he phrase “Agnimīlé purohitam” is from the opening verse of the Rigveda, specifically from the Rigveda Mandala 1, Sukta 1, Verse 1. It is an invocation to Agni, the god of fire and the divine priest. The verse acknowledges the presence of Agni as the sacred fire and offers reverence to him as the priest who facilitates communication between humans and the divine realm. It is often recited at the beginning of Vedic rituals and ceremonies as a way to invoke Agni’s presence and seek his blessings.
In Vedic tradition, Agni is regarded as the god of fire and a messenger between humans and the celestial realm. The verse acknowledges and pays homage to Agni as the divine priest or officiant who facilitates communication and acts as an intermediary in religious rituals.
Agnimīlé purohitam
Yajñasya devamṛtvijam
Hotāraṃ ratnadhātamam
Transliteration:
Agnimīlé purohitam
Yajñasya devamṛtvijam
Hotāraṃ ratnadhātamam
Translation:
In this fire, I place the priest,
The godly, the knower of the sacrifice,
The bestower of treasures.
This verse is an invocation to Agni, the god of fire, acknowledging his role as the divine priest (purohita) and the one who facilitates the sacrificial rituals (yajña). Agni is revered as the bestower of blessings and treasures (ratnadhatamam). This verse is often recited at the beginning of Vedic ceremonies to invoke Agni’s presence and seek his assistance in the rituals.
This is the first richa ऋचा (Hymn) of the Rigveda.
ॐ अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्विजम् । होतारं रत्नधातमम् ।।
Agnimīlé purohitam Yajñasya devamṛtvijam | Hotāraṃ ratnadhātamam ||
I worship the Fire God, who is the divine priest of the ritual of the sacrifice, who bestows excellence.
‘Agnim’ = fire. ‘Agni‘ here refers to the fire god himself.
Ile = doing prayer
purohita = Priest exclusive for family (clan)
yajñasya= The ritual of sacrifice
devaṃ= Devine
ṛtvijam= Chief priests
Hotāraṃ = Chief priest in leading or presiding role (The hotṛ who recites invocations and litanies of the rigveda.
ratna = excellence, shining brilliance, literal meaning is gems
dhātamaṃ = who gives, bestows
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