Sukta 187
Sukta 10.187
Agni
This short Agni hymn repeatedly invokes the Fire as the mighty “bull” of the worlds and asks him to carry the worshipper beyond hostile forces—both outer opponents and inner resistances. Agni is praised as the bright power that crushes rakṣas (forces of distortion) with his pure flame and as a transcendent fire “born on the farther shore,” guiding the sacrifice and speech to safety and victory.
Mantras
Mantra 1
प्राग्नये वाचमीरय वृषभाय क्षितीनाम् । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
Send forth the word to Agni, the bull-power of the worlds; may he carry us beyond the haters—beyond the inner resistances that oppose the rising of the flame and the truth of speech.
Mantra 2
यः परस्याः परावतस्तिरो धन्वातिरोचते । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
He who shines beyond the farther distance, beyond the dry expanse, beyond the visible limits—may that Agni carry us past the haters: beyond the boundary-mind into the wide light.
Mantra 3
यो रक्षांसि निजूर्वति वृषा शुक्रेण शोचिषा । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
He who with the bright flame, the strong Bull-force, wears down the powers of distortion; may he carry us beyond the hostile movements.
Mantra 4
यो विश्वाभि विपश्यति भुवना सं च पश्यति । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
He who beholds all things from every side and sees the worlds in their gathered unity—may he carry us beyond the hostile powers.
Mantra 5
यो अस्य पारे रजसः शुक्रो अग्निरजायत । स नः पर्षदति द्विषः ॥
He—Agni, the bright one—who is born on the far shore beyond the mid-world; may he carry us beyond the hostile forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
It asks Agni, the bright sacrificial fire, to carry the worshipper beyond hostile forces—seen as enemies, dangers, and also inner resistance to truth and right speech.
It is a refrain-like petition meaning “may he carry us beyond the hostile.” Repetition strengthens the protective intention and keeps the rite focused on crossing obstacles.
It can be recited during a simple lamp/fire offering or before an important task, praying for protection, removal of negativity, and the purification of speech and intention.