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92
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA I, HYMN 74.
ASHTAKA I, ADHYÅYA 5, VARGA 21-22.
1. Going forward to the sacrifice let us repeat a prayer to Agni who hears us, may he be afar or with us,
2. He who foremost' in ....., when the human tribes met (in battle), has preserved his home to the worshipper.
3. And let the people say 'Agni is born, the slayer of foes (or, the slayer of Vritra), he who wins the prize in every battle.'
4. The man in whose home thou art a messenger, and to whose sacrificial food thou eagerly comest for feasting, to whose worship thou impartest wonderful power
5. Such a man the people call a giver of good oblations, O Angiras, a friend of the gods, O son of strength', and a possessor of a good Barhis (or sacrificial grass).
6. And thou shalt conduct them hither, the gods”, that we may praise them, that they may eagerly come, O resplendent one, to the sacrificial offerings.
7. No noise of the horses of the moving chariota is heard any way, when thou goest on thy messengership, O Agni.
8. When guarded by thee the racer becomes fearless; the worshipper, O Agni, who is behind, gains the advantage' over him who is ahead.
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