Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s16.100

v1.c3.s16.100

Jamad-agni is one of the somewhat mythical sages of the Rigveda, where he is frequently mentioned. In some passages¹ his name occurs in such a way as to indicate that he is the author of the hymn; once² he is thus associated with Viśvāmitra. In other passages³ he is merely referred to, and the Jamadagnis are mentioned once.⁴ In the Atharvaveda,⁵ as well as the Yajurveda Saṃhitās⁶ and the Brāhmaṇas,⁷ he is quite a frequent figure. Here he appears as a friend of Viśvāmitra⁸ and a rival of Vasiṣṭha.⁹ He owed his prosperity to his catūrātra, or ‘four-night’ ritual, which with his family were also very successful.¹⁰ In the Atharvaveda¹¹ Jamadagni is connected with Atri and Kaṇva, as well as Asita and Vitahavya. He was Adhvaryu priest at the proposed sacrifice of Śunaḥśepa.¹²