The tawny flames of Agni, like banners of smoke, are driven upward by the wind, each fire rising separately, striving toward the sky. In this sacred moment, prayers are offered to Mitra and Varuṇa, and to all the gods who uphold the great truth. Agni, the divine priest, is invoked to make these offerings to his own celestial dwelling. Agni, it is you who yoke the gods’ summoned steeds, as charioteers ready the horses for the journey. Let the ancient Hotṛ, the priest of the ritual, take his seat of honor. Two forces of differing forms move toward the light, each bringing forth its own offspring: in one, the tawny, self-sustaining energy abides; in the other, the radiant, bright presence is visible. From the beginning, Agni was established by the creators as the most fitting Hotṛ for sacrifice, worthy of every ritual. The Bhrigus and Apnavānas revealed him in the forests, wondrous and shining, present in every clan. So revered was Agni that three hundred and three thousand and thirty-nine gods served him, anointing him with ghee, spreading the sacred grass, and installing him as the divine priest. The gods, on the summit of heaven and at the foundation of earth, generated Agni—the universal fire born from truth. He is the sage, the sovereign, the honored guest of all people, brought near as the vessel of their offerings. Agni, destroyer of obstacles and bestower of wealth through his insight, shines with brilliance when kindled and receives the pure oblation. Agni, with all the gods—together with Indra and Vayu, and by the powers of Mitra—drink the Soma-honey. When the lord of men is summoned for strength, the pure seed is poured out, and heaven itself becomes attentive. Agni brings forth a flawless, youthful host, self-born and thriving under his care. May Agni lead the host to great prosperity, granting us his highest glories. Let him establish harmonious kinship, strengthen our discipline, and stand mightily against our enemies. Chosen by our hymns of praise, Agni, the most delightful, is asked to be attentive to us. Like Indra, he is filled with strength, and the best of men honor him with gifts, as they do the gods and Vayu. Within Agni, may our noble ones—those generous leaders who grant wide pastures to cattle—find favor. Agni, famed for listening, is called to hear our prayers along with the gods who bear fire and his companions. Let Mitra and Aryaman, who arrive at dawn, be seated on the sacred grass at the sacrifice. Among all who are to be worshipped, Aditi is the most worthy; among all humans, Agni is the honored guest. May Jātavedas, the knower of all births and protector of the gods, be gracious to us. Under the protection of the great, blazing Agni, may we remain blameless before Mitra and Varuṇa and find well-being, favored by Savitar. Today, we choose the protection of the gods. Even the waters, swelling like cows, do not violate the cosmic order, O Indra, nor do the singers. Come to us as Vayu comes to his followers, for you distribute the prizes with your thoughts. The cows, bringers of abundance to the sacrifice, have arrived, their ears golden and shining. At the rising of the sun, when Mitra and Aryaman awaken, Savitar and Bhaga bestow prosperity upon the world. As the Soma is pressed, let wealth be poured forth—the radiance of heaven and earth—while Rasā supports the mighty bull, the ancient Vena. When he stands forth, all adorn him; clothed in splendor, he moves shining. This is the great name of the mighty Asura, of many forms, who has established the immortal things. To Viśvānara, the all-pervading and joyous one, we offer praise with the exhilarating Soma, whose favor, strength, and fame are honored by Indra and the two worlds. Their fuel is abundant, their praise vast, their song far-reaching, and to them, Indra is the youthful friend. Indra is invited to rejoice in the drink alongside all who partake of Soma, granting us great abundance through his strength. With his shattering force, Indra struck down Vṛtra, exposing the illusionists, slaying the serpent hidden in the woods, and bringing forth the cows, making the lovely ones manifest. O Indra, from where do you, so mighty, go forth alone, Lord of Truth? What is it that you do? You question the noble ones in battle. Speak to us, O wielder of the thunderbolt—what do you have for us? Great is Indra by his strength; never is he overcome or cast aside. To that Indra, the Ayavas press forward, eager to cross into the rich land of cattle. They, sons of many, wish to milk the great, abundant earth, which flows with a thousand streams. My thoughts are offered to you, O great and mighty one, in praise and devotion. In festivals and strivings, the gods, with their strength, have followed victorious Indra. Let the shining one, bearing greatness, drink the sweet Soma, granting undisturbed life to the lords of sacrifice. Driven by the wind, he protects with his own power, nourishes the peoples in many ways, and shines forth. Upward, the rays lift Jātavedas, the Sun, for all to see—hail! With that radiant eye, O blazing one, you observe all people; you, O Varuṇa, see all. Divine priests are called to come with their chariot shining like the sun, anointing the sacrifice with honey. They are the ancient ones—this is Vena, the marvel among the gods. May Viśvānara, the divine Savitṛ, come to us with Iḍā’s blessings at the assembly. As young men delight in us, so may the whole world turn to us with favor and thought. Whatever has been done today, O slayer of Vṛtra, O Sun, O Indra, all is under your control. Swift one, all-seeing, maker of light—O Sun, you illumine the entire expanse. That is your divinity, O Sun, your greatness spread across the sky. When you yoke your bays from your seat, night stretches out her garment for you. For the sake of Mitra and Varuṇa, you fashion your form in the lap of the sky. One of your powers is endless and bright, another is dark; the bays carry both together. Great are you, O Sun, O Āditya—your greatness is praised by all. In glory and might, you are the overlord of the gods, their priest, the all-pervading, unfailing light. All people, as if yearning, look upon the Sun; all, born with strength, partake of Indra’s gifts, just as we share our portion of the divine.