अग्निर्मूर्द्धा दिवः ककुत्पतिः पृथिव्या अयम् । अपां रेतांसि जिन्वति ॥
agnirmūrdhā divaḥ kakutpatiḥ pṛthivyā ayam । apāṃ retāṃsi jinvati ॥
Study Guide on Yajurveda Adhyāya 2, Sūkta 23
Act 1
Act I: The Cosmic Sovereignty of Agni
Verses 1, 2
समिद्धो अग्ने दिवमा तनोति तेजो बृहत्यरुषस्य भानुः । तेन न पाहि सहसा ववृध्वाः स्वाहा ॥
samiddho agne divamā tanoti tejo bṛhatyaruṣasya bhānuḥ । tena na pāhi sahasā vavṛdhvāḥ svāhā ॥
📖 Immersive narrative, word breakdowns, and spiritual context
In this opening act, Agni is elevated from a simple physical flame on the altar to the supreme pillar holding together heaven and earth. He is the head of the celestial sphere and the lord of the terrestrial domain, symbolizing the animating principle of consciousness operating across all planes of existence. The dynamic imagery of water and fire intertwines here. While Agni is the burning energy, he simultaneously quickens the 'waters'—the flowing currents of cosmic energy and prana that sustain life. Through kindling, this divine force expands to touch the highest heavens, acting as an invincible shield and sustainer for the seeker.
💭 Flowing Translation
Verse 1: Agni is the crown of heaven and master of earth, quickening the waters.
📝 Scholar's Reading Note
Sāyaṇa interprets these verses through the lens of ritual sacrifice, where the physical fire draws divine blessings down to earth. Sri Aurobindo views Agni as the immortal flame of divine willpower seated within the human heart.
📚 Word-by-Word Breakdown
Verse 1
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| अग्निः | agniḥ | Agni, fire |
| मूर्द्धा | mūrdhā | head, crown |
| दिवः | divaḥ | of heaven |
| पृथिव्याः | pṛthivyāḥ | of the earth |
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Memory Hook
Remember Agni as the cosmic crown connecting heaven and earth.