gold for its beauty and splendour.
G
t
p
$
t
tn
rr
pA
f
Ec
3280Ehr@ym
tt
t
z‚o
n
3285roct
vDAv
6. Free from evil is thy body; it is like pure clarified butter, it
is pure gold; that in thee is golden in its shining, for such is
thy self-law.
329066 Or, like the strength of heaven.
Other Hymns to Agni
k
t
EcE=
sn
Em
qo'n
inoEq
3300mtA
EdTA
yjmAnAd
tAv
7. Even the lasting hostility done, O thou who possessest the
3305Truth, thou drivest away perfectly from the mortal sacrifi-
cer.67
EfvA
n
sHyA
B
AAn
d
v
y
m
sA
no
3320nAEB
sdn
sEm3
$
Dn
33258. O Fire, auspicious may be all our friendship and brother-
hood with you Gods. That is our centre, where is our home,
where is that udder of the Cow of Light.
SUKTA 11
Bd
an
shEs3nFkm
pAk
aA
3335roct
s
$
y
y
3340zfd
d
f
dd
f
3345n8tyA
Ecd!Et
d
f
aA
a3m
1. Happy is that flame-power of thine, O forceful Fire; it shines
close to the Sun, glowing to vision it is seen even in the night,
it is as if in its beauty68 there were an unarid feast for the
3355eye.
Ev
qAVn
g
Zt
3360mnFqA
K
v
psA
t
3365EvjAt
tvAn
Ev
v
EBy
vAvn
f
d
v
3375#t3o
rAv
s
mho
B
Er
mm
2. O Fire, O thou with thy many births, even as we hymn
thee force open the heavens69 with thy quivering lustre70 for
3385him who utters the mind of wisdom; O brilliant, O glorious
Flame, what thou with all the gods hast won, that give to
us, that mighty thought.
67 Or, away from the mortal who is exact in his sacrifice.
68 Or, in its form
339069 Or, the door or entrance
70 Or, with thy lustre of knowledge
Mandala Four
vdn
kA yA
3395vmnFqAvd
8TA
jAyt
rAyAEn
vd
d
EvZ
vFrp
fA
3405iTAEDy
dAf
q
myA
y
34103. O Fire, from thee are born the seer-wisdoms, from thee the
mind of knowledge, from thee the utterances that achieve;
from thee come the riches that take the hero’s form to the
mortal giver who has the true thought.
vd
3415vAjF
vAj
Bro
EvhAyA
aEBEk
34206jAyt
syf
m
vd
rEyd
$
to
myoB
vdAf
$
j
vA
;
avA
4. From thee is born the steed of swiftness that carries the
plenitude, that has the force of Truth, that makes the great
approach, that has the vastness; from thee is the treasure
3440sent by the gods that creates the bliss, from thee the rapid
speeding war-horse, O Fire.
vAmn
Tm
d
3445vyto
d
v
mtA
am
md
Ej4m
qoy
tmA
3455EvvAsEt
DFEBd
m
$
ns
hpEtmm
$
rm
5. Thee, O Fire, O immortal, first and chief of the godheads,
3465mortals who are seekers of the godheads illumine by their
thoughts, Fire with the rapturous tongue who pushest away
the hostiles, the one domiciled within, the master of our
house untouched by ignorance.
aAr
3470amdmEtmAr
a
h
aAr
Ev
d
m
Et
yE3pAEs
3480doqA
Efv
shs
s
$
an
y
d
v
Ect
scs
vEt
6. Far from us all unconsciousness, sin and evil mind when
3495thou art on guard, a benignant Power in the night, O Fire,
O son of force, over him to whom thou cleavest for his weal.
Other Hymns to Agni
SUKTA 12
yvAmn
3500inDt
yt*
k
Et
a3
Zvt
sEm3hn
s
s
#r yt
st
tv
5vA
3515jAtv
dE
cEkvAn
1. He who kindles thee, O Fire, and with his ladle in action
creates food for thee thrice in the day, may he, awakened to
3520knowledge, be ever with thy illuminations and wholly put
forth his force and overcome by thy will, O knower of all
things born.
im
yt
3525jBrQC2mAZo
mho
an
anFkmA
spy
s
iDAn
Et
doqAm
3535qAs
p
yn
rEy
sct
3540†3EmAn
2. He who labours and brings to thee thy fuel serving the
flame-force of thy greatness, O Fire, he kindling thee every
day and night ever grows and cleaves to the Treasure slaying
the unfriendly Powers.
3545aEnrFf
b
ht
EyyA'EnvA
jy
3550prmy
rAy
dDAEt
r&
EvDt
3555yEvSo
yAn
qyA
y
vDAvAn
35603. The Fire is master of the vast might, the Fire is master of
the supreme plenitude and riches; ever young, faithful to his
self-law, he founds wholly, uninterruptedly the ecstasy for
the mortal who worships him.
yEQcE=
p
zqA
yEvSA'EcE1EB
ck
kEQcdAg
k
DF
vmA
aEdt
rnAgAn
y
nA
Ef2To
Evvgn
4. If at all in our humanity by our movements of ignorance
we have done any evil against thee, O Fire, make us wholly
3585sinless before the mother indivisible; O Fire, mayst thou
loosen from us the bonds of our sins to every side.
Mandala Four
mhE
cdn
3590enso
aBFk
UvA
d
d
3595vAnAm
t
myA
nAm
mA
sKAy
sdEmd
ErqAm
yQCA
3605tokAy
tnyAy
f
yo
5. Even though our sin be great before gods and men, even
3610though it be wide, O Fire, may we not come ever to harm
from it who are thy friends and comrades; give to our Son,
our begotten, the peace and the well-doing.
yTA
h
vsvo
gOy
Ect
pEd
3620EqtAmm
)ctA
yjA
evo
vmm
3625)ctA
y
h
tAy
n
n
aAy
6. Even as that was done when the Masters of Riches, the Lords
of sacrifice released the bright cow tethered by her foot, so
3635release us utterly from evil; mayst thou carry forward our
life so that it crosses beyond, O Fire.
SUKTA 13
yEnzqsAmg
mHyd
3640EvBAtFnA
s
mnA
r&D
ym
3645yAtmE
vnA
s
k
to
roZm
t
s
$
6yoEtqA
d
v
eEt
36601. The Fire facing the front of the dawns as they shine out
has revealed the founding of the ecstasy; the two riders are
coming to the gated house of the doer of good works; the
divine Sun is rising up with the Light.
Uv
3665BAn
sEvtA
d
vo
a2
d
Js
dEvvd
gEvqo
svA
an
v
t
3680vzZo
yEt
Emo
yt
s
y
Ed yArohyEt
2. The divine creator Sun has reached his high shining, he is
like a warrior seeker of the Light brandishing his flag. There
3690is Varuna, there is Mitra, all follow the working of the Law
when they make the Sun to rise up in heaven.
y
sFmk
@vn
3695tms
Evp
c
D
v
anvyto
aT
m
t
$
y
hErt
sP
3710y4F
pf
Ev
vy
jgto
3715vhEt
3. Him whom, firm in their foundation, never ceasing from
Other Hymns to Agni
their aim they have made for the removing of the darkness,
this Sun seven mighty brilliant mares bear as the scouts of
3720the whole world.
vEhS
EBEv
hrn
yAEs
mv yy3Est
d
v
vm
3730dEvvto
r
my
s
$
y
cm
vAvAD
tmo
3740aJvt
4. O God, thou goest with steeds most strong to bear, sepa-
rating the weft woven, unweaving the black garment; the
streaming rays of the Sun cast the darkness like a covering
skin down within the waters.
3745anAyto
aEnb=
kTAy
yR
R
37501Ano'v
pt
n
kyA
yAEt
3755vDyA
ko
ddf
Edv
kMB
t
pAEt
nAkm
5. Unextended, unbound, facing downwards, facing upwards,
3765how does he not sink? By what self-law does he go on his
journey? Who has seen when he joins heaven and is its pillar
and guards the firmament?
SUKTA 14
yEnzqso
3770jAtv
dA
aHyd
d
vo
3775rocmAnA
mhoEB
aA
nAsyozgAyA
rT
m
y.m
p
no
3785yAtmQC
1. Fire, the godhead has been revealed, the knower of all things
born, fronting the dawns as they gleam with the greatness of
their lustres; wide-moving lords of the journey come moving
in their chariot towards this our sacrifice.
k
t
sEvtA
d
a2
66yoEtEv
vm
#
vnAy
k
@vn
aAA
3805AvAp
ETvF
atEr
Ev
s
yo
rE
mEB
c
3815EktAn
2. The creator Sun is lodged in his high ray of intuition fash-
ioning the light for the whole world; the Sun in his universal
knowledge has filled earth and heaven and the mid-world
with his rays.
3820Mandala Four
aAvhyzZF6yo
EtqAgAmhF
EcA
rE
3825mEB
c
EktAnA
boDytF
s
3830EvtAy
d
y
qA
Iyt
y
jA
rT
n
38403. The Dawn bearing him has come with the Light, Dawn vast
and rich in her lustres, knowing all by her rays; the divine
Dawn awakening to the happy path is journeying in her
well-yoked chariot.
aA
vEhSA
ih
t
vht
3850rTA
a
vAs
uqso
y
im
Eh
vA
mD
yAy
somA
aEmn
y.
qZA
mAdy
TAm
4. May these horses and chariots, strong to bear, bring you
3870both in the shining out of the dawn: for, here for you are
the juices of the Wine for the drinking of the sweetness; O
strong Ones, may you take rapture of them in this sacrifice.
anAyto
aEnb=
3875kTAy
yR
R
1Ano'v
pt
kyA
yAEt
vDyA
ko
3885ddf
Edv
kMB
sm
t
3890pAEt
nAkm
5. Unextended, unbound, facing downwards, facing upwards,
how does he not sink? By what self-law does he go on his
journey? Who has seen when he joins heaven and is its pillar
3895and guards the firmament?
SUKTA 15
aEnho
tA
no
3900avr
vAjF
sn
pEr
ZFyt
vo
d
v
q
3910yE.y
1. The Fire is our priest of the call in the pilgrim-sacrifice; he is
led around as the horse, he is the godhead in the gods who
is lord of the sacrifice.
pEr
3915EEvƒvr
yAynF
rTFErv
aA
d
q
yo
dDt
2. The Fire goes thrice around the pilgrim-sacrifice and is like
3925one driving a chariot, he founds our delight in the gods.
Other Hymns to Agni
pEr
vAjpEt
kEvrEnh
3930 yAy5mFt
dDd
r&AEn
dAf
q
39353. The Fire moves around the offerings, a seer, a master of the
plenitudes and founds for the giver the ecstasies.
ay
y
s
3940)jy
p
ro
d
#vvAt
3945sEmyt
mA
;
aEmdMBn
4. This is he who is kindled in the front in Srinjaya, son of
3950Devavata, he is luminous and a destroyer of foes.
ay
GA
vFr
Ivto'n
3955rFfFt
my
EtmjMBy
mF[h
q
39605. The mortal who is a hero can have mastery over the Fire in
its march, the sharp-tusked bountiful Fire.
tmv
t
n
3965sAnEsmzq
n
Edv
Eff
m
6yt
Edv
Edv
6. They make him bright from day to day like a conquering
3975war-horse, like a shining babe of heaven.
boDd
ymA
hEr yA
k
3980mAr
sAhd
y
aQCA
n
$
t
udrm
7. When the prince, the son of Sahadeva, woke me with his
3990two bay horses, though called towards him I was not ready
to rise.
ut
yA
yjtA
3995hrF
k
mArAt
sAhd
yAt
4000ytA
s
aA
dd
8. Even so, I took at once from the prince, the son of Sahadeva,
4005those two sacred horses he gave.
Mandala Four
eq
vA
d
4010vAvE
vnA
k
mAr
sAhd
dFGA
y
rt
somk
40209. O divine Riders, here before you is the prince Somaka, son
of Sahadeva; long-lived may he be!
t
y
v
vAvE
vnA
k
mAr
4030sAhd
ym
dFGA
y
q
Zotn
/
10. Even him the prince, the son of Sahadeva, O divine Riders,
make long of life.
4040Mandala Five
The Atris
BUDHA AND GAVISHTHIRA