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According to Puranic Encyclopaedia, रोहिणी ॥ Rohini - a daughter, सोमः ॥ Soma - a son and अग्निः ॥ [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]], were born to निशा ॥ Nisha, the third wife of मनुः ॥ [[Manu (मनुः)|Manu]]. Besides them, they begot five sons in the form of Agni (fire) and these five are called Panchagnis. They are वैश्वानरः ॥ Vaishvanara, विश्वपतिः ॥ Vishvapati, सन्निहितः ॥ Sannihita, कपिलः ॥ Kapila and अग्रणी ॥ Agrani. Such a penance that is performed amidst the five agnis is said to be very austere and is performed with an intention to please ब्रह्मा ॥ [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma]] or the others in the Trinity for obtaining material boons.  

According to Puranic Encyclopaedia, रोहिणी ॥ Rohini - a daughter, सोमः ॥ Soma - a son and अग्निः ॥ [[Agni (आग्निः)|Agni]], were born to निशा ॥ Nisha, the third wife of मनुः ॥ [[Manu (मनुः)|Manu]]. Besides them, they begot five sons in the form of Agni (fire) and these five are called Panchagnis. They are वैश्वानरः ॥ Vaishvanara, विश्वपतिः ॥ Vishvapati, सन्निहितः ॥ Sannihita, कपिलः ॥ Kapila and अग्रणी ॥ Agrani. Such a penance that is performed amidst the five agnis is said to be very austere and is performed with an intention to please ब्रह्मा ॥ [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma]] or the others in the Trinity for obtaining material boons.  

=== षड्ग्नयः ॥ Shad Agni (Six Fires) ===

=== षडग्नयः ॥ Shad Agni (Six Fires) ===

According to Shabdakalpadruma names of षड्ग्नयः six fires into which हविस् havis is offered, are Garhapatya, Aahavaniya, Dakshinagni, Sabha, Avasatya, Aupasana Agnis.<blockquote>हविः प्रक्षेपाधिकरणेषु गार्हपत्याहवनीयदक्षिणाग्निसभ्यावसथ्यौपासनाख्येषु षड्ग्निषु । </blockquote>

According to Shabdakalpadruma names of षड्ग्नयः six fires into which हविस् havis is offered, are Garhapatya, Aahavaniya, Dakshinagni, Sabha, Avasatya, Aupasana Agnis.<blockquote>हविः प्रक्षेपाधिकरणेषु गार्हपत्याहवनीयदक्षिणाग्निसभ्यावसथ्यौपासनाख्येषु षड्ग्निषु । </blockquote>

== देवतास्वरुपम् ॥ Agnidevata Swaroopam ==

== अग्निदेवतास्वरुपम् ॥ Agnidevata Svaroopa ==

==== Birth and Family ====

==== Birth and Family ====

There are different versions in different texts about the birth of Agni.   

There are different versions in different texts about the birth of Agni.   

* According to '''Agni Purana''' Suchi, born of Svahadevi is the Badavaagni (Badabaagni, or Vadavagni) the Agni that resides in the underground parts of the earth (Agni. Pura. 20.16)<ref>Agni Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A6 Adhyaya. 20])</ref>.   

* According to '''Agni Purana''' Suchi, born of Svahadevi is the Badavaagni (Badabaagni, or Vadavagni) the Agni that resides in the underground parts of the earth (Agni. Pura. 20.16)<ref>Agni Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A6 Adhyaya. 20])</ref>.   

==== पावकः ॥ Paavaka ====

==== 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. Puranic Encyclopedia cites the Rig Veda (1.52) mantras describing Agni as the purifier. Devatas wanted to clean their hands off the oblation materials and for this purpose Agni created three sons from water named Ekata, Dvita, and Trita<ref name=":1" />.  

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. Puranic Encyclopedia cites the Rig Veda (1.52) mantras describing Agni as the purifier. Devatas wanted to clean their hands off the oblation materials and for this purpose Agni created three sons from water named Ekata, Dvita, and Trita<ref name=":1" />.  

==== दाहकः '''॥''' Daahaka ====

==== दाहकः '''॥''' Dahaka ====

Agni is feared as the deity for destruction.  In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandavadaha parva Chap. 221 to 226)<ref>Pt. Ram Narayandatt. ''Mahabharat Volume 1'' ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2001_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n705/mode/2up Adiparva, Adhyaya 221]) Gorakhapur:Gita Press</ref>, 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.   

Agni is feared as the deity for destruction.  In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandavadaha parva Chap. 221 to 226)<ref>Pt. Ram Narayandatt. ''Mahabharat Volume 1'' ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2001_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n705/mode/2up Adiparva, Adhyaya 221]) Gorakhapur:Gita Press</ref>, 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.   

Agni is the very personification of the sacrificial fire. He is associated with Vedic sacrifice, taking offerings of men to the other world in his fire. He is the priest of the gods, and the god of the priests. Through ''yajna'' he carries the oblations to the gods, to ensure the continuance of conditions favorable to mankind. No devata is approachable without the medium of Agni, and no divinity is without the presence of Agni.       

Agni is the very personification of the sacrificial fire. He is associated with Vedic sacrifice, taking offerings of men to the other world in his fire. He is the priest of the gods, and the god of the priests. Through ''yajna'' he carries the oblations to the gods, to ensure the continuance of conditions favorable to mankind. No devata is approachable without the medium of Agni, and no divinity is without the presence of Agni.       

==== अग्निर्होता ॥ Agnirhota ====

==== अग्निर्होता ॥ Agnirhota ====

In the Vedic literature, Agni occupies, after Indra, the most important position. He occupies a prominent place in the Vedas (both as a deity and as a mantra-drastha) and particularly the Brahmanas.   Agni also has the role of a mantra-drashta as to him are revealed many mantras of the 9th Mandala of Rig veda. The first mantra of the Rig veda (1.1.1) starts with the word Agni of the Agni sukta and and thereafter many mantras and suktas are given lauding his role in the existence of life forms.  Rig Veda mantras (1.26.1 to 10) extol the role of Agni as the  वरेण्य: (distinguished or chief ) पूर्व्य होता (Sanatana Yagnakarta)<ref name=":7">Pt. Sripada Damodara Satavalekar. (1985). ''Rigved ka Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1'', Parady: Svadhyaya Mandali</ref>.     

In the Vedic literature, Agni occupies, after Indra, the most important position. He occupies a prominent place in the Vedas (both as a deity and as a mantra-drastha) and particularly the Brahmanas. Agni also has the role of a mantra-drashta as to him are revealed many mantras of the 9th Mandala of Rig veda. The first mantra of the Rig veda (1.1.1) starts with the word Agni of the Agni sukta and and thereafter many mantras and suktas are given lauding his role in the existence of life forms.  Rig Veda mantras (1.26.1 to 10) extol the role of Agni as the  वरेण्य: (distinguished or chief ) पूर्व्य होता (Sanatana Yagnakarta)<ref name=":7">Pt. Sripada Damodara Satavalekar. (1985). ''Rigved ka Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1'', Parady: Svadhyaya Mandali</ref>.     

Rig veda details the two forms of Agni - Jataveda and Kravyada<ref name=":5">Pt. Jayadeva Sharma (1935) ''[https://archive.org/stream/FourVedas-SanskritTextWithHindiCommentaryByPanditJaydevSharma/RigVedSanhitaBhashaBhashya-jaydevSharmaVol61935#page/n0/mode/2up Rig Veda Samhita, Bhasha Bhashya, Volume 6.]'' Ajmer : Arya Sahitya Mandal Ltd</ref><blockquote>क्रव्यादमग्निं प्र हिणोमि दूरं यमराज्ञो गच्छतु रिप्रवाहः । इहैवायमितरो जातवेदा देवेभ्यो हव्यं वहतु प्रजानन् ॥९॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.16.9)<ref name=":6">Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC Mandala 10 Sukta 16])</ref></blockquote>Summary : Keep us far away from Kravyada Agni (the agni that consumes flesh) may he leave for the people of Yamaloka, while Jatavedas (Agni) may carry the offerings to devatas.     

Rig veda details the two forms of Agni - Jataveda and Kravyada<ref name=":5">Pt. Jayadeva Sharma (1935) ''[https://archive.org/stream/FourVedas-SanskritTextWithHindiCommentaryByPanditJaydevSharma/RigVedSanhitaBhashaBhashya-jaydevSharmaVol61935#page/n0/mode/2up Rig Veda Samhita, Bhasha Bhashya, Volume 6.]'' Ajmer : Arya Sahitya Mandal Ltd</ref><blockquote>क्रव्यादमग्निं प्र हिणोमि दूरं यमराज्ञो गच्छतु रिप्रवाहः । इहैवायमितरो जातवेदा देवेभ्यो हव्यं वहतु प्रजानन् ॥९॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.16.9)<ref name=":6">Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC Mandala 10 Sukta 16])</ref></blockquote>Summary : Keep us far away from Kravyada Agni (the agni that consumes flesh) may he leave for the people of Yamaloka, while Jatavedas (Agni) may carry the offerings to devatas.     

<blockquote>जातवेदाः कस्मात् । जातवित् यः वा जातप्रज्ञानः । जातानि वेद । तस्य एषा भवति । जाते जाते विद्यते इति वा । जातधनः ।(Nirukta 7.19)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Meaning : Jatavedas is used as in - one who knows all creatures by birth, one who is Knowledgeable (knows Vedas) by birth.    <blockquote>जातवेदसे सुनवाम सोममरातीयतो निदहाति वेदः । स नः पर्षदति दुर्गाणि विश्वा नावेव सिन्धुं दुरितात्यग्निः ॥१॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.99.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%AF Mandala 1, Sukta 99])</ref></blockquote>In this famous Durga Sukta, containing Rig veda mantras (also seen in Taittriya Upanishad), Agni is praised as the protector who knows all creatures by birth, to whom Soma is offered and who burns all the impediments that arise in life.     

<blockquote>जातवेदाः कस्मात् । जातवित् यः वा जातप्रज्ञानः । जातानि वेद । तस्य एषा भवति । जाते जाते विद्यते इति वा । जातधनः ।(Nirukta 7.19)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Meaning : Jatavedas is used as in - one who knows all creatures by birth, one who is Knowledgeable (knows Vedas) by birth.    <blockquote>जातवेदसे सुनवाम सोममरातीयतो निदहाति वेदः । स नः पर्षदति दुर्गाणि विश्वा नावेव सिन्धुं दुरितात्यग्निः ॥१॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.99.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%AF Mandala 1, Sukta 99])</ref></blockquote>In this famous Durga Sukta, containing Rig veda mantras (also seen in Taittriya Upanishad), Agni is praised as the protector who knows all creatures by birth, to whom Soma is offered and who burns all the impediments that arise in life.     

==== क्रव्याद ॥ Kravyaada ====

==== क्रव्यादः ॥ Kravyada ====

Kravyaada (क्रव्याद) is the form of Agni which consumes corpses, the fire of the funeral pyre; the fire that burns the corpses can consume everything (Rig. Veda. 10.16.9)<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />. In this form, after one’s death and at the time of cremation, Agni heats up and burns the body (SB 2.2.4.8).<ref name=":4" />   

Kravyaada (क्रव्याद) is the form of Agni which consumes corpses, the fire of the funeral pyre; the fire that burns the corpses can consume everything (Rig. Veda. 10.16.9)<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />. In this form, after one’s death and at the time of cremation, Agni heats up and burns the body (SB 2.2.4.8).<ref name=":4" />   

'''Mundakopanishad''', explains how a person progresses through the different ashrams in life and the rules and consequences of not tending to the Agnihotra by a grihasta (Mund. Upan. 1.2.2 to 1.2.4)<ref name=":2">Swami Sharvananda, (1920) ''Mundaka and Mandukya Upanishads'' Madras : Sri Ramakrishna Math</ref>.       

'''Mundakopanishad''', explains how a person progresses through the different ashrams in life and the rules and consequences of not tending to the Agnihotra by a grihasta (Mund. Upan. 1.2.2 to 1.2.4)<ref name=":2">Swami Sharvananda, (1920) ''Mundaka and Mandukya Upanishads'' Madras : Sri Ramakrishna Math</ref>.       

== Agni and Puranas ==

== अग्निः पुराणानि च ॥ Agni and Puranas ==

=== अग्निपुराणम् ॥ Agni Puranam ===

=== अग्निपुराणम् ॥ Agni Purana ===

Agni has a purana ascribed to him, named as Agni Purana<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Link to Agni Purana from Wikisource] </ref> (one of the ten main Puranas), and is said to have been related to Brahmarshi Vasishta by Agni himself. In here, Agni gives the essence of Brahmavidya apart from the details of the ten avataras or incarnations of Vishnu.  This purana is a sacred text containing the expositions on the following matters in brief             

Agni has a purana ascribed to him, named as Agni Purana<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Link to Agni Purana from Wikisource] </ref> (one of the ten main Puranas), and is said to have been related to Brahmarshi Vasishta by Agni himself. In here, Agni gives the essence of Brahmavidya apart from the details of the ten avataras or incarnations of Vishnu.  This purana is a sacred text containing the expositions on the following matters in brief             

* religious rituals such as conducting vratas or sacred vows, pilgrimages and consequences of attaining hell when these dharmas are not adhered to.             

* religious rituals such as conducting vratas or sacred vows, pilgrimages and consequences of attaining hell when these dharmas are not adhered to.             

* yoga sastra and brahmavidya             

* yoga sastra and brahmavidya             

=== शिवपुराणम् ॥ Shivapuranam ===

=== शिवपुराणम् ॥ Shiva Purana ===

<blockquote>पुरा कल्पे महाकाले प्रपन्ने लोकविश्रुते आयुध्येतां महात्मानौ ब्रह्मविष्णू परस्परम् २७ (Shiv. Pura. 5.27)

<blockquote>पुरा कल्पे महाकाले प्रपन्ने लोकविश्रुते आयुध्येतां महात्मानौ ब्रह्मविष्णू परस्परम् २७ (Shiv. Pura. 5.27)

तयोर्मानं निराकर्तुं तन्मध्ये परमेश्वरः निष्कलस्तंभरूपेण स्वरूपं समदर्शयत् २८ (Shiv. Pura. 5.28)<br>

तयोर्मानं निराकर्तुं तन्मध्ये परमेश्वरः निष्कलस्तंभरूपेण स्वरूपं समदर्शयत् २८ (Shiv. Pura. 5.28)<br>

Knowing that Brahma lied, in order to punish him Shiva severed the fifth head of Brahma and cursed him that he will not be worshiped by anyone and Ketaki flower will not be used for puja of Shiva.  

Knowing that Brahma lied, in order to punish him Shiva severed the fifth head of Brahma and cursed him that he will not be worshiped by anyone and Ketaki flower will not be used for puja of Shiva.  

== Agni In Ramayana and Mahabharata ==

== रामायणमहभारतयोः अग्निः ॥ Agni In Ramayana and Mahabharata ==

=== कार्तिकेयः ॥ Kaartikeya ===

=== कार्तिकेयः ॥ Kartikeya ===

Different versions of birth of Kumaraswamy who is the chief of the devagana and plays a key role in the war between devatas and Taarakasura, have been described in Mahabharata and Ramayana as follows.  

Different versions of birth of Kumaraswamy who is the chief of the devagana and plays a key role in the war between devatas and Taarakasura, have been described in Mahabharata and Ramayana as follows.  

Parvati angry at being denied motherhood curses that the Devas wives would be infertile and never enjoy parental happiness henceforth. She angered by Prithvi for being a part of this matter, also curses her to be uneven and 'one with many husbands' (Earth having many landscapes is ruled by many kings (King is called as Bhupati). She curses Agni that he would be an all-consumer, without distinction between pure and impure things and and everything that touches him would turn into ash (bhasma).  

Parvati angry at being denied motherhood curses that the Devas wives would be infertile and never enjoy parental happiness henceforth. She angered by Prithvi for being a part of this matter, also curses her to be uneven and 'one with many husbands' (Earth having many landscapes is ruled by many kings (King is called as Bhupati). She curses Agni that he would be an all-consumer, without distinction between pure and impure things and and everything that touches him would turn into ash (bhasma).  

==== स्कन्दोत्पत्तिः ॥ Skanda  ====

==== स्कन्दोत्पत्तिः ॥ Skanda Utpatti   ====

In Mahabharata, Vana Parva, the legend of Skanda, is described with Indra approaching the Brahmadeva, for advise regarding the marriage of his daughter Devasena. In this context it is described that Svahadevi, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati takes the form of 6 wives of Saptarshis to please Agni.  

In Mahabharata, Vana Parva, the legend of Skanda, is described with Indra approaching the Brahmadeva, for advise regarding the marriage of his daughter Devasena. In this context it is described that Svahadevi, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati takes the form of 6 wives of Saptarshis to please Agni.  

In the Anushasana Parva (Adhyayas 84 to 86)<ref name=":3">Pt. Ram Narayandatt. Mahabharat Volume 6 ( [https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata06_Sanskrit-hindi_panditRamnarayan_gitaPress#page/n353/mode/2up Anushasana Parva Adhyaya 85]) Gorakhpur: Gita Press</ref>, the legend of Kartikeya is touched upon again (continued as given in Ramayana). When the effulgence of Shiva slipped and Parvati became angry as she was denied the privilege of bearing Shiva's son, she cursed the Devatas that henceforth they will not bear children. When devatas approach Brahma, he instructs them to search for Agni, who was absent and hence was excluded from the curse of Parvati. Devatas go in search of him and finally find him hiding in the Sami tree. They request him to transfer his tejas along with the effulgence of Shiva to Ganga. Gangadevi bears the tejas until a certain time and then unable to bear it leaves it in the reeds. That tejas partly becomes gold and partly into a boy who is called as Gangeya. Since Agni was also an instrument in the creation of gold - he is called hiranyaretas and earth which bore the gold or vasu was known as Vasumati.     

In the Anushasana Parva (Adhyayas 84 to 86)<ref name=":3">Pt. Ram Narayandatt. Mahabharat Volume 6 ( [https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata06_Sanskrit-hindi_panditRamnarayan_gitaPress#page/n353/mode/2up Anushasana Parva Adhyaya 85]) Gorakhpur: Gita Press</ref>, the legend of Kartikeya is touched upon again (continued as given in Ramayana). When the effulgence of Shiva slipped and Parvati became angry as she was denied the privilege of bearing Shiva's son, she cursed the Devatas that henceforth they will not bear children. When devatas approach Brahma, he instructs them to search for Agni, who was absent and hence was excluded from the curse of Parvati. Devatas go in search of him and finally find him hiding in the Sami tree. They request him to transfer his tejas along with the effulgence of Shiva to Ganga. Gangadevi bears the tejas until a certain time and then unable to bear it leaves it in the reeds. That tejas partly becomes gold and partly into a boy who is called as Gangeya. Since Agni was also an instrument in the creation of gold - he is called hiranyaretas and earth which bore the gold or vasu was known as Vasumati.     

=== अग्निप्रवेसम् ॥ Agnipravesham ===

=== अग्निप्रवेशः ॥ Agnipravesha ===

Valmiki Ramayana (Yuddhakanda Sarga 118<ref>Valmiki Ramayana ([http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/yuddha/sarga118/yuddha_118_frame.htm Yuddhakanda Sarga 118])</ref>) describes the Agnipareeksha or 'Fire ordeal' undergone by Sitadevi after death of Ravanaasura. Bhagavan Sri Rama, informs Sita that he has released her from her bondage from Ravanaasura and that she is free to go to the place of her choice. Unable to bear the thought of going anywhere else other than being with her husband Rama, she choses to enter the fire. Agni proving Sita's chastity returns her back to Sri Rama. There are different versions to this event, however, the role of Agni is as a witness to all deeds and as a purifier has been significant throughout different eras.   

Valmiki Ramayana (Yuddhakanda Sarga 118<ref>Valmiki Ramayana ([http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/yuddha/sarga118/yuddha_118_frame.htm Yuddhakanda Sarga 118])</ref>) describes the Agnipareeksha or 'Fire ordeal' undergone by Sitadevi after death of Ravanaasura. Bhagavan Sri Rama, informs Sita that he has released her from her bondage from Ravanaasura and that she is free to go to the place of her choice. Unable to bear the thought of going anywhere else other than being with her husband Rama, she choses to enter the fire. Agni proving Sita's chastity returns her back to Sri Rama. There are different versions to this event, however, the role of Agni is as a witness to all deeds and as a purifier has been significant throughout different eras.   

=== शिबिचक्रवर्तिः ॥ Shibi Chakravarty ===

=== शिबिचक्रवर्तिः ॥ Shibi Chakravarty ===

Shibi (Usheenara) Chakravarthy, belonging to the Ikshvaku dynasty, the ancestor of Bhagavan Sri Rama, was famous for his righteousness and charity. Indradeva who wanted to test his daatrutvam (sense of charity), assumed the form of an eagle and Agnideva assumed the form of a dove who was a prey to the eagle. The dove takes sharanagati or  refuge in Shibi Charavarty, who then offered an equal weight of his own flesh to the eagle in exchange of dove's life.  Assuming the dove to weigh a little, Shibi offered a portion of his flesh, but soon he had to offer himself as the food to the eagle. Shibi's sacrifice for the bird was highly praised and both Agni and Indra offered him a place in the heavens in return (Mahabharata, Vanaparva Adhyaya 131)<ref>Pt. Ram Narayandatt. Mahabharat Volume 2 ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2002_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n417/mode/2up (Vanaparva, Adhyaya 131]) Gorakhapur:Gita Press</ref>.

Shibi (Usheenara) Chakravarthy, belonging to the Ikshvaku dynasty, the ancestor of Bhagavan Sri Rama, was famous for his righteousness and charity. Indradeva who wanted to test his daatrutvam (sense of charity), assumed the form of an eagle and Agnideva assumed the form of a dove who was a prey to the eagle. The dove takes sharanagati or  refuge in Shibi Charavarty, who then offered an equal weight of his own flesh to the eagle in exchange of dove's life.  Assuming the dove to weigh a little, Shibi offered a portion of his flesh, but soon he had to offer himself as the food to the eagle. Shibi's sacrifice for the bird was highly praised and both Agni and Indra offered him a place in the heavens in return (Mahabharata, Vanaparva Adhyaya 131)<ref>Pt. Ram Narayandatt. Mahabharat Volume 2 ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2002_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n417/mode/2up (Vanaparva, Adhyaya 131]) Gorakhapur:Gita Press</ref>.

== Agni In Shrimad Bhagavadgita ==

== श्रीमद्भागवद्गीतायाम् अग्निः ॥ Agni In Shrimad Bhagavadgita ==

In Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (Sloka 15.14) it is said: अहं वैश्वानरो भूत्वा प्राणिनां देहमाश्रितः | Srikrishna says - Taking the form of Vaisvanara and residing in the bodies of creatures, I, in association with Prana and Apana, digest the four kinds of food.<ref>https://www.gitasupersite.iitk.ac.in/srimad?language=dv&field_chapter_value=15&field_nsutra_value=14&etsiva=1&etgb=1&choose=1</ref>   

In Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (Sloka 15.14) it is said: अहं वैश्वानरो भूत्वा प्राणिनां देहमाश्रितः | Srikrishna says - Taking the form of Vaisvanara and residing in the bodies of creatures, I, in association with Prana and Apana, digest the four kinds of food.<ref>https://www.gitasupersite.iitk.ac.in/srimad?language=dv&field_chapter_value=15&field_nsutra_value=14&etsiva=1&etgb=1&choose=1</ref>   

== Ayurvedic Perspective ==

== आयुर्वेदस्य दृष्टिः ॥ Ayurvedic Perspective ==

Agni is an important vital entity in Ayurveda. Agni is the indispensable agent involved in the process of Paaka (Digestion and transformation).<ref>Agrawal, Akash Kumar, C. R. Yadav, and M. S. Meena. “Physiological Aspects of ''Agni''.” ''Ayu'' 31.3 (2010): 395–398. ''PMC''. Web. 1 Mar. 2018.</ref>  Different Ayurvedic texts mention that Agni is Pitta, one of the tridoshas of the human body, which are vaata, pitta and kapha.  Different texts mention different numbers of Agni present in the body, however according to the function and site of action there are 13 in number - 1 Jatharagni, 5 Bhutagnis and 7 Dhatvaagni.  

Agni is an important vital entity in Ayurveda. Agni is the indispensable agent involved in the process of Paaka (Digestion and transformation).<ref>Agrawal, Akash Kumar, C. R. Yadav, and M. S. Meena. “Physiological Aspects of ''Agni''.” ''Ayu'' 31.3 (2010): 395–398. ''PMC''. Web. 1 Mar. 2018.</ref>  Different Ayurvedic texts mention that Agni is Pitta, one of the tridoshas of the human body, which are vaata, pitta and kapha.  Different texts mention different numbers of Agni present in the body, however according to the function and site of action there are 13 in number - 1 Jatharagni, 5 Bhutagnis and 7 Dhatvaagni.  

Ayurveda also defines three types of Agni based on the digestion types and Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) - Vishaamgni, Teekshanagni, Mandaagni.  Samaagni is a state of balanced Agni of the body.  

Ayurveda also defines three types of Agni based on the digestion types and Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) - Vishaamgni, Teekshanagni, Mandaagni.  Samaagni is a state of balanced Agni of the body.  

== Verses and Meanings ==

== मन्त्राः अर्थः च ॥ Verses and Meanings ==

Rig veda mantras 1.26.1 to 10<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AC Mandala 1, Sukta 26])</ref> praise Agni as the bearer of yagna havisya (sacrificial offerings) from मर्त्याः (humans) to अमर्त्याः (celestial beings).

Rig veda mantras 1.26.1 to 10<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AC Mandala 1, Sukta 26])</ref> praise Agni as the bearer of yagna havisya (sacrificial offerings) from मर्त्याः (humans) to अमर्त्याः (celestial beings).