As the ritual began, cries of joy and invocation rose in unison, calling Indra to partake of the sacred Soma. The mighty lord of light, steadfast and resolute, grew stronger with each offering, advancing with his formidable bands. Around him, the ritual unfolded: the spokes of the chariot bowed to the rim, and singers lowered their voices in reverence to the ram. With eager songs, they prayed that Indra’s swift, well-disposed, and harmless companions would bring their melodies to his attentive ears. The invokers called upon Indra, the generous and unconquered upholder of sacrifice, whose greatness in song and worthiness of worship were unmatched. They entreated him, the wielder of the thunderbolt, to make their paths auspicious and grant them wealth. Whatever strength Indra had gathered from the lords of light among the gods, they asked him to increase for the singer and for those seated with him upon the sacred grass. They beseeched Indra to bestow the horse, the cow, and the unfailing share upon the sacrificer, the Soma-presser, and the giver of gifts—not upon the miserly. As Soma’s exhilaration coursed through him, Indra grew mighty, celebrated as the slayer of Vṛtra. In the midst of great battle and contest, the worshippers called upon him to enter their midst for victory. Indra, heroic and generous, granted abundant spoils and was the strength even for the weak, ever providing for the worshipper. For those who pressed Soma, much wealth awaited. When prizes were announced for the bold and riches set forth for the contest, Indra’s exhilarated steeds were harnessed. The devotees wondered whom Indra would strike and whom he would enrich, praying that those riches would come to them. With joyful intent, they asked Indra to grant herds of cattle, to gather hundreds from every direction, to seize wealth and shower them with treasure. They urged him to rejoice in the pressed Soma and to be present for strength and bounty, knowing him as the giver of many gifts. Their desires were sent forth to him, pleading for his protection. Indra’s people prospered in every contest and prize. Among them, he was manifest—noble, wise, and undeceived. They prayed that he would recognize them and bring his blessings close. To the one who shapes beautiful forms for help, as a cow yields milk to the milker, the worshippers offered daily oblations. They invited Indra to partake of their libations and drink the Soma, for the exhilaration of generosity was present. The worshippers hoped to know the limits of Indra’s gracious favors, asking him not to pass them by but to come near. For help, they asked him to protect the most vigorous, the glorious, and the ever-watchful, urging him to drink the Soma with his hundredfold power. Of Indra’s powers among the five peoples, the devotees chose those for him. They prayed for great fame and unconquerable glory, trusting that by his might, they would overcome all obstacles. They invited Indra to come from both near and far, from the world that belonged to him, the stone-armed one. Indra sat in great dread, unwavering and firm—the most active of gods. They pleaded for his mercy, that no harm would come from behind and that goodness would be before them. Indra, the slayer of enemies, was invoked to make them fearless from all directions. Among those who know him, accompanied by pressed Soma, the wise set forth Indra, who shatters fortresses with his strength and delights in the flowing drink. Like a giving beast, like an elephant, Indra moved in many places, unstoppable at the Soma pressing, great in his might. Fierce and unrestrained, prepared for battle, Indra heard the singer’s praise, and the worshippers hoped he would not be distracted. Gathered around Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, the worshippers sat like waters with strewn sacrificial grass, at the outpourings of the purifier. Men sang to Indra at the pressing of Soma, longing for him to come to their house like a bellowing bull to the herd. With the Kaṇvas, they sought the bold-bannered, thousand-gifted Maghavan, of tawny form and wisdom, swiftly seeking wealth of cattle. All, as if desiring the sun, partook of Indra’s bounty. Treasures born of strength were distributed by portion. The devotees praised the giver of wealth, free from malice, recognizing that Indra’s bounties were auspicious and that he never withheld the desires of those who arranged offerings for him, inspiring generosity. They acknowledged the greatness of the Sun, of Aditya, renowned and pervading, the undeceivable light, the priest of the gods. Sweet, intoxicating songs and hymns were raised upwards for the ever-victorious, wealthy, and inexhaustible Indra, urging on like chariots to the prize. Like the Kaṇvas, Bhṛgus, and the Sun—all shining forth—the eager ones glorified Indra with hymns, their dear-minded voices resounding. Indra’s portion increased like wealth for the one seeking victory. For those whom Indra did not harm, their enemies placed skill in the Soma-offerer. The unbroken, well-composed, beautiful hymn was placed among the worshipful, and even former obstacles were crossed by those for whom Indra acted. Thus, Indra was heroic, steadfast, and generous. His bounty was placed among all givers, and even misfortunes were accompanied by his presence. The worshippers asked Indra not to grow weary like a priest, but to delight in the pressed, cattle-rich Soma. His true speech was abundant, rich in cows and greatness, like a ripe branch for the worshipper. Indra’s powers and aids were always for the helper, immediately available to the worshipper. In this way, the ritual unfolded, filled with reverence and longing, as the devotees honored Indra and the gods with their hymns, offerings, and prayers, seeking strength, protection, and bounty in every aspect of life.