As the sacred dawn approaches, its gentle light is invoked by the devoted. May she, the radiant Dawn, be pleased with us, mindful of our hymns and offerings, bringing illumination to dispel the darkness. At this hour, Indra—the mighty bull, eager to vanquish foes—hears the newest song of his worshippers. Wise and renowned, Indra grows strong for his people, wielding his thunderbolt to strike down those who are hostile and unfriendly. He destroys those who harm the faithful, listens to their pleas, and ensures no harm comes upon their journey. All evil thoughts are kept far away by his protection. With Indra’s generosity and power, the worshippers, aided by him, overcome their adversaries in battle and conquer those who challenge them. At the sacrifice, their words are offered for the one who pours Soma, striving for victory and the prize. Indra is called upon to bring the reward to those who seek the sun, desire the wealth of the dawn, and wish for prosperity in their own homes. His heroic deeds are well known: he struck down Arbuda, and his gifts and blessings are sought by the good. Indra’s ancient bounty is remembered, for in it, a dwelling for immortality was established through sacrifice—a gift he declared so that all may see its brilliance. Indra, ever wise, knows where to seek the cows among his kin. His deeds are celebrated, for he once opened the enclosure for the Angirases, seeking the herd, granting them a common share and fighting for his worshippers. He drives away any lawless one, even those who are angry, from those who press Soma. Indra, the hero, watches over those who strive for wealth, fame, and offer praise. To those who worship with strength, he grants long life and offspring. The inspired thoughts of the gods seek Indra’s dwelling, and the thoughts of mortals turn to him. Indra and Parvata, with their weapons at the forefront, drive away those who attack in battle, striking down foes with thunderbolts and casting them far away into deep abysses if they have caused harm. Indra surrounds all enemies, scattering them utterly on every side. Through truth, the worshippers purify both heaven and earth, burning away deceits and destroying the great ones. Where enemies have been struck down, hostile dwellings are shattered and strongholds collapse. Even with his mighty force, Indra, the stone-wielder, strikes the heads of those who intend harm, cutting them down with his sharp foot. He drives away bands of those who seek to harm, breaking through hostile strongholds and places. Indra’s intention is clear: he sweeps away the fifty-three hostile leaps, destroying the tawny missile, the demon, and the sorceress. All demon-hosts are removed. Indra, unarmored and steadfast, hears the prayers of his devotees. His radiance causes the sky to shine and the earth to stand unafraid. With his mighty weapons, he advances fiercely, slayer of the non-man, unconquered hero with thrice-seven powers. The one who offers Soma wins a home, worships, and removes the hatred of the gods. Strength is desired, and a thousandfold prize is given. Indra bestows abundant wealth upon the one who offers. Vāyu is now called to the feast, with his team of swift steeds, eager for the offering. The worshippers invite him for the first draught of Soma, hoping his upright, knowing thoughts will stand by him. The exhilarating drops, skillfully pressed with cows, gladden Vāyu. When the eager ones seek to bestow, skilled aids join, and the teams align for the feast, speaking their thoughts for the occasion. Vāyu yokes his red and tawny steeds, the swiftest to the chariot, best at drawing the yoke. He awakens Purandhi, his beloved, as a lover awakens his beloved. He makes the two worlds shine forth and brings the dawns for fame. For Vāyu, the pure dawns spread their lovely garments, bright and new, and the cow rich in milk yields all treasures. The Maruts, youthful and vigorous, drive from the heavens. The bright, pure, swift ones seek nourishment in exhilaration, desiring to enjoy. The worshipper seeks Bhaga for strength, and Vāyu protects all beings by law, even from the sun. Among all, Vāyu is the first to deserve the draught of Soma, and among the swiftly-moving hosts and chosen peoples, all cows yield him rich butter. Vāyu is invited to the spread seat for refreshment, with a thousand teams. For the first draught, the gods have yoked themselves, and honey-sweet Soma is set for his delight and power. The Soma, purified by stones and adorned with splendor, flows into the vessel, shining and radiant. This share in life is invoked among the gods, and Vāyu is called to bring his teams, coming gladly. He is welcomed with hundreds and thousands of teams to the sacrifice and offerings. His share, along with the sun, is radiant, and the priests drive the bright ones for him. Vāyu’s chariot, yoked with teams, comes for help and well-prepared offerings. He is urged to drink the honeyed Soma, his first draught set for him. Vāyu is asked to come with shining bounty, together with Indra. At the sacrifice, thoughts turn to Indra and Vāyu. The Soma, purified like a spirited horse, is for their delight. Both give strength and the prize at the rite. Somas for the two have been pressed in the waters, borne by the priests, and the bright ones have been brought forth. These youthful Somas, ever-renewed, flow through the filter, passing beyond the wool. Vāyu is urged to go beyond to the ever-flowing, where the stone speaks constantly, and Indra is invited to the house. Gracious speech and clarified butter are poured out, and the full troop advances to the rite. Indra and Vāyu advance together. They accept the sweet offering, their sons attend the sacred fig tree, and blessings of sons are sought. Cows are milked, barley cooked, and for Vāyu, the cows come up. Vāyu’s strong-armed, mighty bulls fly within the rivers, growing great even in the desert and on the mountain, tireless and hard to restrain, like the rays of the sun. Now, with reverence, the highest, ancient, and great praise is brought as offering and prayer to the gracious two—sovereigns rich in ghee, worthy of sacrifice, praised at the rite. Their power and divinity cannot be overcome from anywhere. The broad, spacious path of truth is seen, measured with the rays of Bhaga’s vision. The shining seat of Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa is established, and the great hymn and praise are offered. They uphold radiant, immortal Aditi and the earth full of light, watching day by day, ever wakeful. The Ādityas, lords of gifts, possess radiant power, guiding the people—Mitra and Varuṇa, Aryaman. May the Soma, most pleasant in libations, be auspicious for Mitra and Varuṇa, the god without misfortune. May all gods together enjoy him today, and may the two kings act as desired, in accordance with truth. Whoever among men worships Mitra and Varuṇa is protected from harm, blameless, guarded by Aryaman along the straight path and adorned by hymns and praises. Homage is given to the great heaven and the two worlds; praise is offered to Mitra, Varuṇa, Indra, Agni, Aryaman, and Bhaga, seeking long life, offspring, and unity with Soma’s help. With the gods’ aid, endowed with Indra’s might, the worshippers seek glory with the Maruts. Agni, Mitra, and Varuṇa grant shelter, and the generous ones bless the worshippers and their offspring. Gladly, those who seek the cows come with the stones, eager for Soma. O kings, reaching to the sky, Mitra and Varuṇa are invited to partake of the bright Somas with cow’s milk. The pressed Somas, mixed with curd, come to them, and the dawns awaken them with the sun’s rays. The pressed Soma is for Mitra and Varuṇa to drink, lovely and righteous. The morning draught, like a cow, is milked with the stones, and Soma is prepared for Mitra and Varuṇa. They are called to come near and drink the Soma pressed by men, completing the sacred rite and bringing blessings to all.