In a time when warriors gathered on the field and arrows fell thick as children at play, the people called upon Bṛhaspati and Aditi, praying for their steadfast protection in the midst of battle. They girded themselves with armor, shielding their vital parts, and invoked Soma to follow them with kingly ambrosia. They sought Varuṇa’s blessing to broaden their chests with courage, and asked all the gods to grant them victory and take delight in their valor. In their hearts, they wished that any who harbored harm against them—be they friend or stranger—would be struck down by the assembled gods. They made prayer itself their inner armor, trusting in its power to shield them from evil intent. Turning from the field to the sacred hearth, men with bright thoughts and skillful hands generated Agni, the far-seeing, renowned guest and lord of the household, by rubbing together the kindling woods. To this Agni, ever steadfast and worthy, they raised their voices, ever watchful for his help, wherever it might arise. Kindled anew, Agni shone in their dwellings with unfailing radiance, the youngest among the gods, ever drawing near the rewards of sacrifice. From the sacred fires, the strongest and brightest flames leapt up for Agni where noble men were gathered. They entreated Agni to grant them wisdom, wealth, brave sons, prosperity, and enduring strength—gifts that no foe or traveler could surpass. At dawn and dusk, women skilled in ritual approached Agni with offerings of clarified butter, their devotion and longing for wealth drawing them to his presence. The people called on Agni to burn away all hostile forces with his undiminished, ageless heat, to drive out every harm and misfortune. They invited Agni, whose face was bright and pure, to come to them through their hymns, and prayed that he would remain with them always. They remembered how, in many places, mortals—descendants of their ancestors—had divided Agni’s face, and they hoped for his goodwill through these ancient connections. They honored those valiant men, heroes in the slaying of Vṛtra, who supported inspired and praiseworthy thoughts, and prayed that all undivine tricks would be overcome by such heroes. They begged Agni not to let them dwell in want among men, nor to be left without offspring or strength, nor to suffer misfortune among families. They likened Agni to a horse that always comes to the sacrifice, bringing abundance and prosperity, increasing the wealth and kin of the household. They called on him to protect them from the evil-minded, the harmful, the malicious, and the wicked, and to be their ally in battle so they might prevail. They praised Agni as the one who surpasses all other fires, swift as a steed, strong as a son with powerful hands, traversing countless paths. Whenever opposition arose, they trusted that Agni would fall upon their foes and drive away distress, as noble men gathered around him. This Agni, invoked in many places, was the lord and priest at sacrifices, moving among the people, kindled with offerings. To him, they continually offered abundant oblations, asking that their gifts be accepted in the assembly and carried to the gods. They recognized that Agni bore the most widely spread offerings, carrying them ceaselessly to the gods, and prayed that the fragrant blessings of these offerings would return to them. They pleaded with Agni not to drive them away from strength, goodwill, or right-mindedness, nor abandon them to hunger, demons, or lawlessness, whether at home or in the forest. They asked Agni to establish their prayers, for he was generous to those who gave bountifully. They hoped to succeed in both giving and receiving, and sought his protection and well-being always. Agni, radiant and easy to invoke, brought prosperity. The people prayed that the noble hero would always stand by them and never abandon them for another. They asked Agni not to associate them with those who bear ill fortune, but to speak well of them among the gods and the fires, and to shield them from harmful thoughts, even if such thoughts should arise. Those who offered oblations to Agni with reverence and devotion attained wealth among the immortals, receiving the gifts of the gods—gifts sought by wise seekers. Knowing the path to great prosperity, Agni was asked to bring abundant wealth to the noble, so they might rejoice in strength, live long, and be victorious among people. Again, they repeated their prayer: that Agni would establish their prayers, grant them success in giving and receiving, and always protect them with well-being. Each day, they kindled Agni anew, asking him to shine brightly and send forth sacred smoke, his flames touching the heavenly summit and spreading the rays of the sun. They praised the greatness of Narāśaṃsa with offerings, knowing that wise and pure gods delight in all kinds of oblations. They worshipped Agni, the skilled and wise lord, messenger between earth and heaven, truthful in speech. Like Manu before them, they kindled Agni for sacrifice, always striving to fulfill the sacred rite. With reverence, they arranged the sacred grass for Agni, purifying the oblation with clarified butter and their own hands. Those devoted to the gods, skilled in rites, settled in the sacred enclosure, longing for divinity, uniting in the assembly like a child embraced by its mothers. The divine maidens, great as heaven—Ushas and Night—were likened to cows rich in milk, generous ones seated on the sacred grass, invited to bring prosperity through their presence. The inspired ones, worthy priests among human sacrifices, were honored with offerings, and asked to raise the sacrifice upward, granting the desired rewards among the gods. They called upon Bhāratī with the Bhāratīs, Iḻā with gods and men and Agni, Sarasvatī with the Sarasvats, asking these three goddesses to sit upon the sacred grass. They sought the favor of Tvaṣṭar, the nourishing god, for increase and abundance, from whom the heroic, skillful, and eager one is born, ever desiring the gods and ready for action. The Lord of the Forest was asked to send forth the offering to the gods, while Agni, the purifier, distributed the oblation. The true priest, knowing the origins of the gods, was called to perform the sacrifice. Agni was summoned to come near, kindled together with Indra and the swift gods. Aditi, with her good sons, was invited to sit upon the sacred grass, that the immortal gods might rejoice with the offering. Finally, with all the fires united, they made Agni, the god, the most worthy priest and messenger at the sacrifice—a steadfast protector among mortals, radiant and pure, ever nourished with clarified butter. Thus, through devotion, ritual, and prayer, the people sought the blessings of the gods, the protection of Agni, and prosperity for their community, trusting in the sacred order and the power of their offerings.