With reverent preparation and heartfelt song, the worshippers kindle Agni, the pure and radiant flame who stands steadfast before the sacrifice. He is the wise priest, the seer of many gifts and no deceit, the knower of all births, whom they seek with blessings. Agni, the immortal messenger, has been established age after age as the bearer of offerings, the praiseworthy guardian. Both gods and mortals, ever watchful and respectful, have seated him as the all-pervading lord of peoples. Adorned in splendor, Agni follows both laws as the messenger of the gods, traversing the realms. The worshippers choose his wisdom and goodwill, praying for his threefold protection and graciousness. With his beautiful face, lovely to behold and wise, they seek him as a friend, knowing all works and trusting him to declare the offerings to the immortals. Agni protects and cherishes those who bring him wisdom, filling them with strength and wealth, whether it be the portion or the illumination of the sacrifice. He guards against the hostile one, shields from reproach, and his stream flows with the worshippers, bringing together abundant wealth worthy of desire. As Hotar, Agni is the lord of the house, the king who knows all births, Jātavedas. Among gods and mortals, he is most fit for sacrifice, rich in offerings, leading the worshippers. When Agni presides over the people’s rite with shining flame, he himself becomes the sacrificer, worshipping with truth and greatness, bringing the offerings that are his. For Agni’s worship, well-prepared paths are laid out, and earth and heaven place him for the sacrifice. He is bountiful, a winner of strength, and with his help, the worshippers cross all troubles. Agni, with all the gods of his kind, sits first in the wool-lined womb, leading the sacrifice rich with ghee, as a nest for Savitar, rightly for the sacrificer. Just as Atharvan and the wise ones have kindled Agni, bringing him forth from the black wood with the fire-stick, he is born for the favor of the gods and complete well-being. He approaches the immortal gods, upholders of truth, touching the sacrifice among them. The worshippers, making Agni the great one among men with kindling, pray for their household fires to be firm, and for Agni’s sharp energy to guard them completely. Agni is the Hotar of all sacrifices, appointed among all, with the gods and among the human race. With his delightful tongues at the rite, he worships with greatness, bringing the gods and honoring them. He knows the paths of the rite and the ways to the gods directly, thoughtful in the sacrifices. The worshippers pray to Agni as Bharata did, seeking success, honoring him in the rites. Agni grants many precious things to Divodāsa, who pours the Soma, and to Bharadvāja, who serves. As immortal messenger, Agni brings the divine folk, listening to the singer’s good praise. Mortals invoke him, self-ruling, for the favor of the gods, worshipping him as a god in their sacrifices. His visible form and will are joyfully accepted by all the desiring gods. Appointed by Manu, Agni is the fire most skilled in knowledge, worshipping the clans of heaven. He comes for favor, praised and ready to receive the offering, sitting as Hotar on the sacred grass. Nourished with kindlings and ghee, Agni shines forth greatly as the youngest one. Agni brings wide renown and great strength to the worshippers. Atharvan churned Agni forth from the lotus, from the head of all creation. The sage Dadhyanc, son of Atharvan, kindled him—slayer of Vritra, breaker of fortresses. Pathya, too, kindled Agni, most mighty in slaying foes and winning wealth in battle. The worshippers call Agni, offering him varied words and strengthening him with offerings. Wherever his mind and highest skill are set, there he establishes his dwelling. None of his works fail, and the worshippers seek his favor. Agni has come, Bharata, slayer of Vritra, wise in many ways, true lord of Divodāsa. By his greatness, he surpasses all earthly riches, conquering and unconquered by the new. Ancient yet ever new, Agni spreads forth with united splendor and great radiance. Friends, offer praise and sacrifice to Agni the bold; sing and chant to the wise one. Through human generations, Agni sits as priest, wise in thought, messenger and bearer of offerings. He invokes the pure-minded Adityas and the host of Maruts, calling forth the two worlds. Agni’s vision is bright, seeking prosperity for mortals, son of strength and immortality. By his will, the mortal who strives with noble praise becomes best in giving, adorned by the gods. With Agni’s aid, those seeking prosperity cross all dangers, overcoming enemies and foes.