
Agneya
Purana is amongst the 18 sacred
Hindu 'Puranas' and is often confused with the
Agni Purana which had been composed in various portions of the country during the 19th century. This Indian Purana is believed to have been written by the 'Tantriks' keeping in mind the doctrines of a particular sect. Gradually, with the passage of time and the growing popularity of the
philosophy of 'Tantricism', the Agneya Purana started gaining importance. Therefore, the original Agneya Purana's name was finally altered to 'Vahni Purana' and it can be noticed inside the
Asiatic Society in
Kolkata,
West Bengal.
In the
Sanskrit language, 'Agneya' means 'Daughter of the
Fire God' and also 'Child of the Fire God Agni', being a derivation from old Sanskrit texts and Hindu scriptures. Sometimes, 'Agneya' has also been referred to as 'Agneyi' in certain Sanskrit texts.
Lord Agni is greatly revered by the Hindus in India who worship Him ever since the
Vedic period and even till the present day. Besides, the name 'Agneya' also implies '
Goddess of Fire' while it also means 'Consecrated from Fire' or 'Born from Fire' as per the language of Sanskrit. Agneya had been portrayed as the daughter of Agni as per Hindu
mythology and his wife or consort was respectfully referred to as '
Svaha' or 'Agnayi' meaning wife of Agni.
It is said that
saint Angirasa was the son of Agneya, who was amongst the 'Seven Great Sages' or 'Saptarishis' who was believed to be the main ancestor of the Angirasa lineage of humans. The 'Angiris' are known as luminous deities. As per
Vishnu Purana, Agneyi or Agneya was also the mother of
Khyaati,
Sibi, Sumanas,
Anga,
Kratu apart from Angirasa. According to the theory of '
Vaastu Shastra', Agneya is a Goddess who safeguards the direction of 'south-east' and it is believed that kitchens must be created at the south-eastern direction of every household. Even today, Hindus start cooking by offering prayers to Lord Agni and Goddess Agneya to invoke Her divine blessings, especially for the food prepared. About all sorts of Vedic customs and practises commence by worshiping Agneya and the seven heavenly Goddesses or 'Dhik Devadais', who are also respected as 'Angel guarding the 8 directions'. Such
Vedic rituals offer some of the best practises for sacred good omens.
(Last Updated on : 27-11-2014)