Sukta 17
Sukta 7.17
Vasiṣṭha (Mandala 7 attribution; hymn-level rishi not provided in input)
Agni
Trishtubh (likely; not specified in input)
This short Agni hymn invites the fire to be kindled perfectly with good fuel and a well-spread barhis, so the sacrifice becomes spacious and fit for the gods. Agni as Jātavedas is praised as the one who orders the rite, brings the immortals, and increases their powers through right offering, culminating in a prayer for distributed “treasures” (ratna) to the worshippers.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अग्ने भव सुषमिधा समिद्ध उत बर्हिरुर्विया वि स्तृणीताम् ॥
O Agni, become well-kindled by a good fuel; and let the wide seat of the offering be spread out in vastness—so the higher powers may find their place within us.
Mantra 2
उत द्वार उशतीर्वि श्रयन्तामुत देवाँ उशत आ वहेह ॥
And let the desired Doors open and take their stations; and do you, desiring, bring the gods here—lead the powers of light into our prepared consciousness.
Mantra 3
अग्ने वीहि हविषा यक्षि देवान्त्स्वध्वरा कृणुहि जातवेदः ॥
O Agni, come with the offering; sacrifice to the gods. Make the path of the sacrifice well-ordered and unobstructed, O Jātavedas—so the knowledge-born fire can guide the ascent.
Mantra 4
स्वध्वरा करति जातवेदा यक्षद्देवाँ अमृतान्पिप्रयच्च ॥
Jātavedas makes the sacrifice well-ordered; he sacrifices to the immortal gods and also fills them—he increases the powers of truth within us by the right offering.
Mantra 5
वंस्व विश्वा वार्याणि प्रचेतः सत्या भवन्त्वाशिषो नो अद्य ॥
Win for us all desirable riches, O luminous one; let our aspirations become true today—let the inner word of will be fulfilled in reality.
Mantra 6
त्वामु ते दधिरे हव्यवाहं देवासो अग्न ऊर्ज आ नपातम् ॥
You indeed the gods have set in place as the carrier of the offering, O Agni, as the child of the nourishing plenitude—so that the force of life may be brought into our work.
Mantra 7
ते ते देवाय दाशतः स्याम महो नो रत्ना वि दध इयानः ॥
May we be those who give to you, to the god; and you, advancing, distribute to us the great treasures—set in us the many inner riches of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
It teaches that when Agni is kindled correctly and the ritual space is properly prepared, the sacrifice becomes orderly and effective, drawing the gods and bringing prosperity.
Jātavedas means “knower of births/creatures.” Here it highlights Agni’s all-knowing priestly role: he understands how to conduct the rite and how to convey offerings to the devas.
It can mean material gifts like wealth and cattle, and also inner riches—strength, clarity, protection, and the fruits of a well-performed sacrifice.