With reverence and devotion, the sages turn their thoughts to Agni, the Jātavedas, composing praises as one would craft a chariot, seeking his auspicious favor and friendship, hoping that no harm may come to them under his watch. For those who worship Agni are blessed: they prosper, remain unvanquished, and gain heroic strength; Agni’s protection shields them from all harm. Kindling Agni, the devotees fulfill their prayers, for the gods accept the offerings through him. Agni, ever eager, is called to bring the Ādityas to the sacrifice, and the prayer is repeated: may we not suffer harm in your friendship. The ritual continues—fuel is brought, offerings are prepared, and rites are arranged, all for long life and success, trusting in Agni’s benevolence. All creatures, whether two-legged or four, move according to Agni’s ordinances; he is the guardian of the peoples. The guidance of the great Dawns shines wondrously, and the prayer persists: may we not come to harm in your friendship. Agni is the Adhvaryu and Hotṛ, ancient and foremost, the Praśāstā and Potā, the household priest by birth. Wise and knowing all rites, he prospers the ceremonies. Agni’s radiant face shines from every side, well-disposed and fair, illuminating even the darkness of night. He sees beyond, his vision penetrating where others cannot. May we not come to harm in your friendship, O Agni. Let the chariot of the gods lead for the one who offers Soma, and may our praise reach the worthy one, that the word may prosper. Agni, destroyer of ill-wishers, wields his weapons to drive away the malicious, whether far or near. He clears the path for those who praise him in sacrifice, making it easy and safe. When Agni yokes his red and tawny steeds to his chariot, driven by the wind, his roar resounds like a bull, and he enters the forests, his banner of smoke flying high. At Agni’s thunderous sound, even the birds are startled, and droplets scatter from his pasture. Yet the path is easy for his chariots. May we not come to harm in your friendship, O Agni. The favor of Mitra and Varuṇa is sought, and the wondrous protection of the Maruts is invoked. May their minds return graciously to us. Agni is the god among gods, a wondrous friend, a treasure among treasures, beautiful in sacrifice. The devotees seek his ample shelter, yearning for his blessing. When Agni is kindled in his own house, summoned by Soma, he bestows wealth and treasure on the worshipper, his kindness shining forth. To the one whom Agni, giver of good wealth, grants favor, may he be sinless and protected by Aditi, the all-protector. Agni’s gracious might brings offspring and riches to those he urges on. As knower of good fortune, Agni extends the devotee’s life, and the prayer is made that Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, the river, earth, and sky may not harm them. Among the mysteries of the cosmos, two forms move on their path to the light, each bringing the calf to its mother. In one, the tawny, self-moving one is seen; in the other, the bright, radiant form appears. Ten young, tireless women bear the embryo of Tvaṣṭṛ, renowned and shining, leading him forth. Agni is adorned by three births—one in the ocean, one in the sky, and one in the waters. He follows the eastern direction, ruling the seasons and setting them in order. The secret of his nature is profound; the calf is born to mothers by their own power, and the embryo of many waters, the great sage, moves by his own law. Manifested among them, Agni grows beautiful, upright among the crooked, glorious in their midst. Both of Tvaṣṭṛ’s wives tremble at his birth, welcoming him as the lion. Cows and heifers come together, welcoming Agni, who becomes lord of powers, approached with offerings. He rises like Savitar, arms extended, coloring both worlds, ascending and shining, moving among people, leaving behind the garments of his mothers. Agni creates a splendid form above, mingling with cows and waters; his wisdom purifies the foundation, and his intelligence becomes the divine assembly. Agni’s domain is vast, encompassing the radiant dwelling of the mighty, the foundation of all. Kindled by all, he protects with unfailing guardianship. He makes a path for the stream across the desert, striking the earth with shining waves, holding treasures in his belly, moving within waters and among sources. With offerings, Agni grows radiant and pure, shining forth for fame. The prayer is made that Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, Sindhu, Earth, and Heaven may not harm them. Agni, ancient and newly born, upholds all wisdom by his might. The waters, Mitra, and Dhiṣaṇā support him, the giver of wealth. With ancient invocation, he generates offspring of men; with Vivasvat’s vision, the gods uphold Agni, the giver of wealth. He is worshipped as foremost in sacrifice, called by the people, straight-moving, son of strength, bearer, generous. Mātariśvan, rich in gifts, found the path for his offspring; Agni is guardian of peoples, creator of heaven and earth, upheld by the gods. Night and dawn, with their colors, nurture Agni together; heaven and earth, the gold, shine within him. He is the foundation of riches, meeting place of treasures, sign of sacrifice, fulfiller of thought, guardian of immortality. Agni’s dwelling is the abode of riches, for the born and the being born, for earth and abundance. He is the guardian of what exists and what is plentiful. Giver of wealth, bestower of riches to the mighty, Agni is praised and invoked to grant heroic food and long life. With offerings, Agni grows radiant and pure, shining forth for fame. May Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, Sindhu, Earth, and Heaven not harm the devotees. Agni is called upon to drive away burning sin, to burn away poverty, to cleanse the worshippers. With good fields, good paths, and wealth, Agni is worshipped, and the plea is repeated: drive away burning sin. When Agni, the most generous, grants blessings, and when the lords are born, may the devotees be born with him, freed from burning sin. Thus, the sages' prayers and praises flow, seeking Agni’s friendship, protection, and blessings, invoking the divine guardians, and yearning for prosperity, wisdom, and long life, always returning to the heartfelt plea: O Agni, may we not come to harm in your friendship.