Agni āyurvaidyo vaiṣṇavo 'tha Bṛhaspatiḥ . Skannaṃ parṇaṃ yatprāṇo 'nu prāṇātprabhuḥ ॥
“Agni, the doctor of life, a Vishnu and a Bṛhaspati, who, having fallen, revives life.”
Structure
Agniḥ āyur-vedyaḥ Vaiṣṇavaḥ atha Bṛhaspatiḥ Skannaṃ pṛtanāṃ yat-prāṇaḥ anu prāṇāt prabhuḥ
Prabhuḥ (the Lord) anu (according to) prāṇāt (the breath) prāṇaḥ (the vital force) yat (which) Skannaṃ (emanates or pervades) pṛtanāṃ (of the host or multitudes) Agniḥ (fire) āyur-vedyaḥ (the knower of life or health) Vaiṣṇavaḥ (the vital or of Vishnu) atha (then or also) Bṛhaspatiḥ (the Lord of Prayer or the planet Jupiter)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agniḥ | Agniḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Agni, the god of fire |
| āyur-vedyaḥ | āyur-vedyaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "āyur veda yaḥ" | one who knows or is acquainted with the Veda of long life or health |
| Vaiṣṇavaḥ | Vaiṣṇavaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | a worshipper or follower of Viṣṇu; here possibly an epithet for Agni |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now; used to introduce a new topic or to mark a transition |
| Bṛhaspatiḥ | Bṛhaspatiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Bṛhaspati, the lord of prayer or the planet Jupiter |
| Skannaṃ | Skannaṃ | verb | √skand · past participle · third | leaped, sprang; here possibly refers to Agni's swift movement |
| pṛtanāṃ | pṛtanāṃ | noun | accusative · plural · feminine | armies, hosts |
| yat-prāṇaḥ | yat-prāṇaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "yataḥ prāṇaḥ" | from which life or breath proceeds |
| anu | anu | indeclinable | — | after, following; along with |
| prāṇāt | prāṇāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the breath or life |
| prabhuḥ | prabhuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | lord, master; here possibly an epithet for Agni |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda highlights the non-dual nature of ultimate reality through the symbolism of Agni. According to Shankara, Agni represents the Self (Ātman) that is the essence of all life, transcending the transient and ever-changing worldly phenomena. As the 'doctor of life,' Agni symbolizes the healing and transformative power of Self-realization. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1) discusses the concept of prāṇa, emphasizing that the life-force is an expression of the ultimate reality, Brahman. This Ṛgvedic verse, in stating that Agni 'revives life,' underscores the inseparable relationship between the individual self (prāṇa) and the supreme Self (Brahman). This non-dual understanding is central to Advaita Vedānta, illuminating the path to liberation through the recognition of the identity of Brahman and Ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is pivotal in the Vaiṣṇava tradition for its depiction of Agni as Vaiṣṇava, emphasizing the divine presence in all aspects of creation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, notes the importance of recognizing the Lord (Īśvara) in every element, including fire, which is a symbol of divine guidance and protection. The relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) is one of dependence and devotion, where the jīva seeks liberation through the grace of Īśvara. The mention of Bṛhaspati, the priest of the gods, further underscores the role of worship and devotion in achieving spiritual growth. This verse, therefore, encourages a devotional approach to understanding the ultimate reality, where Agni, as a manifestation of Viṣṇu, guides the soul towards liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This Ṛgvedic verse offers profound insights into the universal principles of life and spirituality that are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the 'Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda,' often emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting the natural world, symbolized here by Agni, as a path to realizing one's true potential. The concept of Agni as the 'doctor of life' resonates with the idea of self-healing and self-realization that is central to contemporary spirituality. Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the significance of the Upanishads and the Ṛgveda in understanding the human condition, noting that these ancient texts provide timeless wisdom on the nature of reality and our place within it. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the potential for transformation and renewal that lies within each individual, echoing the universal and practical applications of Vedāntic philosophy.