Invocation to Agni (Shlok 1)

20-Jun-2024

The Divine Purifier and Chief Priest of Sacrificial Rituals

ॐ अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवं रत्वीजम्।
होतारं रत्नधातमम्॥

Meaning :

  • ॐ (Om) : Om is the primordial sound, the sound of the universe, and a symbol of ultimate reality.

  • अग्निमीळे (Agnimīḻe) : I invoke Agni, the divine fire, the purifier.

  • पुरोहितं (Purohitaṁ) : The one who is placed foremost in the sacrificial rituals, the chief priest.

  • यज्ञस्य (Yajñasya) : Of the sacrifice.

  • देवं (Devam) : To the god.

  • रत्वीजम् (Ratvījam) : The invoker, the stimulator of the sacrificial ritual.

  • होतारं (Hotāraṁ) : The invoker, the one who offers oblations.

  • रत्नधातमम् (Ratnadhātamam) : The bestower of jewels or rewards, the giver of wealth.

Explanation :

This mantra is an invocation to Agni, the fire god, who is the purifier and the chief priest of sacrificial rituals. It is a prayer for invoking Agni as the one who stimulates and energizes the sacrifice, and who bestows rewards and blessings.

Significance :

  • This mantra from the Samaveda is considered powerful for invoking the presence and blessings of Agni, who is crucial in Vedic rituals for his purifying and transformative powers.

  • Agni is regarded as the intermediary between humans and gods, carrying offerings from the earthly realm to the divine realm.

Usage :

  • This mantra is often chanted at the beginning of Vedic rituals and ceremonies, seeking the blessings of Agni for the successful completion of the ritual and the attainment of divine blessings and prosperity.