Agni
Agni (fire) In Hindu mythology, the fire god. Fire and its relation to sacrifice was a dominant feature of the fire cult during Vedic times. The flames and the aroma of the sacrifice rose into the sky and were thus assumed to be the most effective way to reach the all-powerful beings. In the sacred Indian collection of hymns the Rig-Veda, Agni has more hymns addressed to him than has any other god except the storm god, Indra. Agni is called the messenger and mediator between heaven and earth, announcing to the gods the hymns sung to them and conveying offerings of their worshippers. He invited the worshippers by his crackling flames, bringing fire down on the sacrifice. The Hindu epic poem The Mahabharata tells how Agni, having devoured too many offerings, lost his power. To regain his strength he wanted to consume a whole forest. At first Indra prevented him, but eventually Agni tricked Indra and accomplished his task. In another Hindu epic, The Ramayama, Agni is the father of Nila, who aids the hero Rama. Agni is portrayed as a red man with three legs, seven arms, and dark eyes, eyebrows, and hair. He rides a ram and wears a yajñopavita (a Brahmanical thread) and a garland of fruit. Fire issues from his mouth, and seven streams of glory radiate from his body. Gustav Holst wrote Hymn to Agni, based on a hymn in the Rig-Veda. The work is scored for male chorus and orchestra. Agni is also called Vahni (he who receives the burnt offerings); Brihaspati (lord of sacred speech) in his role as creative force; Vitihotra (he who sanctifies the worshipper); Dhananjaya (he who destroys riches); Kivalana (he who burns); Dhumektu (he whose sign is smoke); Chagaratha (he who rides on a ram), referring to his mount; Saptajihva (he who has seven tongues); Pavaka (the purifier); and Grihapati, when referring to household fire. Associated with Agni are the Bhrigus (roasters or consumers), spirits who nourish a fire and are the makers of chariots. Also associated with Agni is Kravyad, the fire that consumes bodies on a funeral pyre. In Hindu folklore today a kravyad is a flesh-eating goblin or any carnivorous animal.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante