1 Here by ordainers was this God appointed first Invoker, best at worship, to be praised at rites:

Whom Apnavana and the Bhrgus caused to shine bright-coloured in the wood, spreading from home to home.

2 When shall Thy glory as a God, O Radiant One, be suddenly shown forth?

For mortal men have held Thee fast, adorable in all their homes.

3 Seeing Thee faithful to the Law, most sapient, like the starry heaven,

Illumining with cheerful ray each solemn rite in every house.

4 The envoy of the Radiant One have living men taken as their ensign, swift,

The ruler over all mankind, moving like Bhrgu in each home.

5 Him the intelligent have they placed duly as Invoking Priest,

Welcome, with sanctifying flame, best worshipped, with sevenfold might;

6 Concealed and unapproached in the wood,

Kept secret though His flames are bright, seeking on all sides, quickly found.

7 That as food spreads forth in this earthly udder, the righteous may rejoice in the home of Order,

The great Radiant One, served with reverence and devotion, flies ever to the worship, the Faithful.

8 Bird of each rite, skilled in an envoy's duties, knowing both worlds and that which lies between them,

Thou goest from of old a willing Herald, knowing full well heaven's innermost recesses.

9 Bright God, Thy path is black: light is before Thee: Thy moving splendour is the chief of wonders.

10 Yet newly born, His vigour is apparent when the wind blows upon His fiery splendour. His sharpened tongue He layeth on the brushwood, and with His teeth even solid food consumeth.

11 When He hath borne off food with swift flame swiftly, strong, He makes Himself a speedy envoy, follows the rustling of the wind, consuming, and courser-like, speeds, drives the swift horse onward.