In the midst of the sacred rites, the worshippers turned their hearts and voices toward the mighty Indra and Agni, the great breakers of obstacles in battle. With reverence, they called upon these powerful deities, seeking their favor in times of conflict. Indra and Agni, lords of truth, had already proven their might—they had vanquished the hostile ones, destroyed enemies, and swept away all adversaries, clearing the path for their devotees. To these revered gods, the people offered their praises, inviting them to partake in the pressed Soma, the sweet drink that brings happiness. They prayed that all the aids and blessings Indra and Agni possessed—many and varied—might be brought forth to the worshipper. With these divine helps, they entreated the heroes to come to the sacrifice, to the Soma offering, and to join in the drinking of the sacred beverage. The flames of Agni, whose tongue blackens the forests and whose fire embraces all, were invoked with awe. The mortals who sought Indra’s favor through the kindling of fire gained glory and abundant waters. They prayed that the swift, prize-bearing gifts of the gods would nourish their horses and strengthen their endeavors. Indra and Agni were called together, the bestowers of visible riches, the bringers of joy and strength. The worshippers invited them as friends, asking them to come with cows, horses, and treasures, to share in friendship and happiness. The sacrificer, pressing Soma, called out for Indra and Agni to listen, to accept the offerings, and to drink the sweet Soma. Then, the hymn turned to Sarasvati, the powerful and unyielding goddess. She who had bestowed gifts upon Divodasa and the generous Vadhryashva, who always shielded her devotees from the greedy Panis—these were her mighty acts. With her strength, Sarasvati broke through mountain slopes like a lotus stalk, her powerful waves surging forward. In times of need, the people called upon her with splendid praises, seeking her help against enemies. Sarasvati, dwelling among the gods, spread forth the offspring of the mighty magician and drew forth waters from the earth, even from uneven places, enriching the land. She was invoked as the inspirer of thoughts, rich in horses and strength, a protector of her devotees. Whoever approached Sarasvati for wealth and prosperity became like Indra in victory, overcoming all obstacles. The goddess was asked to aid in contests, granting favor like Pūshan, full of strength. Sarasvati, fierce and golden, slayer of obstacles, was called to receive the people’s praise. She was the endless, unceasing, mighty, roaring flood, always moving and resounding. Among her sisters, Sarasvati shone forth like the Sun, surpassing haters and bringing righteousness. She was dear among the seven dear sisters, and the people prayed that she, well-pleased, would be worthy of their praise. Sarasvati filled the earth, the wide spaces, and the atmosphere, and the people asked her to drive away their foes. She stood in three realms, had seven sources and five births, ever increasing, invoked in every contest. By her greatness, Sarasvati was foremost among the mighty, surpassing others in splendor, like a chariot made for display, praised by the wise. The people entreated her for wealth, for abundance, for friendship and hospitality, praying that they might never be sent away from her fruitful fields to barren lands. Next, the hymn honored the swift Ashvins of heaven, the divine twins. Even as age crept upon the singer, he called upon them with hymns at dawn, when light first appeared, for they swiftly traversed the farthest realms. The Ashvins, radiant, wheeled their chariot through the sacrifice, their pure light illuminating the spaces. They measured countless realms, crossed rivers and deserts, unhindered by any obstacle. With their swift horses, the Ashvins carried the thoughts of the worshipper, bringing help to mortals with mind-speeding steeds. Ever new, they adorned the hymns of the aging singer, yoking their chariot to bring auspicious rain, food, and strength. The Hotar, the priest, invoked these ancient yet unfailing, youthful ones. The two Ashvins, beautiful and wondrous, most praised among men, were called with both ancient and new words. They were generous, bringing happiness to the singer. It was they who rescued Bhujyu, son of Tugra, from the perilous waters and the sea, carrying him safely with their dustless chariot, flying like birds. With their victorious chariot, the Ashvins answered the call of Vadhrimati, granting favor and filling the cows with abundance, bringing good fortune. All the greatness of heaven and earth, that which resides in the highest sky or among gods and mortals, was placed as a burning weapon against the demon by the Adityas, Vasus, and Rudras. The wise king who ruled the spaces was known to Mitra and Varuna, who protected with depth and strength, even against the deceitful and those who brought harm. The Ashvins were called to come with their shining, man-bearing chariot, to bring blessings for offspring, to drive away the enemy of man, and to cut off the head of the strong adversary. From the highest, middle, and lowest realms, the Ashvins were invited to come with their bands, to break open even the strongest, cattle-rich enclosures for the singer. The worshippers wondered where those splendid ones were, whom the hymn as messenger could not find among the unworthy. Yet, the Ashvins, ever turning toward their devotees, were beloved, and the steadfast thought of the singer was for them. The Ashvins were called to the offering, to drink the Soma, their course circling around unharmed, their praise uninterrupted. A path had been made for the Soma-drinker; the sacred grass was spread, and the youthful one honored the Ashvins with raised hands. The stones shone, marking their arrival. In the rituals, Agni stood upright, the offering flowed adorned with ghee, and the eager-minded priest moved forward, yoking the oblation for the Ashvins. Thus, with devotion and praise, the worshippers honored the gods, seeking their blessings, protection, and abundant gifts.