In the ancient times, the Maruts, mighty and radiant, were born in greatness. Some came forth by their own strength, and all spoke with deep understanding. By their will, nothing could withstand their force; their gifts were powerful, and their courageous ones could not be overcome. From the vast heavens, the voices of the Maruts resounded, shining brightly and beautifully. None among them sought a seat in the assembly—they were like fires flashing with lightning, streams of roaring energy rushing forth. One among them strode with a vast and far-reaching step, leaving the common seat behind. By his own nature, he yoked himself to the swift ones, surpassing all rivals. Mighty and victorious, he brought prosperity with his heroic companions. Their thunderous roar shook the world, strong and stirring, powerful and victorious. With this mighty sound, they conquered, shining steadfast as rocks, with golden arms and sharp weapons. The greatness of the Maruts was boundless; their force grew ever fiercer. They stood firm at the forefront, visible in the assembly, their dwellings spacious and shining like blazing fires. These Rudras, well-armed and strong as fires, spread their earthly dwelling wide and far. Among them, the horses carried hosts of wondrous deeds. Without enmity, the Maruts came to the path of their devotees, hearing the call of worshippers. United with the greatness of Vishnu, they granted protection like skilled charioteers, removing all hatreds. They were called to the sacrifice, worthy of worship, bringing delight. As guardians, they heard the prayers, and like the greatest mountains in the sky, they stood as unassailable protectors for those who knew them. Then, Agni, the sacred fire, was invoked first in thought. He became the wise Hotar, the priest of the offering, and granted the strength needed to unite all powers. As Hotar, Agni sat at the sacrifice, desiring the seat and praise. Men, seeking great wealth, followed him—the first to worship the gods. Like a herdsman leading his rich flock, they followed Agni for wealth, ever watchful. He shone visibly, radiant and great, bringing all things to light. Seeking the god’s path with reverence, desiring fame, they attained unblemished renown. Names worthy of sacrifice were established, and in Agni’s favor, they strove for happiness in the assembly. Agni was exalted by all peoples, praised for his riches. He was protector, guide, sought for crossing, father, mother, and constant support of humankind. Worshipped and beloved in the tribes, Agni the Hotar, delightful, sat down, most fit for sacrifice. Shining in the house, he was approached with reverence, free from harm. Wise and devoted, people came to Agni ever anew, seeking favor and worshipping him, shining among the peoples with the great light of heaven. Sage of the clans, lord of the tribes, ever youthful, bull among men, Agni advanced, shining and desiring, king and lord of riches. The mortal who worshipped Agni with kindling and offerings found joy; all desirable things were granted to him. For Agni, great worship was performed with reverence, songs and hymns, striving for his gracious favor. Agni stretched out the two worlds with his radiance, renowned among the renowned, distributing great and lasting riches, shining forth with wealth. Agni, generous and friendly, was asked to always be kind, granting abundant offspring, descendants, and cattle. Many splendid blessings, bearing good fame, were desired from him. Agni’s treasures were many and varied; people sought his wealth, for he was the giver and king. Agni possessed lordly fame, like Mitra, master and renowned, fostering prosperity as strength is nourished. Peoples sought him with sacrifices and hymns; the strong, unerring one traversed realms, leading all. With one mind, men kindled Agni as the sign of sacrifice from heaven, seeking favor and offering with devotion. The mortal who sought Agni’s favor prospered, crossing over hatred and distress with the help of great heaven. Those who kindled and offered sharp oblations did not perish; they prospered in long-lived homes, full of vitality. Agni’s smoke rose forcefully to the sky, bright and stretched out; like the sun, he shone, purifier with his flame. Praised among the clans, Agni was dear as a guest, delightful as a householder, cherished as a son for protection. By his will, he was born in the vessel, fashioned like a champion, a calf in the lap, a horse to be harnessed, a child to be called. Even immovable things, like cattle to pasture, Agni’s flames consumed, youthful and ageless. Fit for the sacrificial act, Agni, as Hotar in the house, made the people prosperous, accepted offerings, and brought well-being. As friend of Mitra, he spoke to the gods for favor of heaven and earth, helping devotees cross over hatreds, distress, and misfortune. Agni protected those who sought wide light, righteous and radiant, together with Mitra and Varuna, guarding from harm and mortal distress. Those who worshipped with offerings and gave to Agni, who opened the way, were favored by fame and never harmed. Like the sun with unblemished gaze, Agni’s fierce flames advanced, his thoughts formidable, roaring and swift, leading wherever he went, stirring dwellings for the eager. His sharp form blazed like a horse harnessed for the race; as the tongue of the axe, he licked and melted wood like molten metal. Agni’s praise was set forth, his brilliance sharpened like molten streams, wondrous in shining, tireless in action, overcoming the hostile like a craftsman with swift steps. Like a bellowing bull, he could not be restrained, radiant and mighty, bringing forth the dawns as a friend. By night and by day, Agni was red among men, immortal and ever-present. Agni’s strength was new, shining among plants like the fresh radiance of heaven. Like the sun with steady path, he filled both worlds with prosperity, wealth, and abundance. Whether yoked with swift steeds or hymns, flashing like lightning with showers, fierce in power, Agni fashioned the host of the Maruts, shining forth like a skilled artisan, mighty and impetuous. Thus, the Maruts and Agni, radiant and mighty, stood as protectors and givers, their greatness and strength ever growing, their blessings sought by all, their presence revered in sacrifice and assembly.