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232
VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA III, HYMN 3.
ASHTAKA II, ADHYÂYA 8, VARGA 20–21.
To AGNI VAISVANARA.
1. They have worshipped Vaisvânara with his broad stream of light with prayers1 and treasures in order that he may walk on firm ground. For immortal Agni honours the gods, and from of old he has not violated the laws.
2. The wonderful messenger goes between the two worlds (heaven and earth), the Hotri who has sat down, the Purohita of Manus. He takes care of his wide dwelling day by day, Agni who, incited by the gods, gives wealth for our prayers.
3. The priests have exalted with their thoughts Agni, the banner of sacrifices, the achiever of sacrifice1. From him in whom they have put together their (sacrificial) works and their prayers, the sacrificer desires blessings.
4. The father of sacrifices, the miraculous lord of those who know prayers (?)1, Agni, is the measure and rule of the sacrificers; he has entered the two manifold-shaped worlds; the sage beloved by many people is glorified in his foundations.
5. The gods have established here in great beauty Agni the bright with his bright chariot, whose every law is golden1, Vaisvânara who dwells in the waters, who finds the sun, the diver, the swift one covered with strength, the quick one.
6. Agni, spreading out with his thought the manifold-adorned sacrifice, together with the gods and
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