Agni, thou art born of many forms! Each time the wood is kindled, thou dost come anew. Thou livest in the flint; thou livest in the sticks of wood. Thou art the brightness in the eyes of those who gaze upon thy beauty. In the beating of the heart, thou dwellest; in the warmth of breath, thy presence liveth.

The gods did fashion thee for the sake of mankind. They made thee the messenger, the herald who doth carry up the sacrifice to heaven. Without thee, the offering would fall like a stone into the void. With thee, it riseth up like smoke toward the blessed realm of gods immortal.

Thou art the friend of man in every dwelling. When the night is cold and darkness covereth all, thy flames do leap and dance with living vigor. The child is warmed beside thy glowing embers; the elder findeth comfort in thy glow. Thou art life itself, O bright one.

In the time of battle, thou standest with the warrior. The man who maketh offering unto thee and calleth upon thy name shall never lack for courage. Thou givest strength to his arm and clearness to his sight. With thee beside him, he walketh through the very jaws of death and emergeth victorious.

Agni, thou receivest the gift of butter and of grain. The smoke that riseth from thy flames ascendeth unto Indra, unto Vayu, unto all the gods that dwell on high. Thou art the link that joineth mortal and immortal. Thou art the bridge between the earth and heaven.

Grant unto us, O Agni, thy blessing! May thy sacred fire burn away all evil from our hearts. May thy protecting flame enfold our home and all that dwell within. May thy bright presence guard us through all the days of our lives.

We honor thee, O Agni, with our hymns and offerings. Be thou our friend, our father, our protector in all things.