Shining forth in radiant flame, Agni—the mighty son of strength—is invoked with reverence and praise. His light is called to rise brilliantly among those who rejoice, bestowing great glory upon them. To the Viśvāmitras, Agni brings blessings; he purifies himself, making his form abundant and resplendent. As the bestower of wealth, Agni is entreated to grant treasure. When kindled with devotion, he becomes the very source of riches. In the home of the one who praises him, this fortunate and splendid deity assumes all beautiful forms, delighting the hearts of his worshippers. Agni is chosen as the priest for the sacrifice—a sage of unfailing wisdom, all-knowing and ever-vigilant. The people seek his guidance, that he may conduct the rites for them and bring wealth, strength, and generous gifts. Offerings rich in ghee are sent forth to him, radiant and pure, seeking splendid rewards. Circling to the right, youthful Agni is called to approach with gifts, and to seat the sacrifice among the wealthy. With his keen mind, Agni is asked to grant mastery over prosperity, so that his devotees may become the most praised among the wealthy, enjoying the abundance of heroic riches. For Agni bears many faces, shaped by the devotion of worshippers. He is called to bring the favor of the gods, especially as he offers sacrifice to the divine host. From the very beginning, when the gods themselves, desiring sacrifice, appointed Agni as the first priest, he has been the protector of his people. His favor is sought, that he might grant fame and renown among their kin. At dawn, Agni calls out to Uṣas, the Aśvins, and Dadhikrā with hymns, summoning the radiant gods at the break of day. The worshippers pray that these united deities, eager for sacrifice, may hear their call. Agni is wondrous, with three swift steeds, three seats, and three tongues born of truth and ancient power. His divine forms are threefold, and with these he is asked to protect the songs and offerings, ensuring they are accepted. Jātavedas Agni, god of many powers, is self-sustaining and immortal. The wonders placed in him from ancient times by the wonder-workers are gathered at his back, bound together in his being. He is the leader of peoples, like Bhaga, a divine guardian of order and truth. As the slayer of Vritra, wise and all-knowing, Agni is invoked to guide the singer safely through every hardship. The worshipper calls upon Dadhikrā, Agni, the divine Dawn, Bṛhaspati, Savitar, the Aśvins, Mitra, Varuṇa, Bhaga, the Vasus, Rudras, and Ādityas—inviting all these gods to the sacrifice. Agni is asked to place the sacrifice among the immortals, to accept the offerings as Jātavedas, the first priest. He is to taste the portions of curds and clarified butter, the sacred food prepared for the gods. Clarified butter flows for Agni, pure and abundant, as the portions drip with fat. In his proper place at the divine feast, he is beseeched to grant the best reward. The offerings, rich in clarified butter, are for Agni, the wise and blazing sage, the protector of the sacrifice. The portions drip unbroken, like strength itself, and Agni, radiant and thoughtful, is asked to accept them with wisdom. The strongest fat, raised from the midst, is given to him, and the worshippers ask that he graciously distribute these gifts among the gods. This is the Agni in whom Indra placed the pressed Soma, eager and victorious, praised as Jātavedas, possessing a thousand powers like a swift horse. His brilliance shines in the sky, on earth, in plants, and in waters. With his radiance, he stretches across the vast atmosphere, fierce and visible to all. Agni seeks the flood of heaven, approaching the gods and the lords of the altar. He reaches those who shine beyond the sun’s realm and the waters that stand below. The Agnis, rich in moisture and united with helpers, are called to accept the sacrifice, granting great blessings and freedom from harm. Agni is asked to grant abundant, lasting wealth—the finest reward for those who call upon him. May their sons be victorious and wise, and may Agni’s favor always remain with them. Kindled and well-prepared, Agni sits in his place, ever youthful and wise, the leader of the ritual. Jātavedas, undying in the woods, has established immortality here. The Bhāratas have stirred up Agni, radiant and famed among the gods, divine and skilled. He is asked to look upon his devotees with great wealth and to guide them through the days. From ten ancient sticks, the well-born Agni is produced, beloved by mothers. He is praised as divine, famed among the gods, and lord among peoples. Agni is placed upon the earth, in the seat of Iḻā, shining in the bright days, among men, in the stone, in the waters, and in Sarasvatī. He is entreated to grant abundant prosperity—the best and most enduring wealth of cows—for the one who offers. May the sons and their offspring be victorious, and may Agni’s favor always be present. Agni is invoked to overcome hostile armies and adversaries, to be unconquerable, repel enemies, and bestow brilliance upon the bearer of sacrifice. He is kindled by Iḻā, the immortal officiant, and asked to accept the sacrifice as Lord. Awakened with splendor, Agni, son of strength, is invoked to take his seat upon the sacred grass. With all the fires and gods, he is called to magnify the praises of those active in sacrifice. Agni is asked to give the worshipper wealth full of heroes and abundance, and to protect the sons with his favor. Agni, son of heaven and earth, wise and all-knowing, is called to worship the gods here. He grants strength and the prize of immortality, bringing the gods full of gifts to the sacrifice. Born of heaven and earth, Agni shines forth universally—divine, immortal, and unfailing—dwelling with prizes, radiant with offerings and reverence. Agni and Indra are invited to the worshipper’s home, to the sacrifice of the one who presses Soma, for the drinking of the sacred drink. Agni is kindled among the waters, in the home, eternal, son of strength, knower of all births, and is asked to magnify the sacred seats with his aid. With focused mind, the Kuśikas approach Vaiśvānara Agni, the knower of light, bearing offerings to the generous god, the charioteer, the giver of wealth. They call upon shining Agni for help—Vaiśvānara, Mātariśvan, worthy of praise; Bṛhaspati, the wise, the listener, the swift guest of mankind’s worship. Like a neighing horse, Vaiśvānara Agni is kindled by the Kuśikas in every age. They pray that he may grant heroic strength, wealth in horses, and the treasure among immortals, ever watchful and ever generous.