Indra, the mighty increaser of the gods, was filled with joy and immediately agreed to the plan. He summoned Soma, the cool-armed one, to stand at the forefront of the battle. Indra spoke with urgency and purpose: “Go, Soma, and aid Varuna, the wielder of the noose, so that the Asuras may be destroyed and victory secured for the gods.” Indra praised Soma’s greatness: “You are my equal in power, lord of the lords of light. Those who know the art of taste proclaim that all essence in the worlds belongs to you. Your waxing and waning are clearly seen, like the endless circle of the ocean; you set the course of day and night, joining time in this world.” He continued, “Your mark upon the body, resembling the moon, is formed from the shadow of the world. Even the gods and those born from the stars do not know its mystery, O Soma. You dwell above the path of the sun and above all the lights; your radiance dispels darkness and illuminates the entire world. White-shining, cool-bodied, lord of the lights, you are the moon—appointed as the soul of time’s union, beloved, the essence of sacrifice, imperishable.” Indra described Soma’s attributes: “You are lord of plants, source of rituals, bearer of Hara’s crest, cool-rayed, holder of nectar, restless, and ride a white vehicle. You are the radiance among those with radiant forms; you are Soma among those who drink Soma; gentle among all beings, destroyer of darkness, ruler of the stars.” With these words, Indra commanded, “Go now, with Mahasena and Varuna and their troops. Pacify the demonic illusion that burns us in battle.” Soma replied with assurance: “O king of gods, bestower of boons, what you ask of me for the sake of battle, I now grant. I send forth coolness, drawing away the demon’s illusion.” He declared, “Behold those who are burned by my coolness, wrapped in frost; their illusions and pride destroyed—those lion-like demons in the great battle.” Having spoken thus, Soma, lord of the stars and master of waters, flooded the armies of the gods with Shiva’s waters, increasing peace among them. The icy rains released by the moon, binding like ropes, enveloped the fierce demons, covering them like clusters of clouds.