AGNI

        Agni groaned in misery. He said,’’I was asked and I abided by the truth. I never wanted to besmirch your wife's reputation. I never solicited on my own to venture into unpleasant territory. I can also curse you Bhrigu,but you are a Brahmin. And you know  very well that I hold Brahmanas in high esteem.  I am ubiquitous. I exist  there where the holy rites are performed. The sacrifices that are made on my fire appease the Devas and Pitris.They have an equal right to the sacrifices  made for me. I am their mouth,how can I defile my mouth with  dirt and filth?’’

Agni  reflected for a while and withdrew from all places. Things were not the same in his absence. The world ran amok without him.He was absent from the daily yajnas of the Brahmins,from all the holy and sacred places.

  The rishis became worried at the turn of events.They  accompanied  the Devas as the group approached Brahma looking for a solution to their problem.They said,’’ Dear Father, our world has come to a standstill in Agni’s absence.Please find out a way  to rehabilitate him again to mainstream life.’’

Brahma summoned Agni . He gently addressed Agni and said,’’You are the creator of the world and  you are the destroyer.You are the promoter of all sacrifices and ceremonies.  Why are you being so foolish?You are the purest form in the whole universe and will always remain so.Though the flames that emanate from your body will consume everything that come in its way, you’ll always remain pure.Just as the things that are kissed by the sunrays are considered chaste,similarly everything will become pure  once touched by your flames. Please continue to receive whatever is  offered to the Gods at your mouth. And  return to the yajnas and the sacrifices that are made in your name.’’

Then Agni returned to obey the command of the supreme lord.The world rejoiced at his return.