Marvelous indeed were the ways of the Maruts, the storm gods, whose approach inspired awe among all beings. In ancient times, from the nurturing udder of Prishni, these sons of Rudra drew forth nourishing streams, bestowing vitality upon the world. Ever youthful, full of Rudra’s energy, they invigorated even the aged and the weak with their triple strength, reviving those who had grown frail. As the sacrificial offering to Vishnu was prepared, the mighty Maruts—radiant, golden-hued, crowned, and shining—were invoked. They dwelled in lofty realms, and within the sacred chants, worshippers sought their gracious favor. These ten-powered Maruts were the first to awaken the sacrificial rite itself; may they inspire us at dawn, just as the lovely Ushas, the red-adorned dawn, fills the world with her luminous light, shining like the radiance of cows. With the earth, adorned in red and shining ornaments, these Rudras grew strong in the abode of truth. Swift and powerful, they assumed splendid forms, resplendent and beautiful. To these great protectors, people came with reverence and praise, calling upon them as Trita once did, seeking their return and their aid. The Maruts, by their favor, carried the needy across distress and freed worshippers from harm. Their goodwill, gentle and nurturing like a cow to her calf, was invoked to come near and bring joy. Turning to the offspring of the waters, the seeker approached, eager for strength and eloquence, praying that the streams of his speech might be fruitful. He called upon these divine children of the waters, who delight in beautiful forms, for their favor. A hymn, well-crafted from the heart, was offered so the wise might know: by the greatness of the sun-born offspring of the waters, the noble one who created all worlds. Rivers, some converging and others diverging, all filled the same channel, surrounding the radiant child of the waters with their purity. Shining maidens, the young rivers, circled the youthful one, cleansing him. He, kindled with bright flames and powerful streams, shone for the people, receiving clarified butter in the waters. Three unwearied goddesses prepared his food, moving skillfully in the waters like expert hands, and he drank the sweet nourishment his ancient mothers provided. Here, in the waters, is the birth of both the horse and the sun. The prayer rose for protection from harm and discord, for unity among the clans, so that the unassailable one might shine and falsehoods and hostilities would vanish. In his own house, where the cow yields abundantly, the offspring of the waters enjoyed good sustenance. Shining within the streams, he appeared for the generous giver of wealth. Pure and divine in the waters, he shone endlessly and widely; from him all other beings are born, and plants flourish with their offspring. This radiant one stood upright in the lap of the rivers, clothed in lightning. His greatest majesty was borne by the golden-hued swift ones who circled around him. Golden in form and radiance, he shone from the golden womb, giving golden food to those who approached. His face and his lovely name ever increased, worthy of praise as the grandson of the waters. The young maidens, well adorned, kindled him, the golden-hued one, offering clarified butter. To him, the support and companion of many, sacrifices and reverence were offered. The summit was cleansed, offerings were made, food was placed, and hymns of praise were sung. He, the bull, generated the embryo within the waters; as a child, he nourished it, and the waters cherished him. The son of the waters, flawless in form, entered here as if with another body. In the highest place where he stood, ever shining with libations, the waters, carrying ghee as food for the offspring, flowed around him by their own acts. Prayers were made to bring Agni, the fire god, to a good dwelling for the people, to generous praise for the bountiful. All that was auspicious, protected by the gods, was sought, so that words spoken in the assembly would be strong and full of men. For Vasiṣṭha, the men poured forth the waters, milking them with channels and stones. Indra was invited to drink, with svāhā, the well-offered and vaṣaṭ-acclaimed soma, first from the hotṛ, for he is the lord. Blended with sacrifices, with speckled steeds and spears, shining and anointed, the sons of Bharata, having taken their seat on the sacred grass, were invited to drink the soma from the potṛ, O men of heaven. The gods were called to come, sit on the sacred grass, and be victorious; to rejoice and delight in the soma, O Tvaṣṭar, with the divine generations, O joyful company. The gods were urged to come, to sit always in the three seats, to accept the soma poured out, to drink the honeyed one from the Agnīdh’s portion, and to be satisfied with their share. This was the strength of their form, increasing manliness, power, and vigor placed in their arms; for them the pressed soma and the offering, so they might drink to satisfaction. All were called to accept the sacrifice and the invocation, seated as Hotṛ, following the ancient announcements. Reverence was offered to the kings, who were invited to drink the honeyed soma from the proclaimer. The Hotṛ rejoiced in the oblation, desiring the soma, as the Adhvaryus poured forth the full libation. The bestower of wealth was invited to drink the soma in due order from the Hotṛ and Potṛ, as before. The fires were kindled, protection was sought for long life, and the soma was offered from the Neṣṭṛ. From the Hotṛ, Potṛ, and Neṣṭṛ, the gods drank and enjoyed the offering; the fourth vessel, unsoiled and immortal, was for the bestowers of wealth. The excellent, man-carrying chariot was harnessed, offerings were mixed with honey, and the possessors of wealth in horses were invited to drink the soma. Agni was asked to accept the kindling, the oblation, the sacred utterance, and the good praise; with all the gods, and through all the seasons, may the shining god make the offering pleasing. The god Savitṛ rose for impelling; the ever-shining fire took its place among the waters. Now he bestowed treasure upon the gods, and apportioned the sacrificial portion for well-being. With his broad-handed arms, Savitṛ stretched upward for all to see; even the waters kept his law, and the wind delighted in his circuit. He released those who were bound, even the unsteady and slothful; among the swift and restless, he loosed them according to his ordinance. The wise one set the woven web together again, placing the mid-region in the midst of the maker, drawing forth the fountain, and standing by the seasons as he approached with intention. No house, no evil, nor the span of life could withstand the overwhelming blaze of Agni. The mother assigned the eldest share to the son, following the sign appointed by Savitṛ. United in their purpose, desiring victory, they became the desire of all who move, abandoning what was deformed, going forth according to the divine Savitṛ’s ordinance. The portions set in the waters and on the plains were distributed by the hunters; even the forests did not diminish the ordinances of the god Savitṛ.