Agni, the mighty fire, advances with his great banner unfurled, roaring like a powerful bull between earth and sky, his presence felt from the very ends of heaven. Rising like a buffalo in the lap of the waters, he emerges, majestic and unstoppable. Men, with shining rays and reverent hearts, generate Agni. He is praised and invoked, dropped from the hand of the radiant one, the far-seeing house-lord, ever to be called upon. When awakened among people through the ritual kindling, Agni spreads the dawn as a cow lets down her udder, nourishing the world. His rays, like strong youths leaping up, stretch toward the sky, heralding the coming of light. Agni, the mighty one, brings forth abundant radiance, leading both the wise and the unwise, guiding the ancient order of the world’s city. With songs, people seek his inspired thought—the golden-bearded one whose armor shines with brilliance. His brightness and his holiness are each distinct, like day and night, for Agni is of two forms. All his powers are wondrous to behold. May his favor, like the bounty of Pūṣan, be with us here. O Agni, who ever brings wealth, grant us the richest share of the cow to those who call upon you. May our sons and descendants be victorious, and may your good will abide with us always. The great priest is born, aware of the sky, seated among men, turning the waters, holding the offerings, and bringing the gifts. He is the protector of the body, the guide to wealth. Let the king, the lord, the renowned one—like Indra, mighty in deeds—come forth among people, approached with praise, to grant us his favor. Hidden in the forests, Jātavedas is kindled, like an embryo well-nourished by mothers. Day by day, the wakeful and those who offer oblations praise Agni among men. From ancient times, Agni has destroyed sorcerers; no demon has bested him in battle. He burns up the malicious and the devourers, his divine weapon never missing its mark. Agni, grant us the greatest, undiminished strength; lead us on the path to wealth, and show us the way to victory. Whenever a hero is born, let mortals kindle Agni, offering the human oblation and partaking of divine protection. Your smoke, fierce one, rises to the sky; your bright flame spreads out like the sun in its full splendor. You, O purifier, shine with radiant glory. You possess lordly fame, Agni; like Mitra, you are a master. You grant glory to men and foster prosperity as nourishment. Let Agni, beloved by many, be praised in the morning as a cherished guest, the immortal one in whom all mortals place their offerings. Whatever is most excellent, let it be offered to Agni with great praise, for from him, like a mighty cow, arise riches and strength. From house to house, people praise Agni, the beloved guest, with hymns of longing, honoring his power. To the great, shining Agni, the gods themselves have given praise; like Mitra, mortals have placed him at the forefront for renown. We come to Agni, slayer of Vṛtra, eldest and wise, famed for his gifts, kindled with a great and shining face. Born by the supreme law, Agni has become strong with the mighty; he is the father of Kaśyapa, with faith as his mother and Manu the sage. We invoke Soma the king, Varuṇa, Agni, Āditya, Viṣṇu, Sūrya, Brahmā, and Bṛhaspati. From here, these deities ascend, rising to the heights of heaven, advancing victoriously as the Angirases once journeyed along the path of light. For wealth and greatness, we kindle Agni, for he is truly to be praised; heaven and earth themselves serve as his priests. Whatever the wise one has declared as Brahman here encircles all works of wisdom, just as the rim encircles the wheel. O Agni, with your force, hear us from every side; subdue the cunning and strength of the sorcerer and the demon. Here, Agni, worship the Vasus, the Rudras, and the Ādityas; offer to the righteous and to humankind, to those who are sprinkled with ghee. As one devoted, I speak: O Agni, who is your enemy? Like a dart, I come seeking refuge in your greatness. Bring forth the ancient word to the priest, to Agni, the great one of the Bhṛgus, who bears the lights of wisdom. O Agni, lord of strength, wealth, power, and vigor, grant us, O Jātavedas, great renown. Most fit for sacrifice, Agni, worship the gods for the worshipper; as the glad priest, you shine forth, dispelling all obstacles. Born of seven mothers, he sought wisdom for glory; steadfast, he perceives the riches. May that inspired thought come to us by day, as Aditi’s favor, bringing peace and happiness, driving away all obstacles. Be praised upon the earth; let the sacrifice be offered to Jātavedas, whose moving smoke cannot be seized, whose flame cannot be grasped. By his magic, no mortal enemy can overcome the one who has given offerings to Agni. Drive away the sinner, the enemy, the thief, O Agni; O lord of the good, make his path easy and far from here. Hear my new hymn, O Agni, hero and lord of the people; with your heat, burn away the sorcerers and demons. Sing to the most exalted, the great, the upholder of truth—Agni of brilliant flame, praised by all. With your help and heroic powers, O Agni, your friend surpasses others by deeds of strength. The gods, with their song, have established him—the golden, immortal god—as the carrier of offerings among the gods. Do not turn away from us, O Agni—our guest and benefactor, praised by many, the good sacrificer who performs the rite well.