The sages, with hearts full of devotion, called upon the Ashvins, those divine twin horsemen, beseeching them to come with wealth, prosperity, and strength. “O generous Ashvins,” they prayed, “bring us your heroic and unfailing gifts.” The invocation extended to Indra and the Nāsatyas as well, inviting them to the sacred offering, and urging all the gods to join together in the ritual assembly. With libations poured, the worshippers invoked the presence of the wise deities, offering horses and cattle in their honor, and sought their favor and blessings. The Ashvins, mighty and swift, were praised for their power; the people called upon them to bring fame and to accept the offerings, asking that they drive away all tricksters and deceivers. The Ashvins were reminded of Vaiyaśva, whose fame they knew well, and who was united in spirit with Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman. The devotees implored the Ashvins to grant their gifts and guidance among the noble, and, day by day, to teach them with their might. Those who surrounded themselves with sacrifices to the Ashvins, like a bride adorned in beauty, were said to fashion splendor itself. Whoever discerned the vast and generous favor of the Ashvins, seeking the noble path, was blessed to have their chariot circle around him in protection. The Ashvins were called to bring abundant wealth and the noble way, and with their words, to drive away obstacles from the sacred sacrifice. Their praise, voiced in the most excellent offerings, summoned them as swift messengers, so that they might become present among the worshippers. The sages recalled the wonders the Ashvins brought from the ocean of heaven and from the house of riches, for their fame had spread far and wide. Among all rivers, the Sindhu with her golden course was swiftest for them, drawn by a white steed. The Ashvins, mindful and radiant in wisdom, were envisioned riding in their shining chariot, accompanied by noble fame. They were urged to harness their chariot and accept the offered nourishment. Vayu, gracious lord of the winds, was especially invited to come, to drink the sweet soma, and to enter the sacred offering. As the wondrous kinsman of Tvashtar, Vayu was chosen for his favor, the people seeking his brilliance and wealth. They called upon Vayu to come from the auspicious sky, bringing good horses and greatness on his broad-winged chariot. Vayu, most excellent among the swift, was invoked in the dwellings of men, with praise rising like a stone—solid and enduring. The worshippers prayed that Vayu, delighting in their hearts, would grant them strength, waters, and wisdom. With reverence, Agni was invoked as the priest, the stones, and the sacred grass at the ritual. The hymn reached out to the Maruts, Brahmanaspati, and all the gods, seeking their noble protection. The gods were recognized as those who encompass cattle, earth, trees, dawn, night, and herbs—may all the Vasus, all-knowing, protect the thoughts of the worshippers. The offering was urged to advance, with Agni leading, ancient among gods, and among the Adityas, Varuna of firm vows, and the ever-shining Maruts. The Vasus, beneficent to mankind and fierce in their increase of the world, were asked for their protection—a shield free from harm. All the gods, united in purpose, were called to come that day; with hymns and songs, the Maruts and divine Aditi, in her great dwelling, were invited to be present. The Maruts were asked to bring their beloved offerings, accompanied by horses, and Indra, Varuna, and the mighty Adityas were welcomed to sit upon the sacred grass. With sacred grass strewn and soma pressed, the people called upon Varuna, as men call upon Agni, offering their devotion. The Maruts, Vishnu, Ashvins, and Pūṣan were called forth with unerring thought, and Indra, the foremost, the bull, the slayer of Vṛtra, was invoked with praise among the gift-bringers. The gods were asked to grant a shelter unbroken and secure, for none could harm those whom the Vasus protected, neither from afar nor from near. The worshippers acknowledged the kinship and abiding help of the righteous gods, and prayed that their words might bring welfare for past, present, and future. Having praised the gods for the enjoyment of their bounty, the devotee approached them with humility, seeking their favor. As the glorious Sun, the guide of all, rose up, the two-footed and four-footed beings, restless and eager, lay down in peace. To each god, the people prayed for help, favor, and strength, raising their voices in divine praise. The gods, united in purpose for Manu, were bestowers of gifts, and the worshippers prayed they would know their paths, both now and in days to come. The sinless ones were proclaimed among those praised. No deceit could touch the mortal who kept the ordinances of Varuna and Mitra. Such a one crossed over to prosperity and abundance, blessed with offspring and unharmed, growing in every way. Without the gods, one found conflict; with their guidance, the path was smooth. Aryaman, Mitra, and Varuna, givers of gifts, together protected the one they favored. Even on the plain, the gods made a descent for him; even in difficulty, they provided an easy passage. Even the swelling thunderbolt, though near, was made to perish away from those under their care. Whatever order the gods established at sunrise, at setting, at awakening, or at midday in the sky, the worshippers honored. Whatever they established at the approach of night, as a shelter for the worshipper, the Vasus were asked to let the people stand close to them in the midst of it. Finally, the prayer was for all the favor bestowed at sunrise or midday, for Manu and the wise, to be granted to the offering and the worshippers, so that their devotion might be fulfilled and their lives blessed under the gaze of the all-knowing gods.