In the sacred ritual, the horse stands at the center, surrounded by the vessels used for preparing its flesh—the pots, ladles for pouring broth, covers for bowls, and the marks upon the dishes. All these objects encircle the horse, marking the solemnity of the sacrifice. As the fire burns, smoky and fragrant, prayers are uttered for the horse’s protection: let not its limbs be harmed by the glowing embers, nor by the fire’s heat. The offerings, made with desire and praise and accompanied by the vaṣaṭ-call, are accepted by the gods—the horse itself becomes their offering. Every aspect of the horse’s existence is consecrated: its stepping, sitting, turning, the stable where it dwelled, the water it drank, the grass it ate—all are dedicated to the gods. The clothing spread for the horse, the gold gifted to it, its harness, its stable, and all its beloved possessions are likewise sent to the divine realms. If any pain has been caused to the horse by whip, spur, or goad, just as the ladle touches the offerings during sacrifice, all such suffering is removed through the power of sacred speech. The horse’s thirty-four ribs, divine bonds of the steed, and the curved blade of its axe are brought together; its limbs, shaped with skill, whether rough or smooth, are praised in song. The ritual proceeds with precision: one is the slaughterer of Tvaṣṭṛ’s horse, two are its drivers, and the seasons are honored. Each limb, shaped according to the season, is offered into the fire. Prayers are made that the beloved heat not afflict the horse, that the axe not stand against its body, and that none, seeking to outdo the unskilled, cut its broken limbs with the knife. The horse does not die nor is it harmed; instead, it journeys along the paths of the gods, which are easy to traverse. Bay mares are yoked for it, becoming dappled, and the steed stands at the yoke of the ass. Blessings are sought: may the steed bring good cattle, good horses, sons, and all kinds of wealth; may Aditi grant innocence; may the horse, bearing offerings, win sovereignty. The ritual aims to attain these worlds and the favor of Indra and all the gods. Indra, with the Ādityas and the Maruts, is invoked to grant remedies and secure sacrifice, body, and offspring. Agni is called upon as boundary and protector, auspicious shield, giver of wealth, and radiant friend. He is awakened, his favor invoked, and prayers are made for deliverance from harm. May Agni and Earth unite here, may Vāyu and the atmosphere, Āditya and the sky, and the waters with Varuṇa all be united. Seven companions are invoked, with an eighth as the foundation of beings, to fulfill the desired path, bringing understanding. As auspicious speech is spoken among all people—Brahmins, nobles, Shudras, Aryas, kin, and wanderers—may the speaker be dear to the gods and to the giver of the southern gift; may wishes prosper and joy bow down. Bṛhaspati is invoked: when the noble shines beyond the worthy, radiant with wisdom, giving light and born of truth, may that splendid wealth be placed among us. Indra, rich in cows, is called to drink the Soma, pressed with stones by those who know. Indra, slayer of Vṛtra, is again invited to drink the Soma, with prayers for strength and prosperity. Vaiśvānara, lord of truth and light, eternal warmth, is invoked; his favor is sought, shining among the worlds, striving with the sun. May his favors come to us from afar, with Agni praised for strength. Agni, the seer, purified and priest of the five peoples, is invoked for brilliance and victory. Indra, wielding the thunderbolt, is called upon for sixteenfold protection and to destroy evil. Indra is praised with songs, upholder of truth and fond of the offering, called with voices like cows to their calf. The most excellent is sung to Agni, radiant one, from whom wealth and strength arise. Agni is addressed with various words, with prayers that he grow through the libations. May the seasons spread the sacrifice, months protect the offering, the year hold the sacrifice, and progeny be guarded. At the foot of the mountains, at the confluence of rivers, the sage is born through wisdom. The birth from the drink is placed high in heaven and on earth, granting mighty protection and great fame. The offering flows for Indra, for Varuna, and for the Maruts, granting wide space. Through this, all noble powers among men are sought, striving for their attainment. May prosperity come with heroes, cattle, horses, nourishment, bipeds and quadrupeds; may the gods guide the sacrifice according to the seasons. Agni is called to bring the wives of the gods, shining ones, and Tvaṣṭṛ for the drinking of Soma. The goddesses are praised, Neṣṭṛ is invited to drink according to the season, for he is the holder of treasures. The giver of wealth desires, so offerings are made and Neṣṭṛ seeks with the seasons. Soma is offered—Indra is invited to drink the best, to sit on the sacred grass and receive the pressed Soma. The gods, well-invoked, are called to sit on the sacred grass and delight in the offering; Tvaṣṭṛ rejoices with the gods and their offspring. Soma flows with sweetness and delight, pressed for Indra to drink. The destroyer of demons, universal protector, is invited to approach the seat, to sit in the vessel at the place of offering. May the seasons nourish Agni; may the years, sages, and those who are true sustain him; may he shine forth with heavenly radiance, illuminating all four directions. Agni is called to unite, awaken, and rise for great fortune, with prayers that his approach bring no harm. The prayers of the Brahmans are offered for Agni’s glory, and may others not be so. Thus, the sacred ritual unfolds, each element consecrated, each prayer offered, seeking unity, protection, prosperity, and the favor of the gods.