As the night deepened, a hush settled over the world, and the worshippers of Indra’s wealth sought the guardianship of the divine. “You, strike the boar, and let the boar strike you,” they intoned, invoking the powers that keep danger at bay. They questioned the restless guardians, “Why do you bark at us? Let all sleep in peace.” Their prayers extended to all corners of the household: “Let the mother be at peace, let the father be at peace, let the dog be at peace, let the lord of the house be at peace; let all the kin and all the people around be at peace.” They spoke words of gentle power, binding the eyes of all who might disturb their rest—whether sitting, moving, or merely casting a glance—so that, just as the house is secure, so too would their sleep be undisturbed. They called upon the thousand-horned bull, the mighty one who rose from the ocean’s depths, to lull all people into slumber. Even the women—those lying on their backs, on their sides, on soft beds, fragrant and serene—were gently drawn into sleep by the same power. Yet, as dawn approached, the mind turned to the Maruts, the storm gods, the close companions of Rudra. “Who truly knows these noble ones, swift upon their own horses?” the seers wondered. Their origins are a mystery, hidden even from each other, and their generations are unknown. They shine forth in their own forms, resounding like the wind, untouched even by the eagles of the sky. The wise discern their secrets—how the spotted cow bore the mighty one, a marvel perceived by those of insight. “May she, strong and heroic with the Maruts, ever victorious and nourishing, be ours,” the people prayed. The Maruts are most desirable, splendid, united in glory, formidable in strength and beauty. Their power is fierce, their strength unwavering, their energies enduring, their host exceedingly mighty. Their force blazes bright, their wrath is intense, and their minds are ever-stirring, like a sage rousing the might of a troop. “May your lightning keep us safe from harm; let not your ill will come near us here,” the people implored. They called upon the beloved name of the Maruts, those swift ones who delight in the offering. Armed with their own weapons and adorned with glittering ornaments, the Maruts shine, each displaying their unique form. Their offerings are pure, and the sacrifices made to them are pure and radiant. By truth, they approach the true rite, born pure, shining with brilliance. Their ornaments rest upon their shoulders, golden decorations upon their breasts; like flashes of lightning with showers, they move in splendid order, weapons in hand. The great deeds of the Maruts are awakened and their names proclaimed in sacred rites. “Accept this thousandfold, noble share, this household portion, O Maruts,” the people chanted. “If you heed the praise of the inspired singer, the strong in sacrifice, then swiftly grant us wealth and heroic strength; let not another surpass us, O roaring ones.” The Maruts, swift as adorned horses, shining like young men, dwell in palaces, bright as playful calves. “Favour us, O Maruts, grant us mercy; make the two worlds easy to traverse. Let your slaughter be far from cattle and men; with goodwill, O Vasus, accept our homage.” The priest, seated, called to the Maruts with praise, seeking their generous gifts. The eager, strong, and protective invoke them with hymns. The Maruts bring strength, bow to might, protect the praise of the worshipper, and ward off hatred, turning it upon the hostile. They favour even the weak and humble, driving away all darkness and granting offspring and descendants. The people prayed, “Let not your gifts be withdrawn from us; let us not come last in the division of wealth. Distribute to us the desirable share, O Vasus, if your power is well-born.” When people join together in spirit, strong in horses and clans, the Maruts, children of Rudra, become their protectors in battle, granting victory. Much have the Maruts done, their ancestral hymns praised through the ages. Fierce and victorious in battle, with them one wins the prized, swift steed. “May there be a mighty hero among us, strong among people, a lord and arranger; by whom we may cross over the waters for safe dwelling. May we, with our household, come near to you.” The people invoked Indra, Varuṇa, Mitra, Agni, the Waters, the Plants, and the Forests, asking all to accept their offering. “May we find shelter in the lap of the Maruts. May you always protect us with well-being.” The honeyed name of the worshipful Maruts was praised in sacrifice, their strength rejoiced in. When the Maruts set forth, even heaven and earth trembled, and the wellsprings were filled. They are attentive to those who praise, guiding the worshipper’s hymn, and delighted, they are invited to sit on the sacred grass for the benefit of all. No others are like the Maruts, shining with golden weapons and bodies, their ornaments bound together in beauty across heaven and earth. “May your lightning, O Maruts, be for our increase. If we have erred through human weakness, do not let us fall into want. May your most favorable thought be with us.” Even after their deeds are done, the Maruts roar—flawless, pure, and radiant. “Protect us with your gracious thoughts; grant us prosperity with your gifts.” The Maruts, praised in offerings, are called to grant a share of immortality to offspring, wealth, good speech, and gifts. The Maruts are invoked for all help, approached as generous lords, all-protecting, who make their devotees flourish and ever protect them with well-being. The people raised their voices together for the mighty troop, who shake heaven and earth by their greatness, never allowing destruction to seize the summit. From birth, the Maruts are fierce, formidable, strong in will; mighty in strength and vigor, the world fears their coming, for they are seers of the sun. “Bestow great strength on the generous, O Maruts, accepting our praise. Having come along the path, drive away the foe; protect us with your splendid aids.” Thus, in the stillness and the storm, the people honored the Maruts—ever-victorious, radiant, and mighty—seeking their protection, strength, and blessing for themselves and all their kin.