Vedic Mythology c5.s3.t2.25

c5.s3.t2.25

Doubtless on the basis of the twofold division of the Universe into heaven and earth, Agni is in several passages said to have two births, being the only single god spoken of as *dvijanman* (1, 60¹. 140². 149²· ³). An upper and a lower birth are mentioned (2, 9³), his abode in lower and upper spheres is referred to (1, 128³), and the opposition is generally between terrestrial and celestial fire (3, 54¹; 10, 45¹⁰), though in one passage at least (8, 43²⁸) the contrast is between his birth in heaven and in the waters. Agni is summoned from his supreme abode (8, 11⁷) and comes thence to the lower ones (8, 64¹⁵). When he is brought from the highest father he rises into the plants (1, 141⁴). Here Agni is conceived as coming down in rain and then entering the plants, out of which he is again produced. The fires, like water, after descending to earth again rise to heaven (1, 164⁵¹). On this distinction of two forms of fire are based such prayers as that Agni should sacrifice to himself (10, 7⁶), that he should bring Agni (7, 39⁵), or that he should descend with the gods to the sacrifice (3, 6⁹ &c.). Allied to this distinction is the notion that Agni was kindled by the gods as contrasted with men³⁰ (6, 2³). The latter notion is due to the assumption that celestial fires must be kindled by some one and gods must sacrifice like men (cp. AB. 2, 34).