इयन्ते अग्ने समिधः प्रयस्वतीस्तभिर्दीदिहि द्युम्नाय सं मिमिक्षस्व ।
iyante agne samidhaḥ prayasvatīstabhardīdhi dyumnāya saṃ mimiksasva ।
Unveiling the Cosmic Altar: Fire and All-Pervasive Space
Act 1
Act I: Igniting the Divine Flame and Cosmic Partnership
Verses 1, 2
विष्णोः कर्माणि पश्यत यतो व्रतानि पस्पशे । इन्द्रस्य युज्यः सखा ।
viṣṇoḥ karmāṇi paśyata yato vratāni paspaśe । indrasya yujyaḥ sakhā ।
📖 Immersive narrative, word breakdowns, and spiritual context
The opening act of this section bridges the material act of feeding the sacred fire with the transcendent realization of cosmic order. The priest addresses Agni not merely as a physical flame, but as a conscious divine agent whose fuel represents the purified offerings of the human heart. By invoking Vishnu alongside Agni, the ritual expands from local fire worship into an acknowledgment of all-pervasive space and divine action. In the traditional view, these mantras serve to align the inner faculties of the aspirant with universal forces. Agni kindles aspiration, while Vishnu provides the vast expanse necessary for spiritual growth. Together, they transform the ritual arena into a microcosmic representation of the entire universe.
💭 Flowing Translation
Verse 1: Offering fuel to Agni to ignite divine illumination and splendor.
Verse 2: Witnessing the pervasive power of Vishnu and His alliance with Indra.
📝 Scholar's Reading Note
While ritualistic commentators like Sāyaṇa interpret these lines strictly as procedures for feeding the sacrificial fire and invoking specific deities for material blessings, spiritual commentators like Sri Aurobindo view Agni as the Will-Force and Vishnu as the supreme pervading Godhead guiding the soul toward immortality.
📚 Word-by-Word Breakdown
Verse 1
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| अग्ने | agne | O Divine Fire |
| समिधः | samidhaḥ | fuel sticks / illuminations |
| द्युम्नाय | dyumnāya | for divine light or splendor |
Verse 2
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| विष्णोः | viṣṇoḥ | of the all-pervading Vishnu |
| कर्माणि | karmāṇi | deeds / workings |
| सखा | sakhā | friend / companion |
🧠
Memory Hook
Agni brings the blazing fuel of aspiration, while Vishnu opens up the boundless space of consciousness.