In the gatherings of the noble ones, within assemblies of the worthy, whenever they kindle Agni—the sacred fire—there, life itself is born anew. When people unite to nourish themselves and to offer their human devotion, Agni, in return, bestows upon them the radiant rays of strength, glory, and truth. Agni reveals himself as a beacon, shining even in the darkness of night, sitting afar yet ever-present. This pure, undying one spreads through the trees, consuming them as he grows, his presence unmistakable. From his enclosure, as the paths grow slick with the sweat of those who labor, the mighty and self-born Agni roars like thunder, his vastness echoing upon the earth. Mortals, longing for him, divide Agni’s presence for the sustenance of all. He is the sweet drink cherished by the forefathers, sought even by those who dwell far away. For Agni is the true giver of wealth—not the miser who withholds cattle, but the tawny-bearded, noble provider, pure and unscathed in battle. From him, as from a sharpened axe, pure streams flow. He is the good hero, born of the Mother, who divides the share among all. To Agni, whose flames are fed with butter, mortals pour offerings for the joy of the upholder. To him they entrust glory and fame, and through him, thoughtful wisdom is placed among people. Even the wrathful, those beyond blame, have given cattle received from Agni; the sage Atri, filled by Agni’s favor, conquered the Dasyus and prevailed over men. Agni, kindled by the righteous for ancient help, stands mighty and shining before all, worthy of worship, supporter of all, master of the house, ever to be chosen. As the ancient guest, the clans have seated him, his flaming hair brilliant, his form manifold, radiant and self-sustaining, a shelter against old age. The human clans seek Agni, who knows the rite and bestows treasures; though hidden, he is all-seeing and roars with delight, shining forth when offered ghee. Agni is strong as a pillar, supporting all, and is approached with reverent songs. When kindled, may he accept the worshipers, granting them glory and mortal gifts. His many forms bring strength to every clan; praised since ancient times, he shines forth with many foods by his might, his brilliance unrestrained. When Agni is kindled, youngest among the gods, he becomes their messenger, bearer of offerings, invoked with ghee, the eye of the gods, urging thought. Called from heaven and kindled with ghee, he grows strong, adorned with plants, surpassing all earthly powers. With offerings, mortals worship Agni as god, trusting Jātavedas to carry their gifts in order. He is the priest of the generous, the one in whose presence sacrifices unite, and with whom come prizes and glory. Like a child, Agni is born anew from the kindling sticks, supporter of men and true to the rite. Yet he is hard to grasp, like a son among mothers, burning through forests as cattle graze on pasture. When Agni’s flames rise straight, with smoke, the mighty one stirs him, and he blazes forth like a smith’s fire fanned by bellows. With Agni’s help, and the favor of Mitra, mortals hope to overcome hatred and not be defeated by evil. They pray for wealth, strong and victorious, that nourishes and spreads, granting success in contests and growth in battle. Agni is invoked to bring the most powerful glory, free from harm, to lead along the path of strength and protect from loss. By his wondrous power and wisdom, Agni has ascended to lordship, like Mitra, ever worthy of sacrifice. He increases the life and prosperity of those who praise and bring gifts, rewarding those who seek bounty. Those whose splendid songs shine forth, rich in horses and powerful men, achieve fame that reaches the sky, known by their own nature. Agni’s flames, shining brightly, rush forward like roaring chariots, like flashes of lightning. For aid and the granting of wealth, Agni is invoked so that all desires may be fulfilled, every obstacle overcome. Praised by the Angiras, Agni brings wealth and victory to those who honor him. Agni, the vigilant guardian of the people, is born wise and ever-watchful, bringing new prosperity. His face, brightened with ghee, touches the sky, appearing pure for the worshipers. As the sign and first priest of sacrifice, Agni is kindled on the three altars, sitting with Indra and the gods on sacred grass as the skillful Hotar. Born unsoiled from his mothers, Agni rises like the sun, delightful and sage. With ghee, his light is increased, and his smoke becomes a sign established in heaven. May Agni come to sacrifice with favor; men distribute him to every house, and he becomes the messenger, the carrier of offerings. Those who choose Agni choose the wise one with insight. To Agni, the sweetest speech and heartfelt thought are offered, bringing happiness. The rivers and great earths, like streams, fill him with strength and growth. The Angirases found Agni hidden, shining in every wood; when churned, he is born mighty, the son of strength. For Agni, the great and worthy of sacrifice, the bull of truth and lord, hymns are offered like clarified butter, well-purified and facing him. Seeking and pursuing the truth, the worshiper desires the ancient streams of truth, shunning force and duplicity for the truth of the red bull. The devotee wonders: by what means does Agni, true to truth, become aware of new hymns? The god who knows the seasons, the worshiper does not know who is master of the wealth to be gained. “Who are your bondsmen, Agni, for the enemy? Who are your radiant guardians who bring wealth? Who, Agni, protect against falsehood? Who are the keepers of the words of the righteous?” Thus, Agni, the pure and mighty, is honored as the source of life, the bearer of offerings, the giver of strength, and the upholder of truth.