Behold the wondrous workings of the wise god, whose magic none can overcome. Just as all rivers, flowing from different lands, ultimately unite and pour their waters into one vast ocean, so too does his mystery encompass all, irresistible and profound. In the presence of such divinity, we turn our thoughts inward. Whether it is Aryaman, Varuṇa, Mitra, a friend, a brother, or a loyal companion—whoever it may be, even the refuge of Varuṇa himself—whatever wrongs we have committed, we confess them openly. Whether our faults were born of deceit, enmity, darkness, ignorance, or even truth, we lay them all before the gods. Like loosened bonds, may these faults fall away, and may we, O Varuṇa, become dear to you once more. Turning to the mighty, Indra and Agni, those two who aid mortals in times of contest and trial, we remember how, by their brilliance, even the steadfast are made to yield, as Trita did with his powerful voice. Unconquerable in battle, renowned in every contest, they are the protectors of the five peoples. To Indra and Agni we call, seeking their strength and guardianship. Their power is sharp and glorious, like lightning itself. Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, approaches the cows with open hands, generous and mighty. I seek the chariots of Indra and Agni, calling upon them as lords of great wealth, wise and most praised among singers. As they grow strong, they safeguard the days of mortals, placing fortresses like portions set aside for the godly. To these two, Indra and Agni, we offer the great oblation, pure as clarified butter pressed by sacred stones. May those who praise them among the noble be granted fame, abundant wealth, and sustenance. Now, let your thoughts turn to the great Viṣṇu and to the Maruts, the storm gods born of the mountains, ever-moving and powerful. To their host, to the one worthy of sacrifice, the giver of happiness and blessings, the swift and mighty, we direct our praise. The Maruts, born in greatness and grown strong by their own power, speak with understanding and cannot be resisted. Their gifts are mighty, and their undaunted force is not to be overcome. From the heavens, their voices are heard—shining, beautiful, and bright. None among them seeks a seat in the assembly; like fires flashing with lightning, their roaring streams rush forth. Viṣṇu, with his vast, far-reaching stride, surpasses all rivals, yoked to the swift ones, winning with heroes who bring prosperity. The thunderous roar of the Maruts, strong and stirring, shakes the very earth. Victorious and radiant, steadfast as rocks, golden-armed, their weapons are sharp. Their greatness is boundless, their force fierce; may it protect us always. They stand firm at the forefront, visible in the assembly, their dwellings wide and shining like fires. You Rudras, well-armed and mighty as fires, protect us, O Maruts. Your earthly dwelling spreads far and wide, and among you are hosts of wondrous deeds, swift as horses. Come to us, O Maruts, without enmity; hear the call of the worshipper. United with the greatness of Viṣṇu, grant us protection as charioteers do, removing all hatreds from our path. Come to our sacrifice, O Maruts, bring delight; hear our call, O guardians. Like the greatest mountains in the sky, be our unassailable protectors, bestowing insight on those who know. Now we turn to Agni, the first to be invoked by thought, the wise Hotar of the offering. O mighty one, you have forged for us a strength that is difficult to overcome, so that all our powers may be united. As Hotar, you sit at the sacrifice, desiring the seat and worthy of praise, followed by those seeking great wealth and who first worship the gods. Like a herdsman leading with many riches, people have followed you, Agni, ever watchful and radiant, bringing all things to light. Seeking the path of the god with reverence, desiring fame, they have attained unblemished renown and established worthy names, striving for happiness in your favor. Exalted by all peoples, you are the protector and guide, the one to be sought for crossing, the father, the mother, and the constant support of humankind. Beloved among the tribes, Agni the Hotar, delightful and most fit for sacrifice, has taken his seat. To you, shining in the house, we come with reverence, free from harm. Ever new, we come to you, Agni, wise and devoted, seeking your favor and worshipping you, the shining one among peoples, the great light of heaven. Sage of the peoples, lord of the clans, ever youthful and mighty, you advance, desiring and shining, king and lord of riches. The mortal who worships Agni with the offering 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 kindling and offerings, striving for your gracious favor with songs and hymns at the altar. You who have stretched out the two worlds with your radiance, renowned among the renowned, 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 splendid blessings, bearing good fame, be ours. Many and various are your treasures, O Agni; may we, O king, obtain your wealth. In you, O bestower, are many gifts; you are the giver of wealth, you are the king. For you, Agni, possess lordly fame; like Mitra, you are a master, wise and renowned, fostering prosperity as one nourishes strength. Peoples seek you with sacrifices and hymns; to you, the strong and unerring, the universal leader, all come. With one mind, men kindle you as the sign of sacrifice from heaven, offering with devotion at the ritual. The mortal who seeks your favor prospers, crossing over hatred and distress by the help of the great heaven. He who offers the sharp oblation does not perish, but thrives in a long-lived, vital home. Your smoke rises with force to the sky, O Agni, bright and stretched out; like the sun, you shine, purifier, with your flame. Thus, you are praised among the clans, dear as a guest, delightful as a householder, a son cherished for protection. By your will, you are born in the vessel, Agni, like a champion, a calf in the lap, a horse to be harnessed, a child to be called. Even those things that do not move, like cattle to pasture, your ageless abodes, O youthful one, are cut through and consumed by your flames. Thus, the story of the gods unfolds: the mystery of the wise, the power of the mighty, the blessings of the radiant, and the ever-renewing fire that brings all things to light.