He who shines forth with radiant light, wondrous in his beams, envelops all creation with his unfading rays. In the days of old, the sage Atri, yearning for the sovereignty and glory of the sun, approached Agni, the fire god, with heartfelt hymns. Through his devotion, Atri increased Agni’s might and placed upon him all honors and splendors. By the combined powers of Agni, Indra, Soma, and the other gods, may we remain unharmed and united, overcoming all those who stand against us. Agni, the wise Hotar, sits in the sacred seat of the priest, fierce and shining, steadfast in his vows. He is skillful and generous, bestowing countless blessings with his pure tongue. Agni, you are our messenger, our protector, and the bringer of wealth. As our mighty leader, be ever watchful, guarding our children and our bodies without fail. To you, Agni, we offer our songs and oblations—whether in your highest abode or at the kindling place on earth. From the womb where you were first kindled, to the sacred fire burning before us, we bring our offerings. Offer, O Agni, the most worthy oblation to the gods and grant abundant gifts to your worshippers. You are the lord of riches and the inspirer of brilliant speech. Your generous gifts never diminish, O wondrous one; day after day, as you are reborn, grant prosperity and desirable wealth to those who praise you. With the favor of the gods, lead us in battle, Agni, and bring us well-being. Be our unassailable guardian, shining forth with glory and abundance. You, Agni, are first invoked, like a father in the house, immortal, wise, and strong in contest, wearing your splendor when kindled by men. Hear our call, O Agni of brilliant light, immortal and wise, as we praise you with all our songs. The tawny ones draw your chariot, the red ones bear it, and you have made the dawns your protectors. By the efforts of those who kindle you, you are produced, well-nourished and upright, taking many forms even in dry wood. By your power, you dwell unopposed, with insight. We approach you, Agni, with oblations and ghee, for you pervade all worlds—vast, spreading, and generous with food, swift to see all. From every side, we come to you, O turner-away of evil; may you accept our offerings with your mind. Beautiful and ever-young, we touch you, Agni, who grows ever anew. Let us speak, O Agni, with chosen words, knowing the proper portion, as envoys of Manu. We call upon you, never failing, with sweet praise, seeking wealth and blessings. Now, let Indra, the mighty one, hear our call. May he protect us and make us rich, for our songs, like flowing rivers, increase his power. Indra, you released the great rivers once held back by the serpent, striking down the immortal Dasa who thought himself strong. Through our hymns, O hero, you are honored, just as the shining streams flow forth for Vayu. Your power, O Indra, is bright and ever-increasing; your thunderbolt glows in your arms. You grow in strength among us, overcoming the Dasa hosts together with the sun. Even when hidden in the waters, veiled in magic, you, O hero, by your might struck down the serpent who held back the waters and upheld the sky. Let us praise your ancient and recent deeds, O Indra—your thunderbolt, your steeds, the banners of the sun. Your two steeds, flowing with ghee, bring victory with a clear, pleasant sound. The earth was spread out, unshaken, and even the mountain moved at your coming. The loosened mountain rushed forth, rejoicing with its mothers. Far and wide, the voice increased, spreading the channel set in motion by you, Indra. You struck down the great serpent Vritra, master of illusion, and the two worlds trembled at your roaring and thunderbolt. Your thunderbolt roared aloud when you struck the non-human foe, casting down the illusions of the crafty Danu after drinking the pressed Soma. Drink the Soma, O Indra, and rejoice. Let the pressed juices fill you; thus, Soma calls you to us. Through you, we have become powerful, O wise one. Grant us insight, let us walk in truth, and obtain your help and praise, so that we may be ready for your wealth. May we be among those you protect, O Indra, who increase in strength with your aid. O gods, let us praise the most vigorous one—grant us wealth rich in heroes. Grant us a dwelling, grant us friendship, grant us your force like the Maruts. Let those who rejoice together be led by the winds to the foremost path. Among those whom you favor, drink the pressed Soma, O Indra. Protect us in battle, increase our strength, and uphold the sky with our great hymns. Those who call you with hymns, spreading the sacred grass, have attained the prize, O Indra. O fierce hero, delighting, drink the Soma at the three vats, and be pleased with those who praise you. Come with your steeds to the drink of pressed Soma. Take up your might, O hero, with which you struck down Vritra, the Danu, like a swelling cloud. You uncovered the light for the Aryan, and the Dasyu was cast down. With your help, O Indra, may we overcome all hostilities and conquer the Dasyus with Aryan strength. Grant us the all-formed wealth of Tvashtar, as you did for Tritas, your friend. Growing strong with this exhilarating Soma, you shattered the cloud, O Indra, and split open Vala, like the sun turning its wheel. May your generous reward always be granted to the singer, O Indra. Teach us and do not withhold your portion from those who praise you. May we speak mightily in the assembly and be victorious. He who, being born, was the first and most powerful, the god who by his will surpassed all others—by whose might heaven and earth tremble, by whose heroic greatness men exist—that is Indra. He made firm the trembling earth, set the mountains in motion with his anger, measured out the wide midspace, and propped up the sky—that is Indra. He who, having slain the serpent, released the seven rivers, who drove out the cows from the cave of Vala, who generated fire between two stones, and gathered the warriors in battle—that is Indra. By him, all things are set in motion; he struck down the dark-skinned Dasa hidden below, and like a hunter of wild beasts, destroyed the many rich ones—that is Indra.