The rivers raced swiftly, their foam surging as the dust rose behind them, much like a herd of cows in flight. Along the roads, the horses were released, galloping eagerly, and the swift ones advanced in their wake. In this vibrant scene, the Maruts were called forth—invited to descend from the sky, from the vast midspace, with delight, urged not to remain distant but to draw near. May none of the mighty rivers—Rasā, Anitabha, Kubhā, Krumu, nor the Sindhu—hold back their coming; let not even the abundant Sarayu hinder them. The prayer was for the favor of the Maruts to be with the people, unimpeded by any barrier. Their host, fierce and ever-renewed, advanced with chariots, and behind them the rains followed, blessing the earth. Troop after troop, band after band, the Maruts moved, and the people praised them with good thoughts and songs. The question was raised: for whom, noble and worthy of offerings, did the Maruts go forth on this day, following that path? It was by this path that the Maruts brought grain and seed, undiminished, ensuring offspring and children. The people sought their reward, asking for all-encompassing prosperity. With the Maruts’ blessings, they hoped to cross over the deep, leaving behind harm and enemies, firm in their resolve. With rain and joy, the Maruts were beseeched to grant healing, to walk together with the people. Truly blessed and heroic was the man whom the Maruts protected, and the prayer was to be such a one, living under their care. The generous Maruts were praised, their dwelling lauded, and their friends were called with song, much as battle-steeds are drawn to fresh grass. The singers lifted their voices to the desiring ones, honoring the Maruts. A newly born speech was offered to the radiant troop of Maruts—self-luminous, sprung from the mountain. Their great manliness and glory were celebrated, as they performed sacrifices upon the sky’s back. The Maruts, strong and ever-young, yoked with swift horses, stormy in nature, bore the lightning and roared together; the waters resounded, and rains poured down as the swift ones moved. Men of shining brilliance, the Maruts, stormy and mountain-born, drove chariots that seemed to strike fire. Even as they brought rain, they thundered again and again, wrapped in roaring force, pouring forth their might. As Rudras, powerful and mighty, they scattered coverings and swept apart the midspace and regions. When obstacles arose, the Maruts drove them away as a ship parts the waves, never failing in danger. Their strength and greatness stretched far, like the sun’s course. In their wanderings, their fires could not be seized, even as they traversed the mountains without horses. The Marut troop shone forth, adorned, not harming the tree, just as the skilled one does not break it. With united will, they led the people on a good path, as a guide leads one with sight. Those whom the Maruts favored were not overcome, not slain, nor did they decay or tremble; they did not perish, and enemies could not approach their wealth, whether sage or king. Victorious in battle, the Maruts and their bands could not be deceived; they filled the vessel when the singers sounded, moistening the earth with the sweetness of soma. Let the earth incline to the Maruts, let the sky and the paths of midspace incline, and let the ancient mountains bow before them. When the Maruts, full of strength and shining like the sun at its rising, rejoiced, their horses did not tire, swiftly reaching the end of the path. Their shoulders bore spears, their thighs daggers, and their chests golden ornaments. The Maruts shone on their splendid chariot, with fire-bright arms and lightning in their hands; their crests were golden, spread upon their heads. That flaming, shining summit, the bright-leaved one, was shaken by the Maruts. Swiftly they assembled from the farthest places when the far-reaching sound of the heroes rang out. From the Maruts, discerning wealth was sought—abundant, fit for chariots, brought by one who does not fail, like a sure archer, a thousandfold treasure. The Maruts granted splendid, heroic wealth; they protected the sage and the singer of the Sama, gave the racer the prize for victory, and bestowed kingship on the worthy. The people sought from the Maruts that wealth which, with their help, could be spread among men, hoping their pleasing words would delight the Maruts and grant the power to cross a hundred winters. With sacrificial zeal, the Maruts set out, adorned with shining forms, bearing golden ornaments on their breasts, riding well-trained, swift horses. Their chariots advanced on a favorable path. The Maruts bore their own strength, shining widely, measuring out the midspace with their power, their splendid chariots advancing in order. Born together, released together, the Maruts grew strong for glory. Radiant like the rays of the sun, their chariots moved in splendid order. Their greatness was adorned, worthy to be seen like the eye of the sun; they were asked to place immortality for the people as their chariots advanced. The Maruts stirred up rain from the ocean, rich in water, and no wondrous cows withheld from them. When they yoked the spotted mares and harnessed the golden ones, they scattered all foes, their chariots advancing in order. Neither mountains nor rivers hindered them; wherever they set out, they encompassed even heaven and earth. The Maruts knew all that was ancient and new, prepared and praised, their chariots ever advancing. The people asked for their graciousness, for wide protection, and offered friendship through hymns. The Maruts were called to lead towards wealth, away from harm, accepting oblation and granting mastery of riches. Agni was called to summon the most powerful host of the Maruts, adorned with gold, from the shining sky, for help. As Agni intended in his heart, so it was hoped to be for the people; those who were nearest had come to the offerings, increasing in fierceness. Like the earth, rich in gifts, the Maruts rejoiced as they came, their force fierce as a bear, wild bull, or powerful cow. With strength, they loosened bonds, like cows not to be restrained; even stones, mountains, and hills they shook with their might. Now, the praises rose for these adorned ones. The most wonderful, unprecedented host of the Maruts was called, flowing forth like a herd of cows, bringing their blessings and power to the people.