Where the sacred fire is kindled, the cattle gather and stir, their movement filling the troughs with life and energy. In such a household, among men, prosperity flourishes—like a wise master who brings benefit and gain to all. There, the heroic spirit dwells, and the home thrives. In this setting, the divine Guide is honored—the lord of the chariot, who brings blessings and wealth. For the sake of prosperity and well-being, for the gifts he bestows, we offer him our praise and reverence, again and again, recognizing the god’s generosity. Now, Agni is called to come forth, accompanied by all the gods, to partake in the drinking of the pressed Soma. Let him arrive with insight and uphold the law of sacrifice, his tongue ready to taste the offering. Inspired, he is invited to join the inspired ones—those who set out at dawn—bringing with him the host of gods to share the Soma. This Soma, pressed and poured in abundance into the bowl, is especially dear to Indra and Vāyu. Vāyu is invited to come joyfully, to drink the Soma and accept the prize offered. Indra and Vāyu together are welcomed, for they are worthy of this sacred drink, pure and free from stain, and may they approach gladly for their reward. The Soma, mixed with curd for Indra and Vāyu, flows like rivers towards the lowland, seeking the prize. With all the gods—Aśvins and Uṣas—Agni is called to the offering, pressed by the sons of Atri, for the contest. Likewise, with Mitra and Varuṇa, with Soma and Viṣṇu, Agni is summoned to the same sacred offering. He is also called with the Ādityas, Vasus, Indra, and Vāyu, to the sacrifice made by the sons of Atri. Blessings and well-being are sought from Bhaga and the Aśvins, from the goddess Aditi—free from harm—and from Pūṣan, the mighty one. May Heaven and Earth, with good counsel, bestow their well-being upon us. For our welfare, we call upon Vāyu, upon Soma, lord of the world, upon Bṛhaspati, lord of all hosts, and may the Ādityas bring us well-being. May all the gods grant us well-being today; may Agni Vaiśvānara, the beneficent, bless us; may the gods and the ancestors bestow their favor; may Rudra shield us from harm for our well-being. Let Mitra and Varuṇa grant us welfare; let the bountiful goddess of the path, Indra, and Agni, and Aditi, grant us well-being. May we walk the path of well-being, as the sun and moon traverse the heavens; may we return unharmed, full of knowledge and generosity, and may we come together again in harmony. Śyāvāśva is urged to raise hymns with boldness, joining the Maruts, who delight in sincere offerings and are worthy of sacrifice. The Maruts are steadfast friends, bold and strong, always protecting with their own power. Swift as flowing streams, surpassing the nights, their greatness is sought both in heaven and on earth. To the Maruts, praise and sacrifice are offered boldly, recognizing their enduring protection of mortals through the ages. The noble and generous men, who possess unconquerable strength, are honored with sacrifice directed to the worthy Maruts in heaven. Adorned in golden ornaments, the Maruts unleash their spears in battle; behind them, flashes of lightning roar, and the sun shines by its own power in the sky. They have grown strong on earth, dwell in the wide midspace, gather at the rivers, and abide in the vast sky. Their troop, full of strength and vigor, is praised; their shining chariots are yoked by their own might. On the banks of the Paruṣṇī river, the wool-clad Maruts dwell, pure, their chariot wheels breaking through the mountains with force. The sacrifice spreads wide, along main roads, byroads, inner and side paths, reaching everywhere. In these moments, men and hosts are praised, their wondrous forms revealed, as if with the wings of birds. The Kubhanyas, pouring forth at the source, are like dancers—some are mothers, some radiant. The high and wise Maruts, creative and sharp-weaponed, are honored with delightful praise. The sage is urged to approach their host, generous as Mitra to a woman; from the sky, powerful and praised by thought, they come seeking gifts. Reflecting on them, we approach the gods as to a welcoming dwelling—generous, mindful, and noble, we come with praise and adornments. Among them, some speak of the cow, Pṛśni, as mother; the wise speak of Rudra, the mighty one, as father. Seven times seven givers have bestowed a hundred each; on the banks of the Yamunā, the renowned, the reward of cattle is purified below, and the reward of horses above. Who, we wonder, knows the birth of these Maruts? Who in ancient times was favored by them, who first harnessed them? Who heard their tales as they stood in their chariots, and knew their journeys? For whom did they flow, bringing offerings and rain together—was it for Sudās? It is told that they have come, shining with splendor and joy—noble, youthful, flawless—worthy of praise. Adorned with axes, self-bright, garlanded in gold, they wield spears and are glorious in chariots and on the plains. The Maruts’ chariots, ever-giving, are placed with joy, and the rains move like streams across the sky. The generous have poured out the heavenly vessel for the worshipper, releasing Parjanya, so that rain spreads over the earth and moves across the plains, renewing life everywhere.