On this day, the sages and worshippers raised their voices in solemn invocation to the Ashvins, the divine twin horsemen, calling upon their radiant chariot to bring new prosperity. Their chariot, flawless and unbroken, wheels ever-turning across the sky, was summoned with hymns, that the people might flourish and live long upon the earth. The question arose among the gathered sacrificers: what is the most beloved of riches, when the waters are stirred and the offerings made? The sacrifice itself, they realized, brings forth the praise of the Ashvins, who are protectors, bestowers of wealth, and guardians of humankind. The Ashvins’ horses, pure and rich as milk, swift as the rushing wind, strong and eager, royal and divine, are harnessed to their chariot. This chariot, like a mighty river, never ceases, its yoke strong, fit to bring prosperity. It stands foremost among all, swifter than thought, honored by all who worship. Born upon this earth, the Ashvins assemble, flawless in form, bearing their own names. One is victorious, wise and fortunate; the other is blessed, a true son of heaven. Their cows, brown and dappled, low as they follow the path to the dwellings, their forms beautiful and abundant. The horses are filled with strength, and as the Ashvins’ chariot resounds through the realms, the people rejoice. A mighty bull, like the season of autumn, moves forth, distributing ancient gifts and seeking honeyed sweetness. The horses, filled with vigor, and the rivers, upright and true, come at their call. The ancient poet has sent forth songs for the Ashvins, threefold and flowing. The twins never abandon those who praise them; they hear every call as they journey. Their shining forms are celebrated in song, on the sacred grass in the assembly of men. Their bull-cloud, strong and full of might, and the milk of the cow, delight the people. As Pūṣan, the wise and ageless, is ever young, so the worshipper, full of offerings, calls on the Ashvins. In praise, he invokes their help, yearning for a long-lived, flourishing people. Now, a new skill arises, and the Ashvins’ strong chariot is adorned. The wise rejoice as the divine helpers, inspirers of thought and givers of wealth, sons of heaven and pure in vow, are invoked. The Ashvins are likened to Indra and the Maruts—wondrous and powerful, the best charioteers—bearing a full chariot brimming with honey to the worshipper. The people ask the wondrous twins, “What do you seek here? Who among men is to be honored today?” The Ashvins are called to cross over, to heal and restore life to the fallen, and to bring the sage the light of utterance. They are asked to drive away the howling, greedy wolf, to strike down foes, and to make the singer’s words rich in gifts, granting both praise and protection. The Ashvins once made a boat among the rivers—self-moving and winged—for the son of Tugra. With their divine mind, they carried him swiftly over mighty floods. Tugra’s son, cast down among the waters and darkness, found himself at the place without support. Four boats, guided by the Ashvins and favored by the unborn child, carried him across. In the midst of the waters, Tugra’s son embraced a steadfast tree, seeking refuge, and the Ashvins, like branches bearing leaves, carried him so he might be heard. The worshippers pray that the help of the Ashvins, the Nāsatyas, always be near, as their measure has decreed. From the seat of Soma, they seek the knowledge that their people may be long-lived and flourishing. The Ashvins are asked to harness what is swifter than the mind—a three-yoked, strong, three-wheeled chariot. With it, they fly like birds to the home of the well-doer. When their chariot stands at the navel of the earth, and they follow the path of power, the beautiful song of the worshipper seeks to join them, calling upon the daughters of heaven, the dawns, to unite. Standing on their well-fitted chariot, full of offerings and moved by their vows, the Ashvins seek the path for offspring and for themselves. The prayer is offered that neither wolf nor she-wolf may assail them, that they turn not aside nor be harmed. The share of the sacrifice is set apart for them, along with treasures of honey and songs of praise. Gotama and Atri, the much-praising sages, have called upon the Ashvins with offerings. Like a guide leading straight to the goal, the Ashvins are asked to come to the invocation. The worshippers declare that they have crossed beyond the farthest darkness, and now, with praise, they call the Ashvins to come by the divine paths, that the people may be long-lived and flourishing. The fire is kindled at dawn with hymns, and the Ashvins, wherever they may be, are invoked as sons of heaven and best givers of gifts. The strong ones are asked to gladden the people, to drive away the greedy, and to hear the words of the worshippers with understanding. For beauty, as Pūṣan the craftsman bears the chariot of Sūryā for the gods, so the Ashvins are praised. Their yokes, well-joined like Varuṇa’s fetters, are born in the waters. The sweet favor of the Ashvins is sought, their hymn accepted, and as their fame spreads, the people rejoice in their heroic strength. A hymn is composed for the Ashvins, bountiful and splendid, to delight in the words of Agastya. The worshippers declare that they have crossed beyond darkness, and for the Ashvins, this hymn is set forth. They are called to come by the divine paths, that the people may be long-living and vigorous. A deeper question arises: which of these two—day or night—is earlier, and which is later? Who knows the truth of their birth? Both, bearing all things, move apart, and so day and night revolve like a wheel. Two, moving together, traverse much; the one with feet carries the other without, bearing the embryo. Like a son in the lap of his parents, the worshippers pray that Heaven and Earth protect them from harm. Aditi, free from distress and shining with light, is invoked for her gift. May Heaven and Earth bring forth blessings for the singer and grant protection. When Heaven and Earth are heated and strong, the worshippers follow the twin children of the gods, seeking protection across both days. The two young women—sisters and wives—meet in the lap of their parents, smelling the navel of the world. May Heaven and Earth protect from harm. Wide and vast, great in their abode, upholding the law, the mothers of the gods are called for help. They who bear the immortal and are beautiful in aspect are invoked for protection. Wide, broad, and far-reaching, Earth and Heaven are reverently called upon in sacrifice. They who bring good fortune and excellent support are asked to protect from harm. If any offense has been committed—against a friend, companion, or lord—the prayer is for forgiveness, and for Heaven and Earth to shield from harm. The worshippers seek both noble blessings and strengths, even in the presence of many enemies, that the generous gods may delight and grant prosperity. At last, the truth is declared for sky and earth, for the hearing of the wise. The worshippers pray that father and mother—Heaven and Earth—protect them from guilt and evil, ever with their help.