As Indra, the mighty lord, approaches, people turn their gaze toward him, filled with anticipation. He seeks out his friend—the one who has pressed the sacred Soma—drawn by devotion and the call of ritual. The stone at the altar resounds, proclaiming, “Let the altar be filled!” For Indra, the priests move about, joined by the venerable elder, preparing the offerings with care. To those who have praised him in the past, and to those who praise him now, Indra, the immortal, grants his protection. He accepts their worship and places his strength among those with whom he dwells, ensuring that no harm comes to his faithful. Indra’s might is legendary. With unrestrained force, he shattered barriers and released the channels, opening the paths for all. When he split the great mountain, the streams burst forth, and he slew the fearsome Dānava. Wielding his thunderbolt, Indra broke through obstacles in due season, releasing the hidden treasures of the mountain. Even the mighty serpent, coiled endlessly in darkness, fell before Indra’s strength. Indra confronted a great, wild beast—a slayer among slayers—and with his might, he struck him down. Yet from that fallen one, another, more powerful, arose. Even the offspring of the mist, strong in darkness and delighting in his own power, could not withstand Indra. The bull, bearing the thunderbolt, struck down the fierce Shushna, the Dānava, with his weapon. Indra, ever-vigilant, found the weak spot of his cunning adversary. Filled with the strength of the Soma draught, he cast his foe into darkness, confining the contender to a sunless house. Swelling in the gloom, the enemy lay helpless, and Indra, rejoicing with the pressed Soma, struck him from above. Raising his weapon high, Indra sought an unfailing blow against the great Dānava. With the thunderbolt, he subdued the lowest of creatures. Even the roaring, honey-drinking foe, who hid in the hollow, was struck down by Indra’s might. Footless and handless, the enemy was cast into darkness, his voice silenced. Who can withstand Indra’s force and might? Alone and unconquered, he claims the riches of the world. Even the swiftest of beings flee in fear of his strength. The divine favor chooses Indra, as a swift woman chooses her husband. When his strength unites with all, the worlds bow before his self-born power. Among all, Indra alone is renowned—the lord of truth, born of the Panchajanas, celebrated among the people. The eager ones call for him at night and at dawn, hailing him as the newest Indra. He is the purposeful giver of riches to the priests. Yet, what use are those companions who have set aside their desire for him? Only those who seek him truly benefit. For the great and mighty Indra, praise is kindled among men. In the wilds, he is celebrated as a friend in battle, recognized when the contest for wealth is fierce. Inspired by thought and hymns, Indra never tires as he advances, yoked to his bay steeds. Worthy of praise, he protects the people as he gladly accepts their offerings. None who have failed to praise Indra have ever surpassed his devotees; the faithless become nothing. Indra stands upon his chariot, holding the reins, driving his own horses with thunderbolt in hand. Many are the praises offered to Indra, who fought for the cows in broad fields. He made a place for the Sun in its abode and made the name of the Dasa known in battle. All belong to Indra—the people, the hosts, and the chariots. He comes as the serpent-slayer, bringing strength, delighting in offerings, and bringing joy in contests. With his might, Indra surpasses all, immortal and heroic in deeds. He grants wealth to his worshippers, praised as the most generous one. Indra is called upon to protect his devotees with his great powers as they sing his praises. He gladdens those who offer him the Soma in contests for wealth, delighting in the sweet, well-pressed mead. The swift, gold-adorned steeds of Trasadasyu, son of Purukutsa, are invoked to carry the devotee forward. The red steeds of Marutashva, givers of abundance, are also called upon, as are the favored steeds of Dhvanya, guided by the greatness of the seer Samvarana’s wealth. Indra, whose enemies are unborn and who is ageless and full of light, is praised as the wondrous one who acts according to his own law. For him, the offerings are pressed and cooked, and prayers are set forth. Having filled himself with Soma, Indra delights in the sweetness of the drink and sets out to slay the great beast, seeking out the foe for destruction. Whoever presses Soma for Indra becomes brilliant, his sins removed by the powerful Shakra. The generous one, friend of the wise, purifies his devotee. Yet, Indra does not favor those who have slain father, mother, or brother; he knows the path of the righteous and withholds wealth from the sinful. Indra does not call upon multitudes for help, nor does he join with those who neglect offerings. He conquers with knowledge and shares the divine portion with the worthy. In contests, he sets the wheel in motion, befriending the offerer and opposing the non-offerer. Indra leads both Dasa and Arya according to his will. He moves with those who seek gain, distributing wealth to the good. No stronghold can protect the one who provokes Indra’s might—such a man loses all. Indra knows both peoples—the wealthy and the renowned—and among the shining cows, he makes one yokemate tremble, releasing the milk with his strength. The one praised with a thousand songs, whose banner is noble and whose sign is worthy, is Indra. For him, the restrained waters flow forth, and in him is found powerful, splendid sovereignty. Indra is called upon to bring his most helpful and powerful aid, victorious in contests and unconquerable in battle, supporting his people. Whether he has four, three, or five aids among the peoples, he is asked to bring them forth. His most excellent help is invoked, for Indra is born with the strength and power of a bull. Truly, Indra is a bull for giving, steadfast in his boldness and manliness. As the breaker of obstacles, he is asked to subdue those who act as enemies, leading forth with all his chariots. People invoke him, the slayer of Vṛtra, spreading the sacred grass for prize and victory. Indra is fierce and ancient, called upon for triumph. Finally, Indra is asked to make the chariot of his devotees victorious in contests and wealth, always triumphant, leading the way in battles and supporting all who praise him with devotion.