As dawn’s gentle light touched the earth, the sacred fires were kindled, and the priests gathered in reverence, preparing for the great offering. In the heart of the assembly, the flames of Agni danced, radiant and alive. Just as loving sisters stand beside their mother and skillfully draw forth clarified butter, so too did the officiant, rejoicing at Agni’s presence, feel the abundance and joy, like one blessed with a shower of golden barley. Heaven itself seemed to appoint Agni as the priest for the sacred rites, ensuring that praise, sacrifice, and devotion flourished among the people, fulfilling their deepest yearnings. Agni, the wise and ever-watchful, was invoked to accept the offerings, just as one who truly knows acts for the benefit of all worshippers. The sacrificers called out: “O Agni, accept this kindling, this approach; now, listen to the songs we sing for you.” With hymns of praise, they offered to Agni, the offspring of strength, the best of horses, and honored him as the well-born one. Agni, lover of song and bestower of wealth, was worshipped by the devoted, who sought his favor and generosity. They called upon him to awaken, to drive away all hatreds, and to grant rain from heaven, unobstructed strength, and abundant riches. To the one who desires and calls, Agni was invited as the youngest messenger, fit for sacrifice, the priest who bridges the worlds. Within the hearts of all, Agni moved—wise in both his births, friendly messenger between gods and mortals. Ever discerning and knowing, he brought and enjoyed the offerings, sitting upon the sacred grass, radiant and content. “O youngest and most excellent Agni of the Bhāratas,” the people prayed, “bring us radiant, much-desired wealth. Let not the enmity of god or mortal rule over us; protect us from hatred, and help us overcome all obstacles, as streams overcome barriers.” Agni, pure and bright, shone forth, invoked with offerings of ghee, bestowing gifts and strength upon his worshippers. The flow of clarified butter was poured for him, the ancient and wondrous priest, son of strength. The assemblies praised Agni, like charioteers urging on their steeds, celebrating his glory and bounty. Generous to those who worship, unfailing and beautiful, Agni was invoked, his radiant light enveloping all with unfading beams. In ages past, the sage Atri, desiring the sun’s sovereignty, increased Agni with hymns and placed all glories upon him. By the powers of Agni, Indra, Soma, and the gods, the people prayed for unity, strength, and victory over their foes. Agni, the Hotar, sat in the sacred seat, fierce and shining, steadfast in his vows, bestower of a thousand gifts, his tongue pure with offering. As messenger and protector, Agni brought wealth and guarded the offspring and bodies of his devotees, ever watchful and unfailing. From the womb where he was kindled, to the high and low seats, offerings were brought to Agni. He was asked to offer the most worthy oblation and grant abundant gifts, inspiring bright speech and prosperity. Day by day, his gifts did not diminish; Agni was asked to make the singer prosperous, the lord of desirable wealth. With the favor of the gods, Agni was invoked as leader in battle, bringer of well-being, unassailable guardian, shining forth with glory and abundance. First among those invoked, Agni was like a father in the house—immortal, wise, praiseworthy, and strong in contest. He heard the calls of his worshippers, his chariot drawn by the tawny and red ones, making the dawns his protectors. In many forms, Agni dwelled even in dry wood, ever present with insight and power. With offerings and ghee, the people approached Agni, who pervaded all worlds—vast, spreading, and generous. He was touched with reverence, the one who turns away evil, ever youthful and growing in beauty. With chosen words and sweet praise, the people called upon Agni, never failing, seeking his blessing and wealth. Then, their prayers turned to mighty Indra: “Hear us, O Indra, let no harm come to us; make us among those you enrich. These songs, like flowing rivers, increase your strength, O bestower of wealth.” Indra, the hero, had released the great rivers held back by the serpent, striking down the Dasa who thought himself immortal and mighty. In hymns and praises, in Rudra-like chants, Indra was honored, just as shining streams flow forth for Vayu. His power, bright as the thunderbolt in his arms, grew among the people, overcoming the Dasa hosts together with the sun. Even when hidden in the waters, veiled in magic, Indra by his might struck down the serpent, releasing the waters and upholding the sky. Thus, in the sacred assembly, with offerings, songs, and devotion, the people honored Agni and Indra, the great guardians and benefactors, seeking their blessings for abundance, protection, and the overcoming of all obstacles.