When the Maruts, the radiant storm-gods, yoke their spotted mares to their chariots—harnessing the golden steeds that face forward—a mighty advance begins. Their splendid chariots move in perfect order, scattering all foes before them. No mountain or river can hinder their path; wherever the Maruts set out, there they go, encompassing even heaven and earth within their expanse. All that is ancient and all that is new, all that is prepared and all that is praised—of these, the Maruts are the knowers, riding forth in their shining procession. With reverence, people call upon the Maruts for grace, praying that no harm may come from them, but instead, that they grant wide protection and accept the friendship offered through hymns. The Maruts are entreated to lead their devotees toward wealth, away from those who would cause harm, to accept the oblations given to them, and to grant mastery over riches. Agni, the divine fire, is invoked to call the most powerful host—the Maruts, adorned with gold ornaments, from the shining sky—to come to aid. As heartfelt intentions are offered, those nearest to the offerings draw close, and the Maruts increase in strength, fierce in appearance. Like the earth, rich in gifts, struck from afar, they rejoice as they come; their force is fierce as a bear, wild as a bull, and powerful as a cow. With their strength, the Maruts loosen all bonds like unrestrained cows, shaking even stones, mountains, and hills with their might. The hymns rise up to praise these adorned ones—the most wonderful, unprecedented host—who surge forward like a flow of cows. Their red and tawny steeds are yoked to the chariots, swift and best for drawing, while the vigorous, roaring, and splendid one is set in their midst. The Maruts are urged onward, their steeds not lingering, their chariots famed for glory, bearing treasures from both worlds. This mighty, praiseworthy host is adorned for the chariot, magnifying the well-born and fortunate among them. The Maruts, children of Prishni, are called upon to bring auspiciousness, possessing voices, spears, wisdom, fine bows, and noble steeds. Their approach shakes the sky, mountains, and forests, and the earth itself trembles when their spotted mares are yoked. Swift as the wind, the Maruts pour rain, their horses shining and resplendent. They are rich in gifts, adorned and generous, their golden breasts radiant, and through their brilliance, they have attained an immortal name in heaven. Their spears rest upon their shoulders, strength established in their arms, heroism crowning their heads, weapons ready in their chariots, and all glory woven into their very being. The Maruts are asked to grant wealth—cattle, horses, chariots, noble sons, and radiant prosperity. Their divine favor is sought, for they are abundant in gifts, immortal, knowers of truth, wise, youthful, mighty as great mountains, and greatly sustaining. Ever new and powerful, the Marut host is praised. They bear swift, shining horses, and as sovereigns of immortality, their strength is mighty. Their jaws are like blades, steadfast and skilled in magic, generous in gifts, and boundless in greatness. Their chariots, swift and rain-bringing, are called to accept the kindled fire, as they are wise and youthful. The Maruts make kings renowned, generating them for sacrifice, and from them come the strong-armed hero and the noble horse. Like wanderers, they move unrestrained, ever born anew, seeking to unite with their own wisdom. When they advance with their spotted horses and gold-adorned chariots, they churn the waters, break the forests, and the sky thunders as the bull roars. Their movement is so vast that the earth yields like a mother bearing her child. The wind-horses are yoked, and the Rudrian ones bring rain and thunder. Again, the Maruts are implored for graciousness, abundant gifts, and sustaining might. Praise is offered for well-being, truth sent forth to heaven and earth. The Maruts pour out, their red horses filling the expanse and spreading radiance in waves. The earth trembles at their might, like a full boat spilling its contents, while the far-seeing Maruts mark these signs and strive in the great assembly. They shine like the sun’s eye in the sky, like the finest horn among cows, and appear as splendid as swift horses. Among them, none is eldest or youngest; ever springing forth, they are children of Prishni, sons of heaven, growing vast by their greatness. Like flocks of birds, they soar in ranks beyond the sky’s peaks, their horses knowing their ways, shaking mountain and sky. Protection is sought from the sky and Aditi, as the Maruts, singers of Rudra, open the celestial vessel. Agni is praised with reverence, discerning deeds, and the hymn to the Maruts is strengthened as chariots eager for battle. Where the Rudras and Maruts stand in their adorned, pleasant chariots, even the forests are terrified by their might. The earth and mountain tremble before their power, as the Maruts ride forth in their glorious procession, bestowing wealth, protection, and radiance upon those who honor them.