Agni The Dearest Guest

This Vedic verse praises Agni as the dearest guest, beloved like a friend, and as a sacred chariot. Agni presence in rituals is vital, acting as both a cherished companion and a divine medium to carry offerings to the gods, highlighting his dual role in t

Sanskrit

प्रेष्ठं वो अतिथिꣳ स्तुषे मित्रमिव प्रियम् । अग्ने रथं न वेद्यम् ॥५॥

I praise you, O Agni, as the most beloved guest, like a dear friend. You are like a well-known chariot.

extols Agni as the most cherished guest, likened to a beloved friend. Agni is not only revered but also considered a vital and sacred presence in the rituals. The verse underscores Agni's dual role as both a divine guest and a medium for carrying offerings to the gods.

प्रेष्ठं (preṣṭhaṃ): Most esteemed

अतिथिं (atithiṃ): Guest

स्तुषे (stuṣe): I praise

मित्रमिव (mitram iva): Like a friend

प्रियम् (priyam): Beloved

अग्ने (agne): O Agni

रथं (rathaṃ): Chariot

न (na): Like

वेद्यम् (vedyam): Sacred

Explanation

Agni is celebrated as the most esteemed and beloved guest, comparable to a cherished friend. The verse highlights Agni's importance in Vedic rituals, where he is not only honored but also viewed as a sacred intermediary between the worshippers and the gods.

Agni as the Most Esteemed Guest (प्रेष्ठं अतिथिं): In Vedic culture, the concept of a guest (अतिथि) was held in the highest regard. A guest was considered divine, and Agni, as the divine fire, is metaphorically referred to as the most esteemed guest. This reflects the reverence and devotion with which Agni was worshipped in the Vedic rituals.

Like a Beloved Friend (मित्रमिव प्रियम्): The verse further likens Agni to a beloved friend. This comparison signifies the closeness and affection the worshippers felt towards Agni, who was not just a deity to be worshipped but also a comforting and protective presence, like a dear friend who is always there to support.

Agni as the Sacred Chariot (रथं वेद्यम्): The verse uses the metaphor of a chariot (रथं) to describe Agni. In Vedic rituals, Agni is seen as the vehicle that carries the offerings of the worshippers to the gods. Just as a chariot transports people, Agni transports the sacred oblations and prayers to the divine realm. The term "sacred" (वेद्यम्) emphasizes the sanctity of this role.