In the ancient days, the cows were revered for their wondrous gifts. They brought prosperity even to those who were thin and frail, and bestowed beauty upon those deemed unlovely. Their presence made every home auspicious, their voices filled the air with blessings, and their fame spread far and wide among gatherings of people. These cows, full of offspring, grazed upon rich pastures and drank pure waters, their mouths wholesome and clean. It was wished that neither thief nor ill-wisher would ever rule over them, and that they would be spared from the weapon of Rudra. Among these sacred cows, offerings were made, inquiries held, and the very seed of the bull and strength of Indra were honored. For friendship and favor, men chose Indra, the mighty one, who delights in his devotees. Indra, the great giver and wielder of the thunderbolt, was invoked through sacrifice for his help. In his eager hands, golden chariots stood ready, reins and grasping hands strong, stallions yoked and mighty. Indra’s feet rushed forth for splendor, bold and powerful, skillful and pleasing to behold in his fragrant garment. He became the leader of men, golden and radiant. Soma, most mingled and pressed, was prepared—its meal cooked, grains present. The makers of hymns sang praises to Indra, inspired by the gods. Indra’s might was endless; his greatness not confined by heaven or earth. The sun filled the worlds, moving swiftly, like a leader assembling troops in the waters. Indra was easily invoked, exalted, praised and unpraised, mighty with his tawny beard. Born unequaled in strength, he slew many foes and cast down the Dasyus. Ever more he grew in power, alone and undecaying, dispensing treasures. Indra expanded over heaven and earth, claiming half of both worlds for himself. His lordship was profound—what he upheld, none could diminish. Day by day the sun appeared in the wide dwellings he established. Even today, Indra made a path for the waters, leading them forth. The mountains, as if seated at a meal, could not stand firm before him; by his wisdom, the firm regions were opened. No other god nor mortal was greater than Indra. He slew the serpent lurking in the waters and released the rivers to flow to the sea. He divided the waters, parted barriers, shattered the mountain’s firmness, and became king of the moving peoples, together generating the sun, sky, and dawn. Indra alone became the master of wealth, placing the peoples in his two hands. In offspring, waters, sons, and the sun, the peoples spoke forth many words. Because of his might, all things on earth, even the immovable, trembled. The realms, heavens and earth, mountains and forests—all that was firm feared his birth. With Kutsa, Indra fought against Shushna and Kuyava in the contest for the cows. For ten generations, he divided the treasures of the sun and shattered the fortresses of the thieves. He destroyed hundreds of forts of Shambara, the unconquerable Dasyus, and brought riches to Divodāsa, the Soma presser, and to Bharadvāja, who praised him. O mighty one of true strength, Indra, mount your chariot for great battle. Come with new riches to aid us and make our praises heard among the peoples. For Virapśin, the mighty, heroic, and strong wielder of the thunderbolt, new and pleasing words were fashioned. He, praised with the sun and the mother of the wise, broke open the mountain, releasing the dwelling places of the cows with his own songs. Ever victorious with fires and hymns, he accomplished many deeds, breaking forts with friends and shattering strongholds with the wise. With bands of heroes, Indra, bull among men, approached the singer with great prizes and mighty strength, loving songs and bringing good fortune. With his rush and might, Indra drove away foes from the south. Ever sending forth, the seekers pursued unassailable wealth, day by day, unwearied. O Indra, strongest one, grant us strength, O bull, generous giver of desired gifts. May he who is rich in horses and conquers with his own steeds overcome enemies and foes in battle. For you, Indra, the peoples call for help in rivalry, seeking victory and prizes. With the wise, you scatter the Panis and win the prize. Indra slew both enemies, Dasyus and Vritras, and the noble ones. He struck down foes with well-whetted weapons and, in battle, saw the best of men. May Indra, with unfailing aid, be our friend and protector for increase. When we call upon him for sunlight, we do not falter in battle. Now, may Indra be gracious and helpful to us and our descendants. Praising him, may we dwell in the shelter of his greatness, in the highest heaven, rich in cows. To Indra, many songs and thoughts have gathered, both ancient and new. The praises of seers have vied with each other in hymns addressed to him. Much-invoked and much-glorified, Indra alone is praised by many sacrifices. Like a chariot yoked for great power, he is honored by us. Hymns do not harm Indra; rather, they increase him. Even if a hundred or a thousand singers praise the song-loving one, all that is for him. For Indra, Soma is brought forth with a shining hymn, as if measuring out the months. Like a man seeking water in a desert, offerings and sacrifices together grow strong. For mighty Indra, praise is spoken with thoughts and hymns. When he is present, Indra is the protector of all life and ever-growing. O bounteous one, when will you grant enduring wealth of chariots and thousandfold prosperity in response to our hymn? When will you, with your riches, make our praise fruitful and bestow thoughts rich in prizes? When, O Indra, will you bring victory among men and heroes? On the threefold earth, may you win glory among the cows and grant us shining fame and light. When will you, for the worshipper, perform the all-encompassing act of strength? When will you accept our thoughts and helpers and come to the offerings rich in cows? Bestow upon the worshipper wealth rich in cows, horses, and glory, O Indra, and place nourishing treasures with the Bharadvājas. Make the shining, ever-yielding cow flourish among them. May that mighty one, even if opposed, not abandon us when his weapon is ready. Do not leave the Angirases without the milk of the bright-yielding cow. O inspired one, win with prayer. Indra’s exhilarations are all-creating; his riches are all earthly. He is the universal distributor of prizes, upholding his divine power among the gods. Thus, through these hymns and praises, the greatness of Indra and the sacredness of the cows are celebrated, invoking prosperity, strength, and divine favor for all.