Hymn to Agni

Rigveda I.12.1-12

We choose Agni as messenger,
As Invoker, the all-knower
who has the divine knowledge of the sacred ritual. || 1 ||

May we invoke Agni at all times with our hymns
Agni- the Master of our homes
Conveyer of our oblations (to the gods), dear to all! || 2 ||

O Agni! Bring the devas to us
You are born anew for him who spreads out the sacred grass
You are the invoker, who is worthy of our worship. || 3 ||

Wake them up, the eager gods,
when you go on your mission!
Sit on this sacred grass with the gods. || 4 ||

You whose oblation is the ghee,
O Agni! the luminous One!
Devour the wicked who have wrought harm to us! || 5 ||

With Agni is Agni kindled
Agni is the Sage, the Master of the house, ever young, bearer of the oblation
and the one with the sacrificial ladle in its mouth. || 6 ||

Praise be to Sage Agni,
Who adheres ever to the sacrificial law,
the god who drives away disease. || 7 ||

O Agni, the Lord of the Oblation!
O messenger! Protect him from harm,
whosoever honors you (with prayer and oblation). || 8 ||

O Purifier! Be gracious unto him
Who seeks to win here for a feast to the gods by presenting an oblation. || 9 ||

O Purifier! The lustrous one!
Bring hither the gods for us, Agni,
to our sacrifice and oblation. || 10 ||

Being extolled with our fresh songs,
bring to us the riches of heroes and nourishment. || 11 ||

O Agni with the bright flames,
enjoy this hymn of praise of ours,
together with all the invocations that we make to gods. || 12 ||

Tell me, who is that God pervading the immortal emancipated souls, who is Himself One Eternal Imperishable Supreme Being, whose glory we should meditate upon?
Who will deliver us to the living world, after having lived a full life, that we may be born again to see a mother and a father? II 1 II

The Supreme God, the Omniscient and Unparalleled, the Leader of the emancipated souls - His holy name we meditate upon,
He will deliver us back to the living world so that we may be born again to see a father and a mother. II 2 II

O Divine Creator, the Ever-Protector, You are the Lord of precious things,
We ask earnestly of You for our share in the enjoyments of the world. II 3 II

We invoke You for that prosperity full of kindness which lies in Your Hand,
And is available to them who are free from hatred. II 4 II

O Supreme Lord! The Possessor of true wealth, we shall strive to attain the heights of affluence,
Under Your protection for the benefit of all. II 5 II

Not even those birds that fly high through the air attain the height of Your dominion or Your might,
Not even these waters that flow on forever, nor the hills that abate the wind's wild fury. II 6 II

The Venerable Lord, the sovereign master of the universe, sustains erect the tree's stem (source of light) in the baseless region (firmament),
Its branches (rays) spreading downward while its root is high above. May they become concentrated in us as the source of existence. II 7 II

The King of the Universe determines the broad path for the sun to travel on its axis; even in the pathless space He made it to set its footstep.
May He repel every obstructing force that might cause darkness and destroy the living force of life. II 8 II

O venerable King! A hundred balms are yours, a thousand to endure pains and teach us how to heal our wounds. May Your blessings be all-pervasive and profound.
May You keep us afar from falsehood. Far away may You drive off destruction and liberate us from the sins we have committed. II 9 II

The constellations are set high in the heaven above us; they are visible at night and go elsewhere by day.
The holy laws of God remain unviolated, by whose command through the night, the moon moves on in splendour. II 10 II

Praising You with devotional prayer, I implore You to enlighten me with that sacred knowledge that the worshippers seek through offerings and reciting sacred hymns.
O Almighty Lord! Do not look at us with disdain and deprive us not of our life-span (prematurely). II 11 II

That is what the wise men tell us every day, every night, and this is what our own heart seeks to know.
May the men of great learning help us in our liberation from the evil, and may the Almighty God set us free. II 12 II

Even a highly intelligent man is seized and bound to the three-fold pillars (birth, life and death). He invokes the Immortal God.
May the All-Wise, Glorious God liberate him; may He loosen his bonds and make him immortal. II 13 II

Through prostration, devotional prayer and virtuous deeds we implore you to loosen the bonds of our sins;
O Venerable Lord! Be with us and save us from the evils we have committed. II 14 II

O God, Dispeller of all darkness! Loosen the bonds that hold us, loosen the bonds upper, middle and lower.
We shall obey Your eternal laws, faithfully follow Your command and thereby avoid sin II 15 II

Rigved 1.24

O Creator of the World, Prime Motivator and Illusttrious Lord! We accept for our nourishment things edible granted by You.
O All-Powerful God! We acknowledge Your right to mete out punishment. II 1 II

Nothing is comparable with the strength and fame of God, the Creator. He is paramount.
the laws of God regulating the universe cannot be disturbed by anyone. II 2 II

God, the Creator of all and Lord of opulence, grants wealth and jewels to those who are charitable.
We pray to the wonderful power of that Lord. II 3 II

O God of divine qualities! We are Your children. Grant us prosperity.
Remove from us evil thoughts when we are awake and even when we dream. II 4 II

O Lord! Creator of the Universe and Inspirer of auspicious deeds, remove from us all evil qualities,
And grant us noble virtues. II 5 II

We can gain the greatest moral wealth by living in accordance with the rules of the Creator,
And following a code of conduct which benefit our progeny. II 6 II

Each day we praise in glorious terms God who has created the universe, who produced all the material resources,
Who is the Lord of all the finest qualities and Who grants us prosperity. II 7 II

Th All-Inspiring God establishes happiness in those who discard laziness,
And those who labour to progress in both the material and spiritual fields. II 8 II

God, the Creator of the universe communicates to all through His Voice (shlokena - knowledge of the vedas). He is an inspiration to all.
He is our Father and Preceptor. II 9 II

Rigved 5.82

ashegan pillai

At dawn we invoke the self-refulgent God, the Lord of supreme power, the Friend of all, the object of choice, the Creator of the sun and the moon.
We invoke God, the only being to be worshipped, the Nourisher of the universe, the Lord of mighty objects, the All-Impelling Lord, and the Chastiser of the evil-doers. II 1 II

At dawn we invoke the victorious mighty God, the only object of adoration, the Creator of the sun which is in space, Upholder of the universe and Sustainer of All,
The Knower of all beings, the imperial Ruler and Chastiser of the wicked. He beckons us to worship Him. So we invoke Him alone. II 2 II

O God, the only object of adoration! Thou art the Leader of all beings and thou art Lord of all eternal substances. Confer on us wisdom and shield us from harm.
Augment our earthly possessions by bestowing cattle and horses, and O God, let us be rich in heroes and great leaders. II 3 II

O Generous One! Through Thy grace let us now become prosperous at the appoach of the day and at noon,
Let us attain felicity at evening too, that we may enjoy the loving kindness of enlightened persons. II 4 II

O God, the only object of adoration! Be our only object of worship so that we, the enlightened, may attain felicity through Thy grace for this purpose.
O God, the only object of adoration! All men invoke Thee, as such be our Leader here. II 5 II

Rigved 7.41

ashegan pillai

O God, come to give us the knowledge and devotion we desire.
Sit in the sanctuary of our hearts and draw us out of mire. II 1 II

You accept noble deeds, which scatter joyful seeds. You are benevolent to all, and therefore, O Leader, You we call.
Wise men see you in mankind and fix You in their minds. II 2 II

We choose God as the messenger of eternal truth. He is Omniscient, the Giver of true happiness.
Of this universe, He is creator; of this sacrifice, He is performer. II 3 II

God, when earnestly prayed to, destroys all our evils.
All our ignorance, He kills when by His light we are swayed. II 4 II

I adore You as the dearest Guest, I love you as the closest Friend. You are worthy of being known, like a charioteer of renown.
You lead us to abiding joy, where nothing worldly can annoy us. II 5 II

O Omniscient God! Guard us with Your great splendour,
Against the meanness and enmity of mortal men. II 6 II

O Lord, Bestower of true knowledge, we invoke You through these hymns to come to us, and to be realised in our hearts.
By Your grace, may we be blessed with true and refined speech and may we prosper by meditating on Your splendour. II 7 II

I am Your child, O God. I will draw You in my mind most high.
Only You I want, O Lord; You are far away yet near. II 8 II

O God, the non-violent seer (yogi) through illumined intellect, deep thinking and meditation,
Realises Your divine glory in the deepest recesses of the heart. II 9 II

O Supreme Leader, in order to protect us perfectly, endow us with Your knowledge through wise precept.
You are certainly the Giver of peace and bliss. We earnestly desire to see You with our inward eye. II 10 II

Sama Ved, Agneya Prapa 1

ashegan pillai

The ideal qualities necessary to merit life on this earth are uprightness, a strong sense of justice, steadfastness, perseverence, intellect and benevolence.
The earth has sustained us in the past and will continue to do so in the future. There is extensive land on this suitable for men to live.
12.1.1

There is no emnity and dissension among people living on this earth for high, low or equal status.
May this earth which produces energy-giving grain and vegetation spread its bounty of happiness and prosperity throughout the world.
12.1.2

On this earth there are to be found seas, lakes and rivers. Grains grow and ripen in abundance.
These grains provide the necessary nourishment and sustenance for all living beings.
12.1.3

Our forefathers exhibited great valour. They subdued tyrannical and evil men who persecuted the people.
Domestic animals such as cows and horses, as well as birds, which are of use to man, live upon this earth. May this earth give us energy and prosperity.
12.1.5

Veins of gems lie buried in this earth, while huge mineral deposits like gold exist inside the earth.
The earth is endowed with all kinds of gems formed by the action of heat, sun and water. With this immense physical wealth, the earth embraces the entire population of the world.
12.1.6

Intelligent and valiant men, always alert and diligent, protect this extensive earth which gives us food, wealth and infinite beauty.
May this earth provide us with delicious food which nourishes and increases our strength.
12.1.7

Scholars and teachers have established social order on this earth.
Wise rulers have performed noble deeds and brave generals have made this earth free of enemies for its people.
Like a mother who rears her child with milk, may this mother earth sustain us.
12.1.10

O earth! May your hills and snow-covered mountains, and your forests be a source of happiness for us.
This earth is suitable for cultivation. Its black, reddish and yellowish soil which sustains us is most fertile.
Without losing courage or suffering injury, and above all, without defeat, may I always remain its protector.
12.1.11

O earth! Tremendous energy lies buried in your middle and lowest depths. With that energy, calm us and expunge our sins.
This earth is my mother. I am the son of this earth. Supporting us with showers of rain on this earth, the clouds are like our father. O mother earth! Do sustain us.
12.1.14

O earth! All life on this earth emanates from you. All creatures live their lives on your surface. You sustain and support all life, man and beast.
O earth! The human body is composed of your five elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether. God infuses the light of knowledge in mortal man for his immortal soul.
12.1.15

The earth is composed of soil, stones and dust. Deep in the earth these are reconstituted to produces minerals such as gold and silver.
We offer our sincere homage to the earth for providing these invaluable resources.
12.1.26

O earth! May my visit to any place, anywhere in the world - north, south, east, west or below - bring joy and happiness (May I be free to travel to any country and discharge my duties).
May these countries give me much joy and happiness and may I not encounter any hardships or succumb to evil temptations.
12.1.31

O great extensive earth! May the seasons - spring, summer, autumn, winter - divisions of the year to indicate time, symbolise happiness for us, night and day.
12.1.36

On the earth, were trained people sing and dance with expertise (they enhance the joy of the people), there are also enemies who, inciting war and beating the battle drums, cause sorrow and suffering.
By removing these hostile forces, may this earth be free of enemies.
12.1.41

People who speak different languages, support different ways of thought, follow different beliefs and perform different duties, live on this earth. The earth embraces all these people as if they were members of one household.
Like the cow, docile and pacific while giving milk to nourish all the family members, may this earth nourish all its people with its resources.
12.1.45

For the sake of the country and its people, may we speak charitably of the councils (of learned men) responsible for the upliftment of the rural people and the forest-dwelling tribal people, as well as the councils constituted during the time of war for the defence of the country and in times of emergency.
May we at all times be concerned with the development of the country.
12.1.57
(Every individual as well as the elders of the councils should, by subordinating personal interest, think of the welfare of society and mankind in general.)

May whatever I say be sweet and whatever I see be with good intent. May I be virtuous so that all may love me.
May I shine with the light of knowledge. May I be happy and successful in my work and finally, may I destroy the enemies who, like ferocious animals, attack us.
12.1.58

O Mother Earth! Endow me with exceptional qualities. O earth! You, who with knowledge and wisdom kindle the talent in me.
O Mother Earth! Enrich my life with great wealth, fame and infinite radiance.
12.1.63

- Atharva Ved, Kanda 12, Sukta 1

ashegan pillai

The learned chanters (of Sama Veda) glorify the Great Lord only, with their songs of the Mantras and the observance of truth. The reciters of the (Rigvedic) Mantras also praise the same Great God. Let all the Vedas and the speeches of the wise glorify that Lord of the Universe. II 1 II

As this air which is mixed up with all objects, unites its properties of moving and taking, which are instrumental in all dealings of speech, in the same way, the shining sun which possesses heat and is the cause of making the year, unites its property of taking and removing all things (The sun dispels darkness and spreads light). II 2 II

God Who is the Creator and Lord of the world has placed the sun on high in the sky, so that people may see well all objects with his rays. He makes the clouds move hither and thither, so that it may rain. II 3 II

O Almighty Lord, protect us always in all battles where abundant wealth of all kinds is gained. Protect us and enable us to attain knowledge and happiness by Thy protective powers, O Omnipotent God. II 4 II

In mighty, great battles (external as well as internal) we invoke the Lord, Him do we invoke in minor strifes. He is the Friend who destroys evils and evil-minded wicked persons. II 5 II

O Giver of all gifts, Rainer of happiness and peace! Open the door of emancipation to us who are obedient to Thee and engaged in doing noble deeds. None can resist Thee, O Lord. II 6 II

On the reciept of every gift from the Lord of the Universe Who is Almighty, praises rise in me. I go on singing the glory of God, but I do not find an end to it. I find no laud worthy of him. II 7 II

As the strong bull leads on the herds, He, the Rainer of happiness, stirs the people with His might. He is the irresistible Ruler who fulfils all noble desires. He can be attained only by the righteous. II 8 II

God Who rules over all men, all riches and all worlds of five kinds where creatures dwell is only One. He alone should be worshipped. II 9 II

O friends! We worship God for the welfare of you and all other people. May He be the only object of our worship and desire, as He is superior to all and the Best. II 10 II

Rigved 1.7

O God, Giver of great wealth, grant to us from all sides wealth that gives delight, that is distributed among the needy, is the enjoyable source of victory, the humbler of foes, abundant, most excellent and giver of power of putting up with all troubles. II 1 II

O Lord of the world, grant us that wealth by which protected by Thee, we may repel our enemies who obstruct happiness like clouds, whether encountering them hand to hand or with the help of horses and the forces of the army. (We may maintain a strong army with the help of the wealth we get so that we may check or destroy unrighteous people). II 2 II

O Almighty God, protected and strengthened by Thee, may we lift our ponderous weapons which destroy the power of our opponents and the arms wherewith we may entirely conquer our foes in fight. II 3 II

O God, Giver of enthusiasm in righteous wars, with Thee for our ally, and aided by missile-darting heroes, may we conquer our embattled foes. Thus, having become good sovereigns, let us always protect our subjects. II 4 II

God is Almighty and Supreme. Real Greatness and Glory belongs to that Upholder of the thunderbolt of justice. Wide as the heaven and vast as the sun is His power. II 5 II

The heroes should engage themselves in battles with unrighteous foes, and persons endowed with learning and desirous of acquiring and spreading knowledge should train children. II 6 II

The sun takes the sap of all plants, and protects all objects with his rays. He fills all the earth as the waters fill the ocean, the vital breaths fill the body and the operations of the tongue pronounce words. II 7 II

Verily the speech of this Omniscient God contained in four Vedas absolutely true and sweet, full of great knowledge and wisdom, is to be held in great honour by all. It is like a branch loaded with ripe fruit for a scholar deeply engaged in its study. II 8 II

For verily God, Thy glories, protections, knowledge and attainment of delight be at once saving helps unto a person like me engaged in the duty of doing good to others. II 9 II

Verily the chanted and recited praises of all the four Vedas are meant for thanking the Lord Who is the Protector of all objects. II 10 II

Rigved 1.8

O Lord of knowledge, make me, the son of a learned person ever dwelling in light, the performer of Yajna (non-violent sacrifice) to the teacher of the real relation between a word and its meaning and an artist well-versed in various arts. II 1 II

May God Who is the Lord of infinite wealth of knowledge, Who is the Destroyer of all diseases like ignorance and physical maladies, Who increases the power of body and soul, Who knoweth all things, Who promptly giveth happiness, endow us with the wealth of wisdom and of other kinds. II 2 II

O Lord of the Vedic Knowledge and the world, protect us from a miserly ignoble fellow, so that there may not be a wicked person among us. By Thy grace, let not a mortal's onslaught fall on us. Let not our praise be put to an end to or the calumnious censure of a malevolent person reach us. II 3 II

The heroic person whom God - the Lord of the world, sun and the Juice of Soma and other plants and creepers protect, never perishes. II 4 II

O Lord of the World, the performer of the Yajnas or noble deeds, whom Thou protectest from sin is also protected or saved by the medicines like the Soma, and the virtues that lead a man to progress such as charity and gifts to the learned. II 5 II

May I attain pure wisdom by meditating upon the wondrous Lord of the world, the Beloved Friend of the soul, the giver of the fruit of good and bad actions and by associating myself with the learned president of the assembly. II 6 II

God Who is Omnipotent and Omniscient and without Whom this world can never be accomplished, pervades and knows the association of intellects and actions. II 7 II

The Omniscient Lord performs this Yajna in the form of the universe, where external sacrifices are performed and which is attained by all, being visible. He makes all the articles of the sacrifice which are put in the fire-oblations. He promotes the course of this wonderful sacrifice (in the form of the world) and is attained by the persons possessing divine (noble) virtues. II 8 II

As a man sees the light of the sun, so I (a wise devotee) see God Who is to be glorified by all men, Who is the resolute Upholder of the world and Who is present with the vast heavens being all-pervading, in Whom all this Universe dwells. You (ordinary persons) should also try to realise God in the same way. II 9 II

Rig Ved 1.18


ashegan pillai

O Resplendent Omniscient God! As Thou art the First, Eternal Life of Life of the earth and other worlds, being Omnipresent, Revealer of the Vedas, Giver of bliss to the enlightened persons, their Auspicious Friend destroying all their miseries, those learned persons, whose actions are guided by true wisdom and who always obey Thy commands and laws, become seers and righteous, endowed with brilliant knowledge. II 1 II

O God, Destroyer of all miseries and Burner of all internal and external enemies, as Thou art the First or Eternal, Superior to the soul, vital breath and man, Who giveth rest to all beings at the time of Dissolution, Unifier of all, the Creator of both kinds of worlds, shining and not shining, Omnipresent and Omniscient, Thou ordainest the eternal Law of the earth, sun and the enlightened persons. II 2 II

O Omniscient God, Thou art eternal and it is under Thy direction that the air which enables us to do many noble deeds, causes the movement of the earth and heaven, which are accepted as good by performers of Yajna. Reveal to us the knowledge of the air and the sun. O Support of the Universe, enlighten us about the real nature of these two (air and sun) by which Thou upholdest the great burden of the heaven and the earth and dost not allow us to suffer. II 3 II

O God, Illuminator of all, Thou Who art always the Doer of the best deeds, gavest knowledge about the sun and other objects to the person full of the light of wisdom and thoughtful speech, engaged in doing meritorious acts. The enlightened persons attain Thee, Who art endowed with perfect wisdom and the Lord of all wealth, in this or the next life. O souls, acquire the knowledge of that Lord and adore Him Who enables you to get emancipation and (after enjoying it for a long period of a Maha Kalpa), again sends you to this earth through parents. Serve and honour those wise men also who instruct you, already learned about this life and the next. II 4 II

Thou, O Omniscient God, art the Showerer of happiness and bliss and Augmenter of strength of the performer of the Yajna, and worthy of being heard about and preached of. Thou art absolutely True and knowest fully the good actions of the people like the Yajnas, and teachest them (through the Vedas). All Thy subjects developing their strength, worship Thee and enjoy happiness. II 5 II

(The duty of a devotee of God and protector of the people:)
O unifier, protector and observer of all in true form, of fiery nature, you destroy in battle a mighty, unrighteous person and foes with even limited resources and means, shining with justice and the light of knowledge. You preserve and guard truthful acts. It is therefore that we request you to be the commander of the army. II 6 II

O God, Giver of emancipation and other kinds of happiness, Thou sustainest every day the wise mortal who worships Thee Who art ever to be heard about, in best state of immortality or deliverance. To the wise person who has long enjoyed the bliss of emancipation, Thou bestowest happiness. II 7 II

O devotee of God, augmenter of fame and zeal, glorifying God, thou shouldst render illustrious and performer of good actions, every man among us for the proper and just distribution of wealth in the form of knowledge, gold and vast but good government, so that being industrious, we may grow with new enterprises along with enlightened persons, for the acquisition of knowledge, preserve and guard us and both the earth and the light of the sun. II 8 II

O irreproachable president of the assembly, being vigilant or awake to thy duties and illuminator of justice and wisdom, disseminator of knowledge about the earth and other worlds, make us illustrious among the enlightened and devoted to our parents. O auspicious being a wise person, enlighten me about all wealth to be gained from knowledge, gold and a vast and good givernment. II 9 II

O inviolable president of the council, thou art of exalted wisdom. Thou being kind-hearted, art our father. Thou art giver of new life to us endowed with knowledge and happiness. By thy grace, may we be like thy good children, endowed with knowledge. As hundreds and thousands of learned men obtain good wealth having approached thee who art brave and observer of truth, so let us also acquire wealth of all kinds. II 10 II

O learned president of the assembly, enlightened persons should explain this Vedic Speech contained in the four Vedas for the knowledge of mankind. Through this, they give true instruction to humanity and preserve all people. Thou who art lord of the people and their leader should all subjects as thy children, as I lovingly treat my own son. II 11 II

O worthy of praise, president of the assembly! Preserve us who possess good wealth, righteously earned, and always remain under thy true laws. Preserve the bodies of our children also who are engaged in developing their knowledge and physique with thy preserving powers and means, incessantly protecting in thy holy way. Guard our mind and other senses as well as cattle and other animals in this world. Thou art our true protector. II 12 II

O president of the assembly, shining like the fire, you who even in mind are charitable and selfless, having given everything for the good of others, supervising the four divisions of the army, are kindled (elected) for the benefit of the person who is free from prejudice and attachment, who is perfectly honest, harmless,benevolent protector of all good actions and the performer of Yajnas. You should protect all your subjects having recieved education and training from a true devotee who induces all with his speech, and whm you serve properly. II 13 II

O learned and just king! You who are very wise and remover of all difficulties and miseries, desire that a learned and commended priest may acquire that most desirable wealth (material and spiritual). You are called the well-intentioned protector and father of the state which is well-guarded. You who are the wisest, instruct or teach your subjects about the righteous proper conduct and appoint highly learned people true in thought, word and deed, to set the example of and teach good character. II 14 II

O king shining in your duties of kingship, you protect from all sides like well-stitched armour, the humble man who gives presents to the learned priests and delivers sermons about Dharma and right knowledge to the people; you defend a man who keeps good food and water in his dwelling, is benevolent to all and performs various Yajnas, urging others to do them and making them righteous. You are the likeness of the light of the sun, the dispeller of darkness (of ignorance). II 15 II

O learned man, you are kith and kin, father and protector of peaceful men of quiet nature, most wise, going from place to place to preach Dharma, making mortal people seers, dispel the darkness of our ignorance. May we who have left the path of unrighteousness and come to the path of righteousness always follow it. II 16 II

O president of the assembly, going to all places for supervision, O pure upholder of the earth like the vital breath, like good men, like industrious persons doing good deeds, like old experienced people, approach a dear learned person with humility and justice. Lead him towards knowledge and righteousness and with their help, towards emancipation. Ask him to sit in a proper place (like the Yajna Shala) and make him perform the Yajna. II 17 II

O best among the learned and the teachers, grow with the Vedic knowledge, with good intellect together with good food and wisdom, with physical and spiritual power and knowledge accompanied by Yoga, and urge others to do so. We always try to obey and please you with the best of our power and ability. Lead us onward to wealth (material and spiritual) by imparting true education and proper instruction. Endow us with right understanding. II 18 II

Rig Ved 1.31


ashegan pillai