Once, in ages past, the Ashvins, those divine twin horsemen, heard the distant cries of one who wept alone, bound by his own father’s stern command. Compassion stirred within them, and their radiant powers became manifest before the seeker, answering his call in his hour of need. Drawn by the honey-sweet summons of their bee, the Soma-drinker, and by the prayers of Ushij, the Ashvins responded. They performed a wondrous feat: drawing forth the mind of Dadhichi, so that even his head, severed, spoke to them with the voice of a horse. Such was their marvel, their grace. To Pedu, the white-horsed and ever-victorious in contests, the Ashvins granted abundant favor. In the tumult of battle, they stood by his side, making the difficult seem easy, their weapons protecting the people, just as Indra himself might do. People wondered: who among mortals can win the Ashvins’ favor through sacrifice? Who can truly delight these wondrous ones? How may the unknowing arrange their worship? The wise asked with a heart seeking understanding, while the unwise questioned differently, for even among men, doubt lingers. Yet, with knowledge and reverence, the devoted called upon the Ashvins, trusting that their song would be heard. The eager youth approached them, seeking blessings. In awe, the singer questioned the Ashvins as one asks the gods about the marvels of sacrifice, praying for their protection and help. The Bhrigu’s voice shone forth, praising them in song, while the messenger, uncertain, sent forth his call. The singer rejoiced in the Ashvins, recalling the song of Takavāna, and marveled at their beauty, for their eyes were lords of radiance. Always present, the Ashvins were guardians of great wealth, protectors against the wolf and all that is evil. The people prayed: “Let not our enemies prosper; let not our cows stray from our homes. May our herds, full-uddered, remain with us.” For the friendship of Mitra and the favor of the Ashvins, the faithful asked for wealth and strength, for abundance rich in nourishment. The Ashvins’ chariot, swift and vigorous, brought joy to those who beheld it, for it sped across the skies without horses. In the assembly, the people prayed that the Ashvins might grant them health and vitality. Their chariot, bearing the precious Soma, was easy to ride among the people. Whether in the weariness of sleep or in the enjoyment of splendor, the Ashvins’ protection was sought. Then, the prayers turned to Indra, the swift one. When would he hear the songs of the devout, the hymns of the Angirases? When would he stride into the house of the generous at the sacrifice? Indra, mighty and generous, propped up the sky and established the world’s support. For the sake of the prize, he bestowed riches upon men, drawing forth the herds. The buffalo, following his kin, beheld the cattle, and Indra measured the mother of horse and cow. He never abandoned the ancient law, nor the red ones, nor his role as first ruler. Swiftly he followed the Angirases and the days, forging the thunderbolt and leading the hosts. He propped up the sky for all creatures, both four-footed and two-footed. By his exhilaration, Indra granted the heavenly abundance of cows. When the triple-peaked mountain turned aside, he kept the malice of men far from his people. To Indra belonged the milk drawn by the two parents, pure and ever-yielding, offered to him with devotion. When the swift one was born, he shone forth like the sun at dawn. Indra, with those fit for offering, poured the Soma with the ladle, filling the dwelling with streams of delight. In the forest, the blazing sun circled the enclosure of the cow at the sacrifice. Indra’s deeds shone forth, bringing strength and cattle to the people. Eight splendid bays from the great heaven arrived at the contest, milking the exhilarating draught for the increase of the cow and calf. Indra turned back the iron one, the path of the cow, and the stone brought down from heaven by the skillful. For Kutsa, he subdued Shushna with endless weapons, circling the field with victory. Long ago, when the sun passed beyond darkness, Indra, the stone-splitter, broke the cloud and struck down the hidden strength of Shushna above the sky. After Indra, the great powers moved; heaven and earth rejoiced at his deeds. With his thunderbolt, he struck down Vritra and shattered the stronghold. Indra, leader and helper of men, was the best charioteer, swift as the wind. Wise Ushanas fashioned for him the protective thunderbolt for slaying Vritra. With bay steeds, Indra turned the wheel of the sun, bringing forth men and carrying them across the waters. The people prayed: “Indra, protect us from hardship and danger. Lead us to strength, to fame, to the awakening of horses. Grant us glory and fair praise. May your favor never leave us. Grant us wealth in cattle, and may we share in your grandest feast.” Then the offering was presented to Rudra, the gracious, and the libation brought for the sacrifice. The heroic Maruts, sons of the sky, were praised as mighty archers, their strength resounding in heaven and earth. Dawn and night, like wise wives, increased the first invocation. The bright ones, adorned in golden garments, shone with the beauty of the sun. The encompassing one, bestower of wealth, was called to delight in the people, as was the wind, strong among waters. Indra and the mountains were asked for protection, as were all the gods, to grant safe passage. The glorious, white-robed ones were invoked for protection, as were the offspring of the waters and the swift-flowing rivers. The roaring children of the waters were called and praised, as was Pūṣan, the provider, and Agni, the giver of wealth. Mitra and Varuṇa were invoked in their all-encompassing abode, as was the attentive, generous one and the fertile river Sindhu. The people rejoiced in the gifts of Varuṇa and Mitra—a hundred cows, beloved chariots, and abundant nourishment. The bounty of the mighty giver was celebrated, and the people prayed for strength, that they might be strong with the Nahushas. The lord who brought forth horses and chariots was generous indeed. Those who failed to praise Mitra and Varuṇa, who acted unrighteously, found no favor and brought affliction upon themselves. But the Nahusha, strengthened by praise, became a leader of men, renowned for his glory and generosity, overcoming every obstacle and ever eager in every contest. Thus, the hymns sing of the divine protectors, their wondrous deeds, and the blessings they bestow upon those who remember and honor them.