The Maruts, radiant and powerful, gathered together, their hearts content as if they had drunk the finest Soma. Blessed and satisfied, they sat in communion, delighting in their own strength like a flourishing creeper thriving within their very flesh. In their hands, both sustenance and the fruits of their labor were united, ready for action and enjoyment. From the heights of heaven, these immortal Maruts descended, self-yoked and swift, impelled by their own indomitable will. Though born from dust, they possessed the might to shake even the firmest foundations. Their eyes shone with brilliance, and nothing could withstand the force of their arrival. Among them, one Marut shone with inner lightning, his will stirring him to action like a flickering tongue of flame. He moved restlessly across the sands, searching for nourishment, following many paths like a young calf exploring the world, ever eager, ever in motion. Who could know the true boundaries of this vast realm, or the shelter where the Maruts had arrived? When they gathered the things of the world and shook them together, it was as if a winnower separated grain from chaff. With mighty force, they soared above the great ocean, their power unbounded. Their protection was a blessing—brilliant, fierce, and mature, always seeking to nourish and support. Their gifts were generous and auspicious, spreading wide like the bounty of a great lord, restless in their desire to give. As the Maruts moved, the rivers answered the winds with resounding voices, and when the Maruts spoke in abundance, their words filled the air. Lightning flashed upon the earth, and the Maruts, with their power, sprinkled ghee, blessing the world below. Prishni, the cosmic mother, had given birth to the Maruts for great and fierce battles. Sparkling and radiant, they brought forth the waters, ever searching for sustenance, and they watched over the offerings made in every direction. To these mighty Maruts, the poet Mandarya offered his praise and song, seeking their favor and hoping that this blessing would endure for future generations, so that his people might be long-lived and well-known. Indra, the great and mighty, was the source of these powerful Maruts. As protector of the strong, he was invoked by the wise creator, who, knowing the Maruts, wished for their favor to fall upon his favorites. The Maruts, unyoked and free, set all peoples in motion. Wise and unconquered by mortals, they shone forth in contests, striving for the sun-filled prize in battle. Indra’s protection was ever-present, and the Maruts, with their strength, drove away all hostile forces. Even Agni, the blazing fire, supported Indra, carrying his paths like waters bearing an island. Indra was asked to grant great wealth, the most powerful of gifts, as a reward for skill and devotion. Vāyu, too, was praised for the winds he commanded, which, like streams of honey, filled the hearts of the faithful with riches. All delightful riches were placed in Indra’s care, and the leaders of the righteous sought his favor. The Maruts, like the ancient gods, had always guided the path and were asked to show mercy to those who sought them. Indra was called to come to the generous, to strive for greatness on earth, for here the noble and steadfast stood firm at the crossroads of heroic deeds. The fierce and tireless Maruts called out, and Indra was asked to listen and answer. With their might, the Maruts protected the mortal who sought battle, never letting him fall, but shielding him with their power. Indra, together with the Maruts, was praised for granting all kinds of wealth to those who honored them—wealth that was strong in battle, like the strength of bulls. With hymns and songs, the gods were worshipped, and the wish was made for the people to be long-lived and victorious. But then, a reflection arose: “Truly, there is no certainty in today or tomorrow; who can know what is truly wondrous? The mind of another is difficult to follow, and even what is learned can be forgotten.” A plea was made to Indra: “Why do you wish to harm us? The Maruts are your brothers. Work together with them in goodness, and do not strike us down in battle.” Even Agastya, a brother, was questioned: “Why, though you are a friend, do you think ill of us? We know your heart and how you do not wish to give to us.” The sacred rituals were prepared, the altar set, and the fire kindled. There, the awareness of immortality was invoked, and the sacrifice was offered. Indra was praised as the lord of wealth and the best of friends, the master of treasures and friendship. He was asked to speak together with the Maruts and accept the offerings in their proper order. With reverence, hymns were offered to the Maruts, seeking their favor and the removal of reproach. Horses were released, and gifts worthy of knowing were granted. Praise was shaped in the heart and set in the mind, offered with devotion to the Maruts. They were invited to come and accept these offerings, strengthened by the reverence shown to them. May the praised Maruts and gracious Maghavan show mercy, so that the woods might stand upright and victory be granted every day. Protection was sought from the Maruts, even as fear of Indra lingered. The sharp offerings were dedicated to the Maruts, with a plea for mercy and understanding. The strength of the mighty was invoked, counting the mornings and dawns, enduring through time. The bull, together with the Maruts, was asked to grant fame and steadfastness. Indra was asked to protect with those who are stronger, to be with the Maruts and ward off reproach. With good guidance and conquering strength, the wish was made for a long-lived, victorious people. The Maruts were invoked to approach splendidly, with aid as resplendent as shining serpents. Their sharp weapons and stones were asked to be cast far away, their power kept at a distance. Around the dwelling of Tṛṇaskanda, the Maruts spread their presence, raising the people upright and granting life. Songs of praise, like the Sama-song, rose into the sky, celebrating the radiant and resounding one. Cows, unbound and milking, moved toward the divine abode. The bull, honored with offerings, was yoked for sacrifice, noble and worthy of worship. The hotar, the priest, brought the twin offerings with mind and song, marking the dwelling and bringing forth the seed from the broad earth. The neighing horse led the way, roaring, while the cow, as a messenger between heaven and earth, uttered sacred words. The divine deeds of Ashtar were borne by the ancient gods, and Indra, with wondrous splendor, rejoiced like the Nasatyas, skilled in chariots. Indra, truly strong and heroic, generous and skilled in chariots, conquered the mighty and destroyed darkness, even in opposition. When Indra’s greatness was manifest among men, the two worlds were embraced by his power. He united the people, supported the vast earth, and upheld the sky like a roof. In battles, Indra was the strongest among the strong, renowned for victory. With him, the earths and even the lord rejoiced and praised him with prizes. At the pressings of Soma, Indra was celebrated, as the waters rejoiced in him. All things delighted in his presence, and if he so desired, he could lead all peoples, even claiming the cow as his own. As a friend, Indra was praised with songs and blessings. He guided the hymns, swift in deeds and best in praise. Without rivals, men honored him with songs, wishing for his presence. Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, was called upon to be with them, honored as the good lord, approached with sacrifices by those who cherished him through the ages.