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[[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]] (Samskrit: अग्निः) is the devata for fire, yajnas and divine knowledge. A large number of mantras and suktas are devoted to describing and praising Agni in various texts. Kindling of Agni, which generically refers to lighting of fire, is one of the important aspects in all वैदिकयज्ञः (Srauta Yajnas or rituals prescribed in Vedas) and गह्ययज्ञः (Grhyayajnas, homas in domestic affairs such as that in samskaras). Agni carries the ahutis (oblations) of men to the devatas in heavenly worlds, who thereby pleased ensure the continuance of conditions favorable to mankind.

[[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]] (Samskrit: अग्निः) is the devata for fire, [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]] and divine knowledge. A large number of mantras and suktas are devoted to describing and praising Agni in various texts. Kindling of Agni, which generically refers to lighting of fire, is one of the important aspects in all वैदिकयज्ञः ([[Shrauta Yajnas (श्रौतयज्ञाः)|Srauta Yajnas]] or rituals prescribed in [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]]) and गह्ययज्ञः (Grhyayajnas, homas in domestic affairs such as that in [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]]). Agni carries the ahutis (oblations) of men to the devatas in heavenly worlds, who thereby pleased ensure the continuance of conditions favorable to mankind.

अग्निः ॥ Agni, as a devata important next to Indra, occupies a notable place as होत्र || hotr (the carrier of offerings in a yajna) and is significantly revered in the Rig veda with many suktas rendered to propitiate Him.  Further as we gradually progress towards the Upanishads, Agni is personified as the ज्ञानिः || Jnani (Knower of Brahman). The three Fires (गार्हपत्यः ॥ Gaarhapatya, आहवनीयः॥ Aahavaniya, and दक्षिणाग्निः ॥ Dakshinaagni) expound [[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|brahmavidya]] to Upakosala (the student of Satyakama Jabali), in the Chandogya Upanishad.   

अग्निः ॥ Agni, as a devata important next to [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]], occupies a notable place as होत्र || hotr (the carrier of offerings in a yajna) and is significantly revered in the [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] with many suktas rendered to propitiate Him.  Further as we gradually progress towards the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]], Agni is personified as the ज्ञानिः || Jnani (Knower of Brahman). The three Fires (गार्हपत्यः ॥ Gaarhapatya, आहवनीयः॥ Aahavaniya, and दक्षिणाग्निः ॥ Dakshinaagni) expound [[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|brahmavidya]] to Upakosala (the student of Satyakama Jabali), in the [[Chandogya Upanishad (छान्दोग्योपनिषतद्)|Chandogya Upanishad]].   

Thus, starting with the sacred agnihotras tended by the householder, as the sacred bearer of offerings, to the feared Kravaaya form of Fire which is invoked to burn corpses, and finally to the inner subtle form as representative of Jnana, Agni is the crucial lifeline of a grihastha engaged in Bharateeya samskriti since vedic period.   

Thus, starting with the sacred agnihotras tended by the householder, as the sacred bearer of offerings, to the feared Kravaaya form of Fire which is invoked to burn corpses, and finally to the inner subtle form as representative of Jnana, Agni is the crucial lifeline of a grihastha engaged in Bharateeya samskriti since vedic period.   

== Agni in Rig Veda ==

==Agni in Rigveda ==

Rigveda starts with Agnisukta and thereafter many mandalas have suktas related to and in praise of Agni.  The very first word, mantra and sukta of the oldest veda, Rig veda starts with Agni as revealed to Rishi Madhuchchandah Vaishvamitah (Gaayatri chandas).  Agni figures prominently in as many as 200 suktas of the Rig veda. Along with Indra and Surya, Agni is a significant deity of Rigveda. Agni is the Rishi or mantra drasta of many suktas in the 9th Mandala.     

Rigveda starts with Agnisukta and thereafter many mandalas have suktas related to and in praise of Agni.  The very first word, mantra and sukta of the oldest veda, Rig veda starts with Agni as revealed to Rishi Madhuchchandah Vaishvamitah (Gaayatri chandas).  Agni figures prominently in as many as 200 suktas of the Rig veda. Along with Indra and [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]], Agni is a significant deity of Rigveda. Agni is the Rishi or mantra drasta of many suktas in the 9th Mandala.     

A very brief compilation of  a few qualities of Agni based on the different mantras of Rig veda are presented below,     

A very brief compilation of  a few qualities of Agni based on the different mantras of Rig veda are presented below,     

* Rig Veda mantras (1.76.4) describes Agni as one who takes the offerings of humans through his mouth (वह्निरासा), who purifys and blesses one with sons (progeny), wealth and knowledge, that Agni is invited along with other devatas.<ref name=":0">Pt. Sripada Damodara Satavalekar. (1985). ''Rigved ka Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1'', Parady: Svadhyaya Mandali</ref><blockquote>प्रजावता वचसा वह्निरासा च हुवे नि च सत्सीह देवैः । वेषि होत्रमुत पोत्रं यजत्र बोधि प्रयन्तर्जनितर्वसूनाम् ॥४॥ (Rig. Veda.1.76.4)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-076/ Mandala 1, Sukta 76])</ref></blockquote>

* Rig Veda mantras (1.76.4) describes Agni as one who takes the offerings of humans through his mouth (वह्निरासा), who purifys and blesses one with sons (progeny), wealth and knowledge, that Agni is invited along with other devatas.<ref name=":0">Pt. Sripada Damodara Satavalekar. (1985). ''Rigved ka Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1'', Parady: Svadhyaya Mandali</ref><blockquote>प्रजावता वचसा वह्निरासा च हुवे नि च सत्सीह देवैः । वेषि होत्रमुत पोत्रं यजत्र बोधि प्रयन्तर्जनितर्वसूनाम् ॥४॥ (Rig. Veda.1.76.4)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-076/ Mandala 1, Sukta 76])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''prajāvatā vacasā vahnirāsā ca huve ni ca satsīha devaiḥ । veṣi hotramuta potraṁ yajatra bodhi prayantarjanitarvasūnām ॥4॥ (Rig. Veda.1.76.4)''</blockquote>

* Rig Veda mantras (1.77.1 to 5)  describes the role of Agni as the होता  || Hota, who invites the other devatas, who carries the yajna offerings of the mortals to the deities, knows the desires of men and helps in fulfilling them.<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>यो अध्वरेषु शंतम ऋतावा होता तमू नमोभिरा कृणुध्वम् । अग्निर्यद्वेर्मर्ताय देवान्स चा बोधाति मनसा यजाति ॥२॥  (Rig. Veda.1.77.2)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-077/ Mandala 1. Sukta 77])</ref></blockquote>

* Rig Veda mantras (1.77.1 to 5)  describes the role of Agni as the होता  || Hota, who invites the other devatas, who carries the yajna offerings of the mortals to the deities, knows the desires of men and helps in fulfilling them.<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>यो अध्वरेषु शंतम ऋतावा होता तमू नमोभिरा कृणुध्वम् । अग्निर्यद्वेर्मर्ताय देवान्स चा बोधाति मनसा यजाति ॥२॥  (Rig. Veda.1.77.2)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-077/ Mandala 1. Sukta 77])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''yo adhvareṣu śaṁtama r̥tāvā hotā tamū namobhirā kr̥ṇudhvam । agniryadvermartāya devānsa cā bodhāti manasā yajāti ॥2॥ (Rig. Veda.1.77.2)''</blockquote>

* Agni is described as the  अग्निर्जातवेदाः Jatavedaa, meaning one who has the knowledge of vedas and is a learned by birth. He is the witness to every deed (सर्वद्रष्टा) born in the lineage of Gautama<ref name=":0" />. Reference to Agni as Jataveda is made in many other places of Rig veda and other literatures.<blockquote>अभि त्वा गोतमा गिरा जातवेदो विचर्षणे | दयुम्नैरभि पर णोनुमः || (Rig. Veda.1.78.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/mandal-78/ Mandala 1. Sukta 78])</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>जातवेदसे सुनवा मसोममरातीयतो नि दहाति वेदः | स नः पर्षदति दुर्गाणि विश्वा नावेव सिन्धुं दुरितात्यग्निः || (Rig. Veda. 1.99.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-099/ Mandala 1, Sukta 99])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>अग्निरस्मि जन्मना जातवेदा घर्तं मे चक्षुरमृतं म आसन | अर्कस्त्रिधातू रजसो विमानो.अजस्रो घर्मो हविरस्मि नाम || (Rig. Veda.3.26.7)<ref name=":1">Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-03-sukta-026/ Mandala 3 Sukta 26])</ref></blockquote>

* Agni is described as the  अग्निर्जातवेदाः Jatavedaa, meaning one who has the knowledge of vedas and is a learned by birth. He is the witness to every deed (सर्वद्रष्टा) born in the lineage of Gautama<ref name=":0" />. Reference to Agni as Jataveda is made in many other places of Rig veda and other literatures.<blockquote>अभि त्वा गोतमा गिरा जातवेदो विचर्षणे | दयुम्नैरभि पर णोनुमः || (Rig. Veda.1.78.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/mandal-78/ Mandala 1. Sukta 78])</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>जातवेदसे सुनवा मसोममरातीयतो नि दहाति वेदः | स नः पर्षदति दुर्गाणि विश्वा नावेव सिन्धुं दुरितात्यग्निः || (Rig. Veda. 1.99.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-099/ Mandala 1, Sukta 99])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>अग्निरस्मि जन्मना जातवेदा घर्तं मे चक्षुरमृतं म आसन | अर्कस्त्रिधातू रजसो विमानो.अजस्रो घर्मो हविरस्मि नाम || (Rig. Veda.3.26.7)<ref name=":1">Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-03-sukta-026/ Mandala 3 Sukta 26])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''abhi tvā gotamā girā jātavedo vicarṣaṇe | dayumnairabhi para ṇonumaḥ || (Rig. Veda.1.78.1)''</blockquote><blockquote>''jātavedase sunavā masomamarātīyato ni dahāti vedaḥ | sa naḥ parṣadati durgāṇi viśvā nāveva sindhuṁ duritātyagniḥ || (Rig. Veda. 1.99.1)''</blockquote><blockquote>''agnirasmi janmanā jātavedā ghartaṁ me cakṣuramr̥taṁ ma āsana | arkastridhātū rajaso vimāno.ajasro gharmo havirasmi nāma || (Rig. Veda.3.26.7)''</blockquote>

*Rig Veda mantra 1.44.7 describes Agni as one who is विश्ववेदस् intellectual, illuminated by many people in their hearts (who perform havan) and praised for bringing along other distinguished jnanapradayaka devatas so that we are bestowed with jnana.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">Siddhantalankar, Pt. Harisharan. (2009) ''Rigvedabhashyam, Volume 1'' Rajasthan : Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref><blockquote>होतारं विश्ववेदसं सं हि त्वा विश इन्धते । स आ वह पुरुहूत प्रचेतसो ऽग्ने देवाँ इह द्रवत् ॥ (Rig. Veda.1.44.7)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-044/ Mandala 1 Sukta 44])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>hōtāraṁ viśvavēdasaṁ saṁ hi tvā viśa indhatē । sa ā vaha puruhūta pracētasō 'gnē dēvām̐ iha dravat ॥ (Rig. Veda.1.44.7)</blockquote>

*Rig Veda mantra 1.44.7 describes Agni as one who is विश्ववेदस् intellectual, illuminated by many people in their hearts (who perform havan) and praised for bringing along other distinguished jnanapradayaka devatas so that we are bestowed with jnana.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">Siddhantalankar, Pt. Harisharan. (2009) ''Rigvedabhashyam, Volume 1'' Rajasthan : Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref><blockquote>होतारं विश्ववेदसं सं हि त्वा विश इन्धते । स आ वह पुरुहूत प्रचेतसो ऽग्ने देवाँ इह द्रवत् ॥ (Rig. Veda.1.44.7)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-044/ Mandala 1 Sukta 44])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>hōtāraṁ viśvavēdasaṁ saṁ hi tvā viśa indhatē । sa ā vaha puruhūta pracētasō 'gnē dēvām̐ iha dravat ॥ (Rig. Veda.1.44.7)</blockquote>

* Rig Veda mantra (1.27.10), addresses Agni as similar to Rudra (who destroys the bad qualities).<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>जराबोध तद्विविड्ढि विशेविशे यज्ञियाय | स्तोमं रुद्राय दृशिकम् || (Rig. Veda. 1.27.10)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-027/ Mandala 1 Sukta 27])</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>jarābōdha tadviviḍḍhi viśēviśē yajñiyāya | stōmaṁ rudrāya dr̥śikam || (Rig. Veda. 1.27.10)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Agni similar to Rudra, is one who makes the enemies weep.<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>

* Rig Veda mantra (1.27.10), addresses Agni as similar to [[Rudra (रुद्रः)|Rudra]] (who destroys the bad qualities).<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>जराबोध तद्विविड्ढि विशेविशे यज्ञियाय | स्तोमं रुद्राय दृशिकम् || (Rig. Veda. 1.27.10)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-027/ Mandala 1 Sukta 27])</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>jarābōdha tadviviḍḍhi viśēviśē yajñiyāya | stōmaṁ rudrāya dr̥śikam || (Rig. Veda. 1.27.10)</blockquote><blockquote>Meaning : Agni similar to Rudra, is one who makes the enemies weep.<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>

*Rig Veda mantra (2.1.6) directly addresses Agni as Rudra<ref>Siddhantalankar, Pt. Harisharan. (2010) ''Rigvedabhashyam, Volume 2'' Rajasthan : Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref>.<blockquote>त्वमग्नेरुद्रो असुरो महो दिवस्त्वं शर्धो मारुतं पृक्ष ईशिषे | (Rig. Veda. 2.1.6)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandala-02-sukta-001/ Mandala 2 Sukta 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tvamagnērudrō asurō mahō divastvaṁ śardhō̱ mārutaṁ pr̥kṣa īśiṣē | (Rig. Veda. 2.1.6)</blockquote>

*Rig Veda mantra (2.1.6) directly addresses Agni as Rudra<ref>Siddhantalankar, Pt. Harisharan. (2010) ''Rigvedabhashyam, Volume 2'' Rajasthan : Sri Ghudhmal Prahladkumar Arya Dharmarth Nyasa</ref>.<blockquote>त्वमग्नेरुद्रो असुरो महो दिवस्त्वं शर्धो मारुतं पृक्ष ईशिषे | (Rig. Veda. 2.1.6)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandala-02-sukta-001/ Mandala 2 Sukta 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tvamagnērudrō asurō mahō divastvaṁ śardhō̱ mārutaṁ pr̥kṣa īśiṣē | (Rig. Veda. 2.1.6)</blockquote>

== Agni in Brahmanas ==

== Agni in Brahmanas ==

The role of Agni in Brahmanas highlight the use of fire as the chief carrier of the havishya with the chanting of mantras. The ritualistic part is always associated with the mantras without which yajnas or ishtis are not possible.   

The role of Agni in [[Brahmana (ब्राह्मणम्)|Brahmanas]] highlight the use of fire as the chief carrier of the havishya with the chanting of mantras. The ritualistic part is always associated with the mantras without which yajnas or ishtis are not possible.   

=== Satapatabrahmanam (Madhyandina) ===

=== Satapatabrahmanam (Madhyandina) ===

The Ukhasambharana kanda (6th Kanda) of Shatapatha Brahmana (Maadhyandina sakha) starts with the description of Agnichayana or building of the fire altar. This kanda describes the importance of Agni, the fire, who is identified with Prajapati, the Srustikarta, who is the source of life in this world.   

The Ukhasambharana kanda (6th Kanda) of Shatapatha Brahmana (Maadhyandina sakha) starts with the description of Agnichayana or building of the fire altar. This kanda describes the importance of Agni, the fire, who is identified with Prajapati, the Srustikarta, who is the source of life in this world.