Sukta 1
Sukta 1.1
Madhucchandas Vaiśvāmitra
Agni
Gāyatrī
This inaugural hymn of the Rig Veda invokes Agni as the foremost priest (purohita) of the sacrifice, the divine messenger who brings the gods and establishes prosperity. Across nine Gāyatrī verses, Agni is praised as seer-willed, truth-bearing, and the best bestower of “treasures,” culminating in an intimate prayer that he be approachable like a father for the worshiper’s well-being.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्विजम् । होतारं रत्नधातमम् ॥
I aspire to Agni, the Divine Will set in front as our leader of the sacrifice— the godhead who labours in the right season and the right truth; the invoker who calls the powers: most capable of founding in us the inner riches.
Mantra 2
अग्निः पूर्वेभिॠषिभिरीड्यो नूतनैरुत । स देवाँ एह वक्षति ॥
Agni, worthy of our adoration by the ancient seers and also by the new, will bring the Gods here—he will draw into our being the luminous Powers for the progress of the soul.
Mantra 3
अग्निना रयिमश्नवत्पोषमेव दिवेदिवे । यशसं वीरवत्तमम् ॥
By Agni’s awakened Flame-Will may one attain the plenitude of inner riches—growth indeed from day to day—glorious, most filled with heroic power.
Mantra 4
अग्ने यं यज्ञमध्वरं विश्वतः परिभूरसि । स इद्देवेषु गच्छति ॥
O Agni, the sacrifice and the journey of offering which you encompass and master from every side—by that very power the human seeker moves and arrives among the Gods (the luminous powers).
Mantra 5
अग्निर्होता कविक्रतुः सत्यश्चित्रश्रवस्तमः । देवो देवेभिरा गमत् ॥
May Agni, the invoker—whose will is the seer’s will—true and most rich in luminous inspirations, the Divine Power, come here with the other divine powers.
Mantra 6
यदङ्ग दाशुषे त्वमग्ने भद्रं करिष्यसि । तवेत्तत्सत्यमङ्गिरः ॥
Whatever bright good you will shape for the giver-offerer, O Agni, that indeed is your own truth of action, O Angiras: your promised beneficence becomes a sure reality within us.
Mantra 7
उप त्वाग्ने दिवेदिवे दोषावस्तर्धिया वयम् । नमो भरन्त एमसि ॥
O Agni, to thee we come near day after day; at night and at the coming of dawn we approach with the awakened thought, bearing reverence—seeking entry into thy luminous presence and guidance.
Mantra 8
राजन्तमध्वराणां गोपामृतस्य दीदिविम् । वर्धमानं स्वे दमे ॥
Him who shines as the kingly power of the inner offerings, the guardian of the Truth, the luminous One—Agni—ever increasing within his own home (in us).
Mantra 9
स नः पितेव सूनवेऽग्ने सूपायनो भव । सचस्वा नः स्वस्तये ॥
Be for us, O Agni, like a father to his son—easy of approach and ready to lead. Join yourself to us for our well-being, for the secure growth of the soul in the right order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because Agni is the mediator of the sacrifice: he carries offerings to the gods and brings the gods’ powers into the rite. Invoking him first establishes the yajña and makes all later invocations effective.
It means “placed in front” or “foremost priest.” The hymn presents Agni as the guiding presence at the head of the sacrifice—both ritually (the fire in front) and spiritually (the leading divine will).
The hymn asks Agni to bring the gods, ensure successful worship, and grant ‘treasures’—prosperity, strength, and inspired clarity—ending with a prayer for svasti (secure well-being) and protection like a father.
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