In the sacred gathering, the wise and devoted kindled Agni, the radiant and great one, as the bearer of their offerings at the altar of sacrifice. With reverence, they invoked Agni to come forth with all the gods to receive the oblation, choosing him as the Hotar, the divine priest who bridges mortals and immortals. They called upon Agni to bestow heroic strength upon the worshipper who presses the Soma, inviting him to take his place among the gods on the sacred grass. Agni, kindled and shining, the conqueror of thousands, upheld the rites with unwavering might, serving as the praised messenger between gods and men. They placed Agni, the knower of all births, the youngest yet ever wise, as the divine priest, the bearer of the offering. As the sacrifice unfolded, they wished it to reach Agni, the most godlike, spreading the sacred grass for the gods to sit. In that holy space, the Maruts, the Ashvins, Mitra, Varuna, and all the gods with their hosts were invited to take their seats, welcomed with devotion. Among these divine acts, the generous lord, Agni, never failing and most bountiful, was praised as the mighty Asura, strong with cattle, the universal one of the three Vrishnis, aware and ever-watchful. To Agni, the giver of wealth and swift steeds, they prayed for protection for Tryaruna, honoring those who gave generously and praised Agni. Agni's favor was sought for Trasadasyu, who, with many songs, glorified the ancient hymns, and for Tryaruna, who offered praise with devotion. Those who gave for the Ashvamedha, for the lord of the sun, did so with hymns, seeking companions for gain and wisdom for immortality. The fierce ones, a hundred strong, urged on the gifts of the Ashvamedha, like the flowing Soma-juices, three-headed and potent. At this grand sacrifice, Indra and Agni together upheld great power, undying in the vast heavens like the sun. As the dawn approached, Agni, kindled, shone with his flame in the sky, spreading light widely. The gods, desiring the offering, came forth with clarified butter, drawn by the promise of the sacrifice. Agni, as he was kindled, ruled over immortality, joining with the one making the offering for welfare, bestowing all wealth, and granting hospitality to the foremost guest. They prayed to Agni for great good fortune, that his highest glories be theirs, asking for unity in kinship, strength, and protection against enemies. Agni, of great brilliance, was praised for his splendor, the bull of glory, ever kindled in sacrifice. Summoned, Agni led the gods to the rite, for he alone was the true bearer of the oblation. With pure intention, they offered and honored Agni, choosing him always as the messenger between worlds. Beyond the sacrificial fire, Aryaman was recognized as threefold, the divine father of men, upholding three shining realms in heaven. The Maruts, pure and strong, praised Indra, their sage and steadfast hero. When the Maruts, rejoicing, praised Indra as he delighted in the pressed Soma, Indra seized the thunderbolt, struck down the serpent, and released the mighty waters for all to flow. The Maruts and priests desired Indra to drink the well-pressed Soma, the offering he found for man, after slaying the serpent and drinking of it. Indra, undaunted, stretched apart earth and heaven, even those who trembled in fear, and struck down the roaring Dānava. At the will of the gods, Indra was given the right to drink Soma, as the green horses of the sun advanced at his command. With his thunderbolt, Indra split open ninety-nine strongholds, the Maruts praising him in their assembly and driving away the darkness. Agni, as a friend, consumed three hundred buffaloes; Indra, with men, drank Soma at three gatherings for the slaying of Vṛtra. The generous one, desiring no harm, took three hundred buffaloes and three gatherings of Soma, as all the gods called the priest, just as when Indra slew the serpent. When Usanā, with powerful horses, brought Indra to his house, Indra came with eager steeds; together with Kutsā and the gods, they strove and destroyed Śuṣṇa. Indra set the wheel of the sun rolling forward for Kutsā, opening a new path for him to travel alone, and struck down the noseless Dasyus, driving away those of evil speech. Hymns of praise, like lowing cows, increased Indra’s glory; for Vaidathina, he subdued Pipru. Ṛjiśvan made Indra his friend, and Indra, the wise, cooked the portions and drank his Soma. The Navagvas and Daśagvas pressed Soma and praised Indra with their hymns, opening the wide pastures for him, longing for his favor. The people marveled at Indra’s deeds and wondered what new mighty acts he would perform. They called upon him to declare his power in the contests, for none could match his might. Indra was urged to accept the hymns composed for him, the new deeds and the praise shaped like a fine garment, as the wise crafted a chariot for him, seeking wealth. They asked, “Where is that hero who has seen Indra, riding easily in his chariot drawn by the Bays, the wielder of the thunderbolt, who comes to the house of the generous one, summoned by many, desiring the pressed Soma?” Seeking his path, desiring the seat of the treasure-giver, they found Indra, the lord of all hosts, whose deeds are known to the wise and heard by all. From birth, Indra made his mind firm, standing alone in battle, adorned and mighty. With his strength, he split the stone and revealed the wide spaces of the cows for his worshippers. Even from his birth in the highest place, bearing a renowned name, he was feared by the gods, conquering all waters and the wives of the Dasyus. For Indra, the gracious Maruts sang and poured the Soma, offering libations. With his power, Indra struck down the cunning serpent, hidden and deceitful, as he had done in ages past. Thus, the hymns and sacrifices continued, celebrating the mighty acts of Agni and Indra, their blessings flowing to those who worshipped with devotion and pure hearts.