A steadfast light was set forth, illuminating the path for all to see. The mind, ever swift, soared within, seeking and pondering. All the gods, united in purpose and understanding, moved together toward a noble resolve. In this moment of awakening, my ears seemed to fly apart, my eyes opened wide, and this radiant light was placed within my heart. My thoughts wandered far and wide—what words could I utter, what ideas could I contemplate? All the gods, in awe and reverence, bowed before Agni, standing amidst the darkness. They sought the protection of Vaiśvānara, the immortal fire, pleading for his safeguarding presence. In sacrifice and ritual, Agni was invoked—delightful, heavenly, and well-praised. Hymns were offered to Jātavedas, the discerner, who ensured the rites were performed rightly. The radiant Hotar, Agni, kindled by men, was praised; hymns flowed to him as affection flows, pure as clarified butter. Those who honored Agni with hymns prospered in fame among mortals, receiving splendid aids and brilliant radiance, attaining the prize of abundant cattle. Born anew, Agni filled the vast spaces, his brightness seen from afar as he journeyed along the dark path. With much thought, the pure one was seen across the wave, his flame shining forth. Now, Agni was implored to grant wondrous wealth, bestowing riches upon the generous, so that those who excelled in gifts, fame, and heroic strength could shine among the people. Agni was asked to make the sacrifice auspicious, to offer the oblation while seated, and to establish praise among the Bharadvājas, aiding them in attaining wealth. He was called to drive away hatreds, increase prosperity, and bring joy and heroic strength in abundance. Agni was worshipped, inspired by the Hotar, most worthy of sacrifice. The invocation of the Maruts was not to be hindered; Mitra, Varuna, the Ashvins, Heaven, and Earth were invited to turn toward the offering as Hotar. Agni, the most delightful, never failing among mortals, was called to approach with his shining tongue, performing the sacrifice in his own form. The inspired prayer sought Agni, for he was worthy; the singer, desiring to praise the gods, called him to the sacrifice. Among the Angirases, Agni was most stirring, as the sage, sweet-voiced, proclaimed aloud at the offering. Agni flashed forth, all-wise and radiant, performing the sacrifice in the vast expanse of heaven and earth. As men offered the chosen oblation with reverence for long life, five peoples approached the well-guided one. With reverence, the sacred grass was arranged for Agni, the ladle filled with ghee, the well-praised hymn offered. The dwelling was established on earth, the sacrifice rested, as the eye rests upon the sun. Agni, Hotar of ancient order, kindled with the gods and fires, was asked to be gracious, to bestow wealth, and to help cross over the multitude of evil. In the midst, as Hotar, in the house, on sacred grass, Agni urged heaven and earth for the sacrifice. This son of strength, true to law, spread forth from afar, like the sun with his flame. In Agni, the gods dwelled, as if heaven itself was present. He, three-seated, stretched forth like the sun’s light, offering oblations and gifts of men. Agni’s energy conquered the forest; the goad, unwearied, shone on the path. Like one without deceit, the swift one perceived all; the immortal, unoppressed, was present in the plants. Agni was praised in the house, knower of all births, subduing foes and conquering by his will, bringing forth the sacrifice with his flames like a father. His rays wandered as he followed the earth, whatever the craftsman fashioned in vain. Suddenly, his stream, sharpened, rushed swifter, crossing the desert like a debtor’s pursuer. Agni, ever-present with all fires, was kindled for the people, bestowing wealth, driving away misfortune, and bringing joy in heroic sons. From Agni, all blessings proceeded, as birds fly from the tree. Wealth and strength came readily in contests with foes, like rain from heaven, like the flow of waters. Agni was like Bhaga, bringing treasures, distributing riches as a guardian; like Mitra, upholder of great order, dispenser of abundant good. He, the true lord, struck down foes with might; Agni brought forth strength from the niggard. Those whom Agni, wise and born of truth, supported with wealth prospered, together with the offspring of waters. The son of strength, approached with words, hymns, and sacrifices for protection, attained all prosperity, became lord of wealth, and ruled over riches. Agni bestowed blessings upon men for glory and heroism, making abundant cattle, offspring for the wolf, and riches for the eager. The people prayed not to be abandoned, seeking offspring, children, and wealth, aspiring to fulfillment through hymns, rejoicing in heroic sons. Those who sought Agni’s favor with devotion and prayers shone brightly, obtaining ancient wealth for their aid. Agni was wise, skillful, a seer, praised as Hotar in sacrifices. For his help, noble riches contended, and those who strove by their vows overcame the lawless foe. Agni, conqueror of waters and death, granted a heroic, true lord; his enemies trembled in fear at his might. By his knowledge, Agni repelled hostile gods from mortals; his well-defended wealth was victorious in contests. Agni, friend of Mitra, was called to speak to the gods, winning their goodwill from heaven and earth, bringing safety, prosperous dwelling, and helping cross hatred, distress, and misfortune. The guest, ever-awake and lord of all peoples, was praised in song. He knew the birth of heaven, was pure, and received the offering when the support was firm. The Bhṛgus established him, well-kindled like a friend, praised among forest trees with upright flame. Day by day, Agni, well-pleased, wondrous, and offering-bringer, was magnified with praises. Unopposed, strong, and noble, Agni surpassed the strength of others. He granted protection and wide renown to the offering-bringer, to Bharadvāja, among mortals. Agni, the shining guest, lord of light, Hotar of men, skilled in sacrifice, was praised as a wise priest, eloquent, with beautiful hymns, the generous god who brings offerings. With shining radiance, Agni spread over the earth like the dawn with her light, advancing tirelessly like the sun, ever youthful, never failing in his glow. With kindling and worship, Agni, beloved guest, was praised with song; with hymns, the immortal was summoned, for among the gods, the god wins the prize, and among the gods, the god wins favor.