The sages gathered, their voices raised in reverence, preparing the sacred Soma for Indra, the most excellent among gods. They placed the pressed Soma within his belly, offering its invigorating drops to strengthen him. With songs and hymns, they invited Indra, the singer and champion, to drink their Soma, knowing he delights in the streams of sweetness and that all fame flows from his presence. Indra’s unfailing powers attend him, shining with glory. Each time he drinks Soma, he grows mightier still. The sages call to him from near and far, beseeching the slayer of Vṛtra to accept their hymns. Whenever invoked, whether from distant lands or close at hand, Indra comes swiftly, answering their prayers. As the Sun rises, renowned and powerful, lord among men, and then sets, so too does Indra’s strength shine forth. He is the one whose mighty arms shattered ninety and nine cities, who slew the serpent, the dreaded Vṛtra. The people pray that this gracious friend, rich in horses, cattle, and barley, will nourish them, bestowing gifts as a broad udder gives milk. Indra, knower of resolve and much-praised, is invited to delight in the pressed Soma. The sages urge him to drink, be exhilarated, and be satisfied. They beg him to drink as before, to let the Soma gladden him, to hear their prayers, grow with their hymns, reveal the Sun, fulfill their wishes, strike down enemies, and lead the cows forward. Indra is called near, for the people long for his presence. The Soma has been pressed for him—he is to drink it for exhilaration, widening his belly and receiving it with strength. Like a father, he is asked to listen to their calls. The vessel is filled for him—Svāhā!—as if pouring a libation into a cup, strained for drinking. His dear ones gather together for intoxication, and the Somas, moving to the right, encircle Indra. To the wondrous, unconquered Indra, delighting in strength and exhilarating drink, the sages sing new praises, like cows to a calf in their stalls. They seek Indra, brilliant as the sky, generous and mighty, abounding in gifts, rich in food, victorious, possessing a thousand, and swift in bringing cattle. The sages approach Indra’s heroic power and sacred ancient knowledge, by which he aided the Bhrigus in winning wealth and helped Praskaṇva. By this strength, Indra set the great rivers in motion, his greatness undiminished, unmatched by the earths. Sweetest songs rise up for Indra, unceasing streams of praise for the winner of wealth, like chariots striving for victory. The Kaṇvas, the Bhṛgus, the Suns—all shining forth—glorify Indra with hymns, and the Priyamedhas sing aloud. Indra, breaker of forts, drove away the Dāsa with his might, granting wealth, showing mercy, and scattering foes. Inspired by prayer and growing in strength, he filled both earth and sky with his bounty. For his powerful sacrifice, the sages send forth their speech, adorned for immortality. Indra is lord of human tribes, divine hosts, and those who came before. Indra slew Vṛtra, shattering his cunning and destroying deceivers with his might. He split open the cave, releasing the cows and making the hidden ones visible. Indra, bringer of light, created the days, conquering hosts with his weapons. He made the sign for Manu, the great seer, finding the flame for the mighty battle. Praised by hymns, Indra entered the seat of strength, bestowing manly vigor and many gifts. He awakened radiant and pure insight for the singer. The great deeds of mighty Indra are many and renowned; he crushed the wicked, overcoming the Dasyus with his strength and magic. In his greatness, Indra made a wide path for the gods, the true lord and protector of men. In the house of Vivasvat, the wise sing of his deeds with their hymns. The all-conquering, worthy, strong Indra, giver of strength, established the earth and heavens; the wise rejoice in him. He established the waters, the sun, and the earth, securing the abundant cow and golden wealth after slaying the Dasyus, bringing forth the Aryan color. Indra set in motion the plants, waters, trees, and midspace, broke the power of his foes, silenced their voices, and tamed the arrogant. The sages call upon Indra, the generous giver, foremost among men in contests for prize and strength, fierce and attentive to their invocation in battles, striking down obstacles and victorious in wealth. The hymns rise up for Indra’s glory; Vasiṣṭha praises him in the assembly, Indra who has pervaded all things with his might, listening to their words, eager for their speech. The wise ones sing aloud as the people pray for Indra’s guidance past dangers, for none knows their own lifespan. Indra yokes his searching chariot with the two bays, approaching the hymns, delighting in them. Mighty, he splits apart earth and heaven, conquering obstacles and remaining undefeated. The waters swell, like cows, unfailing in truth, as singers praise him. Indra comes as the wind with his teams, granting abundant prizes by his insight. May the exhilarations delight Indra, mighty and bountiful for the singer. Among the gods, he alone shows favor to mortals—rejoice, hero, in this pressing. Thus do the Vasiṣṭhas honor Indra, mighty with thunderbolt-strong arm, with their hymns, seeking heroic strength, cattle, and protection. Swift, armed with the thunderbolt, the bull, the mighty king, slayer of obstacles, drinker of Soma—having yoked the two bays, Indra comes to the midday pressing to rejoice. Once more, the hymns rise for Indra’s glory; Vasiṣṭha praises him in the assembly, he who pervades all things, listening eagerly. The wise sing aloud, and the people pray for Indra’s guidance past dangers. He yokes his chariot with the two bays, approaches the hymns, delights in them, splits earth and heaven, and conquers all obstacles. The waters swell, like cows, as singers praise him; Indra comes as the wind with his teams, granting prizes by his insight. Thus, the story of Indra’s greatness, his deeds, and the devotion of the sages unfolds, ever vibrant in song and prayer.