The seer, with a vision that penetrates the hidden depths, beholds that which is veiled in the secret cave—the place where all things are gathered together in a single nest. Within this inner sanctuary, all creation moves in harmony and in separation, bound together and interwoven in the very fabric of existence. The seer recognizes that this One is present in all beings, woven through the world. To reveal this mystery, the wise Gandharva, who knows the immortal truth, is called upon to declare the nature of that concealed abode within the cave. There, three sacred steps are set, hidden from ordinary sight; whoever comes to know these steps becomes the ancestor of his own father, transcending the limits of lineage and time. This One is our kinsman, the creator and arranger of all. He knows every abode and every world. It is to his third and highest realm that the gods themselves aspired, seeking immortality and fulfillment. Having encompassed all beings, all worlds, and every direction, he approached the primal origin of truth itself. By his own essence, he entered into his own being, becoming both the seeker and the sought. He embraced heaven and earth together, all realms and directions, and the vast sky. He examined the unbroken thread of truth that stretches through all things. Seeing it, he became it, and indeed, he was that truth. To this wondrous and beloved Lord of the sacred seat—dear to Indra and longed for by all—I seek union with wisdom. Svāhā. The wisdom revered by the hosts of gods and ancestors, that wisdom I invoke. By it, O Agni, make me wise today. Svāhā. May Varuṇa grant me wisdom, and Agni and Prajāpati as well. May Indra and Vāyu bestow wisdom, and may Dhātṛ grant me wisdom. Svāhā. May both Brāhma and Kṣatra attain prosperity for me; may the gods place the highest good within me. To her, to you, svāhā. Now, of this One—ageless, tamed, and guided—the shining flames are Agnis: pure, white-tipped, roaring, consuming the wood, moving like the winds, and like the Somas. The tawny flames, banners of smoke, are driven by the wind and strive upward to the sky; the Agnis, though one in essence, move apart in their own ways. O Mitra and Varuṇa, offer for us to the gods, to the great truth; and you, Agni, offer to your own house. O Agni, yoke the horses summoned by the gods, as charioteers do; let the ancient Hotṛ take his seat at the sacrifice. Two of diverse forms move toward the light, each bringing forth a calf. In one, the tawny one is self-sustaining; in the other, the bright one shines forth, radiant. Here, in the beginning, the creators established him—the Hotṛ, most fit for sacrifice, worthy at the rituals. The Bhrigus and the Apnavānas made him manifest in the forests, wondrous and shining in every clan. Three hundred and three thousand and thirty-nine gods served Agni; they anointed him with ghee, spread the sacred grass, and installed him as the Hotṛ. On the summit of heaven and at the foundation of earth, the gods generated Agni, the universal fire, born from truth. Sage, sovereign, and guest of the people, he was brought near as the vessel of offering. Agni, destroyer of obstacles and bestower of wealth through insight, shines brightly when kindled and offered pure oblation. With all the gods, O Agni, drink the Soma-honey together with Indra and Vāyu, by the powers of Mitra. When, for strength, the lord of men is summoned, the pure seed is poured out, and heaven is attentive. Agni brings forth a faultless, youthful host, self-born, and causes it to flourish. Agni, lead our host to great prosperity; may your highest glories be ours. Establish harmonious kinship, make our discipline firm, and stand against our enemies with might. For you, who are most delightful, we have chosen with hymns of praise; be attentive to us, O Agni. Like Indra, you are filled with strength; the best of men honor you with gifts, as they do the gods and Vāyu. In you, O Agni, who are well-invoked, may our noble ones be cherished—those generous leaders of men who grant wide pastures to cattle. Hear us, O Agni, famed for listening, together with the gods who bear fire, with your companions. Let Mitra and Aryaman, who come at dawn, be seated on the sacred grass at the sacrifice. Aditi is the most worthy among all who are to be worshipped; among all humans, Agni is the honored guest. May Jātavedas, the knower of all births, who protects the gods, be gracious to us. Under the protection of the great, blazing Agni, may we be blameless before Mitra and Varuṇa, and may we flourish in the favor of Savitar. Today, we choose the protection of the gods. Even the waters, swelling like cows, do not violate the cosmic order, O Indra, nor do the singers; come to us as Vāyu comes to his followers, for you, by your thoughts, distribute the gifts. The cows, bringing abundance to the sacrifice, have come near, their ears adorned with gold. When, at the rising of the sun, Mitra and Aryaman awaken, Savitar and Bhaga bestow prosperity. At the pressing, let wealth pour forth—the radiance of heaven and earth; let Rasā support the mighty bull. That ancient one, this is Vena. When he stands forth, all adorn him; clothed in splendor, he moves shining. This is the great name of the mighty Asura, of many forms, who has established immortal things. To the great, to the joyous one, to Viśvānara, the all-pervading, we offer praise with the exhilarating drink; his favor, strength, and fame are honored by Indra and the two worlds. Their fuel is abundant, their praise is great, their song is wide; for them, Indra is the youthful friend. Come, Indra, rejoice in the drink, with all those who partake of Soma; grant us great abundance with your strength. Indra struck down Vṛtra with his shattering force; he exposed the illusionists with his revealing power. He slew the serpent lying in the woods and brought forth the cows, making the lovely ones manifest. From where, O Indra, do you, mighty one, go forth alone, O Lord of Truth? What is it that you do? You question the noble ones in battle; speak to us, O wielder of the thunderbolt, what you have for us. Great is Indra by his strength. Never are you overcome, never are you cast aside. To that Indra, the Ayavas press forward, longing to cross to the rich land of cattle. Those who, being sons of many, wish to milk the earth—the great, thousand-streamed, abundant one—all at once. This thought I offer to you, great and mighty one, for this praise, O wise one, which I have composed. In festival and in striving, the gods, with their strength, have followed Indra, the victorious. Let the shining one, bearing greatness, drink the sweet Soma, granting undisturbed life to the lords of sacrifice. He who, driven by the wind, protects with his own power, nourishes the peoples in many ways, and shines forth. Upward, the rays carry that god, Jātavedas, the Sun, for all to see. Hail!