Upon the heights of the world, along the gentle and auspicious paths that wind across the mountains, shines the Daughter of Heaven—Uṣas, the Dawn. With her own radiance, she dispels the darkness, driving it far away, and brings nourishment and abundant wealth to those who call upon her. Harnessed to her shining chariot, her horses eagerly draw her forth; she arrives bearing the most cherished gifts, her presence a source of joy. Glorious and resplendent, Uṣas is ever invoked in ancient hymns, her beauty a wonder to behold. As she rises, even the birds stir from their nests, and men, awakened by the touch of their divine Father, share in the new day. To the worshipper, Uṣas brings many blessings into the home, bestowing her bounty upon mortals who honor her. She is recognized everywhere—among gods and men, radiant and beautiful, outshining the darkness and the long nights. The Dawns, yoked with red horses, break forth in dazzling splendor. Their chariots, pale as the moon, lead the way for the great sacrifice, scattering the darkness like waves before the light. With each coming, the Dawns bring glory, strength, nourishment, and vigor to those who worship. Generous by nature, they grant heroic offspring and, when invoked, bestow precious gifts upon the devoted. Today, as in days of old, the Dawns have granted their gifts to heroes, worshippers, and inspired poets alike—carrying the hopes and prayers of seekers from ancient times. The Angiras, too, praise the Dawns for cattle and wealth, their prayers and invocations shining with the sun’s rays, breaking through barriers with the truth of their devotion. Rise again, O ancient Daughter of Heaven, like Bharadvāja—generous to those who honor you. Grant us wealth, heroic strength, and glory that spreads far and wide. In the world, there is a sacred form known to the wise—one name, the Cow, common to all, yet she is shared among many. To mortals, she yields her milk in various ways; once, the bright one, Pṛśni, gave her milk freely. The sacred fires, like Agni, shine in their resting places, and the Maruts, sons of Rudra, grow strong together, their golden dust swirling as they display their prowess. These Maruts, steadfast and beneficent, know their great Mother, Pṛśni, who set the embryo of beauty in motion. Pure and blameless, they remain true to their origin, and when they are milked, they reveal their adorned and beautiful form according to their pleasure. Swift and mighty, the Maruts bear their renowned name with pride, never wearied by praise, always driving away the fierce. With boldness and strength, the Maruts yoke heaven and earth together; for them, the two realms stand firm in their own light, and the vast space is never lacking. Their movement is unhindered—swift, free, and unbound, they traverse the paths of heaven and earth, accomplishing their deeds. No one can surpass or hinder the one whom the Maruts aid; with their help, he gains strength, breaks through barriers, and ascends to the sky—whether in offspring, cattle, children, or waters. Let us offer splendid hymns to the mighty Maruts, whose power endures great deeds, before whom earth and Agni tremble. Their radiant spears flash like tongues of Agni at sacrifice; their praise is threefold, their movements heroic, and from birth, they are invincible. The growing Marut, son of Rudra, shines with vision and is invoked with pure prayers; even the mighty mountains cannot touch him. Among all beings, Mitra and Varuṇa stand as the greatest. May their power increase with our hymns. Together, like rays, they restrain the most desirable, upholding two peoples—unequal, yet protected by their strong arms. With reverence, our thoughts reach out to their sacred seat, seeking their shield and defense. Mitra and Varuṇa, come to the well-lauded offering, gladly accepting the homage of the vigilant. Born of Aditi, pure and allied, they are swift as yoked horses, casting down foes for mortals. When the gods rejoiced in their greatness and bestowed dominion in harmony, Mitra and Varuṇa encompassed heaven and earth, their watchful eyes unfailing. They uphold order throughout the days, stretching forth the summit like the sky’s measure. Their firm ordinance sustains both earth and heaven. They fill the vessel and the womb, nourishing households; the tireless young women continue their work, bearing the all-nourishing milk. With wisdom, Mitra and Varuṇa taste the offerings, and when their desire is fulfilled by the rite, their greatness, rich in ghee, abides among the worshippers, scattering harm. Their ordinances are upheld by the young, and none—neither gods nor mortals nor those without sacrifice—can transgress them. When singers utter their praise, some proclaim it, others reflect upon it, for nothing among the gods equals their greatness. Thus, their protection is sought, their help invoked; as cows follow trembling, so the bold harness the strong steed in battle. Indra and Varuṇa, may our devoted sacrifice be heard. Come, with those who praise and prepare the sacred grass, bestowing your great favor and benevolence. You are the highest, the most mighty, the strongest among heroes, destroyers of Vṛtra by truth, leaders of all hosts. Let them be praised with worthy hymns—Indra, who wields the thunderbolt to slay Vṛtra, and Varuṇa, wise and victorious in contests. As gods and men increased, all the gods grew strong, and to Indra and Varuṇa belongs the greatness that makes heaven and earth broad for them. The true giver is he who serves Indra and Varuṇa with truth; by their favor, he overcomes foes and attains wealth and people rich in treasures. To those whom these gods grant manifold wealth for worship, may such blessings be ours, and may our adversaries be driven away. Guardians of order, Indra and Varuṇa, bestow wealth upon the wise, whose might is victorious in battle. By your splendor, let the conqueror surpass all. As we praise you, grant us wealth for glorious fame, O gods. May we cross over all misfortunes as a ship crosses the waters, singing the greatness of your host. Finally, let the hymn go forth to Varuṇa, the sovereign, the beloved and wide-ruling god, vast in might, great in command, undying as a flame, shining by his own will.