In ancient times, a woman, steadfast and enduring, spoke to her companion, acknowledging their shared strength. Together, she urged, they could overcome the rival wife who threatened their union. She declared that she had placed her companion above the rival, granting her greater strength, and cautioned her not to let her mind wander after her, as a cow follows her calf or water flows along its path. Amidst these tensions, another figure emerged, wild and restless, as if she were perishing. She did not inquire about the village nor seek her companion, behaving as if in fear. When the cicada called out to the bellowing bull, it seemed the bull ran with pounding feet, and the wild one grew in stature. Sometimes she grazed like cattle, sometimes she appeared as a dwelling, and at other times, she moved through the evening like a cart. The bull would call to the cow with his voice, striking with his stick, and dwelling in the wild at dusk, he believed he had made his presence known. The wild one did no harm unless another approached; after eating sweet fruit, he would rest as he pleased. Fragrant with ointment, sweet-smelling, abundant in food, and untilled, the wild one was praised as the mother of beasts. Turning to the divine, the people placed their faith in the foremost, the heroic Indra, for his greatness. Indra had split open the waters when he slew Vritra, causing heaven and earth, mountains and plains, to tremble at his might. Flawless in power and wondrous in skill, Indra struck down the cunning Vritra with his renowned mind. Men called upon him in contests for cattle and in every sacrifice and offering. Much-invoked, Indra was present among generous givers who did not neglect the offering; he was praised in their households and among their children, as they sought prizes, swift steeds, and wealth. Only one who perceived Indra’s swift favor truly enjoyed well-bestowed wealth; strengthened by Indra, the sacrificer quickly won prizes and riches among men. Indra, praised for his greatness, made the hosts vast and granted wealth, acting as Mitra and Varuna, as a wise father and generous distributor. Having pressed the Soma, the people praised Indra, asking him to bring the prize of strength and grant good fortune so that, with his help, they might prosper with their offspring. Indra, mighty and born a hero, had conquered the Dasa hosts alongside the Sun. He held the hidden, secret thing concealed in the waters, like Soma at the spring. The noble, wise one honored the hymns, bringing forth the favor of the seers; the people strove with Soma and offered to Indra, who rode his chariot. Hymns were declared for Indra, asking him to give strength to men, to be helpful to those who sought him, and to protect those who praised and worshipped him. Indra, hero and mighty one, was called to his seat rich with ghee, where singers poured forth their voices like waves with their depths. Savitar, with his wondrous devices, set the earth in her place and made the sky firm. He milked the restless midspace like a horse and bound the ocean, unshaken, in its place. Where the ocean was propped up and opened, Savitar, the child of the waters, knew its path. From there, the wide expanse arose upward, and heaven and earth spread out unshaken. Savitar saw something unaging, belonging to the immortal world. The great-winged Garutmat, the eagle of Savitar, was born before and alone followed his law. Like cows to the herd, horses to the yoke, and a loving ewe to her lamb, may Savitar, the upholder of heaven and all-possessing, bring people together as a husband with his wife. Golden-pillared Savitar was invoked for strength, and the people kept watch for him as one keeps watch for the drop of Soma. Agni, the carrier of offerings to the gods, blazed forth even when kindled. He was called to come with the Adityas, Rudras, and Vasus, for mercy. The sacrifice and speech were offered to Agni, and mortals, kindling him, called for mercy. Agni, Jatavedas, all-possessing, was praised with thought, and asked to bring the gods who delight in offerings for mercy. Agni became the priest of the gods; men and seers kindled him, and he was called upon for great wealth and mercy. Agni protected Atri, Bharadvaja, Gavisthira, Kanva, and Trasadasyu in battle. Vasistha, the priest, called upon Agni for mercy and wealth. With faith, Agni was kindled; with faith, the offering was made. Words declared faith on the head of Bhaga. What was given or sought with faith was dear, and among those who enjoy and sacrifice, faith was spoken for them. As the gods placed faith among the mighty Asuras, so too was faith spoken among those who enjoy and sacrifice. The gods and sacrificers, protected by Vayu, worshipped faith, and with the heart’s intention, one found wealth. Faith was called upon in the morning, at midday, and at sunset, always bringing people to faith. Indra, great and devourer of foes, commanded wondrously. His friend was never slain nor defeated. As lord of the people, giver of welfare, slayer of Vritra, subduer of foes, mighty Indra was called upon to come, drink Soma, and bring fearlessness. Indra was asked to scatter demons and foes, break the jaws of Vṛtra, and scatter the wrath of hostile ones. For the people, Indra was called to cast down assailants and send attackers to the lower darkness. Indra was asked to drive away the mind and intent of haters and those seeking harm, granting shelter from wrath and greater protection. Longing, women approached the born Indra, seeking him and desiring heroic strength. Indra, at birth, had taken strength from power; the mighty one was truly mighty. Thus, through praise, faith, and invocation, the people honored the divine, seeking protection, strength, and prosperity, and celebrating the enduring relationships among themselves and with the gods.