The tale begins with the blessings bestowed upon the one favored by Brahmanaspati. For him, all rivers converge, their unbroken streams offering abundant shelter. The gods smile upon him, and whatever team Brahmanaspati chooses to harness, he ensures their victory and prosperity. Brahmanaspati is praised for his straight and unwavering devotion, his eagerness for the wilds, and his power to subdue the unsubdued. He approaches those without faith, dividing the hard-won prize generously among both the pious and the impious, distributing the offerings with impartial grace. As a hero, Brahmanaspati is called upon to sacrifice and lead forth noble thoughts, to make his mind auspicious in the slaying of Vritra, the ancient foe. The offering is prepared as he desires, and the devotees choose the favor of Brahmanaspati above all. It is he who, through his people, his clan, and his birth, with sons and companions, wins wealth and riches. Whoever calls upon Brahmanaspati, the father of the gods, with faith and offerings, finds himself prosperous and blessed. Those who serve him with offerings rich in ghee are led forward on the righteous path. The wondrous Brahmanaspati makes wide room for them, protects them from harm, and even delivers them from sin. Turning now to the Ādityas, the ancient kings, hymns rich in ghee are offered with reverence. May Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, Varuṇa, Dakṣa, and Aṃśa, born of truth, hear these prayers. Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa, mighty and pure, accept the praise offered today. The Ādityas are purified by streams, free from sin, blameless, and unharmed. Vast and deep are these Ādityas, eager to bestow gifts, seeing much. Within their gaze, both the wicked and the good are beheld, and even the highest matters are not hidden from these kings. They uphold the moving world, the gods, and are guardians of all creation. Far-seeing, they protect their lordship, observe the order, and measure out the debts of all beings. The devotees pray to know the aid of the Ādityas, so that even in adversity Aryaman may be near. By the guidance of Mitra and Varuṇa, they seek to avoid misfortunes as one avoids a pit. The path of Aryaman and Mitra is easy and straight, Varuṇa’s is good; by these paths, the Ādityas are asked to grant shelter that cannot be overcome. Aditi, mother of kings, is called upon to protect from hatred. Aryaman is invoked for easy paths, and under the wide shelter of Mitra and Varuṇa, the wish is to be unharmed and blessed with many companions. The Ādityas uphold three earths and three heavens, three laws among their gatherings. Their greatness is established by truth, and their beauty shines forth through Aryaman, Varuṇa, and Mitra. Three shining realms of heaven do they uphold—golden, pure, purified by streams—sleepless, unwinking, unfailing, and wide in praise for the righteous. Varuṇa is recognized as 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, neither east nor west. Even the secrets and thoughts are known to them, and under their guidance, the fearless light is sought. Those who have given to the kings who uphold truth, whom prosperity nourishes, advance with wealth, foremost in their chariot, renowned in the assemblies. Pure and possessing abundant waters, unassailable, such a one dwells with increased strength, blessed with good sons. None strike him from near or far, and he comes under the guidance of the Ādityas. Aditi, Mitra, and Varuṇa are asked for grace, especially if any offense has been committed against them. Wide, fearless light is sought, and Indra is invoked so that long-lasting misfortunes do not overwhelm. Both heavens pour forth together for the fortunate one, bestowing rain and a noble name. Both dwellings are conquered in battle, and both increases become favorable. The wondrous powers of the Ādityas are praised, and their snares set for the enemy are asked to be cut apart. Like a horse escaping with its chariot, may the devotees be unharmed and find wide shelter. Varuṇa, generous and beloved, is implored that ruin or misfortune may not be encountered, nor wealth lost through ill conduct. May the devotees speak greatly in the assembly, strong and noble. The radiance of the wise Āditya, sovereign of the sun, brings all things to rest by his greatness. Gentle and divine, he is worshipped, and the abundant fame of Varuṇa is sought. Under Varuṇa’s rule, may the devotees be blessed, delighting in his praise. Like fires following the rich dawns, they wish to approach day by day, never growing old. Protection is sought from Varuṇa, leader of many heroes, of wide renown. The sons of Aditi, flawless, are asked to grant favor, for they are worthy gods. The Āditya, creator, has sent forth the rivers, which flow according to Varuṇa’s order. They neither tire nor are released, but swiftly circle like birds in their course. For the chariot, Varuṇa is asked to loosen the strap so that the realm of immortality may be reached. Let not the thread of life be cut, nor wisdom, nor the measure of righteous deeds. Varuṇa is called upon to make the waters gentle, to remove fear, and to uphold the devotees in righteousness. Release from sin is sought, as a calf is released from its tether, for none but Varuṇa can restrain or release. Varuṇa is asked to protect from those who are hostile, who seek to harm, so that ruin may not come. The wish is to remain on the paths of light, avoiding conflict, and to live long. Homage is offered to Varuṇa as before, now, and in the future, for his steadfast, unshaken, and difficult-to-break vows are like a mountain. The debts of sin are asked to be removed, so that suffering for another’s wrongdoing does not occur. May the dawns shine forth, bright and many, and may Varuṇa grant life in them. If a king, companion, or anyone in a dream has spoken fearful words, or if a thief or a wolf seeks to harm, Varuṇa is invoked for protection. Again, Varuṇa is asked that ruin or misfortune may not be encountered, nor wealth lost through ill conduct. The wish is to speak greatly in the assembly, strong and noble. The steadfast Ādityas, powerful and distant from wrongdoing, knowing secrets, listen to Varuṇa, Mitra, and the gods. Knowing what is auspicious, the devotees call upon them for help. The gods are generous givers, the source of strength, driving away hatred and protecting. They are asked to come near, to support, and to grant mercy today and hereafter. The devotees wonder what more can be done for the Wealthy Ones with ancient offerings. Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, Indra, and the Maruts are implored to grant well-being. The gods are present, and mercy is sought for those who are not at fault. May their chariot not pass by in the middle, and may the devotees not grow weary while resting in them. One alone has measured out the many gifts, as a father instructs his foolish son. The snares and evils are asked to be kept far away, so that misfortune does not seize the devotees or their children. The gods are called upon to come near today, with confidence in their hearts, so that the devotees may be fearless. Protection is sought from the howling wolf and from those who bring harm. Varuṇa is again invoked so that the devotees do not fall into the emptiness of losing his favor. May wealth not be lost through their own fault, and may they speak mightily in the assembly, victorious with heroes. Thus, through praise, invocation, and heartfelt supplication, the story unfolds—a tale of seeking divine favor, protection, righteousness, and prosperity under the guidance and grace of Brahmanaspati, the Ādityas, and the mighty Varuṇa.