In the quiet dawn, the sages raise their voices, calling upon the kindly Marut host—pure and lofty in spirit—for friendship and happiness. With reverent hearts, they seek wealth and fame, yearning for the favor of the gods on this auspicious day. They invoke the vast, life-giving waters, divine and gracious, which bear the glory of sacrifice. May Soma, radiant and strong, be theirs, as once again they reach out for the gods’ benevolence. Guided by the best of guides, the sages wish to live free from sin, surrounded by living sons. They pray for the defeat of those who hate the sacred word and all hostile forces, their plea echoing for divine favor. To the gods who dwell within the mind and are worthy of sacrifice, they offer their desires—victorious wisdom, wealth, heroism, and fame—asking the gods to grant these boons. The great favor of the gods is sought, vast and unbroken, so that the seekers may possess wealth and heroic offspring. They yearn for the shelter of the kindled Agni, for blameless friendship with Mitra and Varuṇa, and for well-being under the power of Savitṛ. All gods of Savitṛ, of true power, of Mitra’s law, and of Varuṇa are implored to grant good fortune, wealth, cattle, fame, and wondrous riches. Savitṛ is invoked from all directions—from behind, before, above, and below—to bestow all-encompassing prosperity and long life. With homage, the vision of Mitra and Varuṇa is honored, and the far-seeing beacon, the son of heaven, Sūrya, is praised. May the truth-speaking power protect on all sides, and may Heaven and Earth, where the days are woven, guard the seekers. They acknowledge that whatever moves or enters all things, all waters, is touched by the rising Sun. In the Sun’s highest realm, no false god dwells—only the radiant chariot driven by Sūrya’s rays. As the Sun follows its path across the expanse, its light dispels darkness and awakens the world. The sages pray that all evil and bad dreams be removed, and well-being be brought forth. The Sun, sent forth, guards the order of all things, rising and following its own law. Whatever is declared to the Sun today, may the gods grant that wisdom. May Heaven and Earth, the Waters, Indra, and the Maruts hear these prayers; let no misfortune come at the Sun’s sight, and may all live to grow old in happiness. The sages wish always to see the Sun rising day by day, friend of all, with good minds, clear sight, offspring, and freedom from sickness and guilt. The radiant, all-seeing Sun delights the eye, ascending with mighty power; may all living beings behold this glory. By the Sun’s sign, all beings move and settle, returning with the nights. The golden-haired Sun, sinless, is asked to bring prosperity and well-being each day. Blessings are sought through the Sun’s gaze, by day, with radiance, warmth, and light. As the path and home are blessed, so may splendid wealth be bestowed. The gods are implored to grant protection for both two-footed and four-footed beings, for all kinds of offspring; may all that is eaten, drunk, or enjoyed bring happiness and health, free from harm. If any wrong has been done to the gods—by speech, mind, or disrespect—may guilt be placed upon those who are hostile, not upon the innocent. In the glorious battle, Indra is called upon, roaring for victory amid tumult. Where cattle are sought among the bold, the flames of men fall everywhere. Indra is asked to uncover a home full of abundance, wealth rich in cattle and renowned. May victory and prosperity be granted as desired, for Indra is generous. Whoever, Dasa or Arya, seeks to fight, may they be easily overcome with Indra’s aid. He is invoked with offerings, great or small, for help in need, as the renowned and near hearer of prayers. Indra, the generous and mighty bull, inspirer of gifts, is implored to release himself from bonds and come forth. Why should the strong remain bound among the weak? The Ashvins are invoked at dawn and dusk with offerings, their well-yoked chariot called upon, their ever-helpful name praised like a father’s. The Ashvins are urged to fill songs and thoughts with abundance, stirring the inspired ones and granting a share of glory, as Soma is prepared for the generous. Bhaga supports even those not yet mature; the Ashvins help the helpless, guide the blind, heal the weak, and are physicians to the silent. They restored Cyavana, old and worn, making him young again; they removed the fierce one from the waters, their deeds proclaimed in sacrifice. Their ancient heroic deeds bring joy as healers, and now new help is sought, trust placed like a sharp blade. The Ashvins are called upon to instruct like fathers to a son, to keep understanding strong, and to ward off the curse of what is hostile. With their chariot, they brought delight to Shundhyu, carried away Purumitra’s wife, responded to Vadhrimatī’s call, and granted easy childbirth to Purandhi. They restored youth to sages grown old, made Khela young, guided Vandana across the river, and made Viśpalā fit for racing. They raised Rebha from the cave, restored the Ribhus and the three who were heated, granting life for the seven Vadhris. To Pedu, the Ashvins gave the white horse of ninefold strength and ninety steeds, granting the swift companion who drives away foes, like Bhaga bestowing desirable offerings. No king, evil, misfortune, or fear can harm him whom the Ashvins, gracious and of Rudra’s path, lead forward with his wife. They come swifter than thought in the chariot made by the Ribhus, at whose yoking the daughter of the sky is born, and both days of Vivasvat are renewed. With that victorious path, they cross mountains, cause cows to yield milk, and free the seized from the wolf’s jaws, with their powers. Praise is composed for the Ashvins, like the Bhṛgus crafting a chariot, yoked to the woman as a maiden to a youth, as one supports a son. And so, the sages ask: Who, indeed, welcomes the radiant chariot of the Ashvins as they come for good fortune? Who, at dawn, receives the all-pervading ones, bringing gifts from house to house, bearing blessings with thought? Thus, in the sacred tradition, the seekers call upon the gods—Maruts, Agni, Mitra, Varuṇa, Savitṛ, Sūrya, Indra, Ashvins, and Bhaga—offering praise, seeking blessings, and invoking protection, wisdom, prosperity, health, and joy for all beings, day by day, in the eternal cycle of the cosmos.