Rig Veda · Mandala 5 · Sukta 24

Rig Veda 5.24 - Agni

Primary deity: Agni
Rishi family: Atri and the Atreya line
Verses: 1
Location: Mandala 5, Sukta 24

This Sukta is the 24th hymn of Mandala 5, a book of 87 hymns known as The Atri Mandala. Its 1 verses are addressed chiefly to Agni, and are given here in Devanagari, IAST transliteration and Griffith’s English rendering. By tradition the hymns of this Mandala belong to Atri and the Atreya line.

The text is preserved here in three registers: the Devanagari Sanskrit of the Samhita, a scholarly IAST romanisation, and Ralph T. H. Griffith's 1896 English translation. Where our editors have published a verse-by-verse commentary it appears beneath the relevant Rik below, adding philological and contextual reading beyond the base translation.

Editor commentary is available for 1 of 1 verses in this Sukta. Commentary is drafted with AI assistance and reviewed before publication. Read our editorial & AI methodology.

Verses

Rig Veda 5.24.1

अग्ने तवं नो अन्तम उत तराता शिवो भवा वरूथ्यः | वसुर अग्निर वसुश्रवा अछा नक्षि दयुमत्तमं रयिं दाः | स नो बोधि शरुधी हवम उरुष्या णो अघायतः समस्मात | तं तवा शोचिष्ठ दीदिवः सुम्नाय नूनम ईमहे सखिभ्यः |

aghne tvaṃ no antama uta trātā śivo bhavā varūthyaḥ | vasur aghnir vasuśravā achā nakṣi dyumattamaṃ rayiṃ dāḥ | sa no bodhi śrudhī havam uruṣyā ṇo aghāyataḥ samasmāt | taṃ tvā śociṣṭha dīdivaḥ sumnāya nūnam īmahe sakhibhyaḥ |

Commentary

Certainly. Let’s explore Rig Veda Book 5, Hymn 24, Verse 1 together.

Essential Meaning in Simple Language

This verse is a prayer to Agni, the divine fire. The poet asks Agni to be their close protector and savior, to be auspicious and shield them from harm. Agni is praised as generous and renowned for giving blessings. The seer requests Agni to listen to their call, guard them from misfortune, and grant radiant prosperity—not only to the individual but also to their friends.

Deeper Philosophical & Spiritual Significance

Agni is not only the physical fire but also the spiritual force that transforms and purifies. By invoking Agni as the nearest and protector, the hymn acknowledges the intimate presence of divinity in daily life. There is an implicit trust that the divine is approachable, compassionate, and actively involved in human welfare.

The verse carries a universal teaching: seek a higher power not just for personal gain, but for the welfare and happiness of all around you. It’s a prayer that’s both personal and communal, blending individual aspiration with collective harmony.

Agni’s qualities—auspiciousness, generosity, and the ability to dispel darkness—are metaphors for the inner light of wisdom, the warmth of compassion, and the transformative power of truth.

Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors

Agni (Fire): Symbolizes the divine presence, purification, and the link between heaven and earth. Agni is the carrier of prayers and the medium through which offerings reach the gods.
Protector and Savior: Agni is invoked as a guardian who shields from harm, both seen and unseen.
Radiant Prosperity: The request for “dyumattamaṃ rayiṃ”—the most resplendent wealth—is not just material but also spiritual abundance.
Friendship and Well-being: The desire for blessings to extend to friends reflects the interconnectedness of individual and community.

Connection to Modern Life and Universal Human Experience

In today’s world, this verse is a reminder to nurture our inner fire—the drive for truth, growth, and goodness. It invites us to seek protection and guidance from higher ideals, and to wish well not just for ourselves but for others.

Agni’s role as mediator and protector can inspire us to cultivate qualities of courage and clarity, to face challenges and dispel the “darkness” of ignorance or adversity. The prayer for radiant prosperity is a yearning for holistic well-being—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Moreover, the emphasis on listening and responding to our prayers speaks to the enduring hope that our sincere intentions and efforts are met with support, whether from the divine, our community, or our own inner strength.

Cultural and Historical Context

In Vedic society, fire was central to rituals, daily life, and the very fabric of community. Agni was seen as the divine witness to all vows and the bridge between mortals and the divine. Invoking Agni was both a practical and spiritual act, symbolizing the aspiration for purity, protection, and abundance.

The communal aspect—seeking blessings for friends—reflects the ancient understanding that one’s well-being is intricately linked to the well-being of others, a timeless value relevant in any era.

Reflection and Inspiration

This verse encourages us to: - Recognize and honor the sacred presence within and around us. - Seek protection and guidance from higher wisdom. - Wish for prosperity and happiness not just for ourselves, but for our community. - Nurture and share the “fire” of inspiration, compassion, and clarity.

In essence:
“May the inner and outer fire guide, protect, and bless us, dispelling darkness and bringing radiant abundance to all.”

Let the ancient prayer to Agni inspire you to kindle your inner light, seek support in times of need, and share your blessings generously with the world.

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