Let me tell you the story woven through these ancient hymns, where the valorous Angirases and the faithful invoke their timeless friendship with Indra, the mighty god whose deeds resound across ages. As the people speak with reverence, they recall how Indra shattered the fortresses of those who opposed them—unyielding, unshaken enemies—breaking all their defenses and clearing the way for his devotees. Indra is ever to be invoked with prayers, for he is the lordly warrior who, in the great battle against Vritra, wielded his thunderbolt and brought prosperity to his followers, ensuring victory in countless conflicts. By his greatness, Indra has surpassed the origin of men, his immortal name shining above all. With unmatched glory, might, and wealth, he stands foremost among heroes, dwelling among mortals yet exalted beyond compare. He is a god who neither confuses nor deceives his people. Indra has subdued Cumuri and Dhuni, and cast down Pipru, Sambara, and Shushna, destroying their strongholds for Cyautna, even in the present day. The hymn calls upon Indra: rise up, mount your chariot drawn by your two bay steeds, and take the thunderbolt in your right hand. Let your manifold powers be exhilarated for the slaying of Vritra. Like fire consuming dry wood, Indra’s weapon burns up the demon, flashing like a terrible lightning bolt. With deep and lofty force, he shatters and drives away evils, subduing the wicked. The people invite Indra to come with a thousand paths, bringing wealth, abundant glory, and prizes. They call upon him, the son of strength, the much-invoked lord of battle, to grant them victory. The greatness of Indra, ancient and ever-glorious, of mighty splendor, has spread over heaven and earth. No enemy, rival, or equal exists for him, the one of manifold powers and strength. The people pray that Indra’s deeds today be accomplished as they were when he aided Kutsa, Ayu, and Atithigva, casting down thousands and leading the bold Turvayana to victory over the lands. After Indra, even the gods themselves rejoice; he is the wisest among the wise. Wherever he makes a path for the oppressed, for the people, or for his own self, praise follows him. Heaven and earth themselves follow Indra’s power, and the immortal gods strive after him. He is free to do as he wishes, creating new praise through sacrifices. Indra is great, the giver to men, lord of peoples, unweakened in his powers, of double height. For his devotees, he has increased heroic deeds, broad and vast, accomplished by the doers of good. May Dhiṣaṇā place Indra alone for their gain—lofty, exalted, ageless, ever young, shining with mighty strength, grown at once in these battles. Let Indra’s broad, all-encompassing hands grant fame to his followers. Like a herdsman with his cattle, Indra and Agni increase their strength in battle. The people invoke Indra with the praises of Catinama, seeking victory, just as the earlier singers did—those worthy and unharmed. Firm in vow, giver of wealth, grown strong with Soma, Indra possesses much good fortune; the paths of riches converge upon him like rivers flowing to the ocean. Indra is called to bring his most powerful strength—overwhelming and fierce—to his people, granting all glories and manly powers for their delight. His exhilaration, victorious in battles, is sought so that, with his help, they may gain protection for their offspring and descendants and live on. They ask Indra to bring virile vigor, wealth-bringing and skillful power, by which they may overcome enemies in battles, defeating both kin and strangers. Indra’s vigor is prayed for, to come from all directions—from behind, above, below, and in front—gathering and granting glory that brings light. With his heroic aid, the people seek to attain his favor with songs of praise. As king, Indra sees the wealth of both sides and grants great, massive, and abundant treasure. Indra, the bull, accompanied by the Maruts, ever-growing, unconquerable, is invoked for every help. The people call upon him, the strong supporter, to subdue those who think themselves great among people, granting victory on earth, in offspring, cattle, and waters. With his companions, they pray to be superior to their enemies, rejoicing in great wealth with Indra’s aid. Indra’s might stands firm above the earth, just as heaven stands above, and so does wealth stand among people in battles by his power. The people ask for the thousandfold treasure, wide and victorious over Vritra. For Indra alone, all the power of heaven was established among the gods; with Vishnu as his ally, he slew the serpent Vritra, who had enveloped the waters. Indra became stronger than the strong, more powerful than the powerful, through the sacred hymn. He became king of the sweet Soma, shattering all the ancient fortresses. For the wise Dasoni, Indra broke open the hundred enclosures of the Panis at the call of the hymn; with weapons, he destroyed the tricks of the dry, waterless Shushna, leaving nothing of the foe. He cast away all great hostilities when Shushna fell at the blow of his thunderbolt, making the path wide for the charioteer, for Kutsa, in the contest for the Sun. Like a falcon, exhilarating and full of Soma, Indra struck off the head of the Dasa Namuci, protecting the submissive and yielding with blessings and prosperity. Indra shattered the strongholds of Pipru, the magician, granting Rijishvan, the generous worshipper, an unassailable gift. Ever gracious, Indra delivered Vetasu, Dashamaya, Dashoni, and Tutujin, releasing Tugra, the ever-young, to shine forth like a mother setting her child free to grow. Bearing the thunderbolt that slays Vritra, Indra subdues foes without resistance; his steeds stand ready, yoked by words, carrying lofty Indra. The people pray to gain his ever-new favor, offering sacrifices and praise, remembering how he shattered the seven fortresses of the Dasa Shambara for Purukutsa, granting shelter for autumn. Indra has been mighty from ancient times, granting wide space to Ushana Kavi; he gave to the great father his own descendant, not to be surpassed or overtaken, letting the new one remain far away. As the shaker, Indra set free the trembling waters like flowing streams; when he crosses over the sea, he brings Turvasha and Yadu safely across. In every battle, Indra is victorious; he scattered Cumuri and Dhuni who lay sleeping. Shining, he is offered Soma, and the sacrificer, even in fear, praises him with songs and oblations. The offerings and prayers of the poet call upon Indra, the most bountiful hero. Thoughts placed on the chariot, ever-young and unfading, bring wealth and abundance through speech. Indra, who knows, eloquent and grown strong through hymns, is praised; his greatness, rich in many forms, has spread over sky and earth. He alone, the best, extends skill, making it manifest with the sun and intelligence. Mortals, longing for immortality, strive not to transgress his law, for Indra is the self-sustaining one, ever to be revered and praised.