When Parjanya, the rain-bringer, roars and thunders across the heavens, his mighty voice strikes terror into the hearts of the wicked. But for all that dwell upon the earth, his coming brings joy and relief. He sends down the life-giving rains, wields the thunderbolt, and stirs the fields into awakening. By his power, crops and plants, the food of all creatures, spring forth—what wisdom, then, has he bestowed upon the peoples of the earth? Amidst the mountains, the Earth herself grows strong, bearing both the small and the mighty with unwavering patience. By her vastness, she conquers the vast, and in her greatness, she is ever victorious. To her, hymns resound in praise, like eager horses neighing for the prize, striving for her favor, for she is splendid and generous. Even the firmest trees are shattered by her might when the lightning from the clouds rains down in showers from the sky. Let the great hymn rise to Varuṇa, the sovereign, deep and dear, renowned among all. Like a skilled tanner stretches the hide, so has Varuṇa stretched the earth for the sun’s path. In the forests, he spread the midspace, gave swiftness to the swift, milk to the cows. In the hearts of beings, Varuṇa placed wisdom; in the waters, Agni; in the heavens, the Sun; and in Soma, the thunder’s might. It is Varuṇa who sends forth the low-hanging cloud, the cavern between earth and sky, and with it, as king of all the world, he distributes rain like grain upon the earth. By his command, the earth and the wide ground and the sky are raised up; the mountains dwell with the cloud, mighty and heroic, breaking forth together. Behold this great magic of the renowned Asura Varuṇa: standing as if by measure in the midspace, he has encompassed the earth with the sun. None can overcome the magic of this wise god; all rivers, flowing together, pour out their waters to fill one ocean. Whether it is Aryaman, Varuṇa, Mitra, a friend, a brother, a constant companion, or refuge in Varuṇa himself—whatever wrong we have done, we confess it. Whether as deceiver or enemy, in darkness or in truth, in ignorance or intent—whatever our faults, may the gods, and you, Varuṇa, loosen them from us, and may we become dear to you. Indra and Agni, mighty among the gods, come to the aid of mortals in their contests. By your brilliance, even the strong are broken through, as Trita did with his voice. You are unconquerable in battle, renowned in contests, protectors of the five peoples; to you, Indra and Agni, we call. Your strength is glorious, sharp as lightning, generous and heroic; the slayer of Vṛtra approaches the cows with open hands. We seek the chariots of Indra and Agni, calling upon you, lords of great wealth, wise and most praised among singers. Growing ever stronger, you protect the days of mortals, placing fortresses as worthy portions for the godly. To you both, Indra and Agni, we offer the great oblation, pure as clarified butter, pressed by stones; may fame, great wealth, and sustenance be granted to those who praise you among the noble. Let your thoughts now turn to Viṣṇu, the great one, and to the Maruts—born of the mountain, ever-moving, powerful, bestowers of happiness and blessings, swift and mighty. Those who were born in greatness, and those who now by their own power shine—your will, O Maruts, cannot be resisted; your gifts are mighty, your force undaunted. From the great heaven, the Maruts’ voices resound, shining brightly, beautiful and radiant. None among them seeks a seat in the assembly, but like fires with their own lightning, the roaring streams rush forth. One strode forth with a vast and far-reaching step from the common seat, yoking himself to the swift ones, surpassing all rivals, winning with heroes who bring prosperity. The thunderous roar of the Maruts shakes the heavens, powerful and victorious. With it, they conquer, shining with radiance, steadfast as rocks, golden-armed, their weapons sharp. Their greatness is boundless, their force fierce—may it protect us, for they stand firm at the fore, visible in the assembly, their dwellings wide and shining like fires. Well-armed like Rudras, full of strength, may the Maruts protect us; their earthly dwelling is vast, and among their horses are hosts of wondrous deeds. Without enmity, O Maruts, come to our path; hear the worshipper’s call. United with the greatness of Viṣṇu, grant us your protection, removing all hatreds from us like skilled charioteers. Come to our sacrifice, O Maruts, bring delight; like the greatest mountains in the sky, may you be unassailable protectors for the wise. Agni, you are the first to be invoked by thought, the wise Hotar of the offering. You have made for us the difficult-to-pass strength, so that we may join all strength together. As Hotar, you sit at the sacrifice, desiring the honored seat, worthy of praise. Men, the first worshippers of the gods, have followed you seeking great wealth. Like a herdsman leading with riches, they follow you, Agni, for wealth, ever watchful. Shining, visible, full of radiance, you bring all things to light. Seeking the god’s path with reverence, desiring fame, they have attained unblemished renown, establishing worthy names in sacrifice, striving for happiness in your favor. Exalted by all peoples, you are the protector, the guide, the one to be sought for crossing, the father, the mother, the constant support of humankind. Worthy of worship, beloved in the tribes, Agni the Hotar sits delightfully, fit for sacrifice. To you, shining in the house, we come with reverence, seeking to be free from harm. To you, Agni, ever new, wise and devoted, we come for favor, worshipping you, shining among the peoples with the great light of heaven. Sage of the peoples, lord of the clans, ever youthful, bull among men—advancing, desiring, shining, you are the king, worthy of worship and lord of riches. The mortal who worships Agni and brings the offering with kindling finds joy; he who knows the oblation with reverence is granted all desirable things by you. For him, O Agni, we perform great worship with reverence, with kindling and offerings. O son of strength, on the altar, with songs and hymns, may we strive for your gracious favor. You have stretched out the two worlds with your radiance and are renowned among the renowned. O Agni, distribute to us great and lasting riches, shining forth with wealth. O generous one, always be kind to us like a friend; grant us abundant offspring, descendants, and cattle. May many great and splendid blessings, bearing good fame, be ours.