In the beginning, Agni was born in the highest heaven, radiant and observant of sacred vows. He became the guardian of divine law, upholding order throughout creation. As Vaiśvānara, possessed of wise counsel, he measured the vast midspace between heaven and earth, and by his greatness, he touched the very summit of existence. Mitra, wondrous in his power, separated heaven and earth, supporting them apart. Within this expanse, he brought forth light by his own radiance. Vaiśvānara, like one rolling up skins, removed the coverings of darkness and gathered all strength to himself. Upon the lap of the waters, the mighty ones seized Agni, the king of the people, drawing near to the hymn-bearer. Mātariśvan, the messenger, brought Agni, the universal Vaiśvānara, from afar, delivering him to Vivasvat. Through every age, Agni is invoked by those who praise him, and to them he grants wealth and new glory. Like a purifier, ageless and unblemished, he cuts down those who are hostile, felling them as a woodcutter brings down trees. Agni, among the generous, sustains undiminished dominion and unfailing heroism. With his help, his devotees overcome all challenges and win abundant, thousand-fold rewards. Seated at the threefold altar, Agni, with flawless guardians, protects the wealth of his worshippers. He guards against the hostile and drives away their force, surpassing all adversaries, ever praised by those who honor him. Day and night, black and bright, follow their appointed courses. Yet Vaiśvānara Agni, born like a king, surpasses all darkness with his light. In the midst of this, the seeker confesses: “I do not know the thread, nor the weaving, nor what the skilled ones weave in the assembly. Whose son speaks these words? Who speaks beyond, who below, with his father?” But Agni knows the thread and the weaving; he speaks words rightly. He who perceives this—Agni, the guardian of immortality—moves freely, seeing with a vision different from others. He is the first Hotar, the priest who perceives the immortal light among mortals. Born and firmly established, he is immortal, growing by his own power. His steadfast light is set for all to see; the mind, swiftest of all, flies within. All the gods, united in purpose and understanding, move toward one noble resolve. “My ears are open, my eyes see; this light is set in my heart,” the devotee reflects. “My mind wanders far and wide—what shall I say, what shall I ponder?” All the gods, filled with awe, bow to Agni as he stands in the darkness. Vaiśvānara, the immortal, is invoked for protection—may he shield his worshippers always. Thus, in sacrifice and ritual, Agni is brought forth, delightful, heavenly, and well-praised. Hymns flow to him, for he is Jātavedas, the discerner who makes the rites proper. Agni, the radiant and foremost Hotar, is kindled by men and praised. Hymns flow to him as affection flows, pure as clarified butter. He who gives to Agni with hymns prospers in fame among mortals. With Agni’s splendid aids and brilliant radiance, he attains the rewards of abundance. Agni, being born, fills the wide spaces with his brightness, seen from afar even along the dark path. With much thought, the pure one is perceived across the waves by his flame. Agni is asked to grant wondrous wealth, to bestow riches upon the generous, and to favor those who surpass others with gifts, fame, and heroic strength. “Place for us this auspicious sacrifice, Agni,” the worshippers pray. “Sitting, offer the oblation. Among the Bharadvājas, you have established praise and aided in winning wealth.” Agni is invoked to drive away hatreds and increase prosperity so his followers may rejoice, possessing a hundredfold heroic strength. As the Hotar, Agni is worshipped, inspired by the sacred order. The invocation of the Maruts is not hindered, and Mitra, Varuṇa, the Ashvins, and Heaven and Earth are called to turn toward the offering. Agni, as the Hotar, is most delightful and never fails among mortals. With his shining tongue, he approaches as Fire and performs the sacrifice in his own form. The inspired prayers seek Agni, for he is worthy. The singer, desiring to praise the gods, calls him to the sacrifice. Among the Angirases, Agni is most stirring when the sage, sweet-voiced, proclaims the offering. He flashes forth, all-wise and radiant, performing the sacrifice in the wide expanse of heaven and earth. As men offer the chosen oblation with reverence for long life, people from five regions approach the well-guided one. With reverence, the sacred grass is arranged for Agni, the ladle filled with ghee, and the well-praised hymn is sung. Thus, the dwelling is established on earth, and the sacrifice rests, as the eye upon the sun. Agni is gracious, the Hotar of ancient order, kindled with the gods and with all fires. Son of strength, he bestows wealth and helps his devotees cross over the multitude of evils. In the midst, as Hotar, in the house, and on the sacred grass, Agni urges on heaven and earth for the sacrifice. This son of strength, true to law, has spread forth from afar, like the sun with his flame. In Agni, the gods dwell as if heaven itself is present. He, three-seated, stretches forth like the sun’s light to offer the oblations and gifts of men. Most powerful is Agni, whose energy conquers the forest. The goad, unwearied, shines on the path. Swift and without deceit, the immortal one perceives all and dwells even in the plants. Agni is praised in the house, not with others but for his own people. Subduing foes and conquering by his will, he brings forth the sacrifice like a father with his flames. His rays wander as he follows the earth, and whatever the craftsman fashions in vain is surpassed. Suddenly, his sharpened stream rushes swifter, crossing the desert like a debtor’s pursuer. Thus, Agni, ever-present with all the fires, is kindled for his worshippers. He bestows wealth, drives away misfortune, and with a hundred aids, his followers rejoice in heroic sons. From Agni, all blessings proceed, as birds fly from the tree. Readily, wealth and strength come in contest with the foe, like rain from heaven, like the flow of waters. Agni is like Bhaga, bringing treasures; with wondrous radiance, he distributes riches as a guardian. Like Mitra, he upholds great order and dispenses abundant good. As the true lord, Agni strikes down the foe with might. The sage brings forth strength even from the niggard. Whomever Agni supports with wealth, together with the offspring of waters, prospers. He who approaches Agni with words, hymns, and sacrifices for protection attains all prosperity, becomes lord of wealth, and rules over riches. These blessings Agni bestows upon men for glory and heroism. By his might, he brings abundant cattle, offspring for the wolf, and riches for the eager one. The worshippers pray, “Do not abandon us, O Agni; grant us offspring, children, and wealth. With all our hymns, may we attain fulfillment and rejoice in heroic sons with a hundred aids.” The mortal who, with prayers and devotion, seeks Agni’s favor, shines brightly and obtains ancient wealth for his aid. Truly, Agni is wise, the most skillful seer. Men praise Agni as the Hotar in sacrifices, honoring him as the one who brings the gods near and upholds the sacred order.