होतारं त्वा वृणीमहे होतारं विश्वचेतसम् । अग्निं यज्ञेषु पूर्वमक्ष्णन्मनुष्याः ॥
hōtāraṁ tvā vṛṇīmahē hōtāraṁ viśvacētasam । agniṁ yajñēṣu pūrvamakṣṇanmanuṣyāḥ ॥
Study Guide to Rigveda Mandala 3 Sukta 2
Act 1
Act I: Invoking the Universal Priest
Verses 1, 2
समिधानो य आहुतोऽग्निः श्वेतस्य वर्धते । तमिद्धो हव्यवाहनं देवा जुह्वति होतृभिः ॥
samidhānō ya āhutō'gniḥ śvētasya vardhatē । tamiddhō havyavāhanaṁ dēvā juhvati hōtṛbhiḥ ॥
📖 Immersive narrative, word breakdowns, and spiritual context
The opening verses establish Agni not merely as physical fire, but as the supreme Hotar or invoker—the divine consciousness present in all beings. Rishi Vishvamitra establishes a continuity of spiritual practice, noting that ancient humanity too relied upon this inner awakening. Through conscious offerings of devotion, the human seeker participates in the cosmic rhythm of sacrifice, elevating the mind toward truth.
💭 Flowing Translation
Verse 1: We choose thee as the universal invoker, Agni, whom ancient humans kindled.
Verse 2: The kindled bearer of oblations is worshipped by the gods.
📝 Scholar's Reading Note
Sāyaṇa interprets these verses through a ritualistic lens of Vedic sacrifice, whereas Sri Aurobindo views Agni as the inner divine Will and flame of aspiration guiding spiritual evolution.
📚 Word-by-Word Breakdown
Verse 1
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| होतारम् | hōtāram | invoker/priest |
| अग्निम् | agnim | fire/Agni |
Verse 2
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| हव्यवाहनम् | havyavāhanam | bearer of oblations |
| देवाः | dēvāḥ | divine powers |
🧠
Memory Hook
Agni is the universal Hotar connecting humans and gods through the inner flame of awareness.