Hear now the story of Indra, the mighty lord, as sung by the ancient seers with reverence and awe. Indra, master of horses and cattle, generous in spirit, swift in action and unwavering in his deeds, is invoked by the people with longing for friendship. He, who does not hesitate to strike down even the wealthy when they neglect to offer, is called upon with the Maruts by his side. Indra is not only lord of all that moves and breathes, but also the first to discover the cows for the priest, casting down the Dasyus and the lawless, always sought for friendship and alliance. Both the brave and the fearful, the swift and those who yearn for victory, call upon him. All beings, drawn together by his power, seek Indra’s companionship, accompanied by the roaring Maruts. Wise in the ways of the Rudras, he spreads generations with them, and is praised in thought and fame. Whether Indra rejoices in the highest seat or the humble assembly, he is urged to come to the sacrifice, for the offerings have been prepared for the true-giver. The Soma has been pressed for him, the skillful one, and the sacred grass is set for Indra and his troop, with the Maruts, to rejoice at the sacrifice. With his bay steeds, cheeks full, and streams pouring forth, he is welcomed to accept the offerings graciously. May the assembly, under Indra’s guardianship and praised by the Maruts, win strength, and may Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, the River, Earth, and Heaven keep all harm away. The inspired thought of praise is brought forth for Indra, guided by Dhiṣaṇā, for in festival and striving, the gods have found him mighty and victorious. His fame is carried by the seven rivers, and heaven and earth display his wondrous form. The sun and moon look kindly upon his devotees, and Indra moves faithfully among those who act with devotion. He is asked to drive his victorious chariot for the success of his people, to grant protection like a well-praised horse against their foes. With Indra as ally, they hope to conquer in battle and contests, wishing for an easy path and the breaking of enemy strength. Many peoples, seeking wealth, call upon him with various thoughts, desiring his steady mind and triumph. Indra, with arms victorious over cows, is boundless in resolve, a lion in action, a helper a hundredfold, a breaker of obstacles, unmatched in strength. Thus, those who yearn for success call upon him. He has gained hundreds and thousands of renowned glories among peoples, set beyond measure by Dhiṣaṇā, and as destroyer of cities, he strikes down the foes. His strength is set in the threefold realm; he has established three earths and three lights, embracing the whole world, unconquered from birth. Among the gods, Indra is called first, victorious in battles, and is asked to lead their chariot, bursting forth with energy, to overcome the enemy. No riches can restrain Indra, whether in youth or in his great deeds. The people seek his might and urge him to inspire their invocations. May Indra advocate for them in all matters and help them win strength without being overcome, while Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, the River, Earth, and Heaven keep harm at bay. The wise of old upheld Indra’s supreme power from afar; one thing he restrains, another he lets shine, his sign visible as on a level plain. He upheld and spread out the earth; with his bolt he struck and released the waters, slew the serpent, split the mountain, and destroyed the cloud with his powers. Ever youthful and trusting his strength, Indra advanced, breaking the forts of the Dasyus, wielding his bolt to increase Aryan might and glory. Through the ages, men have spoken of his famed name; as the slayer of foes, he has established his renown. His abundant wealth is seen by all—he found cows, horses, plants, waters, and forests. The people press Soma for the mighty bull, the strong one of true power, who divides the wealth of the godless like a vigilant warrior. Indra’s heroic deeds are celebrated—when he awakened the sleeping serpent with his thunderbolt, all his wives, the birds, and the gods rejoiced. Indra slew Śuṣṇa, Pipru, Kuyava, Vṛtra, and shattered the ninety-nine fortresses of Śambara. For these acts, they pray that Mitra, Varuṇa, Aditi, Sindhu, Earth, and Heaven not bring harm. Indra’s seat is established in its place; he is invited to sit, resounding like a roaring bull. The horses are unharnessed, the chariots set aside to rest after their journey. Eager men come quickly to seek Indra, and the gods, turning away the wrath of the Dāsa, bring the Arya prosperity. By his own power, Indra brings forth the shining one, and the foam upon the water, bathed in milk like a bride. He joins the navel of the two upper worlds, moving forward with the earlier ones; the swift, thunderbolt-wielding wives of heroes pour forth milk, carrying water in vessels. Whenever Indra’s guidance is seen from afar, the knowing one goes straight to the home of the Dasyu. Indra is asked to protect his people with praise and not withhold his gifts like a miser. Whether in the sun or in the waters, may Indra grant sinless prosperity and life, never withholding his arm, for his faith is set upon his great power. The people trust in Indra and urge him to grant great wealth, not to leave them hungry or deprive them of sustenance. They pray not to be struck down, driven away, or deprived of their beloved food, nor to have their eggs broken or vessels shattered. Indra is called near for the Soma, pressed for his delight, so that he may drink deeply and, like a father, hear the calls of his children. The moon dwells within the waters, the eagle soars in the sky, and the golden-wheeled tracks of the gods are hidden; lightning is their sign, and the two worlds are known to him. The seeker finds what is sought, the young wife finds her husband, the cow yields nourishing milk—these, too, are the two worlds of him. The people pray that the sunless one not fall from the sky, nor that they be left in emptiness without the delightful Soma. They ask about the last sacrifice, seeking its messenger and wondering where the ancient rite has gone and who now upholds it, for they know the two worlds of him. Thus, the story of Indra is sung, his deeds and powers celebrated, his blessings sought, and his presence invoked for protection, prosperity, and victory.