Sukta 21
Sukta 5.21
Atri (Ātreya)
Agni
Gayatri (probable; short 3-pāda structure typical of many Agni invocations—verify in critical edition)
This brief Agni hymn invokes the fire “in the human way” (manuṣvat), asking that the sacrificial flame be rightly installed and kindled so it can carry worship to the gods. Agni is praised as the unanimous choice of all deities as their messenger (dūta), and is urged to blaze brightly and take his seat in the “womb of ṛta,” the ordered truth that sustains increase and prosperity.
Mantras
Mantra 1
मनुष्वत्त्वा नि धीमहि मनुष्वत्समिधीमहि । अग्ने मनुष्वदङ्गिरो देवान्देवयते यज ॥
In the human way we set you within us; in the human way we kindle you to fullness. O Agni, O Angiras, in the human way sacrifice to the gods for the one who seeks the Divine.
Mantra 2
त्वं हि मानुषे जनेऽग्ने सुप्रीत इध्यसे । स्रुचस्त्वा यन्त्यानुषक्सुजात सर्पिरासुते ॥
For you indeed, O Agni, are kindled in the human being, gladly consenting. The ladles come to you in due sequence, O well-born, with the clarified butter that is poured—nourishment for the flame of the will.
Mantra 3
त्वां विश्वे सजोषसो देवासो दूतमक्रत । सपर्यन्तस्त्वा कवे यज्ञेषु देवमीळते ॥
All the gods, in one accord, made you their messenger. Serving you, O Seer-Fire, in the sacrifices they adore you as the Divine—because you carry their powers and their word between the worlds.
Mantra 4
देवं वो देवयज्ययाग्निमीळीत मर्त्यः । समिद्धः शुक्र दीदिह्यृतस्य योनिमासदः ससस्य योनिमासदः ॥
O mortals, adore Agni the Divine with the worship that seeks the Divine. Kindled, O bright one, blaze forth; take your seat in the womb of ṛta—in the womb of growth and increase take your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
It teaches that when Agni is properly installed and kindled in the human rite, he becomes the active messenger who carries worship to the gods and brings ordered prosperity through ṛta.
It emphasizes correct human procedure and intention in kindling the fire—Agni is divine, but he is invoked through human ritual discipline and sincerity.
It means the secure seat of cosmic truth and order; asking Agni to sit there is a prayer that the ritual (and life) be grounded in rightness, leading to growth and increase.
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