Agni, the radiant Vaiśvānara, blazed forth in the vastness of the sky, his brilliance growing ever stronger on earth. Kindled with power, he dispelled the darkness, filling the world with his resplendent light. In that sacred unfolding, Indra and Agni beheld a wondrous being—a form without feet, emerging from the lotus-stalks. Leaving behind its head, it spoke with a living tongue and moved forward, taking thirty measured steps. The gods, united in their purpose for Manu, gathered with one intent, their hearts as one. They resolved to guide and protect, not only today but also tomorrow, becoming the knowers of the path for all who seek. Indra, destroyer of evil, cast away curses and shone in newfound glory. The gods, O radiant Indra and host of the Maruts, chose you as their friend and ally. For mighty Indra, the Maruts raised their voices in praise, honoring the slayer of Vṛtra, the hundred-powered hero who wields the thunderbolt of a hundred joints. In the delight of the pressed Soma, Indra’s strength and bull-like power grew ever greater, his sons singing of his greatness as in days of old. There is that which rises far, even while one is awake, and journeys forth even in sleep—a divine, luminous presence traversing all distances. May my mind be endowed with auspicious resolve, touched by that light of lights. By this mind, the wise and thoughtful perform their actions and sacrifices, and the steadfast shine in assemblies; it is the unprecedented, mysterious presence dwelling within all beings. May my mind be so blessed. This mind is discernment, consciousness, and fortitude—the immortal light within creatures, without which nothing is accomplished. By this, all that exists, all that will be, is embraced by immortality; by this, the seven priests sustain the sacrifice. In it, the Ṛc, Sāma, and Yajus verses are established, as spokes in the hub of a wheel; in it, the consciousness of all beings is woven. May my mind be endowed with auspicious resolve. As a skilled charioteer guides swift horses with reins, so does the mind direct men, restless and quick, established in the heart. May my mind be guided well. Now I praise the mighty, righteous father, the powerful one whose strength, like Trita’s, shattered the many-headed Vṛtra. With Anumati’s favor, may we be granted well-being. May she inspire us with resolve and skill, and lead us safely across the span of life. May Anumati, today, accept our sacrifice among the gods, and may Agni, the bearer of offerings, bring delight to the worshipper. Sinīvālī, broad-hipped goddess, sister among the gods, accept this oblation and grant us offspring. The five rivers, together with Sarasvatī, flow in unison; Sarasvatī, in her fivefold form, became a river in that sacred land. Agni, you were the first among the Angiras sages, divine among gods, the auspicious friend. By your command, poets and wise ones were born, and the Maruts, radiant with vision, came forth. Protect us, Agni, with your divine guardianship, generous one; safeguard our bodies, our children, our offspring, and cattle—ever watchful in your vow. Upon the outstretched earth, the wise one swiftly gave birth to the vigorous bull; the reddish pillar, shining in strength, was born as the son of Iḍā, in skill. At the foot of Iḍā, at the navel of the earth, O Jātavedas, we place you, Agni, to carry our offerings. We praise the powerful, radiant one, born of Angiras, with well-composed hymns and songs to the renowned man. Let us offer great homage to the mighty one, by whom our forefathers, the Angiras sages, found the cows through their hymns. O Indra, your friends desire you, the delightful one; they press Soma and prepare offerings. They endure reproach, for none but you, Indra, is truly wise. For you, O supreme one, no distance is too far; go forth with your two bays, O wielder of the mace. The stones are yoked for the steadfast Bull, prepared at the fire for the pressing. Unconquered in battle, victorious in wars, giver of light, and guardian of the waters and people—may we follow you, O Soma, who brings prosperity, fame, and triumph in contests. Soma bestows the cow, the swift horse, and the heroic, diligent man; he grants a companion, wisdom, assembly, and ancestral praise to the one who offers to him. You, Soma, created all these plants, brought forth the waters, made the cows, stretched out the wide midspace, and with your light drove away the darkness. With divine mind, O god Soma, mighty one, contend for our share of wealth; let not the lord of strength deprive you—be vigilant in the contest for the prize. Eight are the regions of earth, three the distances of the desert, and seven the rivers; the golden-eyed god Savitar arrives, bearing treasures and precious gifts for the worshipper. Golden-handed, all-wise Savitar traverses both heaven and earth, driving away disease, approaching the sun, and covering the sky with his dark mantle. Golden-handed, gracious and benevolent, the Asura god comes near with good guidance, repelling demons and sorcerers; he stands guard at every dawn, praised by the singers. Those ancient, dustless, well-made paths of yours, O Savitar, in the midspace—by those easy roads, protect us today and speak for us as our guardian. Both of you, Ashvins, drink and grant us your protection, with unfailing aid and support. O Ashvins, bestow inspired speech and wisdom; in need and contest, we call upon you—may you be our strength in the pursuit of victory. Guard us, Ashvins, by day and night with unharmed good fortune; may Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky protect us from harm. Moving in the dark expanse, establishing both immortal and mortal beings, the god Savitar traverses all the worlds, seeing everything from his golden chariot. Night spreads over the earth with her lights, standing in the great abodes of heaven, her mighty darkness prevailing. O Dawn, bring us your brilliant light, rich in horses, by which we may sustain our offspring and descendants. In the morning, we call upon Agni, Indra, Mitra, Varuna, the Ashvins, Bhaga, Pushan, Brahmanaspati, Soma, and Rudra—invoking them at the day’s beginning, seeking their blessings, guidance, and protection for all our endeavors.