In ancient times, the brilliance of Mitra and Varuna shone forth as Viraj, radiating across the world. Indra, with the rhythmic Trishtubh meter, claimed the portion of the day as his own. The Jagati meter permeated all the gods, and through its power, the seers and humankind gained their abilities. It was by this sacred force that seers and mortals were empowered, especially at the birth of sacrifice—the very ritual performed by our earliest ancestors. Some among them perceived these mysteries with their minds and eyes, and it was those ancient ones who first enacted the sacrifice. Enveloped in praise and meter, the seven divine seers measured out the ritual, following the footsteps of those who came before. The wise grasped the essence of the path, just as skilled charioteers hold the reins of their steeds. Turning to Indra, the mighty warrior, prayers were raised to drive away all enemies from every direction—east, west, above, and below. The wish was for foes to be cast far away, so that, sheltered by Indra’s vast protection, the people could rejoice. Even those who partook of barley, or barley itself, were to be separated according to their deeds. Indra was called upon to provide food for those who had not attended the offering or uttered praise. In these gatherings, fame was not found by mere passage of seasons; rather, the wise sought Indra’s friendship for cattle and horses, urging him onward for strength. The Ashvins, divine twins, once drank Soma with Namuci, the Asura, and by their acts made Indra mighty in deeds. Like loving parents, they protected Indra with wisdom and strength, drinking Soma with their powers. Sarasvati, ever generous, was invoked, always near to bless. Indra, self-powered and strong-threaded, was beseeched for his gracious aid and all-knowing presence. Let him dispel hatred, grant fearlessness, and make the people lords of heroic strength. Through the favor of the worthy one, happiness and good-mindedness were sought, and Indra was implored to drive away hatred even from afar. The worshipped one was praised, the mighty one honored, while the earth flourished in abundance. The Ashvins, with their blessings, were asked to help the worshipped one grow. Mitra and Varuna, with their benevolent guidance, were petitioned to uphold the realm and offer protection through friendship. As the people desired favor, they prayed that the praised one would grant nourishment and that none would obstruct his gifts. Another mighty one, Varuna, was born as lord and king of all. The head of the chariot was fixed as the remover of sin. In this pure, shining place, sin was destroyed, and even the fallen were struck down. When favor was granted to bodies, to the beloved and worthy, abundance followed. Aditi, the wise mother, purified heaven and earth with her nourishment. Her favor was sought, and the sun set forth with its rays. The lords, kings by birth, sat upon their steadfast chariot, unconquered and victorious. Those who praised them were asked to protect from distress, again and again. The people raised a shout for Indra, leader in battle, praying that even amid conflict, the slayer of Vritra would guide them and break the bows of their enemies. Indra had released the rivers, struck down the lowly, destroyed frost, and was born without an enemy, bestowing treasures. They embraced him, wishing for broken bows on the battlefield. Hostilities were to vanish, thoughts preserved, and destruction established for enemies who sought harm. Indra, giver of wealth, was asked to let the bows of foes break upon the battlefield. Whoever acted as a wolf nearby was to be brought low, for Indra was remover of obstacles and conqueror. Any attacker, kin or outsider, was to have their strength diminished, just as heaven’s own power wanes, so that the bows of others would break. The people sought Indra’s friendship, grasping it, and asked to be led on the path of truth, with all evils removed. Indra was entreated for blessings that yield milk—the best gift for worshippers—so the unbroken cow might nourish them with a thousand streams. When Indra filled heaven and earth, like the dawns, the divine mother gave birth to him—the great king and ruler of peoples. The blessed mother had given birth. Indra was asked to remove difficult obstacles, loosen what is firm, and bring low those who opposed. All shining hostilities were to be removed, foes shaken with Indra’s powers and aids, for the divine mother had brought forth what is auspicious. Hostile thoughts were to depart from all sides, as sweat falls away or grass threads separate, so evil intentions would move away. Indra, wise and generous, bore a long goad as a weapon. The people wished to proceed by the ancient path, as Yama did, following what is auspicious. They sought no god to diminish, nor approached anyone with hostility, living according to the heard mantra. With wings, even with side-wings, they strove together. Upon a tree with beautiful leaves, Yama drank together with the gods; there their ancient lord and father followed after. Those ancient ones, following after, looked with envy upon the one wandering with evil, from whom the speaker turned away. A youth fashioned a new chariot in his mind, its wheels facing all directions, and stood upon it. He set the chariot in motion for the sages, and the song moved it forward, with the assembly close behind. Questions arose: Who begot the youth? Who fashioned the chariot? Who today would tell how the sequence came to be? As the sequence unfolded, the first was born; the base stretched out in front, the axle made behind. This was the seat of Yama, called the divine abode, where his measuring-cup was placed, adorned with words. The long-haired one bore fire, poison, earth, and sky; he saw all the world and was called this light. Sages, with wind as their girdle, wore tawny, soiled garments and followed the path of the wind, when the gods beheld them. Thus, through praise, sacrifice, and wisdom, the ancient ones honored the gods, sought favor, and walked the sacred path, guided by the power and grace of Indra, Varuna, the Ashvins, Sarasvati, Aditi, and Yama.