In days of old, the people turned their hearts to Agni, the sacred fire, wondering when his kinship with the gods would shine forth for all to see. For it was in those moments, when mortals welcomed him with reverence among their tribes, that his greatness became manifest. They beheld Agni, the righteous and wise one, whose presence was as vast as the sky veiled in clouds. He was the arranger of all sacrifices, bringing joy into every home, the swift messenger of Vivasvat, embraced by all peoples. The skillful Bhrigus, recognizing his brilliance, took up the shining and illustrious Agni among all, seating him as the human priest—wise, splendid, with pure flames, most fit for sacrifice, dwelling in seven abodes. Agni, wondrous and well-invoked, found refuge among the eternal mothers in the forest, sometimes hidden, sometimes sought after, always knowing and present. When separated from the plant, the udder of truth was placed in him; the gods, with deep reverence, kindled the great Agni, the ever-faithful bestower of offerings. Knowing the missions of the sacrificer, Agni, wise and all-seeing, comprehended both ends of heaven and earth. As a messenger, he journeyed widely, from the highest heaven, knowing well the doors of heaven. His forms were black, his fronts shining; his flame moved, unique among all forms. When the unloosened ones placed the embryo, Agni became a messenger immediately upon birth. The strength of the newborn Agni was seen as his flame followed the wind. He chose his sharp tongue among the logs, devouring even the firmest foods with his jaws. When, with triple food, he grew with triple force, Agni made himself a triple messenger, joining with the wind’s friend, urging the swift one forward, ever active. The people praised Agni with song, honoring him as the all-knowing messenger, bearer of offerings, immortal, and most fit for worship. For he knew the wealth-giving expanse of heaven and brought the gods to the ritual. He understood the approach of the gods, making them dwell in the home of truth, granting even treasured gifts. As Hotar, Agni undertook the messenger’s task, moving wisely between worlds, reaching the doors of heaven. Those who gave offerings to Agni, who nurtured and kindled him, were renowned, rich in wealth and heroic strength, for they had placed Agni as their light. They prayed for much-desired riches and strength to come to them day by day. Agni, inspired among peoples, surpassed men with his might, swift as a missile. The worshippers called to Agni, asking him to be gracious, to favor the god-seeking people, and to come sit upon the sacred grass. Among men, Agni was difficult to deceive, mighty among the clans, immortal, and the messenger of all. He was led around the dwelling as Hotar, delightful among worshippers, and as Potar, he sat down. As priest at the sacrifice, lord of the house, and Brahman, Agni took his seat. Truly, Agni assumed the role of ritual priest, spokesman for the people, bearer of human offerings. He delighted in the ritual, carrying the mortal’s offering to the gods. The people prayed that Agni, Angiras, would be pleased with their ritual, their sacrifice, and listen to their invocation. They wished for Agni’s chariot, as messenger, to reach them from every side, protecting the worshipper. On this day, Agni was praised, swift as a horse, noble in resolve, touching the heart, and granting his gifts. He had become the charioteer of the lofty order, of good resolve, skill, and virtue. With hymns, the people called Agni near, asking for radiant light and all his gracious forms. With songs, they praised and served him, his powers thundering forth like the sky. Agni’s most pleasant vision shone by day and night, like a golden ornament for beauty. His form, like purified ghee, was without stain, pure as gold, self-sustaining in radiance. He destroyed enmity made against the worshippers by mortals, remaining true to those who honored him. They prayed that their friendship with Agni and the gods be auspicious, like brotherhood, firm in their home. Blessed was Agni’s face, mighty and shining near like the sun, bright even at night, unwearied, appearing as food to the eye. Agni was asked to scatter the thoughts of those who praised him, granting abundant insight with his trembling flame, praised by all the gods. From Agni arose songs, thoughts, hymns, and gifts; from him came wealth for the noble, giving to the worshipping mortal. From Agni, the hero and winner of prizes was born, bringing abundance, true in strength. From him came the generous one, favored by the gods, swift and near. Agni was the first whom worshippers called, the immortal god with charming tongue, invoked by those free from hatred, as the wise, steadfast lord of the house. The people prayed that Agni would drive far away all hostility and every evil thought, being gracious to them, bringing well-being whenever he came. Thus, the story unfolds of Agni, the sacred fire, ever-present, wise, and radiant, the messenger between mortals and gods, the heart of every ritual, the bringer of light, wealth, and auspiciousness to all who honor him.