अग्निहोत्रं जुहोमि मनसा घृतेन प्रजां पशून् यजमानस्य पाहि। स्वाहा॥
agnihotraṃ juhomi manasā ghṛtena prajāṃ paśūn yajamānasya pāhi। svāhā॥
The Consecration and Ascent of the Sacred Fire
Act 1
Act I: Invocation and Protection
Verses 1, 2
अयं ते योनिऋत्वियो यतो जातो अरोचथाः। तं जानन्नग्न आरोह्या नो वर्धया रयिम्॥
ayaṃ te yoniṛtviyo yato jāto arocathāḥ। taṃ jānannagna ārohyā no vardhayā rayim॥
📖 Immersive narrative, word breakdowns, and spiritual context
In this opening movement of the section, the sacrificer connects the outer ritual with the inner flame of consciousness. The oblation of ghee represents purified emotions and clarified intellect offered into the supreme divine fire. The prayer extends beyond mere material gain to encompass the protection of all evolving soul-forces, symbolized by progeny and cattle. Furthermore, Agni is addressed with profound intimacy. He is invited to recognize his rightful place of birth upon the altar, bridging the earthly plane with the celestial realms. By ascending his proper seat, Agni acts as the divine mediator who transmits human aspirations to the gods and brings back divine grace in the form of inner illumination and abundance.
💭 Flowing Translation
Verse 1: I offer the holy oblation to protect our spiritual and material wealth.
Verse 2: Knowing your divine womb, O Agni, ascend and grow our prosperity.
📝 Scholar's Reading Note
Sāyaṇa interprets these verses primarily through the ritualistic lens of Śrauta sacrifices, detailing the exact placement of the Dakṣiṇāgni. Sri Aurobindo and psychological commentators view Agni as the divine Will and inner Knower of all things, ascending the planes of consciousness to transform human nature.
📚 Word-by-Word Breakdown
Verse 1
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| अग्निहोत्रम् | agnihotram | the fire sacrifice |
| मनसा | manasā | with the mind |
| घृतेन | ghṛtena | with clarified butter |
Verse 2
| Devanāgarī | IAST | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| योनिः | yoniḥ | womb or resting place |
| ऋत्वियः | ṛtviyaḥ | seasonal or rightful |
| रयिम् | rayim | wealth or treasure |
🧠
Memory Hook
Visualize a bright golden flame rising from the center of the heart, anchoring itself firmly on the altar to protect and enrich life.