IV.40

✦ ─── ⟐ ─── ✦

When the dawn breaketh and the first rays of Sūrya strike the eastern sky, we rise and call upon thee, O Dadhikrā, divine steed of the morning! The night hath passed; the darkness hath fled; and with it come all the hopes and possibilities of a new day. Thou art the herald of this great change, the bearer of light upon thy back.

In the cool hour before the sun groweth hot, when the earth is still fresh with dew and the birds sing their morning songs, thy presence is most welcome. Come now, O Dadhikrā, and stand before us that we might behold thy excellence in the clear light of morning. Let us trace the contours of thy mighty frame; let us see the intelligence that burneth in thine eyes.

We have seen thy deeds in war, thy thunder upon the battlefield. But in the morning's peace, we perceive something else — the divine potential that sleeps within all things, waiting to be awakened. Thou art not merely an instrument of destruction, though thou art terrible in conflict. Thou art also the embodiment of life's vital force, the energy that driveth all things forward, the will to excel and to overcome.

Bless us with thy speed, O noble one, that we might accomplish our labours swiftly and well. Grant us thy steadfastness, that our purpose might not waver. Give us thy courage, that we might face the challenges of this day without fear. Let thy strength flow into our bodies; let thy wisdom guide our minds; let thy sacred fire kindle in our hearts.

When the day is done and we gather again in the twilight, may we have proven ourselves worthy of thy blessing. May we have advanced our cause; may we have protected those whom we love; may we have acted with honour and with justice. And when night cometh again, we shall rest knowing that thou, O Dadhikrā, art vigilant and strong, watching over all who invoke thy name with sincere hearts.