Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 35
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
अग्निर्मुखं यस्य तु जातवेदा जात: क्रियाकाण्डनिमित्तजन्मा । अन्त:समुद्रेऽनुपचन्स्वधातून् प्रसीदतां न: स महाविभूति: ॥ ३५ ॥
agnir mukhaṁ yasya tu jāta-vedā jātaḥ kriyā-kāṇḍa-nimitta-janmā antaḥ-samudre ’nupacan sva-dhātūn prasīdatāṁ naḥ sa mahā-vibhūtiḥ
Fire, which is born for the sake of accepting oblations in ritualistic ceremonies, is the mouth of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Fire exists within the depths of the ocean to produce wealth, and fire is also present in the abdomen to digest food and produce various secretions for the maintenance of the body. May that supremely powerful Personality of Godhead be pleased with us.
FAQs
This verse describes Agni (Jātavedā) as the Lord’s “mouth,” indicating that sacrificial offerings and ritual fire function as a divine channel under the Supreme’s control.
In their prayers, the devas acknowledge that even ritual systems and their presiding powers arise from and operate by the Supreme Lord, so they seek His favor rather than relying on their own strength.
It teaches reverence for sacred discipline while remembering the ultimate source—offer all actions as service to the Supreme, recognizing that nature and its powers work under His energy.