In the ancient days, the mighty ones, radiant in their strength, grew ever greater and took their place in the vast sky, establishing a broad and sacred seat. When Viṣṇu strode forth—like a powerful, delighted bull—he brought overflowing joy. Upon the beloved sacred grass, the gods, swift as birds, settled in reverence. The Maruts, fierce and eager like warriors thirsting for battle, shone in contests for glory. All beings, even the boldest, feared their coming; like kings of terrifying visage, they made mortals tremble before their approach. In those times, Tvaṣṭṛ, the divine craftsman, fashioned a golden thunderbolt with a thousand edges. Wise Indra took up this weapon, ready for heroic deeds. With it, he struck down the serpent Vṛtra, breaking open the barriers and releasing the waters to flow freely into the ocean. With their unmatched strength, the Maruts drove the clouds upward and split even the firmest mountains. In the joy of Soma, they sounded their trumpets and accomplished glorious deeds. They guided the crooked clouds, directing the nourishing streams to the thirsty sage Gotama. With their shining presence, they fulfilled his desires, bestowing their gifts upon him. To those who seek joy, the Maruts offer shelter; for the worshipper, they grant threefold protection. They are generous, bestowing wealth and heroic sons upon those who call to them. In the dwelling where the Maruts abide, sons of the vast sky, that mortal is most securely guarded among men. Whether by offerings of sacrifice or by the inspired thoughts of seers, the Maruts hear the call of the devoted. He whose swift steeds follow the inspired will find his herds rich in cattle. For such a hero, Soma is pressed and praised in the heavenly places, with hymns and exhilaration upon the sacred grass. May all peoples heed his call, and may even the sun, eager for riches, hasten to his side. With the Maruts’ aid, may we share many autumns, enjoying the blessings of all peoples. Blessed is the mortal whom the Maruts safely lead along the paths of sacrifice. O men, recognize the desires of the one who, seeking joy, strives with true strength. O Maruts, reveal your might in greatness—strike down the demon with your lightning. Drive away hidden darkness, scatter all that restrains, and bring forth light, for your strength is supreme. With faces and might directed forward, the Maruts shine, unbending and steadfast, moving straight on their path. Most welcome and adorned with ornaments, some among them are like bright, harnessed mares. When the Maruts rush through the valleys like swift birds, their chariots pour out streams of honey-colored ghee, a sight to be praised. As they yoke their chariots for the journey, the earth itself trembles beneath them. Their playful, shining-eyed bands display their greatness. This youthful troop, self-born and powerful, surrounded by strength, is true and praiseworthy, the protector of prayer and the mighty host. We recall the ancient birth of the Father, as the tongue of Soma advances with vision. When the singer seeks Indra, the worthy names are established. For glory, the Maruts measure themselves with beams of light and hymns, bringing delight. Bannered, armed, and courageous, they know the beloved abode of their company. Come, Maruts, with your shining, lightning-laden chariots, with spears and adorned horses. Fly forth with abundant nourishment, like skilled birds. With ruddy, tawny horses, they move in splendor, their chariots shining like gold and their sharpened axes striking the earth. For glory, their ornaments are set upon their bodies; upright and wise, the Maruts, well-born and mighty, shatter even the rocks. Though greedy ones encircle their days, the Gotamas, with inspired prayers, have raised the well for drinking, drawing forth the divine gift. Their yoking has reached its goal, as Gotama’s hymn celebrates their golden-wheeled, iron-toothed, swift, boar-like forms. Their follower sings out their praise, his voice like a skilled singer, honoring their power and following their nature with both hands. May auspicious thoughts come to us from every side—flawless and unimpeded, springing forth. May the gods ever protect us, granting growth and long life, day by day. May the favor and generosity of the gods turn toward us, drawing us into their friendship and granting us life for living. With ancient invocation, we call upon Bhaga, Mitra, Aditi, the steadfast Daksha, Aryaman, Varuna, Soma, and the Ashvins; may Sarasvati grant us happiness and well-being. May Vata bring us joy and healing, and may Mother Earth and Father Sky do the same. May the pressing stones of Soma bring happiness; may the mighty Ashvins hear our call. We invoke the Lord, master of all that moves and stands still, who inspires understanding, for help and guidance. May Pūṣan, who knows all the ways, be our unfailing protector and guardian. May Indra, renowned for his glory, grant us well-being; may Pūṣan, knower of all, and Tārkṣya, with unbroken wheel, and Bṛhaspati, all grant us well-being. May the Maruts, with their spotted steeds, children of Pṛśni, bring blessings and come to us, praised in all assemblies. May those with tongues of fire, with the sun as their eye, may all the gods come here with their help. May we hear and see only what is auspicious, O gods; with firm limbs and bodies, may we live out the full span allotted by the gods, praising them always. May we see a hundred autumns, our bodies never growing old, sons becoming fathers, our lives never cut short. Aditi is the sky, Aditi is the midspace, Aditi is mother, father, and son. All the gods are Aditi, as are the five peoples; Aditi is all that is born and the birth-giver herself. May Varuṇa, with upright guidance, lead us; may Mitra, the wise, lead us; may Aryaman, with the gods, lead us. For these deities are unfailing givers of wealth, mighty with great power, always upholding the divine order and protecting all.