Sukta 22
Sukta 5.22
Atri (Ātreya) (explicitly referenced atri-vat; hymn in Atri collection)
Agni
Trishtubh (probable; verify in critical edition)
This short Atri hymn invokes Agni as the purifying flame and beloved Hotṛ of the sacrifice, asking him to recognize and accept the poets’ inspired speech. It presents Agni as the chosen divine protector with discerning mind, and highlights the Atri lineage as those who “increase” and adorn Agni through stomas and gīras. The purpose is liturgical and devotional: to kindle Agni’s presence, secure his aid, and ensure the sacrifice proceeds under his bright guidance.
Mantras
Mantra 1
प्र विश्वसामन्नत्रिवदर्चा पावकशोचिषे । यो अध्वरेष्वीड्यो होता मन्द्रतमो विशि ॥
Sing forth, O universal-chant, as Atri would sing, to the purifying flame. He who in the works (adhvara) is to be sought and adored—the Hotar, most rapturous in the peoples—let him be affirmed by our word.
Mantra 2
न्यग्निं जातवेदसं दधाता देवमृत्विजम् । प्र यज्ञ एत्वानुषगद्या देवव्यचस्तमः ॥
Set down Agni, Jātavedas, the Divine priest of the seasons. Let the sacrifice move forward in due succession today—he who is most widely spreading among the gods (in his reach), let him lead the way.
Mantra 3
चिकित्विन्मनसं त्वा देवं मर्तास ऊतये । वरेण्यस्य तेऽवस इयानासो अमन्महि ॥
You, the Divine with the discerning mind, we mortals have held in thought for your help. Seeking the protection of the One worthy to be chosen, we have turned toward you and consented inwardly.
Mantra 4
अग्ने चिकिद्ध्यस्य न इदं वचः सहस्य । तं त्वा सुशिप्र दम्पते स्तोमैर्वर्धन्त्यत्रयो गीर्भिः शुम्भन्त्यत्रयः ॥
O Agni, take knowledge of this our word, O strong one. You, O fair-lipped Lord of the home, the Atris increase by hymns; by inspired utterances the Atris adorn and make you blaze in beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a short hymn where the Atri seers praise Agni as the purifying fire and the Hotar of the sacrifice, asking him to accept their words and protect the rite.
It marks the hymn as belonging to the Atri tradition and invokes the authority of that lineage’s style of praise—implying the chant is offered in the proper, time-tested way.
In Vedic thought, praise and ritual speech actively strengthen Agni’s presence: the fire brightens outwardly, and the divine help (avas/ūti) becomes more accessible to the worshippers.