Sukta 8
Sukta 2.8
Gṛtsamada (Bhārgava) (traditional attribution for RV 2.8)
Agni
Gāyatrī (probable)
This short hymn to Agni praises his swift “yokes and chariots”—his powers of rapid approach and effective action in the sacrifice—and celebrates his radiant, heaven-like brilliance that surrounds the worshipper with imperishable light. It culminates in a communal prayer for protection and victory in conflict through the allied helps of Agni together with Indra, Soma, and the other gods.
Mantras
Mantra 1
वाजयन्निव नू रथान्योगाँ अग्नेरुप स्तुहि । यशस्तमस्य मीळ्हुषः ॥
As one urging on the plenitudes of force, now praise the yokes and chariots of Agni—the most glorious of the bounteous giver—his means of swift inner advance.
Mantra 2
यः सुनीथो ददाशुषेऽजुर्यो जरयन्नरिम् । चारुप्रतीक आहुतः ॥
He who is of good leading for the giver, unfailing, wearing down the enemy within; of beautiful visage, he is kindled by the offering.
Mantra 3
य उ श्रिया दमेष्वा दोषोषसि प्रशस्यते । यस्य व्रतं न मीयते ॥
He who, with his splendour, is praised in the homes at night and at dawn; whose law of working does not diminish—Agni, steadfast in the rhythm of Truth.
Mantra 4
आ यः स्वर्ण भानुना चित्रो विभात्यर्चिषा । अञ्जानो अजरैरभि ॥
He who comes like heaven’s own light, variegated with radiance, shining out with his flame—anointing us on every side with ageless powers of illumination.
Mantra 5
अत्रिमनु स्वराज्यमग्निमुक्थानि वावृधुः । विश्वा अधि श्रियो दधे ॥
Following Atri in his self-sovereignty, the hymns increased Agni; and he set above all the splendors—establishing plenitudes of light and fullness in the being.
Mantra 6
अग्नेरिन्द्रस्य सोमस्य देवानामूतिभिर्वयम् । अरिष्यन्तः सचेमह्यभि ष्याम पृतन्यतः ॥
By the protecting helps of Agni, Indra, Soma—and of the gods—we, unharmed, would cleave to them; and we would prevail against those who battle us, conquering the inner war.
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Agni as a swift, powerful helper in the sacrifice and as a radiant light that strengthens the worshipper, ending with a prayer for safety and victory over opponents.
It is a poetic way to describe Agni’s means of rapid action—how the fire-power quickly reaches the offering and carries it effectively to the gods, and how that same force drives inner progress.
The hymn is primarily to Agni, but it concludes by invoking allied divine supports—Agni with Indra, Soma, and the other gods—so the worshipper’s protection and success are reinforced from multiple powers.