Sukta 24
Sukta 3.24
Viśvāmitra Gāthina (RV 3.24)
Agni
Gāyatrī (probable for RV 3.24; confirm by metrical scan—shorter cadence suggests gāyatrī-like)
This brief Agni-hymn asks the sacrificial Fire to overpower hostile forces in both outer conflict and inner obstruction, and to establish “várchas” (splendour, victorious brilliance) for the yajamāna. Agni is invited to the prepared ritual seat (barhis), awakened by luminous power, and requested to grant “rayi” (prosperity/abundance) rich in heroic strength while refining the worshippers’ intention.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अग्ने सहस्व पृतना अभिमातीरपास्य । दुष्टरस्तरन्नरातीर्वर्चो धा यज्ञवाहसे ॥
O Agni, prevail over the battles; cast away the assailing hostile powers. Hard to cross, yet crossing over the forces of negation, establish the splendour in the bearer of the sacrifice.
Mantra 2
अग्न इळा समिध्यसे वीतिहोत्रो अमर्त्यः । जुषस्व सू नो अध्वरम् ॥
O Agni, with Iḷā thou art kindled into fullness, the immortal who comes to the offering. Accept happily our unbroken movement of sacrifice.
Mantra 3
अग्ने द्युम्नेन जागृवे सहसः सूनवाहुत । एदं बर्हिः सदो मम ॥
O Agni, awakened by the luminous force, O son of might, invoked—here is my strewn seat of sacred grass, my place of session.
Mantra 4
अग्ने विश्वेभिरग्निभिर्देवेभिर्महया गिरः । यज्ञेषु य उ चायवः ॥
O Agni, with all the fires, with the gods, magnify our words of inspiration—those that are gathered and strengthened in the sacrifices.
Mantra 5
अग्ने दा दाशुषे रयिं वीरवन्तं परीणसम् । शिशीहि नः सूनुमतः ॥
O Agni, give to the giver (the one who offers) the rayi—an inner fullness of being—rich in heroic energies and complete in its abundance. Sharpen and perfect us, O child of inspired power, so that our soul’s intention becomes a luminous instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
It asks Agni to drive away hostile forces, protect the worshipper in conflict, and establish radiant strength (varcas) and prosperity (rayi) through the sacrifice.
Barhis is the ritual “seat” prepared for the gods. Mentioning it signals that Agni is being formally welcomed and invited to take his place so the rite can succeed.
They refer to hostile pressures—enemies, ill-will, or obstructing forces. The hymn treats Agni as the power that repels these outer and inner forms of opposition.