MANDALA I, HYMN 128.

ASHTAKA II, ADHYAYA 1, VARGA 14-45.

1. He was born in Manu's firm law , the Hotri, the best sacrificer, according to the will of the Usigs , Agni, according to his own will. Always listening to him who wishes to be his friend, like a treasure to him who aspires to renown, the unbeguiled Hotri sat down in the abode of food (on the altar); enveloped (he sat down) in the abode of food.

2. We render him attentive , the promoter of sacrifice, on the path of Rita, by adoration with offerings, in the divine world, by (adoration) with offerings . In bringing us vigour he never becomes worn out with this body of his: he whom Matarisvan (has brought) to Manu from afar, the god whom he has brought from afar.

3. In his (own) way he moves in one moment round the terrestrial (space), the sudden devourer (emitting) his sperm, the bellowing bull emitting his sperm, the bellower , looking round with a hundred eyes, the god who quickly courses in the forests , taking his seat on the lower ridges, Agni, and on the highest ridges.

4. This highly wise Purohita, Agni watches sacrifice and service house by house; by (the power of) his mind he is intent upon sacrifice. By (the power of) his mind helpful to him who desires food , he looks on all creatures, since he has been born, the guest adorned with ghee, (since) the helpful carrier (of the gods) has been born.

5. When through his (Agni's) power the bounties grow in strength, with the roar of Agni as with that of the Maruts --like bounties offered to a vigorous man: then he by his greatness stirs up the gift of goods. May he protect us from misfortune and injury, from evil spell and injury.

6. The far-reaching steward has taken all goods in his right hand, and strongly advancing does not let them loose; desirous of glory he does not let them loose. For every supplicant thou hast carried the oblations to the gods . For every righteous one he procures a treasure; Agni opens both folds of the door (for him).

7. He has been established as the most blissful one in the enclosures of men, Agni, at the sacrifices, like a noble lord of the clans, a beloved lord of the clans at the sacrifices: he rules over the oblations of men to which nourishing power has been imparted . May he protect us from harm that comes from Varuna, from harm that comes from the great god.

8. They magnify Agni the Hotri, the dispenser of goods. They have roused the beloved, the most shining steward (of sacrifice); they have roused the carrier of oblations. The gods desirous of goods (have roused) him in whom all life dwells, who possesses all wealth, the Hotri, the worshipful sage, the lovely one for the sake of bliss; with praises (they have roused), desirous of goods, the lovely one.

NOTES.

The same Rishi and metre.--Verse 6 = TB. II, 5, 4, 4.

Verse 1.