The Rig Veda and the rituals of purification by fire

In the Seven Rivers civilization, fire occupied a central place. It was not just a flame, but a living force. In the Rig Veda, it is called Agni. This deified fire is not a distant god: it is an immediate presence, in the hearth, in the ceremony, in the consciousness.

Fire, messenger of the human towards the sacred

Fire served to transmit offerings. The sacrificer poured clarified butter, fragrant plants, or soma juice into the flame. The fire transformed them and carried them beyond. It was the intermediary, the ambassador.

A hymn clearly says:

“O Agni, you, the king of sacrifice, the illuminating guardian of Truth, who rises, grow in your own home.”
(Mandala 1, hymn 1)

This fire was not just a tool. It was the light that illuminates, that purifies, that awakens.

“O Agni, be easily accessible to us, like a father to his son. Unite us in Success.”
(Mandala 1, Hymn 1)

Purification by fire

During rituals, participants approached the fire with reverence. Mantras were chanted and light was invoked. The fire didn’t just burn wood; it transformed the inner beings of those who looked at it.

“O Agni, purifier of sacrifice… by the resplendent Light, by the invocation of all the gods, appreciate our hymn.”
(Mandala 1, hymn 12)

“O Agni, be favorable, purifier, accept our existence.”
(Mandala 1, hymn 12)

The fire helped dissolve unnecessary thoughts and melt away blockages. It awakened a new clarity in the mind of the one offering.

A daily and sacred presence

These rituals were neither rare nor exceptional. They were part of daily life. Each home lit its sacred fire. Every morning or evening, hymns were recited. Fire was not a distant symbol. It was there, at the center of the home, and at the center of one’s being.

“Every day, in darkness and in Light, we come near you in thought. We approach, bringing our homage.”
(Mandala 1, Hymn 1)

Fire also accompanied the great public ceremonies. During these sacrifices, called agnistoma , everyone drank the soma, the fire rose, and the songs responded to each other. It was a powerful moment of purification, connection, and light.

“Fire is ignited by Agni… he carries the offering with the spoon of soma to the mouth.”
(Mandala 1, hymn 12)

The inner fire

In the inner reading of the Rig Veda, fire is also that of the spirit. It is ardor, clarity, the aspiration toward light. Fire is already present in everyone, but it can sleep. Ritual awakens it. Chanting stokes it. Soma elevates it.

“Agni, the poet, celebrates the pillar of truth in the sacrifice of soma, the god who removes sorrow.”
(Mandala 1, hymn 12)

This inner flame is the same as that of the hearth. It is this flame that transforms words into truth, intentions into offerings, and everyday life into a path to awakening.

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