Sukta 156
Sukta 10.156
Agni
This brief Agni hymn urges that inspired thoughts and praise should impel Agni forward like a swift horse in contest, so that the worshipper wins repeated abundance (dhanam-dhanam). It asks Agni to bring broad, solid wealth—light, cattle, and swift powers—while striking down the inner Paṇi (the hoarding, obstructing tendency) and awakening to the hymn as the banner-light of the peoples.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अग्निं हिन्वन्तु नो धियः सप्तिमाशुमिवाजिषु । तेन जेष्म धनंधनम् ॥
May our inspired thoughts drive forward Agni, like a swift steed in the contests; by that force may we win wealth upon wealth—plenitudes of being and power.
Mantra 2
यया गा आकरामहे सेनयाग्ने तवोत्या । तां नो हिन्व मघत्तये ॥
By that force with which, O Agni, by thy help and as an army, we may win the Rays of Light—impel that power in us for the greatness of plenitude.
Mantra 3
आग्ने स्थूरं रयिं भर पृथुं गोमन्तमश्विनम् । अङ्धि खं वर्तया पणिम् ॥
O Agni, bring a solid and wide plenitude—rich in rays of light and in swift powers. Smite the cramped obstruction; turn away the Paṇi within us who hoards and withholds.
Mantra 4
अग्ने नक्षत्रमजरमा सूर्यं रोहयो दिवि । दधज्ज्योतिर्जनेभ्यः ॥
O Agni, thou makest the imperishable star to rise—the Sun in heaven—setting the Light within for the peoples (the souls).
Mantra 5
अग्ने केतुर्विशामसि प्रेष्ठः श्रेष्ठ उपस्थसत् । बोधा स्तोत्रे वयो दधत् ॥
O Agni, thou art the banner-light of the peoples, most beloved and most excellent, seated near. Awake to our hymn, establishing in us the plenitude of life and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
It asks Agni to be powerfully kindled by inspired thought, to grant repeated abundance (wealth and strength), and to help the worshipper win in life’s ‘contests’ or efforts.
In Vedic imagery the Paṇi is a hoarder who withholds; here it also points to an inner tendency to clutch, block, or deny—an obstruction Agni is asked to strike down and turn away.
Because Agni is the visible sign and guiding light of the community—both the ritual fire that gathers people and the symbolic inner clarity that leads and protects.