Agni
Topic: The Vedic Age · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 7 "India's Cultural Roots"; Class 7, Ch 6 "The Age of Reorganisation"; Class 12, Ch 4 "Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings"
Meaning
Agni is the Vedic god of fire. He was also the sacred fire itself, into which offerings were poured during a yajña (sacrifice). People believed Agni carried these offerings to the other gods. This made him a messenger between humans and the gods. Like other Vedic deities, he stood for a force of nature, and fire was seen as sacred and powerful. In the Ṛigveda, he is one of the most praised gods, along with Indra and Soma.
Example
The very first hymn of the Ṛigveda (1.1) is addressed to Agni. It praises him as the priest of the sacrifice. The daily rituals of Vedic households were simple prayers and offerings made into Agni.
Don't confuse with
- Indra: the god of rain and thunder and a warrior god. He is praised in more Ṛigvedic hymns than any other god. Agni is the god of fire and the sacrificial link to the gods.