In the radiant expanse of heaven, where the gods are seated in splendor, the sacred fire, Agni, is invoked to come, accompanied by the mighty Maruts. These divine companions, the Maruts, are those who shake the very peaks of mountains and cross the vastness of the ocean with their formidable power. They stretch forth their luminous rays, and with their might, traverse the endless waters. For the draughts they have enjoyed before, the sweet Soma is poured out once more, a gesture of devotion and invitation to Agni and the Maruts. A hymn, carefully composed by inspired sages, is offered in honor of the birth of the god who bestows treasures upon his devotees. The worshippers yoke their thoughts to their speech, preparing the sacrifice for Indra, using branches as sacred implements. For the twin gods, the Aśvins, they have fashioned a swift and comfortable chariot, and created a cow abundant in milk. The youthful Ṛbhus, steadfast and true in word and deed, have even remade their own parents, displaying their wondrous skill. May the exhilarating joys of the gods be united with Indra, accompanied by the Maruts and the royal Ādityas. That new vessel, masterfully crafted by Tvaṣṭṛ, the divine artisan, was created anew four times, a testament to divine craftsmanship. May the gods grant treasures, threefold and sevenfold, to the one who presses the Soma, each blessing accompanied by fair praises. The sacred fires uphold the sacrifice, and the gods, with right action, apportion the offerings among themselves. With reverence, Indra and Agni are called upon; to them a hymn is raised, and they are invited to partake of the Soma. In every sacrifice, men are urged to praise Indra and Agni, to exalt them in splendid song, and to sing to them in the sacred Gāyatrī meter. Praised even by Mitra, Indra and Agni are invoked to drink the Soma. With might, they are called to come and join in the pressed Soma offering. As great lords of the sacred seat, Indra and Agni are asked for protection, that the childless and the lawless may be kept far away. By the power of truth, may they keep watch over the wise and grant their protection. At dawn, the two Aśvins are awakened and invited, yoked to their splendid chariot, to come and drink the Soma. Gods whose chariots are swift and dazzling, touching the very sky, the Aśvins are called upon. With their honey-sweet, gracious whip, may they bring prosperity to the sacrifice. No distance is too great for them; wherever their chariot travels, they reach the house of the Soma-presser. For favor, Savitṛ, the golden-handed, is invoked—he who knows the path of the gods. He is praised, the offspring of the waters, for help and for his divine ordinances, which are longed for by all. The wise, far-seeing Savitṛ, the distributor of blessings, is called upon for splendid wealth. Friends are gathered together, united in praise of Savitṛ, the generous giver who shines forth and bestows riches. Agni is asked to bring the wives of the gods, seated together, and Tvaṣṭṛ, to partake in the drinking of Soma. The youngest Agni is further invoked to bring for help the goddesses—Hotrī, Bhāratī, Varūtrī, and Dhiṣaṇā. May the divine wives of men, whose wings are unbroken, come together with favor and great protection. For aid, Indrāṇī is called; for well-being, Varuṇānī; and for the drinking of Soma, Agnāyī. May great Heaven and Earth measure out the sacrifice and support it with their abundance. The wise delight in the ghee-rich milk, their thoughts dwelling at the steadfast seat of the Gandharva. Earth is addressed with a prayer to be gentle, firm, and a secure resting place, granting wide and ample protection. From the place where Viṣṇu has stretched out, may the gods protect, guarding the seven stations of the earth. Viṣṇu himself has stepped forth, setting his foot in threefold fashion, his steps firmly placed upon the dust. As an unassailable guardian, Viṣṇu strides out in three great steps, upholding the cosmic laws from his lofty vantage. His deeds are beheld, his sacred ordinances shining forth, and he stands as Indra’s worthy companion. The wise always behold that highest step of Viṣṇu, shining like an all-seeing eye extended in the sky. Inspired seers, awake and discerning, kindle the flame of that highest step, venerating Viṣṇu’s supreme act. And now, Vāyu is invited to come to the strong, sweet-pressed Somas that are set forth, to partake of the offerings with delight. Thus, the sacred gathering resounds with invocation and praise, as the gods, their consorts, and the wise all take their places in the eternal order, each act of devotion weaving the fabric of the sacrifice and sustaining the world.