The radiant deities, Varuṇa, Mitra, and Agni, shine with supreme splendor. Firm in their rule, unwavering in truth, and kings by right, they lead their devotees safely across all difficulties. To them, the faithful look for guidance and protection. Indra, the mighty; Earth, the nourishing land; Pūṣan, the pathfinder; Bhaga, the bestower of fortune; Aditi, the boundless—these, along with the five peoples, are invoked as strong defenders and good guardians, self-sustaining and ever-watchful over their devotees. In this sacred moment, the priest Bharadvāja, filled with devotion, seeks entry into the divine abode. Through his prayers and offerings, he wins the favor of the gods. Seated in reverence, the worshipper prospers, for the one who desires the wealth of the gods pours forth his praise. Yet, there are those who threaten peace—the sinner, the foe, the thief who brings distress. To Agni, the lord of goodness, the plea is made: drive such threats away, make their path difficult, and clear the way for the righteous. Soma, too, is invoked. The stones that press out his essence long for friendship. The greedy Paṇi, likened to a wolf, is to be struck down—Soma’s generosity and power called upon to defeat those who would withhold or harm. For these divine guardians are generous and victorious, like Indra himself. They are asked to make the paths easy for those who dwell in their homes, ensuring safety and well-being. A prayer arises for a path that leads to well-being, a way free from harm, one by which all enemies are cast aside and wealth is attained. Yet, reflection follows: it is not by day, nor by earth, nor by sacrifice or sacred grass alone that one reaches the highest. Even mighty mountains may be needed for help, and those who worship excessively without true intent may be brought low. The Maruts, storm gods, are called upon to humble those who think themselves above the rest or who obstruct the prayers of the faithful. Let hardships and misfortunes befall such people; let the very sky burn against those who hate prayer. Soma, protector of prayer, is asked to defend against curses and to direct his scorching weapon at those who revile the devotees. Protection is sought from all quarters: from those who are being born, from the swelling rivers, from steadfast mountains, and from the honored ancestral fathers. May all these powers keep the worshipper safe. The wish is expressed: may the mind always be good, may the sun be seen rising each day, and may the lord of treasures, the best of helpers, come with the gods’ favor. Indra is called for the nearest help; Sarasvati, swelling with rivers, is invoked; Parjanya, bringing joy with plants; and Agni, well-praised and easily invoked, like a loving father. All the gods are invited to the sacred grass, to listen to the invocation. Those who are honored with offerings rich in ghee are asked to approach together. The divine sons, the immortals, are asked to hear the songs and be gracious. All the gods, grown strong through truth and attentive to timely invocations, are invited to enjoy the fitting offerings. Indra, the host of Maruts, Tvashtar, Mitra, and Aryaman—all are asked to accept the offerings. Agni, as the Hotar priest, is requested to perform the sacrifice skillfully, knowing the divine race. All gods—those in the midspace, those nearest in heaven, those with fiery tongues, and all worthy of sacrifice—are invited to be seated on the sacred grass and to rejoice. Both heaven and earth, and the offspring of the waters, are called to listen to the hymn. The worshipper prays that his words not be scattered, seeking fulfillment in the gods’ favor. All beings of great might, whether born of earth or sky, who dwell in the abode of waters, are asked to grant life and light and to open wide the paths for the devotees. Agni and Parjanya are invoked to support the prayer, to be easily called upon and well-praised. One is asked to generate nourishment, the other offspring, both to grant abundant, life-giving riches. On the spread sacred grass, with Agni kindled, the worshipper calls out with hymn and reverence, inviting the gods to rejoice in the offering. Pūṣan, Lord of the Path, is likened to a chariot harnessed for victory. He is yoked to the worshipper’s thoughts, asked to lead them to the noble and generous master of the house, a hero skilled and gracious. Pūṣan is entreated to move even the miser toward liberality, to urge generosity where there is none. He is asked to clear the paths for gaining strength, to scatter and strike down foes, and to ensure the success of strong thoughts. The wise Pūṣan is called to surround the misers with confusion, to make them yield, to seek out what is dear in their hearts, and to stir and shake them until they give. Pūṣan’s radiant goad, the cattle-driving staff that brings wealth, is invoked for favor. The worshipper seeks wisdom in seeking cattle, strength in horses, wealth, and prosperity among men. Pūṣan is asked to lead the worshippers together with one who knows, who instructs rightly, guiding them to the house of the one who commands. The wheel of Pūṣan does not break, nor does his axle fall away; his goad is never worn out. Those who offer him oblation find wealth first, for he is pleased with devotion. May Pūṣan follow and protect the cattle, guard the paths, and grant strength. He is called upon to come after the cattle for the worshipper who presses Soma, and for all who praise him. Thus, with reverence and hope, the worshippers call upon the many deities—seeking guidance, protection, abundance, and the favor that leads to prosperity and well-being.