Sukta 97
Sukta 1.97
Agni
Gāyatrī-like refrain structure (short, repetitive; exact metrical classification may vary by recension)
This short Agni-hymn is built around a repeated prayer: “Burn away from us the clinging evil (agham).” Agni is invoked as an all-facing, all-surrounding purifier who not only consumes impurity but also kindles prosperity (rayi) and carries the worshipper across danger like a boat over a flood. The sukta’s purpose is apotropaic and restorative—removal of sin/ill-luck and establishment of well-being (svasti).
Mantras
Mantra 1
अप नः शोशुचदघमग्ने शुशुग्ध्या रयिम् । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
O Agni, burn away from us the clinging evil; by your flaming intensity kindle in us the plenitude. Burn away from us the clinging evil.
Mantra 4
प्र यत्ते अग्ने सूरयो जायेमहि प्र ते वयम् । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
Since we would be born into your luminous power, O Agni—yes, we would go forward in you—burn away from us the clinging evil.
Mantra 5
प्र यदग्नेः सहस्वतो विश्वतो यन्ति भानवः । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
When from Agni, mighty in force, the beams go forth on every side, burn away from us the clinging evil.
Mantra 6
त्वं हि विश्वतोमुख विश्वतः परिभूरसि । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
For you, O Agni of faces to every side, are the all-surrounding master; burn away from us the clinging evil.
Mantra 7
द्विषो नो विश्वतोमुखाति नावेव पारय । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
From foes on every side, O all-faced Agni, carry us across as in a boat; burn away from us the clinging evil.
Mantra 8
स नः सिन्धुमिव नावयाति पर्षा स्वस्तये । अप नः शोशुचदघम् ॥
May he carry us across, as by a boat over the great flood, for our well-being; burn away from us the clinging evil.
Frequently Asked Questions
It repeatedly asks Agni to burn away “agham” (clinging evil/impurity/ill-luck) and to kindle “rayi” (prosperity), bringing safety and well-being (svasti).
The refrain makes the prayer easy to recite in ritual and intensifies its protective power—like a sustained petition for purification and removal of obstacles.
It means Agni is asked to guide and protect the worshipper through dangers and crises, carrying them across hardship into safety and steadiness.