Agni, the radiant flame, stands as the crown of heaven and the sovereign of earth, stirring the seeds hidden within the waters. He is the master of all precious gifts, and so the devoted singer seeks his protection, yearning to become lordly under Agni’s guardianship. When invoked, Agni’s pure ones rise up, his radiant flames shining forth and his lights blazing brilliantly. Yet, questions arise about his kinship among people: whether he is seventh, second, or halfway between. Who is the generous sacrificer in whom Agni is established? The answer comes: Agni is the very kin of humankind, a beloved friend like Mitra, praiseworthy among companions. Agni is entreated to offer on behalf of the people to Mitra and Varuna, to the assembly of gods, and to the great truth itself, conducting his own household rite with care. Worthy of praise and reverence, Agni dispels darkness and is visible to all when kindled, mighty in his presence. Like a swift horse bearing the gods, the mighty Agni is kindled by those who bring offerings and praise him. The mighty kindle him with mighty ones, asking him to shine forth as the great one. His lofty flames rise up, and radiant ones shine forth in his light. The worshippers approach him with ladles of clarified butter, inviting him to delight in their offerings. Agni is praised as the gracious priest, the timely officiant whose brilliant radiance shines forth; may he hear the hymns of his devotees. He is asked to guard them with one, with a second, with three songs, and with four, as the lord of nourishment and gracious protector. Agni is called upon to guard from all harm and evil, to grant success in contests, and to bring increase, for he is nearest to the gods. When the kingly flame is kindled, fierce and skillful, it appears splendid and wise, shining with great light, purifying the darkness. By his very form, Agni envelops the dark one, generating the dawn from the great father, upholding the sun’s radiance, and shining forth with the gifts of heaven. The good one joins with the good; the lover approaches his sister from behind; Agni stands upright with clear signs and bright colors, settling in delight. The worshippers ask by what praise they may honor Agni Angiras, child of strength, to win his favor. They wonder for whom and with what intent they should serve the sacrifice, the might, and the strength, and to whom they should speak their reverence. Agni, with his songs, makes prosperous dwellings for his devotees, bestowing strength and riches. He is called to come forth with his fires, chosen as Hotar, the priest; the offering-bearer calls him to sit on the sacred grass, most fit for sacrifice. At the ritual, ladles move towards Agni, son of strength, Angiras, whose hair gleams with ghee. The worshippers seek the ancient one in sacrifice, sending their songs to the radiant, most beautiful one, and their offerings to the much-praised, much-glorious Agni for aid. Agni, son of strength, knower of all births, is invoked for the giving of treasures. He alone among mortals is the immortal Hotar, most delightful and distinguished. Unassailable, Agni leads peoples and men, swift as a chariot, ever new. With his shining flame, the worshipper, by Agni’s conveyance, reaches the dwelling; the mortal attains home, guided by the pure-shining one. Agni, who calls all rivals and fulfills the will of the gods, is unwearied and most renowned. When invoked, may Agni be auspicious for his devotees, may his gift be auspicious, the sacrifice auspicious, and the praises, too, auspicious. He is asked to make their minds auspicious for overcoming obstacles, as he prevails in battles, to strengthen their bodies, and to grant them many victories by his favor. Agni, lord of strength, abounding in cattle, power, and might, is beseeched to grant great renown. When kindled, Agni, rich in goods and worthy of praise, is asked to shine forth as a leader with wealth. O king Agni, by your nature—by night, by day, and by the dawns—burn away the demons with your sharp jaws. In every house, as the honored guest beloved by many, Agni is praised for his ancient word with hymns of strength. The people, offering oblations, praise him as a friend with clarified butter. Agni, the wise knower of all births, surpassing even the gods, bore the offerings upward to heaven. The kindled Agni, pure and shining, is foremost at sacrifice—the steadfast sage, Hotar of many boons, sinless poet, sought with blessings as the knower of all births. Agni, immortal messenger, has been established in every age as the carrier of offerings, the guardian, and the one worthy of praise. Both gods and mortals, vigilant and mighty, lord of the clans, have approached him with reverence. Adorned, Agni follows both sets of laws; as messenger of the gods, he traverses all realms. His wisdom and favor are sought, and he is entreated to be a gracious, threefold protector. To him, the wives send their songs, directed as offerings into the domain of Vayu. Upon his triple-covered sacred grass, steadfast and joined, even the waters have set their step, affirming Agni’s place as the heart of sacrifice and the bridge between earth, heaven, and all the divine.