Rig Veda

Mandal - 1 (Part - 1)

HYMN 58. Agni

1

NE'ER waxeth faint the Immortal, Son of Strength, since he, the Herald, hath become Vivasvan's
messenger.
On paths most excellent he measured out mid-air: he with oblation calls to service of the Gods.

2

Never decaying, seizing his appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry wood he spreads.
His back, as he is sprinkled, glistens like a horse: loud hath he roared and shouted like the heights of
heaven?

3

Set high in place o'er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, Lord of riches, seated as High Priest;
Hastening like a car to men, to those who live, the God without delay gives boons to be desired.

4

Urged by the wind be spreads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his tongues for sickles,
with a mighty roar.
Black is thy path, Agni, changeless, with glittering waves! when like a bull thou rushest eager to the trees.

5

With teeth of flame, wind-driven, through the wood he speeds, triumphant like a bull among the
herd of cows,
With bright strength roaming to the everlasting air: things fixed, things moving quake before him as he flies.

6

The Bhrgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke;
Thee, Agni, as a herald and choice-worthy guest, as an auspicious Friend to the Celestial Race.

7

Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sacrificer, him whom the priests elect at solemn worship,
The Herald, messenger of all the Vasus, I serve with dainty food, I ask for riches.

8

Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day to us thy praisers.
O Agni, Son of Strength, with forts of iron preserve thou from distress the man who lauds thee.

9

Be thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to those who worship.
Preserve the singer from distress, O Agni. May he, enriched with prayer, come soon and early.