In the ancient dawn, the sages gathered with reverence, their hearts unified in sacred purpose, to invoke Agni, the divine Fire. Guided by the inspired Hotar, they entreated Agni, the most worthy of sacrifice, to accept their worship and ensure that the invocation of the Maruts would not be hindered. They called upon Mitra, Varuna, the Ashvins, and Heaven and Earth to turn their gaze toward the offering, that all the gods might be present as Hotar presides. Agni, ever delightful and unfailing among mortals in the assembly, was invited to approach with his shining tongue of flame. As Fire itself, he was asked to perform the sacrifice in his own resplendent form. The inspired prayer sought Agni, for he was ever worthy, and the singer, yearning to praise the gods, called him to the altar. Among the Angirases, he stirred most powerfully, his sweet-voiced wisdom proclaimed aloud at the sacred offering. Suddenly, Agni flashed forth—radiant and all-wise. The vast expanse of heaven and earth became his sacrificial ground. Men, with deep reverence, offered their chosen oblations for long life, and five peoples approached the well-guided Fire. When the sacred grass was laid with devotion, the ladle filled with ghee, and the hymn well-praised, the dwelling was established on earth, and the sacrifice found its resting place, as the eye finds the sun. The sages implored Agni, the ancient Hotar, to be gracious. Kindled with the gods and all the sacred fires, Agni, son of strength, was asked to bestow wealth and help them cross the multitude of evils. In the midst of the house, upon the sacred grass, Agni, as Hotar, urged heaven and earth toward the sacrifice. This son of strength, true to the cosmic order, spread his light from afar, like the sun with its flames. In him, the all-wise and worshipful one, the gods themselves dwell, as if heaven is present within him. Three-seated, he stretched forth like the sun’s rays, offering oblations and the gifts of men. Agni’s energy was unconquerable, triumphing even over the forest. Unwearied, he shone on the path, perceiving all things swiftly and without deceit. The immortal Fire dwelled even among the plants, unoppressed. The people prayed that Agni, knower of all births, would be praised in their house alone—subduing foes, conquering by his will, and bringing forth the sacrifice like a father with his flames. When Agni’s rays wandered over the earth, all the crafts of men, if not guided by him, became vain. Suddenly, his sharpened stream rushed swifter than all, crossing deserts like a debtor’s pursuer. Thus, Agni, ever-present with all the fires, was kindled for the people, bestowing wealth and driving away misfortune. With his hundredfold aid, the people rejoiced in heroic sons. From Agni, the fortunate, all blessings flowed forth as birds fly from a tree. Wealth and strength came as rain from the heavens, as the flow of waters, aiding in the contest with foes. Like Bhaga, Agni brought treasures, distributing riches with wondrous radiance, and as a guardian, upheld the great order like Mitra, dispensing abundant good. As the true lord, Agni struck down the foe with might, drawing strength even from the stingy. Whomever Agni, born of truth, supported with wealth, prospered together with the offspring of the waters. Those who approached Agni with words, hymns, and offerings found protection and prosperity, becoming lords of wealth and rulers of riches. Agni’s blessings brought glory and heroism. Through his might, cattle and offspring multiplied, and riches flowed to the eager. The people prayed that Agni would never abandon them, but grant them children and wealth. With their hymns, they sought fulfillment, rejoicing in heroic sons. Any mortal who, with prayers and devotion, sought Agni’s favor shone brightly and gained ancient wealth. Agni, wise and skillful, was praised as the Hotar in all sacrifices. Noble riches competed for his help, and by their vows, the devoted overcame the lawless foe. Agni, the conqueror of waters and death, granted a heroic, true lord, before whose might enemies trembled. By his knowledge, Agni repelled hostile forces, securing victory and well-defended wealth for his worshippers. As a friend of Mitra, Agni was asked to speak to the gods on behalf of the people, to win their goodwill from heaven and earth, to bring safety and prosperity, and to help his devotees cross all hatred, distress, and misfortune. The sages praised Agni, the ever-wakeful guest, lord of all peoples, who knew the birth of heaven and was pure, receiving offerings when the foundation was firm. The Bhṛgus had established him, well-kindled like a friend, praised among the forest trees with an upright flame. Day by day, this wondrous one, bringer of offerings, was magnified with praise. Unopposed and strong, Agni surpassed all others in might and nobility. The people sought his protection and wide renown for the offering-bringer, Bharadvāja, among mortals. Agni, the shining guest and lord of light, the Hotar skilled in sacrifice, was praised as a wise and eloquent priest, bringing offerings generously. With radiant light, Agni spread over the earth like the dawn. Advancing tirelessly, he was ever youthful, never failing in his glow, like the sun. With kindling and song, Agni was worshipped as the beloved guest, pure, steadfast before the sacrifice, wise and bountiful, the seer and knower of all births. Agni, the immortal messenger, had been established age after age as the bearer of offerings and the praiseworthy guardian. Gods and mortals, ever watchful, seated him with reverence as the all-pervading lord of peoples. Adorned, Agni traversed the realms as the gods’ messenger, upholding both laws. The people chose his wisdom and goodwill, seeking his threefold protection and grace. With beautiful face and wisdom, Agni was sought as a friend by the knowing. He, who knew all works, declared the offerings to the immortals. Agni protected and cherished the wise, granting them strength and wealth, whether it was the portion or the illumination of the sacrifice. The people prayed that Agni would guard them from the hostile and the reproachful, that his stream would flow with them, and that wealth, abundant and worthy of desire, would come together. As Hotar, lord of the house, and Jātavedas, Agni was the king who knew all births and was most fit for sacrifice among gods and mortals, leading the worshippers with his riches. When Agni, as Hotar, presided over the people’s rite with shining flame, he was the sacrificer, worshipping with truth and greatness, bringing the offerings that were his due. For him, the well-prepared paths of worship were laid out, and earth and heaven placed him for the sacrifice. As the bountiful winner of strength, Agni was beseeched to help the people cross all troubles. Agni, with all the gods of his own kind, was asked to sit first in the wool-lined womb, to lead the sacrifice rich with ghee, as a nest for Savitar, rightly for the sacrificer. Thus, the sages, with devotion and song, honored Agni, the immortal, the wise, the radiant messenger—praying that by his help, all obstacles may be crossed, and all blessings attained.