Hindu God Agni

Agni, is the Hindu God of fire, and is worshipped from time immemorial – worshipped during the Vedic age. There are more hymns to Agni in Rig Veda than any other God. One of the most important roles of Agni is that He is the messenger between humans and gods. Fire is considered one of the five elements (Pancha Bhutas) in Hinduism.

Various theories are mentioned in scriptures regarding the origin of Agni. The most important among them is that Agni is the son of Earth and Sky. He is also referred as the offspring of Brahma.

Occasionally he is also mentioned as the son of Aditi and Rishi Kashyapa. Sometimes his is origin is also associated with Rishi Angiras.

In modern painting and sculptures Agni is represented as red or black in color, His vehicle is animal Ram. He is also guardian of the southeastern direction among the eight guardians of the directions.

Some of the important episodes associated with Agni in Hindu Scriptures

Skanda Son and Agni

Skanda or Muruga is sometimes referred to as son of Agni. This is because Agni is believed to have carried Muruga before his birth. Youcan read the story here.

Shami Tree and Agni

The holiness of Shami tree is because Agni is believed to have resided on it. You can read the story here.

Vadavagni

Vadavagni is the fire that resides below the ocean – You can read the Story of the Agni below the Ocean here.

Agni and Gandhiva Bow of Arjuna

Agni is believed to have given Gandhiva bow to Arjuna. This is because Arjuna helped Agni in burning Khandava Prastha. (You can read the story here.)

Agni and Maya Sita

It is also believed that Agni had hid original Sita and Ravana had carried away Maya Sita. Agni returned Mata Sita during the Agni Pariksha episode. You can read the story here.

Nila, the monkey who helped in building the bridge in Ramayana, is believed to the be the son of Agni.

One of the Puranas, Agni Purana, is named after Agni.