Vedic Mythology c6.s6.2

c6.s6.2

Agni is said to have helped Atri (7, 15⁵) as well as other ancient seers (1, 45³; 10, 150⁵). Indra also heard the prayer of Atri (8, 36⁷) and opened the cowstall for him and the Aṅgirases (1, 51³). Atri is, however, chiefly represented as the protégé of the Aśvins, and the characteristic myth about him is connected with them. They delivered Atri from the darkness (6, 50¹⁰; 7, 71⁵). They rescued him out of a chasm (5, 78⁴) with all his host (1, 116⁸. 117³), when they destroyed the wiles of the malignant demon (1, 117³). The chasm into which he has fallen and from which they deliver him is a burning one, but they gave him a strengthening draught (1, 116⁸. 118⁷). They made the burning chasm (*ṛbīsa*) or his abode (*gṛha*) agreeable for him (10, 39⁹; 8, 62⁷); they prevent the fire from burning him (8, 62⁸). They rescued Atri who was in the heat (10, 80³), they protected him from the heat with coolness (1, 119⁶; 8, 62³), and made the burning heat agreeable for him (1, 112⁷). Once they are said to have rejuvenated Atri, who had grown old (10, 143¹· ²).