Once, the radiant Sun was struck by darkness, cast upon him by the demon Svarbhanu. While many were confounded and unable to pierce this gloom, the sage Atri alone discovered and dispelled the darkness, restoring the Sun’s brilliance. In the aftermath, prayers rose to Mitra and Varuna, the guardians of cosmic order. The question was asked: who shall protect you—from the vastness of heaven, from the might of earth, or from the seat of truth? May you shield us as one guards cattle or horses destined for sacrifice. The invocation expanded, seeking the favor of Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, Indra, the Ribhus, and the Maruts, and especially those who, with reverent praise, honor Rudra, the gracious one. Hymns were offered to the Ashvins, called upon for help in nourishing the chariot and the wind, and to the lord of heaven, gifts brought as for a sacred rite. The divine Kanva, the priest Tritha, and the wind joined with Agni; Pushan and Bhaga, givers of all, arrived at the contest, swift as horses. Wealth yoked with horses was sought for them, and the mind yearned for aid in acquiring riches. The auspicious Hotar of Ushij and the mighty Maruts were ever-present. Vayu, yoked to the chariot, was invoked, praised as the wise provider. The righteous, generous wives set their thoughts upon the supplicants. Worthy praises and hymns were offered, awakening even the youthful sky. Ushas and Night, knowing all, brought forth the sacrifice for mortals. The nourishing ones, the lord of men, Tvashtar the creator, were sung to. With reverence, the blessed Dhiṣaṇā, the trees, and the herbs sought wealth. Mountains were called upon as protectors, like the Vasus, strong and heroic. The provider, the Aptyas, and the worshipful continued to increase praise and grant noble blessings. The mighty one strengthened the seed of the earth, and Tritha, offspring of waters, brought abundant gifts. Agni, praised with hymns, flaming hair ablaze, cut through the woods. The great Rudra, wise Kadra, and Bhaga were addressed, seeking protection from waters and herbs, heaven, forests, and mountains with leafy hair. The lord of nourishment, mountain, swift and powerful, was asked to hear. The waters, shining like fortresses, were implored to listen as they flowed around the mighty hill. Those great ones who bear wondrous gifts were praised, for even birds sought their shelter and mortals followed them, trembling with awe. The divine and earthly births for Sumakha were spoken of, with prayers for the heavens and shining mountains to grow, and for wide rivers to swell, overcoming all obstacles. At every step, prayers sought to set aside old age, asking the strong protector for care. The great mother, nourishing earth, was entreated to grant favor with upright hands and straight paths. How to serve the generous ones with reverence? The Maruts were approached with praise and renown. Ahirbudhnya was asked not to bring harm, and the guardian to be ever near. For offspring and wealth, mortals sought the gods, placing auspiciousness upon their bodies, and wishing that decay be devoured by Nirriti. The gods were asked for gracious favor that brings strength, and the Vasus for the blessing of the cow. The generous goddess, kindly and swift, was called for good fortune. Ilā, mother of the herd, was invoked, praised by rivers or by Urvaśī. May Urvaśī, praised in the broad heavens, and those abundant ones, bring forth the fruits of offering. The nourishing earth was entreated to grant abundance. Now, Varuṇa, the most peaceful, was sought with song, alongside Mitra, Bhaga, and Aditi. The fivefold priest, born of the spotted mare, was called to listen, and the mighty Asura, bringer of joy, to guide on the safe path. Aditi was asked to accept the hymn, as a mother cherishes her beloved son. The sacred word, dear to the gods, was offered to Mitra and Varuṇa, bringers of joy. The most skilled among the wise was raised up, praised with honey and ghee. Savitṛ, the god, was asked to grant desired, shining wealth, well-placed and beneficial. Indra was entreated to lead with mind, cows, the swift, the golden ones, and well-being, uniting the supplicants with the favor of the worshipful gods. Bhaga, Savitṛ, Indra the conqueror of Vṛtra, the riches, the Ṛbhus, the prize, and Puraṃdhī—immortal, mighty ones—were called for protection. The deeds of the Maruts, unconquered, victorious, ever-young, were proclaimed; none, neither former nor latter, nor anyone new, matched their strength. Bṛhaspati, giver of treasures, bestower of wealth, praised and invoked by many, auspicious and responsive, was honored. With Bṛhaspati’s help, may the generous, heroic ones be unharmed; those who give horses, cows, or garments, among them is wealth. Those without protection or who seek wealth but do not repay with hymns were asked to depart. Those who grow in rebellion or hate the sacred word were to be driven away by the Sun. Whoever attacks the gods with evil—let the Maruts drive him away. Whoever insults their peace for petty desires—let him be cast down. Rudra, strong, with a good bow, ruler of all healing, was worshipped with offerings and reverence; the divine Asura was honored for well-being. The waters, wives of the mighty, obedient, skillful, powerful, rivers shaped by the wise, Sarasvati, the great and shining Raka, all gracious and splendid, were asked to grant a clear path. A new hymn was brought forth for the great, a prayer for good shelter, a freshly born song; for he, shaping forms in the breasts of the daughter, fashioned this for mortals, measuring out the forms. The roaring, thundering Lord of nourishment, who stirs the waters and streams, sends forth rain, and makes heavens and earth swell with lightning, was praised. Praise was directed to the troop of Maruts, youthful sons of Rudra, worthy of song, called with desire for wealth and well-being. The tireless, spotted-horsed ones were honored. The praise was sent to earth, the midspace, trees, and plants, seeking wealth, and hoping the god who is easily invoked would be gracious. Mother Earth was asked not to place mortals in misfortune. A prayer was offered to dwell in the gods’ wide, unhindered space. With new favor of the Ashvins, prayers sought joy and good guidance, wealth, heroes, and all immortal blessings. Finally, the swift-flowing, nourishing cows were called to come with sweet milk; the seven great, bountiful ones, invoked by the singer, approached with abundance and joy. Thus, the tale unfolds—a tapestry of prayers and praises, invoking the divine powers, seeking their protection, favor, and abundance for all beings.