Hear now a tale woven from the sacred hymns of the Rig Veda, where the seers lift their voices to the gods, seeking protection, well-being, and the blessings of divine powers. The wise rulers of the world, the gods who preside over all that stands and moves, are invoked with reverence. The seers pray, “O gods, consider us in all our actions, whether done or left undone. Protect us from wrongs of every kind and preserve us in well-being.” In times of battle and distress, the people turn to Indra—he who is easily invoked and removes suffering, the divine and righteous protector. They call also upon Agni, Mitra, Varuṇa, Bhaga, the mighty Heaven and Earth, and the swift Maruts, all for help and for their continued well-being. They yearn to ascend the earth and sky, to walk free from harm beneath the broad shelter of the gods, guided by Aditi’s grace. They pray to board the radiant, sinless, ever-flowing divine ship, seeking safety and prosperity. All the worshipful gods are entreated to speak for their aid, to shield them from evil and from those who would harm them. With true and heartfelt invocation, the people call upon the gods who hear, seeking help and well-being. The seers beg the gods to drive away disease, misfortune, and all that is unoffered or brings poverty and harm. They ask that hatred be removed far from their midst, and that the gods grant them wide shelter and well-being. They observe that the mortal led by the Ādityas with good guidance is unharmed, prospers in every way, and is blessed with offspring in accordance with law, passing safely over all evils. Those whom the gods protect in contests of strength, whom the Maruts guard in the quest for wealth, whom Indra brings at dawn in his victorious chariot—these ascend unharmed, secure in well-being. The people pray for well-being along all paths and in wild places, in waters, in gatherings filled with light. They seek well-being in childbirth and in the wombs, and ask the Maruts to grant them prosperity in wealth. They desire the highest well-being, the best that comes with favor, to protect them at home and in the field—well-being full of strength, guarded by the gods. In gratitude, the son of Plati magnifies the Ādityas and Aditi with his thoughts, wishing that the people may endure with divine life, guided by these immortal lords. The seer wonders, “In which assembly of the gods shall we honor the name of the one who listens? Who will show mercy, bring happiness, and offer aid?” Intentions and desires strive in the heart, seeking fulfillment in every direction. Among all the gods, the seer’s longing turns to those who alone can grant favor. Whether praising the men, Pūṣan the unapproachable, Agni kindled by the gods, Sūrya, the dawns, the moon, Yama in heaven, Trita, Vāta, Uṣas, the night, or the Aśvins, the seer’s song is lifted to them all. He ponders how Bṛhaspati, the wise, has grown strong—by what song, what praise, what excellent hymns? He calls upon Aja Ekapād, the easily invoked, and the serpent of the deep to hear the offering. At birth, at the ordinance, at the command of Dakṣa, Mitra and Varuṇa are invoked as kings, joined by Aryaman of many chariots and the seven priests in their manifold forms. The seer prays that the swift, attentive, friendly, and generous ones may hear their invocation—those who have won a thousand prizes and seized great wealth through their strength. He urges all to make Vāyu, yoked to the chariot, and Pūṣan, the provider, their friends, for in the power of divine Savitar, they unite their will with the thoughtful and united in mind. Three times seven mighty rivers, great waters, trees, and mountains are called to the worshipful fire. Among the Rudras, the seers invoke the Rudra, the Rudriya, the supporter in the assembly. They invite Sarasvati, Sarayu, and Sindhu, with their waves, to come with strength and abundance to their fields. The divine waters, nourishing mothers, are asked to pour forth ghee-rich, honey-sweet milk, as the people sing their praise. May the great mother, broad heaven, listen; may Tvashtar and the divine generations, and the father, hear their words. May Ribhukshan, Vaja the charioteer, Bhaga the delightful, and Shamsa protect those who seek joy. The assembly of the gods, like a father’s house, is wished to be their dwelling. The praise of the Rudras and Maruts is sought, along with renown among people through cattle, and the hope to always unite with the gods through prosperity. The insight given by the Maruts, Indra, Varuna, and Mitra is to be filled, as one fills a cow with milk. The seers hope their songs will be carried upon the gods’ chariots. They wonder if the Maruts have recognized them as kin, and at the navel where they first assemble, may Aditi establish their lineage. Heaven and Earth, great mothers and goddesses, uphold both worlds and pour forth many seeds together with the fathers. The priesthood of the gods attains all that is desirable. Bṛhaspati, the generous, is praised; where the stone utters sweet sound, the wise and inspired seek greatness with their thoughts. Thus, the sage, mighty and knower of truth, bestower of wealth, fills the divine births with life through hymns and thoughts. The son of Plati grows strong through the Adityas, the wise ones of Aditi; may the heavenly race stand firm with life, supported by immortal lords. The gods are invoked together—Agni, Indra, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Vayu, Pushan, Sarasvati, the Adityas, Vishnu, the Maruts, Svarbhanu, Soma, Rudra, Aditi, and Brahmanaspati. Indra and Agni, victorious over Vritra, are praised as true lords, united in form and stirring each other. Their might fills the midspace, and Soma, radiant with ghee, magnifies their greatness. To these flawless and majestic beings, the seers send forth praise—knowers and increasers of truth, possessors of waters, ocean, and splendid gifts—seeking their friendship and favor. The shining gods have upheld the midspaces, the luminous realms, and the broad earth with their might. Like exalting streams, the generous gods are praised for the benefit of humankind. Mitra and Varuna, generous sovereigns, are served and honored, their abode shining with righteousness, their greatness filling heaven and earth, unshaken in strength. The sacred cow, steadfast and never failing, circles back along her path, giving milk and offering oblations to Varuna and the gods, especially Vivasvat. The heaven-dwellers, with tongues of fire, increasers of truth, contemplate the womb of truth. With their might, they have propped up the sky and made the sacrifice, straightening their forms. The two guardians, ancient and recent fathers—Heaven and Earth—dwell together in the womb of truth. For Varuna, steadfast in law, they pour forth ghee-rich milk for the mighty one. The seers call upon Parjanya, the Wind, the mighty Bulls who pour down rain, Indra and Vāyu, Varuṇa, Mitra, Aryaman, the Adityas, Aditi, and all who dwell on earth, in heaven, and in the waters. They invoke Tvaṣṭṛ, Vāyu, the Ṛbhus, the divine Hotṛs, and Uṣas for well-being. They seek Bṛhaspati, the wise and powerful slayer of Vṛtra, Soma, and the Wealth-givers. The gods have generated prayer, cattle, horses, plants, forest trees, the earth, mountains, and waters. They caused the sun to rise in the sky and released the noble laws upon the earth. The Aśvins are praised for rescuing Bhujyu from distress, bringing forth the dark son of Vadhrimatī, delighting in the desire of Kamadyu, and releasing Viṣṇāpva for the all-formed one. Pāvīravī, the single-footed offspring of the Thunderer, supporter of heaven, river, and ocean-born—may all the gods, Sarasvatī, and the wise, bountiful Puramdhi, listen to these words. Thus, with hymns and thoughts, the seers honor the gods, seeking their protection, well-being, and enduring blessings for all creation.