In the ancient dawn, the sacred hymn rises, invoking the divine presence that encompasses all—the cattle grazing upon the earth, the trees swaying in the breeze, the gentle arrival of dawn and the quiet retreat of night, the healing herbs that flourish. The Vasus, all-knowing guardians, are called upon to protect the purity and clarity of our thoughts. The offering is sent forth to Agni, the ancient flame among the gods, who stands radiant among the Adityas, among steadfast Varuna, and among the Maruts whose brilliance shines everywhere. The Vasus, beneficent and fierce, increase the world and extend their safe protection; may they grant a shield free from harm, their wisdom ever watchful. Today, the prayer seeks the unity of all gods, that they may come together with a single purpose. Through hymns and songs, the Maruts and the divine Aditi, in her vast dwelling, are invited to be present. Beloved offerings, accompanied by swift horses, are sent forth to the Maruts, and Indra, Varuna, the mighty ones, and the Adityas are welcomed to sit upon the sacred grass. With devotion, sacred grass is strewn and Soma is pressed, calling upon Varuna as men call upon Agni, seeking their favor. The Maruts, Vishnu, the Ashvins, and Pushan are summoned with unerring thought, and Indra—the foremost, the bull, the slayer of Vritra—is praised, along with those who bring gifts. The gods are asked to grant a shelter, unbroken and secure, for no harm reaches the one protected by the Vasus, whether from afar or near. The righteous gods are bound by kinship and abiding help; they are urged to speak for past and present welfare, and to swiftly grant new favor. The hymn acknowledges the praise offered, seeking enjoyment of divine bounty. With reverence, the all-knowing ones are approached as one who seeks another, bowing in humility. The Sun, glorious guide, rises high, exalted and worthy, while two-footed and four-footed creatures, restless and eager, settle down in repose. To each god, help and favor are sought, strength is desired, and praise is offered with divine thought. The gods, united in purpose for Manu, bestow gifts together; may they know our paths today and hereafter. The sinless ones are proclaimed among those who are praised. No deceit reaches the mortal who keeps the ordinances of Varuna and Mitra. Such a one crosses into prosperity and abundance, serving the gods for favor, born with offspring according to law, unharmed and growing in every way. Without the gods, conflict arises; with good guides, the path is traversed safely. Aryaman, Mitra, and Varuna, givers of gifts, together protect those whom they favor. Even on the plain, they descend for their devotee; in difficulty, they make an easy passage. Even the thunderbolt, though near and swelling, is made to perish away from us. At the rising of the Sun, the gods establish order, their dear rule shaping the day. At setting, at awakening, at midday in the sky, the all-knowing ones maintain their cosmic law. At the approach of night, they establish order as a shelter for the worshipper; the Vasus are prayed to, that we may stand close to them in the midst of their protection. Whatever favor is bestowed upon Manu at sunrise or midday, to the wise and the offering one, that is sought. The abundant gift of the sovereigns is chosen, as a son chooses sustenance; may the Adityas grant that gift through oblation, ensuring we lack no wealth. Upon the sacred grass, thirty-three gods sit, knowing the twofold food. Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman—grantors of favor—Agni, and their wives, are invoked with the sacred vaṣaṭ-call. These unfailing guardians are prayed to protect us from above and below, from the front, with all their might. As the gods desire, so let it be; let no one diminish their portion, not even a hostile mortal. Seven are their spears, seven their glories; sevenfold are their splendors, established in the world. Among the gods, one tawny, unique and powerful, youthful, harnesses the golden chariot. Another, radiant and wise, has settled in the womb. One, steadfast, bears an iron axe in his hand. Another wields the thunderbolt, prepared to slay foes. One, pure and mighty, bears sharp weapons and heals the waters. One alone guards the path, knowing the treasures like a thief. Another, of wide stride, traverses three steps where the gods rejoice. Two move together with a companion, dwelling as if in a foreign land. Two sovereigns have established their seat in the sky as a model, with streams of clarified butter. Some, singing, compose a great chant, making the sun shine. Among the gods, none is a child or boy; all are truly great. Thus praised, the thirty-three gods, destroyers of foes, sit down, worshipful for Manu. They are called upon to protect and save, to speak on behalf of mortals, not to lead us far from ancestral and human paths. The universal gods, and Vaiśvānara, are prayed to grant wide shelter for cattle and horses, ensuring prosperity and peace for all. Thus, the hymn flows in devotion, weaving praise and supplication, honoring the unity and greatness of the divine assembly, seeking their favor and protection in every moment of existence.