In the ancient times, when heaven and earth were filled with reverence, the people gathered to worship Indra, the shaper of beauty, much as one would draw forth nourishing milk from a rich cow. They called upon him with offerings, inviting him to their sacred Soma-pressings, urging him to drink the Soma, for the joy and delight of the ritual belonged to him alone, the divine Soma-drinker. With heartfelt prayers, they sought to know the bounds of Indra’s favor, pleading that he not pass them by but come near. In the midst of contests and challenges, they asked Indra, the wise, for the very best gifts to share among companions. They wished that their enemies would speak of them and then depart elsewhere, and prayed for Indra’s favor to protect them. They hoped that the blessed ones, the wondrous peoples, would speak well of them, and that they might rest in Indra’s protection. As Indra descended, they brought him the glory of sacrifice, the delight of men, for he was the swift companion who brings joy. Having drunk the Soma, Indra, wielder of a hundred powers, became the slayer of foes and led the strong in contests. The people urged him, the champion, to help them attain wealth and greatness. Indra, the great protector of riches and the excellent friend of those who press the Soma, was honored with songs. The people gathered, inviting friends to sit and sing praises to Indra. They recognized him as the most generous among the generous, the lord of treasures, and sought to join him at the Soma pressing. Indra became their helper, bringing wealth and abundance, approaching them with prizes. In his assembly, enemies dared not face his steeds in battle. The pure offerings, pressed and bearing milk, were sent to refresh Indra, the drinker of Soma. He was born strong for the drinking of Soma, wise and supreme. The swift Soma juices entered Indra, bringing him happiness, and the people’s praises and hymns exalted him, making him grow in might. They prayed that Indra, the mighty, would grant them an inexhaustible prize, filled with all virtues. They asked him to protect them from harm by mortal men, to drive away destruction as their lord. In the ritual, the people harnessed the spotted and ruddy ones, moving among those who stood still, as lights shone in the sky. Indra’s beloved steeds, the two bay ones, were yoked to the winged chariot, bold and red, bearing men. They made banners for the un-bannered and forms for the unformed, for Indra was born together with the shining ones. Desiring to be reborn according to their nature, they held the name of the one worthy of sacrifice. Indra, with his fires, split even what had fallen, and with his powers, found the cows hidden away. As the devoted brought forth their songs and discovered wealth, so too did they seek Indra’s favor. Joined with Indra, they advanced together, fearless, sharing the same brilliance. The powerful sacrifice shone with flawless praises and the desired bands of Indra. They called to him from earth and heaven, drawing songs to this place, seeking the path to Indra from the great expanse. The singers raised their voices to Indra, offering hymns and praises, directing their chants to him. Indra, yoked with his two bay steeds and wielding the golden thunderbolt, was kindled by their words. He made the sun rise in the sky for far-seeing vision and split the mountain with the cows. Indra was called upon to protect them in battles and contests for a thousand prizes, with his strong aids. The people invoked him, the possessor of great wealth, both in youth and as the thunderbolt-wielder against the Vṛtras. They prayed that Indra, the bull, would increase their pleasing offerings at the gatherings, bringing food and remaining unconquered for them. Whoever, in later times, offered praises to Indra the thunderer, found that his favor was never in vain. Like a bull among the herd, Indra stirred the peoples with his might, remaining unconquered as their lord. He alone ruled over the treasures, as the lord of the five peoples. From all peoples, they called upon Indra, wishing that he might be theirs alone.