Agni, the radiant and watchful guardian, is invoked to send forth his swift messengers and protect the people, making them unassailable. He is asked to shield them from any who might speak ill, whether from far or near, ensuring that none may harm them. Rising up, Agni is urged to stand tall and stretch out his might, so that enemies flee from his sharp, blazing force. Any who have stirred up hostility are to be burned down by Agni’s fire, as dry wood is consumed by flame. Agni is called to stand upright and, on behalf of his devotees, to strike back at their foes, revealing his divine powers. He is to weaken the strength of sorcerers and destroy all enemies, whether kin or strangers, so that none may threaten those under his protection. Those who seek Agni, the youngest and most gracious, and approach him along the path of prayer, know his favor. For such seekers, days shine bright and riches abound, and noble ones illuminate even distant places for them. It is Agni’s pleasure to bestow fortune and generosity upon those who delight him with constant offerings and hymns. Such a devotee prospers in life and home, and all blessings and bright days gather around him. With a voice raised in praise, the singer honors Agni, wishing that this song may grow old alongside the deity. They pray to honor him with fine horses and splendid chariots, and to uphold their own dominion day by day. Agni is invited to dwell abundantly among his people, to come near every morning and evening, shining ever brighter with each day. The people, cheerful at heart, wish to serve him in play and joy, and to stand tall among others through his brilliance. Whoever comes to Agni with offerings—fine horses, splendid gold, and a chariot full of wealth—finds in him a protector and friend, especially those who delight in the hospitality of men. The bonds of greatness are loosened with words of kinship, as the devotee follows the lineage of his father, Gotama. Agni, the Hotar, the youngest and well-intentioned master of the household, knows the meaning of these heartfelt words. Ever-wakeful and swift, untiring and unmalicious, the diligent guardians—sitting together with Agni—are asked to protect the people from harm. These guardians, acting not out of self-interest but out of duty, see through darkness and are protected from evil; Agni, all-knowing, preserves those who do good, so that the hostile and greedy cannot overpower them. With Agni as ally and protector, and by his guidance, the devotees hope to attain riches. He is asked to dispel all curses, whether true or false, and to grant unwavering support. With kindling and praise, Agni is worshipped, and the hymn is offered for his acceptance. He is asked to burn away the envious, to protect from harm, and to keep away the deceitful and malicious, for he is the friend of the great. With united devotion, the people worship Agni Vaiśvānara, the generous, with great praise and mighty words, supporting him who upholds both worlds. The gift that the god, self-sustaining, has given to mortals is not to be despised. Agni Vaiśvānara, the immortal and wise, is invoked for cooking and nourishment. Agni, great and double in height, with sharp flames and mighty strength, is like a bull with a thousand streams. He knows the hidden tracks of the cow and has revealed inspired thoughts to the singer. Agni blazes forth with sharp jaws and burning flame, bountiful in his gifts. He destroys those who diminish the domain of Varuṇa and the steadfast order of Mitra. Those who divide and quarrel, like women without brothers or hostile wives and mothers at odds, create a deep, troubled path—evil, false, and untruthful. A small, shining hymn is offered to Agni, with hope that it not be a burden. Agni has established the vast, firm, deep, and mighty foundation with his sevenfold energy. Upon this foundation, the same thought and intention purify the hymn, which shines on the beautiful hide of the spotted one, proclaimed at the forefront. Some speech is hidden, secret, known only to the wise; as water flows away from cows, so the beloved form, the foremost step, departs. This greatness, vast in aspect, is followed by the cow united with the dawn, ancient and shining on the path of truth, hidden yet swiftly perceived. Shining, Agni accompanies his parents and follows the hidden, beautiful one among the spotted. In the mother’s place, in the highest abode, the tongue of the bull—the shining, devoted one—sits. The singer seeks the truth with reverence and praise, asking Agni, Jātavedas, what is this mystery? Agni possesses all wealth, whether in heaven or on earth. The devotee asks what wealth or precious thing Agni has for them, and inquires about the highest, hidden path, the step they have not yet reached. What is the boundary, the work, the favor, so that they may swiftly reach the prize, as racers do? When will the goddesses, wives of the immortal, the shining dawns, extend their color to the worshippers? Those who are unsatisfied, who use untrue and deceptive words, speak here without devotion; Agni is asked what they say, and that those without weapons may sit together in counsel. The glory of Agni, kindled and mighty, makes the face of the house shine forth. Clad in bright garments, of beautiful form, he blazes as a lord of wealth, bestowing many gifts. Agni is called to rise up as the priest of sacrifice, standing upright for the rite, most worthy of worship. He comprehends all hymns and inspires the thoughts of his devotees. The unerring priest, Agni, sits among the tribes—gentle and wise in assemblies, he raises his light like the sun, stretching upward like smoke to the sky. As the generous, well-offering, ghee-anointed one, Agni advances for the gods, moving rightward. The newborn, mighty bull rises, preparing the cattle. On the strewn grass, when Agni is kindled, the upright priest delights in the rite, circling like a herdsman and ascending the threefold seat, moving widely among the gods. With his own friendly form, Agni moves gently around, speaking sweetly and true to the rite. His flames run like swift horses, and all beings are awed when he blazes forth. Agni is blessed with a beautiful face and clear vision, lovely amid the terrible and the varied; his flame is untouched by darkness, ashes, or smoke. His birth cannot be restrained by begetter, mother, or father—not even now. Like Mitra, the well-offering, the pure Agni shines among human tribes. Twice five sisters dwelling together have produced Agni among people; like a sharp tooth or bright axe, he is stirred, quick and keen-edged. Agni’s companions are tawny, ghee-anointed, red ones—straight and goodly. The ruddy, mighty ones with straight manes have called him to the gods. His companions, strong and tireless, move with shining light, like splendid eagles seeking their aim, roaring like a host of Maruts. A hymn is composed for Agni, praise and song offered, and the rites set in order. Men have seated Agni as the priest, worshipping and singing his praise. Here, the first priest is established by the creators, most fit for sacrifice and worthy of praise at the rites, whom the skillful Bhrigus have kindled—shining in the forests, wondrous among all people.