From the flash of lightning and the thunderous roar, the Maruts were born—may these mighty ones guard us and show us their mercy. In the heavens, Pūṣan, radiant and resplendent, is called upon to bring back the lost, like a careful herdsman guiding a strayed animal home to the splendid seat of the sky. Pūṣan, shining with inner light, discovers the hidden king, secreted away, and restores him to that glorious place above. With the nourishing drops, Pūṣan leads the six-yoked ones, and with cows, the barley is threshed, sustaining all. The sacred waters, sisters in their flow, move along their appointed paths, ready for the rite; they pour forth sweet, honeyed milk. It is with these waters, by which the Sun rises and is accompanied, that we hope our sacrifice will be furthered. We call upon the divine waters, those from which our cattle drink, and we prepare our offerings for the rivers. Within these waters lies ambrosia, healing, and blessing—may the gods grant us victory. Soma himself speaks from the waters, revealing that all remedies dwell within them; Agni, bringer of all good, and the waters, givers of healing, are invoked together. O waters, grant us healing and protection for our bodies, so that we may behold the Sun for many days. Carry away, O waters, all evil within us—whether wrought by deed, by harmful speech, or by untruth. Today, we have come to you, O waters, mingling with your essence; and you, Agni rich in milk, draw near—do not deprive us of brilliance. Agni, bestow upon us brilliance, offspring, and long life; may the gods, may Indra, and the sages know this for us. We wonder, of which immortal ones do we ponder the lovely name? Who will restore us to Aditi, so that we may once again behold our father and mother? Of Agni, foremost among immortals, we meditate upon his beautiful name; may he restore us to Aditi, so our parents may be seen again. We approach you, O Savitar, lord of treasures, ever seeking our share. Fortunate is the one who, rejoicing, placed impartiality in his hands long ago. With devotion, we rise by your grace, O Bhaga, grasping the summit of wealth. Neither your sovereignty nor your might, O Namī, nor your wrath or swiftness have the swiftest attained; the waters move unblinking, and none can measure the abyss of the wind. King Varuṇa, pure in wisdom, has established a lofty pillar in the forest—its roots below, its top above—within us are hidden signs. For King Varuṇa has made a wide path for the Sun to follow, setting footprints without feet as a guide, and marking the heart with his speech. O king, you have a hundred healers, a thousand—may your vast and deep favor be ours. Drive misfortune far away; release us from whatever sin has been committed. The stars, high and fixed, are seen by night, but where do they go by day? Varuṇa’s laws are unbroken; the moon shines and journeys by night. With prayer and offerings, we honor you, O Varuṇa; be mindful without anger, O wide-famed one, and do not take our lives. This, by night and day, is mine, they say—a sign appears in the heart. Śunahśepa, whom they bound and seized, may King Varuṇa release him for us. Śunahśepa was bound to three posts for the son of Aditi; let King Varuṇa, all-knowing and blameless, release him from his bonds. Remove your anger, O Varuṇa, with reverence, sacrifices, and offerings we seek you. Wise king, forgive the wrongs we have done. Release the highest bond from us, O Varuṇa, loosen the lowest and the middle; then, O Āditya, in your law, may we be guiltless, belonging to Aditi. O Varuṇa, whatever your law is, as people and as gods, we examine it day by day. Do not harm us for offense or transgression, nor for anger at one who is remorseful. May your gracious mind, swift as a yoked chariot, come to us, O Varuṇa, so that we may reach you with hymns. My angers fall away, seeking prosperity, like birds returning to their nest. When shall we, O Varuṇa, perform for you, wise lord, the service that brings the glory of kingship, you who are gracious and far-seeing? That reward, like a shared prize, is sought by the steadfast and the devoted. He knows the path of the birds flying through mid-air; he knows the ships that travel the ocean. He, steadfast in vow, knows the months, twelve, filled with offspring; he knows what is born. He knows the path of the wind, vast and great; he knows those who dwell above. Varuṇa, steadfast in vow, has taken his seat among the dwellings, with good counsel for sovereignty. From there, the wise one beholds all wonders—both what has been done and what is to come. May the wise Āditya, every day, lead us on the good path, and may he carry us safely across the span of our lives.