O Agni, thou art kindled at the dawning! The morning light breaks forth upon the altar. Thy flames do rise and flicker upward bright—a golden tower of fire that reacheth toward the heavens. Hear thou our voice, O Lord of sacred burning, and come now to receive our gifts and praises.

From out the friction of the holy wood thou springest forth, O fire divine and wondrous. The priests have called upon thee with their voices; the faithful gather round thy warmth and splendour. Thou art the messenger between the gods and mortals—receive our gifts and carry them above.

O Agni, bring the gods unto our dwelling! Let Indra come, let Rudra come among us; let all the powers of heaven descend to join us at this sacred place and at this offering. Thou art the guide, the leader of the divine—conduct them hitherward with gentle hand.

The smoke doth rise in spirals toward the heavens, carrying our prayers and our deepest longings. What mortals offer unto thee with reverence shall be made sacred by thy holy burning. Take thou our soma, herbs, and butter, ghee—make all of it most worthy of the gods.

The household fire must be tended through the night hours, that darkness come not upon our dwelling. Keep thou the hearth and all who sleep beside thee from demons, thieves, and those with evil intent. Let no cold darkness creep into our refuge; let thy warm glow dispel all fear and doubt.

When morning breaks and brings the new day's labour, thou art rekindled with the sacred wood. From thee the family gathers strength and courage, to work their fields and tend their herds and cattle. Thou art the centre of the home, O Agni—the bond that joineth all who share the shelter.

Let those who hate us turn aside their hatred; let those with malice put away their anger. Through thy bright flames, O Agni, may our household be blessed with peace, with joy, and with abundance. Guard thou the gates against all evil-doers; let only kinsmen and the good draw near.

O God of fire, thou who knowest all that's hidden within the hearts of men and gods alike, look kindly on our worship and our offering. Accept with grace the hymns that we have fashioned; grant us the favour of the immortal powers. Let us grow old in our beloved dwelling, surrounded by the blessing of the good and noble.

When death at last shall come unto us all—as come it must, for such is fate's decree—let not our spirits wander lost and helpless. O Agni, be our guide unto the realm of fathers, where the ancestors do dwell in peace eternal. Carry us safe across the bridge of light unto the mansion of the blessed ones.

So do we praise thee with our voices lifted; so do we honour thee with gifts and burning. Accept this hymn, O Agni, lord of fire—forever let thy blessing rest upon us.