As the sacred rite unfolds, the worshippers turn first to the Aśvins, those divine twins whose honey-sweet and gracious whip guides the sacrifice toward prosperity. Where their chariot travels, no distance can hinder them; they swiftly arrive at the home of the Soma-presser, answering the call with unfailing presence. Seeking favor, the devotees invoke Savitṛ, the golden-handed deity who knows the hidden ways of the gods. Born of the waters, Savitṛ is praised for his help, for his ordinances are yearned for by all who gather. Wise and all-seeing, he is the distributor of splendid wealth, and friends sit together in reverence, knowing that Savitṛ, the giver, bestows riches and shines forth among them. Agni, the fire, is then called upon to bring forth the wives of the gods, who sit together in harmony, along with Tvaṣṭṛ, to partake in the drinking of Soma. The youngest Agni is asked to summon for aid the goddesses—Hotrī, Bhāratī, Varūtrī, and Dhiṣaṇā—so that their presence may bless the gathering. May the divine wives of men, unbroken in their wings, assemble with favor and great protection. The invocation continues, calling Indrāṇī for aid, Varuṇānī for well-being, and Agnāyī for the Soma ritual. May Heaven and Earth, vast and abundant, measure out the sacrifice and support it with their bounty. The wise delight in the ghee-rich milk, contemplating at the steadfast seat of the Gandharva, and Earth herself is beseeched to be gentle, firm, and a secure resting place, offering wide and ample protection. From the place where Viṣṇu has stretched out, the gods are asked to protect the assembly, guarding the seven stations of the earth. Viṣṇu’s threefold stride is recalled, his footstep firmly set in the dust, upholding the laws with unassailable guardianship. The deeds of Viṣṇu are beheld, his sacred ordinances manifest, and he stands as Indra’s worthy companion. The wise always gaze upon Viṣṇu’s highest step, shining like an eye extended in the sky. Inspired seers, awake and discerning, kindle that highest step, keeping the vision alive. Now, the call turns to Vāyu, inviting him to the strong, pressed Somas, full of sweetness, that are set forth for drinking. Both Indra and Vāyu, who touch the sky, are summoned to partake in the Soma, swift as thought and thousand-eyed, lords of insight. The wise invoke them for aid, and Mitra and Varuṇa are also called, both born with pure skill, to join in the Soma ritual. By truth and the ever-growing light, Mitra and Varuṇa are invoked, their gracious favor sought for protection. Indra, accompanied by the Maruts, is called to drink the Soma and rejoice with his host. The Maruts, whose chief is Indra, are bestowers of wealth, and the prayer is that all of them hear the invocation. These generous ones, who slew Vṛtra with Indra, yoked with might, are asked to keep hostile speech away from the assembly. All the Maruts, fierce and born of Pṛśni, are called to drink Soma, and their boldness is likened to a victorious thunderer. Whatever is auspicious, may it be granted, and may the Maruts protect and show mercy, born from the flash of lightning and the roar. Pūṣan, radiant one, is invoked to bring back the lost, as a herdsman returns a strayed animal, to the splendid seat of the sky. Pūṣan, who found the hidden king and brought him forth, guides the six-yoked ones, threshing out barley with the cows. The waters, sisters, move along their paths, pouring forth honeyed milk for the rite. With these waters, by which the Sun rises and is accompanied, may the sacrifice be furthered. The divine waters, where cattle drink, are called upon for offerings, for within them is ambrosia, healing, and blessing. Soma speaks from within the waters, revealing that all remedies are contained there. Agni, bringer of all good, and the waters, givers of all healing, are invoked together. Finally, the prayer rises: O waters, grant healing and protection for the body, and let the worshipper behold the Sun for a long time to come.