In the sacred narrative of the Atharva Veda, the worshippers turn their hearts and voices to Indra, the illustrious lord of wealth and power. They beseech him to guide them toward prosperity, urging him to grant eager, glorious, and renowned fortune. Indra is invoked to bestow cattle and horses, to spread wide and enduring fame, and to grant undiminished life to all. The supplicants seek from him not only great renown and abundant might, but also wealth in thousands, trusting in the chariot-bearing gifts that he brings. With reverent hymns, the devotees praise Indra, the ancient lord of riches, the singer of songs, and the bringer of offerings. At every pressing of the Soma, in every dwelling, his might is celebrated, and strong hymns are offered to him. At each ritual, Indra is yoked, the one bull, together and apart, by the will and effort of his followers. Like a ship or raft set afloat, Indra is placed in the yoke of praise, and the eager ones call upon him with sacrifices. Helpers, paired together, have spread Indra out as the leader of the herd, the releaser of cattle. When two peoples gather seeking cattle and light, Indra reveals his mighty, ever-strong weapon. The dawn is invoked to accept the worshippers, to be aware of their hymns and awake to their offerings. When Indra, the bull and wielder of the bolt, turns his intent to slaying foes, he is asked to hear the newest song, the hymn of wisdom. All the pressings are for Indra, the hero; the hymns that increase his greatness are made for him. He is to be invoked by men in every way. Even those who consider themselves strong cannot attain Indra’s greatness, his manliness, or his bounty. The people are exhorted to offer praises to the ever-growing, all-knowing one, to bring forth good thoughts, and to advance together. When Indra, possessing the thunderbolt and gold, yokes his chariot and the two bays, he stands forth for the prize, famed of old and lord of long-renowned strength. Indra, showerer of riches, strong in his bands, descends to the pleasant home at the Soma pressing, stirring up sweetness like the wind stirs the forest. With his powerful voice, he overcomes those who speak against him and has struck down thousands of foes. His might, like a father’s, has grown strong in battle, and this manly power is celebrated by his worshippers. Though the devotees are true Soma-drinkers, they ask Indra to grant his favor among cattle, horses, the bright ones, and thousands, acknowledging their own limitations. Indra, wielder of the whip and lord of prizes, strong in his powers, is invoked for protection and favor. The worshippers pray that their rivals may sleep and not awaken, and that enemies may rest while the generous ones arise. Indra is called upon to strike down the braying donkey that hinders them, to blow away obstacles like the wind scatters dry leaves from the forest, and to silence all outcry and the neighing horse. In every plea, they seek his favor among cattle, horses, the bright ones, and thousands. Three pairs of helpers have released Indra, guiding the herds and droves of cattle. When two peoples gather seeking cattle or sunlight, Indra reveals his mighty, ever-strong thunderbolt. The Purus knew this strength of Indra when he descended upon the autumnal forts, conquering as he went. He is asked to command those who do not sacrifice, to scorch the earth, and to dry up the waters. The devotees rejoice in Indra’s strength at the Soma pressings, recalling how he aided the Usijs as a friend, made a path for them in battle, and enabled them to cross rivers in their quest for fame. The pure hymn, eager for praise and striving for victory, is compared to a wheel set in the forest. Indra is honored as the Hotar among men, the best of men, the lord of the night. The worshippers pray to attain the glory of the dawn and to be part of the contest of the best among men, recalling how Triśoka and Kutsa, victorious in battle, brought a hundred men by chariot. They ask what exhilaration and utterance of Indra is most delightful and impetuous, hoping their prayers may reach his highest bounty with food. Indra’s glory is sought for his men, his thoughts and actions are questioned, and his presence is compared to Mitra, true in service and widely praised. When thoughts unite in desire for food, Indra is honored. The mighty one is asked to drive forth as a man seeks the farthest goal, while those who desire him move as if to be born anew. Ancient voices respond to Indra with offerings of food. For Indra, the vast heavens and earth have been measured as his mother, and clarified butter and sweet drinks are prepared for his delight. The full measure of the sweet drink is poured for Indra, who is truly worthy of gifts. He has grown in greatness, reaching the expanse of the earth, excelling in power and heroic deeds. Indra has scattered the hosts of foes with his strength, and many strive for his friendship. Those favored by him stand firm in battle, urged onward as in a chariot. The true and generous Indra is called to come, eager for battle, with his steeds swiftly approaching. The inspired ones offer bright, skillful praise, seeking his favor. At the end of his heroic path, Indra rejoices in the pressing of the day. The inspired one proclaims the hymn, as the wise craftsman utters the sacred word for the knowing lord. Indra, like a sage, knows hidden ways and accomplishes rites. As a bull, he pours out the one stream, singing aloud. He created seven singers in the sky, who performed their works by day, praising him. Knowing the heavenly order, Indra shone forth with radiant hymns; great light blazed when he loosed the dawn. He scattered darkness and saw clearly, bringing help to the people as the most heroic among men. Indra, unconquered, grew vast in might, filling heaven and earth with greatness. His majesty is praised, for he became all the worlds. Knowing all heroic deeds, Shakra released the waters with his companions by his will. Even the stone was split with their words, and the seekers broke open the cattle-pen rich in cows. Indra drove away Vritra, who held back the waters, and the earth received the thunderbolt. The bold hero became lord of the flowing streams and oceanic spaces by his power. When Indra shattered the rock, the ancient Sarama appeared. Indra is invoked as leader to abundant wealth, praised by the Angirases for breaking barriers and revealing many riches. Thus, through these hymns and offerings, the story of Indra’s greatness, his heroic deeds, his generosity, and his divine favor unfolds, echoing through the hearts and homes of those who seek his blessing.