With reverence and song, we praise Agni—the divine messenger, the all-knowing, immortal bearer of our offerings, and the one most worthy of worship. He alone knows the vast, wealth-giving expanse of heaven and brings the gods to our presence. Agni is aware of the approach of the gods and settles them in the home of truth, bestowing even the most cherished treasures upon us. As the Hotar, Agni faithfully undertakes the sacred duty of the messenger. Wise and discerning, he moves between worlds, reaching the very doors of heaven. May we be counted among those who have honored Agni with offerings, who nurture and kindle him with devotion. Such people, rich in wealth and heroic strength, are renowned—they have made Agni their guiding light. May the riches we desire come to us day by day, and may strength hasten to our side. Agni, the inspired one of the people, surpasses all others in might, swift as a flying missile. O Agni, be gracious to us. You are truly great, favoring this community that seeks the gods. Come, sit upon the sacred grass among us. Among mortals, you are impossible to deceive and mighty among the clans, immortal and ever the messenger of all. As the Hotar, you are led around the dwelling, delightful among worshippers; as the Potar, you take your seat to purify. In every sacrifice, Agni is the priest, the lord of the household, and as Brahman, he sits down to oversee all. Truly, you assume the role of the ritual priest, speak for the people, and carry their offerings. You delight in the ritual, faithfully bearing our gifts to the gods. Be pleased, O Angiras, with our sacrifice and listen to our invocation. May your chariot, O messenger, come to us from every side, by which you guard your worshippers. Agni, today, like a swift horse, may we reach your gifts through our praise—like a noble resolve that stirs the heart. For you have become the charioteer of lofty order, of good intent, skill, and virtue. Draw near to us with these hymns; bring us radiant light in all your gracious forms. With these songs, Agni, we serve you; your powers thunder forth like the sky itself. Your most pleasant vision shines here, Agni, by day and night, like a golden ornament for all to behold. Pure as clarified ghee, your form is spotless, shining forth with self-sustaining radiance. You destroy all enmity raised against us by mortals, remaining ever true to your worshippers. May our friendship with you and with the gods be auspicious and firm, like the bond of brothers in this home. Blessed is your face, Agni, mighty one, shining near us like the sun—bright even at night, tireless, and nourishing to the eye. Scatter the doubts of those who praise you; with your trembling flame, powerful and praised by all gods, grant us, O great one, abundant insight. From you arise our songs, thoughts, hymns, and gifts; from you comes wealth for the noble, and you grant it to the worshipping mortal. From you, the hero and prize-winner is born—bringing abundance, true in strength. From you, the generous one, favored by the gods, the swift one, Agni, approaches. You are the first whom worshippers call, immortal god with enchanting tongue; they invoke you, free from hatred, as the wise, steadfast lord of the house. Drive far from us all hostility and every evil thought. O Agni, son of strength, be gracious whenever you bring us well-being. O Agni, whoever kindles you with reverence and offers the threefold oblation, for him you create food that very day. Endowed with splendid powers, you, Jātavedas, wise by nature, show favor by your will. Whoever brings you fuel with devotion and worships your radiant face, prospers at every dawn, gains wealth, and overcomes enemies when you are kindled. Agni is lord of great sovereignty, possessor of supreme strength and wealth. Youngest and self-sustaining, you grant treasure to the worshipper and to every mortal who seeks it. O youngest, if we have erred against you in thought or deed, make us sinless before Aditi; remove all our faults everywhere, O Agni. Even a great sin can be overcome by your favor, among gods and mortals alike; may your friends always be free from harm, and grant well-being to our offspring and descendants. Just as you, O worshipful one, released the cow bound with a cord, so release us from distress; drive away all misfortune, O Agni, and lengthen our lives. Agni, facing all the dawns, has proclaimed the gathering of the shining ones, graciously bestowing treasures. O Aśvins, come to the home of the well-doer; the sun god advances with his light. The god Savitar raises his radiance upward, shining like a drop, his power like a horse’s might. Varuṇa and Mitra uphold the order when they cause the sun to ascend the sky. For those who, seeking gain, wander in darkness and uncertainty, the seven swift horses carry the sun—the eye of the world—steadfast in its course. You, O god, move along the highest paths, weaving the thread and spreading the dark covering. The rays of the sun, as they travel, pierce the darkness in the waters, shining through like light through a skin. Thus, in all these ways, Agni—divine priest, messenger, and radiant friend—sustains, protects, and enlightens those who honor him with devotion.