Sukta 8
Sukta 4.8
Vāmadeva Gautama (traditional for RV 4.8)
Agni
Gāyatrī (probable for RV 4.8.1; short 3-pāda structure suggests Gāyatrī-family; needs metrical verification)
This hymn exalts Agni as the divine messenger and foremost priest (Hotṛ) who carries offerings to the gods and opens the path to heaven. It praises his omniscience, immortality, and swift power to pierce obstacles, urging inspired speech to kindle and adorn him for sacrifice.
Mantras
Mantra 1
दूतं वो विश्ववेदसं हव्यवाहममर्त्यम् । यजिष्ठमृञ्जसे गिरा ॥
I set forth for you the Messenger, the all-knowing, the bearer of the offering, the Immortal—Agni most fit for sacrifice—adorned by the word of inspiration.
Mantra 2
स हि वेदा वसुधितिं महाँ आरोधनं दिवः । स देवाँ एह वक्षति ॥
For he knows the foundation of plenitude and the great ascent of Heaven; he will bring the gods here.
Mantra 3
स वेद देव आनमं देवाँ ऋतायते दमे । दाति प्रियाणि चिद्वसु ॥
That god knows the act of bowing and bringing the gods into the home of the one who lives by the Truth; and he gives even the beloved plenitudes.
Mantra 4
स होता सेदु दूत्यं चिकित्वाँ अन्तरीयते । विद्वाँ आरोधनं दिवः ॥
He is the Hotṛ; indeed he performs the messenger-work, discerning inwardly—knowing the ascent to Heaven.
Mantra 5
ते स्याम ये अग्नये ददाशुर्हव्यदातिभिः । य ईं पुष्यन्त इन्धते ॥
May we be among those who give to Agni with gifts of offering—those who foster him and kindle him into increase.
Mantra 6
ते राया ते सुवीर्यैः ससवांसो वि शृण्विरे । ये अग्ना दधिरे दुवः ॥
They become wide in hearing and receptivity—by thy plenitude and by thy noble hero-power—those who have won the right increase and who have set their effective offering in Agni.
Mantra 8
स विप्रश्चर्षणीनां शवसा मानुषाणाम् । अति क्षिप्रेव विध्यति ॥
He, the seer-will among the peoples, by his force overpasses the human limits and strikes through swiftly, as with a sudden dart—breaking the obstruction in us.
Frequently Asked Questions
It presents Agni as the divine messenger and chief priest who carries offerings to the gods, knows the way to heaven, and removes obstacles when invoked with inspired speech.
Because Agni transmits the human offering to the divine world—he is the living link between the sacrificer on earth and the devas in heaven.
Recite it while lighting a clean lamp or small fire, offer a little ghee (or a symbolic offering), and focus on clarity of speech, intention, and the removal of inner obstacles.