In the sacred gathering, the sages invoked Sarasvatī, the gracious and renowned goddess of the river, seeking her acceptance of their offerings in the sacrifice. With measured devotion and reverent worship, they prayed that Sarasvatī would bestow upon them wealth surpassing even their friends. Their voices rose in praise, asking her to accept their offerings with favor, and to place her most beloved protection upon them, just as one seeks shelter under the welcoming shade of a tree. Vasiṣṭha, the fortunate sage, stood at the forefront, opening the gates of this holy rite to Sarasvatī. He called upon her purity, asking that she increase her blessings for those who praise her, granting strength and perpetual protection. With great song, Vasiṣṭha honored Sarasvatī, the mighty goddess of rivers, offering well-spoken hymns that reached earth and sky alike. They marveled at the greatness that filled both her realms, where people found their dwelling. Sarasvatī, friend of the Maruts, was invoked as a helper and inspirer of generosity among the noble. The sages prayed that this auspicious goddess would make them fortunate, attentive to their prayers, and ever full of strength. They praised her as Jamadagni had, and sang to her as Vasiṣṭha once did. All those born, strong, and generous sons were called to join in invoking Sarasvatī. They remembered her sweet, flowing waves, rich with clarified butter, and asked that she protect them with these nourishing waters. The milk of Sarasvatī, abundant and visible, was cherished as food for the offspring, sustaining all who partook in her bounty. Within the sacrifice, upon the seat of men and earth, where the noble ones rejoiced, the libations for Indra were pressed, bringing joy and vigor. The divine protections were chosen, and prayers rose that Bṛhaspati, along with their companions, would grant greatness and keep them blameless—like a father who gives from afar. With reverence and offerings, they praised the eldest and most auspicious Brahmaṇaspati, asking that the divine hymn acclaim Indra, king and priest among the gods. Bṛhaspati, beloved and all-encompassing, was invoked to establish their origin, grant wealth and heroic strength, and lead them safely beyond dangers. The immortal Bṛhaspati, pure-voiced and unvanquished, delighted in their hymns and was revered among households. Swift red horses drew mighty Bṛhaspati, whose seat was blue-black like the sky and whose radiant form shone with brilliance. Pure and beautiful with a hundred petals, golden-maned and powerful, Bṛhaspati brought abundance to many friends. Heaven and earth, the divine creators, magnified Bṛhaspati in greatness, making the priestly utterance profound through skill and friendship. Their hymn, offered to Brahmaṇaspati, was made for Indra, the wielder of the bolt. They sought protection, guidance for their thoughts, and the destruction of enemy malice. Both Bṛhaspati and Indra, lords of heavenly and earthly riches, were asked to bestow wealth upon those who praised them and to always protect with blessings. The priests then offered the ruddy milk to the bull among men, pouring out the drink from the cow for Indra, who desired all the pressed Soma. They recalled the delightful food placed in the sky, day by day bringing forth its nourishment, and invited Indra to drink the prepared Soma with heart and mind. Soma, pressed for strength, was celebrated, and Indra's greatness—declared by his mother—was remembered. Indra, who filled the wide space between earth and heaven, made a path for the gods through battle. When he fought the proud and mighty, subduing those who resisted, the sages prayed to win renown in battle with Indra at their side. They spoke of Indra’s earliest deeds and the new ones he had accomplished as Maghavan. When the goddesses could not withstand his power, Soma became his alone. All the world was his pasture, whatever the sun’s eye beheld. Indra was the herdsman, the sole lord of the cows, and the people sought to share in his offered wealth. Again, Bṛhaspati and Indra were called the rulers of heavenly and earthly wealth. The sages begged for riches, protection, and well-being for those who praised them. The prayers turned to Viṣṇu, whose greatness exceeded measure and body, unattainable by any. They knew both his realms, and Viṣṇu alone comprehended the highest expanse. None, whether at birth or after, had reached the utmost limit of his greatness. Viṣṇu upheld the lofty, broad heaven and established the eastern quarter of the earth. The earth was asked to be rich in refreshment, abundant in milk, yielding good things for mankind. Viṣṇu, with his rays, stretched apart the two worlds and established the earth all around. He made a wide space for sacrifice, bringing forth the sun, the dawn, and Agni, and even the cunning magic of the armored Dāsa he destroyed in battle. Together, Indra and Viṣṇu shattered the strongholds of Śambara—nine and ninety—slew a hundred of Varcin’s, and a thousand warriors together, those who could not be withstood. The hymn, exalting Viṣṇu’s mighty steps, grew in power. The sages praised Viṣṇu in their gatherings, hoping their songs would bring abundance in contests and that Indra would be pleased. For Viṣṇu, they performed the vaṣaṭ-call, offering oblations to the wide-striding one. They prayed that their songs would increase him, and that he and his companions would always protect with well-being. Now, they urged mortals to seek Viṣṇu with devotion, for whoever worships with steadfast mind and sacrifice is never abandoned by him. Viṣṇu, unfailing and ever-moving in wisdom, was asked to grant favor to all peoples, to prosper them with good fortune, horses, and shining wealth. Viṣṇu, the god of a hundred songs, strode thrice across the earth in his greatness. The sages prayed that the most mighty of the mighty would advance, for his name was ancient and enduring. He strode out the earth for the field, prospering mankind, and his praises were firm, his peoples steadfast, and he made a wide, well-founded dwelling. The noble name of Viṣṇu was proclaimed anew, his deeds honored. He was praised as the mighty one dwelling in wilds, upholding the farthest expanse of the realm. Nothing could be hidden from Viṣṇu, for he comprehended all. The sages asked that he not hide his form, even when appearing in another shape at the assembly. Again, they performed the vaṣaṭ-call for Viṣṇu, offering oblations to the wide-striding one. They prayed that their well-praised songs would increase him, and that he and all the gods would always protect them with well-being. Thus, in reverence and devotion, the sages honored Sarasvatī, Bṛhaspati, Indra, and Viṣṇu, seeking their blessings, strength, and protection for themselves and all humankind.