Radiant and golden-bodied, the Ashvins, the twin horsemen of the heavens, journey forth in their honey-colored chariot. Drawn by swift steeds, their chariot streams with ghee, gliding as swiftly as thought and as the wind itself, carrying them beyond all misfortunes that may befall mortals. Those who call upon the Ashvins most often, the beloved Nasatyas, find themselves blessed at every sharing of bounty. Such a devotee’s children flourish, ever ascending in brightness, surpassing all others by the Ashvins’ grace. With the Ashvins’ fresh favor and joy-bringing guidance, the people move forward in hope. The twins are invoked to bring wealth, valorous heroes, and all blessings that never fade. “Come quickly, Ashvins! Do not delay,” the people call, “Fly to us like swans to the pressed Soma, the sacred offering.” Again and again, the Ashvins are urged—like deer hurrying to pasture, like cows to the field, like swans to the Soma—to accept the sacrifice for the sake of the desired boon. The Ashvins’ compassion is renowned. When the sage Atri fell into dire distress, calling out in his need as a woman in labor might call for aid, the Ashvins, as swift as falcons, arrived with fresh help, bringing happiness. In another tale, when Saptavadhrin was trapped and frightened, the people implored, “O Ashvins, open the tree as a womb opens for birth. Hear our call and set Saptavadhrin free.” By their divine power, the Ashvins split and then joined the tree, rescuing the sage. As the wind stirs the lotus pond from every side, so did the Ashvins cause the embryo to move, bringing forth the ten-month child into the world. As the wind, as the forest, as the ocean moves, so too did they guide the child to birth, together with the mother’s womb. The prayers rose: “May the boy who has lain ten months in the mother come out alive and unharmed, living among the living.” With the coming of dawn, the people call to Ushas, the great and shining goddess. “Awaken us today, O Dawn, as you have awakened us before! You, noble-born, famed for truth and generosity, bestower of horses and eloquent speech, rise in your pure chariot.” Dawn, daughter of the sky, is invoked to bring wealth and noble offspring, to grant gifts as she rides forth, mighty and radiant. The fires sing her praise, offering hymns and gifts to the bountiful, beautiful goddess who dwells in every home. Even when clouds may try to conceal her for the sake of rain, the generous never fail to place her gifts all around. Among the generous, Dawn bestows glory rich in heroes, and those who honor her receive gifts of horses and cattle without reluctance. She is asked to bring great glory and renown to those who share their bounty, and to grant wealth abounding in cattle, shining with the bright rays of the sun. “Shine forth, O daughter of the sky, do not hide your form long. Drive away the thief as the sun drives away darkness with its rays.” The people acknowledge that whatever she has already given, she is worthy to give even more, for she, ever-shining, is never diminished for her worshippers. Dawn, the great shining one, upholds truth, appearing reddish in the waters, bringing light to all. The inspired praise her with their thoughts as she awakens the people, making easy paths and bestowing all strength as she sends forth light at the beginning of days. Yoking her red cattle, she increases wealth and opens ways to prosperity, shining forth for all. With her two plaits, she reveals her form, following the path of truth and never straying from her course. Bright and upright, as if bathed, she stands before all, dispelling hatred and darkness, bringing light as the sky’s daughter. Facing the people like a beneficent woman, she draws forth the waters, uncovering treasures for those who worship, and brings back the light as she has always done. The inspired ones, the wise, harness their minds and thoughts in praise of Savitar, the divine inspirer. For the knower of rites, Savitar alone establishes the offerings. He releases all forms, sending good fortune to two-footed and four-footed beings alike. Savitar, the choicest, reveals the sky and shines forth at the setting out of the Dawns. The gods themselves have followed his course, for by his greatness, Savitar has measured the spaces of earth and sky. Savitar moves through the three luminous realms, united with the sun’s rays, encompassing night on both sides. By his laws, he becomes Mitra; by his courses, he becomes Pūṣan. He shines over the entire world, the dark-horsed Savitar, for whom the hymn is chanted. The people choose the nourishment of Savitar, seeking the best, all-sustaining, swift portion of Bhaga. None can diminish the self-earned glory of Savitar, nor his beloved sovereignty of the heavens. As the divine distributor, Savitar bestows treasures upon the worshipper, and his splendid portion is sought. “Today, O God Savitar, grant us children and good fortune. Drive away evil dreams, remove all misfortunes, and bring us what is auspicious. For Aditi, may we, by your power, acquire all desirable things, blamelessly. Today, with hymns, we choose you, true Savitar, lord of all gods and master of truth.” Thus, the hymns flow—praising the Ashvins, the Dawn, and Savitar, invoking their blessings, recounting their deeds, and seeking their grace for prosperity, health, and the dispelling of darkness.