As the sacred flames rise, they stand tall and straight, their smoke curling upward, stirred to life by the mighty one—just as a skilled smith fans his fire with the bellows, so does Agni blaze forth, radiant and powerful. In this moment of awakening, the worshiper turns to Agni and prays: “With your help, O Agni, and with the favor of Mitra, may I overcome all hatred. Let me not be defeated by the evils of mortals.” The devotee calls upon Agni to bring wealth—strong, victorious, and ever-increasing—wealth that nourishes and spreads widely, granting success in contests and growth in battle. The prayer continues: “O Agni, bring us the most powerful glory, free from harm. Lead us along the path to strength, protecting us from any loss of wealth.” Agni, by his wondrous power and great wisdom, has ascended to lordship and is praised as worthy of sacrifice, like Mitra himself. Those who honor Agni with gifts and praises find their lives and prosperity increased, for Agni bestows bounty upon those who seek it. The songs of the mighty, whose fame reaches even the sky and whose horses and warriors are renowned, shine forth by their very nature, and Agni knows them. His flames, bright and forceful, advance like swift, roaring chariots, flashing like lightning. The worshipers ask Agni for aid, for the granting of wealth, and for the fulfillment of noble desires, so that every obstacle may be overcome. Praised by the Angiras, Agni is invoked as the mighty Hotar, the victorious priest who brings riches to those who honor him and grants growth in battle. Agni is ever-watchful, the vigilant guardian of the people, born anew for their prosperity. His face, brightened with ghee, touches the vast sky, and he shines with pure splendor for the worshipers. As the sign of sacrifice, the first priest, Agni is kindled on the three altars, seated with Indra and the gods upon the sacred grass, skillful in the rites. Born pure from his mothers, unsullied and delightful, Agni rises like the sun. Fed with ghee, when kindled, his smoke becomes the sign established in heaven. The people invite Agni to their sacrifice with favor, distributing him in every house. He becomes the messenger, the carrier of offerings, and those who choose Agni choose the wise one with insight. To Agni, the sweetest words and thoughts are offered, bringing happiness to the heart. The rivers and the great earth, like streams, fill him with strength and make him grow. The Angirases once found Agni hidden, shining in every wood; when churned, the mighty one is born, called the son of strength, O Angiras. A hymn is offered to Agni, great and worthy of sacrifice, the bull of truth, the lord. Let the well-purified song, like clarified butter, be brought to the mighty one. The worshiper seeks the truth, desires the truth, and pursues the ancient streams of truth, refusing to go by force or duplicity, but seeking the truth of the red bull. The devotee wonders, “By what means, O Agni, do you, true to truth, become aware of our new hymn? You, god who knows the seasons, I do not know the master of the wealth to be gained.” The question is asked: “Who are your bondsmen, Agni, for the enemy? Who are your radiant guardians who bring wealth? Who protects against falsehood and keeps the words of the righteous?” Agni’s companions are divided—some bring auspiciousness, others inauspiciousness; some falter, claiming righteousness with their words yet speaking of wrongdoing. But he who seeks the sacrifice with reverence protects the truth, the red bull. May the broad and good dwelling of the striving Nahusha remain. With praise, the worshipers call upon Agni, kindling him for aid. They honor him with song, swift as he touches the sky, bringer of divine wealth. May Agni accept their words, for he is the priest among men, worshiping the divine assembly. Renowned and chosen, Agni is the priest through whom the sacrifice is spread. The sages exalt Agni, the most winning of strength, and pray for noble vigor. Like a wheel without a rim, Agni surpasses the gods and arranges splendid gifts. Awakened with praise, Agni, the immortal, is kindled and the offerings are placed among the gods. Mortals worship Agni at the rituals, the immortal god most fit for sacrifice among men. Constantly, they honor him with ladles dripping with ghee, for he is the carrier of offerings. Born, Agni shone forth, destroying the Dasyus and darkness with his light, finding the cows, the waters, and the sun. The people worship Agni, the worthy sage, ghee-faced, calling him to come and hear their prayers. Strengthened with ghee and songs, Agni becomes the universal lord, honored with self-chosen words. For the wise and the poet, an ancient hymn is brought forth for Agni’s glory—the lord of riches, gracious Asura, established by ghee, bearer and supporter of treasures. With truth, the foundation is upheld, and in the strength of sacrifice, in the highest heaven, those who have approached—born and unborn—establish the law of heaven among men. Young and strong, Agni stretches forth, spreading the great, difficult-to-cross path for the ancient one. Newly born, he moves swiftly, like an angry lion circling all around. Like a mother, Agni bears and nourishes, expanding and caring for each person, watching over them, sustaining both youth and old age. With his own form, he strives to conquer. His strength brings abundant, wide, and secure wealth for prosperity, and like a father, he places his foot in secret, discerning great riches, never failing. Indeed, a mighty offering is made to Agni, the shining god whom mortals, like Mitra, have established in the forefront with praises.