Indra, the mighty one, stood at the center of praise and reverence. Whether sages offered him hymns or withheld them, he was well celebrated, his greatness undiminished by the world’s shifting voices. In the sacred fire, Agni, the people placed their prayers, yearning for his pleasure—not Agni alone, but all the divine fires, those ancient and long-lived, to lift their hymns and grant blessings. Agni, surrounded by the other fires, advanced with vigor. His offspring were strong, and the people gathered around him, bearing gifts and prizes that befitted his might. With the fires, Agni inspired the people toward prayer and sacrifice, urging them to generosity and to give wealth for the sake of the divine. In Soma, the first ones had set the sacred grass, seeking great reward and lasting fame. Soma, the heroic one, inspired mortals to heroism, his fame piercing through the world like an unstoppable stream, like a warrior bearing arrows, impossible to restrain. Born immortal for the sake of mortals, Soma moved according to the eternal law, always bestowing rewards, always sought after. Soma was poured for Indra, who drank deeply of the honeyed juice. By his greatness, Indra stirred the rewards into motion. The singer addressed the lord of steeds, the generous giver, and called all to listen to the praise of the noble horse. None had ever been more heroic—neither in wealth, nor in deeds, nor in bonds—than this friend, unmatched in every way. He was the stream of rivers, the flow of youthful women, the lord of cows, unassailable and nourishing the milch cows. The god, giver of wealth, was invoked to pour forth a full, abundant stream, to fill every vessel, for he had called the people to his bounty. The gods had made Agni, the wise priest of sacrifice, the sacred fire who bestowed treasures and strength upon the devoted worshipper. Most skilled in finding the path, Agni was seen by all, the sacred laws established in him. The people prayed that their songs would reach him, the noble-born one, ever present. Yet, there were those who turned away from Agni, even as they performed their deeds. Like possessors of a thousand treasures, the wise honored Agni with their thoughts. Agni, son of Devodāsa, expanded his might like Indra, spreading across the earth—his mother—and standing beneath the shelter of the sky. Agni purified the lives of his devotees, bringing swift vigor and nourishment, driving away all evil and harm. He was the sage, the purifier, belonging to the five peoples, the household priest whom all sought and praised. Agni was asked to purify himself with wisdom, to grant brilliance and heroic strength, to bestow wealth and a wife. Shining and pure, Agni was called upon with his delightful tongue to lead the gods to the sacrifice, to offer to them on behalf of the people. Anointed with ghee, splendid in light, Agni saw the sun and was invoked to bring the gods for the enjoyment of the worshippers. As the leader of sacrifice, radiant and great at the ritual, Agni was kindled. The people prayed for Agni’s protection with his aids in the contest of Gāyatra, for he was worthy of praise in every assembly. They asked for wealth that conquers in gatherings, unconquered in all battles, and for Agni’s good guidance to bring happiness and nourishment for life. Their thoughts urged Agni forward, swift as a chariot in contest, hoping that with him they might win wealth after wealth. With Agni’s strength and his army, they sought to gather cows and receive gifts. They asked Agni to bring abundant, wide, cattle-rich wealth, to clear the path and sharpen its edge as a smith sharpens a blade. Agni was called to raise the unfading star, the sun, in the sky, to place the light for the people. He was the beacon, most beloved, best seated, ever awake for the hymn, granting strength. Agni was the crown of heaven, the lord of earth, stirring the seeds of the waters. As the master of precious gifts, Agni was prayed to grant the singer lordship under his protection. His pure ones rose up, radiant flames shining forth, his lights blazing. The people wondered at Agni’s kinship among them—seventh, second, half—asking who was the generous sacrificer in whom Agni was established. Agni was kin to humankind, Mitra the beloved friend, praiseworthy among companions. He was asked to offer for the people to Mitra and Varuna, to the gods, to the great truth, and to conduct his own household rite. Worthy of praise, revered, dispeller of darkness, visible and mighty, Agni was kindled. Mighty Agni was kindled, like a horse bearing the gods, praised by those with offerings. The mighty ones kindled Agni, the great one, asking him to shine forth. Lofty flames of the kindled fire rose up; radiant Agni’s shining ones blazed forth, illuminating the world.