In the heart of the sacred ritual, the wisdom of sacrifice shines forth, yet without Agni, the divine fire, even the immortals find no joy. The priests call upon Agni to come, accompanied by all the gods, and to take his seat as the foremost priest, for only through him does the ritual truly begin. Swift and radiant, Agni receives the prayers of men, entrusted always with the task of messenger. For those whom Agni welcomes to the sacrificial seat, the gods themselves gather, and their days become especially auspicious. Three times each day, the generous seek Agni's treasures, for he dwells within their homes. Like Manu before him, Agni worships the gods, serving as messenger and protector from curses. He is the lord of the great sacrifice, the master of all oblations. The Vasus rejoice in his strength, and thus the gods have established him as the bearer of offerings. Agni is invoked to bring the gods to the sacrifice, with Indra as their chief, so that they may delight in the offerings. The priests ask Agni to place their sacrifice among the gods in heaven and to guard them always with blessings. With reverence, the worshippers approach Agni, the youngest and most brilliant, kindled in his own home. His wondrous radiance shines between heaven and earth, and he is invoked from all sides, facing the devotees. By his greatness, Agni Jātavedas overcomes all difficulties for the household, protecting those who praise him and their generous benefactors from harm and misfortune. Agni is exalted by the Vasiṣṭhas, and in him are found the qualities of Varuṇa and Mitra. The priests pray for abundant wealth and blessings, seeking Agni’s protection always. To Agni, all-purifying, the hymns and prayers are directed. He is the slayer of demons, the leader of thoughts, delighting at the altar as Vaiśvānara. His flames fill heaven and earth as he is born, and his greatness releases the devotees from curses. When Agni was born, he spread through the worlds, moving like a herdsman among cattle, and Vaiśvānara finds a path for prayer, guarding the people with blessings. With offerings and divine invocations, the priests serve Jātavedas, the god who is kindled. They worship Agni with pure, bright flames, reverent and devoted. He is presented as the priest of the ritual, radiant and worthy, with clarified butter and auspicious offerings. Agni is called to come with the gods, accepting their invocation and the Vaṣaṭ cry, so that the devotees may be ever devoted and protected. The oblation is offered to the gracious one seated at the altar, whose presence is nearest and most accessible. Agni, the wise and youthful householder, has settled among the five peoples, subduing them one by one. As the knower, Agni protects the kin from every side, guarding them from harm. A new hymn is fashioned for Agni, the eagle of heaven, in hope that he will grant the wealth desired. His splendid riches are visible, his wealth full of heroes, shining at the forefront of the sacrifice. Agni accepts the Vaṣaṭ offering and the words of the priests, for he is the most fit for sacrifice and the bearer of oblations. Agni is invoked as the lord of the people, radiant and summoned to grant heroic strength. He shines through nights and days, and through him, the people become strong; he is the hero among them. Wise men approach Agni for help with their thoughts, and the thousand-syllabled hymn draws near. Agni drives away demons, immortal and pure, his bright flame radiant and worthy of praise. May he, the lord of strength, bring gifts, and may Bhaga grant what is desirable. Agni bestows heroic fame, and the gods Savitar, Bhaga, and Diti grant all that is wished for. Agni is asked to protect from harm, to oppose the godless who injure, and to burn them with his fiercest, ageless flames. Mighty and unconquered, Agni is the protector in battle, ancient and hundred-handed. He is called to guard the people from harm at both dawn and dusk, swiftly and without fail, day and night. With reverence, Agni is called, the son of strength, beloved and energetic, flawless and immortal, messenger of all. He is yoked with the red ones, all-bountiful, hastening when invoked. The sacrifice is well-praised, the hymn harmonious, and Agni is the giver of riches to people. His flame rises graciously, the red tongues of smoke touching the sky as men kindle Agni together. He is made the messenger, most glorious, to bring delight and grant all mortal enjoyments sought. Agni is the lord of the house, the Hotar at the sacrifice, the carrier, wise and all-choosing, performing worship and bestowing the prize. Agni is asked to grant treasure to the worshipper, for he is indeed the keeper of wealth. Without delay, he inspires all priests and those skilled in the ritual. Those generous lords, dear to Agni when rightly offered, are prayed to be friends, benefactors who give wide pastures to people and cattle. For those who place offerings with hands of ghee in their homes, even at dawn, Agni is asked to protect them from hostile harm and grant long-famed shelter. With his delightful tongue, Agni brings wealth to the generous, granting the offering to the worshipper. Those who give gifts of horses and wealth, desiring great fame, are protected by Agni, the youngest, with a hundred aids and helpers. The god pours out a full stream of riches, and Agni, giver of wealth, attends the devotees, filling up their desires. Thus, in reverence and devotion, the people honor Agni, invoking his blessings, protection, and gifts, knowing that through him, the gods are pleased, and the sacrifices rise to heaven.