Rig Veda

Mandal - 1 (Part - 1)

HYMN 144. Agni

1

THE Priest goes forth to sacrifice, with wondrous power sending aloft the hymn of glorious
brilliancy.
He moves to meet the ladles turning to the right, which are the first to kiss the place where he
abides.

2

To him sang forth the flowing streams of Holy Law, encompassed in the home and birth-place of
the God.
He, when he dwelt extended in the waters' lap, absorbed those Godlike powers for which he is
adored.

3

Seeking in course altern to reach the selfsame end the two copartners strive to win this beauteous form.
Like Bhaga must he be duly invoked by us, as he who drives the car holds fast the horse's reins.

4

He whom the two copartners with observance tend, the pair who dwell together in the same
abode,
By night as in the day the grey one was born young, passing untouched by eld through many an age of man.

5

Him the ten fingers, the devotions. animate: we mortals call on him a God to give us help.
He speeds over the sloping surface of the land: new deeds hath he performed with those who gird him round.

6

For, Agni, like a herdsman, thou by thine own might rulest o'er all that is in heaven and on the
earth;
And these two Mighty Ones, bright, golden closely joined, rolling them round are come unto thy
sacred grass.

7

Agni, accept with joy, be glad in this our prayer, joy-giver, self-sustained, strong, born of Holy Law!
For fair to see art thou turning to every side, pleasant to look on as a dwelling filled with food.