In the sacred rite, the priests prepare the offerings with devotion and precision. Agni, the radiant fire, is invited first. From the Agnidh’s cup, in the sacred Suktubh meter, Agni is called to drink the Soma, his share bestowed with brilliance and in harmony with the season. Next, Indra, honored as the priest among gods, is beckoned to the Brahman’s cup. He too is offered Soma in the same sacred meter, his drink shining with radiance, timely and pure. Dravinoda, the divine bestower of wealth, is summoned as well, to drink from the cup of the cup-bearer, receiving the Soma with the same measure of reverence and light. The ritual reaches its height as Indra is called with eager mind and open heart. “Come, Indra, drink this Soma,” the priests intone, “your seat of sacred grass is prepared.” His two tawny steeds, yoked by the power of prayer, are invoked to bring him swiftly to the offering. The hymns rise, inviting Indra, the mighty drinker of Soma, to join the assembly of those who press and offer this divine elixir. Once more, the call goes forth: “Come to us, O Soma-drinker, to our well-praised offering. Drink the sweet Soma, O beautiful-haired one.” The Soma is poured for Indra, intended to flow through all his limbs, its honeyed sweetness to be seized by his tongue. The priests pray that this well-filtered, delightful Soma may please his body and bring peace to his heart. The Soma is pressed for Indra, as a mother is surrounded by her children, and it is offered to him with love and devotion. Indra, mighty of neck, strong of belly, and powerful of arm, sits to partake of the Soma, ready to slay the foes of the faithful. The prayers urge him to go forth at the head of all, lord of strength, destroyer of enemies. His goad, long and potent, grants wealth to those who offer and press the Soma. The purified Soma, placed upon the sacred grass, awaits Indra’s arrival—he is entreated to come quickly and drink. For Indra’s delight, for his praise, and for the coming battles, the Soma is pressed anew. As Ākhaṇḍala, he is invoked, and those whose horned bull, offspring, and Kuṇḍapāyya belong to Indra are especially favored by his attention. At the pressing of Soma, Indra is called—the bull among gods—to drink the sweetness of the Soma juice. He is urged to delight in the offering, praised for his resolve and wisdom; he is invited to drink, be exhilarated, and be satisfied. The priests ask Indra to lead their inspired sacrifice, bringing all the gods, and to cross over as the praised lord of the people. The pressed Somas, bright and true, are sent forth to Indra’s dwelling, intended for his strength and excellence. The singer calls to Indra, inviting him to drink the pressed Soma, gladdened by its streams of sweetness, for from Indra comes fame and renown. Unfailing powers attend him, and having drunk the Soma, Indra grows ever mightier. The prayers call upon him from near and far, asking the slayer of Vṛtra to accept their hymns. Whenever he is invoked, whether from distant or close places, the priests beseech Indra to come swiftly. As the ritual continues, the Sun—Sūrya—rises, renowned and powerful, lord of men, and then goes to set. The priests recall Indra’s great deeds: with the strength of his arms, he shattered ninety-nine cities and slew the serpent, the fearsome Vṛtra. This Indra, gracious friend, rich in horses, cattle, and barley, is asked to nourish the faithful as a broad udder gives milk. Again, Indra is urged to delight in the pressed Soma, to drink, be exhilarated, and be satisfied. The priests pray that he may drink as before, be gladdened, hear their prayers, grow with their hymns, reveal the Sun, fulfill their wishes, strike down their enemies, and lead the cows forward. Indra is called near, for the Soma has been pressed for him—he is asked to widen his belly and receive the offering with strength, to listen as a father to his children. The vessel is filled for Indra with a cry of “Svāhā!” The Soma is strained and poured for his drinking, and the beloved ones gather together, intoxicated by the divine drink. The Somas, moving in a sacred circle, encircle Indra as he receives their offering. To Indra, the wondrous and unconquered, delighting in strength and the exhilarating drink, the priests sing new praises, as cows low for their calf. They seek Indra, brilliant as the sky, generous and mighty, like a mountain abounding in gifts, victorious and swift to bring cattle and wealth. They approach his heroic power and ancient wisdom, recalling how he aided the Bhrigus and Praskaṇva in winning riches. They remember his might, how he set the great rivers in motion, his strength unmatched, his greatness undiminished, beyond even the reach of the earths. Their sweetest songs rise up to Indra, unceasing streams of praise for the winner of wealth, like chariots racing for victory. Like the Kaṇvas, the Bhṛgus, and the Suns, all shine forth in their hymns to Indra; the Priyamedhas sing aloud in his honor. Indra, breaker of forts, drove away the Dāsa with his might, granting wealth, showing mercy, and scattering foes. Inspired by prayer, growing in strength, he filled both earth and sky with his bounty. For his powerful sacrifice, the priests offer their speech, adorned for immortality, recognizing Indra as the lord of human tribes, of divine hosts, and of all those who came before. Thus, through sacred ritual, song, and offering, the priests invoke Indra and the gods, weaving together praise and prayer, ever seeking their blessings, strength, and protection.