With reverence and devotion, the sages composed a new and beautiful hymn, offering it to Pūṣan, the radiant god who brings light and guidance. “Accept this song of ours, O Pūṣan,” they prayed, “let it bring you strength, and cherish our prayer as tenderly as a lover cherishes his beloved.” Pūṣan, the all-seeing one who beholds all worlds, was invoked as their protector and guardian. Turning their minds to the resplendent Savitar, the god who inspires all thought, they yearned to contemplate his excellent radiance, seeking his inspiration to illumine their understanding. Desiring strength and bounty, they sought the favor of Bhaga and the gifts of Savitar, offering sacrifices and hymns with pure devotion. The wise, ever inspired by faith, honored Savitar with their rituals and well-spoken words. Meanwhile, Soma, the knower of all paths, advanced toward the assembly of the gods, settling in the very womb of truth. The sages prayed that Soma would grant abundance to both bipeds and quadrupeds, blessing them with health and freedom from sickness. Soma, increasing their lifespan and overcoming their adversaries, took his seat among the gods, bestowing well-being upon his devotees. Mitra and Varuṇa, too, were called upon to pour forth clarified butter, bestowing sweet, honeyed realms and rich pastures upon the people. Wide-praised and strengthened by reverence, these pure and skillful deities reigned in greatness, their vows unsullied, their lifespans the longest. Together with Jamadagni, the sages praised them, inviting them to drink the Soma in the womb of truth, thus increasing the power of truth itself. In this sacred atmosphere, Agni, the fire god, was honored. The gods themselves had established Agni as the immortal among mortals, the unfailing one, the wise priest, and the god of gods. Agni was invited to draw near to his divine brother Varuṇa and to all the gracious gods, to the upholders of truth and supporters of the people, to the kingly Ādityas. As a friend approaches a friend, Agni was called to come swiftly, like a wheel to a chariot, bringing delight and happiness to the people. Together with Varuṇa and the shining Maruts, Agni was asked to bring joy to their children and make them shine with happiness. Knowing the will of Varuṇa, Agni was invoked to drive away the god’s anger, to release the people from all hatreds, and to be the nearest protector at the dawn’s breaking. The prayer continued: “Bring Varuṇa to us, grant us your favor, be gracious and easy to invoke.” Agni’s vision was extolled as the most fortunate and splendid among mortals, as pure as clarified butter, as precious as the cow’s abundance. His births were threefold—highest, true, and precious—endless within the end, ever pure, bright, and noble. As the divine messenger, Agni called all to the dwelling, driving his golden chariot with red, wondrous horses, ever joyful like a father among his kin. Awakening at every sacrifice, Agni allied himself with mortals, moving even through difficult places and attaining companionship with humankind. The sages prayed that Agni, knowing all, would lead them to the god-given treasure, as Heaven and Earth, the true creators, let blessings rain down. From the beginning, Agni was born in the dwellings, in the great atmospheric depths, hidden and mysterious, like young ones in the bull’s lair. The host of gods arose, perceiving first in the womb of truth, and from that mighty one, seven beloved children were born—precious, wondrous, and shining. The human forefathers, longing for truth, pressed onward, breaking through stone barriers to find hidden treasures of rich milk and calling forth the radiant dawns. They shattered the enclosing rocks, released the circling cattle, and with divine speech broke open the stronghold rich in cows. They discerned the first name of the cow and discovered the three and seven supreme treasures of the mother, and as they gathered, the red, glorious forms of the cow became manifest. As darkness vanished and the milk shone bright, the sky was illumined, and the sun’s radiance was set in motion by the dawns. The great sun stood in the sky, observing all, distinguishing the righteous from the unrighteous. Awake from beginning to end, the sages revealed the paths and bore the heaven-allotted treasure. They prayed that all the gods, especially Mitra and Varuṇa, would grant truth in every dwelling. Again, Agni was invoked as the shining priest, the bearer of offerings, the most worthy guest, pure as a calf anointed with ghee. Jātavedas, the all-knowing fire, was called upon to choose the gods and bring happiness to the worshippers. Agni, immortal among mortals and upholder of order, was to be kindled by men with offerings, for he was established among the gods as the most fit for sacrifice by his greatness and purity. Born anew each day among the people, Agni went forth as a messenger, yoked with swift, shining stallions. The red, ghee-anointed horses were praised as the swiftest in thought, and Agni, journeying between them, brought gods and mortals together. He was asked to bring Aryaman, Varuṇa, Mitra, Indra, Viṣṇu, the Maruts, and the Aśvins—gods of good horses, chariots, and gifts—for the well-invoked worshipper. The sacrifice, rich in cows, sheep, and horses, was a friend to humankind, unassailable and full of food, progeny, and lasting wealth. Whoever brought Agni kindling or offered him food, even if little, was promised protection, spaciousness, and firm wealth. The generous giver would have a home established by the gods. Whoever praised Agni at dusk or dawn, or made him dear with offerings, would be carried safely across all sin, as a horse returns to its stable. Thus, the sages, with heartfelt hymns and sacrifices, honored the gods and sought their blessings for abundance, truth, and happiness for all beings.