At the break of dawn, the faithful gather, their voices rising in unison to call upon mighty Indra. At every sacred offering and every Soma sacrifice, his name is invoked, for Indra is ever the one they seek when the Soma flows. They invite him to come swiftly, drawn by the sweet scent of pressed Soma, his bay-haired steeds thundering at his side, for it is at the moment of pressing that his presence is most desired. With heartfelt praise, they beckon Indra to approach the libation, urging him to drink as a thirsty bull would, eager and strong. The draughts of Soma, lovingly pressed and laid upon the sacred grass, are offered for his strength and might. The hymns sung to him are of the highest order, touching the very heart and bringing auspiciousness; Indra is entreated to drink deeply of the Soma. For wherever the Soma is pressed, Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, arrives, seeking exhilaration and the vital drink. The people call out to the hundred-powered Indra, asking him to fulfill their desires with cattle and horses, promising that in their self-reliance, they will never cease to praise him. Yet, it is not Indra alone whom they invoke. Together with Varuṇa, sovereign lords of the cosmos, they are called for aid, their grace sought in every endeavor. These two, ever responsive to the call of the inspired, uphold the peoples and answer those in need. Indra and Varuṇa are asked to satisfy the people with wealth, granting them their nearest favor. The hymn speaks of their youthful power and good thoughts, wishing that the worshippers too may be among those who bestow prizes. Indra is celebrated as one who gives a thousandfold, while Varuṇa is praised for his worthiness, their combined power a fitting subject for song. With their help, the people hope to prosper and remain steadfast, seeking advancement in all things. For splendid bounty, the hymn calls upon Indra and Varuṇa, asking for protection from those who would conquer. Their eager thoughts are invoked, and their shelter is sought. The well-praised hymn is sent forth, reaching Indra and Varuṇa, upholders of the seat of praise. The Lord of Prayer is then summoned to make the Soma resound, his voice echoing with inspiration. He is the mighty one who drives away disease, brings wealth, and increases prosperity—his aid is earnestly desired. The people pray that no curse, anger, or harm from mortals may reach them, and that the Lord of Prayer will protect them. The hero defended by Indra, the Lord of Prayer, and Soma does not perish; their combined protection shields mortals from harm. Together, these divine forces are asked to grant rewards and keep the gift safe from harm. The wondrous Lord of the Assembly, beloved by Indra and bringer of wealth and wisdom, is sought with prayers. Without this Lord of Prayer, even the wise cannot accomplish sacrifice, for he unites the thoughts of the inspired. He strengthens the offering, advances the ritual, and his priesthood reaches among the gods. The people have seen Naraśaṃsa, mighty and renowned, as splendid as the heavens and full of festivity. To the lovely sacrifice, Agni is summoned for protection, accompanied by the Maruts. None, god nor mortal, surpasses Agni’s great power, and again he is called to come with the Maruts. All the gods without malice, who know the vast expanse, are invoked alongside Agni and the Maruts. The fierce ones who have praised the hymn, unconquered in might, are called to join. The bright and terrible Maruts, strong in rule and destroyers of foes, are invited to the sacrifice, as are those gods who dwell in the shining realm of heaven. Those who shake the mountain peaks and traverse the ocean’s expanse, who stretch forth their rays and with their might cross the waters, are all called to join Agni and the Maruts. For the sweet Soma poured in their honor, they are summoned to come and partake. A hymn, crafted by inspired minds, is dedicated to the birth of the god, the bestower of treasures. The worshippers have yoked their thoughts to speech for Indra, preparing the sacrifice with sacred branches. For the Aśvins, they have fashioned a swift and comfortable chariot, and a cow rich in milk. The youthful Ṛbhus, true in word and upright in deed, have even remade their own parents. The exhilarations of the gods are invited to join with Indra, accompanied by the Maruts and the royal Ādityas. And that new vessel, skillfully fashioned by Tvaṣṭṛ, the divine craftsman, was made anew four times, a testament to divine ingenuity and renewal. Thus, through song, sacrifice, and heartfelt invocation, the people seek the favor and presence of the gods, offering praise, Soma, and devotion, so that blessings, protection, and prosperity may flow in abundance.