As the sacred fire, Agni, is kindled, he rises up like a mighty, well-nourished bull, anointed with ghee and moving rightward for the gods. Newly born and splendid, he prepares the cattle, his radiance a sign of abundance. Upon the strewn grass, Agni stands as the upright priest, delighting in the rite, circling like a vigilant herdsman, ascending the threefold seat and moving widely to invite the gods. With a gentle and friendly form, Agni moves among the people, speaking sweetly and always true to the ritual. His flames, swift as horses, race forth, and all beings stand in awe when he blazes up. Blessed is Agni, with his beautiful face and clear vision—lovely even amid the terrible and varied. His flame is never hindered by darkness; neither ashes nor smoke mar his radiant body. None can restrain Agni’s birth—not begetter, nor mother, nor father. Even now, like Mitra, the pure and well-offering Agni shines among human tribes. Twice five sisters, dwelling together, have produced him among men; he is stirred like a sharp tooth or a bright axe—quick, keen-edged, and ready. Agni’s companions are tawny, ghee-anointed, and red—straight and noble. These ruddy, mighty ones with straight manes call Agni to the gods. His strong and tireless companions move with shining light, like splendid eagles seeking their aim, roaring like a host of Maruts. For Agni, men compose hymns, kindle the sacred fire, and set the rites in order. They seat Agni as the priest, worshipping him with inspired song and praise. Here, Agni is established as the first priest by the creators, most fit for sacrifice and worthy of praise. The skillful Bhrigus have kindled him, making him shine in the forests, wondrous among all people. O Agni, when will your kinship with the gods be manifest? For mortals have taken you, worthy of praise, among their tribes. He is the righteous, wise one, like the sky with its coverings, arranging all sacrifices and bringing joy to every home. As the swift messenger of Vivasvat, Agni is embraced by all peoples. The Bhrigus, skillful, have taken up this shining, illustrious one among men. They have seated him as the human priest, wise and splendid, with pure flames, most fit for sacrifice, in seven abodes. In the eternal mothers, in the forest, Agni is well-invoked and takes refuge—wondrous, present, placed in secret, and well-knowing, sometimes sought after. When separated from the plant, the udder of truth is placed in him. 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 moves widely from the highest heaven, well aware of the doors of heaven. Agni’s forms are black, his fronts shining; his flame moves, unique among forms. When the unloosened ones place the embryo, Agni becomes a messenger immediately upon birth. His strength is seen when his flame follows the wind; he selects his sharp tongue among the logs and devours even the firmest foods with his jaws. Growing with triple food and triple force, the mighty Agni makes himself a triple messenger. He joins with the wind’s friend, ever active, urging and driving the swift one forward. We praise Agni, the all-knowing messenger, bearer of offerings, immortal and most fit for worship. He knows the wealth-giving expanse of heaven and brings the gods to us. He knows the approach of the gods, making them dwell in the home of truth and bestowing beloved treasures. As Hotar, Agni undertakes the messenger’s task, wise and moving between worlds, reaching the doors of heaven. May we be among those who have given to Agni, nurturing and kindling him. Those who have placed Agni as their light are renowned for wealth and heroic strength. May much-desired riches come to us day by day, may strength speed toward us. Agni, the inspired one, surpasses men with his might, swift as a missile. O Agni, be gracious to us, great one. Favor this god-seeking people and come sit on the sacred grass. Among men, you are mighty and immortal, a messenger to all. As Hotar, you are led around the dwelling, delightful among worshippers; as Potar, you sit down. Agni is the priest at the sacrifice, the lord of the house, and as Brahman, he sits in the home. He assumes the role of ritual priest, spokesman for the people, and bearer of human offerings. He takes on the messenger’s duty, delighting in the ritual and carrying mortals’ offerings to the gods. Be pleased with our ritual, our sacrifice, O Angiras; listen to our invocation. May your chariot, O messenger, reach us from every side, protecting the worshipper. Agni, today, like a swift horse with praises, like a noble resolve that touches the heart, may we attain your gifts. For you have become the charioteer of the lofty order—of good resolve, skill, and virtue. With these hymns, come near to us, bringing radiant light with all your gracious forms. With our songs of praise, Agni, may we serve you; your powers thunder forth like the sky.