Page:Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Purānic.djvu/51

 "In a celebrated hymn of the Rig-Veda, attributed to Visishtha, Indra and the other gods are called upon to destroy the Kravyāds (the flesh-eaters), or Rākshas, enemies of the gods. Agni himself is a Kravyād and as such takes an entirely different character. He is then represented under a form as hideous as the beings he, in common with the other gods, is called upon to devour. He sharpens his two iron tusks, puts his enemies into his mouth, and devours them. He heats the edges of his shafts, and sends them into the hearts of the Rakshasas.”

“In the Mahābhārata, Agni is represented as having exhausted his vigour by devouring too many oblations, and desiring to consume the whole Khāndava forest, as a means of recruiting his strength. He was [at first] prevented from doing this by Indra ; but having obtained the assistance of Krishna and Arjuna, he baffled Indra, and accomplished his object."

According to the Rāmāyana, in order to assist Vishnu when incarnate as Rāma, Agni became the father of Nila by a monkey mother; and, according to the “Vishnu Purāna,” he married Swāhā, by whom he had three sons-Pāvaka, Pavamāna, and Suchi.

Agni has many names; those more generally known are the following:—

Vahni, “He who receives the hom, or burnt sacrifice.”

Vitihotra, “He who sanctifies the worshipper.”

Dhananjaya, “He who conquers (destroys) riches."

Jivalana, “He who burns."

Dhūmketu, “He whose sign is smoke.”