Hear now the prayerful journey of the seekers, as they turn to the divine powers for protection, release from sin, and victory over adversities. First, their voices rise to those two mighty ones, whose weapons none can withstand—neither god nor man. These are the lords who rule over all beings who walk on two or four legs. With reverence, the seekers implore: “Release us from sin, O sovereigns of all creatures.” Their plea grows urgent as they call upon these mighty ones to direct their thunderbolt against the sorcerer, the root-cutter, and the demon—those who threaten with dark arts. “Strike them down, O lords of all beings, and free us from the bonds of sin.” In the tumult of battle, the supplicants beg these powers to declare themselves as allies, to join forces and strike down with their thunderbolt any who are hostile. They call upon Bhava and Sharva, praising them and seeking their shelter: “Release us from sin.” Turning now to Mitra and Varuṇa, the upholders of order and wisdom, the seekers remember how these gods protect the truthful and drive away the deceitful, especially in the chaos of battle. “Release us from sin, O wise and discerning ones.” They recall how Mitra and Varuṇa, with keen vision, go forth to the pressed Soma, ever upholding truth and justice. “Release us from sin,” they pray. The memory of the gods’ protection of ancient seers brings hope: Mitra and Varuṇa guarded Angiras and Agasti, Jamadagni and Atri, Kashyapa and Vasiṣṭha. “Release us from sin, as you did for them.” So too did they shelter Shyavashva, Vadhryashva, Purumīḍha, Atri, Vimada, and Saptavadhri. The prayers continue, invoking the safety once granted to Bharadvāja, Gaviṣṭhira, Viśvāmitra, Kutsa, Kakṣīvān, and Kaṇva. They remember Medhātithi, Triśoka, Uśanā Kāvyā, Gotama, and Mugdala—each protected by Mitra and Varuṇa. “Release us from sin, O steadfast guardians.” The supplicants praise the chariot of Mitra and Varuṇa, true in its path and straight in its reins. They know these gods pursue those who act wrongly. “We call upon you, seeking your protection—release us from sin.” Then speaks the great cosmic voice, the very embodiment of divine power: “I move with the Rudras and the Vasus; I move with the Ādityas and all the gods. I carry Mitra and Varuṇa, both Ashvins; I bear Indra and Agni.” This sovereign, wise and foremost among those worthy of sacrifice, is distributed by the gods into many forms and places, abiding everywhere. “I alone declare what pleases gods and men. Whomever I desire, I make powerful—a priest, a sage, a wise man.” She is the force by which all beings eat, see, breathe, and hear. Even those without understanding dwell near her. She calls out: “Hear, O hearer! I speak to you what is worthy of hearing.” For Rudra she stretches the bow, for the slayer of the Brahman-hater the arrow. She brings forth battle for the people and pervades heaven and earth. She bears the pressed Soma, Tvaṣṭṛ, Pūṣan, and Bhaga, bestowing wealth upon those who sacrifice rightly, granting them good dwellings. She creates the father on the summit of the world; her womb is within the waters, in the ocean. From there she extends over all beings and touches the heavens with her greatness. She is the wind, the breath of all worlds, setting all beings in motion. Her majesty extends beyond heaven and earth. In the next movement, the seekers call upon Wrath, the Lord of the Maruts, to join them on the chariot of battle. They rejoice and exult, summoning warriors sharp of arrow and fiery in form. They ask Wrath to blaze like fire, to be their strong general, to come when invoked, to strike down enemies, divide spoils, measure out strength, and drive foes away. They urge Wrath to endure against their opponents, to shatter, crush, and destroy the enemy. They acknowledge Wrath’s fierce power, now restrained, and ask that Wrath bring their foes under control, for Wrath was born alone and mighty. The seekers praise Wrath, honored by many, preparing for battle in every gathering. With Wrath as their ally, they raise a victorious cry, not empty words but a glorious sound. “Be our lord, O Wrath, unconquered and victorious like Indra. We praise your beloved name, O mighty one, and know the source from which you arise.” Wrath, born with might, armed with the thunderbolt, surpasses all in power. By Wrath’s resolve, the seekers hope for victory and great wealth. They pray for Varuṇa and Wrath to bestow gathered wealth, to fill the hearts of their enemies with fear, so that the defeated foes withdraw and disappear. They praise Wrath, whose weapon is the thunderbolt and arrow, whose vigor pervades all humanity. With Wrath as their ally, they seek to overcome all adversaries, Dāsa and Ārya alike, by force and strength. They recognize Wrath as Indra, as god, as the Hotṛ, Varuṇa, and Jātavedas. All peoples praise Wrath, and the seekers ask for protection, joined with fervor. “Come forth, O Wrath, stronger than the strong! With your allied power, strike down our enemies. Destroyer of foes, slayer of Vṛtra and Dasyu, bring all treasures to us.” Wrath is overpowering, self-born, blazing, a crusher of opposition, renowned among all peoples. The seekers ask Wrath to place his power with them in battle. One among them, feeling cast away and unfortunate, turns directly to Wrath: “By your will I am weak; therefore I seek you. Come to me as strength comes to the weak.” He calls Wrath to come near, victorious and mighty, to turn towards them, to strike down their enemies and heed their call. They invite Wrath to advance from the right, to break obstacles and foes. They offer the foremost portion of the sweet drink, asking to share the first libation in secret. Finally, the seekers turn to Agni, the sacred fire: “Drive away from us, O Agni, the burning sin; drive it away and grant us wealth.” For good fields, good paths, and prosperity, they worship Agni, asking him to drive away the burning sin. They pray for the blessings of their lords, that all may be manifest, and for the burning sin to depart. “May we be born, O Agni, with your blessings; may we, with you, drive away the burning sin.” As the rays of mighty Agni go forth in all directions, so may the burning sin depart from them. Agni, who faces all sides, encompasses everything. The seekers implore that the burning sin may leave them. “O you who face all sides, carry us across our haters as in a boat; may the burning sin depart from us.” And so, they ask Agni to carry them for well-being, as a boat over a river, so that the burning sin may depart, and they may find peace, prosperity, and divine favor.