With hearts full of devotion, the sages called upon the Ashvins, the divine twin horsemen who bring swift aid and healing. They remembered how the Ashvins favored the lean devotee at the sacrifice, how they brought the swift horse to the eager youth, and delivered sweet honey to the Saras. With these very protections, the Ashvins are invited to come and bless the gathered assembly. The sages recalled further: “O Lords, you who have aided men in contests for cows, who have revived sons in the fields, and guarded chariots and horses—come now with those same protections.” They remembered how the Ashvins had safely carried Kutsa, Arjuneya, Turviti, and Dabhiti across dangers, and likewise brought Dhvasanti and Purushanti to safety. With these mighty acts, the Ashvins are invoked to shield the devotees. A heartfelt prayer arose: “O Ashvins, grant us speech that accomplishes, grant us wondrous wisdom and strength for the prize we seek today. By day and by night, guard us with unharmed good fortune. May Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky keep us from harm.” As these prayers rose, the best of lights appeared among all lights—the radiant, far-seeing Dawn was born, shining gloriously. She, the offspring of Savitar, came forth for activity, while Night withdrew into the embrace of Dawn. Dawn arrived, bright with her shining calves, her white radiance setting apart the black abodes of Night. These two, Night and Dawn, are sisters of equal kin, immortal and closely joined, Heaven and Earth, moving together yet always distinct in their colors. Their path is endless, and though they move in their own ways, guided by the gods, they never clash nor stand still together. Night and Dawn, so different in form, are united in purpose. The radiant leader of good words—Dawn—approached, wondrous and bountiful, as if bringing home cattle. With her coming, all the worlds were set in motion; she awakened every living being. To those who walk crooked paths, Dawn makes them straight; to those who seek wealth, she brings gain. For those with narrow vision, she reveals the broad expanse. For power, fame, greatness, and purpose, she is sought, for she reveals the many lives of all. Dawn, the youthful daughter of heaven in bright garments, shines forth as the ruler of all earthly wealth. She follows the paths of those who have gone before, the first among the eternal ones who come. As she appears, she awakens the living and rouses even those who seemed dead. When Dawn kindles the fire for sacrifice and opens the eye of the sun, she awakens men from sleep and brings fortune among the gods. Countless Dawns have passed, and countless more will come. Each morning, following her predecessors, Dawn shines forth, radiant and eager, moving in harmony with her sisters. Those who saw the earlier Dawns have gone, and now the present generation beholds Ushas, the Dawn. All who see her in later days will also pass on; thus, let us cherish her light. Dawn dispels hatred, upholds truth, shines with righteousness, and brings pleasantness, auspiciousness, and fair speech. She is the best of goddesses; let her shine forth for us here. She has always awakened the days before, and now, this generous one spreads the light again. She follows the days to come, ageless and immortal, moving by her own law. With her rays, she uncovers the darkness from the sky, driving away the blackness. Dawn arrives with her reddish horses and well-yoked chariot. She brings riches and desirable things, a brilliant sign for the wise, and is the model for all the Dawns that have gone before. Among the shining ones, she is the first to appear. Rise up, for the living Sun has come, darkness has departed, and light advances. The path is clear for the Sun to travel, and life is renewed. The inspired singer lifts his voice in praise, exulting at the shining Dawns. “O generous one, shine forth today for those who praise you; grant us long life and many offspring!” The Dawns, rich in cattle and full of heroes, shine for the devoted. Their blessings are abundant, like the gifts of the wind—may they grant us horses and the joy of Soma. Dawn, mother of the gods, face of Aditi, sign of sacrifice, great one—shine forth! Creator of praise for the priest, dawn for us and grant offspring to our people, O all-encompassing one. Whatever splendid gifts you bring, O Dawns, for the wise and the longing, may Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky not withhold them from us. Then, with reverence, the sages turned their prayers to Rudra, the mighty one with braided hair, bringer of prosperity. “O Rudra, we offer our prayers so that you may bring peace to all—two-footed and four-footed—and keep all nourished and unharmed. Be gracious to us, O Rudra, make us happy; as Manu, our father, once received your favor, may we too enjoy your guidance.” They prayed, “May we obtain your good will through our worship, O giver of prosperity. Bring us happiness and keep our households safe; accept this oblation for our protection. Fierce, wise, and helpful in sacrifice, Rudra, keep your wrath far from us. We choose your favor and kindness.” With deep respect, they called upon the boar of the sky, the red one with braided hair, fierce in form, who holds healing remedies in his hand. “Grant us shelter, armor, and protection. This word is spoken to you, father of the Maruts, sweet and growing ever sweeter. Grant us, immortal one, what sustains mortal life; be gracious to us, our children, and descendants.” They pleaded, “Do not harm our great ones or our little ones, our growing or our grown. Do not slay our father or mother; do not injure our beloved bodies. Do not harm our offspring, our children, or our life; do not harm us among cattle or horses. Do not slay our heroes, renowned one; we who offer oblations continually call upon you.” Like a herdsman, the devotee brought praises to Rudra, seeking his favor. “Your benevolent thought is truly auspicious and merciful; we choose you alone. May your favor be far from those who harm cattle or men, O lord of heroes; let your kindness be with us. Be gracious and speak for us, O god; grant us your protection, mighty one.” Their reverence was spoken to their helper; may Rudra, accompanied by the Maruts, hear their call. “May Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the river, the earth, and the sky not harm us.” As the prayers rose, the brilliant visage of the gods appeared—the eye of Mitra, Varuna, and Agni. The sun, soul of all that moves and stands, filled the heavens, earth, and atmosphere with its light. Shining, the sun approached the goddess Dawn, as a young man approaches a woman from behind. At this meeting, men, worshipping the gods, prepared their yokes for good purpose. The sun’s horses, tawny and splendid, easy to guide, ascended the back of the sky, swiftly traversing heaven and earth. Such is the divinity and greatness of the sun, stretched in the midst of the maker’s work. When his tawny horses are yoked from their seat, night spreads her garment for him. Thus, in the eternal cycle, the Ashvins bring protection, Dawn awakens the world, Rudra grants peace and healing, and the Sun rises to illumine all beings—each deity fulfilling their role, each blessing the earth and those who dwell upon it.