In the ancient dawn, the sages reflected upon the mysteries of time and creation. They pondered: which of these two—day or night—came first, and which followed? Who among the wise truly knows their birth? For both, carrying the world within themselves, move apart and together, turning like a wheel, giving rise to the cycle of time. These two, moving as one, travel far across the heavens and the earth. The one with feet carries the other who has none, nurturing the embryo of life within. Like a son cradled in the lap of his parents, so may Heaven and Earth always protect us from harm. With devotion, the singer calls for the generous gift of Aditi, the boundless one, free from distress and radiant with light. May Heaven and Earth bestow this blessing and shield us from all dangers. When these great ones are filled with strength and fervor, may we follow the twin children of the gods, who belong to both day and night. May Heaven and Earth, the divine pair, ever guard us from harm. United, these two young maidens—sisters and wives—meet together in the lap of their parents. They sense the very navel of the world, its source and center. May Heaven and Earth, ever watchful, keep us safe. Vast and mighty are Heaven and Earth, the great mothers who uphold the law and dwell in wide abodes. The gods themselves were born from them, and their beauty is immortal. To these mothers, the singer calls for help and protection. With reverence, the singer calls upon broad, far-reaching Heaven and Earth at the sacred rite. They are the bearers of fortune and steadfast support. May they grant us safety and prosperity. If, O gods, any offense has been committed—against friend, companion, or lord—let this prayer bring forgiveness. May Heaven and Earth forgive and protect us from all harm. May both noble blessings and strengths come to us, supporting us in every way. Even if enemies gather near, may the generous gods delight in us and grant prosperity. The singer declares the truth for both sky and earth, for the hearing of the wise. May father and mother—Heaven and Earth—defend us from guilt and evil. Let this be true, O Heaven and Earth, what is now spoken before you, father and mother of all. Be the closest helpers of the gods, and may we find a long-living and vigorous people. May the all-knowing god Savitar approach with blessings, accompanied by the goddesses of abundance. As young men gather, may the whole world assemble for our protection, guided by his wisdom. May all the gods come from every direction—Mitra, Aryaman, Varuna—united in purpose. Like a mighty band, may they grant us strength. Agni, most welcome guest, is praised with blessings, together with the Turvani, united. May Varuna grant us a good name, and may the radiant sun carry us beyond all hatred and want. With reverence, the singer seeks victory from Ushas and Night, as one would seek a cow full of milk. They, in their dual forms, hold the milk of nourishment in their vessel, measuring out the hymn on the same day. May Ahibudhnya, the bringer of happiness, lead us as a mother leads her child. May the river carry us safely across, as the swift and mighty carry the offspring of the waters. May Tvashtar arrive with the wise, united in purpose, to partake in the offerings. May Indra, slayer of Vritra and most powerful among men, come with the people. Let our thoughts, swift as horses, approach him, as cows lovingly lick their calf. To him, the most fragrant among men, let voices sing as wives sing to a beloved husband. May the Maruts, with their ancient host, be of one mind with us. Like chariots drawn by dappled horses, like gods joined in friendship, may they be our protectors. When their greatness shines, they set forth, well-yoked and splendid. On a good day, their armies sweep away all obstacles like a sharp weapon. Call upon the Ashvins for help, and upon Pushan, for they are self-powerful. May Vishnu, Vata, and the skillful Ribhus, free from enmity, turn toward us with favor. May your radiance, O worshipful ones, be with us, bringing growth and a secure home. May we, striving among the gods for wealth, find lasting abundance among the people. Now, let the Father, great in law and power, be praised—the one by whose might Trita struck down the many-layered Vritra. Sweet Father, honeyed Father, we have chosen you; be our protector. Come to us, nourishing Father, with auspicious guidance—bringer of joy, free from hatred, a steadfast friend. Yours are the juices, O Father, spread throughout all realms, established as if resting in the sky like the winds. Yours are the gifts, O Father, and yours the sweetest. The strong delight in your sweet juices. In you, O Father, the mind of the great gods is set; by your sign, Trita slew the serpent. When you, O Father, moved among the shining mountains, even there, O honeyed Father, the best food is sought. When we taste the essence of waters and plants, may we become nourished within, O Vātāpi. Of your soma, with the head of a cow and of barley, we partake; may we be nourished within, O Vātāpi. O plant, become nourishing as gruel, kidney, and marrow; may we be nourished within, O Vātāpi. You, O Father, we gladly receive with words, as cows receive a desired offering. From the gods we seek you as a companion at the feast, and for ourselves, too, we seek you as a companion at the feast. Today, Agni is kindled and reigns victorious among the gods. O wise envoy, carry our offerings. When, O Tanūnapāt, the sacrifice is prepared with honey, you bestow countless riches. Like one who summons, you are to be praised; bring the worthy gods for the sacrifice, O Agni of thousandfold strength. With radiance, the ancient sacred grass is spread, where the Ādityas shine forth, endowed with a thousand heroes. The shining, sovereign, mighty, and abundant streams flow with clarified butter, many and great. Upon the splendid, well-adorned seat, radiant with beauty, let the Dawns take their place. And may the first, eloquent, divine priests—the wise ones—accept our sacrifice. Thus, with reverence and devotion, the singer calls upon Heaven and Earth, the gods and the fathers, offering praise and seeking blessings, protection, forgiveness, and prosperity for all the people.