In the dawn of sacrifice, the sacred fire Agni and the nourishing Soma are invoked together. Those who offer them oblations and gifts are blessed—Agni and Soma grant offspring, heroic strength, and a full span of life to the devoted. Their deeds are celebrated: once, they rescued the cows from the demon Paṇi, freeing what remained of the mighty one and discovering the single light among many. Alongside Indra, Agni and Soma established the shining regions of the sky, releasing rivers that had been seized by the oppressor and guarding them from harm. Mātariśvan brought one form down from the heavens, while the falcon seized another from the rock; through the sacred word, Agni and Soma grew and made a spacious realm for sacrifice. The worshippers offer libations with delight, seeking the gods’ protection and favor, praying for well-being. Those who worship Agni and Soma with clarified butter and devoted minds, offering the sacred gifts, are protected in their vows, guarded from harm, and granted shelter and strength for their people. Agni and Soma, united in knowledge and invocation, become one among the gods. To those who serve them with offerings, they shine forth greatly. The worshippers pray that Agni and Soma be pleased, that they come near and be present, protecting them from hostility, increasing the cows, granting strength among the generous, and ensuring the success of the ritual. Now, the praise worthy of Jātavedas, Agni, is composed with thoughtful care, as one crafts a chariot, for his favor is auspicious. The prayer is that in Agni’s friendship, no harm may befall. For those who worship him, Agni brings prosperity, heroic strength, and invincibility; he protects them, keeping harm at bay. As Agni is kindled, the prayers are accomplished, and the gods accept the offered oblation. Agni, eager, brings the Ādityas to the sacrifice. The worshippers bring fuel, prepare offerings, and arrange them at every rite, seeking Agni’s favor for long life. All creatures, two-legged and four, move by Agni’s ordinances; wondrous is the guidance of the great Dawns. Agni is the Adhvaryu and the Hotṛ, ancient and foremost, the Praśāstā and Potā, the household priest by birth. Wise and knowing all rites, Agni prospers the sacrifices. He shines from every side, fair-faced and well-disposed, radiant even from afar. In the darkness of night, Agni sees beyond, ever watchful. May the chariot of the gods be first for the one who offers Soma, may praise reach the worthy one, and may the sacred word prosper. Agni is called to drive away ill-wishers with his weapons, whether they are near or far, making the path easy for the one who praises him in sacrifice. When Agni yokes the red and tawny ones to his chariot, driven by the wind, his roar is like a bull’s. He enters the forests with his banner of smoke, and at his resounding, even birds are afraid, and drops scatter from his pasture. The path is easy for his chariots. The worshippers seek the favor of Mitra and Varuṇa, the wondrous protection of the Maruts, and pray for graciousness, that their minds may return to them. Agni is the god among gods, the wondrous friend, the treasure among treasures, beautiful in sacrifice. The worshippers seek shelter in his ample protection. When Agni is kindled in his own house, summoned by Soma, he bestows wealth and treasure on the worshipper. To whom Agni grants good wealth, that one is sinless, protected by Aditi, the all-protector, and endowed with offspring and riches. Agni, knower of good fortune, is prayed to extend the worshippers’ lives. May Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, the river, earth, and sky not harm them. Two forms move on their path to the light, each bringing the calf to its mother. In one is the tawny, self-moving one; in the other, the bright, radiant one is seen. Ten young women, tireless, have borne the embryo of Tvaṣṭṛ, the carrier. With sharp front, renowned among people, shining forth, they lead him around. Three births adorn him: one in the ocean, one in the sky, and one in the waters. Following the eastern direction, he, the ruler of the seasons, sets all in order. Who has understood this secret? The calf is born to mothers by their own power. The embryo of many waters, the great sage, moves by his own law. Manifested, he grows lovely among them, upright among the crooked, glorious in their midst. Both of Tvaṣṭṛ’s wives trembled at his birth, welcoming the lion. Both good ones, cows and heifers, come to him together. He becomes lord of powers, approached with offerings from the right. He rises like Savitar, with arms extended, striving fiercely, coloring the two worlds. He ascends, shining, moving among us, leaving behind the garments of his mothers. He creates a splendid form above, mingling in the abode with cows and waters. The sage, with wisdom, purifies the foundation, and that intelligence becomes divine assembly. Agni’s domain is wide, encompassing the foundation and radiant dwelling of the mighty. Kindled by all, with his own glories, he protects with unfailing guardianship. He makes a path for the stream across the desert, striking the earth with shining waves, holding all treasures in his belly, moving within the waters and among the sources. Agni grows with offerings, radiant and pure, shining forth for fame. May Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, Sindhu, Earth, and Heaven not harm the worshippers. Agni, ancient and newly born, upholds all wisdom by his might. The waters, Mitra, and Dhiṣaṇā support Agni, the giver of wealth. With the ancient invocation of wisdom, Agni generated the offspring of men. With the vision of Vivasvat, the gods uphold Agni, the giver of wealth. He is worshipped, the foremost in sacrifice, called by the people, straight-moving, son of strength, bearer, generous. The gods uphold Agni, the giver of wealth.