Agni! We call to thee with voices clear and fervent. Accept our praise and dwell within this home. Thou art the friend whom all men covet, the fire that burneth bright, the flame that endureth.

Come now with thy brightness! Thou hearest the call of those who sing. The priests have chosen thee to bear their offerings—the butter that melteth upon thy tongue, the grain and flesh that feedeth thy holy flame. Thou acceptest all with joy, O generous one.

Let the stones be struck! Let the wood be readied! Thou rushest forth as a warrior leaps upon his foe, thy colors dancing gold and crimson, thy voice roaring like the storm. Thou art invincible, O Agni, thy might is as the strength of ten thousand bulls.

We invoke thee who dwellest in two places—in the sacred fire-house where the priests tend thee with reverence, and in the hearth of the humble man where widows and children warm their trembling hands. Thou art the same in both, O equal flame, O lord of heat.

Shine upon us with grace! Make straight the path of the righteous! Consume the offering and carry our prayers upward on thy smoke to Indra, to Varuṇa, to Mitra—to all the deathless ones who dwell in that realm beyond the clouds.

Be pleased with us, O Agni! We offer thee the finest gifts. Accept them as a father accepts the embrace of his son. Guard us through the dark night. Let no evil approach our dwelling whilst thy flame burneth near. Thou art the keeper, the watcher, the eternal guardian.

Come now, O fire! Enter this place! Be our companion and our strength!