Gathered together in reverence, the worshippers called upon their friends to join in song and praise of Indra. “Come, sit here,” they invited, “and let us raise our voices to the generous one, the lord of treasures. Let us unite with Soma at the pressing, for Indra, the most bountiful, is worthy of our homage.” They remembered that Indra, ever their helper, brought wealth and abundance to those who honored him. They longed for him to approach bearing gifts, to bless them with prizes. In his assembly, they knew, no enemy dared to face the charge of his swift steeds in battle. For such a mighty protector, they sang with full hearts. The pure offerings, pressed and mingled with milk, were prepared for Indra, the drinker of Soma. He had been born strong and wise, destined for the supremacy that came with the drinking of that sacred juice. The swift-flowing Soma was poured for him, with prayers that it would bring him joy and fulfillment. The worshippers hoped their praises would increase Indra’s greatness, that their hymns would exalt him, the wielder of a hundred powers. They wished their songs to make him grow in might. In return, they prayed that Indra, the mighty one, would grant them an inexhaustible prize, filled with all virtues. “Let not mortal men harm us, O Indra,” they pleaded. “As our lord, drive away all threats and destruction.” As the rituals continued, the people harnessed the spotted and ruddy horses, moving among those who stood still, while the lights shone in the sky. Indra’s beloved bay steeds, bold and red, were yoked to his chariot, bearing men and winged with swiftness. Indra, who made a banner for the un-bannered and gave form to the unformed, was born among the shining ones. The gods, true to their nature, yearned to be reborn, ever holding the name of the one worthy of sacrifice. With his fiery powers, Indra had split even what had fallen, and discovered the cows hidden away, bringing them forth for his people. Just as the devoted, through their songs, had found wealth, so too did the worshippers seek his favor. Together with Indra, the people advanced, fearless and sharing in his brilliance. The sacrifice shone with flawless praises, adorned with the desired bands of Indra. From near or far, from earth or the shining realm of heaven, they drew songs to him, seeking the path to his presence from the vast expanse above. To Indra, the singers raised their voices, offering hymns and chants. Indra, with his two bay steeds and golden thunderbolt, was invoked and kindled in their hearts. It was Indra who made the sun rise in the sky, granting vision to all; it was he who split the mountain to release the cows. In battles and contests for a thousand prizes, they called upon Indra, the mighty one, for protection with his strong aids. They invoked him, the possessor of great wealth, the youthful wielder of the thunderbolt against all foes. “May you, O bull, increase this pleasing offering for us at our gathering,” they prayed, “O bringer of food, unconquered one.” They knew that whoever, in times to come, offered praises to Indra would never do so in vain. Like a bull among the herd, Indra stirred the peoples with his might, ruling over treasures as the lord of the five peoples. From all nations, they called upon Indra, desiring that he be theirs alone. “O Indra,” they cried, “bring us abundant, victorious, ever-increasing wealth for our aid. With your mighty fist, you struck down the Vṛtras; with your help, all obstacles are removed. Grant us your strength so that, with your thunderbolt, we may shatter our foes and conquer all rivals in battle.” With brave companions and strong allies, united with Indra, they aspired to overcome all who attacked them. Indra’s greatness, vast as the sky, was to be ever celebrated. Whether men sought the gathering of offspring or the wise pursued insight, all were counseled to rely on Indra. His belly, eager for Soma, swelled like the sea; his form was as broad as the crest of the waters. His generous bounty was vast, shining, and rich in cattle—like a ripened branch for the faithful worshipper. Thus, Indra’s powers and aids were always at hand for those who served him, ready in an instant. His praise and hymns were ever desirable, to be recited at the Soma-drinking, that Indra might be pleased and the people blessed.