Agni, the Priest of Sacrificial Rituals (shlok 12)

This verse extols Agni as the indispensable priest in Vedic rituals, revered by both gods and humans for his pivotal role in facilitating offerings and blessings.

त्वमग्ने यज्ञानाꣳ होता विश्वेषाꣳ हितः । देवेभिर्मानुषे जने ॥२॥

tvamagne yajñānāṁ hotā viśveṣāṁ hitaḥ | devebhirmānuṣe jane ||2||

English Translation :  You, Agni, are the priest of all sacrifices, beneficial to all beings, Among gods and among humans.

This verse from the Vedic scriptures glorifies Agni, the deity of fire, by addressing him as the chief priest (hotā) of all sacrifices (yajñānām). It emphasizes that Agni is not only the facilitator but also the benefactor (hitaḥ) of all beings (viśveṣām), both divine beings (devebhiḥ) and human beings (mānuṣe jane).

Explanation:

Agni as the Priest of Sacrifices: Agni is revered as the primary priest who presides over Vedic rituals and sacrifices. He is invoked to carry offerings from humans to the gods, symbolizing the communication between the earthly and divine realms.

Benefactor of All Beings: The verse underscores Agni's universal role as a benefactor (hitaḥ), implying that his blessings and efficacy extend to all creatures across realms—whether divine beings (devebhiḥ) or human beings (mānuṣe jane).

Universal Significance: This invocation highlights Agni's universal importance in Vedic tradition, where he is not only a conduit for offerings but also a source of blessings and prosperity for all who invoke him with reverence and sincerity.

In essence, this verse celebrates Agni's pivotal role in Vedic rituals and underscores his universal benevolence, emphasizing his importance as the intermediary between humans and the gods in the sacrificial rites of ancient India.