In the ancient times, the gods themselves kindled Agni, the foremost among them, the mighty slayer of Vritra. By Agni’s power, treasures were revealed, and with his fierce strength, he drove away the demons, protecting the divine order. To Indra, the mighty one for whom hymns are sung, the Soma was offered. The people called upon him to drink, urging him to shatter the wide enclosures that held the cattle. With the thunderbolt in his hand, Indra, bold and strong, was invoked to destroy all Vritras and foes, to break open the barriers and bring forth abundance. Again, the priests called to Indra, swift and victorious, the bull with the flowing mane, the master of wisdom. They praised him as the one who breaks open the cattle-stalls, who wields the thunderbolt and races as swiftly as horses, urging him to win the prizes with his brilliance. They entreated Indra to drink as he had in ages past, to let his delight grow with their hymns and songs, to make the sun visible for the thirsty, to strike down enemies, and to win cattle for his devotees. The exhilarating draughts of Soma made Indra radiant and strong, and those who sought his favor rejoiced in his great power. With these offerings, Indra delighted in the sun and dawn, shattering firm enclosures. He was called to circle the great mountain, to rise up and move around the unshaken seat of the gods. By his resolve, his actions, and his skill, Indra cooked the ripe offerings, released the cows from their confinement, and broke open the strongholds, letting the cattle flow forth, just as the Angirases had done. Indra’s power expanded the earth and raised the heavens. He supported the two divine daughters, the ancient mothers—heaven and earth—young and ever true to cosmic order. In the ancient cities, all the gods appointed Indra alone for the great task. When the ungodly challenged the gods, they chose Indra as the bringer of light. With a mighty blow of his thunderbolt, Indra split the sky; the waters burst forth from the impact. When he struck down the serpent, the universal foe, the world was freed. Tvashtar, the divine craftsman, fashioned for Indra the great thunderbolt—a weapon with a thousand spikes and a hundred edges. With it, Indra crushed the relentless serpent. All the Maruts, united, increased Indra’s strength and prepared the offerings for him. Pūshan and Vishnu traversed the three realms, bringing the exhilarating drink for the slayer of Vritra. Indra released the mighty floods, sending forth the gathered waters and opening the path for the rivers to flow to the ocean. Having accomplished all these great deeds, Indra, the unconquered hero, stood as the companion of strength. The people praised him with hymns, calling upon his weapons and thunderbolt for help. They prayed for glory, strength, and wealth, for brilliance for the wise, for leaders and heroes for Bharadvāja, and for Indra’s protection from heaven. With Indra’s favor, they sought to win prizes and rejoice in victory over a hundred enemies, blessed with strong sons. They praised Indra, supreme in strength, unconquered and enduring, the bull among men. As a warrior, he shook all with his fierce and swift might, leading the tribes and stirring the people like a great dust storm. Indra alone struck down the Dasyu, protecting the Arya peoples. His true strength was questioned and marveled at, for his power was steadfast and forceful, ever increasing and resolute. The people recalled the ancient friendship with Indra, as spoken of by the valorous Angirases. He shattered the fortresses of the unyielding and broke all defenses of those who opposed his devotees. Indra was invoked in every great battle against Vritra, the thunderbolt-wielder who brought prosperity to children and descendants and was ever victorious. By his greatness, he surpassed the origin of men, excelling with an immortal name. By his glory, might, and wealth, he was foremost among heroes, dwelling among men. He, who neither confuses nor deceives, subdued the foes Cumuri and Dhuni, and cast down Pipru, Sambara, and Shushna, destroying their fortresses for Cyautna. Indra was called to rise, mount his chariot with his two bay steeds, and take up his thunderbolt for the slaying of Vritra, exhilarated by many powers. Like fire consuming dry wood, Indra’s weapon burned up the demon, as a terrible lightning bolt. With deep and lofty force, he shattered and drove away evils, subduing the wicked. He was invited to come by a thousand paths, bringing wealth, glory, and abundant prizes, as the lord of battles. Indra’s ancient, ever-glorious greatness spread over heaven and earth. No enemy or rival could stand against him, the one of manifold powers. The people prayed that his deeds today might be as when he aided Kutsa, Ayu, and Atithigva, casting down thousands and leading Turvayana to victory. After Indra, the gods themselves rejoiced; he was the wisest among the wise. Wherever he made a path for the oppressed, for the people, he was praised. Heaven and earth followed his power; even the immortal gods strove after him. Indra was called to do as he wished, creating new praise with sacrifices. Great was Indra, lord of peoples, unweakened in his powers, who increased heroic deeds for the doers of good. Dhiṣaṇā was invoked to place Indra alone for their gain—lofty, exalted, ageless, ever young, shining with strength in battle. Indra’s broad, all-encompassing hands were entreated to grant fame, and together with Agni, to increase strength in battle, like a herdsman with his cattle. The people invoked Indra with the praises of Catinama, seeking victory as the earlier, blameless singers had done. Firm in vow, giver of wealth, grown strong with Soma, Indra possessed much good fortune. The paths of riches flowed to him as rivers to the ocean. The people prayed for his most powerful strength, overwhelming and fierce, for all the glories and manly powers for their delight. They called for Indra’s victorious exhilaration, shining brightly, that they might gain protection for their offspring and live on. They sought his virile vigor, wealth-bringing and skillful power, to overcome enemies in battle and defeat both kin and strangers. Finally, they prayed that Indra’s strength, the bull’s vigor, would come to them from all directions—behind, above, below, and before—gathering from everywhere, so that Indra would grant them glory that brings light.