In ancient times, the sages gathered and turned their hearts toward the divine, seeking protection and greatness. They invoked Bṛhaspati and their companions, wishing to be blameless before the generous, much like a father who bestows gifts from afar. With reverence, they offered praise and oblations to Brahmaṇaspati, the eldest and most auspicious, and called upon the divine hymn to acclaim Indra, the king whom the gods established for the priesthood. Bṛhaspati, beloved and all-encompassing, was entreated to establish their origins and grant them wealth and heroic strength, guiding them safely beyond dangers. The immortal Bṛhaspati, delighted by their hymn, ancient and pure-voiced, revered among households and unvanquished, was invoked for favor. Swift red horses carried mighty Bṛhaspati, whose seat was blue-black as the sky and whose radiant form was adorned in brilliance. He shone with purity, a hundred-petaled, golden-maned, powerful and beautiful, exalted by his own strength and bringing abundance to many friends. Heaven and earth, divine creators, magnified Bṛhaspati in greatness, and through skill and friendship, made the priestly utterance most profound. The sages composed a hymn for Brahmaṇaspati, meant for Indra, the wielder of the bolt, asking for protection and the destruction of the enemy’s malice. Bṛhaspati and Indra, lords of heavenly and earthly riches, were beseeched to bestow wealth upon those who praised and to protect them always with blessings. The priests prepared the ruddy milk, offering it to the bull among men, and poured out the drink for Indra, who desired all the pressed Soma. What was placed in the sky as delightful food, they brought forth day by day, inviting Indra to accept and drink the prepared Soma with heart and mind. Soma, born for strength, was pressed, and Indra’s mother declared his greatness. Indra filled the wide space between earth and heaven and made a path for the gods through battle. When he fought the mighty and proud, he subdued those who resisted, and when he battled alongside men, the sages prayed to win renowned victories with him. They recounted Indra’s earliest deeds and the new ones performed by Maghavan. When the goddesses could not withstand his power, Soma became Indra’s alone. The whole world was Indra’s pasture, whatever the eye of the sun beheld. Indra was the herdsman, the sole lord of the cows, and the sages prayed to partake in his offered wealth. Once more, Bṛhaspati and Indra were invoked as rulers of heavenly and earthly riches, asked to grant wealth and well-being to those who sang their praises. Turning to Viṣṇu, the sages acknowledged his immeasurable greatness, knowing both his realms and recognizing that he comprehended the highest expanse. None, whether at birth or after, had reached the utmost limit of Viṣṇu’s greatness. He upheld the lofty and broad heaven and established the eastern quarter of the earth. They prayed for the earth to be rich in refreshment and milk, yielding good things for mankind. Viṣṇu had stretched apart the two worlds and established the earth with his rays. He made a wide space for sacrifice, bringing forth the sun, the dawn, and Agni, and destroyed even the cunning magic of the Dāsa in battle. Indra and Viṣṇu together shattered the strongholds of Śambara—ninety-nine in number—and slew hundreds and thousands of warriors who could not be withstood. The lofty hymn, exalting their mighty steps, grew by their power. The sages offered praise in gatherings, hoping their songs would bring abundance in contests. For Viṣṇu, they performed the vaṣaṭ-call, asking him to accept their oblation. May their well-praised songs increase him, and may he and all the gods always protect them with well-being. Now, the mortal was encouraged to seek to win and serve wide-striding Viṣṇu with devotion. Whoever worshiped with steadfast mind and sacrifice would not be abandoned by Viṣṇu. He granted favor to all peoples, unfailing and wise, bestowing prosperity, horses, and shining wealth. Thrice Viṣṇu strode out this earth, Viṣṇu of the hundred songs, in his greatness. May Viṣṇu, the mightiest, advance, for his name is ancient and enduring. He strode the earth for the field, prospering mankind, making a wide, well-founded dwelling for his steadfast peoples. The sages proclaimed Viṣṇu’s noble name, praised his deeds, and honored him for upholding the farthest expanse of the realm. Nothing could be hidden from Viṣṇu, and they asked him not to conceal his form, even when he appeared in another shape at the assembly. Again, they performed the vaṣaṭ-call for Viṣṇu, seeking his acceptance and protection. They spoke forth the three shining voices that drew out the honey-flowing udder, creating the calf and the embryo of plants. As soon as born, the bull bellowed aloud. The god, nourisher of plants and waters, lord of all that moves, brought shelter, protection, and healing in threefold light. Through him, the charioteer became strong, the chariot moved according to his will, and the mother received the father’s milk, by which the father and son grew. In him, all worlds were established—three heavens, threefold waters flowing—and three vessels poured honey around the radiant one. They prayed that their speech be pleasing to Parjanya, lord of the sun, and that it dwell within their hearts. May the rains bring joy, and fruitful herbs flourish, guarded by the gods. The bull, bearer of seed, eternal among beings, held the soul of moving and unmoving things. May that truth protect them for a hundred autumns, and may they be guarded always with well-being. The sages sang to Parjanya, son of heaven, the generous one, asking for abundant barley. He who created the seed of herbs, cows, and horses—Parjanya, progenitor of men—was offered the sweetest oblation, with prayers for nourishing food. For a year, the Brahmins, observing vows, remained silent. Now, inspired by Parjanya, the frogs began to speak, breaking the silence and bringing forth new life and sound to the world. Thus, the sages’ hymns and prayers flowed, honoring the gods who upheld, nourished, and protected all creation, seeking their favor, prosperity, and well-being in every aspect of life.