With heartfelt longing and reverence, the people call upon Indra, urging him to come swiftly, his tawny steeds thundering before him. They know that all abundance and prosperity flow only from him—there is no wealth apart from Indra, for among all the peoples, it is he alone who bestows these gifts. Indra, mighty from birth, displays his incomparable strength. He sets in motion the ever-yielding cow within its enclosure, ensuring the bounty of milk and sustenance; with his radiant light, he scatters the thick darkness that has gathered. The artisans, skilled in their craft, fashion the chariot for the horse, while Tvashtar, the divine smith, forges the brilliant thunderbolt for Indra, the much-invoked one. The priests, raising their voices in hymns, magnify Indra’s greatness, empowering him to vanquish his enemies in battle. To this mighty one, the strong sing hymns, pressing Soma with sacred stones, while Aditi herself joins in harmonious praise. Even those without horses or chariots, when driven by Indra, turn back the Dasyus, the foes of light and order. The ancient deeds of Indra are recounted, and so too are his recent acts—he, the bountiful one, bears both heavens with ease, conquering the waters and bestowing wondrous gifts upon humankind. Indra’s wondrous deeds are celebrated by the wise: when he measured his strength, he vanquished his foes; he seized the illusions of Shushna and drove the Dasyus from the waters, restoring their ancient, life-giving flow. For the Yadu and Turvasha, Indra made the waters flow richly; he brought the fierce Ayu and Kutsa safely across, and the gods themselves rejoiced at his triumphs. Indra and Kutsa, riding in their chariot, listen to the songs of praise borne to them by the lovely ones. Indra, generous and mighty, drives away the silent and those who stand apart, removing darkness from the hearts of his devotees. Even the swift horses of the wind and the wise seek Indra’s favor; all the Maruts, his friends, increase his strength with their hymns. The sun itself circles Indra’s chariot, preparing and urging it on its path; the wheel, swift and sure, sets forth, establishing the resolve of those who follow. People gaze toward Indra as he approaches, seeking his friendship and favor, especially those who have pressed the sacred Soma. The stones proclaim, “Let the altar be filled!” as the priests move about, tending the sacred fire with the aged one. Those who have praised Indra in the past and those who praise him now, the immortal one protects from harm. He accepts their worship and places his strength among his people, so that they may dwell with him in safety and abundance. Indra’s valor is famed in battle. He shatters barriers and opens hidden channels, breaking through the mountain to release the streams and slay the Dānava. With his thunderbolt, he splits the mountain’s udder, releasing its bounty, and overcomes the mighty serpent coiled in darkness. Indra, with his unmatched might, strikes down the wild beast who thought himself unrivaled; from the fallen foe rises another, but Indra’s power prevails. Even the offspring of the mist, grown strong in darkness, is struck down by Indra, the bull with the thunderbolt, as he defeats the fierce Shushna, the Dānava. With cunning, Indra finds the weak point of those who oppose him, casting them into darkness and stilling their speech. Indra raises his weapon high against the great Dānava, seeking an unfailing blow, and when he wields his bolt, he humbles even the lowest of creatures. The roaring, honey-drinking foe lying in the hollow is struck down; footless and handless, he is cast into darkness, silenced forever. Who can withstand Indra’s force? Alone and unconquered, he wins riches and glory, causing even the swiftest to flee in fear. Divine favor chooses Indra, just as a swift woman chooses her mate; when his strength unites with all, the worlds bow before his power. Indra, renowned among the Panchajanas and all people, is called upon eagerly, both at night and at dawn. Those who press Soma for him become brilliant, and Shakra, the powerful one, removes their sins, purifying them and making them wise. Indra does not desire the company of those who have turned away from devotion; he knows the path of the righteous and grants wealth only to the worthy, not to the sinful. He stands alone in battle, not seeking help from many, and does not join with the unoffering or the prosperous who neglect sacrifice. He conquers knowledge, shares the divine portion, and bestows abundance upon the wise. For the great and mighty Indra, the people kindle praise, recognizing him as a true friend in battle and a champion in the contest for wealth. Inspired by thought and hymns, Indra never tires of the yoke of his bay steeds. As he advances, generous and worthy of praise, he protects his people. Those who have not praised Indra are surpassed and forgotten; the faithless become nothing. Indra, standing upon his chariot, holds the reins and drives his own horses, ever victorious. Many are the praises sung to him—he fought for the cows in the broad fields, made a place for the Sun, and made the name of the Dasa known in battle. All hosts, all chariots, all men are his; the people belong to Indra. They call upon him, the serpent-slayer, to come with his strength, bringing fortune and delight in offerings and contests. With his might, Indra surpasses all, immortal and heroic, granting wealth to those who praise him. The people pray for Indra’s protection with his great powers, delighting in the sweet, well-pressed Soma. They ask that swift steeds, adorned with gold and strength, carry them onward, just as the steeds of Trasadasyu, Marutashva, and Dhvanya bear their riders in glory. They seek the greatness of the seer Samvarana’s wealth, hoping that these steeds, like eager cows to the pen, may come to them. Indra, whose enemies are unborn and who is ageless and full of light, is praised for his wondrous nature. Offerings are prepared and prayers are set forth for him, the much-praised one. Delighting in the sweetness of Soma, Indra sets out to slay the beast, seeking out the foe for destruction with his thousand-fold might. Whoever presses Soma for Indra becomes radiant, for Shakra removes sin and purifies his friend. But those who have committed grievous wrongs—who have slain father, mother, or brother—Shakra does not desire; he knows the path of the righteous, and the treasure of wealth does not come to the sinful. Indra stands alone, not calling upon many for aid, not joining with the unoffering or the wealthy who neglect sacrifice. He conquers knowledge and strikes down the foe, sharing the divine portion with the wise. In contests, he sets the wheel in motion, favoring those who offer and opposing those who do not. Indra, subduer of all, leads both Dasa and Arya according to his will, bestowing his favor as he chooses and guiding all beings with his indomitable strength.