Swift as a racehorse unleashed at the starting line, and unrestrained like a river in full spate, Agni surges forth—none can surpass his vigor. He is kin to the rivers, a brother to his sister streams, yet stands as a king who draws from both earth and sky, consuming the forests in his path. When the wind stirs him, he scatters the woods, and Agni, in his fiery form, devours even the hairs of the earth. He breathes upon the waters, resting like a swan, and by his will, he moves swiftly among the peoples, radiant and shining. Wise as Soma, born of truth, Agni is all-pervading, far-reaching like a calf searching for its mother. He is splendid as wealth, all-seeing as the sun, eternal as the sky, and ever-living, like a cherished son. With the energy of a swift horse, he exerts himself; pure and radiant as a cow, he pours forth nourishment for all beings. He upholds safety, bringing delight like a singer’s song, and, like ripe barley, he conquers peoples with his abundance. Among the tribes, Agni is praised as a sage, victorious like a champion steed, bringing forth vigor and strength. His flame shines over great distances, unwavering in resolve; like a mother, he opens the womb for all creation. Brilliant as a white cloud among the people, fierce as a golden chariot in battle, he moves with the power of an army, flashing like a thunderbolt. Agni is born as Yama and is the very origin of Yama, beloved of maidens and lord of women. People seek Agni as the dwelling place of wealth, and like cows, they mark his shining presence. Flowing downward like a river, he moves with purpose, while the cows ascend, beholding his radiant realm. Born in the woods, chosen among mortals, Mitra seeks creation as a king seeks victory. As a gentle protector, Agni’s resolve is auspicious; self-reliant, he becomes the priest who brings offerings. Holding all powers in his hand, he places the gods in their secret seats. Here, men discover wisdom and, with their hearts, praise the crafted mantras. Like one unborn, Agni upheld the earth and supported the sky with true mantras. He protects the beloved paths of the cattle and, eternal, hides the cows in secret. Whoever perceives him dwelling in secrecy, who approaches the stream of immortality, finds the treasures revealed. Those who seek truth speak forth riches to him. Agni divides abundance among heroes and distributes it among offspring and progeny. The wise, possessing all life, have fashioned a wondrous abode of the waters, like a house, with understanding. Hearing the call, Agni approached the sky with brightness, covering the chariot of the standing one with his rays. Among the gods, one arose as the god of all, encompassing their greatness. From that moment, all accepted his resolve, when he was born alive from the dry fuel. All share in the divine nature, seeking truth and attaining immortality by their own paths. Messengers of truth, inspired by truth, possessing all life, they have fashioned all the waters. To whomever serves Agni, or to whom he teaches, he grants wealth, O wise one. Seated as the Hotar among the offspring of Manu, he is the lord of dwellings and riches. Desiring progeny, beings come together, knowing their own powers, lacking nothing in wisdom. Sons accept the resolve of their father, eager to listen and swiftly obeying his command. Generous, Agni spreads wealth before the many; the householder adorns the heavens with supports. Bright and shining, Agni appears like the lover of dawn, reaching forth, aligned with the light of heaven. Born everywhere by his own will, he is both father and son of the gods. The wise, ever-hungry Agni, knowing all, draws forth the udder of the cows, the sweet drink of the fathers. Among people, he is to be invoked, delightful, seated in their midst, charming in the house. Like a son born, bringing joy to the household, like a pleased steed, he carries the people across, guiding them with his radiance and strength.