Meaning of the mantra.
There is self effulgent fire prior to the creation, the eternal support of the cosmos, the illuminator of the noble activity, and the only object of adoration in all the seasons.
अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्विजम् । होतारं रत्नधातमम् ।।
Agnimile purohitam yajnasya devam rtvijam
hotaram ratnadhatamam.
First mantra of rigveda.
1. The first mantra of the rigveda starts with the word agni.
2. The subject of first mantra of the rigveda is agni, which means the self effulgent, the eternal fire of the universe.
Detailed Meaning of mantra.
3. There is self effulgent fire prior to the creation.
4. There is a self effulgent Reality
Glorification of agni, the self effulgent fire – agnimile
The self effulgent reality – agnim
the eternally present fire – purohitam
Thought based on this mantra.
1. I glorify the Self-effulgent God the Supreme Leader, the Eternal Support of the universe, the Illuminator of all noble activity, the only object of adoration in all seasons and the most Bounteous and the Greatest Bestower of splendid wealth. (both material and spiritual in the form of wisdom, Peace, faith etc.).
Purport of the mantra.
It should be understood that both the spiritual and physical significations of this Mantra (Verse) are to be grasped through Shleshalankar—double meaning or the “pun” on the term “agni”. Hereafter where ever the verbal expression “updishyate” or “is taught” is used, it should be remembered that the author of that act (of teaching) throughout is God Himself. Why is it so ? because the Vedas have been revealed by Him. We should know that the merciful God gave instruction through the Vedas with the object of imparting all-true knowledge for the benefit of all souls, just as a father or preceptor teaches his son or disciple saying “thus should you speak, thus should you do, speak the truth, serve your father and preceptor, don’t tell a lie or resort to falsehood in your dealings etc. Similar is the purpose of the present text. The Vedic lore was revealed by God for the welfare of all souls. It is for this reason, that the first personal noun is used in the Vedic texts, for the Vedic instruction is intended for the good of others. For the achievement of both spiritual and physical knowledge, both the significations viz. God and fire should be taken. It is said that in ancient times, the Aryas had evolved an art which was the cause of quick locomotion known by the technical term ‘Ashva Vidya.’. That was the science of heat and fire or harnessing the thermic force. For God being Self-refulgent and the Revealer of everything, is Omniscient. His knowledge in Infinite. The reason for instruction regarding fire or thermic force in the very beginning is its being the principal means for the realisation of the main arts and crafts, on account of its possessing the properties of colour, heat, light, velocity and disjunction etc.
Purport of mantra (2)
In the case of the fire, the meaning of the Mantra is— I long for the acquisition of or make use of the fire (including electricity) which gives many articles produced with the help of science and industries and upholder of sustenance, attraction etc. to be used in every season, the producer of gold and other beautiful articles, giver of victory in the battles through weapons and illuminator of all objects.
– Swami Dayanand
