Listen now to the wondrous deeds of the Ashvins, the divine twin horsemen, whose compassion and power shine through the ancient hymns. In ages past, they bestowed a miraculous gift upon Vadhrimati, granting her a son with golden hands. Their generosity knew no bounds, for thrice they restored to life a dark and deformed one, lifting him from the shadow of death. Such are the ancient heroic acts of the Ashvins, celebrated in the earliest songs, inspiring those who perform sacred rites to seek their favor, that they might speak with strength and be blessed with vigorous sons. Swift as falcons, the Ashvins’ chariot, self-guided and gracious, soars faster than mortal thought, drawn by three mighty steeds and driven by the wind. With this triple-formed, well-wheeled chariot, they approach, bringing prosperity: making cows yield their milk, enriching horses, and increasing the strength of heroes. The singer lifts his voice in praise, asking: what is the swiftest path by which the Ashvins return, as known by poets since ancient times? Their chariot, yoked with tireless, heavenly falcons—winged and swift as vultures—brings them to the sacred offering. Upon this chariot, the beloved maiden, daughter of the Sun, takes her place, surrounded by splendid, winged horses and russet birds that speed the Ashvins on their way. With their healing powers, the Ashvins raised up Vandana, carried Taugra’s son safely across the sea, and restored Chyavana’s youth. They gave nourishment to Atrayi in her need, and, pleased by Kanva’s praise, restored his sight. For the needy Shayu, they made the cow yield milk; they freed Vartika from distress, and set the leg of Vishpala anew. To Pedu they gave a white, swift horse, guided by Indra, a noble steed victorious in contests and a thousand times triumphant. Ever devoted, people call upon the Ashvins, born of noble lineage, to come with their wealth-bringing chariot and accept songs for prosperity. At every dawn, the Ashvins are invoked, arriving together with the fresh speed of their falcons to bless the offering. Their chariot is a marvel, swift as thought, drawn by strong horses, worthy of sacrifice, and bearing countless treasures. It is attentive to praise, bestowing wide paths and carrying the forest itself. Inspired prayers rise in all directions, offerings warm and sweet ascend as their chariot, born of strength, brings nourishment. In times of contest and festival, when rivals strive and mighty sons gather for battle, the Ashvins’ chariot appears, carrying the generous giver to the highest reward. They once carried Bhujyu, who was perishing, away from his father’s house, clearing a path for Divodāsa and displaying their great favor. For their glory, the singer yokes their youthful chariot; and the maiden, seeking friendship and protection, chooses the Ashvins as her lords. They rescued Rebha from the flood, gave warmth to one chilled by frost, strengthened the lowing cow, and extended the worshipper’s life. Like skillful craftsmen repairing a chariot, they restored Vandana from decay, brought prosperity to the inspired sage, and sharpened the fortune of the worshipper. They answered the call of one weeping in a distant place, bound by his father’s command, and their splendid aid became manifest to the seeker. Even the honey-sweet bee, drinker of Soma, calls them with the prayer of Ushij. They drew forth Dadhichi’s mind, and his head, with a horse’s voice, spoke to them. The Ashvins grant abundant favor to Pedu, the white-horsed, making the difficult easy in battle and supporting the people like Indra. Who, indeed, can attain the Ashvins’ favor through sacrifice? Who can delight them, and how can the unknowing arrange their worship? The wise seek knowledge, the unwise ask differently, and doubt lingers even among mortals. Yet, those who know call upon the Ashvins, hoping to be heard. The eager youth approaches them, questioning as one asks the gods about the marvel of sacrifice, seeking protection from the mighty and helpful ones. The singer worships them with the shining sound of the Bhrigu, while the messenger, not knowing, sends forth his offering. The song of Takavāna is heard, and the singer rejoices in the Ashvins, whose eyes are lords of beauty. They are the ever-present protectors of great wealth, guardians against the wolf and all evil. The people pray: let not our cows go elsewhere or leave our homes, but remain, full-uddered, with us. For the friendship of Mitra and the Ashvins’ favor, the people ask for wealth and abundance, rich in nourishment. The chariot of the Ashvins, yoked without horses and full of vigor, brings joy time and again. May the Ashvins extend the lives of those in their assembly, and may the chariot that brings the Soma-drink be easy to ride among the people. In the weariness of sleep and the enjoyment of splendor, the radiant Ashvins are invoked for protection. In their swiftness, the Ashvins hear the prayers of the devout and the songs of the Angirases. At sacrifice, the worshipful one strides widely to the house of the generous. He upholds the sky, establishes its support, and, for the sake of reward, gives riches to men from the cow. The buffalo, following its kin, beholds the herds, measuring the mother of horse and cow. He does not abandon the ancient law, nor the red ones, the first ruler. Swiftly he follows the Angirases and the days, fashioning the thunderbolt and upholding the sky for all creatures, both four-footed and two-footed. By his exhilaration, heavenly abundance is granted, and, at the turning of the triple-peak, the malice of man is kept far away. To him belongs the milk drawn by the two parents, pure and ever-yielding, offered with devotion. Such is the bounty and grace of the Ashvins, swift and generous, who respond to sincere prayers and uphold the ancient order, bestowing blessings upon all who seek them with reverence.