As the radiant Agni journeys across the earth, his rays seem to wander, touching all that the craftsman fashions—sometimes in vain. Suddenly, his sharpened stream of light rushes forward, swift as the pursuer of a debtor, crossing even the barren desert with unstoppable force. Therefore, O Agni, ever-present with all your fires, we call upon you to be kindled for us. You are the giver of wealth and the dispeller of misfortune. Through your hundredfold assistance, may we rejoice in the company of heroic sons. From you, O fortunate Agni, flow all blessings, just as birds fly from the sheltering tree. Wealth and strength come swiftly in times of conflict, like rain from the heavens or the ceaseless flow of waters. You are like Bhaga, the bestower of treasures, distributing riches with your wondrous radiance and guarding them as a vigilant protector. Like Mitra, you uphold the great order and dispense abundant good. With your true might, you strike down enemies, O Agni, and as a sage, you draw forth strength even from the unwilling. Those whom you support with wealth, O wise one born of truth, thrive along with the offspring of the waters. He whom mortals approach with words, hymns, and sacrifices, seeking your protection, O son of strength, attains prosperity, becomes lord of wealth, and rules over riches. These blessings you grant, O Agni, son of strength, bestowing glory and heroism upon men. By your power, cattle multiply, offspring are given even to the wolf, and riches flow to the eager. We pray to you: do not abandon us. Grant us children and wealth. Let our hymns bring fulfillment, and may we, aided a hundredfold, delight in heroic sons. O Agni, when a devoted mortal seeks your favor with prayers, may he shine brightly and obtain ancient wealth for his aid. You are wise and skillful, O Agni, a seer acclaimed as the Hotar in sacrifice. For your help, noble riches compete, and those who persevere in their vows overcome the lawless foe. You, Agni, conqueror of waters and death, grant a heroic and true lord whose enemies tremble at his might. By your knowledge, you repel hostile forces from mortals, and your well-defended wealth is victorious in contests. O god Agni, friend of Mitra, speak for us to the gods, winning their goodwill from heaven and earth. Bring us safety and prosperous homes, helping us cross over hatred, distress, and misfortune by your aid. Now I praise you, the ever-awake guest of all peoples, O Agni, lord of all, with my song. You know the birth of heaven, you are pure, and you receive the offering when the altar is firm. The Bhṛgus established you, well-kindled like a friend, praised among the forest trees with your upright flame. Day by day, you are magnified with praises as the wondrous one who brings the offering. Unopposed, strong, and noble, you surpass the strength of others, O son of strength. Grant protection and wide renown among mortals to the one who brings offerings, to Bharadvāja. I praise you, Agni, the shining guest, lord of light, the Hotar of men, skilled in sacrifice—wise, eloquent, generous, and ever-bringing offerings. With your radiant glow, you spread over the earth like the dawn. Advancing, you never tire, ever youthful and unfailing in your brilliance, like the sun. With kindling and song, we worship you, beloved guest. With our hymns, we summon the immortal, for among gods, you win the prize and our favor. We praise you, kindled Agni—pure, shining, steadfast before the sacrifice; the wise priest of many gifts, without deceit, the seer we seek for blessings, the knower of all births. You, immortal messenger, have been established age after age as the bearer of offerings and the praiseworthy guardian. Both gods and mortals, ever watchful, seat you with reverence as the all-pervading lord of peoples. Adorned, you follow both laws as the gods’ messenger, traversing all realms. We choose your wisdom and goodwill—may you be our threefold protection and show us grace. You, with the beautiful face, lovely to behold, we seek as a friend; you, who know all works, declare the offering to the immortals. You protect and cherish the wise sacrificer, O Agni. Whether it is the share or the illumination of the rite, you fill him with strength and wealth. Guard us from the hostile, mighty one, protect us from reproach. May your stream flow with us, and may abundant, desirable wealth come together. Agni is the Hotar, lord of the house, the king who knows all births, Jātavedas. He is the most fit for sacrifice among gods and men—may he, rich in offerings, lead the worshippers. When, O Hotar, you preside with shining flame over the people’s rite, you are truly the sacrificer; you worship with truth and greatness. Bring the offerings, youngest one, that are yours today. Let the well-prepared paths be laid out for your worship. May earth and heaven place you for the sacrifice, O bountiful one, winner of strength. Help us cross all troubles by your aid. With all the gods of your kind, Agni, sit first in the wool-lined womb; lead the sacrifice, rich with ghee, as a nest for Savitar, rightly for the sacrificer. This very Agni, like Atharvan, is kindled by the wise; they draw him forth from the black wood with the fire-stick. Be born for the favor of the gods and for complete well-being. Approach the immortal gods, upholders of truth, and touch the sacrifice among them. We have made you, Agni, lord of the house, the great one among men, with our kindling. May our household fires be steadfast—by your sharp energy, guard us completely. You, Agni, are the Hotar of all sacrifices, appointed among all, with the gods and among humankind. With your delightful tongues at the rite, worship with greatness; bring the gods here and honor them. You, wise one, know the paths of the rite and the ways to the gods directly in sacrifice, O thoughtful one. To you I pray, as did Bharata with his steeds, seeking success, worshipping you, worthy of sacrifice, in the rites. You grant many precious gifts to Divodāsa, who pours the Soma, and to Bharadvāja, who serves you. You, immortal messenger, bring the divine folk, listening to the singer’s good praise. You, Agni, are invoked by mortals, self-ruling, for the favor of the gods; in the sacrifices, they worship you as a god.