Main Themes:
- Invocation and Praise of Agni: The Sukta begins and continues with direct address and laudatory descriptions of Agni. The verses are clearly intended as a form of prayer and honour directed towards this deity.
- Quote: "Upaprayanto adhvara≈ mantra≈ vocemåg-naye. Åre asme ca ‹æƒvate." (Moving close to the vedi of the yajna of love and non-violence, let us chant holy words of thought and devotion in praise of Agni, lord of light and yajna who listens to us from far as well as from near.) This opening verse sets the tone for the entire Sukta, emphasizing the act of chanting sacred words in praise of Agni within the yajna.
- Agni as the Lord and Protector of Yajna: A significant theme revolves around Agni's central role in the yajna. He is depicted as the eternal lord of the ritual, present in gatherings and protecting the interests of the yajamana (the patron of the sacrifice).
- Quote: "Ya ̈ sn∂hit∂¶u pμurvya ̈ sa¤jagmånåsu k涢i¶u. Arak¶ad då‹u¶e gayam." (Agni is the eternal lord of yajna who, in gatherings of people meeting for the purpose of fellowship and yajna of love, protects and promotes the wealth of the generous yajamana.) This highlights Agni's active role in safeguarding the prosperity of those who perform the yajna.
- Agni as a Dispeller of Darkness and Giver of Victory and Wealth: The Sukta attributes powers of dispelling darkness and granting worldly success to Agni. He is celebrated for bringing victory in battles for wealth and protecting the riches of the charitable.
- Quote: "Uta bruvantu jantava udagnirvætrahåjani. Dhana¤jayo raƒeraƒe." (And let the people praise and celebrate Agni who dispels the clouds of darkness, creates and protects the wealth of the charitable yajamana, and gives us victory in the battles for wealth one after another.) This verse emphasizes Agni's role in overcoming obstacles and bestowing material benefits.
- Agni as the Divine Messenger and Conductor of Sacrifice: Agni is portrayed as the harbinger of light, carrying sacrificial offerings to the divine realm and ensuring the successful completion of the yajna. He is seen as facilitating communication between humans and the gods.
- Quote: "Yasya dμuto asi k¶aye ve¶i havyåni v∂taye. Dasmat kæƒo¶yadhvaram." (Agni, you are the harbinger of light. Wherever you go, you carry holy sacrificial materials into the house for the joy of the family and conduct and accomplish blissful yajna which dispels want and suffering from the home.) This highlights Agni's role as an intermediary and the positive impact of his presence on the household.
- Agni as a Manifestation of Divine Power and Brilliance: The Sukta uses epithets like "Angira" (breath of life) and describes Agni as the "child of omnipotence" and the "lord of brilliance." He is associated with knowledge, the elements (waters and skies), and the bestowal of wonderful wealth.
- Quote: "Tamit suhavyama∆gira ̈ sudeva≈ sahaso yaho. Janå åhu ̈ subarhi¶am." (Agni, Angira, breath of life for the world arising in yajna as the child of omnipotence, you are the same whom people call the lord of brilliance, master of science, waters and of the skies, worthy of being invoked in yajna for the gifts of wonderful wealths.) This verse underscores Agni's multifaceted divine nature and his capacity to grant boons.
- Agni as the Bringer of Divine Beings: The Sukta suggests that Agni has the power to draw other divinities to the yajna for their celebration and to receive offerings.
- Quote: "Å ca vahåsi tå≥ iha devå~n upa pra‹astaye. Havyå su‹candra v∂taye." (Agni, lord of light, beauty and joy, you are the power who bring in here close to us the brilliant and generous divinities worthy of invocation for their celebration and harbingers of holy gifts for the joy of the yajamana.) This highlights Agni's importance in the broader pantheon and his role in connecting humans with other deities.
