Among the Pūru people, there was one whom all celebrated with joy, much like a swift stream rushing down a slope. They longed for him, hastening to him with eager steps, for he was wise, heroic, and skillful—a charioteer who moved along his path with the swiftness of the wind. This one, ever mindful, would stride among the cows even in the midst of battle. He pressed forward, moving boldly among the herds, always upright and forthright. In gatherings, he was discerning and surpassed all distress, skillfully encircling his foes. The people called out for him as a son calls for his father, as one would reach for a cherished garment in a contest. Though he might seem low-lying, he was fierce as a falcon, his fame shining forth. He guided the herd as a leader among beasts. In their midst, he was always the first to advance, moving with the ranks of chariots. Born for glory, he adorned himself like a garland, stirring up dust as he shone and radiated brilliance. His steed was powerful and righteous, eager to serve in battle. With all his might, the horse urged on the swift, the straight-moving, scattering dust from his brows and shining with vigor. When his thunder echoed, it was like the roaring sky, striking fear into adversaries. When he attacked with a thousand, he appeared terrible and dreadful to the wicked. People marveled at his speed, and leaders praised his overwhelming might. In the assembly, they would declare, “Dadhikrā has rushed forth with thousands.” Dadhikrā, in his strength, stretched his glory over five peoples, just as the sun spreads its light. This horse, possessing thousands and hundreds, was invoked to fill their words with sweetness and blessing. And so, the people praised swift Dadhikrā, honoring him from both heaven and earth. They prayed that the rising dawns would awaken them and carry them across all misfortunes. They extolled the greatness of the horse, the wise and mighty Dadhikrā, splendid and swift, whom Mitra and Varuṇa had given to the Pūrus as a shining protector, like fire itself. He who created Dadhikrā, the horse, at the kindling of fire and the breaking of dawn—may Aditi make him sinless, united with Mitra and Varuṇa. For Dadhikrā, they invoked the blessing of nourishment and greatness, seeking the good name of the Maruts. For well-being, they called upon Varuṇa, Mitra, Agni, and Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Both sides, as they approached the sacrifice, called upon Indra with raised voices. Mitra and Varuṇa had given Dadhikrā, the slayer, the horse, for mortals, to them. They made Dadhikrā, the victorious horse, fragrant with offerings. They prayed that his mouth would be sweet and that he would carry them to long life. Again, they honored Dadhikrā, hoping the rising dawns would awaken them. They sought strength from the waters, Agni, the dawns, the sun, Brihaspati, Angiras, and the victorious one. Strong and striving for cows, swift and energetic, Dadhikrā produced nourishment and light. As he ran, not even a leaf was stirred by the wind in his path. Like a falcon gliding from the sky, Dadhikrāvan, strong and vigorous, circled the course. Eager and impetuous, the steed strained at the harness, his sides pressed by the girth, his mane tossing. With his will, Dadhikrāvan followed the path, flanks quivering. The swan dwelt in purity, the shining one in the midspace, the priest at the altar, the guest in the house. He sat among men in the best place, in truth, in the sky, born of water, of cows, of stone—he was truth itself. Then the people turned their prayers to Indra and Varuṇa, asking who among mortals had gained their favor with praise and offerings, like an immortal priest. Whoever, inspired by their hymns, had touched their hearts with devotion, would be cherished by Indra and Varuṇa. Such a man, seeking their friendship and acting with devotion, would strike down foes in battle and become renowned with their help. They prayed that Indra and Varuṇa would grant treasures to those who praised them, as they had in days past—when friends rejoiced together with pressed Soma. They called upon Indra and Varuṇa, most powerful, to place their thunderbolt in the battle against the evil-minded, the wolfish enemy, to unleash their overwhelming strength. They asked Indra and Varuṇa to lead their prayers, to advance like a bull before the cow, so that the nourishing one would yield abundant milk, flowing in a thousand streams. Where sons are cherished, offspring thrive, the sun shines, and men are strong—there, they prayed, Indra and Varuṇa would grant their protection in the wide expanse. For ancient and abundant help, for the prize, the people turned eagerly to Indra and Varuṇa, choosing them for friendship and dearness, as a father brings happiness. Their victorious thoughts sought the gods, never going astray but reaching Indra and Varuṇa, like cows drawn to beauty, like hymns to Soma. Their intentions, seeking wealth, came near Indra and Varuṇa, like guests to the house of the generous, like swift chariots seeking fame. By the nature of the horse, the chariot, and ever-abiding wealth, they prayed to be lords—hoping those who granted these would always accompany them with riches. They called upon the mighty ones for great protection, that in the contest for the prize, when hosts exulted in battle, they might win the gods’ favor. One among them then proclaimed: “Let my sovereignty, like that of a ruler, be established over all peoples, as the immortals have. The gods support the will of Varuṇa—I am king over the people, chosen by the highest.” He declared, “I am King Varuṇa; to me the first powers of sovereignty have been entrusted. The gods support my will—I am king over the people, chosen by the highest.” He continued, “I am Indra, I am Varuṇa; our greatness is vast and deep, and the two realms are well-ordered. Like Tvaṣṭṛ, I know all beings and uphold the heavens and the earth.” He spoke of making the waters swell and holding back those that would flow away, of upholding the sky, the seat of truth. By truth, he was the son of Aditi, a follower of truth, spreading out the threefold world. He wished that men with swift horses, striving for prizes, would not summon him to battle, nor call upon him in conflict. As Maghavan, Indra, he prepared the offering, sending forth dust and overpowering with might. He declared that he had accomplished all things, that none could match his divine, unconquered power. When the Somas delighted him and hymns were sung, both boundless realms trembled in awe. He was asked to declare all the worlds to Varuṇa, for he knew them all. Indra had struck down the Vṛtras and released the rivers for the chosen ones. Their fathers, the seven seers, had been present when the Dāsa was bound in distress. They had sacrificed to Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, the half-divine, for the sake of Trasadasyu. Indeed, Purukutsa’s wife had invoked Indra and Varuṇa with offerings and homage. Then they granted the king Trasadasyu, the slayer of Vṛtra, the half-divine one. The people prayed that, with wealth and cattle, they might rejoice, offering grain and worship. Indra and Varuṇa, they asked, may you always grant us that unfailing, ever-yielding cow.