Take joy, O Agni, in this kindling wood of mine; delight in the ghee-soaked ladle set where refreshment hath trod.
Upon earth’s high place, on the fairest day of all days, stand upright, O steadfast flame, and rise with our offering unto the gods.

As foremost among the divine, let Narashamsa draw near, his steeds of many forms pulling swift along the path of truth; in holy awe, the eldest of the gods shall season the feast fit for heaven.

The sons of Manu, bearing gifts, call thee ever and again, O Agni, to serve as herald:
“Bring the gods hither on smooth-going wheels, with steeds swift and sure. Sit as our Hotar, and speak on our behalf.”

Let it be laid broad and fair, this holy grass—long-stretched, sweet of scent to us.
O sacred grass divine, in a spirit free from wrath, do sacrifice to the gods, with Indra chief among them, who long for thy gift.

Stretch to heaven’s wide span, or open full across earth’s breadth.
O Doors, with might and with glory, press forward, and fasten the chariot divine in thy keeping.

Let the twin goddesses, fair daughters of the sky—Dawn and Night—sit in the womb of the rite.
Let the gods full of longing be seated in the broad lap of you who bear a noble share.

The pressing stone standeth firm, the fire hath been kindled on high; their own dear realms lie in Aditi’s embrace.
You two priests, set before this rite—win ye riches with your craft, as those who know the better way.

You three goddesses, be seated here upon the wide ritual grass—we have made a soft resting-place for your delight.
As in the age of Manu, so now let Ilā, ghee-footed queen, and her sisters take joy in our rite and our rightly laid gifts.

O god Tvaṣṭar, who hast won thy fair form and art numbered among the Aṅgirases, bring the beast forth unto the gods’ fold as thou knowest well; with eager hands do sacrifice, thou bearer of wealth, thou giver of gold.

O Lord of Forests, lead it with halter well-fitted; guide it unto the gods’ own stead as thy wisdom knoweth.
The god shall make sweet the offering, and prepare the holy feast. Let Heaven and Earth uphold my cry.

O Agni, bear hither Varuṇa as we desire, and Indra from the heights, and the Maruts from the midst between.
Let them all, who are meet for the rite, take seat upon this sacred grass. Let the deathless gods be glad at the call of svāhā.