In ancient times, when darkness threatened to overwhelm, there were noble guardians who, acting not for themselves but for the good of all, stood vigilant against evil. Agni, the all-knowing fire, watched over these doers of good, preserving them from harm. The hostile and greedy could not overpower them, for Agni’s wisdom and protection were their shield. With Agni as ally and protector, the people sought his guidance to attain prosperity. They prayed that he dispel all curses, whether true or false, and give them the strength to act boldly and without hesitation. In their devotion, they kindled Agni’s sacred flame and offered hymns of praise, asking him to burn away envy and shield them from harm, from deceit, and from malice. For Agni is the friend of the great and noble. Gathering in unity, the people worshipped Agni Vaiśvānara, the generous one, with heartfelt praise. With mighty, unwavering words, they supported him, recognizing that he upholds both the heavens and the earth. They cherished the divine gift Agni bestowed—a gift not to be despised, even by mortals. For Agni, Gṛtsu, the immortal and wise, is the heroic and mighty fire who cooks their offerings. Agni, towering in stature, with sharp flames and immense strength, is like a bull with a thousand streams. He knows the hidden path of the cow—the sacred, mysterious track—and reveals inspired thoughts to those who seek him. When Agni blazes forth, his fierce jaws and burning flames destroy those who diminish the domain of Varuṇa and the steadfast order of Mitra. There are people, divided and hostile, false and untruthful, who create deep paths of discord, like women without brothers or mothers at odds. Yet, the people offer Agni a small, shining hymn, hoping it is not a heavy burden. Agni, with his sevenfold energy, has established a vast, firm, and mighty foundation. Upon this foundation, let a unified thought and intention purify the hymn. On the beautiful hide of the spotted one, the sacred form shines in the forefront, ready to be proclaimed. Some speak of this speech as hidden, placed in secrecy, known only to the wise. Just as water flows away from cows, so the beloved form—the foremost step—departs, elusive. This great, vast aspect is followed by the cow united with the dawn, shining on the path of truth, swift and hidden, perceived quickly by the keen-eyed. Agni, shining, accompanies his parents and follows the hidden, beautiful one of the spotted. In the highest abode, in the mother’s place, sits the tongue of the bull—shining and devoted. With reverence and praise, the people seek truth from Jātavedas, Agni, who possesses all wealth in heaven and on earth. They ask what precious thing, what hidden path, what step remains unreached. What is the boundary, the work, the favor, so they may swiftly win the prize? When will the goddesses, wives of the immortal, the shining dawns, extend their radiant colors to them? Those who speak untrue, feeble, and deceptive words, unsatisfied by offerings, gather in counsel, but Agni knows their hearts. For the glory of the kindled, mighty, and generous Agni, the face of the house shines forth, clad in bright garments, beautiful in form, blazing like a lord of wealth, bestowing many gifts. Rise up, Agni, priest of sacrifice, stand upright for the rite, most worthy of worship. You comprehend all hymns and inspire thoughts. The unerring priest, gentle and wise in assemblies, sits among the tribes, raising his light upward like the sun, stretching forth to the sky like smoke. As the generous, well-offering, ghee-anointed one, Agni advances for the gods. The newborn, mighty bull rises, well-fed and splendid, preparing the cattle. On the strewn grass, when Agni is kindled, the upright priest, delighting in the rite, stands. Like a herdsman, Agni circles as the priest, ascending the threefold seat, moving widely to the gods. Agni moves around with his own friendly form, gentle and sweet-spoken, true to the rite. His flames run like swift horses, and all beings tremble when he blazes forth. Blessed is Agni, with beautiful face and clear vision, lovely amid the terrible and varied; his flame is unhindered by darkness, unstained by ashes or smoke. No one can restrain Agni’s birth—not begetter, mother, nor father. Like Mitra, the well-offering, the pure Agni shines among human tribes. Twice five sisters, dwelling together, have produced Agni among the tribes; like a tooth for the sharp, a bright axe, he is stirred—quick and keen-edged. Agni’s companions are tawny, ghee-anointed, red, straight, and goodly; the ruddy, mighty ones with straight manes have called him to the gods. These companions, strong and tireless, move with shining light, like eagles clothed in splendor, seeking their aim, roaring like the Maruts. A hymn is composed for Agni, kindling praise and song, setting the rites in order. Men seat Agni as the priest, worshipping and singing his praise. Here, the first priest is established by the creators, most fit for sacrifice, worthy of praise at the rites. The skillful Bhrigus kindled him, shining in the forests, wondrous among all people. Agni’s kinship with the gods is sought, for mortals have taken him among the tribes, worthy of praise. They see the righteous, wise one, like the sky with coverings, the arranger of all sacrifices, the joy-bringer in every home. Agni, the swift messenger of Vivasvat, is embraced by all peoples. The Bhrigus have taken up the shining, illustrious one. They seat him as the human priest, wise, splendid, with pure flames, most fit for sacrifice, in seven abodes. Agni, in the eternal mothers, in the forest, well-invoked, takes refuge; wondrous and present, placed in secret, well-knowing, sometimes sought after. When separated from the plant, Agni is given the udder of truth. The gods kindle the great Agni with reverence, the bestower of offerings, ever true to the rite. Knowing the missions of the sacrificer, Agni comprehends both ends of heaven and earth. As a messenger, he goes wide-ranging from the highest heaven, knowing well the doors of heaven. Black are Agni’s forms, shining are his fronts; his flame moves, unique among forms. When the unloosened ones place the embryo, Agni becomes a messenger immediately upon birth. The strength of the newborn is seen when his flame follows the wind; he chooses his sharp tongue among the logs, devouring even the firmest foods with his jaws. When, with triple food, Agni grows with triple force, he makes himself a triple messenger. He joins with the wind’s friend, ever active, urging the swift one, driving it forward. Thus, through devotion and praise, Agni is honored as the wise, generous, and mighty priest—protector, messenger, and bestower of blessings, ever present in the sacred rites, shining forth among gods and mortals.