IV.45

✦ ─── ⟐ ─── ✦

Come now with the dawn, O Aśvins divine, ye lords of the morning twilight! We have prepared the sacred ground for your arrival; we have set out the offerings of honey and of milk, of butter and of grain. The hymns rise from our throats like the mists rise from the earth when Sūrya first touches the horizon. We cry out to you, and our voices carry far.

Your chariot is harnessed and ready; your golden seats are prepared. The wheels spin swiftly; the axles shine; every detail speaks of divine craftsmanship. Come now, leave the counsel of the devas in heaven and descend to us, for we need you desperately. Our needs are many, and we know that no other gods will answer with such swift compassion.

Mount your chariot now, O Aśvins, and come to us on wings of the morning wind! Your horses fly swiftly; your birds know the paths through sky and cloud. Come now, for the dawn calleth you, and we who dwell below call with voices that echo your own divine names. The sacred fire burneth to receive you; the priests await your coming.

We remember thy deeds, O Aśvins; we sing of thy marvels; we proclaim thy healing and thy power to all who will listen. Yet remembrance and proclamation are not enough. We long for your presence in our midst. We long to see your beautiful forms, to feel the warmth of your divine attention, to know that you hear us and will respond to our deepest need.

Come swiftly, then, in your golden chariot! Bring with you the gifts that only you can bestow — the power to heal, the blessing of youth and vitality, the protection that the righteous require. Come to us as the dawn comes to the darkness, inevitable and transformative, bringing light and new life. O Aśvins, hear our prayer! Come now, and be present among us!