agni-mūrtye ciddhi haviḥ prajāvataḥ . anūc . m eṣāṃ syaḥ .
“O Agni, assume your fiery form for the prosperity of the progeny; listen to this; you are among us.”
Structure
agni-mūrtye ciddhi haviḥ prajāvataḥ anūc m eṣāṃ syaḥ
agni-mūrtye (to the one whose form is fire) ciddhi (may success be) haviḥ (this offering) prajāvataḥ (with progeny) anūc (thus I speak) m (my) eṣāṃ (of these) syaḥ (words)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| agni-mūrtye | agni-mūrtye | compound | bahuvrīhi · "agni-mūrtiḥ yena" | whose form is fire |
| ciddhi | ciddhi | noun | vocative · singular · feminine | O success! |
| haviḥ | haviḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | oblation |
| prajāvataḥ | prajāvataḥ | adjective | — | of Prajāvān (a name of Agni) |
| anūc | anūc | verb | √anūc · optative · first | may I speak |
| m | m | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| eṣāṃ | eṣāṃ | pronoun | genitive · plural | of these |
| syaḥ | syaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse agni-mūrtye ciddhi haviḥ prajāvataḥ anūc m eṣāṃ syaḥ underscores the non-dual essence of reality by invoking Agni, the fire, to assume its form for the prosperity of progeny. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where it discusses the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), illuminates this verse. Here, Agni symbolizes the transformative and illuminating power of knowledge that reveals the true nature of the Self. The request for Agni to 'listen' and 'be among us' signifies the seeker's longing for self-realization, where the distinctions between the individual and the divine dissolve, pointing to the brahman-ātman identity. The emphasis on 'prajāvataḥ' or progeny, in this context, can be seen as a metaphor for the manifestation of the universe from the ultimate Reality, further solidifying the non-dual interpretation of this verse.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is interpreted through the lens of bhakti and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of 'aprāpti' or the attainment of salvation through devotion. The invocation of Agni, here, represents the calling upon the divine (in its various forms, including Viṣṇu) to manifest and guide the devotees towards spiritual growth and progeny, symbolizing a new generation of devotees. The phrase 'anūc m eṣāṃ syaḥ' underscores the idea that Īśvara is ever-present and willing to listen to the prayers of the devotees, emphasizing a personal and loving relationship between God and the individual soul, typical of Vaiṣṇava theology.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's lectures often highlighted the practical and universal applications of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to inner transformation, where 'Agni' represents the spark of divine consciousness within each individual. The phrase 'agni-mūrtye ciddhi haviḥ prajāvataḥ' can be interpreted as an encouragement to awaken this inner divine for the well-being and prosperity of all humanity, symbolized by 'prajāvataḥ'. In his speech on 'The Real and the Apparent Man', Vivekānanda discusses the potential of realizing the true Self, which is beyond the confines of the material world. This verse, in the context of modern Vedānta, serves as a reminder of the human potential for spiritual growth and the responsibility to act as a positive force in the world, aligning with Vivekānanda's vision of a harmonious and elevated human society.