Story
Agni is one of the most important Vedic deities, representing the sacred fire that connects earth to heaven. As the divine messenger, Agni carries offerings from humans to the gods through sacrificial fire. He is present in three forms: terrestrial fire, atmospheric lightning, and celestial sun. Agni purifies everything he touches and is essential for all Vedic rituals and ceremonies.
Sacred Iconography
Two Heads
द्विमुख (Dvimukh)
Two faces representing sacred and ordinary fire
One face consumes offerings to gods, other sustains earthly life
Seven Tongues
सप्तजिह्व (Saptajihva)
Seven flames representing divine aspects
Each tongue represents different purifying qualities of fire
Golden Body
हिरण्य वर्ण (Hiranya Varna)
Radiant golden complexion
Represents the luminous nature of pure consciousness
Sacred Thread
यज्ञोपवीत (Yagnopavit)
Sacred thread of fire sacrifice
Symbol of connection between material and spiritual realms
Sacred Stories
Birth from Brahma
Agni was born from the mouth of Brahma and given the responsibility of carrying offerings to the gods. This origin establishes his role as the divine messenger who bridges the gap between human devotion and divine grace.
The Churning of Ocean
During the churning of the cosmic ocean, Agni emerged as one of the divine treasures. His presence was essential for the gods to receive amrita (nectar of immortality), showing fire's role in transformation and purification.
Consuming the Khandava Forest
With Krishna and Arjuna's help, Agni consumed the entire Khandava forest to satisfy his hunger, demonstrating how divine fire can transform and renew, clearing the old to make way for new creation.
Divine Symbolism
Divine Purifier
Agni represents the purifying power of consciousness that burns away ignorance and impurities. He shows that spiritual progress requires the fire of discrimination to separate truth from falsehood.
Sacred Messenger
As the carrier of offerings to gods, Agni symbolizes the power of sincere devotion to reach the divine. He teaches that pure intention and sacred action can bridge any gap between human and divine.
Witness of Truth
Agni is invoked as witness in marriages and oaths because fire cannot be corrupted. He represents the unchanging truth that illuminates all darkness and witnesses all actions.
Festivals & Celebrations
Holika Dahan
March (Phalguna Purnima)
The bonfire before Holi celebrates Agni's power to destroy evil and purify devotees. People light fires and offer prayers to Agni for protection and spiritual purification.
Agni Puja
Daily in Vedic rituals
Daily fire sacrifices and havans invoke Agni as the divine messenger. Essential part of all Vedic ceremonies, from simple daily prayers to elaborate yajna rituals.
Kartik Deepdan
October/November (Kartik month)
Festival of lighting lamps to honor Agni. Devotees light oil lamps and make offerings to invoke Agni's blessings for prosperity and spiritual illumination.
Famous/Sacred Temples
Jwalamukhis across India
Temples at natural fire springs where Agni manifests eternally. Most famous at Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, where eternal flames burn without fuel, demonstrating Agni's divine nature.
Agni Kund Temples
Temples with sacred fire pits where continuous havans are performed. Found across India, these maintain the eternal sacred fire and serve as centers for fire worship.
Home Fire Altars
Traditional Hindu homes maintain sacred fire for daily worship. The domestic hearth is considered Agni's primary dwelling place, making every home a temple of fire worship.
Sacred Mantras and Prayers
ॐ अग्नये नमः
Om Agnaye Namah
Salutations to Lord Agni
Simple mantra for purification, protection, and invoking divine fire energy. Helps in spiritual purification and removing negative influences.
ॐ वैश्वानराय विद्महे लालीलाय धीमहि तन्नोऽग्निः प्रचोदयात्
Om Vaishvanaraaya Vidmahe Laaleelaaya Dheemahi Tanno Agniah Prachodayat
We meditate on the universal fire, the playful flame. May Agni inspire our consciousness
Agni Gayatri Mantra for developing inner fire, spiritual energy, and purifying consciousness
Essential Facts
Agni is one of the most important Vedic deities, mentioned in numerous hymns
He serves as the divine messenger carrying offerings from humans to gods
Agni has three forms: terrestrial fire, atmospheric lightning, celestial sun
He is essential witness in Hindu marriages and sacred oaths
Every Hindu ritual begins with invoking Agni through fire sacrifice