Religion
Rig Veda 3.18: AGNI, be kind to us when we approach thee good as a friend to friend…
Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1896) · From The Hymns of the Rigveda (1896)
AGNI, be kind to us when we approach thee good as a friend to friend, as sire and mother.
The races of mankind are great oppressors burn up malignity that strives against us.
Agni, burn up the unfriendly who are near us, burn thou the foeman's curse who pays no worship.
Burn, Vasu, thou who markest well, the foolish: let thine eternal nimble beams surround thee.
With fuel, Agni, and with oil, desirous, mine offering I present for strength and conquest,
With prayer, so far as I have power, adoring-this hymn divine to gain a hundred treasures.
Give with thy glow, thou Son of Strength, when lauded, great vital power to those who toil to serve thee.
Give richly, Agni, to the Visvamitras in rest and stir. Oft have we decked thy body.
Give us, O liberal Lord, great store of riches, for, Agni, such art thou when duly kindled.
Thou in the happy singer's home bestowest, amply with arms extended, things of beauty.
Cite this poem
MLA
Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 3.18: AGNI, be kind to us when we approach thee good as a friend to friend….” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/250/.
Chicago
Veda, The Rishis of the Rig. “Rig Veda 3.18: AGNI, be kind to us when we approach thee good as a friend to friend….” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/rigveda-rishis/250/.
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More by The Rishis of the Rig Veda
- Rig Veda 1.154: I WILL declare the mighty deeds of Visnu…
- Rig Veda 5.9: BEARING; oblations mortal men, O Agni, worship thee the God.
- Rig Veda 7.51: THROUGH the Adityas' most auspicious shelter…
- Rig Veda 9.49: Pour down the rain upon us, pour a wave of waters from the sky
- Rig Veda 10.140: AGNI, life-power and fame are thine: thy fires blaze mightily, thou rich in wealth of beams!