MANDALA I, HYMN 36.

ASHTAKA I, ADHYAYA 3, VARGA 8-11.

1. We implore with well-spoken words the vigorous Agni who belongs to many people , to the clans that worship the gods , whom other people (also) magnify.

2. Men have placed Agni (on the altar) as the augmenter of strength. May we worship thee, rich in sacrificial food. Thus be thou here to-day gracious to us, a helper in our striving for gain, O good one!

3. We choose thee, the all-possessor, as our messenger and as our Hotri. The flames of thee, who art great, spread around; thy rays touch the heaven.

4. The gods, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, kindle thee, the ancient messenger. The mortal, O Agni, who worships thee, gains through thee every prize.

5. Thou art the cheerful Hotri and householder, O Agni, the messenger of the clans. In thee all the firm laws are comprised which the gods have made .

6. In thee, the blessed one, O Agni, youngest god, all sacrificial food is offered. Sacrifice then thou who art gracious to us to-day and afterwards , to the gods that we may be rich in valiant men.

7. Him, the king, verily the adorers approach reverentially. With oblations men kindle Agni, having overcome all failures.

8. Destroying the foe , they (victoriously) got through Heaven and Earth and the waters; they

have made wide room for their dwelling. May the manly (Agni) , after he has received the oblations, become brilliant at the side of Kanva; may he neigh as a horse in battles.

9. Take thy seat; thou art great. Shine forth, thou who most excellently repairest to the gods. O Agni, holy god, emit thy red, beautiful smoke, O glorious one!

10. Thou whom the gods have placed here for Manu as the best performer of the sacrifice, O carrier of oblations, whom Kanva and Medhyatithi, whom Vrishan and Upastuta (have worshipped,) the winner of prizes.

11. That Agni's nourishment has shone brightly whom Medhyatithi and Kanva have kindled on behalf of Rita . Him do these hymns, him do we extol.

12. Fill (us with) wealth, thou self-dependent one, for thou, O Agni, hast companionship with the gods. Thou art lord over glorious booty. Have mercy upon us; thou art great.

13. Stand up straight for blessing us, like the god Savitri, straight a winner of booty, when we with our worshippers and with ointments call thee in emulation (with other people).

14. Standing straight, protect us by thy splendour from evil; burn down every ghoul . Let us stand straight that we may walk and live. Find out our worship among the gods.

15. Save us, O Agni, from the sorcerer, save us from mischief, from the niggard. Save us from him

who does us harm or tries to kill us, O youngest god with bright splendour!