Indra’s protection is ever near, a shield for those who call upon him. The Maruts, his mighty companions, drive away all hostility with their strength, and Agni, blazing with fervor, supports Indra’s cause. Together, they chart paths for him, carrying him forward as waters bear an island. Indra, generous as ever, bestows great wealth upon his devotees, rewarding their skill and devotion. The winds, praised by Vāyu, flow like streams of honey, filling the hearts of the faithful with riches. In Indra reside the most delightful treasures, and those who lead the righteous find favor in him. The Maruts, ancient guides like the gods of old, show mercy and lead the way. Indra is called forth to the generous, to those who strive for greatness upon the earth. Here, noble ones stand firm at the crossroads of heroic deeds, grounded in their broad foundations. Indra listens to the fierce, tireless Maruts; their call resounds, and their answer is swift. With their might, they protect mortals who seek battle, ensuring none fall, shielding them with their powers. Together, Indra and the Maruts grant all kinds of wealth to those who praise them, strong in battle and mighty as bulls. Through hymns, Indra is exalted, god among gods, and the wish is for the people to be long-lived and victorious. But the world’s mysteries confound: there is neither today nor tomorrow, and who can know what is truly wondrous? The mind of another is elusive, and even what is learned may be lost. The question arises—why would Indra wish to harm his devotees, when the Maruts are his brothers? Let them act together in goodness, not striking down the faithful in battle. Even Agastya, though a friend and brother, is questioned for his reluctance to give. The altar is prepared, the fire kindled, and awareness of immortality is brought forth with sacrifice. Indra, lord of wealth and master of treasures, is the best of friends; let him speak with the Maruts and accept the offerings in due order. With reverence, hymns are offered to the swift Maruts, seeking their favor. Gifts worthy of knowing are granted, reproach is removed, and the horses are released. Praise is shaped in the heart and set in the mind, inviting the Maruts to accept with strengthened reverence. Mercy is sought from both the Maruts and Maghavan, the most gracious. May pleasant woods stand upright, and may victory be granted each day. Protection is sought from the Maruts, fleeing from Indra’s strength. Sharp offerings are made to them, and mercy is requested for actions done differently. The mighty one, who counts the mornings and dawns, is invoked—may the bull with the Maruts grant fame, steadfastness, and strength. Indra is called upon to protect with those stronger, to be with the Maruts, warding off reproach. With good guidance and conquering power, the wish is to be long-lived and victorious. The approach and aid of the Maruts are splendid, shining like serpents. Their sharp weapons and stones are asked to be cast far away, and around Tṛṇaskanda’s dwelling, they spread their presence, raising the faithful upright for life. Songs rise in the sky, praising the radiant, resounding one. Cows, milking and unbound, move toward the divine abode. The bull, praised with offerings, is yoked for sacrifice, bringing twin offerings as the hotar, with mind and song. The hotar marks the dwelling, bringing the embryo from the broad earth. The neighing horse leads and roars, while the cow moves as messenger between heaven and earth, uttering words. Divine deeds are carried for Ashtar, the ancient ones, and Indra rejoices in wondrous splendor, like the Nasatyas, skilled in chariots. Indra, truly strong and heroic, is praised for his generosity and skill; he conquers the mighty, destroying darkness even in opposition. His greatness among men brings the two worlds into his embrace; Indra unites the people, supports the vast earth as a roof, and upholds the sky. In battles, he is the strongest among the strong, renowned for victory. With Indra, the earths and even the lord rejoice and offer prizes. At the Soma-pressings, waters rejoice in Indra; all things delight in him. The cow is his, and if he desires, he leads the peoples. As a friend, well-pleased and blessing, men praise him with songs. Indra, swift in deeds and best in praise, guides the hymns. Without rivals, men honor him with songs; Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, is with them. Like friends, they honor the good lord and approach him with sacrifices. For every sacrifice, Indra is sought, even by those offering with mind. At the crossing, he is thirsted for, smoothing the path for those longing for a journey. Indra is asked not to abandon his devotees in battles with the gods, for his strength is ever new. The Maruts praise him with song and offerings, recognizing his renowned generosity. This praise is for Indra and for the people; may it lead to the path, bringing good fortune and knowledge of long-lived communities. Indra is king, protector of men, true lord, savior, powerful and united with the Vasus. He drives away hostile voices, breaks seven fortresses, grants seasonal protection, removes waters without blame, and breaks Vṛtra for Purukutsa. He has protected the wives of heroes and the sky with his powers, destroyed demons and the parched one, swift-moving Turvayāṇa, and the sins of the wealthy, like a lion in the house. Indra lay in the womb for glory, released the waters in battle, and stood firm with bold, splendid steeds, seeking prizes. He carries Kutsa in a chariot where swift horses of the wind are harnessed, lets the sun’s wheel move forward in the vast expanse, and with thunder-armed might, drives away foes. Indra has struck down enemies, urged on the eager and swift as a charioteer, and brought offspring to the deserving who seek alliance with Aryaman. In the contest for the sun, Indra gave the earth as support for the Dāsa. The generous, mighty one made three shining gifts, and is asked not to grant a home to the malicious, but to remain the destroyer of evil speech. Thus, the story flows: Indra, the Maruts, and the gods are invoked, praised, and entreated for their protection, generosity, and guidance. Through hymn and sacrifice, the faithful seek their favor, longing for victory, unity, and the blessings of long life.