In the sacred verses of the Atharva Veda, the tale of Indra, the mighty lord of the gods, unfolds with reverence and awe. Born and manifest in the lap of his parents, Indra emerges among the gods, unknown to others in origin, yet destined to be praised and followed by those who honor vows. He is the one who desires Soma, the swift-bayed and wise, from whom all beings tremble. Indra, the sole hero, slew the formidable Shambara and Shushna, standing unmatched in valor. Indra is the generous giver, bestowing prizes even upon those who press and cook the Soma. To him, the people speak true, longing always to be dear to him and strong among men, voicing their praise at the assembly. The hymns directed to Indra are offerings for his strength and greatness; like eager horses, verses are driven forth to honor him, the most generous with prayers. With heart, mind, and thought, songs are brought as offerings, adorning insights for Indra, the ancient lord. Supreme, radiant hymns are sung, magnifying his generosity with the greatest words of praise. Hymns are joined to him like a craftsman fits a chariot for strength, offering well-formed praises to Indra, the singer-loving, wise, all-encompassing one. Like a charioteer seeking fame, the tongue yokes the hymn for Indra, honoring the heroic, bountiful, ancient, and law-abiding lord of many cities. Tvashtar, the divine artisan, fashioned the thunderbolt for Indra, skillful and worthy of heaven, a weapon for battle. With it, Indra struck even the vital spot of Vritra, scattering hostile hosts. At the pressings of his mother, Indra drank the great draught and the nourishing food of his father. Vishnu aided him in the preparation, and with strength, Indra struck the boar and cast aside the mountain. Even the goddesses, wives of the gods, sang hymns to Indra for his great deeds. The vast heavens and earth embraced him, yet none could encompass his greatness. His might extends from heaven and earth and the midspace—Indra, lord of the sun, all-renowned, has taken up radiance for battle. With his thunderbolt, Indra cut apart Vritra, releasing the waters like cows with calves, eager for fame and insight. The rivers rejoice in his force; when Indra confines the stream with his thunderbolt, he grants favor to worshippers and depth to the eager Turvani. He brings forth the thunderbolt for Vritra, splitting the joints of the cow, driving them apart, and moving floods to roam the waters. The ancient deeds of Indra, mighty and ever renewed, are spoken forth in hymns. Armed for battle, wielding weapons, he strives and drives out enemies. At his birth, the firm mountains and broad heavens tremble in fear. At the singer’s call, shelter is joined, and inspiration becomes strength for heroic deeds. Indra’s share among givers is as sole lord, ruling over many. Striving for the sun, he outstripped rivals, winning the prize of good horses with strength. The Gotamas, wise seers, composed splendid hymns for Indra, the delight of chariots. In these hymns, Indra has placed all-beautiful wisdom. May the generous one swiftly come in the morning with wisdom. Indra alone is worthy of sacrifice among peoples. He is honored with songs, the bull strong in strength, true in being, full of many powers and might. The ancient fathers, the Navagvas and the seven sages, seeking victory, glorified him with thoughts, praising the mighty one who stands on the mountain, whose words are without falsehood. Indra, lord of wealth and many heroes, giver of much, ever youthful and ageless, possessor of light, is sought to gladden his worshippers. The people ask Indra if his singers of old brought him favor, seeking to know his share, strength, and vigor, for he is much-invoked, rich in gifts, slayer of demons. She who questions Indra, the wielder of the bolt, standing on the chariot, finds her voice trembling, for his grasp is strong, his form mighty, his generosity vast. She seeks to approach the powerful one for gain. By his own magic, Indra has grown, swift-minded and self-reliant, shattering even the unshaken, breaking the strong, and splitting the firm with boldness. To Indra, the most powerful, ancient, and ever new, thoughts turn for protection. May Indra, the good helper, carry his devotees beyond all difficulties. For the people, earthly and heavenly fires are kindled, burning with Indra’s flame on every side, consuming those who hate prayer and harm the earth. Indra is king of the heavenly people, of the earthly world, of all that moves, with fierce vision. With the bolt in his right hand, he protects from harm and defeats all magic. Indra brings unbroken welfare for victory over foes, subduing the Dasa, Arya, Vritra, and Nahusha with the thunderbolt. The much-invoked, wise Indra comes with his bands and gifts, worthy of worship, with powers that neither godless nor god can withstand, delighting in Soma. Like a bull with sharp horns, Indra is fearsome, stirring all peoples, leading the eager to life, the wise one who knows the way for the well-off. Indra aided Kutsa in battle, listening to him, subduing the Dasa Shushna and Kuyava, granting victory to Arjuneya. With boldness, Indra led Sudas, who called upon him, helping Paurukutsa, Trasadasyu, and Puru in winning land and slaying Vritra. Among men, Indra has slain many Vritras in the worship of the gods, casting down Dasyu, Cumuri, and Dhuni for the sake of friends. His deeds include overthrowing ninety-nine cities at once, entering the hundredth, and slaying Vritra, Namuci, and Ahi. These ancient gifts of Indra are for worshippers who offer rightly, for Sudas; to the strong, he yokes his strong steeds, and hymns bring abundant prize. Let not the mighty one assail with violence at the beginning of contests; Indra protects with unbroken defenses, and worshippers hope to be dear to the generous among men. May all be dear to Indra in his favor, rejoicing in his shelter. He subdues Turvaśa and Yadu, granting worthy praise to Atithigva. Even now, men speak forth hymns and praises, driving away the miser and seeking alliance with Indra. These praises are for Indra, best of men, bringing gifts to his devotees. Among them, Indra is gracious in the slaying of Vṛtra, a friend, hero, and protector of men. Thus, the story of Indra, the mighty lord, unfolds in sacred song, his greatness celebrated through ancient and ever-new hymns.