In the early days of creation, Devas were suffering from shortage of food. They approached Brahma for a solution. Brahma decided to convert the ‘havissu’ (offering during yagnas) offered by Brahmins into a usable form for Devas. Agni (fire), however did not the ability to burn (dahanam) the offerings so that it could be used by the Devas. Brahma meditated Moola Prakriti (primodial). Godess appeared and asked Brahma what he desired. He requested the Godess to co-exist with agni so that the offerings could be burned. Brahma said that only when havissu is offered with mantras ending with the Godess’s name could it reach the Devas. The Godess, Swaha, became Agni’s female counterpart and co-exists with him. Hence, we find all the mantras during yagas/yagnas end with the word Swaha. An havissu offered to fire would be done so with the word Swaha. Agni derives his power to burn, from Swaha.
2019-08-11