Day after day, the devoted seeker turns to the generous Indra, yearning to learn the art of bestowing wealth wherever it is desired by those who praise him. For, in all the worlds, there is none so bountiful—none, not even a father—who gives riches as Indra does. The prayer rises: “O Indra, let me be masterful as you are. Let me cherish the one who sings your praises and never bestow gifts upon the wicked. Let me learn, again and again, to grant prosperity to those who magnify you, for you alone, O generous one, are the true giver of riches.” Indra is lovingly called to the sacrifice: “Come, O radiant one, these pressed libations are prepared for you, purified by slender streams. Come, drawn by our prayers, accompanied by the wise, to these hymns and libations. Swiftly come, O tawny Indra, and sit by the sacred drink, protecting us.” The people are urged: “Speak of nothing else, friends, and do no harm. Together, let us praise mighty Indra at the pressing of Soma, reciting hymns again and again. He is like an unconquered bull, strong and supreme, destroyer of foes, uniter, and the greatest master on both sides of every contest. All who seek your help, O Indra, let our hymn be for you; may it bring us increase now and always.” The wise and noble surpass others in speech and deed, approaching Indra with manifold forms, drawing the prize of his favor close for their aid. With prayer, the charioteer yokes Indra’s two bay steeds, setting them to the common seat. Indra, knowing and wise, is called to hold the chariot firmly and come to the Soma with ease. The priests offer the ruddy, freshly milked, pure Soma juice to Indra, the bull among men. Indra, desiring the pressed Soma, comes from the cow and the sacrificial vessel to drink all that is set before him. The prayer continues: “O Indra, whatever food you have placed in the highest heaven, bring that delight to us each day. Accept with heart and mind, and drink the pressed Somas we offer.” Indra, born for strength, drank of the Soma, and his mother declared his greatness. He stretched out the wide midspace and, through battle, made a path for the gods. The people pray: “If we must face those who think themselves mighty, standing firm with arms or gathered for battle, may we, with you as our ally, win that renowned contest.” The foremost deeds of Indra are declared, both ancient and new. When his adversaries could not withstand his power, Soma became his alone. The whole world, on every side, is his pasture—whatever he sees with the eye of the sun. Indra alone is lord and guardian of cattle, and the people pray that they may enjoy the wealth he bestows through their offerings. Bṛhaspati and Indra are together hailed as rulers of both heavenly and earthly riches. The one who praises them is granted wealth and fame, and the prayer asks for their protection and blessings. Bṛhaspati, who with force propped up the ends of the earth, sits in his threefold abode, roaring mightily. The ancient seers, shining in wisdom, established him with sweet speech. Let the swift and joyful ones surround Bṛhaspati, the clear-sighted protector, and let him guard the source of the broad, ever-flowing, milk-yielding stream. Those who reach farthest in speech, the righteous and noble, gather near Bṛhaspati. For him, the hollowed ones pour forth honey from the rock, surrounding the abundant one. When Bṛhaspati was first born in the highest heaven of great light, with seven mouths and seven rays, born of sacred chant, he drove away darkness with his roar. With his troop, and with sacred verses, Bṛhaspati shattered Vala, the enclosing one, and drove forth the lowing cows. Sacrifices, reverence, and oblations are offered to the Father, to all the gods, to the mighty one. The prayer seeks the blessing of good offspring, heroic and wealthy. Like a skilled archer aiming at his mark, the wise bring forth praise with speech and song, calling on Soma and Indra. With milking, they seek the cow, their companion, and awaken ancient Indra, stirring him to grant the gift of wealth. The question arises: “What, O bountiful one, do they say you are enjoying? Restrain yourself, for I hear you are not to be restrained. Let my prayer, O Śakra, bring us a share of wealth; O Indra, bring us the portion of the treasure-knower.” People call upon Indra in their true need, standing together in assembly. Whoever offers to him makes Indra his ally, for the hero does not desire friendship with one who does not press Soma. He who eagerly offers strong, pure, abundant Soma wins Indra’s favor—Indra strikes down his enemies and slays Vṛtra for him at dawn. Indra, the bountiful, is the one in whom the people place their praise. Even from afar, he causes enemies to fear, and all glories bow before him for the sake of his devotees. The prayer continues: “Drive the enemy far away, O mighty one; grant us barley and cattle, wisdom and prize-winning strength.” Those who approach Indra with swift, abundant Somas are never restrained; to them, Indra brings much wealth. He who does not withhold but gives wealth at the right time, dividing it like a completed task, brings forth a stream of riches. The prayer asks Indra, the much-invoked, to drive away hunger and evil, and to grant his people supremacy in wealth and victory among kings. May Bṛhaspati protect from behind, above, and below, and may Indra, the friend, be in front and in the midst, making the people superior to their companions. Bṛhaspati, breaker of the rock and upholder of order, sits by the hearth as a father, roaring between heaven and earth. For those who call upon him, he creates a world in the invocation of the gods, striking down adversaries, shattering fortresses, and conquering foes in battle. He wins treasures, seeking the waters, and, inspired by the sun, strikes down the foe with his hymns. The father found a lofty thought, born of truth, seven-headed, and generated a fourth, universal offspring. From him, the hymn in praise of Indra was composed. Proclaiming truth and shining straight, the sons of heaven, the Aṅgirases, contemplate the first abode of sacrifice, holding the place of the wise. Thus, the story of the gods, their power, their generosity, and the devotion of those who praise them, flows on—woven from sacred hymns, offered with reverence, and alive with the hope of blessing, strength, and abundance for all who seek their favor.