In the ancient days, the wise ones, following the path of Atharvan, would kindle Agni, the sacred fire. With reverence, they would draw him forth from the black wood with the fire-stick, stirring him to life as their ancestors had done. They called Agni to be born anew for the favor of the gods and for the complete well-being of all. With this purpose, they urged him to approach the immortal gods, those who uphold truth, and to touch the very heart of the sacrifice among the divine. As Agni arose, the people addressed him as the lord of the house, the great one among men whom they had established through their kindling. They prayed that their household fires might remain firm and enduring, trusting in Agni’s sharp, protective energy to guard them completely. Agni, they knew, was the Hotar—the priest—of all sacrifices, appointed among all beings, both divine and human. With his delightful tongues, he worshipped at the rites, bringing the gods near and honoring them with greatness. For Agni alone knew the direct paths of the rite and the ways to the gods, moving thoughtfully through every sacrifice. Just as Bharata once prayed to Agni, seeking success with his swift steeds, so too did these worshippers honor Agni, worthy of every offering. It was Agni who granted precious gifts to those who poured the Soma, like Divodāsa, and to faithful servers such as Bharadvāja. As the immortal messenger, Agni listened to the singer’s good praise and brought the divine folk to the rite. Mortals invoked him, self-ruling and radiant, seeking his favor for their sacrifices, and worshipped him as a god. His visible form and generous will delighted all the desiring gods, who accepted him with joy. Appointed by Manu himself, Agni was the most skilled Hotar, the fire rich in knowledge, who worshipped the very clans of heaven. The people called him to approach, to sit as Hotar on the sacred grass, and to receive their offerings with praise. They nourished him with kindling and ghee, calling him Angiras, the youngest and brightest one, so that he might shine forth greatly. To Agni, the god who brings wide renown and great strength, they prayed for blessings. They remembered how Atharvan had churned him forth from the lotus, from the head of all creation itself. The sage Dadhyanc, son of Atharvan, had kindled this very Agni—slayer of Vritra, breaker of fortresses. Pathya too had kindled him, making Agni mighty in battle and the winner of wealth. The worshippers called Agni to listen to their varied words, hoping to strengthen him with their offerings. Wherever Agni set his mind and skill, there he established his dwelling. None of his works had ever failed; thus, the people sought to win his favor. Agni came to the Bharatas, wise and many-sided, slayer of Vritra, and true lord of Divodāsa. By his greatness, he surpassed all earthly riches, conquering and remaining unconquered by the new. Though ancient, Agni was ever new, spreading his united splendor and great radiance throughout the world. The people gathered, offering praise and sacrifice to Agni the bold, singing and chanting to the wise one. Through countless human generations, Agni sat as the priest, wise in thought, the messenger and bearer of offerings. He invoked the pure-minded Adityas, the host of Maruts, and both the worlds, calling them to the sacrifice. Agni’s vision was bright, seeking prosperity for mortals, for he was the son of strength and immortality. By Agni’s will, mortals who strove with noble praise could become the best in giving, for he was adorned by the gods themselves. With Agni’s aid, those seeking prosperity crossed all dangers, overcoming enemies and foes. With his sharp flame, Agni drove away all that restrained, winning wealth for his devotees. He brought heroic riches, destroyed the demons, and protected the people from distress and misfortune, as the wise Jātavedas, the knower of prayers. Should any mortal from afar seek to harm, Agni stood as protector, driving away wrongdoers with his powerful tongue. He granted Bharadvāja wide-reaching protection and brought the most excellent wealth. With his insight, Agni struck down foes for the giver of riches, shining brightly when kindled and invoked. In the womb of the mother, as the father’s father, he flashed forth unceasingly, sitting at the very source of truth. Agni, wise among men, blazing in the sky, brought forth prayers rich in offspring. To him, whose form was splendid, full of energy and might, the people sent forth their songs, honoring the ever-luminous, ever-protective flame.