Hidden in the waters dwelleth a secret fire! Agni, thou art concealed beneath the surface, yet thy power is manifest everywhere. The waters do not extinguish thee; rather do they shield thee from view. Within the depths of the ocean, thou burnest with an eternal flame. In the rivers and streams, in the springs and wells, in the waters that mortals drink — in all of these dost thou dwell.

The waters are thy mothers, and thou dost kindle within them a fire that is not fire — a heat that is not heat. It is a mystery beyond the comprehension of ordinary minds. The Rishis have glimpsed it in their meditations. The wise have spoken of it. Yet do most mortals pass through their lives unaware of thy hidden presence.

When the waters of the womb do surround the child, thou art there — the life-force giving warmth and growth. When the waters of the body do flow through our veins, thou art there — keeping us alive and strong. When the waters of the earth do nourish the crops, thou art there — transforming the seed into fruit and grain.

The sacred soma plant groweth by the waters. When we do crush it and pour the juice into the ritual cup, thy hidden fire doth illumine it, making it precious and divine. The plants that grow beside the water doth partake of thy essence.

O Agni, hidden in the depths! We acknowledge thy secret presence. We honor thee though thou art unseen. We know that thou dwellest in all waters, in all life-giving liquids. Let thy hidden fire illumine our minds. Let it warm our hearts. Let it guide us ever toward wisdom and truth. Thou art the fire behind the veil.