In the ancient dawn, the seers raised their voices in prayer, seeking protection and guidance on their journey. They called upon Pūṣan, the radiant guardian of the paths, asking him to drive away the highwayman, the thief, and all who lurk in shadows, casting them far from the path of hearing. Standing firm, Pūṣan was implored to restrain the double-dealing and the ill-wisher, whoever he might be. With reverence, the people chose Pūṣan’s guidance, that wondrous power by which he stirs the spirits of their ancestors. They pleaded for all good fortune from him, the bestower of wealth with a golden mane, yearning to be made rich in pleasant treasures. Pūṣan was asked to lead them beyond obstacles, to make their path easy and good, and to grant them understanding in this world. They sought his guidance to abundant pastures, praying not to tire on their journey, and again, for understanding. They asked Pūṣan to give, nourish, and send forth his gifts, to fill their vessel with plenty. Their praise was sincere; never did they insult Pūṣan, but honored him with hymns, seeking his gracious treasures. Turning their thoughts to Rudra, the wise, mighty, and most generous, they spoke words pleasing to his heart. They wished that Aditi, who acts for men and cattle, would also act for their offspring, with Rudra’s blessing. As Mitra, Varuṇa, and Rudra are mindful of them, so too did they pray that all the gods together would be attentive. They sought Rudra’s favor, the lord of song and wisdom, healer with water and herbs. Rudra shone like the bright sun, like gold, the best among gods, a true treasure. They hoped he would bring peace and prosperity—for the ploughman, the shepherd, for men and women, and for cattle alike. They invoked Soma, asking him to place wealth among them, to grant great fame and heroic strength. They prayed that neither Soma’s hostility nor enemies would harm them, inviting Indu to share in the prize. In the far realm of immortality, in the abode of truth, Soma’s offspring are crowned at the head and navel, adorned and known by Soma. As the dawns broke, they called upon Agni, radiant with the dawns of Vivasvat, the immortal reward. Agni, the beloved messenger, carrier of offerings, charioteer of sacrifices, was asked—together with the Aśvins and the dawn—to grant heroic strength and great fame. Today, they chose Agni as their messenger, the generous one beloved by many, the smoke-bannered, radiant glory of sacrifices in the dawns. Agni, the best, youngest guest, well-invoked and beloved by worshippers, was praised for bringing the gods to their coming. They praised Agni for all immortal food, calling him protector, immortal, wise, most fit for worship, and carrier of offerings. The youngest one was asked to become well-disposed to the singer, sweet-tongued and well-invoked, to bring forth food and long life for Praskaṇva, so they might honor the divine assembly. Agni, knower of all, the Hotar, kindled by the people, was invoked to bring the gods, to hasten them here. At dawn, the Kaṇvas, with pressed Soma, kindled Agni, the bringer of offerings, together with Savitar, Uṣas, the Aśvins, Bhaga, as the nights ended. Agni, lord of rituals, messenger among the people, awakened at dawn, was asked to bring the gods today, seers of the sun, to drink Soma. Shining before the dawns, all-seeing, Agni was the protector in gatherings, chief priest, and human priest at sacrifices. They appointed Agni as the accomplisher of the sacrifice, as Hotar and officiant; like Manu, they thought of him, wise, ancient, immortal messenger. When Agni, friend of the gods, went as chief priest to carry the message, his flames shone forth like roaring waves of a river. They prayed Agni would hear with attentive ears, together with the gods and his companions; that Mitra and Aryaman, who travel at dawn, would sit on the sacred grass at the sacrifice. They wished the generous Maruts, whose tongues are fire and who uphold cosmic order, would hear the hymn; that Varuṇa, firm in his vow, would drink Soma, together with the Aśvins and Uṣas. In their devotion, they recognized Agni as embodying the Vasus, the Rudras, and the Ādityas, worshipping the self-lawful assembly, the human-born, dripping with ghee. For Agni is attentive to the worshipper, and the wise gods, red-horsed and song-loving, were asked to bring the thirty-three deities. Like Priyamedha, like Atri, knower of beings, like Virūpa, and great-vowed Angiras, they called Agni to hear the call of Praskaṇva. For great help, Priyamedha summoned Agni, king of rituals, with bright flame. Their invocations, offered with ghee, were sent forth so the sons of Kaṇva might call Agni for help. Agni, most famed, beloved by many, with radiant hair, was called by the people in the tribes to carry the offering. As Hotar and officiant, the wise established Agni, bestower of wealth, most renowned, with attentive ears among the divine hosts. To Agni, the wise, with pressed Soma, came bearing abundant oblation for the mortal worshipper. They asked that those who travel at dawn, powerful, might partake of Soma; and today, O gracious one, that Agni would seat the divine assembly here on the sacred grass. Thus, the dawns were filled with prayers, praises, and invocations, as the people sought guidance, protection, prosperity, and the favor of the gods, offering their devotion in hope and reverence.