She emerges from her bath resplendent, driving away the darkness and removing the black robe of night. She is young, being born again and again, despite her age. She wastes mortals' lives with her uniform radiance. When she awakens, she illuminates the ends of the sky; she opens the gates of heaven; her radiant beams resemble herds of cattle. She banishes evil dreams, evil spirits, and the dreaded darkness. She reveals the treasures hidden by darkness and lavishly distributes them; she sets every living being in motion.

When Usas shines, the birds fly up from their nests and men seek food. She never violates nature's or the gods' laws by appearing at the appointed time and place on a daily basis. She serves the gods by rousing all worshippers and lighting the sacrificial fires. She invites the gods to partake in the Soma draught. She is carried on a gleaming car drawn by ruddy steeds or kine, which most likely represent the morning's red rays.

Usas is closely related to the Sun. She has paved the way for Surya to travel; she carries the eye of the gods and rides the beautiful white horse. She radiates the light of the Sun, the light of her lover. Surya pursues her as a young man and a maiden, and she meets the god who desires her. As a result, she is referred to as Surya's wife. However, because she comes before the Sun, she is sometimes regarded as his mother, and she is said to arrive with a bright child.

She is also known as Night's elder sister (x. 127), and their names are frequently combined as a dual compound (usása-nákta and náktosása). She is born in the sky and is thus constantly referred to as the "daughter of Heaven." Usas is frequently associated with Agni, who is sometimes referred to as her lover, as the sacrificial fire is lit at dawn. Usas enlightens Agni, and Agni rushes to meet the shining Dawn as she approaches. She is also frequently associated with the Asvins, the twin gods of the early morning (vii. 71). When the Asvins' car is yoked, the sky's daughter is born. She awakens them, they accompany her, and they are her friends.

Usas bestows wealth and children on the worshipper, as well as protection and long life. She bestows renown and glory on all the poet's generous benefactors. She is typically bountiful (maghóni).

Usas' name is derived from the root vas, which means "to shine," and forms of it are frequently used in hymns in which she is invoked.