Upon the vast expanse of the sky, the radiant sun rises, revealing the forms of Mitra and Varuna. Their powers are made visible—one brilliant and unending, the other dark and mysterious—and both are borne by the tawny steeds of the heavens. As the sun ascends today, the people pray: “O gods, shield us from sin and error. May Mitra and Varuna, Aditi, the flowing river, the earth, and the sky themselves, do us no harm.” Turning to the divine twins, the Ashvins, the singer spreads praises before them, as the wind spreads the clouds. The Ashvins, ever companions in joy and in battle, once brought a wife to a child, granting happiness with their swift chariot. With golden, fleet-footed horses, or with the help of other gods, their victory is assured—even their ass once won a thousand in Yama’s contest. When Bhujyu, son of Tugra, found himself in desperate peril, his father called to the Ashvins for help, knowing none but they could save him. The divine twins responded, carrying Bhujyu across the atmosphere in their wondrous, waterless ships. For three nights, three times, they sped with their flying steeds, crossing the wide ocean like birds in flight, with three chariots, a hundred wheels, and six horses, bringing Bhujyu to safety on the far shore. At the ocean’s edge, in a place without support or foundation, the Ashvins showed their might, carrying Bhujyu to a ship with a hundred oars. The Ashvins bestowed a white horse upon Yama, the lord of many steeds, ensuring lasting welfare—a gift so great it is ever worthy of praise. For Pajriya and Kakṣīvat, the Ashvins broke open hidden treasures, causing a hundred jars of strong drink to flow from the hoof of their mighty horse. In bitter cold, they protected the sacred fire, granting nourishing strength, and for the helpless Atri, they rescued his entire company. The Ashvins, known also as the Nāsatyas, followed the distant one and shaped a deep well with a crooked rim, causing waters to flow like streams to quench Gotama’s thirst and bring him wealth a thousandfold. They freed Cyavāna from his bonds, restoring the life of the abandoned one and making him lord among maidens. Their gifts and protections are renowned; they have brought forth what was hidden, revealing treasures for those who worship. When Dadhyañc Atharvaṇa taught them with the horse’s head what he had learned, it was as if thunder brought rain—so powerful was this revelation. Purubhujā, the generous, invoked the Ashvins for help, and they listened, granting the golden-handed one as they had once done for Vadhri’s wife. The Ashvins released a sitting bird from a wolf’s jaws and made a suffering poet wise and discerning. In the darkness of night, they cut off the wounded leg of Vispala, like a bird’s wing, and immediately fitted her with an iron limb, so she could win the contest for wealth. To the blind Ṛjrāśva, whose own father had taken his sight, the Ashvins gave a hundred sheep and restored his vision, proving themselves faultless healers. The daughter of the Sun herself mounted their chariot, shining with the beauty of a master craftsman’s work, victorious with her horse; all the gods rejoiced, and the Ashvins shared in her glory. When they brought light to Divodāsa and Bharadvāja, their chariot, yoked with a bull and a dolphin, brought prosperity and moved in perfect harmony. To Jahnavi, they brought wealth, noble rule, children, long life, and heroic strength, granting her a threefold share of the day. With swift chariots, they carried Jahusha, beset on all sides, safely by night, crossing the ancient mountains. For the sake of a single dwelling, the Ashvins brought riches and victory in battle, driving away enemies with Indra’s help. Even for a single arrow, they came to aid; from above or below, their steeds were ready to protect. For a youth lying down, they filled the cow with milk, granting all desires to those who call and praise them, just as one finds a lost animal. For ten nights and nine days, Rebha was bound and crying within the waters, but the Ashvins led him forth as Soma is poured with the ladle. Their wondrous deeds are declared for all to hear: may the singer be blessed with good cattle, good heroes, long life, and old age, reaching the sunset in fullness. Now, the ancient priest calls the Ashvins to the Soma offering, prepared with sacred grass and renown, inviting them to come with strength. Their chariot, swifter than thought, drawn by noble horses, reaches the homes of the righteous, bringing the path of prosperity. The Ashvins freed the sage Atri, son of Pañcajana, from distress, defeating hostile powers and urging on their company in due order. Like a hidden horse, far away, the sage Rebha was trapped in the waters, but the Ashvins, wise and mighty, rescued him with their powers—their ancient deeds never fail. One who slept in the lap of destruction, like the sun in darkness, was revealed by the Ashvins, shining like gold unearthed and brought forth for praise. For Kakṣīvat Pajriya, they poured a hundred jars of honey from the hoof of their swift horse, a deed worthy of song. They gave Viṣṇāpva to Kṛṣṇīya, who praised them, and for Ghoṣā, who grew old in her father’s house, they granted a husband. To Śyāva, they gave the shining one, and to Kaṇva, greatness of the earth. Their fame is proclaimed in their bestowal of glory to Nārṣada. Taking on many forms, the Ashvins carried Pedu, the swift, unconquered, serpent-slaying horse, glorious among steeds. Their generous deeds are sung as the seat between heaven and earth; when the Pajras call, the Ashvins come with sustenance and strength for the wise. With the measure of the sun, the Ashvins grant strength to the inspired, delighting in praise. Through Agastya’s prayer, they restored Viśpalā, fitting her again for life and contest. They journey like golden vessels, hidden and revealed, bringing forth the tenth on the destined day. With their powers, they made the aged Cyavāna young again. The daughter of the sun chose their chariot, and together with her, the Ashvins shone in splendor. Thus, their deeds and blessings are proclaimed, ever worthy of praise and remembrance.