In the hush before dawn, the eastern sky began to shimmer with a sacred sign—the Dawns, radiant and resplendent, spread their light across the heavens. Like warriors donning their armor, the red cows, daughters of the morning, set forth, led by their mothers. Their ruddy rays rose unhindered, the red cows yoked to their ancient course, traversing the well-worn paths of old. The Dawns, ever shining, adorned themselves in their bright splendor, fulfilling their timeless journey. As these luminous ones appeared, women sang together in harmonious streams, moving with a shared purpose. They brought nourishment for the generous, righteous one—the sacrificer who presses the Soma, and all the Dawns came to him, blessing his offering. Dawn herself wove her garments like a graceful dancer, modestly covering herself as a cow shields her calf. Spreading light for every world, the Dawns, like gentle cows, returned to their fold. Her radiance shone forth, driving away the blackness of night. Like a brilliant ornament in a gathering, the Daughter of Heaven revealed her glory. We, the children of earth, crossed the farthest shore of darkness; Dawn, rising, created new paths for us. She smiled, radiant and beautiful, her presence a blessing for all. O radiant leader of noble words, Daughter of Heaven, we praise you with our songs. O Dawn, rich in progeny and men, with your awakening of horses and cows, you bring strength to our lives. Grant us fame, heroic sons, wealth of horses, and riches abundant—O Dawn, whose glory is generous, bestow upon us splendid prosperity. The goddess, with her wide gaze, perceived all the worlds and shone forth. She moved among all beings, awakening them, making known the speech of every tongue. Ever ancient, yet ever new, Dawn is born again and again, adorning herself in the same hue. Like a skilled woman, she dispels the darkness, yet with her coming, the lives of mortals are measured and diminished. Unfolding the ends of the sky, Dawn awakened, sending away her sister, Night. She measured the ages of men, shining with the glance of a maiden in love. Magnificent and fortunate, she spread herself like a herd of cattle, flowing vast as a river. Observing the divine order, she moved with the sun’s rays, ever visible to all. O Dawn, bring us that splendid wealth, full of horses, with which we may support our children and their children. Shine forth today in this place, rich in cows and horses; rise for us, bringing wealth and noble speech. Yoke your chariot, Dawn, drawn by your red steeds, and bring us all good fortune. O Ashvins, guides of our journey, bestowers of cows and gold, bring your chariot here with united hearts. As far as you have made song and light in the sky for the people, O Ashvins, bring us nourishment. Here, O divine, wondrous ones with golden wheels, let the Dawns bring forth the awakened for the drinking of Soma. O Agni and Soma, mighty ones, kindly hear our call; delight in these hymns and bring joy to the worshipper. To the one who today offers praise, grant heroic strength, abundance of cattle, and swift horses. Whoever brings you offerings or gifts, bless him with children, heroic vigor, and a long life. O Agni and Soma, you performed a mighty deed when you rescued the cows from the demon Paṇi. You freed what was left by the powerful one and found the single light among many. Together with Indra, you established the shining realms in the sky and released the rivers seized by the oppressor, protecting them from harm. One you brought down from the sky through Mātariśvan, another the falcon seized from the rock. O Agni and Soma, you grew strong through the sacred word, creating a wide space for sacrifice. Accept with delight the libation we offer; with your good protection, grant well-being to the worshipper. Whoever worships you with clarified butter and a devoted mind, O Agni and Soma, protect his vow, guard him from harm, and grant great shelter to his people. United in knowledge and invocation, you have become one among the gods. Shine forth for those who serve you with offerings, and may you both be pleased with our devotion—come to us, be present with us. Protect us from the hostile, O Agni and Soma; let our cows multiply, O receivers of offerings. Grant us strength among the generous and make our rituals successful. This praise, worthy of you, O Jātavedas, we compose with our thoughts, as one would craft a chariot. Your favor is auspicious—may we never suffer harm in your friendship, O Agni. For those who worship you, prosperity and strength are assured; they are protected and unharmed—may we never suffer harm in your friendship. By kindling you, may our prayers be fulfilled, and may the gods accept our oblations. Bring the Ādityas to us, for you are eager, O Agni—may we never suffer harm in your friendship. Let us bring fuel and prepare your offerings, arranging them at each rite; grant us success and long life—may we never suffer harm in your friendship. By your ordinances, O guardian of peoples, all creatures—two-legged and four—move about. Wondrous is the guidance of the great Dawns. O Agni, may we not come to harm in your friendship. You are the Adhvaryu and the Hotṛ, ancient and foremost, the Praśāstā and Potā, by birth the household priest. Wise in all rites, you prosper them—may we not come to harm in your friendship. Fair-faced and well-disposed, you shine from afar, O radiant one; even in the darkness of night, you see beyond. May the chariot of the gods come first for the Soma-offerer; may our praise reach the worthy one. Then may he know and the word prosper—may we not come to harm in your friendship. With your weapons, drive away ill-wishers, destroyer, whether far or near, whoever they are. Make the path easy for the one who praises you in sacrifice—may we not come to harm in your friendship. When you have yoked the red and tawny ones to your chariot, driven by the wind, your roar is like a bull’s. You enter the forests with your banner of smoke—O Agni, may we not come to harm in your friendship. Thus, in the dawning light and the sacred flames, the prayers and hopes of the people rise, seeking blessing, protection, and prosperity from the divine powers that govern the heavens and the earth.