With reverence and hope for well-being, I first call upon Agni, the radiant one, invoking his presence for our prosperity. I seek the aid of Mitra and Varuna, those great upholders of cosmic order, and I invite Night herself, who settles the world into rest. Above all, I call upon Savitar, the divine inspirer, to grant us his help. In the silent spaces of darkness, Savitar, the golden-eyed god, moves purposefully. With his chariot of gold, he journeys, holding together both the immortal and the mortal realms, ever watchful over all the worlds. Sometimes he descends by the downward path, sometimes he rises by the upward way, always drawn by his gleaming, tawny horses. From afar, Savitar approaches, scattering all misfortunes before him. Clothed in radiant beams, taking on all forms, Savitar, mighty and worthy of worship, yokes his golden chariot and rides forth, bearing his power through the dark expanse. Two bay steeds with bright white feet pull his chariot, their movement proclaiming the peoples of the world. In the lap of this divine Savitar, all the worlds find their resting place. Three heavens lie within his embrace: two are revealed to us, while the third remains hidden in the realm of Yama. Like the steadfast axle of a chariot, these heavens rest upon the immortal. Let the wise speak if they know this mystery. The fair-winged Savitar, the wise and guiding Asura, has set forth the regions of space. Who now perceives the Sun, and to which heaven has his ray extended? Savitar has revealed eight directions of the earth, three deserts, and seven rivers yoked for their courses. He, the golden-eyed god, brings treasures and desired gifts to those who worship him. With golden hands, skillful in all action, Savitar journeys between heaven and earth. He dispels disease from the waters, advances toward the Sun, and with the darkness of space, he veils the sky. Swift, gracious, and self-luminous, this wise Asura moves, ever repelling demons and sorcerers, standing praised at every dusk. O Savitar, your ancient paths through the midspace are dustless and well-made. By these easy roads, protect us today and speak on our behalf, O god. Turning our devotion, we call upon Agni, the mighty one beloved by many peoples, and invoke him with hymns and words, as all others do. People have established Agni, strong and powerful, and with offerings we worship him. May he, well-disposed, be present today and aid us in our contests. We choose Agni as our messenger, our Hotar, for he is all-knowing. His great flames move about, and his rays reach the sky. The gods—Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman—appointed him as the ancient messenger, and through Agni, mortals who serve him win all wealth. Joyful Hotar, lord of the house, Agni is our messenger among the people. In him are gathered all the firm laws established by the gods. In you, Agni, youngest and most fortunate, every offering is invoked. So may you, well-disposed now and in the future, worship the gods with heroic strength. The reverent approach Agni, the self-ruler, with homage and offerings, seeking to cross beyond distress. Having slain Vritra, the gods crossed the two worlds, making broad space for dwelling. For Kanva, the bull invoked for glory, Agni neighed like a horse in contests for cows. Agni, sit among us, shine forth, and send up your ruddy smoke. Be most praised and most splendid. You were established here for Manu, most fit for sacrifice and bearer of offerings, whom Kanva, the pure guest, kindled, the bringer of wealth, the honored bull. Agni, whom Kanva kindled in truth, shines forth with radiant light. These hymns are for you; we magnify you, O Agni. You are the fulfiller of wealth, your inherent power present among the gods. You are sovereign of strength and fame; be gracious to us, for you are great. Rise up for our aid, O Agni, stand upright like Savitar. Stand tall as the bestower of strength, when we call you with praises and offerings. Protect us from harm from above with your sign, burn away every adversary, and lift us up to life and chariots. Reveal to us favor among the gods. Guard us, Agni, from demons, from distress, and from the malicious. Protect us from those who would harm or slay us, O youngest, of great radiance. Like a hammer, strike down the malicious on every side, O foe-crusher. Let not any mortal who delights in evil deeds become our enemy or rule over us. Agni has granted strength and prosperity to Kanva. Agni has brought Mitra, the pure guest, and bestowed what is praised. With Agni, we call Turvasha and Yadu from afar, the mighty god. Agni led Avavastha, Brhadratha, and Turviti to victory over the Dasyu. Manu established you, Agni, as a perpetual light for humanity. Kanva, born of truth, kindled you, whom peoples honor. The mighty, awe-inspiring flames of Agni are unconquered, like terrors. Ever drive away the demon and the foe; burn up every adversary. With joy, let the troop of Maruts, invincible and splendid in their chariots, be praised by the Kanvas. Born with their own brilliance, they ride with speckled steeds, spears, axes, and ornaments. Hear the crack of their whips as they drive, their chariots resounding with varied sounds. For your ever-vigorous troop, O Maruts, of mighty splendor and power, let the hymn be sung in divine worship. Proclaim blessings among the cows when the Marut troop rejoices; in the thunder of the soma juice, they have grown strong. Which among you, O Maruts, is most powerful, whose impulses come from heaven and earth, when you shake even the firmest one? For your march, mortals set out for the fierce and mighty; mountains and hills tremble. At your yoking, the earth herself, like a wife to the lord of the people, submits and quakes in fear at your coming. Firm is the offspring of the Maruts, their vigor nourishing their mother, and their strength is ever doubled.