The Ashvins, the divine horsemen, performed wondrous deeds worthy of praise, actions that resounded across heaven and earth. Like a mighty bull presiding over the realms, their glory drew forth a thousand hymns, and all who sought the sacred cow gathered to partake of the nourishing drink they bestowed. For them, the worshipful Nasatyas, a special portion was set aside, and songs of devotion drew near. The honeyed Soma was prepared, and the people called upon the Ashvins to drink and, with their powers, grant abundant gifts. The priests, ever mindful, busied themselves with the sacrifice, preparing it in many ways and carrying it forth with devotion. The learned Brahman, yoked to the sacred rite, understood what truly belonged to the sacrificer. Agni alone was kindled in myriad forms; the sun alone spread its light everywhere; Ushas, the dawn, shone over all creation. Indeed, all that exists has arisen from the one source. With longing, the people invoked that radiant, bannered chariot of the Ashvins—a three-wheeled, comfortable vehicle, easy to harness and often summoned. In its union, splendid gifts were born. They prayed for the Ashvins to come, surpassing the empty, to partake in the Soma and bestow blessings. Indra and Varuṇa, too, were honored, as their shares flowed forth at every pressing and each sacrifice. Their greatness was ever-present, and to the sacrificer, they granted all that was sought. The plants and waters, reaching the edge of the sky and the end of the path, settled into the greatness of Indra and Varuṇa—untouchable by any enemy or godless one. Truly, for these deities, the seven voices milked the wave of sweet honey, and with these, the lords of splendor protected the worshipper, guarding those who were unharmed by their might. The seven gentle, ever-youthful sisters, shedding ghee and dwelling in the abode of truth, poured forth offerings for Indra and Varuṇa, who, by these, granted provisions to the sacrificer. The priests spoke words for great fortune, proclaiming the truth of Indra and Varuṇa’s awe-inspiring power. With the three and the seven ghee-shedding ones, the lords of splendor were invoked for protection. In ancient times, Indra and Varuṇa bestowed upon the seers the gifts of thought, speech, intelligence, and hearing. The wise created sacred places and performed sacrifices, their fervor shining forth. The people prayed for cheerful, unshaken wealth and abundance, for offspring, nourishment, prosperity, and long years of life. Agni, the fire-god, was invited to come with his flames, chosen as the Hotar, the divine priest. The offering-bearing one called to him, inviting him to take his seat upon the sacred grass. To Agni, son of strength and child of Angiras, the ritual ladles moved, pouring out ghee-bright offerings, for he was foremost in sacrifices. Agni was praised as sage, creator, Hotar, pure and worthy of worship, gracious and fit for sacrifice. The wise lauded him with shining hymns. He was entreated to bring undeceiving, ever-flowing wealth, to rejoice in the well-prepared offerings, and to grant treasures. Agni alone spread forth as protector, sage, and guardian of truth; the wise kindled him and called him creator. The people prayed for Agni to shine and blaze, granting delight and blessings, and for the noble ones to be victorious. Just as Agni revived the aged and powerless, so too was he asked to burn away those who harbored hostility or evil intent. He was implored not to abandon his devotees to mortal foes or the malicious, but to protect with swift and auspicious guardians. Agni was called upon to guard with one, two, three, and four praises, to shield from every demon and attacker, and to always protect in contests. He alone was invoked for help and growth. The people asked for wealth that grows with life, praiseworthy treasures, and much-desired riches, guided by good counsel and noble fame. With Agni’s favor, they hoped to excel in battles and overcome hostile forces. He was entreated to strengthen their minds and invigorate them. Like a roaring bull, Agni brandished his horns, his force mighty and energy abundant. His power could not be resisted, and as priest, he was asked to make the offerings well-received and grant many desirable gifts. Agni dwelled in the woods, kindled by mortals, tireless in carrying offerings, ruling among the gods from the very beginning. Seven priests praised him, the generous and unfailing one, who broke rocks with his heat and flame. He was invoked with well-arranged grass, ever-present as the priest of the peoples. With Agni’s guidance, the people sought shelter and prosperity, asking for abundant strength. Agni, the singer, lord, and protector, was called to guard them from harm, to keep away the enemy, hunger, and evil. He was asked to guard with all his might, to always protect, for he was the nearest among gods. Agni was entreated to bring wealth, to grant the people the means to excel in battle, and to inspire their minds. His force, like a bull’s, could not be withstood, and as their priest, he was asked to ensure the offerings were accepted and to bestow many gifts. He was the child of the woods, kindled by mortals, tireless and ever-reigning among the gods. Seven priests praised him as the generous one, who broke rocks with heat and flame, and who stood forth among the people. He was invoked with devotion, ever-present as the priest of the peoples. With his guidance, the people sought prosperity and strength. He was the singer, lord, and protector, the mighty guardian of heaven and household. Agni was asked to keep harm and enemies far away, to drive out hunger and evil, and to protect those who wished well. He was called to guard with one, two, three, and four praises, to shield from every demon and attacker, and to always protect in contests. He alone was the source of help and growth. Agni was entreated to bring praiseworthy wealth, to grant riches and noble fame. With his favor, the people hoped to excel and overcome foes. Like a roaring bull, Agni’s force could not be resisted, and as priest, he was asked to make offerings well-received and grant many gifts. The people invoked Indra, wishing him to hear their words and come near, drawn by prayer and strength to drink the Soma. The wise established him, the lord of light and the bull, for strength. He sat first among those praised, his mind ever desiring Soma. Indra, lover of many, was called to the pressed Soma, known as the golden one, victorious in battle, undaunted even among the bold. He was true and unfailing, and the people prayed to swiftly gain his prize, striving for his favor. Indra, lord of power, was asked to grant aid, for the people followed him as the bringer of fortune and the knower of wealth and glory. He was the giver of horses, the creator of cattle, the golden spring, and no gift from him was ever wasted. Whatever was sought, he was asked to bring. The people invited him for their delight, to grant fortune and wealth, to pour out cattle and horses in abundance. Indra, the generous one, gave thousands and hundreds of herds as gifts. The people made him, Purandara, the subject of their songs, invoking him for their aid and well-being.