In the sacred times, Agni, the divine fire, arose as the mighty protector of the people. With his blazing strength, he drove away those with weak resolve, the boastful, those whose words were harsh, the faithless, and the unprosperous—those who did not honor the sacrifice. The Dasyus, both those of old and those of later times who refused to offer, were expelled by Agni’s power. Agni, the lord and hero, turned those who rejoiced in darkness toward the east, using his wondrous abilities. He stood as the ruler of wealth, undefeated in battle, and the tamer of adversaries. With his might, he forced enemies from their homes, and made the wives of the Arya shine like the dawn, radiant and honored. The young, powerful Agni restrained those who were hostile, strengthening the clans with his energy. All peoples sought refuge in Agni’s protection, longing for his favor. Vaiśvānara, Agni, the best among both worlds, sat in the lap of his parents, revered and cherished. This god, Vaiśvānara, bestowed treasures from the depths, rising with the sun. Agni granted gifts from the ocean, from the farthest reaches, from below and above, from heaven and earth. The sages called upon Agni, the god of strength, swift as a noble horse, with reverence and devotion. They asked him to be their messenger, knowing the sacrifice, understanding the ways of the gods, wise and true to purpose. They invited Agni to come along the proper paths, delighting in the fellowship of the gods, gladly accepting their friendship. With his powers, Agni resounded upon the earth’s summit, shaking all plants and beings with his blows. The sacrifice faced east; the sacred grass was prepared. Agni, invoked, was pleased like a Hotar. The all-encompassing Mothers were called upon, and Agni, the youngest, was born as the most auspicious. At the ritual, wise men immediately established the discerning charioteer among them. Agni, lord of the people, took his place in the house, sweet-tongued, speaking truth, and upholding order. The chosen fire took its seat, Agni arrived as the priest and supporter in the assembly of men. Heaven and earth strengthened him, and the Hotar worshipped him, the all-encompassing one. Those who fashioned noble hymns, men of skill and splendor, surpassed all peoples, kindling for the sage the flame of truth. Now, the Vasiṣṭhas invoked Agni, lord of strength and son of power, among the treasures. They prayed for unfailing sustenance for the praisers and the generous, asking Agni to always protect them with blessings. Agni, the king, peerless and radiant, was kindled with reverence, his face invoked with ghee. Men worshipped him with offerings; he shone at the fore with the dawns, brilliant and resplendent. Recognized as the Hotar, Agni was delightful and strong among men. Spreading light, he moved across the earth, adorned with black-tipped plants. The sages asked Agni by what means he would grant them abundant and excellent praise, fulfilling their desires. They wondered when they would become lords of good counsel, winners of wealth, and overcome the difficult path. The fame of Agni of the Bharatas was heard, shining like the sun. He stood by Pūru in battles, blazing as the divine guest. Agni received many offerings at the invocation, with all his gracious forms. Even when praised, he heard the hymns, increasing himself by his own power. The word for Agni was composed a hundredfold, a thousandfold, for the two-barhish one. The hymn brought joy to the praisers, full of splendor, dispelling want, and destroying harm. Again, the Vasiṣṭhas invoked Agni, lord of strength and son of power, among treasures, praying for unfailing sustenance and protection. Agni, the lover, awakened at the lap of the dawns, the Hotar, delightful, wise, and pure. He set the sign for both kinds of beings, bearing offerings to the gods and wealth to the doers of good. The wise Agni broke through the fortresses of the niggards, purified the hymn, and brought much food. The Hotar, lord of the people, dispelled darkness, appearing among the shining ones. Unfailing, the sage Aditi, radiant and auspicious, shone at the fore of the dawns; the embryo of waters entered the expanse. Worthy of worship, Jātavedas shone with beautiful light; at his kindling, the cows awakened. Agni was called for the mission, to approach the gods with the company of those who performed hymns, to worship Sarasvatī, the Maruts, the Aśvins, the waters, and all the gods for the bestowal of treasures. Vasiṣṭha, having kindled Agni, sought protection and prosperity; Jātavedas grew strong with many offerings. The blessings of the gods were always sought. Dawn shone forth with broad strength, resplendent, flashing, brilliant, and glowing. The golden, pure one stirred the awakened and urged thoughts onward. Dawn made the shining realm visible; those awakened performed sacrifice, offering their thoughts like priests. Agni, knowing all births, came with knowledge, eager for the gods, most skilled among the divine. Hymns and thoughts devoted to the gods went to Agni, seeking wealth. He was well-seen, beautiful, gracious, the bearer of offerings, the delight of humankind. Agni was asked to bring Indra with the Vasus, Rudra with the Rudras, Aditi with the Ādityas, and Bṛhaspati with the singers, the all-encompassing. The awakened praised Agni, the most youthful, as the gracious priest at sacrifices. He became the protector of nights and treasures, tireless messenger, most fit to worship the gods. Great was the wisdom of the sacrifice; without Agni, the immortals did not rejoice. The sages asked Agni to come with all the gods together, as the first priest, to take his seat. To the swift one, men offered prayers for his messenger’s task, always with offerings. For those whose sacrifices Agni attended, the days became most auspicious. Three times in a day, treasures were sought from Agni, who dwelled within, for the generous mortal. Like Manu, Agni worshipped the gods, acting as messenger and protector from curses. Agni was lord of the great sacrifice, lord of all offered oblations. The Vasus delighted in his power, and thus the gods established him as the bearer of offerings. Agni was asked to bring the gods for the offering, with Indra as chief, so they may rejoice. The sacrifice was placed among the gods in heaven, and blessings were always sought. With great reverence, the youngest, Agni, was kindled in his own home, shining brightly between heaven and earth, invoked from all sides, facing the people. By his greatness, Agni, Jātavedas, overcame all difficulties for the household, protecting from harm and misfortune those who praised him and their generous ones. Agni was Varuṇa and Mitra; the Vasiṣṭhas exalted him with their thoughts, praying for abundant wealth and blessings. To Agni, all-purifying, the hymn and prayer were offered, to the slayer of demons, the leader of thoughts, Vaiśvānara. Agni, shining with his flame, filled heaven and earth as he was born. Vaiśvānara, Jātavedas, released the people from curses by his greatness. Thus, the story of Agni unfolds—protector, purifier, messenger, and giver of blessings—ever invoked and praised by the wise, ever shining at the heart of the sacrifice, ever the light between heaven and earth.