Agni, the vigilant guardian of the people, is born anew—wise, ever-watchful, and radiant with prosperity. His face, brightened by ghee, reaches up to the vast sky, shining with pure splendor for the worshipers who seek his presence. As the sign of sacrifice and the foremost priest, Agni is kindled by men upon the three sacred altars. Alongside Indra and the other gods, he sits upon the sacred grass as the skilled Hotar, guiding the rite with expert hands. Unsoiled and pure, Agni emerges from his mothers, delightful and sage-like, rising like the sun itself. When kindled, the ghee nourishes him, and his smoke becomes a sign established in the heavens, marking the path of sacrifice. May Agni, with a favorable heart, come to our offerings; in every home, men distribute his flame, making him the messenger and carrier of their gifts to the gods. Those who choose Agni choose the wise one, the seer with profound insight. To Agni, the sweetest words and thoughts are offered, hoping to bring joy to his heart. The rivers and the great earths, like nourishing streams, pour their strength into him, making him flourish. The Angirases found Agni hidden, shining within every piece of wood; when churned to life, he appears mighty, called the son of strength, O Angiras. For Agni the great, worthy of sacrifice, the bull of truth and lord of all, hymns are offered. Like clarified butter, let the purest songs be brought to this mighty one, facing us with his favor. Those who know truth, desire truth, and pursue the ancient streams of truth seek Agni’s blessing, not by force or deceit, but by devotion to the red bull’s truth. O Agni, how do you, faithful to truth, perceive our new hymn? You, who know the seasons, are the god of insight; yet, we do not know who is the master of the wealth to be gained. Who are your bondsmen, Agni, who protect against the enemy? Who are your radiant guardians, the bringers of wealth? Who stands against falsehood, keeping the words of the righteous? Your companions, O Agni, are many and divided; some bring auspiciousness, others falter and bring harm. Though they claim righteousness with their words, some speak of wrongdoing. Yet, he who seeks sacrifice with reverence protects the truth, honors the red bull, and may the broad, good dwelling of the striving Nahusha remain secure. With praise, we call upon Agni, kindling him for aid. We honor him with song, swift and sky-touching, the bringer of divine riches. May Agni accept our words, he who is the priest among men, worshiping the divine assembly. Renowned and chosen, Agni is the priest worthy of honor, spreading the sacrifice through his presence. The sages exalt him, the most winning in strength, and ask for noble vigor. Agni, surpassing even the gods like a rimless wheel, arranges splendid gifts for those who praise him. Awakened with praise, kindled and immortal, he receives our offerings and places them among the gods. At every ritual, mortals worship Agni, the immortal, most fit for sacrifice among men. Constantly, they worship him with ladles dripping with ghee, for he is the carrier of offerings. Born to shine, Agni destroys darkness and the Dasyus with his light, revealing the cows, the waters, and the sun. Worship Agni, the worthy sage with a ghee-bright face; let him come and hear our call. Strengthened by ghee and songs, Agni, the universal lord, is honored with self-chosen words. For Agni, the wise poet and knower, an ancient hymn is brought forth for his glory. Agni, lord of riches, gracious Asura, established by ghee, is the bearer and supporter of treasures. With truth, the foundation is upheld—through sacrifice and in the highest heaven, those who approach establish the law of heaven among men. Young and strong, Agni stretches forth, creating a great and difficult path for the ancient one. Newly born, he moves swiftly, like an angry lion circling all around. Like a mother, Agni bears and nourishes all, expanding and caring for each person, watching over youth and old age alike, striving ever to conquer with his own form. May his strength bring abundant, wide, and secure wealth, O god, for prosperity. Like a father, he places his foot in secret, discerning great riches that never fail. A mighty offering is made to shining Agni, whom mortals, like Mitra, have placed at the forefront with praises. As the priest among people, with skilled arms, he distributes offerings like Bhaga, granting favor to those who seek him. His friendship is generous, his flame is strong, and all powers in the assembly give him their strength. Thus, Agni is exalted among the people for his heroic might; his fame, like a cry, spreads through heaven and earth. Now, Agni, come and bring desirable gifts as we praise you; for us and the noble ones, grant well-being and increase our strength in battles. With sacrifices, mortals approach Agni for help, praising him at the sacred rite. For his own glory, Agni considers himself the best among those who perform the rites; his heaven, with brilliant flame, is delightful to the wise. His flames, his garments, are yoked with powerful speech, and his shining rays blaze forth like the seed of heaven. By his resolve and insight, the wise and good ride in his chariot; thus, Agni is praised in every tribe as the one to be invoked. Now, desirable gifts are gathered by the noble; son of strength, protect us, grant happiness, and increase our power in battles. In the morning, Agni, beloved by many, should be praised as the honored guest of the people; he, immortal, receives all offerings among mortals.