In ancient times, the sages raised their voices to the heavens, seeking the protection and favor of the mighty gods. With reverence, they called upon Mitra and Varuṇa, longing for their shelter as trembling cows follow the bold one who yokes the strong steed for battle. With devotion, the people offered sacrifices, spreading the sacred grass and lifting their hymns so that Indra and Varuṇa, the great benefactors, might be drawn to their rite, bestowing their benevolence. These two gods, Indra and Varuṇa, were praised as the highest among the mighty, the strongest among heroes, and the greatest among the generous. By their truth, they destroyed Vṛtra and led the hosts of the world. The sages honored them with worthy hymns and prayers, delighting in their favor—Indra, who wields the thunderbolt and slays Vṛtra with his strength, and Varuṇa, wise and victorious in contests. As the goddesses and men multiplied, all the gods grew in renown and power. To Indra and Varuṇa belonged the greatness of the heavens and the earth, which stretched wide for their glory. Those who served these gods with truth were called true givers, for by the gods’ favor they overcame their foes and gained wealth and a people rich in treasures. To the worshippers who honored them, Indra and Varuṇa granted abundant and manifold wealth. These gods, guardians of order, bestowed riches upon the wise, and by their splendor, the conqueror triumphed swiftly in battle. The sages prayed that, through their praise, Indra and Varuṇa would grant wealth and glorious fame, carrying their devotees across all misfortunes as a ship crosses the waters. The hymn then turned to Varuṇa, the sovereign and beloved, ruler of vast command, undying like a flame, who shone forth by his will. Indra and Varuṇa were invited to drink the pressed Soma, the exhilarating draught, as their chariot arrived at the sacrifice, drawn to the well-filled vessel. The mighty ones were asked to enjoy the sweetest and most potent Soma, to sit upon the sacred grass and delight in the libation poured out for the people. The sages then invoked Indra and Viṣṇu, offering their united devotion. These two had surpassed all works, and the people prayed that they would accept the sacrifice and lead them safely along unharmed paths, granting them wealth. Indra and Viṣṇu, creators of all thoughts, were honored as the rightful owners of the Soma vessels. The hymns and songs of praise were offered in hopes of gaining their favor and support. Indra and Viṣṇu, lords of exhilaration, were invited to the Soma, bringing wealth with them. The thoughts of the wise united in their praise, and the swift horses were called to bring these gods to the shared feast. All invocations and prayers were offered, and the gods were asked to listen kindly. These two made the exhilaration of Soma wide for their pleasure, broadened the midspace, and spread out the realms for all living beings. Growing strong with offerings, Indra and Viṣṇu, worthy of worship, were asked to grant wealth, for they dwelt at the ocean, the vessel holding Soma. They were invited to drink the honeyed Soma, fill themselves with the exhilarating draughts, and heed the prayers of their worshippers. Victorious always, Indra and Viṣṇu had never been defeated. When they strove together, they conquered a thousandfold in threefold ways, their might unmatched. The narrative then turned to the vast earth and sky, adorned with ghee and rich in honey, beautiful and abiding by Varuṇa’s law. These unaging, ever-fertile realms supported all beings. Abundant and ever-flowing, they yielded ghee for the righteous, ruling over the world and pouring out the seed Manu desired. Those who sought the favor of earth and sky with devotion succeeded, surrounded by offspring and born in accord with the law. Their blessings, diverse and manifold, were bestowed by their will. The earth and sky, shining and growing with ghee, were invoked as wise priests and leaders, asked to grant sweetness and honey, to bear the sacrifice and wealth for the gods, and to bestow glory, strength, and heroic power. Heaven and earth, father and mother, all-knowing and wise, were asked to pour forth nourishment, to bring prosperity, strength, and wealth together. Then, the god Savitṛ stretched out his golden arms for the rite, wise in action and anointing his hands with ghee. The generous, youthful, and skillful upholder of order was invoked for his favor and gifts. As lord of all that moves, Savitṛ was sovereign over all that exists. With steadfast guardians, Savitṛ was asked to protect the dwelling with auspicious care, to shield the people from evil-wishers. Rising at every dawn, golden-handed, he brought abundant gifts to the worshippers. Radiant and beautiful, he lifted his golden arms like a herald, ascending the heights and stirring the world to motion. The people prayed for his favor today, tomorrow, and each day, longing to dwell in his generous abode and receive his bounty. Indra and Soma were then praised for their vast greatness and mighty deeds. From the beginning, they revealed the sun, brought forth the light, and dispelled all darkness and night. Together, they awakened the dawn, led forth the sun, supported the sky, and spread out the earth as a mother. They drove away the waters, slew Vṛtra, claimed the sky, set rivers in motion, and expanded the oceans. These gods placed the milk within the cows, filling their udders, and grasped what was yet unbound within the shining, moving creatures. Indra and Soma were protectors, granting renowned offspring and heroic strength, stirring up fierce battle-power among the peoples. Finally, the hymn honored Brihaspati, the Angiras, the first-born who strikes the rock, true to order and offering-laden. Like a roaring bull, he dwelled between heaven and earth, creating space in the divine assembly for the people. Brihaspati smashed obstacles, broke through fortresses, and conquered enemies in battle. He won treasures and great herds of cattle, sought the waters, longed for the light, and struck down foes with hymns, securing blessings for all. Thus, the sages sang, weaving together the might and mercy of the gods, the vastness of earth and sky, and the blessings of the divine, so that their prayers might bring prosperity, strength, and well-being to all creation.