Priest of our ritual, stand tall, O Agni, in the service of the gods, best of sacrificers, For over every thought you are the ruler: you advance even the wise mind of the devout.
You were placed among men as an unerring Priest, Agni, wise, welcome in our holy assemblies. Like Savitar you have raised your brilliance, and like a builder you have raised your smoke to heaven.
The glowing ladle, filled with oil, is lifted; choosing the service of the gods to the right, he circles. Eagerly he rises like a newly-built pillar, firmly set and fixed, anointing the sacrifices.
When sacred grass is spread and Agni is kindled, the Adhvaryu rises, rejoicing at his task. Agni, the Priest, like one tending cattle, goes three times around, as he wills from olden days.
Agni himself, the Priest, with measured motion, goes round, with sweet speech, cheerful, true to order. His radiant flames run forth like vigorous horses; all creatures are terrified when he blazes.
Your appearance is beautiful and auspicious, O lovely Agni, terrible when spreading. Your splendors are not hidden by the darkness: slander leaves no mark on your body.
Nothing hindered your creation, Generous Giver: your Mother and Father were free to send you. Then as a benevolent friend, radiant, Agni shone forth in human dwellings.
You, Agni, whom the twice-five sisters, living together, in the homes of men gave birth to, Bright like a spear's tip, awakened in the morning, with a powerful mouth and like an axe well-sharpened.
These your Bay Coursers, Agni, dripping fat, ruddy and vigorous, moving straight ahead, And red steeds, marvelous, of mighty muscle, are invited to this service of the gods:
These brightly shining games of yours, O Agni, that move forever restless, all-subduing, Like falcons eager to the quarry, roaring loudly like the army of the Maruts.
To you, O blazing God, has prayer been offered. Let the priest praise you: give to him who worships. Men have established Agni as an Invoker, eager to adore the glory of the living.