QUICKLY, at the place of Iḷā, hymned by men who wake, our own dear friend is kindled in the house; Hotar of all offerings, worthy of our choice, Lord, beaming, trusty friend to one who loves you.
He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift-winged bird a home in every tree. Benevolent to men, he scorns no living being: Friend to the tribes of men he dwells with every tribe.
Most wise with insight, passing skilled with your powers, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing all. As Vasu, you alone are Lord of all good things, of all the treasures that the heavens and earth produce.
Foreseeing well, O Agni, you in Iḷā’s place have taken your regular station, balmed with oil. Your comings are marked like the comings of the Dawns, the rays of him who shines spotlessly as the Sun.
Your glories are, like lightning from the rainy cloud, marked, many-hued, like heralds of the Dawns’ approach, When, loosened to wander over plants and forest trees, you cram yourself with your food into your mouth.
Plants receive him, duly coming as their germ: this Agni, maternal Waters bring to life. So in like manner do the forest trees and plants bear him within them and produce him evermore.
When, driven and urged by wind, you spread yourself abroad, swift piercing through your food according to your will, Your never-ending flames, longing to consume, like men on chariots, Agni, strive on every side.
Agni, the Hotar-priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought— You, none other than yourself, do men elect at sacrificial offerings great and small alike.
Here, Agni, the arrangers, those attached to you, elect you as their Priest in sacred gatherings, When men with scattered grass and sacrificial gifts offer you entertainment, piously inclined.
Thou art the Herald’s task and Cleanser’s duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. Thou art Director, thou the ministering Priest: thou art the Brahman, Lord and Master in our home.
When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel