Savitri
A Legend and a Symbol

Canto 9Vishwamitra Gathina · Suktas 1–7, 9–12

Book 2. Part Two: Other Hymns to Agni

1. Bear me that I may be strong to hold the Wine, O Fire, for
thou hast made me a carrier-flame of sacrifice in the getting
of knowledge: I shine towards the gods, I put the stone to
its work, I accomplish the labour;1 O Fire, take delight in
5my body.
2. We have made the sacrifice with its forward movement, may
the Word increase in us; with the fuel, with the obeisance
they have set the Fire to its work. The heavens have declared
the discoveries of knowledge of the seers and they have
10willed a path for the strong and wise.
3. Full of understanding, pure in discernment, close kin from
his birth to earth and heaven he has founded the Bliss. The
gods discovered the seeing Fire within in the waters, in the
work of the sisters.
151 Or, I attain to the peace;
Mandala Three
avD
ys
Bg
20sP
y4F
v
t
j.Anmzq
25mEhvA
Eff
n
jAtm yAzr
vA
vAso
aEn
jEnmn
vp
35yn
4. The seven mighty rivers increased the blissful flame,2 white
in his birth, ruddy glowing in his mightiness: the Mares
went up to him as to a new-born child; the gods gave body
to Agni in his birth.
EBrH
#
rj
aAttvAn
455t
p
nAn
kEvEB
pEv
foEcv
sAn
pyA
y
55rpA
E2yo
EmmFt
b
htFrn
nA
5. With his bright limbs he has built wide the mid-world puri-
fying the will by his pure seer-powers; wearing light like a
robe around the life of the waters he forms his glories vast
65and ample.
vv
AjA
sFmndtFrdNDA
Edvo
70y4FrvsAnA
annA
snA
a
y
75vty
syonFr
k
gB
dEDr
80sP
vAZF
6. He moved all round the seven mighty Ones of heaven: unde-
vouring, inviolate, neither were they clothed nor were they
naked: here young and eternal in one native home the seven
85Voices held in their womb the one Child.
tFZA
ay
s
hto
90Ev
v!pA
G
ty
yonO
95*vT
mD
$
nAm
aT
D
nv
EpvmAnA
mhF
105dmy
mAtrA
smFcF
7. Wide-strewn, compact, taking universal forms are his en-
ergies in the womb of the light, in the streaming of the
110sweetnesses: here the milch-cows stand nourished and grow-
ing; two great and equal companions3 are the mothers of the
Doer of works.
bB
AZ
$
no
shso
yOd
120dDAn
f
5A
rBsA
vp
Eq
cotEt
DArA
mD
130no
G
ty
v
qA
vAv
D
kA y
n
1402 Or, increased him in his beauty,
3 Or, vast and whole
Other Hymns to Agni
8. Upborne, O Son of Force, thou shinest out wide holding thy
bright and rapturous bodies; there drip down streams of the
145light and the sweetness, there where the Bull has grown by
the seer-wisdom.
Ept
E
cd
Dj
n
qA
Evv
yy
DArA
as
jd
160Ev
D
nA
g
hA
165crt
sEKEB
Efv
EBEd
vo
170y4FEBn
g
hA
bB
$
9. At his birth he discovered the teat of abundance of the Fa-
ther, he loosed forth wide his streams, wide his nourishing
rivers;4 he discovered him moving in the secrecy with his
helpful comrades, with the mighty Rivers of Heaven, but
180himself became not secret in the cave.
Ept
c
gB
jEnt
bB
p
$
vF
ko
aDyt
pFJyAnA
v
sp&F
f
cy
sbD
uB
am
#
mn
En
pAEh
/
10. He carried the child of the father who begot him; one, he
210sucked the milk of many who nourished him with their
overflowing. Two who have one lord and kinsman, for this
pure male of the herds guard both in the human being.
urO
mhA
aEnbAD
vvDA
''po
aEn
220yfs
s
Eh
p
$
225vF
-ty
yonAvfyd
dm
$
230nA
jAmFnAmEnrpEs
vs
^
ZAm
23511. Vast was he in the unobstructed wideness and grew, for the
waters many and glorious fed the flame; in the native seat
of the Truth the Fire lay down and made his home, in the
work of the companions, the sisters.
a5o
bEB
sEmT
mhFnA
Edd
s
$
nv
BA-jFk
250ud
E*yA
jEntA
yo
jjAnA'pA
255gBo
n
tmo
y4o
aEn
26012. Like a height upbearing all5 in the meeting of the great
4 Or, he loosed forth the milch-cows;
5 Or, like one moving and upbearing all
Mandala Three
waters, eager for vision for the Son, straight in his lustres,
265he is the Father who begot the shining Ray-herds, the child
of the Waters, the most strong and mighty Fire.
apA
gB
df
270tmoqDFnA
vnA
jjAn
s
BgA
275Ev!pm
d
vAsE
cmnsA
s
280Eh
jm
pEnS
jAt
tvs
vyn
13. One desirable and blissful gave birth to him in many forms,
a visioned child of the waters and a child of the growths of
earth: the gods too met with the Mind the Fire, strong at his
290birth and powerful to act6 and set him to his work.
b
ht
id
BAnvo
295BA-jFkmEn
sct
Ev
to
n
5A
g
h
v
=
sdEs
v
atrpAr
310Uv
am
t
d
hAnA
31514. Vast sun blazings cleave like brilliant lightnings to this Fire,
straight in his lustres, growing as in a secret cave within in
his own home in the shoreless wideness, and they draw the
milk of immortality.
I0
vA
yjmAno
hEvEB
rF0
325sEKv
s
mEt
EnkAm
d
#rvo
EmmFEh
s
jEr
335rA
c
no
dMy
EBrnFk
15. Making sacrifice with my offerings for thee I pray, and pray
for thy friendship and true-mindedness with an utter desire.
Fashion with the Gods protection for thy adorer and guard
us with thy flame-forces that dwell in the house.
345up
tArtv
s
ZFt
'n
350Ev
vAEn
DyA
dDAnA
s
tsA
2vsA
t
)jmAnA
360aEB
yAm
p
tnAy
$
365;rd
vAn
16. We who come to thee to dwell with thee in thy home, O
perfect leader of the way, holding all opulent things, may
we, overflowing7 them with the full stream of inspiration,
370overwhelm the hostile army of the undivine powers.
6 Or, most admirable
7 Or, smiting
Other Hymns to Agni
aA
vAnAmBv
k
t
rn
380md
o
Ev
vAEn
kA yAEn
385Ev7An
Et
mtA
nvAsyo
dm
nA
an
d
vAn
395rETro
yAEs
sADn
17. O Fire, thou becomest in us the rapturous ray of intuition
of the gods that knows all seer-wisdoms; established in thy
400home thou settlest mortals in that dwelling-place, as their
charioteer achieving their aim thou journeyest in the wake
of the gods.
En
d
405roZ
am
to
myA
nA
410rAjA
ssAd
EvdTAEn
sADn
G
415ttFk
uEv
yA
yOdEnEv
vAEn
420kA yAEn
Ev7An
18. In the gated house of mortals the immortal sat as King
accomplishing the things of knowledge: the Fire shone out
in his wideness with his luminous front, knower of all seer-
425wisdoms.
aA
no
gEh
sHy
430EB
Efv
EBm
hAn
mhFEB!EtEB
435sr@yn
am
rEy
bh
l
tz
s
vAc
BAg
445yfs
k
DF
n
19. Come to us in a rapid approach with thy happy befriend-
450ings, mighty, come with thy mighty protectings; in us the
abundance of the delivering riches, for us our glorious high-
worded portion create.
etA
t
455an
jEnmA
snAEn
p
$
460 yA
y
n
$
tnAEn
465vocm
mhAEt
v
Z
svnA
t
mA
jmjmn
EnEhto
475jAtv
dA
/
20. O Fire, these are thy eternal births which I have declared
to thee, ever new births for the ancient flame: great are the
480offerings of the Wine we have made for the mighty one. He
is the knower of all births set within in birth and birth.
jmjmn
EnEhto
jAtv
485dA
Ev
vAEm
EBEryt
aj*
490ty
vy
s
mtO
yE.yyA'Ep
495Bd
sOmns
yAm
21. The knower of all births set within in birth and birth is
kindled by Vishwamitra, an unceasing flame; in the true
500Mandala Three
thinking of this lord of sacrifice, in a happy right-mindedness
may we abide.
im
y.
505shsAvn
v
no
d
vA
Eh
s
5to
rrAZ
Es
hotb
htFErqo
no'n
520mEh
d
EvZmA
yjv
22. O forceful god, O strong will, establish this sacrifice of ours
525in the gods and take in it thy delight: O priest of the call,
extend to us the vast impulsions; O Fire, bring to us by
sacrifice the great Treasure.
i0Amn
p
530zd
s
sEn
go
f
535v1m
hvmAnAy
sAD
yA3
s
n
tnyo
EvjAvA'n
sA
s
mEtB
$
vm
55023. O Fire, achieve at my call the Revealing Speech, the many-
actioned, the lasting conquest of the Light. May there be for
us a Son of our begetting pervading in his birth;8 O Fire,
may there be created in us that true thinking of thine.
SUKTA 2
#
vAnrAy
EDqZAm
tAv
G
t
n
p
tmny
jnAmEs
E7tA
hotAr
570mn
q
c
vAGto
EDyA
575rT
n
k
Elf
sm
580@vEt
1. We create an understanding like pure light for the Fire that
makes the Truth to grow, for the universal godhead. The
priests of the word fashion twofold by the thought of the
human being9 this priest of the call, as the saw carves a
585chariot, and join him into a whole.
s
rocy6jn
qA
rodsF
590uB
s
mAorBvt
p
IX
h yvA0Enrjr
cnoEhto
d
$
6000Bo
EvfAmEtETEv
BAvs
2. He from his birth illumined both the firmaments, he became
8 Or, himself a begetter;
6059 Or, the human priests of the word by their thought
Other Hymns to Agni
the desirable son of the Father and Mother. The ageless and
inviolable Fire, firmly founded in bliss, with his riches of the
Light, is the carrier of offering and the guest of the peoples.
6105vA
dy
tzqo
EvDm
EZ
vAso
aEn
jnyt
EcE1EB
620zzcAn
BAn
nA
6yoEtqA
mhAmy
vAj
sEny3
p
b
3. By the will, in the order and law of a delivering discernment,
the gods brought the Fire into being by their perceptions of
the Knowledge. In his greatness shining forth with his blaz-
ing light I invoke him as the Horse so that I may conquer
635the plenitude.
aA
md
y
sEnyto
640vr
@y
v
ZFmh
axy
645vAjm
Emym
rAEt
B
g
ZAm
Eqj
kEv5t
mEn
655rAjt
Ed y
n
foEcqA
4. To conquer the supreme bliss of the rapturous godhead, the
660undeviating plenitude full of the word of illumination, we
accept the gift of the Flame-Seers,10 the Fire that aspires, the
Seer-Will shining with heavenly light.
aEn
s
665<Ay
dEDr
p
ro
jnA
670vAj2vsEmh
v
8tbEh
q
yt*
s
zc
Ev
vd
680 y
zd
y.AnA
sADEdEmpsAm
5. Having gathered the sacred grass, stretching out the ladle
685of offering, men have set here in their front the Fire for
the happiness, in his plenitude of inspiration, the Violent,
the universal in godhead, the bright and beautiful, one who
accomplishes the seekings of sacrifice of the doers of the
works.
690pAvkfoc
tv
Eh
y
pEr
695hoty
.
q
v
8tbEh
700qo
nr
an
d
v
705iQCmAnAs
aAJym
pAst
d
EvZ
Eh
t
y
6. O Fire, O purifying light, O priest of the call, men in
715their sacrifices having gathered the sacred grass, desiring
10 Or, the Bhrigus,
Mandala Three
the work, sit around thy house which we must obtain as
ours; found for them the Treasure.
720aA
rodsF
ap
ZdA
vm
725h6jAt
yd
nmpso
aDAryn
so
730avrAy
pEr
ZFyt
kEvryo
n
735vAjsAty
cnoEht
7. He filled the two firmaments, he filled the vast sun-world,
when he was born and held by the doers of the work. He is
led around for the pilgrim sacrifice, the Seer founded in the
740Bliss, as the Horse for the conquest of the plenitude.
nmyt
h ydAEt
vvr
d
745vyt
dMy
jAtv
dsm
rTF-
750ty
b
hto
Evcq
EZrEnd
755vAnAmBvt
p
roEht
8. Bow down to the giver of the offering, set to his work the
perfect in the pilgrim-rite, the knower of all the births who
760dwells in the house: for he is the all-seeing charioteer of the
vast Truth, the Fire has become the priest of the gods set in
front.
Et*o
y4y
765sEmD
pEr6mno'n
rp
n3
Efjo
770am
yv
tAsAm
kAmdD
m
B
jm
lokm
up
780jAEmmFyt
9. Triple is the fuel of the mighty and pervading Fire purified
by the aspiring immortals; one of three they have set in the
mortal, the fuel of the enjoyment, two have gone to that
companion world.
785EvfA
kEv
Ev
pEt
mAn
790qFErq
s
sFmk
@vvEDEt
n
js
s
u7to
Envto
800yAEt
v
Evqt
s
gB
q
B
vn
q
810dFDrt
/
10. This seer and lord of creatures human impulsions have
perfected everywhere like an axe for sharpness. He goes
overrunning the high and the low places; he holds the child
815to be born in these worlds.
Other Hymns to Agni
s
Ejvt
jWr
jE.vAn
v
qA
Ec
nAnd3
Es
h
v
vAnr
p
T
pAjA
835amyo
vs
r&A
dymAno
Ev
840dAf
q
11. The male of the herds has been born in different wombs and
he stirs abroad like a roaring lion, the universal godhead,
the immortal wide in his might bestowing the riches and the
845ecstasies on the offerer of sacrifice.
v
#
vAnr
&TA
850nAkmAzhd
Edvp
S
BdmAn
s
855mmEB
s
p
$
v
860v6jny)jtv
Dn
smAnm6m
py
Et
865jAg
Ev
12. Universal godhead as in the ancient days has ascended glad
by high thoughts to the firmament, to the back of heaven,
even as of old he creates the riches for the creature born;
870wakeful he travels ever over the same field of movement.
-tAvAn
yE.y
Evm
8LymA
dD
mAtEr
vA
EdEv
880ym
t
EcyAm
hErk
fmFmh
dFEtmEn
s
EvtAy
n ys
89013. The sacrificial Fire whose home is in heaven and who pos-
sesses the Truth, the illumined seer with his utterance of
the word, whom life that grows in the mother has set here,
him with his diverse journeying, his tawny hair of flame
we desire, the deep-thinking Fire for a new and happy
895movement.
f
Ec
n
yAmE3Eqr
900vd
f
k
t
Edvo
905rocnTAm
qb
Dm
aEn
m
DA
n
Edvo
aEtk
tmFmh
nmsA
vAEjn
b
920ht
14. Pure-bright, rapid of impulsion in his journeying, Fire that
looks upon the sun-world, heaven’s ray of intuition, stand-
ing in the luminous planes, waking in the Dawn, Fire, head
of heaven, whom no darkness can cover, him we desire with
925obeisance of surrender, the Fire of the plenitudes who is the
Vast.
Mandala Three
md
hotAr
Ecm7yAEvn
dm
$
nsm
9358Ly
Ev
vcq
EZm
rT
Ec
vp
qAy
df
mn
Eh
t
sdEmd
950rAy
Imh
15. The pure and rapturous priest of the call in whom is no
duality, the dweller in the house, the speaker of the word,
the all-seeing, the visioned Fire set in the thinking human
955being who is like a many-hued chariot in his embodiment,
him ever we desire and his riches.
SUKTA 3
v
#
960vAnrAy
p
T
pAjs
Evpo
965r&A
EvDt
DzZ
q
gAtv
970aEnEh
d
vA
;
am
975to
d
vyyTA
DmA
EZ
980sntA
n
d
$
d
985qt
1. For the universal godhead, wide in his might, his illumina-
tions11 create the ecstasies to make a path on the foundations
of things: because the immortal Fire sets the gods to their
work none can corrupt the eternal Laws.
990atd
$
to
rodsF
dm
995Iyt
hotA
Enq1o
mn
q
roEht
y
b
ht
1005pEr
B
$
qEt
EBd
EBrEnErEqto
EDyAvs
2. He travels as the Messenger between earth and heaven, the
doer of works, man’s priest of the call, seated within him,
1015the vicar set in his front; with his light he envelops the
Vast Home, the Fire missioned by the gods, rich with the
Thought.
k
t
1020y.AnA
EvdTy
sADn
EvAso
aEn
1025mhyt
EcE1EB
apA
Es
yEm3ED
dD
Eg
rtEms
<AEn
1035yjmAn
aA
ck
3. Ray of intuition of their sacrifices, effective means of the
finding of knowledge, the illumined seers greatened the Fire
1040by their awakenings to Wisdom; the Fire in whom his words
have built into a harmony his works, in him the doer of
sacrifice desires the things of his happiness.
11 Or, the illumined Ones
Other Hymns to Agni
1045EptA
y.AnAms
ro
EvpE
ctA
1050EvmAnmEnv
y
n
c
vAGtAm
Evv
f
rodsF
B
Ervp
sA
p
zEyo
1065Bdt
DAmEB
kEv
4. The Fire is the father of sacrifice, the Mighty Lord of the
wise, he is the measure and the manifestation of knowledge
1070for the priests of the word: he enters into earth and heaven
with his manifold shape, many delightful things are in him,
he is the seer who has gladness of all the planes.
cd
mEn
rT
hErv
t
v
vAnrmJs
qd
vEv
dm
1085EvgAh
t
$
EZ
tEvqFEBrAv
B
$
EZ
d
1095vAs
ih
s
E2y
dD
11005. The gods have set in this world in his beauty and glory the
delightful Fire, with his chariot of delight, luminous in the
way of his workings, the universal godhead, who is seated
in the waters, who is the discoverer of the sun-world, who
enters into the depths and is swift to cross beyond, who is
1105wrapped in his mights, who bears in himself all things.
aEnd
v
EBm
n
c
jt
EBtvAno
y.
zp
fs
EDyA
rTFrtrFyt
1120sADEdEEBjF
ro
dm
$
nA
1125aEBfEtcAtn
6. The Fire with the gods and creatures born builds by the
thought of man the sacrifice in its many forms, he moves
between earth and heaven as their charioteer bearing them
to the achievement of their desires; he is the swift in mo-
1130tion and he is a dweller in the house who drives off every
assailant.
an
jrv
vpy
1135aAy
y
$
jA
Epvv
1140sEmqo
EddFEh
n
vyA
Es
1145Ejv
b
ht
c
jAg
uEfd
vAnAmEs
s
5t
pAm
7. O Fire, come near to us in a life rich with offspring, nourish
us with energy, illumine our impulsions, animate in us the
expanding powers of the Vast, O wakeful flame; thou art
1160the aspirant strong in will for the gods and the illumined
seers.
Mandala Three
Ev
pEt
1165y4mEtET
nr
sdA
ytAr
DFnAm
1170Efj
c
vAGtAm
avrAZA
c
jAtv
ds
f
sEt
1180nmsA
j
$
EtEBv
D
11858. Men ever with obeisance, with swift urgings, give expression
for their growth, to the knower of all births, the mighty one,
the lord of the peoples, the Guest, the driver of our thoughts,
the aspirant in those who speak the word, the wakener to
consciousness in the pilgrim sacrifice.
1190EvBAvA
d
v
s
rZ
1195pEr
EtFrEnb
B
$
v
1200fvsA
s
md
T
ty
tAEn
B
$
ErpoEqZo
1210vym
p
B
$
q
dm
aA
s
v
1220E8tEB
9. Fire, the wide-shining godhead, joyful in his happy chariot,
has enveloped in his might our abodes;12 with complete
purification may we obey13 in the house the laws of work
of this giver of our manifold increase.
#
vAnr
tv
DAmAyA
y
EB
vEv
dBvo
1235EvcZ
jAt
aAp
Zo
B
1240vnAEn
rodsF
an
tA
Ev
pErB
$
rEs
mnA
10. O universal godhead, I desire thy lights14 by which thou
becomest, O all-seeing,15 the knower of the sun-world: born,
thou hast filled the worlds and earth and heaven, thou art
there enveloping them all with thyself, O Fire.
#
vAnry
d
snA yo
hdErZAd
k
vpyyA
kEv
1265uBA
EptrA
mhy3jAytA'EnA
vAp
ETvF
$
Err
tsA
11. Fire the One Seer by his seeking for perfect works16 released
1275out of the actions17 of the universal godhead, the Vast: the
12 Or, the worlds of our habitation;
13 Or, may we approach with reverence
14 Or, seats or planes
15 Or, clear-seeing,
128016 Or, by his skill in works
17 Or, detached from the actions
Other Hymns to Agni
Fire greatening both the parents, earth and heaven, was born
from a mighty seed.18
1285SUKTA 4
sEmsEmt
s
mnA
boym
cAf
cA
s
mEt
1295rAEs
vv
aA
d
v
vAn
yjTAy
vE
sKA
1305sKFs
mnA
yLyn
1. Aflame and again aflame in us awake with thy truth of
mind, with light upon light grant us right understanding
1310from the shining One. A god, bring the gods for the sacrifice;
right-minded, a friend do sacrifice to the friends, O Fire.
y
d
vAsErh3Ayjt
1315Edv
Edv
vzZo
Emo
aEn
m
y.
mD
mt
DF
ntn
$
npAd
tyoEn
EvDtm
2. O thou whom the gods, even Varuna, Mitra and the Fire,
thrice in the day worship with sacrifice from day to day,
1335O Son of the body, make this sacrifice of ours full of the
sweetness, so that it may create the native seat of the light.
dFEDEtEv
vvArA
EjgAEt
1340hotArEm0
Tm
yjy
#
aQCA
1345nmoEBv
qB
vdy
#
s
vAn
yEdEqto
yjFyAn
3. The Thought in which are all desirable things comes to this
1355first and supreme priest of the call to offer our aspirations
as a sacrifice, towards the mighty one to adore him with
our prostrations; missioned, strong to sacrifice, may he do
worship to the gods.
Uvo
gAt
rvr
akAy
$
focF
Eq
ETtA
rjA
Edvo
vA
nABA
ysAEd
1375hotA
t
ZFmEh
d
v ycA
bEh
4. In the pilgrim sacrifice a high path for you both has been
made which departs to the high lustres, the mid-worlds;
18 Or, the Fire was born greatening both the parents, earth and heaven, with his mighty
1385stream.
Mandala Three
the priest of the call has taken his seat in the navel-centre of
heaven. We spread wide the sacred grass, a space of wideness
of the gods.
hoAEZ
mnsA
v
ZAnA
1395ivto
Ev
v
Et
y3
n
n
p
fso
1405EvdT
q
jAtA
aBFm
y.
crt
p
$
vF
14155. Accepting with the mind the seven invocations, taking pos-
session of all that is by the Truth, they went towards their
goal. Many powers born in the finding of knowledge and
wearing the forms of gods move abroad to this sacrifice.
aA
1420BdmAn
uqsA
upAk
ut
my
tvA
Ev!p
yTA
no
1430Emo
vzZo
j
joqEdd
o
1435mzvA
;
ut
vA
mhoEB
14406. May night and dawn differently formed in their body be
joined close and smile upon us in their gladness, so that
Mitra may take pleasure in us and Varuna or with his
greatness Indra too with the life-gods.19
d
1445# yA
hotArA
TmA
y
)j
p
As
vDyA
mdEt
f
st
-tEmt
t
1460aAh
rn
v
t
v
1465tpA
dFyAnA
7. I crown the two supreme Priests of the invocation. The seven
pleasures take their rapture by the self-law of their nature;
the Truth they express, the Truth only they speak, guardians
1470of the law of its action according to that law they shine.
aA
BArtF
BArtFEB
sjoqA
1475i0A
d
v
#m
n
EBrEn
srvtF
sArvt
EBrvA
Et*o
d
vFb
Eh
d
sdt
8. In unison may Bharati with her Muses of invocation, Ila
with gods and men, and Fire, Saraswati with her powers of
1495inspiration come down to us, the three goddesses sit upon
this seat of sacrifice.
19 Or, may they so shine with their lights that Mitra may take pleasure in us and Varuna
and Indra with the life-gods.
Other Hymns to Agni
1500t3t
rFpmD
poqEy&
d
v
1505vEv
rrAZ
yv
yto
vFr
@y
s
do
y
15158tg
AvA
jAyt
d
vkAm
15209. O divine maker of forms who hast the utter rapture, cast
upon us that supreme transcendence, cause of our growth,
from which is born in us the hero ever active with wise
discernment, the seeker of the gods who sets to work the
stone of the wine-pressing.
1525vnpt
'v
s
jop
d
1530vAnEnh
Ev
fEmtA
s
$
1535dyAEt
s
d
hotA
sytro
1540yjAEt
yTA
d
vAnA
jEnmAEn
d
/
10. O tree, release thy yield to the gods; Fire the achiever of
the work speeds the offering on its way. It is he who does
1550worship as the priest of the call, the more true in his act
because he knows the birth of the gods.
aA
yAVn
sEmDAno
1555avA
ERd
Z
d
v
srT
t
r
EB
1565bEh
n
aAtAmEdEt
s
p
vAhA
d
vA
am
mAdytAm
11. Come down to us, O Fire, high-kindled, in one chariot
with Indra and swiftly journeying gods; let Aditi, mother
of mighty sons, sit on the sacred grass, let the gods, the
1580immortals, take rapture in sv¯ah¯a.
SUKTA 5
yEnzqs
c
EktAno'boED
pdvF
kvFnAm
p
T
1590pAjA
d
vyEY
sEm=o'p
7ArA
1595tmso
vE>rAv
1. The Fire is awake fronting the dawns; one illumined, he
becomes aware of the paths of the seers: kindled into a wide
might by the seekers of godhead, the upbearing flame opens
1600the gates of the Darkness.
Mandala Three
7EnvA
v
D
1605tom
EBgF
EB
tot
^
nmy
u8T
#
p
vF
-
ty
s
f
ckAn
s
d
to
aOd
qso
Evrok
16302. Ever the Fire increases by the lauds, the words of those
who hymn him by their utterances, one to be adored with
prostrations; the Messenger who desires the many seeings
of the Truth has shone out in the wide flaming of the Dawn.
aDA?yEnmA
qFq
EvLvpA
gBo
Em
n
sADn
aA
hy
yjt
sAvTAdB
$
d
1650Evo
h yo
mtFnAm
3. The Fire has been set in the human peoples, child of the
Waters, the Friend who achieves by the Truth; luminous,
1655a power for sacrifice,20 he has risen to the summits; he
has become the illumined seer who must be called by our
thoughts.
Emo
aEnB
1660vEt
yt
sEm=o
Emo
hotA
1665vzZo
jAtv
dA
Emo
avy
1670ErEqro
dm
$
nA
Em
1675EsD
$
nAm
t
pv
1680tAnAm
4. The Fire when he has been kindled high becomes Mitra, the
Friend — Mitra the priest of the call, Varuna, the knower
of the births, Mitra, the friend, the priest of the pilgrim
sacrifice, one rapid in his impulsions, the dweller in the
1685house, the friend of the Rivers, the friend of the Mountains.
pAEt
Ey
Erpo
ag
v
pAEt
y4
crZ
$
y
y
pAEt
1700nABA
sPfFqA
ZmEn
pAEt
d
1705vAnAm
pmAdm
v
5. He guards from hurt the beloved21 summit-seat of the being,
mighty, he guards the course22 of the Sun; Fire guards in the
1710navel-centre the seven-headed thought, sublime, he guards
the ecstasy of the gods.
20 Or, beloved and adorable,
21 Or, delightful
22 Or, movement
1715Other Hymns to Agni
-B
c5
IX
y
1720cAz
nAm
Ev
vAEn
d
vy
nAEn
Ev7An
ssy
G
tvt
pd
v
1735tEddnF
ryy
QCn
6. A skilful craftsman, a god knowing all the manifestations of
knowledge, he forms the beautiful and desirable Name, the
1740luminous seat of the being in the movement of the peace;
that the Fire guards, not deviating from his work.
aA
yoEnmEnG
tvtmTAt
T
gAZm
ftm
fAn
1750dFAn
f
Ec-
v
pAvk
np
nmA
trA
n ysF
7. Desiring it as it desired him, the Fire entered into that lumi-
nous native abode wide in its approach; shining forth, pure,
purifying, sublime, again and again he makes new the father
and the mother.
jAt
aoqDFEBv
v
ydF
Et
vo
G
t
aAp
iv
vtA
f
1780MBmAnA
uzydEn
EpozpT
8. Suddenly born he is carried by the growths of the earth when
the mothers who bore him make him grow by the light. The
1785Fire in the lap of the father and the mother is as one who
defends the waters gliding happily23 down a slope.
ud
t
sEmDA
1790y4o
aOd
vm
n
Edvo
1795aED
nABA
p
ET yA
Emo
1800aEnrFX
yo
mAtEr
vA''
d
to
vd
yjTAy
d
1810vAn
9. Lauded by us mighty he shone with his high flaming in the
largeness24 of heaven, in the navel-centre of earth. The Fire
is Mitra the friend, the desirable one, he is life growing in
the mother;25 may he as our messenger bring the gods for
1815the sacrifice.
23 Or, gliding brightly
24 Or, height
25 Or, life that breathes in the mother;
Mandala Three
1820udtMBFt
sEmDA
nAkm
vo'EnB
v3
18251mo
rocnAnAm
ydF
B
g
pEr
mAtEr
vA
g
st
h yvAh
smFD
/
184010. The Fire with his high flaming up-pillared, sublime, the
firmament and became the highest of the luminous king-
doms,26 when for the flame-seers life, that grows in the
mother, kindled all around the carrier of the offerings who
was hidden in the Secrecy.
1845i0Amn
p
zd
s
sEn
f
v1m
hvmAnAy
sAD
1855yA3
s
$
n
tnyo
1860EvjAvA'n
sA
t
s
mEtB
vm
11. O Fire, achieve at my call the Revealing Speech, the many-
actioned, the lasting conquest of the Light. May there be for
us a Son of our begetting pervading in his birth;27 O Fire,
1870may there be created in us that true thinking of thine.
SUKTA 6
kArvo
mnnA
vQymAnA
vd
FcF
nyt
d
1880vyt
dEZAvAX
vAEjnF
AQy
Et
1885hEvB
ryny
G
tAcF
1. The Doers of the work, seekers of godhead, who find ex-
1890pression by the thought, lead it on turned godwards; full
of the plenitude, luminous, carrying the Understanding, it
journeys moving forwards, bringing the offering to the Fire.
aA
rodsF
ZA
jAymAn
ut
Er8TA
n
y6yo
EdvE
cdn
1905mEhnA
p
ET yA
vQytA
t
1910v>y
sPEj4A
2. Even in thy birth thou hast filled earth and heaven, and
now thou hast exceeded them, O Flame that carriest on the
sacrifice; by the greatness of earth and heaven may thy seven
1915tongues find utterance, carriers of the word, O Fire.
26 Or, highest of all lights,
27 Or, himself a begetter;
Other Hymns to Agni
O
vA
p
ETvF
yE.yAso
hotAr
sAdyt
dmAy
ydF
1930Evfo
mAn
qFd
vytF
yvtFrF0t
5mEc
3. Heaven and earth and the lords of sacrifice set thee within
as the priest of the call for the house when human beings,
seeking godhead, having the delight, ask for the resplendent
1940Ray.
mhAsDT
D
v
aA
1945Enq1o'tA
vA
mAEhn
hy
mAZ
1950aA5
sp&F
ajr
am
8t
1955sbd
G
uzgAyy
D
n
4. Mighty, he is seated steadfast in the world of his session,
rejoicing between the two mightinesses of earth and heaven,
the united wives of one wide-moving lord, ageless and invi-
olate, the two milch-cows giving their rich yield of milk.
tA
t
an
mhto
1970mhAEn
tv
5vA
rodsF
aA
1975ttT
v
d
$
to
1980aBvo
jAymAnv
n
tA
v
cq
ZFnAm
5. Great art thou, O Fire, and great the law of thy workings,
by thy will thou hast built out earth and heaven; in thy very
1990birth thou becamest the Messenger, O mighty lord, and thou
the leader of men that see.
-ty
vA
k
1995EfnA
yoyAEBG
tˆ
vA
roEhtA
Er
EDv
aTA
vh
vAn
d
v
Ev
2010vAvvrA
k
Z
Eh
jAtv
6. Set under the yoke with the straps of the yoking the two
maned steeds of the Truth red of hue, dripping Light: thou,
O God, bring all the gods; O knower of the births, make
perfect the ways of the pilgrim sacrifice.
2020EdvE
cdA
t
zcyt
rokA
2025uqo
EvBAtFrn
BAEs
p
$
apo
ydn
ufDvn
q
2035hot
m
d
y
pnyt
vA
7. From heaven itself thy lights blazed forth, thou shinest in the
Mandala Three
wake of many outshinings of the Dawn28 when, O Fire, pas-
2045sionately burning29 in the woods, the gods set the waters30
to their work for the rapturous priest of the call.
urO
vA
y
2050atEr
mdEt
Edvo
vA
y
2055rocn
sEt
d
vA
UmA
y
s
hvAso
yjA
2065aAy
Emr
rLyo
an
a
8. The gods who take their rapture in the wide mid-world, or
those who are in the luminous world of heaven, or those
lords of sacrifice who are helpful and ready to the call, them
thy chariot-horses have borne towards us.
EBrn
srT
yAVvA
R
2080nAnArT
vA
EvBvo
V
vA
2085p&FvtE
ft
F
c
d
2090vAnn
vDmA
vh
mAdyv
9. Come down to us with them in one chariot or in many char-
2095iots for thy horses pervade and are everywhere; according
to thy self-law bring here with their wives the gods thirty
and three and give them to drink of the rapture.
s
hotA
rodsF
Ecd
vF
y.
2105y.mEB
v
D
g
ZFt
2110AcF
avr
v
tTt
s
k
-tAvrF
-tjAty
sy
10. He is the priest of the call for whose growing even wide
earth and heaven speak the word at sacrifice on sacrifice;
facing each other, fixed like two ends of the pilgrim-way,
the Truth they keep in his truth who from the Truth was
2125born.
i0Amn
p
zd
s
2130sEn
go
f
v1m
hvmAnAy
2135sAD
yA3
s
$
n
2140tnyo
EvjAvA'n
sA
t
s
2145mEtB
$
vm
11. O Fire, achieve at my call the Revealing Speech, the many-
actioned, the lasting conquest of the Light. May there be for
215028 Or, in the wake of many wide-shining dawns
29 Or, flaming as dawn
30 Apas, “work” would make a clearer sense; it would then mean “set in action the
work of the rapturous priest of the call.”
Other Hymns to Agni
2155us a Son of our begetting pervading in his birth;31 O Fire,
may there be created in us that true thinking of thine.
SUKTA 7
y
aAz
2160EfEtp
Sy
DAs
rA
mAtrA
2165EvEvf
sP
vAZF
pErEtA
EptrA
cr
t
s*A
t
2175dFG
mAy
y
1. They who have climbed from the dark-backed foundation
have entered the Father and Mother, have entered into the
2180seven voices. The Father and Mother who dwell encom-
passing all move abroad and go forward to give by sacrifice
long-extended the Life.
Edvso
D
2185nvo
v
Zo
a
vA
vFrA
tTO
mD
md
2195vhtF
-ty
vA
sdEs
myt
kA
crEt
vt
En
2. He reached the milch-cows that dwell in heaven, the Mares
of the male, the divine rivers that carry in their flow the
sweetness. The one Light moves on the way around thee
when thou seekest thy dwelling in the house of the Truth.
sFmroht
s
ymA
BvtF
2215pEtE
cEkvAn
rEyEvd
ryFZAm
nFlp
atsy
DAs
tA
avAsyt
zDtFk
3. On every side he ascends them and they become easy to con-
trol, he awakes to knowledge and is the lord and discoverer
of the riches. Fire with his blue back and many diverse faces
2230brings them from the ever-moving foundation to a settled
dwelling.
mEh
vA
m
j
ytFrj
y
tB
ymAn
vhto
vhEt
yH
2245EBEd
tAn
sDT
ekAEmv
rodsF
Evv
f
4. The rivers energise and bear his mighty force of formation
31 Or, himself a begetter;
2255Mandala Three
firmly fixed and undecaying; he shines out wide with his
limbs in the world of his session and has entered earth and
heaven as if they were one.
jAnEt
Zo
azqy
f
vm
b
9y
fAsn
rZEt
2270Edvozc
s
zco
rocmAnA
i0A
qA
g@yA
mAEhnA
gF
22805. They know the bliss of the ruddy-shining bull and they
rejoice in the rule of the Great One; they are the lights of
heaven luminously blazing and the Word of Revelation is
their mighty common speech.
uto
2285Ept
yA
EvdAn
Goq
mho
2290mhd
yAmnyt
f
$
qm
h
y
pEr
DAnm8torn
DAm
jErt
v
v
23056. And great by the knowledge of the great father and mother
they led his strength in the wake of its proclaiming call,
where the bull bears his worshipper round the hold of night
towards its own seat.
avy
p)cEB
sP
EvA
Ey
EnEht
pd
v
A)co
2320mdy
Zo
aj
yA
d
d
vAnAmn
Eh
v
g
7. Seven illumined seers guard by the five priests of the pilgrim-
rite the beloved32 seat of the being that is set within: moving
forward the imperishable bulls take joy; the gods move
2335according to the law of the workings of the gods.
d
# yA
hotArA
TmA
)j
sP
p
As
2345vDyA
mdEt
-t
f
st
2350-tEmt
t
aAh
rn
v
v
tpA
dFyAnA
8. I crown the two supreme Priests of the invocation. The seven
2360pleasures take their rapture by the self-law of their nature;
the Truth they express, the Truth only they speak, guardians
of the law of its action according to that law they shine.
32 Or, delightful
Other Hymns to Agni
qAyt
mh
ayAy
p
vF
v
Z
EcAy
my
s
yAmA
d
hotm
d
trE
cEkvAn
2385mho
d
vAn
rodsF
eh
9. The many Rays well governed in their course, grow pas-
sionate for the great Horse, the many-hued Bull. O divine
priest of the call, rapturous, awaking to knowledge, bring
here the great gods and earth and heaven.
yjo
d
EvZ
s
2400vAc
s
k
tv
uqso
vd
$
q
uto
2410Ecdn
mEhnA
p
ET yA
k
Ecd
n
s
mh
2420dfy
/
10. The swift-running dawns have shone opulently bringing us
our satisfactions, with their true speech, their rays of intu-
ition. And do thou, O Fire, by the greatness of the earth cut
2425away for the Vast even the sin that has been done.
i0Amn
p
zd
s
2430sEn
go
f
v1m
hvmAnAy
2435sAD
yA3
s
$
n
2440tnyo
EvjAvA'n
sA
t
s
2445mEtB
$
vm
11. O Fire, achieve at my call the Revealing Speech, the many-
actioned, the lasting conquest of the Light. May there be for
2450us a Son of our begetting pervading in his birth;33 O Fire,
may there be created in us that true thinking of thine.
SUKTA 9
sKAyvA
vv
d
v
mtA
s
2460Uty
apA
npAt
s
Bg
dFEdEt
s
t
$
mn
hsm
1. Mortals we have chosen thee, a god, for our comrade to
protect us, the Child of the Waters, full of happiness and
2475light, victorious,34 to whom no hurt can come.
33 Or, himself a begetter;
34 Or, strong to break through,
Mandala Three
kAymAno
2480vnA
v
ymAt
^
rjg3p
tt
t
an
m
Envt
n
yd
d
r
sE3hABv
2. When leaving the woods thou goest to thy mother waters,
that retreat turns not to oblivion of thee,35 O Fire, for even
2500though thou art far thou hast come into being here.
aEt
t
vvETA'T
#v
mnA
aEs
Ay
yEt
y
aAst
y
qA
2515sHy
aEs
E2t
3. When thou hast carried beyond the rough ground36 then
hast thou truth of mind: some depart,37 others remain seated
2520around thee in whose comradeship thou art lodged.
IEyvA
smEt
E*D
f
2525vtFrEt
s
ct
avFmEvdn
EnEcrAso
ho'Js
Es
hEmv
E2tm
25354. When he has passed beyond the forces that make to err,
beyond those that cling perpetual, the long-lasting who have
no hurt have followed and found him like a lion who has
taken refuge in the Waters.
ss
sEmv
mnA'EnEmTA
EtroEhtm
e
nymAtEr
vA
prAvto
d
yo
mETt
pEr
5. As if one who of himself has sped away and utterly disap-
2555peared, this Fire Life growing in the mother led from the
Beyond, churned out on every side, for the gods.
t
vA
mtA
Zt
d
v
yo
2565h yvAhn
Ev
vAn
yd
y.A
aEBpAEs
mAn
q
tv
25755vA
yEvS
y
6. This is thou upon whom mortals have seized for the gods, O
carrier of the offerings, because thou guardest all sacrifices
2580by thy will, O Flame in man, O most youthful god!
35 Or, to thy destruction,
36 Or, beyond thirst
37 Or, move forward,
Other Hymns to Agni
Bd
tv
d
snA
2590pAkAy
EcQCdyEt
vA
ydn
pfv
2595smAst
sEm=mEpfv
r
7. O Fire, thy action covers That Bliss from the ignorant when
the Animals sit together around thee, kindled against the
2600night.
aA
j
hotA
vvr
2605fFr
pAvkfoEcqm
aAf
d
$
2610tmEjr
&mFX
y
F
d
spy
t
8. Offer the oblation to the Fire intense with its purifying light,
who does perfectly the pilgrim-rite, the swift messenger, with
2620his rapid pace; wait soon upon the ancient and desirable
godhead.
FEZ
ftA
F
2625sh*A@yEn
E
fQc
d
vA
cAspy
n
aOn
G
#rt
Zn
bEh
rmA
2640aAEd=otAr
ysAdyt
9. Gods three thousand and three hundred and thirty and nine
waited upon the Fire. They anointed him with streams of the
clarity, they spread for him the seat of sacrifice, and seated
2645him within as priest of the call.
SUKTA 10
vAmn
mnFEqZ
sm
cq
ZFnAm
d
v
2655mtA
s
iDt
smvr
1. Thee, O Fire, men who have the thinking mind kindle in the
2660sacrifice, an emperor over those who see, mortals set alight
a godhead.
vA
y.
v
2665Evjmn
hotArmF0t
gopA
-ty
dFEdEh
dm
2. Thee, O Fire, they pray in the sacrifices as the sacrificant of
the rite, the priest of the call; shine out the guardian of the
Truth in thy own home.
2675Mandala Three
s
GA
yt
ddAfEt
2680sEmDA
jAtv
ds
so
an
s
vFy
s
p
2690yEt
3. He who gives to thee with the fuel, to the knower of the
births, holds the hero-energy, he ever grows.
s
k
rvrAZAmEnd
v
EBrA
gmt
2700a)jAn
sP
hot
EBh
Evmt
27054. He is the ray of intuition in the sacrifices; may he, the Fire,
come with the gods, anointed by the seven priests of the
oblation, to him who holds the offerings.
ho
p
y
vco'ny
BrtA
b
EvpA
6yotF
Eq
EbB
n
v
Ds
5. Bring forward for the Fire, for the priest of the call, the vast
2725and supreme38 Word as for the creator, the bearer of the
lights of the illuminations.
aEn
vD
t
Egro
yto
jAyt
u8Ly
vAjAy
d
EvZAy
df
6. May our words make the Fire to grow when he is born,
the Fire that carries the utterance, visioned for the great
plenitude, for the treasure.
an
2745yEjSo
avr
d
vAn
d
2750vyt
yj
hotA
md
o
rAjyEt
E*D
7. O Fire, most strong to sacrifice in the pilgrim-rite, worship
the gods for the seeker of the godhead; as the rapturous
2760priest of the call thou shinest wide, beyond the forces that
make us err.
38 Or, ancient
Other Hymns to Agni
s
pAvk
dFEdEh
mdm
s
2770vFy
m
BvA
tot
yo
2775atm
vty
8. So, do thou, O purifying Flame, kindle in us the luminous
hero-energy, to those who laud thee become most close for
their weal.
vA
EvA
Evpyvo
jAg
s
sEmDt
h yvAhmmy
shov
9. This is thou whom the illumined seers who have the light,
ever wakeful, kindle, the immortal bearer of the offering,
increaser of our force.
SUKTA 11
2795aEnho
tA
p
roEhto'vry
Evcq
s
v
d
y.mAn
1. Fire is our all-seeing priest of the call, our vicar set in front
in the pilgrim-rite; he knows the uninterrupted course of the
sacrifice.
s
2810h yvA0my
uEfd
$
t
cnoEht
2815aEnED
yA
sm
@vEt
2. He is the immortal, the carrier of the offering, the aspirant,
2820the messenger settled in the rapture; the Fire joins with our
Thought.
aEnED
yA
s
tEt
k
t
y
p
$
y
aT
trEZ
3. Agni wakes to knowledge companioning our Thought, he
is the supreme39 ray of intuition in the sacrifice; it is he who
crosses through to man’s goal.
284039 Or, ancient
Mandala Three
aEn
s
$
sn2
t
shso
jAtv
2850dsm
vE>
d
vA
ak
2855@vt
4. Fire, the Son of Force, who hears the things that are eter-
nal,40 knower of the births, the gods created as a carrier
flame.
adA y
retA
EvfAmEnmA
n
qFZAm
$
ZF
rT
sdA
5. The inviolable who goes in front of the human peoples, the
Fire is a swift chariot that is ever new.
sA4An
Ev
aEBy
j
5t
d
2880vAnAmm
8t
aEnt
Ev2vtm
6. Overpowering all assailants the Fire is the will of the gods
2885never crushed, filled with the multitude of his inspirations.
aEB
yA
Es
vAhsA
vA
;
a`oEt
my
pAvkfoEcq
7. By this bringer of delights the mortal who gives, reaches and
possesses the house of the purifying light.
pEr
vAEn
s
EDtA'n
r
2905yAm
mmEB
EvAso
jAtv
ds
29108. May we by our thoughts possess around us well-established
all the things of the Fire, may we be illumined seers who
know all things born.41
an
Ev
2915vAEn
vAyA
vAj
q
sEnqAmh
d
vAs
eErr
9. O Fire, we shall win all desirable things in thy plenitudes,
2925in thee have moved towards us the gods.
40 Or, who has the inspired knowledge of things eternal,
41 Or, in whom knowledge is born.
Other Hymns to Agni
SUKTA 12
AnF
aA
gt
s
gFEB
n
Bo
vr
2940@ym
ay
pAt
EDy
EqtA
29451. O Indra, O Fire, come to the offering of the wine, — by our
words your supreme desirable ether; drink of it you who are
missioned by the Thought.
id
AnF
2950jErt
scA
y.o
EjgAEt
c
ayA
pAtEmm
s
tm
29602. O Indra, O Fire, the conscious sacrifice journeys taking with
it the worshipper: by this word drink of this offered wine.
id
mEn
kEvQCdA
2965y.y
j
$
yA
v
tA
somy
h
t
2975MptAm
3. I choose by the swift impulse of the sacrifice Indra and the
Fire whose pleasure is in the seer; take here your content of
the Soma wine.
tofA
hZA
h
v
sEjvAnAprAEjtA
AnF
vAjsAtmA
4. The smiters, the slayers of the coverer I call, the unvan-
quished, the companions in victory, Indra and the Fire, most
2990strong to win the plenitudes.
vAmc
y
E8Tno
nFTAEvdo
2995jErtAr
id
AnF
iq
aA
Z
5. Your adorers, speakers of the word, they who know the
ways of the guidance hymn you: O Indra, O Fire, I accept
your impulsions.