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382
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA V, HYMN 7. ASHTAKA III, ADHYÅYA 8, VARGA 24-25.
1. O friends, (bring) together your united food and praise to Agni, the strongest (god) of (human) dwellings, the offspring of Vigour, the mighty one
2. At whose onslaught', wherever it be, men rejoice in the seat of men, whom the worthy ones kindle, whom (human) creatures produce.
3. When we get together the food and the offerings of men, he has grasped, with the strength of his splendour, the rein of Rita.
4. He indeed produces light even by night to him who is afar, when he, the ever-young purifier, destroys the lords of the forest.
5. He at whose officiating (men) pour down the offering of their sweat on the paths—to Him who is noble by his own nature, the worlds have risen as to ridges (of hills) —
6. He whom the mortal has acquired, the muchdesired (god), for the refreshment of every one, the sweetener of nourishment, the homestead for the Âyu,
7. He indeed, the beast, mows off deserts and habitable land like a mower, the golden-bearded with brilliant teeth, the Ribhu of undecaying strength.
8. The bright one for whom (the ghrita) streams (quickly) like an axe!, as at (the sacrifice of) Atri. Him the well-bearing mother has born, as soon as ? she had enjoyed love 3.
9. He who satisfies thee for refreshment, О Agni
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