Rig Veda

Book 1, Hymn I. Agni

1 I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice,
The hotar, lavishest of wealth.

2 Worthy is Agni to be praised by living as by ancient seers.
He shall bring hitherward the Gods.

3 Through Agni man obtaineth wealth, yea, plenty waxing day by day,
Most rich in heroes, glorious.

4 Agni, the perfect sacrifice which thou encompassest about
Verily goeth to the Gods.

5 May Agni, sapient-minded Priest, truthful, most gloriously great,
The God, come hither with the Gods.

6 Whatever blessing, Agni, thou wilt grant unto thy worshipper,
That, Aṅgiras, is indeed thy truth.

7 To thee, dispeller of the night, O Agni, day by day with prayer
Bringing thee reverence, we come

8 Ruler of sacrifices, guard of Law eternal, radiant One,
Increasing in thine own abode.

9 Be to us easy of approach, even as a father to his son:
Agni, be with us for our weal.