Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.342

v1.c3.s21.342

Pathi-kṛt, ‘path-maker,’ is not a rare epithet in the Rigveda¹ and later,² showing clearly the importance naturally attached in primitive times to the finding of roads. The frequency with which the epithet is applied to Agni³ suggests that there is here an allusion to fire burning the primæval forest and rendering advance possible. The god Pūṣan is pathi-kṛt, as guarding the flocks.⁴ The Ṛṣis,⁵ or seers, as ‘path-makers,’ may be compared with the Roman Pontifices.