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160
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA I, HYMN 144.
ASHTAKA II, ADHYAYA 2, VARGA 13.
1. The Hotri1 goes forward2 (in order to fulfil) his duty by his wonderful power, directing upwards the brightly adorned prayer. He steps towards the (sacrificial) ladles which are turned to the right 3, and which first kiss his foundation 1.
2. They have greeted with shouts the streams of Rita' which were hidden at the birthplace of the god, at his seat. When He dwelt dispersed in the lap of the waters, he drank the draughts by (the power of) which he moves 2.
3. Two (beings) of the same age1 try to draw that wonderful shape (Agni) towards themselves, progressing in turns towards a common aim2. Then he is to be proclaimed by us like a winner' (in a contest). The charioteer (governs all things) as if pulling in the reins of a draught-horse.
4. He whom two (beings) of the same age1 serve, two twins dwelling together in one common abode, the gray one has been born as a youth by night as by day, the ageless one who wanders through many generations of men.
5. The prayers, the ten fingers1 stir him up. We, the mortals, call him, the god, for his protection. From the dry land he hastens to the declivities. With those who approached him he has established new rules3.
6. Thou indeed, O Agni, reignest by thy own nature over the heavenly and over the terrestrial
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