Translations of Rig Veda Suktas 33-121 by M.P. Pandit

HYMN 44

Rishi : PRASKANVA Deity: AGNI

1. O Agni, immortal, all-knower, bring for the sacrificer the varied, luminous wealth from Ushas. Bring today the Gods awaking at dawn.

The Dawn appears before the break of the Truth-Light. It is Agni’s function, in the inner sacrifice, to fetch the Gods at dawn.

2. O Agni, adored, thou art, indeed, the messenger, bearer of the oblation, vehicle of the sacrifice. Along with the Ashvins and Ushas, bestow upon us the vast powerful hearing.

3. Today we resort to Agni, messenger, treasure, beloved of many, smoke-bannered, shedding lustre, glory of the morning-sacrifices.

4. At dawn I pray to Agni, the excellent, the most youthful, ever worshipful guest, all-knower, dear to him who offers well, to bring the Gods to us.

5. I laud the Agni, eternal enjoyer (nourisher) of the universe, carrier of the offering, worthy of adoration, immortal guardian, superb at sacrifice.

6. O youthful Agni, praiseworthy, sweet of tongue (flame), well-worshipped, be attentive to the sacrificer); increasing the life-span of Praskanva, glorify the heavenly host.

Praskanva: son of Kanva, superb in knowledge. Praskanva’s life being dedicated to the Gods, its increased span works for their glory.

7. The peoples kindle thee, Agni, sacrificer omniscient. Invoked by all O Agni, swiftly bring hither the Gods of conscious intelligence.

8. O (Agni) of happy rites, at dawns and at nights, bring hither, Savitr, Ushas, Ashvins, Bhaga and Agni. The Kanvas who have poured the Soma kindle thee, carrier of the offering.

Though he carries the offerings to the Gods, as à God Agni also has a share. The general characteristic of Agni is of the messenger. The particular feature is of sharing the offering along with the Gods.

9. O Agni, thou art the messenger of the peoples; thou art, indeed, the guardian of the sacrifices. Bring today to drink the Soma the Gods awaking at dawn and beholding the Sun.

10. O Agni, rich of lustre, universal in vision, thou hast blazed after many preceding dawns. Thou art the protector in (warring) clans. Placed in front in sacrifices, thou are the friend of man.

In the inner sacrifice many are the dawns that precede the manifestation of the Truth-Light. Lighted in each of these dawns, Agni as the priest works for the benefit of man. But in the outer ritual it is the daily dawn that is referred to.

11. O God Agni, we establish thee as did Manu, performer of the sacrifice, invoker, priest in season, superbly wise, speedy messenger immortal.

12. Cherished by friends, Agni, when placed in front, pervading within, thou becomest the messenger of the Gods, thy flames flash like resounding billows of the ocean.

13. O Agni with ears that listen, hearken; may Mitra, Aryaman and other Gods who attend the morning sacrifice, come to the sacrifice with all the accompanying oblation-bearing Deities and take the sacred seat.

14. May the munificent Maruts, flame-tongued, increasers of truth, hear this affirming laud. May law-upholding Varuna, along with Ashvins, Ushas, drink the Soma.