The sages sang to the mighty Ādityas—Aryaman, Mitra, and Varuṇa—whose path is straight and good. They prayed, “O radiant ones, guide us along your easy road; speak to us and grant us shelter that none can overcome.” With reverence, they invoked Aditi, mother of kings, asking her to shield them from hatred. “Let Aryaman’s gentle ways protect us, and beneath the vast refuge of Mitra and Varuṇa, may we remain unharmed and prosperous, with many people around us.” The sages marveled at the Ādityas’ grandeur: “You uphold three earths and three heavens, and maintain three sacred laws among your gatherings. Your greatness, O Aryaman, Varuṇa, and Mitra, shines through your truth and is beautiful to behold.” They praised the three radiant realms of heaven the Ādityas uphold—realms golden, pure, and ever-cleansed by flowing streams. These gods, ever watchful and unwavering, extend their praise to all who walk the straight path. “Varuṇa, you are king of all—of gods and mortals alike, O far-seeing Asura. Grant us a hundred autumns; may we enjoy long, well-ordered lives under your rule.” The Ādityas, who see all—nothing is hidden from them, neither right nor left, east nor west, not even the secret thoughts in the heart—hold everything in their gaze. “O Vasus, let us see the fearless light under your guidance.” The one who gives to the truthful kings, whom prosperity nurtures and increases, advances with wealth, leading his chariot, renowned among the assemblies. Pure and abundant in waters, unassailable, he dwells with growing strength, blessed with good sons. None can harm him, near or far, for he is under the protection of the Ādityas. The sages humbly pleaded, “Aditi, Mitra, and Varuṇa, be gracious! If we have offended you, forgive us. Indra, grant us wide, fearless light, and let not enduring misfortune overtake us.” For the blessed one, both heavens pour forth rain together, bestowing a noble name. He conquers both homes in battle, and both increases—wealth and strength—become favorable to him. “O worshipful Ādityas, your wondrous powers and the snares you set for enemies—let them be cut apart! As a swift horse escapes with its chariot, may we be unharmed and find broad shelter.” With devotion, they prayed to generous Varuṇa, “Let us not fall into ruin or misfortune. May we not lose wealth through our own misdeeds. Let us speak greatly in the assembly, strong and noble.” They honored the brilliance of the wise Āditya, sovereign of the sun, whose greatness brings all things to rest. “Gentle and divine, you are worshipped, and we seek the abundant fame of Varuṇa.” They wished to be blessed under Varuṇa’s rule, delighting in his praise, approaching him day by day like the fires that follow the dawn, never growing old. “Varuṇa, leader of many heroes, protector of wide renown, you and the sons of Aditi—flawless gods—grant us favor.” The Āditya, creator, has sent forth the rivers, which flow according to Varuṇa’s command. They never tire nor are released, but circle swiftly in their courses like birds. The sages prayed, “Varuṇa, loosen the strap of my chariot so I may reach the realm of immortality. Let not the thread of my life, my wisdom, or my righteous deeds be cut. Let the waters be gentle for me; remove fear and uphold me in righteousness. Release me from sin as a calf is freed from its tether, for only you can restrain or release.” They asked Varuṇa to protect them from those who seek to harm, to keep them on the paths of light, and to grant them long, peaceful lives. With humility, they offered homage to Varuṇa, as in the past, present, and future, recognizing his steadfast, unbreakable vows. “Remove the debts of sin, O king; let me not suffer for another’s wrongdoing. May many bright dawns shine, and grant us life within them.” They sought protection from fearful words spoken by kings, companions, or dreams, and from those who would harm them, like thieves or wolves. “May I not, O generous Varuṇa, fall into ruin or misfortune, nor lose wealth by my own fault. Let us speak mightily in the assembly, strong and victorious.” The Ādityas—steadfast, powerful, and distant from wrongdoing—know all secrets. “Varuṇa, Mitra, and all gods, knowing what is auspicious, we call upon you for help. You are generous givers and the source of strength, driving away hatred and protecting us. Come near, support us, and grant us mercy today and always.” The sages wondered, “What more can we offer you, O Wealthy Ones, with our ancient offerings? Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, Indra, Maruts—grant us well-being.” They felt the gods’ presence and begged for mercy, hoping not to be passed by, nor to grow weary while resting in the gods’ care. They praised the one who measures out many gifts, as a father guides his child. “Keep snares and evils far from us, O gods; let not misfortune seize me or my child.” They invited the gods to draw near, wishing for fearlessness and protection from wolves and those who would bring them down. “May I not, O generous Varuṇa, lose your favor and fall into emptiness. May we not lose wealth by our own fault; let us speak mightily in the assembly, victorious with heroes.” The waters, delighted, create truth for Savitar and Indra, as wives rejoice for a husband. Day by day, they hasten, eager to act; their first creation was the flowing forth. The mother, knowing, spoke to the one who would hurl the stream against Vṛtra: “The paths are ready for him, and the streams rush forth for his purpose.” Indra stood upright in the mid-region, taking up his weapon against Vṛtra. Clothed in mist, he approached the foe, and with sharp weapons, Indra conquered the enemy. “O Bṛhaspati, with your power, strike down the fierce sons of the demon as one splits a stone. As you slew the foe before, so now, Indra, strike down our enemy.” They called upon Indra, “Hurl down the stone from the sky, you who delight in Soma, and crush the enemy. In the contest for offspring and cattle, grant us a share of the cows.” Indra raises up the strength he cherishes and urges on the worshipper in need. “Indra and Soma, protect us; in this danger, create a safe place for us.” “Let us not say, ‘Do not press Soma,’ out of weariness. Let the generous one who fills us, who gives and understands, who comes to the Soma-presser with cows—let him be our friend.” They invoked Sarasvatī, “Protect us, mighty one, accompanied by the Maruts, conquering enemies. Even those who resist, striving with force, Indra strikes down—the bull among the strong.” “Whoever attacks us with hatred or seeks to harm us, strike him down, O Bṛhaspati, with your weapon. Conquer our enemies with your arms, O king, and surround those who wish us harm.” Finally, they prayed, “With our own strong men, O hero, grant us the heroic deeds you have done. May we live long and unscathed; after slaying our foes, bring us their wealth.” Thus, with devotion and hope, the sages entrusted themselves and their people to the care, justice, and blessings of the great gods.