Who, among mortals, truly knows the nature of Indra and Agni? Their essence is a mystery, for one of them, swift as the wind, harnesses horses and rides, and sometimes both are seen together, united on the same chariot. Before any creature with feet came forth, there was a wondrous being—of whom the sages sing—that cast off its head, spoke with its tongue, and moved downward with thirty feet. Such are the marvels known to Indra and Agni. Men, in their striving, stretch their bows for Indra and Agni, seeking their favor and strength. They pray: “Do not turn us away from great wealth as we labor for cattle and prosperity.” The noble Māghas, devoted to righteousness, burn with their zeal for Indra and Agni, while the hostile ones are kept far away. The worshippers beg: “Remove our hatreds, grant us victory—even over the Sun itself.” Divine and earthly treasures belong to Indra and Agni. The people call out, “Grant us all wealth here—nourishment that supports every living being.” Praises flow to them, for they are renowned through hymns and invoked in every ritual. The worshippers invite them: “Come, O Indra and Agni, with all songs, and partake of this Soma.” Those who worship Indra and Agni together, the mighty ones who slew Vṛtra and grant strength, attain the abundance of the generous and the victorious. The two are invoked now—Indra, who brought forth the cows from the shining waters, and Agni, who leads with his hosts. The people call: “Send forth the brilliant waters, bring the cows, and come with your Vṛtra-slaying might, O Indra and Agni. Protect us with your highest favors.” All that was accomplished long ago was by the power of these two. Indra and Agni are invincible, not to be overcome. In times of battle, they are called upon to break obstacles and grant victory. They have destroyed enemies, removed adversaries, and established truth. To them, the pressed Soma is offered, and the people say: “Drink, O bringers of happiness.” Indra and Agni possess many and varied aids for their worshippers. With those aids, they are invited to the Soma offering, to partake and bring blessings. Agni, whose flame embraces all forests and blackens them with his tongue, is invoked with reverence. Whoever seeks Indra’s favor through the kindled fire gains abundant waters and glory. The people pray for swift, prize-bearing gifts to nourish their horses, and call upon Indra and Agni for strength and visible riches. “Come to us,” they plead, “with cows, horses, and treasures, as friends and divine companions, for friendship and happiness.” They request that Indra and Agni listen to the call of the sacrificer who presses Soma, accept the offerings, and drink the sweet Soma. Then, the hymn turns to Sarasvati, the mighty and unyielding goddess, who bestowed her gifts upon Divodasa and the generous Vadhryashva. Always, she has protected her devotees from the greedy Panis—those are her mighty gifts. With her strength, she broke through the mountain slopes as easily as a lotus stalk, her waves powerful and unstoppable. For help against enemies, the people invoke Sarasvati with splendid praises and thoughts. Sarasvati, dwelling among the gods, spread forth the offspring of the mighty magician and drew out waters from the earth’s uneven places, making the land rich. She is invoked for protection, for she is rich in horses and strength, the inspirer of thoughts. Whoever seeks her for wealth and prosperity becomes like Indra in victory. Sarasvati is called upon to aid in contests and grant favor like Pūshan. Fierce Sarasvati, with her golden path, is the slayer of obstacles and desires the praise of her worshippers. She is an endless, mighty, moving, roaring flood—resounding and strong. Righteous among her sisters, she shines forth like the Sun and passes beyond all haters. Among the dear seven sisters, she is most beloved and worthy of praise. Sarasvati fills the earthly realms, the wide spaces, and the atmosphere, driving away foes. She stands in three places, has seven sources and five births, ever increasing and invoked in every contest. By her greatness, she is foremost among the mighty, surpassing all in splendor, praised by the wise like a splendid chariot. The people entreat her: “Bring us wealth, do not withhold your abundance, grant us friendship and hospitality. May we not be sent away to barren lands, but remain in your fertile fields.” Now the hymn turns to the Ashvins, the swift twin horsemen of heaven. Even as age comes, the poet calls upon them with hymns—those who, at dawn, swiftly traverse the farthest realms, bringing light. They, radiant, wheel their chariot through the sacrifice, illuminating the spaces, measuring countless realms, crossing rivers and deserts unhindered. The Ashvins are the course of the strong and unwearied, ever with swift horses, carrying the thoughts of the worshipper, bringing aid to mortals. Ever new, they adorn the hymn of the aging singer, yoking their chariot, bringing auspicious rain, food, and strength. The Hotar invokes them, the ancient, unfailing, youthful ones. These two, beautiful and wondrous, most praised among men, are invoked with both ancient and new words. They are praised, bring happiness, and are generous to the singer. Thus, the hymns resound: to Indra and Agni, to Sarasvati, and to the Ashvins—invoked in praise, called for protection, wealth, and strength. Their blessings are sought, their mysteries honored, and their gifts cherished by those who worship with devotion.