Indra, mighty lord of the heavens, is summoned with devotion and longing. The worshipper calls to him: “Come, Indra, to my hymn! Harness your bay steeds to the chariot and arrive where soma is pressed in your honor. Many seek you in many places, but let your joy be here, in this sacred moment of offering.” The prayer continues, hoping the bond of friendship with Indra remains unbroken, that the bounty—his daughter—may be granted, and that, seeking life and protection, the faithful may always return to the shelter and embrace of the eldest, again and again. The worshippers yearn for Indra’s generous bounty, desiring it as a special gift for those who sing his praises, praying that fortune will not desert them, and that they may speak with power and heroism in the assembly. They celebrate the exhilarating soma, pressed and flowing, in which Indra—growing strong in the highest heaven—has established his dwelling, surrounded by those devoted to sacred utterance. Rejoicing in this sweet drink, Indra, armed with the thunderbolt, performed his great deeds: he split the serpent that had imprisoned the waters. The rivers, like birds hastening to their sisters, rushed forth, their courses set in motion. Indra, mighty and unconquered, set the waters free toward the ocean after slaying the serpent. He created the sun, fashioned day and night, and established the cycles of time. Indra’s generosity is boundless: he gave many gifts to Manu and to the worshippers, vanquishing their enemies and surpassing all rivals in the contest for the sun. For the one who presses soma, Indra bestows the sun and removes harm from mortals who praise him, bringing both hidden and manifest wealth to the seeker and granting a share of his favor. He shattered Shushna, the dry one, and Kuyava for Sārathya and Kutsa; for Divodāsa, he destroyed the ninety-nine cities of Shambara. Thus the faithful, striving for fame, praise Indra as he deserves, yearning to attain the seventh stream and bow before the generous destroyer of foes. The Gritsamadas, devoted to sacred utterance, have shaped their hymn for Indra, as craftsmen fashion their works. They seek his favor, strength, prosperity, and graciousness, praying that his generous bounty may be granted as a special gift, that fortune may not fail, and that they may speak mightily in the assembly, heroes all. “We are your companions, Indra,” they proclaim, “know us! We bring you the chariot as warriors, shining with wisdom and seeking your protection, O lord of men.” Indra, with his aid and power, is the protector of people, the wise guardian who defends the worshipper from all who attack. Young and invoked, he is the gracious friend of men, bringing near those who praise, those who are patient, those who cook, and those who sing hymns. Indra is praised and glorified, for in him the strong have rejoiced since ancient times. When invoked, he fulfills the desire for wealth for those who offer him new prayers. Favoring the songs of the Angirases, Indra, eager for praise, sought the path, stole the dawns with the sun, and shattered even the ancient things with his might. Renowned and exalted, self-sustaining, he brought down the head of the proud, beloved, and challenging Dasa. As the slayer of Vritra and destroyer of black wombs, Indra scattered the Dasa peoples, created wide lands for Manu, and brought blessings to the worshipper. Strength was given to him with the gods in the contest for riches; with his thunderbolt upon his arms, he slew foes and broke iron fortresses. The worshippers pray that Indra’s generous reward be granted to the singers, that he may teach and not withhold, and that they may speak great words in the assembly, strong among men. To Indra, conqueror of all—winner of wealth, light, truth, fields, horses, cows, and waters—the soma is offered, for he is most worthy of worship. Homage is spoken to the overcomer, breaker, powerful, enduring, wise, mighty, blazing, difficult to assail, and universal victor. Indra is the consumer of hosts, subduer of men, impetuous, eager for battle, destroyer of foes, mighty, and subduer of tribes. His heroic deeds are declared: unopposed, the bull, the striker, deep and lofty, unassailable and wise, inspirer of the weak, breaker, broad-spread—Indra, well-worshipped, created the dawns and the light. By sacrifice, the eager, wise, and inspired sought the path; the Usij priests, urging their thoughts, sat down with songs, seeking riches in Indra. The worshippers pray for the highest treasures, intelligence, skill, good fortune, increase of wealth, safety, sweetness of speech, and bright days, all bestowed by Indra. In the Trikadruka sacrifice, the bull—Indra—drank the barley-mixed soma with Vishnu as he desired, rejoicing to perform a great deed. God joined with god—true Indra, true Soma. With power and might, Indra became a champion in battle, filled both worlds with his strength, and grew great, shining forth as he placed the other in his belly. Born together with will and strength, Indra and Soma grew together, mighty with heroic deeds, overcoming enemies, wise among men, and givers of desired wealth to the praiser. Their ancient heroic deed is proclaimed: with divine might, Indra struck down the breath and the waters, becoming all-pervading, finding strength and food. Now the hymn turns to Bṛhaspati, leader of hosts and sage of sages, most renowned and greatest king of prayers. He is invoked to hear and sit with his protections. The gods, recognizing his divine insight, have given him the most worthy share of the sacrifice. Like the dawn with the sun, Bṛhaspati shines forth, creator of all hymns through his power. Bṛhaspati drives away darkness and gloom, standing upon the radiant chariot of truth. Formidable and destroyer of foes, he is the slayer of demons, breaker of barriers, and knower of the light. With righteous guidance, he leads and protects the people; those who serve him are shielded from harm, while he burns with wrath against haters of prayer. His greatness is truly great. No harm, evil, enemy, or deceiver can overcome the one protected by Bṛhaspati, who drives away all dangers from such a one. As guardian, path-maker, and wise guide, Bṛhaspati is honored with lifelong devotion. Any malice directed against the faithful is shattered by his swift and powerful force. Should any mortal—with his kin—harm the worshippers without cause, whether enemy or wolf in human form, Bṛhaspati turns him away and makes the way easy for divine favor. Bṛhaspati is invoked as protector of bodies, helper, advocate, and bringer of strength. The godless are cast down, evil does not prevail, and the highest blessing is raised up. With Bṛhaspati, the worshippers, enriched, obtain precious gifts among men; whatever dangers or enemies arise, near or far, he strikes them down and renders them powerless. Thus, through these hymns, the worshippers honor the mighty Indra and wise Bṛhaspati, seeking their strength, protection, and blessing, and celebrating their wondrous deeds and divine favor.