As the dawn breaks, the seekers of truth gather their thoughts, invoking the mighty Indra to scatter all hostile powers far away, just as enemies vanish before the light. They pray for their minds to remain firm and steadfast, asking Indra to bring destruction to those who seek to harm them. With reverence, they call upon his generosity, wishing that his gifts surpass all others, and that his bowstring be drawn taut on the field of battle, ready to defend and protect. The praiser, blessed with wealth, seeks prosperity through Indra’s favor, urging him to come swiftly to the freshly pressed Soma. Indra’s attentive gaze misses nothing—not the hymns being recited, nor the wealth being praised, nor the songs sung in his honor. The devotees beseech Indra not to let them fall into weakness or be given over to others, but to grant them strength through his divine powers. Indra is called to come with his steeds to the praise of Kanva, to ascend to the heavenly realm of the one who commands, to the heaven where he dwells by day. In this sacred place, the wheels of chariots never break, nor does the wolf disturb them. Here, the stone calls out to Indra, the Soma-drinker, with its sound, inviting him to ascend to the heaven where he resides. Soma flows, delighting Indra, its sweetness like honey. The pressed juices, full of wisdom and brightness, flow to Vayu, racing like chariots, seeking the favor of the gods. The ritual continues as Agni is honored. He is recognized as the Hotar—the generous, the son of strength, the all-knower, inspired and upright, self-ordained and worthy of worship. Agni follows the stream of ghee, his bright flames accepting the clarified butter. The people call upon him, the greatest among the Angirases, with their thoughts and inspired prayers. Like the sky encompassing all, Agni is the Hotar of peoples, with shining hair, mighty, and supported by clans for guidance. Agni, with his immense strength, shines resplendent, far from deceit, like an axe that is true and sharp. Even what is firmly fixed in his assembly, he hears as if in a forest, enduring and unconquered in battle, measuring and leading all. His fame and vigor are ever new and great, his radiant flames shining forth. With his might, he grants the praiseworthy prize to the worshiper. Agni rises in splendor, pure in brightness, never lacking in light. Like a son moving between mother and father, he fills both worlds. Jātavedas, offspring of strength, rejoices in the well-wishes of the people, established by their thoughts, and bestows riches of great form, wondrously born. Shining among beings, Agni makes himself manifest, granting wealth to his devotees. He shines with the form of the visible, filling them with the power of insight. Wise and sustaining, Agni is the maker of sacrifice, bestowing generous bounty, abundant food, and enduring wealth. The people of old placed the bull, Agni, the all-seeing, in harmony for favor. They set him, the most renowned and widely praised, the divine one, with their voices through all human ages. With Agni’s help and heroic strength, one crosses over with deeds of valor, fostering friendship with him. Agni’s dark-hued form is kindled by the priest, placed in the fire. He is beloved of the dawns, dear in the nights, reigning among the dwellings. The plants have placed the sacrificial embryo; the waters, as mothers, have generated Agni. Trees and herbs, those bearing within and those that flow, all together have produced him, the universal. Agni is purified for Indra, shining bright in heaven, born like a mighty bull. He who keeps watch is desired by the hymns and chants, and Soma says to him, "I am yours in friendship, I dwell with you." This refrain echoes: Agni keeps watch, hymns desire him, chants go to him, and Soma declares, "I am yours in friendship, I dwell with you." Homage is paid to companions who sat before and those who sit together now. The speech is harnessed with a hundred paths, the song sung with a thousand turns, in the meters of Gāyatra, Triṣṭubh, and Jagat. These forms the gods have gathered, making their abodes. Agni is light, light is Agni; Indra is light, light is Indra; Sūrya is light, light is Sūrya. The prayer continues: "Return again with nourishment, Agni, with food and life; protect us from harm. Return with wealth, prosper with abundance, with all-encompassing sustenance, and spread everywhere." Indra is addressed: "If I could rule wealth as you do, let my praise be singular; let my friend be a giver of cows. May I learn for him, may I give to him, O lord of power, to the wise one, if I may be the master of cows." Indra is asked for the sweet-speaking cow, for the sacrificer, for the one who presses, to milk out nourishing milk, cattle, and horses. The waters are called to bring delight, to place strength for great vision and battle. Their most auspicious essence is requested, to be shared like mothers nourishing their young. The devotees approach the one for whose dwelling the waters strive, asking them to generate and nurture. May the wind blow healing, bringing happiness and delight, carrying all across to long life. The wind is recognized as father, brother, and friend, prayed to for life. Finally, whatever nectar is hidden in the wind’s house, concealed in secret, is requested for life, for sustenance, and for the well-being of all. Thus, the sacred story flows, weaving prayers to Indra, Agni, Soma, Vayu, and the waters, celebrating their gifts, their strength, and their blessings, as the seekers call for protection, prosperity, and harmony in the world.