In the earliest times, when the world was still young and the divine powers watched over humankind, Indra and Varuṇa, in their boundless wisdom, bestowed upon the ancient seers the gifts of thought, speech, intelligence, and hearing. With these blessings, the wise ones created sacred spaces and, through fervent devotion, performed sacrifices. By their spiritual intensity, I beheld these sages, radiant in their dedication. Moved by the vision of the sages’ devotion, a heartfelt prayer arose to Indra and Varuṇa: “O mighty ones, grant to those who sacrifice with faith a cheerful and unwavering abundance. Bless us with children, nourishment, and prosperity. Extend our lives, that we may dwell long in your grace.” Turning to the sacred fire, the worshippers called upon Agni, the divine priest. “Agni, come with your flames; we choose you as our Hotar. Let the prepared offerings summon you, O you who are most fit for sacrifice. Take your seat upon the sacred grass.” To Agni, the son of strength, the ladles moved in the ritual, pouring clarified butter. The people sought Agni, the radiant child of power, his hair gleaming with ghee, ever foremost in sacrifice. “Agni, you are the sage, the creator, the pure priest, worthy of our worship. You are gracious and most fit for the sacred rite. The wise praise you with shining hymns.” “Come to us, youngest and swiftest of gods. Bring undeceiving, ever-flowing wealth. Rejoice in the hymns and offerings prepared for you, O giver of treasures.” Agni alone spread forth as protector, sage, and guardian of truth. The wise kindle him, the shining one, invoking him as creator. “Shine forth, most radiant Agni! Blaze with your splendor and grant joy to the people through our praise. May the blessings of the gods be ours, and may the noble, victorious ones be our fires. Just as you revive the aged and powerless on earth, so, O friend of Mitra, burn away those who are hostile, those who harbor evil intent among us.” “Do not abandon us to mortal foes, to the malicious or the reviler. Protect us, youngest Agni, with your swift and auspicious guardians. Guard us with one, with two, with three, with four praises, O treasure-giver, lord of strength. Shield us from every demon and attacker; always protect us in contests. You alone, nearest among gods, do we invoke for help and growth.” “Bring us wealth that grows with life, O pure one, praiseworthy treasure. Grant us the riches we desire, guided by good counsel and bearing noble fame. May we excel in battles, overcoming hostile forces, O leader of men. Strengthen us with your favor, inspire our minds, and invigorate us, O knower of wealth.” “Like a mighty bull, you roar, Agni, brandishing your horns. Your jaws are sharp, your force irresistible, your energy abundant. When you rise in power, none can withstand you. As our priest, make our offerings well-received and grant us many desirable gifts.” “You lie hidden in the woods, O child of your mother, and mortals kindle you. Tireless, you carry the offerings, reigning among the gods from the beginning. Seven priests praise you, Agni, the generous and unfailing; you break the rock with your heat and flame. Stand forth among the people.” “We invoke Agni, without deceit, with well-arranged sacred grass. Ever-present, he is the priest of the peoples, honored with devotion. With your guidance, Agni, we seek shelter and prosperity, knowing you well. With your nourishment, bring us abundant and varied strength, the closest prize for our aid.” “O Agni, singer, lord of all, protector, god, guard us from harm. Unfailing householder, mighty guardian of heaven, dwelling in our homes, do not let harm come near us. Keep the enemy at bay, drive away hunger and evil, and keep away those who wish us ill.” As the ritual continued, the people turned their thoughts to Indra, the mighty and generous. “Let Indra hear our words and come near. May the lord of strength, drawn by our prayers and vigor, come to drink the Soma. The wise establish him, the lord of light, the bull, for strength. You, Indra, sit first among those who are praised, for your mind desires Soma.” “Come, O Indra, lover of many, to the pressed Soma. We know you, golden one, as victorious in battles, undaunted among the bold. O generous Indra, you are true and have not failed; act according to your will. May we quickly gain your prize, O thunderbolt-wielder, striving for your favor.” “Grant us your aids, O lord of power. We follow you, hero, as the bringer of fortune, knower of wealth and glory. You are the giver of horses, creator of cattle, the golden spring, O god. No gift is wasted; whatever I seek, bring that to me.” “Come for our delight; grant us fortune and wealth. Pour out, generous one, for the desire of cattle and horses. You, Indra, give thousands and hundreds of herds as gifts. We have made you, Purandara, the subject of our songs, O Indra, for our aid.” “If the inspired sage, whether speaking with full insight or not, utters words to you, O hundred-powered one, may he bring forth praise for you; let him, mindful of the east, not harm us. O Indra, strong-armed destroyer of fortresses, if you hear my call, we invoke you, lord of riches, with hymns, together with those who desire wealth.” “We do not seek the wicked, the weary, or the sluggish; if we make mighty Indra our companion in the Soma rite, let us be friends. We have yoked the fierce one in battles, the destroyer of foes, with exhilarating draughts. He knows even the trembling one, the best charioteer, the winner of booty, whom none can surpass.” “From whatever we fear, O Indra, make us fearless; scatter our haters, scatter our foes. You are the distributor of great wealth and abundance, O bountiful Indra, singer-loving, whom we invoke with Soma.” “Indra, slayer of Vṛtra, unassailable, you are our chosen protector. Guard us at the end, in the middle, from behind, and in front. Keep us safe on every side—from behind, below, above, and before. Keep far from us divine danger and the weapons of the godless.” “Today, tomorrow, and every day, O Indra, protect us now and in the days to come. O lord of the good, guard all our singers by day and by night. The generous hero, eager for strength and valor, has joined us. Both your mighty arms, O hundred-powered Indra, have fashioned the thunderbolt.” Thus, in reverence and hope, the people offered their hymns and sacrifices, calling upon the gods for protection, abundance, and victory, trusting in their divine guardianship throughout all the days of their lives.