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VEDIC HYMNS.
MANDALA III, HYMN 29.
ASHTAKA III, ADHYAYA 1, VARGA 32-34.
I'. This is the support on which the rubbing (for producing the fire) is performed; the creative organ3 has been prepared. Bring hither the house-wife *; let us produce Agni by rubbing in the old way.
2. In the two fire-sticks dwells Gâtavedas, as the germ (lies) safe in pregnant women —Agni who should be magnified' day by day by wakeful men who bring offerings.
3. Place it1 skilfully into her who lies extended 2. Having conceived she has quickly given birth to the manly one. He whose summit is red-bright is his splendour-the son of Ilâ has been born in the (due) way 3.
4. In the place of Ilâ, on the navel of the earth we will lay thee down, Gâtavedas, that thou, O Agni, mayst carry the offerings (to the gods).
5. Rub, ye men, the truthful sage, the wise, the immortal, the fair-faced. Bring forth, ye men, Agni, the banner of sacrifice, the first in the front, the gracious one.
6. When they produce him by rubbing with their arms, he shines forth flaming in the wood like a red race-horse. Like the bright one on the path of the Asvins1 the unrestrained (Agni) spares the stones, burning the grass2.
7. Agni, when born, shines forth resplendent, the racer, the priest, praised by the sages, the giver of rain, whom the gods placed in the sacrifices, to be
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