When Agni, the divine fire, moves among the forests, among his mothers, and among the waters, there is no turning back for him—his journey is ever onward, whether he is far or near. He surpasses even the thirsty in his graciousness; some are drawn forth by him, others remain seated—these are the ones who have found friendship and refuge in him. Swift and unfailing, Agni is ever-present, accompanying those who endure and cause no harm. Such ones discover him, as if he were a lion hidden in the waters. Agni, sent forth and concealed, was brought here from afar by Mātariśvan, churned out from the gods themselves. Mortals have grasped Agni, making him the carrier of their offerings to the gods. By his will, he oversees all sacrifices performed by men, though he is the youngest among the divine. His tongue, the bringer of good fortune, covers even the ripening of all things; when he is kindled, cattle gather around him, seeking warmth and protection—even in the deepest darkness. To Agni is offered the pure, well-ordered, and brilliant flame—a swift messenger, tireless and ancient, ever worthy of praise. All are called to honor the divine one who hears. In reverence, three hundred, three thousand, and thirty-nine gods have honored Agni; they anointed him with ghee, spread the sacred grass for his seat, and established him as the officiant of sacrifice. The wise have set Agni as the sovereign of peoples, and mortals invoke him, the god, at every sacrifice. In every ritual, he is called upon as the officiant and priest, shining forth as the guardian of truth within his own house. Whoever serves Agni, Jātavedas, with kindling, gains heroic strength and prospers. Agni, the sign of sacrifices, comes adorned, accompanied by seven priests, to the one who offers oblations. To him is brought the ancient, lofty speech, for he is the priest who bears radiant light for the wise. Hymns are sung to strengthen Agni, from whom praise is born, for the sake of great rewards, wealth, and vision. Most fit for sacrifice, Agni is asked to worship the gods on behalf of the worshiper. As the delightful priest, he shines forth, dispelling all obstacles. Pure one, he is invoked to shine upon his devotees, to grant radiant heroism, and to be ever near for their well-being. Agni, whom inspired and vigilant priests kindle, is immortal, strong, and the carrier of offerings. Agni is the priest, the householder, the wise one of sacrifice, knowing the ritual for all mankind. Immortal and swift, he is established as the carrier of offerings, fulfilling all with his thought. Agni perceives with wisdom; he is the ancient sign of sacrifice, for he knows its deepest purpose. Renowned as the son, knower of all births, the gods made Agni the sacred fire. Unassailable and ever new, he leads the peoples and serves as the priest of men, swift as a chariot. He is the summoner of all, the power among the gods, unwearied and widely famed. With his vehicle, the worshiper finds the right paths—the abode of the pure flame. Let all approach the well-established gifts of Agni with their thoughts, for he is wise and knows all births. In contests, Agni is sought for all desirable things; in him, the gods themselves have placed their trust. Indra and Agni are called together to the pressed Soma with songs of devotion, invited to drink. With the singer, the conscious sacrifice advances, and the gods are asked to partake of the Soma here. Indra and Agni, adorned with wisdom, are chosen by the grace of the sacrifice to delight in the Soma. They are invoked as the slayers of Vritra, victorious and unconquered, bestowers of strength. The skilled singers exalt them, seeking their favor for nourishment. Indra and Agni, with a single deed, shook ninety fortresses of the Dasa women. Prayers approach them, moving along the paths of truth. Their mighty seats and journeys are well established, and their protection is firmly placed. Indra and Agni adorn the shining regions of heaven in contests, and thus their heroic power is renowned. Agni is praised with hymns upon the sacred grass, invited to come with the gods and sit, most fit for sacrifice. He is supported by the two worlds, whose aids are steadfast, and is honored with offerings by those who seek help. As leader of the priests, he advances the sacrifices and is honored as the giver and seeker of wealth. May Agni grant the most pleasant protection for prosperity, from whom abundant wealth is received in heaven, on earth, and in the waters. Radiant and unique, with noble thoughts, the singers kindle Agni, the priest and lord of the people, completing the sacred circle of praise and offering.