Rig Veda

Book 5, Hymn XIV. Agni

1. ENKINDLING the Immortal, wake Agni with song of praise: may he bear our oblations to the Gods.

2 At high solemnities mortal men glorify him the Immortal, best
At sacrifice among mankind.

3 That he may bear their gifts to heaven, all glorify him Agni, God,
With ladle that distilleth oil.

4 Agni shone bright when born, with light killing the Dasyus and the dark:
He found the Kine, the Floods, the Sun.

5 Serve Agni, God adorable, the Sage whose back is balmed with oil:
Let him approach, and hear my call.

6 They have exalted Agni, God of all mankind, with oil and hymns
Of praise, devout and eloquent.