The seers gathered, their voices rising in praise of Agni, the radiant god of fire. They invoked him as the bringer of wealth, to whom herds of cows and swift, noble horses are drawn, and whom the noble ones revere. They prayed that Agni would bring nourishment and abundance to the singers, for he is renowned among all people as the generous bestower of riches. Born of himself for prosperity, Agni moves gladly toward those who honor him, ever ready to reward the devoted. With reverence, the worshipers kindled Agni, the immortal and resplendent deity, igniting his most precious flame so that he might shine forth in their midst. Their offerings, accompanied by hymns, were laid before him—the lord of brilliant flame, the wondrous and splendid guardian of the people, the receiver of all gifts. They called upon Agni to accept their oblations and bring them sustenance. In every fire, Agni’s presence stirred and moved, promoting all that is desirable and distributing nourishment to the people. His flames grew vast and victorious, filling the enclosures with cattle, and his power brought forth abundance. The worshipers prayed for new and plentiful nourishment, that they might remain faithful, guided by Agni in every household. For Agni, the ladles filled with clarified butter were set in place, and he, the lord of strength, filled the hearts of his devotees with praise. Through hymns and sacrifices, Agni, the immortal one, granted them heroic strength and wealth abundant with horses. Again and again, the refrain rose: “Bring nourishment to the singers.” The friends and clans united their praise and offerings for Agni, the most exalted among men, the son of strength and abundance. Wherever noble ones assembled and kindled him, there, life itself was renewed and living beings were born. As they joined together in nourishment and offerings, Agni bestowed upon them rays of might, glory, and truth. Even at night, Agni made himself a beacon, sitting far away, undying and pure, spreading through the trees and consuming them. From his enclosure, he roared like thunder, vast and self-born, as sweat poured from the paths of the laboring. Mortals, longing for his presence, apportioned his flames for the sustenance of all, for Agni is the sweet drink of the fathers, sought even by those far away. He alone is the true giver of wealth, never withholding cattle, tawny-bearded, pure of food, and noble—unscathed in battle. Pure as a sharpened axe, Agni’s stream of blessings flows forth, dividing shares as a good hero born of the mother. To him, whose butter is poured for joy, the worshipers prayed that he would place glory and fame among them and guide their thoughts. Even those once wrathful and blameless, having received cattle from Agni, became generous; thus, the sage Atri, filled with Agni’s power, overcame his foes and conquered both the Dasyus and men. Agni, kindled by the righteous, stood as the ancient helper, mighty and shining before all, worthy of worship, supporting all, the master of the house, ever to be chosen. As the ancient guest with flaming hair, he was seated by each clan, radiant, manifold in form, winner of wealth, and self-sustaining, offering safe shelter and warding off old age. The clans sought Agni, the knower of rites, discerning and bestowing treasures, all-seeing even when hidden, roaring loudly as the good sacrificer, shining with the brightness of ghee. Strong as a pillar, all-supporting, Agni was approached with songs and reverence, accepting the devotion of mortals and bestowing glory and gifts. Agni, of many forms, brought strength to each clan, ancient and much-praised. With a multitude of foods, he shone forth by his might, his brilliance unrestrained. As the youngest god, kindled by mortals, he became the messenger of the gods, bearer of offerings, invoked as their eye and the prompter of thought. When called from heaven with ghee, Agni, kind-hearted and well-kindled, grew strong, adorned with plants, surpassing all earthly powers. Mortals worshipped him with offerings, recognizing him as Jātavedas, the one who carries their gifts in proper order. Agni was the priest of the generous, the guardian of the home with sacred grass, the companion of sacrifices, and the source of prizes and glories. Born anew from the kindling sticks like a child, he was the supporter of men, true to the rite. Yet he was elusive, hard to grasp like a son among mothers, burning forests as cattle graze the pasture. When the flames rose straight with smoke, and the strong one, like a bellows-blower, stirred him, Agni blazed forth like a smith’s fire, fanned to life. With Agni’s help and the favor of Mitra, mortals prayed to overcome hatred and avoid defeat by the evils of others. They sought wealth from Agni—strong, victorious, and nourishing—spreading widely and granting success in contests and growth in battle. They called upon Agni to bring them the most powerful glory, free from harm, and to lead them on the path to strength, protecting their prosperity. By his wondrous power and wisdom, Agni ascended to lordship, like Mitra, ever worthy of sacrifice. He increased the life and prosperity of those who praised him and brought gifts, fulfilling the wishes of those who sought bounty. Those whose splendid songs shone forth, rich in horses and powerful men, gained fame that reached the sky, known by their own nature. Agni’s flames advanced with force, like roaring chariots or flashing lightning. For aid and the granting of wealth, the worshipers prayed that their noble ones and all desires would be fulfilled, overcoming every obstacle. Thus, praised by the Angiras, Agni brought riches and growth to those who honored him. As the mighty and victorious Hotar, he bestowed wealth and success in battle upon his faithful devotees, ever the bringer of nourishment and the guardian of all.