As the dawn of the sacrifice approached, the worshippers turned their thoughts to the sovereign Ādityas, yearning for their abundant gifts as a son desires ample sustenance. With reverence, they offered oblations, praying that through these offerings they might never lack wealth, but instead receive the fullness of divine bounty. In the sacred enclosure, the thirty-three gods assembled, seated upon the holy grass, each one aware of the twofold nourishment—of body and spirit—that sustains the universe. Among them shone Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman, the gracious bestowers of favor, accompanied by Agni and their radiant consorts, all invoked with the sacred vaṣaṭ-call. These unfailing guardians watched over their devotees from above and below, shielding them from every direction with their boundless might. The order of the gods was maintained with care: as the deities desired, so it was established; their allotted shares of the sacrifice were never diminished, not even by a hostile mortal. Their power was sevenfold: seven spears, seven glories, seven radiant splendors set firmly in the world. Amid this assembly, the gods manifested in wondrous forms. One, tawny and youthful, unique in power, harnessed the golden chariot. Another, radiant and wise, found his place in the cosmic womb. A steadfast deity bore an iron axe, while another held the thunderbolt, ever ready to destroy the foes. One, pure and mighty, wielded sharp weapons and healed the waters. Another guarded the hidden path like a vigilant thief, knowing well the treasures of the world. One god of wide stride traversed three great steps, delighting the other gods in his journey. Two moved together with a companion, dwelling as if in a foreign land, while two sovereigns set their shining seat in the sky, a model adorned with streams of clarified butter. Some among them sang a mighty chant, whose power caused the sun to shine in the heavens. In this assembly, there was no child, no mere boy; all the gods were truly great. Thus praised, these thirty-three worshipful deities, the protectors of Manu's people, took their honored seats. The people called out: "Protect us, save us, speak on our behalf! Do not lead us far from the ancestral and human paths." They implored all the universal gods present, along with Vaiśvānara, for wide shelter for their cattle and horses. Those who offered sacrifice, who pressed the Soma and prepared the sacred meals, revealed themselves to Indra through their holy utterances. The one who presented the sacrificial cake and swiftly gave Soma found deliverance from distress through Shakra's might. For such a devotee, the radiant chariot, guided by the gods, appeared, granting prosperity and victory over adversaries. Within the sacrificer's home, Iḷā, ever full of milk, bestowed her abundance day after day, never failing. Spouses united in mind, pressing Soma together, received perpetual blessings from the gods. The noble ones approached the well-arranged sacrificial seat; in contests for wealth, they were never left behind. They did not lose the favor of the gods, nor did they fall into disrepute; their renown shone ever brighter. With sons and daughters, they enjoyed the fullness of life, both adorned with golden ornaments. The worshippers prayed that those who performed the rites and gained wealth would gladden them with the promise of immortality, making offerings among the gods after removing every obstacle. They sought the protection of the mountains and rivers, and the companionship of Vishnu. They invoked Pūṣan, wealth, fortune, and well-being, desiring that the broad path would lead to prosperity. They asked that all the thoughts of the gods, especially the Ādityas, might come to them swiftly, bringing no harm or weariness. As Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuṇa guarded them, they prayed that the paths of truth would be made easy. With praise, they invoked Agni, the ancient god of treasures, beloved by many and a friend who brings success in every field. The chariot of the godly was swift, as was the hero in battle; devotion to the gods made one a conqueror of adversaries. The sacrificer, the Soma-presser, and the devoted worshipper suffered no loss; their devotion made them victorious. No one was destroyed by action, by woman, or by desire when their worship was steadfast. In this way, true heroism was found, as well as the possession of horses—signs of prosperity and strength. The people called upon Indra to proclaim the deeds of the Kanvas, to sing of the exhilaration that Soma brought. For it was Indra who had struck down Śṛbinda, Anarśani, Pipru, and the mighty bowman Dāsa, the fierce one who destroyed the obstacles to the waters, ensuring that the gifts of the gods would flow freely to their devoted worshippers.