In the earliest hours, as the sacred fires are kindled and prayers rise with the dawn, the sages lift their voices in reverence to the youthful deities, whose powers and thoughts are ever fresh and vibrant. They yearn to be counted among those who bestow blessings, offering their praise to Indra, the generous bestower who gives a thousandfold, and to Varuṇa, ever worthy of song and adoration. The sages pray that, aided by Indra and Varuṇa, their community may prosper, remain steadfast, and advance in all good things. With hearts full of devotion, they call upon Indra and Varuṇa for splendid bounty, seeking protection from those who would threaten or conquer them. They entreat the gods to keep them safe, asking that Indra and Varuṇa, in their eager and benevolent thoughts, grant their shield of protection. Their hymn, well-praised and sincere, is sent forth to reach these mighty ones, upholding the very seat of praise and worship. Turning to the Lord of Prayer, the sages invoke his presence, asking that the Soma—divine nectar—resound with echoing voices, just as the inspired sage would do. They seek the aid of the mighty one who dispels disease, brings wealth, and increases prosperity, praying that his strength be with them. They plead for safety from curses, anger, and harm that may arise from mortal men, trusting the Lord of Prayer to protect them. They know that the hero who is defended by Indra, Lord of Prayer, and by Soma, does not perish from mortal harm. They ask that these divine protectors grant rewards to mortals and that their gifts serve as shields against adversity. The sages seek the wondrous Lord of the Assembly, beloved and desired by Indra, the bringer of wisdom and wealth, offering their prayers to him. Without his presence, even the wise cannot accomplish the sacrifice, for he unites the thoughts of the inspired and strengthens the offerings, ensuring the ritual advances and the priesthood is honored among the gods. In their vision, they behold Naraśaṃsa, mighty and renowned, radiant as the very dwelling of heaven, filled with festivity and joy. As the sacrifice unfolds, Agni is summoned, along with the Maruts, to the lovely rite for protection. The sages acknowledge that no god nor mortal surpasses Agni’s great power, and they call him to come with the Maruts—those who know the vast expanse, those fierce and unconquered in their might, bright and terrible in form, strong in rule, and destroyers of foes. The Maruts, shining in the heavenly realm, are invoked along with Agni, for they can shake mountain peaks and cross the ocean’s vastness, stretching forth their rays with might. For their former draught, the sweet Soma is poured out, inviting Agni and the Maruts to partake. The inspired ones have fashioned a hymn for the birth of the god, the bestower of treasures. Their thoughts are yoked to speech for Indra, and with sacred branches, they prepare the sacrifice. For the swift and radiant Aśvins, they have fashioned a comfortable chariot and a cow rich in milk. The youthful Ṛbhus, true in word and deed, have performed the wondrous act of remaking their parents. The exhilarations of the sacrifice are called to come together with Indra, accompanied by the Maruts and the royal Ādityas. The vessel, skillfully crafted by Tvaṣṭṛ, the divine artisan, is made anew four times. The sages pray that these deities grant treasures, threefold and sevenfold, to the one who presses the Soma, each with fair praises. The sustaining fires have apportioned the shares of the sacrifice among the gods, each according to right action. Raising their hymn, the sages call upon Indra and Agni together, inviting them to drink the Soma at this sacred place. They are praised in the sacrifices, and the people are urged to sing to them in the Gāyatrī verses. Mitra too praises Indra and Agni, and they are invoked for the drinking of Soma. Being mighty, Indra and Agni are called to the pressed Soma offering, and the sages seek their protection, asking that the childless and lawless be kept far away. By the power of truth, Indra and Agni are asked to watch over the wise and grant their protection. As the dawn breaks, the two Aśvins are called to arise and come, yoked to their splendid and swift chariots that touch the very sky. The sages invite them to drink the Soma, their hearts and voices lifted in devotion to the divine twins whose arrival brings blessing and light to the world.