Brilliant as a cloud and shining white among the tribes, Agni appeared, fierce as a golden chariot rushing into battle. Like an army set in motion, he bore immense strength; his form flashed like a thunderbolt, striking awe in all who beheld him. He was born as Yama, and from him Yama took his origin; he was the beloved of maidens, the lord of women, drawing all hearts to himself. To Agni, the dwelling of wealth, all sought with longing, for his presence shone forth like cows marking the path to brightness. He moved downward like a flowing river, while the cows, beholding his radiant realm, ascended upwards in joy. Born in the woods, Agni was chosen among mortals, and Mitra, his companion, sought to bring forth creation like a victorious king. As a gentle protector, Agni’s resolve was auspicious; he became self-reliant, the priest who received the offerings and bore them to the gods. In his grasp were all powers, and with wisdom he placed the gods in secret seats, hidden from mortal eyes. Here, men discovered wisdom, and with devoted hearts they praised the mantras crafted for Agni. Like one unborn, he upheld the earth and supported the sky with the truth of his mantras. Agni, the eternal, protected the beloved paths of the cattle, concealing them in secret places, keeping them safe. Those who perceived him dwelling in secret, those who sat by the stream of immortality, gained insight. Seekers of truth moved apart, and to them the treasures of Agni were revealed. He divided great abundance among heroes, among offspring and progeny, bestowing prosperity. The wise, possessing all life, fashioned a wondrous abode of the waters, a house built with understanding and care. When Agni heard, he approached the sky with brightness, covering the chariot of the standing one with his rays. Among all, one became the god of gods, embracing the greatness of the deities. From that moment, all accepted Agni’s resolve, when, O god, you were born alive from the dry wood. All shared in the divine nature, seeking truth and attaining immortality by their own paths. Messengers of truth and thoughts of truth, possessing all life, fashioned all the waters at Agni’s command. To whoever serves or learns from him, Agni, the wise, grants wealth and blessing. As the Hotar, seated among the offspring of Manu, Agni is lord of dwellings and riches. Those who desire offspring come together, knowing and wise, not lacking understanding. The sons accept the resolve of the father; eager to hear, they swiftly obey his command. Agni, generous, spreads wide his wealth for the many, and the householder, inspired by him, adorns heaven with supports. Agni shines forth, bright and radiant, like the lover of dawn, reaching out and aligning himself with the light of heaven. Born all around, by his own will, he is both the father and the son of the gods. Wise and unsated, Agni knows all things; he draws forth the sweet udder of the cows, the drink cherished by the fathers. Among people, he is the one to be invoked, delightful and charming, seated at the heart of the home. Like a beloved son, Agni brings joy to the household; like a pleased steed, he carries people across all dangers. When he calls the peoples together, Agni, in his divinity, embraces all. No one violates his laws, for he grants hearing and understanding to men. Such is his power: when harnessed with men, he destroys all obstacles. Like a radiant lover at dawn, Agni reveals his known form to the devotee. By his own strength, he removes what is far, and all the shining ones draw near to him. With ancient wisdom, people seek to attain Agni’s bright flame, which fulfills all desires. Wise, Agni knows the divine laws and the birth of the human race. He is the embryo of waters, of forests, of all that stands and moves. Even within stones, in hidden chambers, he dwells self-sustaining, like the immortal among people. For Agni is the guardian of riches by night, ever worthy of worship, bringing benefit to those who honor him with hymns.