In the ancient days, the people prayed fervently to the gods for the protection of their herds and homes. They pleaded, “Let not our enemies receive your gifts, nor let our cows wander away from us. May our cattle, their udders full, remain safely within our households.” For the sake of Mitra’s friendship and the favor of the divine youthful Ashvins, they asked for wealth that was strong and nourishing, an abundance that would sustain their lives. Often, the Ashvins’ chariot, swift and vigorous though yoked without horses, brought joy to the people. In the great assemblies, they prayed that the Ashvins would grant them bodily strength, and among the gathered folk, the chariot bearing the sacred Soma was easy to ride. Even in the weariness of sleep and in moments of splendor, the radiant Ashvins were called upon to protect them. Then, turning their prayers to Indra, the swift and mighty, they wondered when he would hear the songs of the devout Angirases and stride broadly to the homes of the generous during sacrifice. Indra, the powerful, upheld the sky and established its support, granting riches to mortals from the cow. Like a buffalo, he watched over his kin and measured the mother of the horse and cow. Indra never abandoned the ancient law, nor the red ones who ruled first. Swiftly, he followed the Angirases and the days, crafting the thunderbolt and leading his troops. He propped up the sky for all creatures, both four-footed and two-footed. Through his exhilaration, he bestowed heavenly abundance, especially of cows, and kept the malice of men away when the triple-peak turned aside. The milk drawn by two parents belonged to Indra, the bountiful and swift. The pure milk, offered with streaks, came from the ever-yielding cow. When the swift one was born, he shone forth like the sun at dawn. Indra, with those fit for offering, poured the Soma with ladle and streams for the dwelling. In the forest, when the blazing sun circled the enclosure of the cow during sacrifice, Indra’s deeds shone forth, bringing strength and cattle. Eight splendid bays from the great heaven arrived at the contest by the fountain, milking the exhilarating draught for the increase of the cow and calf. Indra turned back the iron path of the cow, the stone brought down by skillful ones from heaven. For Kutsa, he subdued Shushna with endless weapons, moving around with slayings. In ancient times, when the sun passed beyond darkness, Indra shattered the cloud, broke Shushna’s hidden strength, and struck it down above the sky. After Indra’s mighty deeds, the great powers moved, and heaven and earth rejoiced. With his thunderbolt, he struck down Vritra lying in the channels and shattered the stronghold. Indra became the leader and helper of men, the best charioteer of the wind. The wise Kavi, Ushanas, fashioned for him the protective thunderbolt for slaying Vritra. With bay steeds, Indra brought forth men and turned the wheel, carrying ninety ships and turning back the unoffered and unyoked. He protected the people from difficulty, distress, and danger, leading them to strength, chariot fame, awakening of horses, and granting glory and fair praise. His favor was sought so it would not depart; seekers hoped to find the prize. Maghavan, the generous, was asked for wealth in cattle, so the people might share the grandest feast with him. Next, the offering was presented to Rudra, the gracious, and a libation brought for sacrifice. The heroic Maruts, sons of the sky, were praised for their might in heaven and earth, as archers. Dawn and night, wise and knowing, were invoked to increase the first invocation. The bright ones, adorned in splendid garments, shone with the golden beauty of the sun. The encompassing bestower of wealth was asked to delight in the people, and the wind, strong among waters, was called to protect them. Indra and the mountains were invoked for protection, and all the gods were asked to grant passage. Glorious, white-robed beings were invited for invocation and protection, along with the offspring of waters and the mothers of swift-flowing rivers. The roaring offspring of waters were called for invocation, their praise proclaimed as one proclaims the fame of Arjuna. Pūṣan, the provider, and Agni, the giver of wealth, were invoked. Mitra and Varuṇa were asked to hear the invocation in their all-encompassing abode, as was the attentive one and the fertile river Sindhu. The bounty of Varuṇa and Mitra was praised—a hundred cows in the herd, in the enclosure, bearing beloved and famed chariots, swiftly arriving with nourishment. The mighty giver’s generosity was celebrated, and together with the Nahushas, the people sought strength. The lord who brought horses and chariots from the herds was generous. Those hostile to Mitra and Varuṇa, who did not praise the mighty ones, were not favored; they brought sickness upon themselves through unrighteous rites. The Nahusha, strengthened by praise, was a leader of men, renowned for glory and generosity, overcoming obstacles and ever eager in contests. The Nahusha would come to the invocation of the lord; kings would listen and delight. When the charioteer brought forth bounty for praise, greatness arrived. This was the band, the domain of the lord, spoken of in the assembly of the Nahushas, where glories and gifts of wealth abounded, bringing forth strength in contests. The people delighted in the domain of the Nahusha, bearing twice five, seeking food. They wondered about the desired horses and rays, as eager lords drove men forth. With golden ears and jeweled neck, Arṇa was invoked, and all the gods were asked to grant passage. Noble songs swiftly arrived, and rays shone forth for both. Four swift steeds drew the chariot, three were the powers of the victorious king. The chariot of Mitra and Varuṇa was long-watered, its yoke strong, and the sun its leader. Then, the broad chariot of the south was yoked, and the immortal gods stood upon it. Arya rose from the darkness, leaving it behind, seeking discernment for human dwelling. She awakened before all worlds, victorious, great, and generous, bringing the prize. The young, shining woman rose again—Dawn had come, first in the first invocation. The divine Dawn, well-born, distributed the day’s portion among mortals. The wise lord Savitar was invoked to declare the people sinless before the Sun. Day by day, Dawn approached each house, bearing her name, ever shining and desiring to bestow, apportioned treasures at every forefront. Dawn, sister of Bhaga and kin of Varuṇa, was asked to delight first in sweet praise. May he who assigns the portion of evil be left behind, and may the people conquer him with the right-hand chariot. Thus, through reverent hymns and heartfelt invocations, the people sought the favor and protection of the gods, honoring their might and generosity, and hoping for abundance, strength, and glory in their lives.