In the sacred ritual, Agni is called forth with reverence. The fires are summoned, and Agni is chosen as the Hotar, the priest who presides over the offering. The prepared, offering-bearing one invites Agni to come and sit upon the sacred grass, for he is most fit for sacrifice. To Agni, the son of strength and descendant of Angiras, the ladles move at the ritual, bearing ghee to his flame-bright hair. He is ancient among sacrifices, and the worshippers seek his favor. Songs are directed to him, radiant and beautiful, and the sacrifices, conducted with reverence, are offered to the much-praised, much-glorious one for his aid. Agni, son of strength and knower of all births, is invoked for the granting of treasures. Among mortals, he alone is the immortal Hotar, most delightful and distinguished. Unassailable and a leader of peoples, Agni’s swift chariot is ever new. With his shining flame, the worshipper reaches the dwelling, and the mortal attains home through the pure-shining Agni. Agni is tireless, calling all rivals and fulfilling the will of the gods. He is most renowned, and when invoked, may he be auspicious for us: auspicious in his gifts, auspicious in sacrifice, and auspicious in praise. May he make our minds favorable for overcoming obstacles, as he prevails in battles, and may he strengthen our bodies so we may win much for his favor. Agni, lord of strength, abounding in cattle, power, and might, is asked to grant great renown. When he is kindled, rich in goods, Agni shines forth for us, worthy of praise and song, a leader granting wealth. As king, by his nature, by night and day, and through the dawns, Agni is called upon to burn away the demons with his sharp jaws. In every house, Agni is exalted as a guest, beloved by many. His ancient word is praised with hymns of strength. The people, offering oblations, praise him as a friend with clarified butter. Wise and knower of all births, Agni surpasses the gods, bearing the offerings upward to heaven. Kindled with fuel and song, Agni is praised: pure, shining, foremost at sacrifice, steadfast sage, Hotar of many boons, sinless poet, sought with blessings. As immortal messenger, Agni is established in every age as the carrier of offerings, guardian, and one worthy of praise. Both gods and mortals, vigilant and mighty, lord of the clans, approach him with reverence. Adorned, Agni follows both sets of laws, traversing realms as messenger of the gods. His wisdom and favor are sought; he is asked to be gracious and a threefold protector. To him, wives send their songs, directed as offerings are placed in the domain of Vayu. Upon Agni’s triple-covered sacred grass, steadfast and joined, even the waters set their step. The step of the generous god is auspicious, unconquered, like the gaze of the sun. The seventh and third part are sung to Indra with ancient praises. The skillful ones, harmonious, the Rudras, celebrate the ancient one. Indra has grown in strength and power through the exhilaration of the pressed Soma; today, the mighty ones praise his greatness as in former times. The singers, skilled in hymns and guidance, praise Indra and Agni, seeking their favor and wealth. Together, Indra and Agni have shaken ninety fortresses of the Dasa women with a single deed. The prayers approach them, following the paths of truth. Their mighty powers, abodes, and beneficial actions are unfailing. Indra, master of power, is asked to grant fortune with unconquered approaches. For him, renowned and knowing wealth, the worshippers strive, calling him hero. Many are the gifts of horses and cattle, golden-sourced god; may he not withhold giving, but grant whatever is sought. Indra is urged to come to the one who desires, granting fortune and wealth, raising up sweetness for the seeking of cattle and horses. He has thousands and hundreds of herds for giving and greatness. Purandara, Indra, is made renowned through songs for help. He who gives all wealth, the delightful priest among people, receives the first vessels of honey; let the praises reach Agni. Like a horse with words, the generous ones, skilled in chariots, are praised; in offspring and descendants, the wondrous lord of clans grants the wealth of the generous. Varuna is invoked: “Hear my invocation, Varuna, and today show mercy; I have turned to you for help.” Varuna is asked, “With what help, mighty one, do you not grow weary? With what support do you bring gifts to your worshippers?” To Indra, offerings are brought; at the sacrifice, priests call to him; for the gaining of wealth, Indra, bestower of riches, is invoked. By his greatness, Indra has spread out heaven and earth; by his might, he made the sun shine. In Indra, all beings are contained; in Indra, the pressed Soma flows. The all-creating one grows through the offering, worshiping himself with his own form, for his power is true. Let others be confused all around; may the generous lord be wise for us. Purifying himself with shining golden hue, he overcomes all hatreds with his team; like the sun with his team, the stream on his back shines forth, the purifying ruddy one. When he moves in all forms with the hymns, with his seven mouths, he is praised. The wise one protects according to the eastern direction; with his rays, the chariot of the seer strives forth, divine and visible. The hymns come, heroic Indra, to gladden you for victory. When you become the unbroken thunderbolt in battles, you remain unbroken. Thus, through these sacred hymns and invocations, the worshippers praise Agni, Indra, and Varuna, seeking blessings, strength, wealth, and protection, exalting the divine powers that sustain the universe and guide the paths of truth.