Agni, the radiant one, is invoked with reverence and hope. With his sharp, blazing flames, he is called upon to drive away all that restrains and opposes, and to secure wealth for his devotees. As Jātavedas, the wise among beings, Agni is entreated to bring forth heroic riches and to destroy the demons with his skillful might. He is the protector in times of distress and misfortune, the knower of prayers who guards those who seek his shelter. From afar, should any mortal wish us harm, Agni is implored to shield us from such dangers. With his divine tongue, he is asked to drive away wrongdoers, to repel those who threaten harm. For Bharadvāja, Agni is beseeched to grant wide and far-reaching protection, and to bestow the most excellent wealth. Agni, by his insight, has struck down the foes for the generous, shining brightly when kindled and invoked. In the womb of the mother, he is the father’s father—unceasing, flashing forth, seated at the very source of truth. Jātavedas is asked to bring forth prayers rich in offspring, blazing wisely in the sky, as hymns are sent forth to his splendid and powerful form. Those who seek refuge come to Agni as one would to the shade of the sun, drawn by his golden appearance. Like a fierce warrior, a bull with sharp horns, Agni shatters the strongholds of enemies. Though born among mortals, he is not carried like a child in their hands, yet he is the righteous among clans. Agni is asked to bring forth the god for the favor of the gods, the bestower of wealth, and to let him sit in his own seat. As the newborn Jātavedas, he is welcomed as a dear guest, as a gentle householder would be. Agni is invited to yoke his noble horses, swift to carry the offerings, and to come, bringing the offerings to the gods for the drinking of Soma. He is called to rise up, shining for the Bhāratas with unfailing, flashing light, to blaze forth as the undecaying one. Those who, with offerings and reverence, worship Agni at the sacrifice, invoke the true-sacrificing Hotar of earth and heaven, with upraised hands. To Agni, hymns and offerings fashioned in the heart are brought, seeking the favor of his strong guardians. The gods themselves kindle Agni, the foremost, the slayer of Vritra, by whom treasures are revealed and who fiercely repels demons with his strength. Now, the mighty Indra is called to drink the Soma, for whom hymns are sung. Indra is urged to shatter the wide enclosures of cattle, to destroy all Vritras and foes with his thunderbolt and power. He is swift, victorious, the bull with a flowing mane, master of wisdom, breaker of cattle-stalls, and bearer of the thunderbolt, swift as horses, and conqueror of prizes with his brilliance. Indra is invited to drink as in ancient times, to let his delight grow, to hear the hymns and increase with the songs. He is asked to make the sun visible for those who thirst, to strike down the enemies, and to win cattle. The exhilarating draughts, mighty and self-sustaining, make Indra radiant; the eager rejoice in his great strength and splendid power. With these draughts, Indra delights in the sun and dawn, shattering firm enclosures. He is called to circle the great mountain, to rise up and move around the unshaken seat. By his resolve, actions, and skill, Indra has cooked the ripe offering, released the cows from the enclosure, broken the stronghold, and let the cattle flow forth. He expanded the earth with his great power, raised the heavens, and supported the two divine daughters, the ancient mothers, young and true to order. In ancient times, all the gods in their cities placed Indra alone as the mighty one for the task. When the ungodly challenged the gods, Indra was chosen as the bringer of light. With his thunderbolt, the sky was split, the waters rushed forth, and the universal foe was laid low when Indra struck the serpent. Tvashtar fashioned for Indra the great thunderbolt, adorned with a hundred edges and a thousand spikes, with which he crushed the relentless serpent. The Maruts, united, increased Indra’s strength, preparing the offering for him; Pūshan and Vishnu traversed the three realms, bringing the exhilarating drink for the slayer of Vritra. Indra released the mighty flood of rivers, sending the gathered waters forth, opening the path and leading them to the ocean. Having accomplished these mighty deeds, Indra stands great, unconquered, and strong. He is praised with hymns, his weapons and thunderbolt exalted as new songs are offered for help. Indra is asked to grant glory, strength, and wealth, to bestow brilliance upon the wise, to give leaders and heroes to Bharadvāja, and to be the protector in heaven. With his favor, may his devotees win the prize, rejoice in victory over a hundred enemies, and be blessed with strong sons. Indra, supreme in strength, is praised as the conqueror, invoked by many, enduring and mighty. He is the warrior who shakes all, fierce and swift, the leader of men, stirring the people like a storm, and the champion of the tribes. Indra alone struck down the Dasyu, protecting the Arya peoples, and his true strength is marveled at—ever steadfast, forceful, and growing even greater and more resolute with each deed.