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Line 115: − − == Role of Agni in Rituals == − Vedic rituals all involve Agni. Agni is present in many phases of life such as honouring of a birth (diva lamp), prayers (diva lamp), at weddings (the yajna where the bride and groom circle the fire seven times) and at death (cremation). − − ''Agnihotra yajna'' - sacrificial fire − − The ''Agnihotra'' is the "sacrificial fire". ''Agnihotra'' is believed to free the ''yajmāna'' (the performer of the ''yajna'') from evil and death, both signified by Agni.<sup>[37]</sup>Prajapatihad to create milk as food for the hungry Agni and perform the first act of ''Agnihotra'' to avoid death and preserve his own existence.<sup>[37]</sup> − − Vedic times === The Agnihotris once maintained a perpetual fire in their homes. This ritual ceremony was conducted on important and auspicious occasions. In many homes prayers are still offered to Agni (fire). The sage of the Atharvaveda (Sukta 19.55.3) prays to the fire for happiness and peace, for a happy temperament, resolve and good health, for strength and mental contentment, and as the ladder to spirituality. The sage also states that ''Agnihotra'' destroys enemies.<sup>[note 5]</sup> − − Shatapatha Brahmana (SB 3.1.3.18) tells us that ''Agnihotra'' should be performed by the performer knowing that he will gain the strength and victories gained by Agni who conquered the earth, Vayu, the air and Surya, the sky, with whom he shares the world; and the same text further tells us that the ''Agnihotra'', doubtless, is the Sun.<sup>[38]</sup> − − Contemporary fire ritual === Hindus consider it as the duty of a man to perform ''Agnihotra''. The main offering is milk, and at the end, the sacrificer offers four water oblations, to the gods, to father and the fathers, to the seven seers and to Agni on earth.<sup>[39]</sup> The priest invokes Agni through Agni in his sacrificial form; the sacrificial form of Agni is the Sun which shining brightly appears to all men. The priest also invokes Vayu which is Agni’s own greatness. Therefore, Agni as the deity is treated differently from Agni, the messenger who carries oblations to the gods. The sacrificial form of Agni is Aditya and Vayu.
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Agni’s three sons, according to the Vayu Purana, stand for three different aspects of Agni (fire): ''Pāvaka'' is the electric fire,''Pāvamanā'' is the fire produced by friction, and ''Śuchi'' is the solar fire. Every fire has a corresponding relation to one of the human psychic faculties. They also represent body, spirit and soul, and body.<sup>[31]</sup> ''Abhimāni'', his three sons, and their 45 sons constitute the 49 mystic fires of the Puranas, especially the Agni Purana. Agneya is the daughter of Agni and the Hindu Goddess of Fire. Medhā (intelligence) is Agni’s sister.
Agni’s three sons, according to the Vayu Purana, stand for three different aspects of Agni (fire): ''Pāvaka'' is the electric fire,''Pāvamanā'' is the fire produced by friction, and ''Śuchi'' is the solar fire. Every fire has a corresponding relation to one of the human psychic faculties. They also represent body, spirit and soul, and body.<sup>[31]</sup> ''Abhimāni'', his three sons, and their 45 sons constitute the 49 mystic fires of the Puranas, especially the Agni Purana. Agneya is the daughter of Agni and the Hindu Goddess of Fire. Medhā (intelligence) is Agni’s sister.
=== '''पावकः ॥ Pavaka''' ===
==== '''पावकः ॥ Pavaka''' ====
Offended by Agni, Bhrigu had cursed Agni to become the devourer of all things on this earth, but Brahma modified that curse and made Agni the purifier of all things he touched.<sup>[32]</sup>
Offended by Agni, Bhrigu had cursed Agni to become the devourer of all things on this earth, but Brahma modified that curse and made Agni the purifier of all things he touched.
=== दाहकः '''॥''' Daahaka ===
==== दाहकः '''॥''' Daahaka ====
In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandava daha parva Chap. 221 to 226), there is a legend about Agni. Agni who suffers from stomach ailments (due to the Yagnas of Svetaki King) was advised to consume the Khandava forest which contains the medicinal herbs that can treat his condition. In the process, Indra protects Takshaka who resides in the same forest, thus preventing Agni from consuming the medicinal plants. In this parva, Krishna and Arjuna, are requested by Agni (who in the guise of a Brahmana) to quench his hunger. Realizing his true form, they agree to prevent his obstacles (Indra from sending heavy rain) in consuming the forest.
In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandava daha parva Chap. 221 to 226), there is a legend about Agni. Agni who suffers from stomach ailments (due to the Yagnas of Svetaki King) was advised to consume the Khandava forest which contains the medicinal herbs that can treat his condition. In the process, Indra protects Takshaka who resides in the same forest, thus preventing Agni from consuming the medicinal plants. In this parva, Krishna and Arjuna, are requested by Agni (who in the guise of a Brahmana) to quench his hunger. Realizing his true form, they agree to prevent his obstacles (Indra from sending heavy rain) in consuming the forest.
=== King Shibi ===
=== King Shibi ===
There is the story about King Shibi who was tested by Agni assuming the form of a pigeon and by Indra assuming the form of a hawk; Shibi offered his own flesh to the hawk in exchange of pigeon's life. The pigeon which had sought Shibi's shelter was thus saved by the king's sacrifice.<sup>[35]</sup> === Fire Ordeal === ''Agniparikshā'' or 'the Fire ordeal' has Agni as the witness. Sita was forced to undergo this ordeal to prove her virtue. Agni redeemed the original Sita from the wrath and condemnation of her husband and her community.<sup>[36]</sup> ==
There is the story about King Shibi who was tested by Agni assuming the form of a pigeon and by Indra assuming the form of a hawk; Shibi offered his own flesh to the hawk in exchange of pigeon's life. The pigeon which had sought Shibi's shelter was thus saved by the king's sacrifice.<sup>[35]</sup> === Fire Ordeal === ''Agniparikshā'' or 'the Fire ordeal' has Agni as the witness. Sita was forced to undergo this ordeal to prove her virtue. Agni redeemed the original Sita from the wrath and condemnation of her husband and her community.<sup>[36]</sup> ==
== Discussion ==
== Discussion ==