Rig Veda

Book 1, Hymn XXVI. Agni

1 O WORTHY of oblation, Lord of prospering powers, assume thy robes,
And offer this our sacrifice.

2 Sit ever to be chosen, as our Priest, most youthful, through our hymns,
O Agni, through our heavenly word.

3 For here a Father for his son, Kinsman for kinsman worshippeth,
And Friend, choice-worthy, for his friend.

4 Here let the foe-destroyers sit, Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman,
Like men, upon our sacred grass.

5 O ancient Herald, be thou glad in this our rite and fellowship:
Hearken thou well to these our songs.

6 Whate’er in this perpetual course we sacrifice to God and God,
That gift is offered up in thee

7 May he be our dear household Lord, Priest, pleasant and, choice-worthy may
We, with bright fires, be dear to him.

8 The Gods, adored with brilliant fires. have granted precious wealth to us
So, with bright fires, we pray to thee.

9 And, O Immortal One, so may the eulogies of mortal men
Belong to us and thee alike.

10 With all thy fires, O Agni, find pleasure in this our sacrifice,
And this our speech, O Son of Strength.