In the ancient dawn, the seekers of wisdom called upon Agni, the sacred fire, asking him to grant them the greatest strength, never to be diminished. They prayed that Agni would lead them along the path to wealth and victory, for he alone could bestow such blessings. When a hero was born among mortals, it was Agni who was kindled, receiving the human oblation and offering divine protection in return. Agni’s smoke rose fiercely to the heavens, his bright flame spreading out with the grandeur of the sun. He shone as the purifier, radiating brilliance and cleansing all. Agni possessed lordly fame; like Mitra, he was a master, wise and generous, granting glory and prosperity to humankind, nourishing all beings. Each morning, Agni was honored as a beloved guest, cherished by many. Mortals placed their offerings in him, the immortal one, trusting him with their hopes. All that was most excellent was dedicated to Agni with great praise, for his riches and strength arose from him like a mighty cow, providing abundance. From house to house, people sang hymns to Agni, the beloved guest, expressing their longing and reverence for his power. The gods themselves gave praise to the great, shining Agni, and mortals, seeking renown, placed him at the forefront like Mitra. They approached Agni, the slayer of Vṛtra, eldest and wise, renowned for his gifts and kindled with a radiant face. Born by the supreme law, Agni grew strong among the mighty. He was the father of Kaśyapa, with faith as his mother and Manu the sage as his guide. The worshippers invoked not only Agni, but also Soma the king, Varuṇa, Āditya, Viṣṇu, Sūrya, Brahmā, and Bṛhaspati, calling upon the divine assembly. From their offerings, the gods ascended, rising to the heights of heaven, advancing victorious as the Angirases once journeyed along the path of light. For wealth and greatness, Agni was kindled, praised for his might, with heaven and earth serving as his priests. Whatever the wise declared as 'Brahman,' encircled all works of wisdom, just as the rim forms the wheel. Agni was implored to hear from every side and with his force, to subdue the strength and cunning of sorcerers and demons. He was asked to worship the Vasus, the Rudras, and the Ādityas, offering to the righteous and to humankind, those sprinkled with ghee. A devoted worshipper spoke, seeking refuge in Agni’s greatness, asking who could be his enemy, declaring their loyalty like a dart seeking its mark. The ancient word was brought forth to the priest, to Agni, the great one of the Bhṛgus, bearer of wisdom’s light. Agni, lord of strength, wealth, power, and vigor, was beseeched to grant great renown as Jātavedas. Most fit for sacrifice, Agni worshipped the gods for the worshipper, shining forth as the glad priest and dispelling all obstacles. Born of seven mothers, Agni sought wisdom for glory, steadfast and perceptive of riches. The devotees prayed that the thought of Aditi’s favor would come to them by day, bringing peace and happiness, driving away obstacles. Agni was praised upon the earth, his sacrifice offered to Jātavedas, whose moving smoke could not be seized and whose flame was ungrasped. By Agni’s magic, no mortal enemy could rule over those who gave offerings to him. He was asked to drive away sinners, enemies, and thieves, making the path easy for the good. The worshipper called upon Agni to hear their new hymn, asking him to burn away sorcerers and demons with his heat. All sang to the most exalted, the upholder of truth, Agni of brilliant flame, praised by all. With Agni’s help and heroic powers, his friends surpassed others by deeds of strength. The gods established Agni, the golden one, immortal, as the carrier of offerings among the gods. The worshippers implored Agni not to turn away, for he was their guest and benefactor, praised by many, a good sacrificer who performed the rites well. They prayed that Agni, when invoked, would be auspicious for them; may his gifts, sacrifices, and praises all bring good fortune. They chose Agni, the most worthy of sacrifice, the god among gods, immortal priest, wise in the rituals. Agni was asked to grant the glory by which he overcame every hostile intent in the assembly and the anger of the people. Whenever Agni, lord of the people, was well-pleased and sharp, he protected them, repelling all demons. Thus completed the portion of Agni, and now the hymns turned to Indra. All sang together at the pressing of the Soma, seeking strength and blessing, as one would for the cow that gives milk. Indra, wielder of a hundred powers, was invoked for his most exhilarating draught, bringing joy again and again. The cows came to the watering place, great with the sap of sacrifice, their ears adorned with gold. The swift horse, the well-known stall, the cow, and the abode of Indra were all praised in song. Indra was urged to battle, to slay the great foe, to be the mighty bull among bulls. He, born of might, took strength from strength, ever remaining a bull, ever powerful. Thus, the sacred story flows, weaving the praises of Agni and Indra, the guardians and givers of strength, wealth, wisdom, and victory.