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VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA IV, HYMN 6.
ASHTAKA III, ADHYAYA 5, VARGA 4-5.
1. Stand upright for us, O Agni, Hotri of the sacrifice, the best performer of sacrifices among the gods. For thou art the master of every thought; thou promotest the worshipper's prayer.
2. The unerring Hotri has sat down among the people, joy-giving Agni, the wise one at the sacrifices1. Like Savitri he has sent his light upward. Like a builder he has reared his smoke up to the sky.
3'. (The ladle) glowing, filled with gifts, with butter, is stretched forth. From left to right (does Agni move) choosing the divine people. Upright (stands) the (sacrificial) post like a new-born foal *; well-placed, well-established it anoints the victims 3.
4. After the sacrificial grass has been spread and the fire kindled, the delighted Adhvaryu has stationed himself upright. Agni, the Hotri, chosen from of old, goes round thrice, like a shepherd.
5. As Hotri, measuredly running, Agni, the joygiving, sweet-tongued, the righteous, 'goes around by his own might. His flames run forward like race-horses; all beings are afraid when he has shone forth.
6. Beautiful, O fair-faced Agni, is thy aspect, who art terrible and manifold; pleasant (it is). As they have not hindered thy light by darkness, no bespatterers have left stains on thy body.
7. He whose mother (?)1 has not been hindered from giving birth, nor his father and mother when
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