Passages

Rig Veda 1.1.1-3

Rig Veda

Citation Formats

General Reference

Divinity Atlas. "Rig Veda 1.1.1-3." Accessed August 30, 2026. https://www.divinityatlas.com/passages/rig-veda-1-1-1-3.

APA Style

Divinity Atlas. (n.d.). Rig Veda 1.1.1-3. Retrieved August 30, 2026, from https://www.divinityatlas.com/passages/rig-veda-1-1-1-3

BibTeX

@misc{divinityatlas-rig-veda-1-1-1-3,
  author = {Divinity Atlas},
  title = {Rig Veda 1.1.1-3},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://www.divinityatlas.com/passages/rig-veda-1-1-1-3},
  note = {Accessed August 30, 2026}
}

The first hymn of the Rig Veda, and so the opening words of the oldest scripture still in liturgical use. Agni is fire, and specifically the sacrificial fire that carries offerings to the gods; the hotar is the priest who recites.

Facts

Passage

Text

I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice, The hotar, lavishest of wealth. Worthy is Agni to be praised by living as by ancient seers. He shall bring hitherward the Gods. Through Agni man obtaineth wealth, yea, plenty waxing day by day, Most rich in heroes, glorious. 1

Reference

Rig Veda 1.1.1-3 1

Reference Scheme

Mandala, Hymn, Verse 1

Translation

The Hymns of the Rigveda 1

Translator

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1

Meaning

Theme

sacrifice and fire 1

Cross-Tradition Connections

Associated With

Agni

This source names Agni directly: "scripture still in liturgical use. Agni is fire, and specifically the sacrificial fire that carries offerings to the gods; the hotar is the priest who recites."

Source The Hymns of the Rigveda, translated with a popular commentaryRalph T. H. Griffith