Agni

Agni is revered as the Vedic fire deity and ritual messenger who carries offerings through sacrificial fire. Themes of fire, ritual, transformation, household sacredness and mediation between human and divine realms are central to the way devotees, storytellers and temple traditions understand this figure. Recognisable attributes can include flames, ram, multiple tongues or faces in classical iconography. Readers may also know the deity by names such as Agni Deva. Interpretations are not identical across India, and older texts, regional traditions and modern devotional practice may emphasise different aspects. A strong reference entry should therefore present the main tradition first, label regional variants clearly, and connect the mythology to symbols, festivals, temples and respectful worship practices that readers are likely to search for today.