Sukta 12
Sukta 7.12
Vasiṣṭha
Agni
Triṣṭubh (probable; needs metrical verification)
This short hymn of Vasiṣṭha approaches Agni with “great reverence,” praising him as the youthful flame who shines when kindled in his own dwelling and whose radiance pervades both worlds. Agni is invoked as Jātavedas, the knower of births, to overcome all hardships and to guard the worshippers from distress and moral fault. In a culminating identification, Agni is hailed as embodying the functions of Mitra and Varuṇa, and is asked to grant treasures, successful attainments, and lasting well-being.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अगन्म महा नमसा यविष्ठं यो दीदाय समिद्धः स्वे दुरोणे । चित्रभानुं रोदसी अन्तरुर्वी स्वाहुतं विश्वतः प्रत्यञ्चम् ॥
We have come with a great surrender to the youngest Flame, who shines when kindled in his own home. His many-coloured radiance fills the two worlds within their wideness; well-offered, he turns from every side towards us.
Mantra 2
स मह्ना विश्वा दुरितानि साह्वानग्निः ष्टवे दम आ जातवेदाः । स नो रक्षिषद्दुरितादवद्यादस्मान्गृणत उत नो मघोनः ॥
Mighty in greatness, overcoming all difficulties, Agni is praised in the home as Jātavedas. May he guard us from distress and from fault, us who sing—and also our giver of plenitude.
Mantra 3
त्वं वरुण उत मित्रो अग्ने त्वां वर्धन्ति मतिभिर्वसिष्ठाः । त्वे वसु सुषणनानि सन्तु यूयं पात स्वस्तिभिः सदा नः ॥
You are Varuṇa and you are Mitra, O Agni; the Vasiṣṭhas increase you with their thoughts. In you may there be the good treasures and happy attainments; and you, protect us always with your well-beings.
Frequently Asked Questions
It asks Agni to accept the offering, overcome hardships, protect the worshippers (and their patron) from distress and wrongdoing, and grant prosperity and lasting well-being (svasti).
Jātavedas means “knower of births.” It presents Agni as an all-knowing divine fire who understands beings and events and can therefore protect, guide, and carry offerings rightly.
It means Agni is invoked as embodying their functions—Mitra’s harmony and right relationship, and Varuṇa’s guardianship of moral order—so the fire becomes a power of protection, truth, and social-spiritual stability.