Why do Hindus worship Agni?

Agni is symbolized by fire. The first and last Sukta of Rig Veda is dedicated to Agni.

To understand why Hindus worship Agni, we must know the seven basic forces they worship.

They are,

1. Day dreaming force - Indra

2. Illusory force - Shakti

3. Voluntary force - Agni, Brahma

4. Semi voluntary force - Vishnu

5. Involuntary force - Shiva

6. Status increasing force - Shani

7. Compulsive force - Yama.

Agni represents the voluntary force, the same force Brihaspati, Brahma and Shiva lingam too represent.

This is a transient force, directly under our control and therefore, the best force for trials. Later the activity can be handed over by more powerful gods like Vishnu and Shiva. Therefore, Agni is considered as the messenger to gods. (Agni - Rig Veda 1.1 - 1.

Therefore, Agni is worshipped at the beginning of any activity.