In the vastness of creation, among the strongholds both high and low, there is a wondrous and mighty presence—Brahmaṇaspati—who has grown in strength and power, pervading all things. This god, spreading wide among the company of the gods, encompasses all, holding everything within his embrace. To Brahmaṇaspati and Indra, the generous ones, all truth is present and undiminished, even by the mighty waters. The offering is laid before them, like food for two swift steeds yoked together, and they are invited to accept it with grace. The eager sacred fires listen in turn, while the wise priest, with devotion and insight, brings forth both thought and wealth. Rejecting the fallen, he willingly takes upon himself the debt of service; in the assembly, Brahmaṇaspati stands as the champion, upholding order and righteousness. Brahmaṇaspati’s will is ever effective; his true intention accomplishes great deeds. He is the one who released the cows and divided the sky, surging forth with the unstoppable force of a mighty river, flowing apart in strength. With reverence, a prayer is raised: “O Brahmaṇaspati, may we be lords of wealth, guided well, possessing chariots, and blessed with long life. Grant us heroes among men, if you, who rule by prayer, accept this invocation.” Brahmaṇaspati is called upon as the guide of the hymn, to be mindful of it and inspire its offspring. The prayer seeks that all good things, protected by the gods, may come to the people, and that they may speak greatly and stand strong in the assembly. Agni, the fire, is kindled—a conqueror of the hostile, skilled in prayer, shining forth as the receiver of offerings. Born anew from the sacrifice, he advances with vigor; whomever Brahmaṇaspati chooses as his companion, he sets forth on the path of victory. With heroes, he conquers heroes, overcoming all opposition; with cows, he spreads wealth, and by his own awakening, he increases both offspring and descendants for his chosen companion. Like the surge of a roaring river, swift and powerful, like a bull bellowing against the barren cow, he is unstoppable—like fire advancing, never to be restrained. Whatever team Brahmaṇaspati harnesses, he brings to triumph. The divine ones pour forth their offerings to him; through his powers, he is the first to reach the cows. Tireless in strength, he strikes with vigor; whatever team he leads, he makes victorious. For him, all the rivers flow together, unbroken, granting abundant shelter. Blessed by the favor of the gods, he prospers, for whomever Brahmaṇaspati guides, victory is assured. With straight praise and eager hearts, Brahmaṇaspati is invoked to subdue the unsubdued, to approach the godless, and to generously distribute the hard-won prize among both the pious and the impious. He is called upon to sacrifice, to lead forth his thought, to make his mind auspicious in the slaying of Vritra, to prepare the offering as he desires, for the favor of Brahmaṇaspati is sought above all. Through his people, his clan, his birth, with sons and men, one wins wealth and riches—if, with faith and offering, he calls upon Brahmaṇaspati, the father of the gods. Whoever serves him with offerings rich in ghee, Brahmaṇaspati leads him forward on the righteous path, making room for him, protecting from harm, and delivering even from sin. With hymns rich in ghee, the tongue offers praise to the Ādityas, the ancient kings—Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, Varuṇa, Dakṣa, and Aṃśa, all born of truth, are called to hear. Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa, mighty ones, are asked to accept this praise; the Ādityas, pure and purified by streams, are free from sin, blameless, and unharmed. These Ādityas are vast and deep, unfailing and eager to bestow, seeing all things. Within, they behold both the wicked and the good; even the highest matters are not hidden from these kings. The Ādityas uphold the moving world and all creation, far-seeing, protecting their lordship, observing the cosmic order, and measuring out the debts of all beings. A prayer rises: “May we know your aid, O Ādityas, so that even in adversity Aryaman may be near. By your guidance, Mitra and Varuṇa, may we avoid misfortunes as one avoids a hidden pit.” Their paths, O Aryaman, Mitra, and Varuṇa, are easy and straight, good and true; by those paths, may the Ādityas speak to us and grant us shelter that none can overcome. Aditi, mother of kings, is invoked for protection from hatred; Aryaman is asked to grant easy paths; under the wide shelter of Mitra and Varuṇa, may the people be unharmed and rich in men. The Ādityas uphold three earths and three heavens, three laws among their gatherings. By truth, their greatness is great, and their glory, O Aryaman, Varuṇa, and Mitra, is beautiful. They uphold three shining realms of heaven—golden, pure, and purified by streams—sleepless, unwinking, unfailing, and wide in praise for the upright mortal. Varuṇa is king of all, both gods and mortals, the mighty Asura. He is asked to grant a hundred autumns, so that long and well-ordered lives may be enjoyed. Nothing is hidden from the Ādityas—not right nor left, east nor west; even the secret and the thought are known to them. Under their guidance, may the fearless light be seen. He who gives to the kings who uphold truth, and whom prosperity nourishes, advances with wealth, foremost in his chariot, renowned in the assemblies. Pure and possessing abundant waters, unassailable, he dwells in strength, blessed with good sons. None strike him from near or far; he comes under the guidance of the Ādityas. A plea is made: “Aditi, Mitra, and Varuṇa, be gracious; if we have erred, grant us wide, fearless light, Indra, and let not lasting misfortune overwhelm us.” The heavens pour forth together for the fortunate one, bestowing rain; he receives a noble name. Both dwellings are conquered in battle, and all increase becomes favorable to him. The wondrous powers of the Ādityas, the snares set for the enemy, are asked to be cut apart; as a horse escapes with its chariot, may the people be unharmed, finding wide shelter. A prayer to Varuṇa: “May I not, generous and beloved king, encounter ruin or misfortune. May I not lose wealth through ill conduct; let us speak greatly in the assembly, strong and noble.” This is the radiance of the wise Āditya, sovereign of the sun; by his greatness, all things are brought to rest. Gentle and divine, he is worshipped, and the abundant fame of Varuṇa is sought. “May we be blessed under your rule, Varuṇa, delighting in your praise; like the fires that follow the rich dawns, may we approach day by day, never growing old.” “May we be under your protection, Varuṇa, leader of many heroes, of wide renown; you sons of Aditi, flawless, may you grant us favor, O worthy gods.” The Āditya, creator, has sent forth the rivers, which flow according to Varuṇa’s order. They tire not, nor are they released; like birds, they swiftly circle in their courses. A gentle plea is made: “For my chariot, loosen the strap, Varuṇa, so I may reach the realm of immortality; let not the thread of my life be cut, nor my wisdom, nor the measure of my righteous deeds.” “O Varuṇa, let the waters be gentle; remove fear, O king, and uphold me in righteousness. Release me from sin as a calf from its tether, for none but you can restrain or release.” “Let not those who are hostile, Varuṇa, bring us to ruin; let us not stray from the paths of light, nor encounter conflict, but live long.” Finally, homage is offered to Varuṇa, as before, now, and in the future, for in him, as in a mountain, are steadfast, unshaken, and unbreakable vows.