Across the vast expanse of the world, people from near and far gathered to bring their offerings to Agni, the youngest and ever-radiant deity. They sought his favor, longing for the generous one's blessing, and prayed for his great, splendid, and auspicious protection. Agni, standing upon his radiant chariot, was surrounded by devoted worshippers. He, who knows all the paths of the wide atmosphere, was called upon to bring the gods to the sacred offerings, that they might partake of the gifts prepared in reverence. To Agni, the wise and pure poet, the mighty bull worthy of praise, the people spoke their hymns with reverence. They honored him, shining like gold in heaven, whose glory spreads widely, offering their words as a hymn of devotion. Within this sacred narrative, a mysterious mother, young and veiled, bore a child—Agni himself. She held him, awakened and hidden, but did not give him to the father. The people saw his undiminished face, placed at the front, riding in the chariot. The sages questioned: “Who are you, young woman, who bears this boy? The powerful one has begotten him. Through many autumns, the embryo grew, and I witnessed his birth as the mother brought him forth.” From afar, the seers beheld Agni, with golden teeth and pure radiance, measuring the fields without weapons. Immortality was bestowed upon the wise one, and the blameless ones offered their praises. They saw him, newly born, moving from the field with a splendid herd, shining greatly. Though none could seize him, he was indeed born, and the pale young women became mothers. Among those with many cows, the noble ones were sought—those whose guardian was even the wilderness itself. The wise one, who knows the birth of cattle, was called to come near, that those who had taken him might release him. The enemies, seeking to confine the king and sustainer of people among mortals, placed him as a dwelling. But the prayers of Atri were invoked to release him, so that those who revile might themselves be reviled. Even Śunaḥśepa, bound to the sacrificial post, was released, for he was not to be consumed. In this way, the people prayed to Agni, the wise Hotar, to release them from their own bonds. Though oppressed, Agni did not lose his exhilaration; he spoke to the observer of the gods’ ordinances, revealing that Indra had looked upon him, and by Indra’s instruction, Agni had come. Agni shone forth with great light, manifesting all things in his greatness. He stood firm against the hostile powers of the goddesses, sharpening his horns to scatter the demons. His fierce-weaponed followers were ever ready in the sky to slay the demon; even when intoxicated, his blazing ones broke through, and the godless could not withstand their might. For Agni, the inspired one fashioned praise like a skillfully made chariot, seeking that Agni accept this offering and, by it, grant radiant glory. The mighty-necked, ever-growing bull, enemy-slayer and wise, advanced with knowledge, as the immortals spoke of Agni’s protection for Manu, who sat with devotion on the sacred grass. In his many forms, Agni was Varuṇa at birth, Mitra when kindled, and in him, all the gods abided. For the worshipper, he became Indra. When bearing the name of the younger ones, he was Aryaman, the self-sustaining, carrying the hidden. Mitra, well-formed, was anointed with cows when Agni united a couple with one mind. For Agni’s glory, the Maruts adorned themselves, and his wondrous birth was praised by Rudra. Viṣṇu’s step was set as Agni’s counterpart, by which he guarded the hidden name of the cows. By Agni’s splendor, the radiant gods partook of immortality, and men established Agni as the Hotar, seeking his favor with their hymns. No earlier Hotar was more worthy than Agni, nor any other superior in wisdom. For those who welcomed him as a guest, their sacrifices conquered mortals. With Agni’s aid, the people sought to win riches, triumph in battle and assemblies, and conquer with wealth. Against those who brought sin or hostility, or harbored evil intent, the people prayed that such guilt would return upon them. Agni, the wise, was invoked to destroy every curse and protect against all duplicity. In the morning, Agni was worshipped as the messenger by the ancients. When he proceeded to the gathering of riches, he was praised by mortals with treasures. Agni was asked to drive away those who opposed the father, to defend as a son, and to look upon his devotees with favor. The worshippers bestowed many names upon Agni, seeking his pleasure and favor, that he might win glory for them by his godly might. As the youngest, Agni was asked to lead the singer across all hardships, to shield them from thieves and enemies, and to turn away the wicked. These invocations were spoken for Agni, the seer of all, the mighty Vasava, who never harmed or reproached his devotees, but ever drove away what was far. Agni, lord of wealth among treasures and king, was extolled foremost at sacrifices. By his strength, the people sought to win the prize and surpass the contests of mortals. As the immortal bearer of offerings, the all-pervading father, Agni was asked to shine with blessings and measure out renown. He was set as the sage of the people, pure and radiant, anointed with ghee, and appointed as the all-knowing priest among the gods. Agni was invited to accept the offerings with delight, accompanied by Ila, striving with the rays of the sun, and to bring the gods to partake of the sacrifices. Favored as the house-lord and guest, Agni was asked to come knowingly to the sacrifice, to overcome all hostile powers, bring food, and turn away enemies. With his might, Agni was called upon to drive away the Dasyu and make vigor for his own form, as he protected the gods and guarded his devotees in contest. The people honored Agni with hymns and offerings, asking for all-desirable wealth and treasures. They prayed that he, three-seated and son of strength, would accept their sacrifices and protect them with a triple shelter. As a boat carries across a river, Agni was asked to carry his devotees over all difficulties and misfortunes, praised with reverence by Atri. Any mortal who called upon Agni, the immortal, with devotion and praise, was granted glory and offspring, attaining immortality. For those to whom Agni, the knower of births, made a pleasant dwelling, they attained heroic offspring, rich in cattle, and abundant wealth with well-being. Into the well-kindled flame, the worshippers poured clarified butter, strong and pure, unto Agni, the knower of births. Narāśaṃsa, too, was invoked to gladly accept the sacrifice from the worshippers, as the sage with the honeyed hand. Thus, through these sacred hymns and stories, the greatness of Agni was celebrated—his many forms, his protection, his wisdom, and his power to guide, defend, and bless all who seek him with devotion.