The story begins with the sacred pressing of Soma for Indra, the mighty lord. From the heights of the sky, the Soma juices are poured out, ascending with strength, and as they flow, Indra is called to seize and drink the Soma stirred by the bull. These offerings are prepared for Indra’s sake alone; he is urged to drink and grow, as he did with the Somas of earlier days, and now, once again, he is invited to partake of the newest, most praised juice. Indra’s greatness is measureless. When he gathers among the assembly, his fierce might dominates, bold and unconstrained. So vast is his power that even the earth could not contain him when the delight of Soma filled the horse-loving lord. This mighty bull has grown for heroic deeds, his wisdom accomplishing much. Indra, the generous giver of wealth, brings forth cows from his gifts—abundant and ancient are his blessings. As rivers flow forth, their waters journey to the ocean as if carried on a chariot. In this movement, Indra’s greatness surpasses all assemblies, for when Soma fills the vessels, its nourishing juice strengthens him. The rivers, united with the ocean, bring the well-pressed Soma to Indra; elephants milk the Soma, purifying it with honey and filtering it through sieves. Vessels, like lakes, hold the Soma, and many gatherings spread out in celebration. When Indra first divided the food, he slew the serpent and claimed the Soma for himself. The people call upon Indra to bring the Soma near, leaving nothing behind, for they know him as the lord of wealth among the rich. They pray to the horse-loving Indra to send his mighty gift to them. Indra is invoked to grant abundant wealth and victory, to bestow a hundred autumns of life and grant heroes to his devotees. In contests and battles, Indra is called upon—the generous one, the foremost among men, whose might brings help in struggles, who slays foes and conquers riches. For the slaying of enemies and triumph in battle, Indra is set in motion. His mind and sight are turned toward his worshippers, as their prayers make him favorable. All his names are invoked with hymns, seeking victory over adversaries. His hundred powers are magnified, supporting the peoples. Indra, much-invoked, is called to slay Vṛtra and grant strength in battle. Indra is urged to be victorious in contests, sought after for the slaying of Vṛtra. In glories, in the rush of battle, in contests for prizes and fame, he is asked to be present in every struggle. The most invigorating, glorious Soma is protected by Indra for the help of his devotees. Among the five peoples, Indra’s powers are chosen and invoked. He is urged to gain great fame, establish unconquerable glory, and overcome his foes with strength. Indra is beckoned to come from near or far, wherever his dwelling may be, the stone-armed mighty one. Like a craftsman with shining skill, the inspired one advances, strong as a well-yoked steed. The wise, with clear vision, seek out beloved and distant things. The origins of the sages are pondered, those upheld by mind, who fashioned the sky with skill. Their praises grow, guided by thought, moving in the path of law. Hidden things are placed here, earth and heaven joined for sovereignty. With their measures, the vast ones encompass all, setting themselves to sustain the world. All adorn him as he stands forth, clothed in splendor, moving with radiant light. This is the great name of the mighty Asura—he, of manifold forms, stands among the immortals. The earlier bull begot the greater one, whose wise thoughts are many and ancient. The sons of heaven, with wisdom at the assembly, establish dominion from the highest heaven. Three kings at the assembly, in many places, adorn all seats; moving with mind, they see the Gandharvas in their vows, their hair blown by the wind. This is the work of the bull and the cow; by their names, they measure the course of the cow. Each wears a different divine power, and the magicians measure out forms in this one. This is the work of Savitar; though his golden wisdom is not desired, he pervades earth and heaven through excellent praise—the maiden chooses her births. The ancient, great work is accomplished, so that divine welfare surrounds all. All see the varied deeds of the magician, standing with the tongue of a cow. Indra is called upon in contests, the best hero for the prize; fierce and listening for help in battles, he strikes down the Vṛtras, conquering riches. From the heart arises a thought to praise Indra, the lord, with hymns shaped by devotion. She who is wakeful and praised in the assembly—whatever is born of Indra is known as his own. Even from heaven, the ancient one is born anew, ever watchful and praised, wearing auspicious, bright garments. May this ancestral, eternal thought be with all. Yama, the son of the god, stands at the tip of the tongue as it falls; the two forms, born together, unite, and these roots of power dispel darkness. Among mortals, none reproach the fathers who were warriors for the cows; Indra, mighty in strength, established their lineages, creating them anew with his power. Where the friend, with new companions, followed the cows with knowledge and strength, Indra, with ten tens of cows, found the sun dwelling in darkness. Indra discovered the honey gathered in the cow, with hoof and dewlap, the food of the cow; hidden and secret in the waters, he placed it in his right hand, skillful in giving. Choosing light and knowing darkness, the devotees pray to be far from misfortune. Indra, drinker of Soma, grown strong with Soma, is invited to accept the songs of many-voiced poets. May light follow the sacrifice across heaven and earth, keeping harm far away; even for those facing many hostile forces, the splendid protections of the Vasus are great. Once again, Indra is called upon in contests, the foremost among men for prizes, the mighty one who hears, who brings help in battles, who slays foes and wins wealth. Thus, the story celebrates Indra’s greatness, his heroic deeds, and the blessings he bestows upon those who invoke him with devotion and praise.