Once, the gods themselves, though unskilled, sought to perform sacrifice. In their striving, they offered dog’s flesh and the limbs of cows, experimenting in many ways with their rituals. They asked: “Whoever truly understands this sacrifice with the mind, let him speak here, let him declare its meaning to us.” In the vastness of existence, Aditi is revealed as the sky, the atmosphere, and the mother, father, and son. All the gods are encompassed within Aditi; the five peoples are Aditi, and she is both birth and creation itself. She is invoked as the great mother of the virtuous, the wife of immortality, mighty in power, unfading, and broad. Aditi, the giver of good shelter and excellent guidance, is called upon for help. Seeking her protection, the prayer rises: “May we reach the earth and the sky, free from harm, under Aditi’s shelter and guidance. May she be for us a divine ship—well-constructed, sinless, and flowing—ensuring our well-being.” At the birth of strength, her name is spoken with reverence, for in her lap lies the wide atmosphere. May she grant triple-shielded protection. Actions are performed for the sons of Diti and Aditi, for the gods and their vast powers. Their abode is deep and oceanic; none surpasses them in reverence. A call is made: “Go forth from good fortune to greater prosperity; may Brihaspati be your leader. From this best region of earth, remove the hostile, and unite all people as your own.” Pūṣan is born upon the broad path—on the path of heaven and earth. In both beloved abodes, he moves forward and backward, knowing all. May Pūṣan know every direction and lead us with the greatest fearlessness. He is radiant, all-powerful, unwearied, and giver of well-being; let him go ahead, knowing. Under Pūṣan’s command, may we never suffer harm at any time, for we are his singers here. Let Pūṣan place his hand beyond, on the right; may what is lost return to us, and with what is recovered, may we unite. Sarasvati’s nourishing, joyful, gracious, inviting, and generous breast, by which she sustains all treasures, is invoked: “May we place it here for our benefit.” Her broad, thundering breast, lofty and divine, radiates and adorns all. “Do not destroy our crops with lightning, O god, nor harm them with the rays of the sun.” May the assembly and council, daughters of Prajapati, protect in agreement. By whom we unite, may he teach; may words be spoken beautifully among the gathered elders. The assembly is known by name—Unharmed. May all its members be well-spoken toward us. Among those gathered, brilliance and discernment are granted. Indra is called upon to share the fortune of the entire assembly. Whatever thoughts have wandered or are bound elsewhere, may they return, and may minds find delight in us. Just as the sun, rising among the stars, takes their brilliance, so the radiance of those who hate among women and men is taken. However many rivals approach, as the sun rises over those who sleep, so their radiance is taken. Savitar, the god of wondrous power and wise action, of true impulse and treasure-holding, is praised with dear thought. His thought rises upward, shining in strength; the skillful one with golden hands measures out the sky with compassion. “Raise him up to the highest place for the first father; grant him breadth and greatness. Day by day, O Savitar, bestow noble things and abundant cattle.” Savitar, worthy of choice, grants treasures and lifespans to the fathers; let him drink soma and rejoice in the offering. Even the path-finder moves according to his law. That true-minded, splendid favor of Savitar is chosen—gracious and all-encompassing, which Kanva milked from him, rich and overflowing like a thousand-streamed bull for fortune. Bṛhaspati and Savitar are invoked: “Make him grow, shine for great good fortune. Even if restrained or hindered, release him; let all the gods together rejoice in him.” Dhātṛ, the lord of the world, is asked to grant wealth and fullness. May he grant the worshiper an unbroken, long life in the east. His favor is sought, for he is generous to all. May Dhātṛ grant all desirable things to the worshiper who desires offspring in his home. May all the gods, together with Aditi, bestow immortality upon him. May the gifts of Dhātṛ and Savitar be accepted; may Prajāpati, the lord of treasures, and Agni favor us. May Tvaṣṭṛ and Viṣṇu, increasing offspring, grant wealth to the sacrificer. The sky is called upon to break open heavenly space; the earth to rise up. Lord Dhātṛ, ruler of the sky, is asked to remove the barrier. Neither heat nor cold has harmed it; let the earth, long-lived, be opened. Even the waters flow with ghee for him, where Soma has its seat—there is well-being. Prajāpati generates these offspring; may Dhātṛ, well-disposed, grant them. May those united in mind and birth be blessed, and may the lord of nourishment grant abundance. Anumati, without reproach, is called to grant approval for the sacrifice among the gods, and Agni, the bearer of offerings, to be present for the worshiper. With her favor, may Anumati be gracious; accept the oblation, O goddess, and grant offspring. May the approving one grant abundant and unfailing wealth; may we not fall into displeasure, but be in good favor. Anumati, well-invoked, well-guided, and generous in approval, is asked to protect the sacrifice and bestow wealth and heroic sons. She has come to the sacrifice for good fields, heroism, and good birth; her favor is truly auspicious—may the gods, as guardians, protect the sacrifice. Anumati has become all this—whatever stands, moves, or stirs in the universe; may we be in her good favor, for she is gracious to us. All the people gather with speech to the lord of heaven, manifold and the guest of men; ancient and new, he calls forth, and the path-maker turns toward the one man. This vision is a thousandfold—the thought of the wise, the light in the order.