Sama Veda

FIRST PART

BOOK I

Chapter I

Decade I Agni

1

Come, Agni, praised with song, to feast and sacrificial offering: sit
As Hotar on the holy grass!

2

O Agni, thou hast been ordained Hotar of every sacrifice,
By Gods, among the race of men.

3

Agni we choose as envoy, skilled performer of this holy rite,
Hotar, possessor of all wealth.

4

Served with oblation, kindled, bright, through love of song may Agni, bent
On riches, smite the Vritras dead!

5

I laud your most beloved guest like a dear friend, O Agni, him
Who, like a chariot, wins us wealth.

6

Do thou, O Agni, with great might guard us from all malignity,
Yea, from the hate of mortal man!

7

O Agni, come; far other songs of praise will I sing forth to thee.
Wax mighty with these Soma-drops!

8

May Vatsa draw thy mind away even from thy loftiest dwelling place!
Agni, I yearn for thee with song.

9

Agni, Atharvan brought thee forth by rubbing from the sky, the head
Of all who offer sacrifice.

10

O Agni, bring us radiant light to be our mighty succour, for
Thou art our visible deity!