In the beginning, when the great Father desired the ascent of sap to the heavens, the swift and wise Pṛśanya released a radiant light for him. The god, in his divine wisdom, placed this brilliance within his own daughter, bestowing upon her a luminous splendor. In the house where he shines, Agni is ever-present, accepting homage from all—whether they are worshippers or not. To those who honor him and bring forth offerings, Agni increases their strength, guiding the chariot of wealth with a steady hand and granting double shelter to the devoted. All the clans, just as seven mighty rivers flow toward the ocean, seek after Agni. Amidst their kin, their vigor remains undiminished, for Agni, ever-knowing, discovers wisdom among the gods. When Agni desired the lord of men, he brought forth pure seed, sprinkling it in the lap of heaven. From this act, he generated and quickened a flawless, youthful, and self-born host. Swift as thought, Agni moves alone on his paths, mastering wealth with ease. The kings Mitra and Varuṇa, with their beautiful hands, protect this beloved, immortal one among the cows. Agni is entreated not to let the ancient friendships of the fathers be lost. As the knower, he is asked never to overlook his people. Just as old age does not diminish the vastness of the sky, so too should Agni protect his devotees from ancient curses. The wise one’s eternal works are established, holding many noble gifts in his grasp. Agni, lord of riches, creates all immortal things together, establishing himself as the source of abundance. The immortal, unaging ones, filled with desire, searched but could not find the calf who circles among them. Weary from their quest, they stood at Agni’s highest step, bearing insight and seeking the hidden paths. For three autumns, the pure ones worshipped Agni with ghee, and by their devotion, they took on worthy names and their noble forms were quickened. The Rudriyas, vast and wise, took up the sacrifice, spreading it to heaven and earth. Through effort, mortals found Agni standing at the highest step, gaining wisdom. Recognizing the divine, they sat together with their wives, worshipping the worshipful one. Desiring to increase, they embraced their own forms, and as friends, they watched over their friend, keeping a vigilant eye that never blinks. When the worshipful ones discovered the three times seven hidden steps within Agni, they united to guard the immortal, protecting cattle, both those that stand and those that move, as well as the chariot. Agni, knowing the paths of all peoples, distributes the portions of life with discernment. Tireless and wise, he becomes the messenger and carrier of offerings, leading the way. From heaven, the self-born seven mighty rivers, knowing the paths of wealth, have come forth. Sarama, the seeker, found the tightly guarded cattle, and through this, the human settler now enjoys his share of abundance. Those who established all lordships and made the path to immortality stood firm. By their greatness, the earth was extended, and Aditi, the nurturing mother, was established with her sons. The immortals placed lovely splendor upon humanity when they created the days in heaven; then the released rivers flowed forth, and the red ones were born downward, shining with Agni’s light. He who possesses wealth as an heir, who grants strength and wise guidance, who is gracious as a friendly guest and a priest, leads the householder safely across all challenges. Like Savitar, with true thought and will, Agni brings forth all peoples, praised by many for his wisdom and benevolence. Like a god, he upholds the earth in all its forms; like a king and true friend, he protects; like heroes in the forefront, he dwells in shelter; like a cherished, blameless wife, he is beloved. To Agni, people come constantly in their homes, ever kindling his flame in enduring abodes. Upon him they place their glory, for he is the universal support, the foundation of all riches. The generous spread out their gifts, the wise distribute the portions of life, and all seek strength in the assembly, bestowing their share among the gods for renown. The cows of truth, eager and full-uddered, nourish the people, sharing the day and breaking through obstacles as rivers break through rock. Those who seek Agni’s favor place their fame in heaven. Night and dawn, distinct in form, create the black and the red, blending their colors together. Those mortals whom Agni enriches are blessed among the generous; may we be counted among them. Like a shadow, Agni protects the world, upholding earth, heaven, and the midspace. With horses may we conquer horses, with men may we conquer men, with heroes may we conquer heroes—always with Agni’s help. May we, inheritors of ancestral wealth, swiftly win riches, and may the wise win a hundredfold. These praises, Agni, are offered to you; may they please your mind and heart. Bearing your divine fame, may we attain enduring wealth, favored by the gods. As people approach the sacrifice, they speak their chants to Agni, who hears from afar and responds for their benefit. Ancient among companions, Agni has come among peoples, protecting the life of the worshipper. All beings declare: Agni, the slayer of Vṛtra, is born, the winner of wealth in battle after battle. For those whom Agni is the messenger in the dwelling, he brings offerings for prosperity and ensures the sacrifice is complete. Easy to invoke, Agni is called the good god by the Angiras, the mighty one of strength, the one with beautiful seats. He brings the gods for praise, carrying offerings for prosperity. When Agni goes as messenger, no obstacle of horse or chariot impedes him. By his power, the swift horse surpasses the former, and the worshipper stands forth. Agni bestows bright, great heroism on the devotee, a gift from the gods. Accept, O Agni, the most widespread praise, for you are most worthy of the waters, seated and receiving offerings with the ladle. Therefore, Agni, most inspired among the Angirases, most skillful, we declare our cherished hymn to you, for you are our strength. Who among men is your closest companion, Agni? Who is the most generous at sacrifice, in whom you abide? You are the close companion of men, Agni, the beloved friend, the praiseworthy ally among friends. Offer for us to Mitra and Varuṇa, offer to the gods the great and true order; Agni, offer in your own house. Thus, through these hymns and praises, Agni is honored—the radiant one who unites heaven and earth, who bestows wealth and protection, who is the friend and guide of all beings, and who carries the offerings of humankind to the immortal gods.