All the gods, eager and full of longing, gladly embrace Agni’s visible form and his divine will. He is the Hotar, appointed by Manu himself, the fire most skilled in knowledge, called to worship the heavenly clans. Agni is invited to come for favor, praised and revered, to receive the offering, and to sit as Hotar upon the sacred grass. Nourished with kindlings and ghee, Agni—descendant of Angiras and the youngest among the gods—shines forth with great brilliance. He brings wide renown and great strength to his devotees. Atharvan churned Agni forth from the lotus, from the very head of all creation, and the sage Dadhyanc, son of Atharvan, kindled him—the slayer of Vritra and breaker of fortresses. Pathya, too, kindled Agni, who is mighty in slaying foes and winning wealth in battle. Agni is called to come and listen to these varied words, to be strengthened by the offerings given. Wherever his mind and highest skill are set, there he establishes his dwelling. None of Agni’s works have failed; thus, his favor is sought and hoped for. Agni, slayer of Vritra and wise in many ways, has come to the Bharatas, the true lord of Divodasa. By his greatness, he surpasses all earthly riches, conquering and remaining unconquered by the new. Though ancient, Agni is ever new, spreading united splendor and radiant light. Friends are urged to offer praise and sacrifice to Agni the bold, to sing and chant to the wise one. Through countless human generations, Agni sits as priest, wise in thought, messenger and bearer of offerings. He is called to invoke the pure-minded Adityas, the host of Maruts, and the two worlds. Agni’s vision is bright, seeking prosperity for mortals, for he is the son of strength and immortality. By his will, may mortals striving with noble praise become the best in giving, for Agni is adorned by the gods. With Agni’s aid, those seeking prosperity cross all dangers, overcoming enemies and foes. With his sharp flame, Agni is called to drive away all that restrains and to win wealth for his devotees. He is asked to bring heroic wealth, to destroy the demons, and to protect from distress and misfortune, for he is Jatavedas, wise among people and knower of prayers. Agni is invoked to guard against those who seek harm from afar, to drive away wrongdoers with his tongue, and to grant wide-reaching protection and excellent wealth to Bharadvāja. Agni’s insight strikes down foes for the giver of riches, shining brightly when kindled and invoked. In the womb of the mother, the father’s father, Agni flashes forth unceasingly, sitting at the source of truth. He is called to bring forth prayer rich in offspring, blazing in the sky, wise among men. Songs are sent forth to Agni, whose form is splendid, full of energy and might. Devotees have come to his shelter, as to the shade of the sun, seeking refuge in his golden presence. Agni, fierce as a warrior and sharp-horned as a bull, shatters strongholds. Though born, he is not carried in hands like a child, but stands righteous among the clans. Agni is called to bring forth the god for the favor of the gods, the bestower of wealth, and to sit in his own seat. As a gentle householder, the newborn Jatavedas is welcomed as a dear guest. Agni is asked to yoke his noble horses, swift carriers of the offering, and to bring the offerings to the gods for the drinking of Soma. He is urged to rise up, shining for the Bhāratas with unfailing, flashing light, blazing forth as the undecaying one. Whoever among mortals, with offering, worships Agni at the sacrifice, invoking the true-sacrificing Hotar of earth and heaven with upraised hands and reverence, is remembered. To Agni, hymns and offerings fashioned in the heart are brought, and his strong bulls—his guardians—are prayed to be favorable. Thus, the story of Agni unfolds: the radiant, wise, and mighty fire, honored and invoked by gods and mortals alike, ever the bearer of offerings, the protector, and the source of strength, prosperity, and truth.