In the ancient times, the seers beheld a vision of something extraordinary—an unaging presence belonging to the immortal realm, a being apart from all else. From this vision arose Garutmat, the great-winged eagle of Savitar, born before all, who alone follows his own divine law. As the cows come to their herd, as horses are harnessed to the yoke, as a loving ewe seeks her lamb, so too may Savitar, the upholder of heaven and possessor of all, bring us together in harmony, as a husband is united with his wife. Golden-pillared Savitar, just as the Angirases invoked you for strength, so do I, praising and seeking your help, keep vigil for your coming, as one watches for the precious drop of Soma. When Agni is kindled, he blazes forth, carrying offerings to the gods. We call upon him to come with the Adityas, Rudras, and Vasus, seeking his mercy. Accept this sacrifice, accept our words, and draw near, for mortals who kindle Agni call upon him for mercy. Jatavedas, all-possessing, is praised with thought, and Agni is asked to bring the gods who delight in offerings, for their mercy. Agni became the gods’ priest, kindled by men and seers alike. He is called upon for the bestowal of great wealth and for mercy. Agni has protected Atri, Bharadvaja, Gavisthira, Kanva, and Trasadasyu in battle. Vasistha, the priest, calls upon Agni for mercy and protection. With faith, Agni is kindled; with faith, offerings are made. Through words, faith is declared upon the head of Bhaga. What is given with faith is dear, what is sought with faith is dear. Among those who enjoy and sacrifice, let this be spoken for us. As the gods placed faith among the mighty Asuras, so may faith dwell among us who enjoy and sacrifice. The gods and sacrificers, protected by Vayu, worship faith, and with heartfelt intention, faith leads to wealth. We call upon faith in the morning, at midday, and at sunset, so that Faith may bring us ever closer to itself. There is one who commands, great and wondrous, devourer of foes, whose friend is never slain nor defeated. Indra, lord of the people, giver of welfare, slayer of Vritra, subduer of foes, mighty and fearless, is invoked to come to us, drinker of Soma. Indra is asked to scatter the demon and the foe, break the jaws of Vṛtra, and disperse the wrath of those who assail us. He is called to cast down the assailant and send our attackers into darkness. Indra is asked to drive away the mind and intent of haters, to grant us shelter from wrath, greater protection, and to ward off harm. Longing, the women approach the newly born Indra, seeking him and his heroic strength. Indra, mighty from birth, possesses true power. He is the slayer of Vṛtra, surpassing the midspace, upholding the sky with his might. Indra bears the thunderbolt in his arms, united in force, brandishing his weapon with strength. He is all-conquering; by his strength, all beings exist, and he is the source of all existence. For some, Soma is purified; for others, clarified butter is worshipped; for whom honey flows, may they all go to the gods. Those invincible through austerity, those who have attained heaven through austerity, and those who have performed great austerity—may they all go to the gods. Heroes who fight in battle, who sacrifice their bodies, or give thousands in gifts—may they all go to the gods. Those who, even before, were followers of truth, who grew in truth, ancestors who through austerity went to Yama—may they all go to the gods. Poets with a thousand paths, guardians of the sun, seers who, through austerity, went to Yama—may they, born of austerity, also go to the gods. Now, to drive away evil, the hostile, the one-eyed, the deformed are sent to the mountain and the constant forest, banished with the spirits of Śirimbiṭha. All red-hued embryos are commanded to depart, and Brahmaṇaspati is called to strike the hostile with his sharp-horned ox. Across the river floats a manless log; the destroyer is urged to seize it and go beyond. When the eastern ones moved—the Maṇḍūras and Dhāṇikas—all enemies of Indra were slain, all the bubbling ones vanquished by their might. Those who sought the cow and circled the fire have won fame among the gods—who can overcome them? May our thoughts drive Agni, like a swift chariot in contests, so that with him we may win wealth upon wealth. With Agni’s force, by which cows are driven forth, and his aid in battle, we are inspired to generosity. Agni is asked to bring abundant, broad, cattle-rich wealth, to grant us a share, and turn away the avaricious. Agni is called to raise the unfading star, the sun, in the sky and establish light for the people. He is the beacon of the people, most beloved and best to approach, awakened and bearing strength for the hymn. Now, the question arises—which of these worlds shall we attain, Indra and all the gods? May Indra, together with the Ādityas, prepare for us the sacrifice, our bodies, and our offspring.