Within the sacred dwelling, Agni is led around as the Hotar, delighting the hearts of the worshippers; as the Potar, he takes his seat, ready for the rite. He is the priest at every sacrifice, the lord of the house within every home, and as Brahman, he sits in quiet dignity. Agni assumes the role of the ritual priest, becoming the spokesman for the people and the bearer of their offerings. He takes on the messenger’s duty, finding joy in the ritual, carrying the mortal’s gifts up to the gods. We call to him: “Be pleased with our ritual, our sacrifice, O Angiras; listen to our invocation.” May his chariot, as the messenger, come to us from every side, protecting the worshipper with its presence. Today, Agni, we approach you like a swift horse with praises, with noble resolve that touches the heart, hoping to attain your gifts. For truly, Agni, you have become the charioteer of the lofty order, guiding good resolve, skill, and virtue. Let these hymns bring you near, let them bring us your radiant light, Agni, in all your gracious forms. With our songs, we praise you and serve you; your powers thunder forth like the sky. Your most pleasant vision shines here both by day and by night, Agni, like a golden ornament for beauty. Your form, like purified ghee, is without stain, pure as gold; your radiance shines forth, self-sustaining. You destroy the enmity made against us by mortals, remaining true to the worshipper. May our friendship with you and with the gods be auspicious, like brotherhood; may that bond be firm in this home. Blessed is your face, mighty Agni; it shines near like the sun, bright even at night, unwearied, appearing as food to the eye. Scatter, Agni, the thoughts of the one who praises you; with your trembling flame, praised by all the gods, grant us abundant insight. From you arise the songs, the thoughts, the hymns, and the gifts; from you comes wealth for the noble, and you give to the worshipping mortal. From you, Agni, is born the hero, the winner of prizes, bringing abundance, true in strength; from you, the generous one, favored by the gods, the swift one comes near. You are the first whom the worshippers call, the immortal god with charming tongue; they invoke you, free from hatred, with their thoughts, as the wise, steadfast lord of the house. Drive far from us all hostility, Agni, and every evil thought; be gracious to us whenever you bring us well-being. O Agni, whoever kindles you with reverence and offers the threefold pressed oblation, for him you create food that very day; endowed with splendid powers, you, Jātavedas, wise by nature, bestow your favor upon him by your will. He who brings you fuel with devotion and worships your great face prospers at every dawn, gains wealth, and conquers enemies. Agni is the lord of great sovereignty, the possessor of supreme strength and wealth; youngest, self-sustaining, you grant treasure to the worshipper and to every mortal who seeks it. O youngest, if we have committed any offense against you by our thoughts or deeds, 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; may your friends always be free from such harm; grant well-being to our offspring and descendants. Just as you released the cow bound with a cord, so release us from distress; drive away all misfortune from us, and extend our life further, O Agni. Agni, facing all the dawns, has declared the gathering of the shining ones, with a gracious mind, the bestower of treasures. O Aśvins, come to the well-doer’s home; the sun god advances with his light. The god Savitar raises his radiance upward, shining forth like a drop, his power like a horse’s; Varuṇa and Mitra follow the order, causing the sun to ascend the sky. Those who wander in darkness and uncertainty, seeking gain, are carried by the seven swift horses of the sun, the eye of the world, steadfast in its course. You move along the highest paths, weaving the thread, O god, spreading out the dark covering; the rays of the sun pierce the darkness in the waters like a skin. Unrestrained, unbound, how does he lie down, how does he rise up? By what inherent power does he go—who has seen it? The pillar of heaven, established, upholds the firmament. Agni, Jātavedas, facing the dawns, declares the god shining with great powers; O Nāsatyas, with your wide-ranging chariot, come to this sacrifice, approach us. The god Savitar has raised his banner on high, making light for all the worlds; the heavens, earth, and midspace have expanded, the sun, discerning, spreads his rays. The reddish dawns, coming with light, vast and brilliant, spread their rays; awakening all for good fortune, the divine dawn advances with her well-yoked chariot. Let your swiftest horses bring you here, let your chariots come at the dawning of the dawn; for here are your honey-sweet Somas, O vigorous ones, rejoice in this sacrifice. Again the question echoes: Unrestrained, unbound, how does he lie down, how does he rise up? By what inherent power does he go—who has seen it? The pillar of heaven, established, upholds the firmament. Agni, the Hotar, is our leader in the sacrifice, the bringer of strength, who is led forth, worthy of worship among the gods. He moves around the triple-placed sacrifice like a charioteer, bearing the offering to the gods. The wise Agni, lord of riches, traverses the offerings, bestowing treasures upon the worshipper. This one, kindled for Srñjaya at the front, at the divine wind, shines brilliantly, subduing enemies. Thus, Agni’s presence is woven through the rituals, the dawns, and the offerings, ever radiant, ever gracious, upholding the order of the cosmos and guiding the worshipper in every sacred act.