With a heart full of longing, a devotee turned to the sacred waters and prayed, “O waters, carry away all the evil that clings to me—whether it is a wrong I have done, a curse I have uttered, or an untruth I have spoken. Today, I come to you, seeking to be mingled with your pure essence. And you, Agni, rich in sustaining milk, draw near—do not let anyone deprive me of brilliance.” To Agni, the devotee offered further prayers: “Grant me brilliance, grant me offspring and a long life. May the gods, may mighty Indra, and the wise sages recognize these blessings for me.” Reflecting on the divine, the devotee pondered, “Of which immortal ones do we speak the lovely name? Who among the gods will return us to Aditi, so that I may once more behold my father and mother?” The answer arose: “It is Agni, foremost among immortals, whose beautiful name we praise. May Agni restore us to Aditi, that we may see our parents again.” With devotion, the seeker approached Savitar, lord of treasures, always yearning for a share in his grace. “Fortunate is the one,” they mused, “who, rejoicing long ago, placed impartiality in his hands.” Turning to Bhaga, the devotee called, “By your favor, O Bhaga, we rise, grasping the summit of wealth.” The devotee marveled at the might of the gods, saying, “Neither your sovereignty, nor your power, nor your wrath, nor your speed, O Namī, have the swiftest flying ones attained. These waters move unblinking, and even those who measure the depths of the wind cannot reach your greatness.” In awe, the devotee saw how King Varuṇa, pure in wisdom, had set a lofty pillar in the forest, its roots below and its top above, with hidden signs within each of us. Varuṇa had made a wide path for the sun to traverse, left footprints without feet as guidance, and marked the hearts of all with his words. “O King Varuṇa,” the devotee prayed, “you have a hundred healers, a thousand. May your vast and deep favor be ours. Drive away misfortune from us; release us from whatever sin we have committed.” The devotee gazed at the stars, pondering, “Those high stars are fixed and visible by night—but where do they go by day? The laws of Varuṇa are unbroken; the moon shines and journeys by night.” With reverence, they continued, “I approach you with prayer and honor, offering sacrifices. Be mindful, O Varuṇa, and do not take our lives in anger.” A sign appeared in the devotee’s heart, as people would say, “This is mine, by night and by day.” They remembered Śunahśepa, whom they had bound and seized, and prayed, “May King Varuṇa release him for us.” For Śunahśepa had been bound to three posts for the son of Aditi, and the devotee pleaded, “Let King Varuṇa, knowing and faultless, set him free.” “Remove your anger, O Varuṇa,” the devotee entreated, “with reverence and sacrifices we seek you. As lord and wise king, forgive the wrongs we have done. Release us from the highest bond, loosen the lowest and the middle. Then, O Āditya, may we be guiltless in your law, belonging to Aditi.” With humility, the devotee examined Varuṇa’s laws each day, as both people and gods must. “Do not harm us for our mistakes or for transgressions, nor in anger at one who is remorseful. Let your gracious mind, swift as a chariot and yoked like a horse, come to us, O Varuṇa, that we may reach you with our hymns.” The devotee’s anger faded away, seeking prosperity, like birds returning to their nest. “When shall we, O Varuṇa, perform the service that brings kingly glory to you, wise lord, you who are gracious and far-seeing? That reward is sought by those who do not turn away, steadfast in vow and worship.” The devotee recognized Varuṇa’s omniscience: “He knows the path of the birds in mid-air, the ships that cross the ocean. He knows the twelve months, filled with offspring, and all that is born. He knows the path of the wind, vast and high, and those who dwell above. Varuṇa, steadfast in vow, has taken his seat among the dwellings, with good counsel, ruling over all.” From his high seat, the wise one beholds all wonders—what has been done and what is yet to be. “May the wise Āditya, each day, lead us on the good path and carry us safely across the span of our lives.” The devotee pictured Varuṇa, adorned in a golden mantle, his shining robe upon him, his vigilant spies stationed all around. “No one who seeks harm, no deceiver, no hostile force can overcome this god. May the fame he grants to men be found within us.” Their thoughts, like cows longing for pasture, turned always to the far-seeing one. “Let us speak again, from where my honeyed words flow, as a priest to one beloved. May I see the all-seeing one, standing on his chariot; accept these my songs.” Again, the devotee called, “Hear my prayer, O Varuṇa, and be gracious today; I have turned to you for help. You, wise one, rule all—heaven and earth; hear us in our journey.” “Release for us the highest bond, and the middle one, O Cṛta; let the lowest remain for life.” And finally, with devotion, the devotee prepared offerings: “For you, O Lord of strength, master of nourishment, the garments are made ready. Accept this sacrifice for us.