Agni, radiant and wise, stands as the leader among peoples, much like Bhaga, guiding humanity with divine order and unwavering truth. He is the slayer of Vritra, the all-knowing protector, and it is to him the singer turns, seeking safe passage through every hardship. In reverence, the devotee calls upon the noble Dadhikrā, Agni himself, the divine Dawn, Bṛhaspati, Savitar the god, the swift Aśvins, Mitra, Varuṇa, Bhaga, the Vasus, Rudras, and Ādityas—all the divine hosts are invoked to bear witness and accept the offerings. With devotion, the sacrificer seeks to place the sacred ritual among the immortals, asking Jātavedas, the all-knowing Agni, to accept the offerings. Agni, who is first seated as the priest, is invited to taste the portions of curds and clarified butter prepared for the gods. Clarified butter is poured for Agni, the pure one; the portions glisten with rich fat. In his own sacred space, for the divine feast, Agni is entreated to grant the finest rewards. The offerings, rich with ghee, are meant for the wise Agni, the best of sages, who blazes forth and protects the sacrifice. For Agni, the offerings flow unbroken, as strong as might itself—ghee and fat in abundance. Wise and radiant, Agni is asked to accept these gifts thoughtfully. The strongest portion, lifted from the midst of the offerings, is given to him, dripping upon his form, with the prayer that he distribute these among the assembled gods. This is the very Agni in whom Indra once placed the pressed Soma, eager and powerful. Praised as Jātavedas, he possesses a thousand powers, swift and victorious like a noble horse. Agni’s brilliance is seen in the sky, on earth, in plants, and in waters; with his radiance, he stretches across the vast atmosphere, his fierce light visible to all. Agni seeks the heavenly flood, approaching the gods, the lords of the altar, reaching those who shine beyond the sun’s domain and the waters that rest below. The many Agnis, rich in moisture and united with helpers, are invited to accept the sacrifice, free from harm, bestowing great blessings. Agni is called upon to grant abundant, lasting wealth—the finest reward to the one who calls him. May sons be victorious and wise, and may Agni’s favor forever rest upon the household. Kindled and well-prepared, Agni sits in his place, ever young and wise, leading the ritual. He is the undying Jātavedas, dwelling in the woods, who has established immortality here on earth. The Bhāratas have stirred him up, making him radiant and famed among the gods, divine by nature and skilled. Agni is asked to look upon them with generosity, guiding them through the days. From ten ancient sticks, Agni, the well-born and beloved by mothers, has arisen. He is praised as the divine, the lord among peoples, shining forth among the gods. The devotee places Agni, the best, upon the earth, in the seat of Iḻā, amid the bright days, and calls him to shine—in the stone, among men, in the waters, and in Sarasvatī. Agni is entreated to grant abundant prosperity, the finest and most enduring wealth of cows, for the sacrificer and his descendants. May Agni’s favor always be with them. Agni is invoked to overcome hostile armies and adversaries, to be unconquerable, repel enemies, and bestow brilliance upon the bearer of sacrifice. Kindled by Iḻā, the immortal officiant, Agni is asked to accept the sacrifice. Awakened with splendor, son of strength, Agni is invited to this sacred seat and grass. With all the fires and gods, Agni is called to magnify the praises of those active in sacrifice. He 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, is wise and all-knowing. He is asked to worship the gods in this very place. As the knower, Agni grants strength and the prize of immortality; he is entreated to bring the gods, full of gifts, to the ritual. Born of heaven and earth, Agni is universal, shining forth as divine and immortal, radiant with offerings and reverence. Agni and Indra together are invited to the worshipper’s home, to the sacrifice of the one who presses Soma, undefeated gods to partake in 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 presence. With devoted minds, the Kuśikas approach Vaiśvānara Agni, knower of light, bearing offerings to the generous god, the charioteer, and giver of wealth, calling him with songs. They call upon the shining Agni for help—Vaiśvānara, Mātariśvan, worthy of praise—along with Bṛhaspati, the wise, the guest swift to come for mankind’s worship. Like a neighing horse, Vaiśvānara is kindled by the Kuśikas in every age. Agni is asked to grant heroic strength, wealth in horses, and the treasure among immortals, ever watchful. The powerful fires are urged to go forth with vigor, shining brightly, yoked with spotted mares. The Maruts, great milkers and all-knowing, shake the unyielding mountains. Agni’s splendor, the Maruts, and all peoples are invoked for their fierce and mighty aid—the sons of Rudra, pouring rain, roaring like lions, generous in their deeds. Band by band, troop by troop, with good praises, the devotees seek Agni’s brilliance and the Maruts’ strength; the givers of rain, wise and adorned with spotted horses, are invited to the sacrifice. Agni himself proclaims: “I am Agni by birth, knower of all births; ghee is my sight, immortality my seat; the hymn is my triple abode. I move through the realms, unaging warmth, and offering is my name.” With three purifying filters, he approached the sun, knowing the light with heart and mind; by his own powers, he created the most precious treasure, and thus heaven and earth beheld him. He, the wise father of speech, flows in a hundred streams, delighting in the lap of his parents; the two worlds cherish him, the true-spoken one. The worshippers call upon the givers of strength with offerings and clarified butter, seeking the favor of the gods through joy. Agni, the wise, is praised with words—he is the accomplisher of sacrifice, attentive and thoughtful. With his help, the devotees hope to overcome hostility and pass beyond hatred. Agni, shining and worthy of praise, is kindled in the ritual, and the seekers approach him, whose flames are his glorious hair. Thus, Agni is honored—eternal, wise, protector, and benefactor—bridging earth and heaven, guiding the faithful, and granting blessings to all who worship with devotion.