AGNI

AGNI is one of the three terms of the Vedic trinity, Soma and Indra being the other two. He was the god of fire in the Vedic mythology. This Vedic god of fire is the god of the priests. The Vedas declare him the priest of the gods. He begets the gods, organises the world, produces and preserves universal life, and throughout never ceases to be fire.

As per the mythological story, he is a son of Brahma, and the divine personification of the fire. He is considered a messenger between the gods and men that is why Hindus light sacrificial fire for offerings to god.

He is the custodian of the south-east as Dikpal, and is one of the eight Vasus.

As a Vasu, he is called Anal.

He is described having two faces, seven tongues, three feet and seven arms and always accompanied by a ram.

He has three sons by his wife Svaha, namely Pavak, Pavaman, and Shuchi, who in turn has forty-five sons. Thus total number of fire comes to 49.

Agni had also a son by a Gandharvi who was named Krathan.

We in the Ramayan find an episode in which Sita decided to prove her chastity by the ordeal of fire. When entered, she was led by Agni himself out of the fire unharmed and handed over her to Ram personally.