In the heart of the forest, a wondrous being stirs—Agni, the fire, ever youthful and ever renewed. He breaks through obstacles, measuring his radiant form from the ashes, his discerning brilliance shining forth with joy. Though young, he is ancient in spirit, his light always being born anew. Eagerly, Agni emerges among the trees, his flames following the path like a skilled charioteer. He perceives the blackened, fierce path of the fuel, yet smiles, lighting up the world as the sky smiles with clouds. His domain, wide and skillfully spread, draws cattle near as if by their own will, unguarded and free. Agni’s radiance burns the dry and blackened, transforming the earth into a pleasant abode. Now, in this sacred moment, we recall Agni’s ancient favor. We invoke him a third time, asking for united strength, for great and abundant wealth, for heroism and prosperity. Just as Agni aided the Gritsamadas in times past, helping them overcome hidden foes, so too may he grant us heroic sons—victorious and able to triumph over adversaries. Agni, the Hotar, was born conscious—a father among fathers, ever ready to help. May we, beholding the visible wealth he brings, attain the swift prize of his blessings. Within him, seven rays are spread, leading the sacrifice; among men, he stands as the eighth, the divine Potar, upholding all existence. Whatever Agni, the knower, establishes here, let him speak the sacred words. Around his wise works, the rim of the wheel turns, encompassing all. Together with the pure, the pure one is born, ruling by his will. Knowing his steadfast laws, he grows, spreading like wings. The cows—his forms, his lifespans—follow him, their leader. Perhaps the sisters, who have gathered here, choose the best among the threefold forms. Like sisters standing by their mother, bringing forth clarified butter, so do the officiants rejoice at Agni’s coming, as one rejoices in a shower of barley. May heaven itself appoint Agni as the priest for the offering, so that we may gain praise, sacrifice, and devotion, and be fulfilled. As one who knows rightly acts for the benefit of all worshippers, so may Agni accept the sacrifice we have performed for him. O Agni, accept this kindling of mine, accept my approach; now, indeed, listen to my songs. With this hymn, O offspring of strength, we offer you the best of horses, with our praise, O well-born one. You, lover of song and giver of wealth, we worship with devotion, seeking your favor. Awaken, wise and generous lord of wealth, and drive away our hatreds. May you bring us rain from heaven, strength without obstacles, and abundant riches. To those who desire and call upon you, O youngest messenger, come with our song; most fit for sacrifice, O priest, come. Within, O Agni, you move, wise in both your births, O sage. As a messenger, you are friendly to both races—gods and men. Discerning ever anew, you bring and enjoy the offerings, seated here upon the sacred grass. O youngest and most excellent Agni of the Bhāratas, bring us radiant and much-desired wealth, O generous giver. Let no enmity of god or mortal overpower us; protect us from all hatred. By your power, may we overcome all hatreds, as rivers overcome obstacles. Pure, bright, and worthy of praise, you shine greatly, O Agni, invoked with offerings of ghee. For us, O Agni of the Bhāratas, you bring gifts and cattle; you are invoked with verses eight-footed and strong. May the flow of clarified butter be ours, O ancient, most excellent priest, wondrous son of strength. Now, let us praise the assemblies of Agni as if urging on chariots—he who is most glorious and bountiful. Well-guided, generous to the worshipper, unfailing and beautiful, he is invoked, wearing down the foe. Resplendent, he is praised in every home for his glory at dusk and dawn, his law never failing. He shines with radiant light, wondrous beams enveloping all with unfading rays. Atri, desiring the sovereignty of the sun, increased Agni with hymns, placing all glories upon him. By the powers of Agni, Indra, Soma, and the gods, may we, unharmed, unite and overcome our foes. Agni, the Hotar, knowing, sits in the sacred seat, fierce and shining, endowed with skill. Steadfast in his vows, wise, bestower of a thousand gifts, his tongue is pure. You are the messenger, our protector, bringer of wealth, O mighty leader; be the guardian of our offspring and bodies, never failing, ever watchful. We offer to you, Agni, in the highest abode, and in the lower seat, with songs and offerings—wherever you are kindled, to you the offerings are brought. Offer the most worthy oblation, Agni, and grant abundant gifts to the worshipper; you are lord of riches, inspirer of bright speech. Your gifts, O wondrous one, never diminish, day by day as you are born anew. Make the singer prosperous, Agni, and grant him desirable wealth. With the favor of the gods, as our leader in battle, may you bring us well-being. Unassailable guardian, shine forth with glory and abundance, and be our protector. Agni, first invoked, like a father in the house, kindled by men, wears his splendor—immortal, wise, praiseworthy, and strong in contest. Thus is he ever honored and ever invoked, the heart of sacrifice and the soul of the sacred fire.