The gods are gathered! See them descend from the highest heaven, each gleaming with power, each bearing his gift of strength. They come to the sacrifice as the birds come to water, as the rivers flow toward the sea. Their voices thunder through the air.

Indra leads them, golden-armed, dripping with mead-wine. Behind him ride Vayu and Vata, the winds incarnate, their chariots drawn by swift horses. There comes Agni, radiant with flame, his mouth open to receive the offering. The Maruts follow—those wild, untamed sons of Rudra, clothed in lightning, shaking the mountains beneath them.

Mitra and Varuṇa descend in splendor, holding their bonds of law and truth. Yama the appointed one, grim and just, takes his place among the divine assembly. Sūrya the sun-god shines with his eternal radiance. Soma, the precious one, brings ecstasy and revelation.

The Viśvedevas form a host beyond counting—devas of water and fire, of wind and storm, of wealth and learning, of sickness and healing. All are welcome at this fire. All shall drink of the soma. All shall receive the butter and grain.

O ye assembled gods, accept this humble offering! Ye are the strength of the cosmos, the pillars upon which all things stand. Through your power the world endures. Through your will the seasons turn. In your hands rest the fates of mortals and the course of ages. Hear us, O divine assembly! Grant us wisdom, grant us valor, grant us the blessing of your presence.