Sadhaka: When Agni is within the range of sight, what is its name?

Sai: Then, it is named Agri. Agri means first. It was created earliest. Hence the name. When it is beyond the range of sight (Paroksha), it is named Agni.

Sadhaka: What is the meaning of Aahuthi?

Sai: Oblations offered in the fire, lit and fed as prescribed. Besides, the word denotes that God is invited (aahvaana) to accept the oblations. This is the special meaning the word conveys. Vashatkaara (the explanatory formula) only complements the effect of svaaha manthra. The Gods receive only offerings for which they have been invited (Aahuthis).

Svaaha is a name applied to Saraswathi, the Deity of the Word (Vaagdevi), the Deity of the Vedic Word. Since the Word expresses the Atma, the name is svaaha too. The Devi Bhagavatham declares that the Supreme Deity is both Gayathri and Svaaha. The Lalitha Sahasranama (the 1008 names of Lalitha, the Supreme Deity) declares svaaha and svadhaa as Her Names. Svaaha also means 'the close', 'the going under', 'the end'.

Sadhaka: Which Veda is named Artharva? Is it also known by many other names?

Sai: Yes. That Veda has various popular names - Brahma Veda, Angiro Veda, Artharvangiro Veda, Bhaishajya Veda. Kalidasa has praised sage Vasishta as "Atharva Nidhi" (the Treasure Chest of Atharva knowledge). As a result of his earning such high renown, Vasishta was installed as Rajaguru (Royal Preceptor) and could claim mastery over all the four Vedas (Rg, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) and the authority to supervise ritual sacrifices and perform scriptural rites and ceremonies.

Sadhaka: Swami! Have the mantras contained in the Atharva Veda any special names?

Sai: They are celebrated as Siddha Mantras, that is to say, Mantras that guarantee the promised effects. The presiding deity of the Gayathri Manthra, known as Gayathri Devi, is adored as having the Rg, Yajur, Sama Veda as feet, the Mimamsa Sastra (Science of Interpretation and Inquiry) as the passive, steady aspect and the Atharva Veda as Activity.