IV.11

✦ ─── ⟐ ─── ✦

O Agni, grant us wealth! Not the wealth of the wicked man who hoardeth and stealeth. Not the wealth that bringeth pride and ruin. But the true wealth—the abundance that cometh from thy blessing. Grant us cattle that multiply. Grant us grain in the storehouse. Grant us gold and precious things. Make our household rich in all that is good.

And grant us sons, O fire! Sons who shall carry our name forward. Sons who shall become mighty warriors, wise judges, noble priests. Let our daughters be fair and virtuous. Let them bear strong children to their husbands. Let our line not perish but grow strong with each generation. This is the true wealth—not what can be stolen or lost, but the continuity of family, the strength of descendants.

O Agni, thou giver of prosperity! Thou art the fire in the merchant's shop, and through thee his goods multiply. Thou art the heat in the farmer's field, and through thy favour the grain groweth abundant. Thou art the warmth in the craftsman's forge, and through thy blessing his work becometh fine and saleable.

The man who honoureth thee shall prosper. The woman who maketh offerings to thy flame shall not lack. The house where thou art kept sacred shall be full. The family that kindleth thee with proper respect shall see their flocks increase and their storehouses overflow.

But let not the blessing fall upon the wicked, O Agni! Let not the thief and the liar prosper! Let their possessions slip away like water through their fingers. Let their cattle perish. Let their children be few and weak. But for us who honour thee, who sing thy praise, who make the proper sacrifice—for us, O Agni, let there be abundance beyond measure. Grant us wealth. Grant us sons. Make us prosperous in all things.