In the earliest light, the swift one was born and rejoiced, shining forth like the sun at dawn’s first break. Indra, the mighty, was called upon to pour the sacred Soma with the ladle, together with those worthy of offering, so that its streams might bless the dwelling. In the forest, the blazing sun circled the sacred enclosure, marking the path of sacrifice. As the days passed, Indra’s deeds shone brightly; his actions brought strength and cattle to those who honored him. From the great heaven, eight splendid bay steeds arrived at the contest by the fountain. They drew forth the exhilarating draught, milking it for the increase of the cow and calf, to be mixed upon the stones. Indra, ever skillful, turned back the iron path of the cow, the stone brought down by those adept from heaven. There, for Kutsa, he subdued the demon Shushna with endless weapons, circling the foe with relentless slayings. In ancient times, when the sun had crossed beyond darkness, Indra, the stone-splitter, broke through the cloud and the missile of the enemy. Even that hidden strength of Shushna, bound above the sky, Indra struck down. After Indra’s mighty deeds, the great powers themselves moved; heaven and earth rejoiced. With his thunderbolt, Indra struck down Vritra, who lay in the channels, shattering the stronghold and bringing liberation. Indra stood as the leader and helper of men, the best charioteer of the wind. For him, the wise Kavi Ushanas fashioned the exhilarating, protective thunderbolt, meant for the slaying of Vritra. With his bay steeds, Indra brought forth men and turned the wheel of time. He carried ninety ships across the waters and turned back the unoffered and the unyoked, ensuring the proper order. Indra was invoked for protection from difficulty, distress, and danger. He was asked to lead his devotees to strength, to fame in chariot contests, to the awakening of horses, and to grant them glory and fair praise. His favor was sought never to depart, so that seekers might find the prize. Indra, the generous Maghavan, was asked to grant wealth in cattle, so that his worshippers might share in the grandest feast with him. The offering was then presented to Rudra, the gracious one, with swift minds bringing libations for the sacrifice. The heroic Maruts, sons of the sky, were praised for their might as archers in heaven and on earth. Dawn and night, wise as a wife, were invoked to increase the first invocation. The bright ones, adorned in splendid garments, shone with the golden beauty of the sun. May the all-encompassing bestower of wealth delight in us; may the strong wind among waters favor us. Indra and the mountains were asked for protection, and all the gods for safe passage. Those who are glorious and white-robed were called for invocation and protection. The offspring of waters and the mothers of swift-flowing rivers were summoned. The roaring offspring of waters were praised, their fame proclaimed as Arjuna’s is. Pūṣan, the provider, and Agni, the giver of wealth, were invoked. Mitra and Varuṇa were called to hear the invocation in their all-encompassing abode. The generous and attentive one, as well as the fertile Sindhu river, were invoked to hear with their waters. Their gifts were praised—Varuṇa and Mitra, givers of a hundred cows and beloved chariots that swiftly arrived, bringing nourishment. The bounty of the mighty giver was extolled, and strength was sought together with the Nahushas. The lord who brings horses and chariots from the herds was generous. Those hostile to Mitra and Varuṇa, who do not offer praise, are not favored and bring sickness upon themselves when they act unrighteously through the rites. The Nahusha, strengthened by praise, became a leader of men, renowned for his glory and generosity, overcoming obstacles and eager in every contest. The Nahusha was called to the lord’s invocation, and the kings, delighted, listened. When the charioteer brought forth bounty for praise, greatness followed. This was their band, the domain of the lord, as spoken in the assembly of the Nahushas. In them lay glories and gifts of wealth, and all were urged to bring forth strength in contests. Delight was found in the domain of the Nahusha, who, bearing twice five, went for food. The desired horses and rays were sought, as the eager lords drove forth men. With golden ears and jeweled neck, Arṇa was invoked for safe passage from all the gods. Noble songs arrived swiftly, and the rays shone forth for all. Four swift steeds drew the chariot, three were the powers of the victorious king. The chariot of Mitra and Varuṇa, long-watered and strong-yoked, was led by the sun. The broad chariot of the south was yoked, and the immortal gods stood upon it. Arya rose from the darkness, leaving it behind, seeking a dwelling for humanity. She awakened before all worlds, victorious, great, and generous, bringing the prize. The shining young woman, Dawn, rose first in the invocation. To this divine Dawn, well-born, prayers were offered that today’s portion be distributed among mortals, and that Savitar, the wise lord, declare his devotees sinless before the Sun. Dawn approached each house, day by day, bearing her name, ever shining and eager to bestow, distributing treasures at every threshold. As sister of Bhaga and kin of Varuṇa, Dawn was asked to delight in sweet praise first, and that the assigner of evil be left behind, conquered with the right-hand chariot. Sweet speech and generosity were called to arise, as the shining fires were kindled. The splendid treasures, once hidden by darkness, were now revealed by the Dawns as they shone forth. One departed as another arrived; the two, diverse in form, traveled together—one dispelling darkness by her chariot, the other, Dawn, shining forth. Day after day, the Dawns followed the unbroken order of Varuṇa, each flawless, traveling their course swiftly and unfailingly. She knew the name of the first day; the bright one was born from the dark, shining white. The maiden of truth never violated her order, moving steadfastly day after day. Like a maiden adorned, the goddess Dawn approached the god to be beheld; remembering, the youthful one came forward, making the paths visible as she shone. Radiant, like a bride adorned by her mother, Dawn made her form pleasing to see. The auspicious Dawn was asked to spread wide her light, so that no other Dawns would vanish before her. Rich in horses and cattle, all-bestowing, striving with the Sun’s rays, the Dawns went forth and returned again, bearing the name of the auspicious. Following the path of truth with her rays, Dawn was asked to grant the best resolve, to shine forth graciously, and to bring wealth among the generous. As Dawn rose, she kindled the fires and the Sun ascended, spreading light across the vast expanse. The god Savitar set forth welfare for all beings, two-legged and four-legged. Dawn never transgressed the divine laws, nor did she break the courses of men. Among all who come and go, she, the foremost, shone forth with the likeness of the eternal, ever faithful to the cosmic order.