AGNI

Agni, the fire or personification of fire is an important object of worship since the times of the Vedas. Agni continues to be a much-worshipped deity since those days. Agni is considered as the mediator or the link between men and Gods. As the protector deity of men and their homes, and as witness of all their actions, fire is invocated at all solemn occasions. There are 49 different forms of Agni.

Agni has a complex family history with many a myth woven around this popular, familiar and powerful deity. Having two iron tusks, Agni is capable of swallowing all his enemies. By puranic version, his wife is Swaha from who he had three sons and 45 grandsons. All 49 Agni’s represent 49 different kinds of fire. Agni is clad in black, having smoke for his standard and carrying a javelin (or spear). Some of the other names of Agni are Anala, Pavaka, Dhum-ketu (having smoke for his sign), Sapta-jivha (having seven tongues), Vahini etc.