Indra, the mighty and ever-praised, was invoked by the ancient seers with song and devotion. In the radiant company of the sun and the wise mother, he broke open the mountain’s heart, and with joyous hymns, he released the hidden dwellings of the cows—bringing forth abundance and nourishment for his people. Victorious always, Indra achieved great deeds with his fires and his songs, working alongside those who understand the cosmic measure. With his wise companions, he shattered the strongholds of the enemy, breaking their forts and securing freedom for his friends. Surrounded by bands of heroes, this bull among men approached the singer with generous rewards and mighty strength, drawn by the love of song and the promise of good fortune. With a rush of power, Indra, marked by his strength, drove away foes from the south. Unceasing in his giving, he enabled his followers to seek unassailable wealth, day after day, without weariness. To Indra, the strongest, the people prayed for strength—he who is the giver of all desired gifts, generous beyond measure. They sought his favor for themselves and their descendants, that they might overcome their enemies in battle, and that their horses might bring victory and prosperity. Whenever a contest for prizes arose, the peoples called upon Indra, knowing he would come to their aid. With the wise, he scattered the Panis, and with his swift help, he secured the prize for his devotees. Indra, the slayer of Dasyus and Vritras, struck down foes with sharp weapons, always recognizing and rewarding the noble in battle. So the people prayed that Indra would always be their friend and protector, guarding all life and bringing increase. When they called for sunlight in the midst of conflict, they did not falter, for Indra stood with them. They asked that he remain gracious and helpful to them and their descendants, so that, dwelling in the shelter of his greatness, they might enjoy the highest heaven, rich in cows. To Indra, countless songs and thoughts have been offered—ancient and new, seers vying with each other in hymns addressed to him. He, much-invoked and glorified, is praised by many sacrifices, like a chariot yoked for great power. No words or hymns harm him; rather, every song increases his glory, whether sung by a hundred or a thousand voices. For Indra, the Soma is pressed and hymns are sung, as the months are measured and the offerings prepared. Just as a man seeks water in the desert, so the worshippers seek him with their sacrifices. To mighty Indra, the slayer of obstacles, the singer speaks with thoughts and hymns, for he is the ever-growing protector of all life. The people ask, "When, O bounteous one, will you grant us the enduring wealth of chariots and the thousandfold prosperity we seek? When will you, with your riches, make our praise fruitful and bestow thoughts rich in prizes?" They long for Indra to bring victory among men and heroes, to win glory on earth, and to grant them shining fame and light. They beseech him to accept their thoughts and offerings, to bestow wealth rich in cows, horses, and glory—placing nourishing treasures among the Bharadvājas and making the ever-yielding cow flourish. They pray that, even when opposed, Indra will not abandon them, but will prepare his weapon and, with prayer, win for the Angirases the milk of the bright-yielding cow. Indra’s exhilarations are all-creating, his riches encompass the earth, and he is the universal distributor of prizes. All peoples seek his strength and might for heroism, choosing wisdom to accomplish even the slaying of Vṛtra. To him, the united helpers bring manly deeds and heroic powers, and like rivers flowing into the ocean, all hymns pour toward Indra, whose expanse is boundless. He sends forth the desire for wealth to the singer, and he is lord of radiant treasure—the unrivaled master and sole king of all the world. The people pray that he will listen to their call, as heaven and earth listen to the noble one, and that he will act with wisdom and power as he has in every age. "Let your harnessed bays bring you here, O Indra, chosen by all," the people call. Even the poor invoke him, bringer of light, eager to share in his feast. His horses arrive at the vessel, the deeds are accomplished, and Indra, ancient and strong, drinks the pure Soma, delighting in the kingly exhilaration. The well-yoked horses and chariots, eager for strength, approach Indra, carrying his fame. He, most generous, directs the right hand of the bountiful, driving away distress and granting riches to the generous. Indra, the giver of enduring strength, is increased by the songs of his devotees; he, the slayer of Vṛtra, is ever victorious, filling the eager with his bounty. As Indra sets forth, the brilliant dawns arise, and great praise follows him. He seeks wise intention, the divine path, and the gift of the generous. Even from afar, his thunderous voice is heard, and all invocations turn toward him. The Madra woman herself sings hymns to Indra, and with highest thought, the people approach him with sacred utterances and songs, which grow into great praise. The sacrifice, the Soma, the chants, the hymns, and the very cycles of dawn and night, months and years, all serve to increase Indra. Thus, the people praise the one born for strength, exalted for generosity and fame, calling on him for protection in battle. The singer seeks the favor of the delightful poet, the heavenly fire, and the honeyed words of the sage—companions among the gods—for the sake of the cows. Indra, shining, circles the mountains and the dawns, breaking the rugged ridges and attacking the Panis with words of truth. He illuminates nights and days, the seasons, and fashions the dawns, always shining with radiance and filling the ancient ones with truth. With horses yoked to righteousness, knowing the sun, the leaders travel at the world’s navel. The singer praises Indra, the ancient king, asking for the enrichment of treasures and the granting of herbs, forests, cows, horses, and men for their delight. Finally, Indra is invited to drink the Soma pressed for him, to delight in the company of his steeds, and to join the hosts in song and gathering. The people call him to the sacrifice, to accept their praise and the vigor of their devotion, as they celebrate the greatness of Indra, their ever-present champion and benefactor.