In ancient times, the gifts of Paijavana were set apart for Sudās by the lean ones, marked as blessings for his lineage. The swift warriors of Sudās stood firmly on the earth, carrying forth fame for their offspring and descendants. His renown stretched between heaven and earth, divided at every summit, as seven sacred streams praised Indra, flowing forth in tribute. In battle, Indra subdued those who opposed, establishing Sudās’ glory. The men, alongside the mighty Maruts, followed Divodāsa, Sudās’ father, seeking the undiminished, ageless power of Paijavana for protection. They prayed for a sign, for strength that would never wane. Indra, sharp-horned like a mighty bull, stirred all peoples with his terrifying presence, leading the generous Gaya to the most delightful offerings. He protected Kutsa, eager to serve, with his own body in battle, subduing the Dāsa Śuṣṇa and Kuyava, and granting victory to Arjuneya. Boldly, Indra led Sudās, the noble sacrificer, with all his aids, safeguarding Paurukutsa, Trasadasyu, and Puru in their quest for land and in the slaying of Vṛtra. Among men, Indra delighted in their offerings, slaying countless Vṛtras. As Haryaśva, he cast down the Dasyu Cumuri and Dhuni, putting them to sleep for the benefit of the worshipper. His deeds were renowned: he destroyed ninety-nine cities at once, entered the hundredth dwelling, and slew both Vṛtra and Namuci. These ancient gifts were bestowed upon Sudās, who offered prayers with devotion. The singer harnessed Indra’s two strong, stallion-like steeds, calling forth hymns to bring abundant strength. They prayed not to be left behind in the contest of strength, asking Indra for unfailing defenses and to be counted among his favorites. The friends of Indra rejoiced in his favor and shelter, asking him to subdue Turvaśa and Yadu, and grant worthy fame to Atithigva. Even now, men praise Indra with hymns and chants, those who have driven away the Paṇis through their invocations, seeking alliance with him. All praise was raised for Indra, the most heroic, bringing gifts and requesting his graciousness, friendship, and protection in the slaying of Vṛtra. Indra, the heroic one, was called upon to grow strong with prayer and his own might, to come for strength and seats, and to always protect his devotees with blessings. Born for heroic power, Indra was self-sustaining, the maker of waters, a manly and youthful protector who does not let even great sin harm his followers. Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, shone forth, defending the singer like a hero and making a place for Sudās, granting wealth again and again to the worshipper. Fierce in battle and ever victorious, Indra scattered armies and struck down all who were hostile. His strength filled both heaven and earth with greatness; bearing the thunderbolt, he measured them out, speaking forth in the exhilaration of Soma. The bull begot a bull for battle, even a noble woman bore this manly one. Indra, steadfast leader of armies and helper of men, was bold and a seeker of cattle. Those who invoked his terrible power did not falter, nor did their minds waver. Those who placed their offerings in Indra with righteous sacrifices possessed enduring wealth. Indra taught the earlier for the sake of the later, giving the greater portion to the lesser, and went far around, bringing splendid wealth. The dear worshipper of Indra, the giver and friend, was favored and protected from harm, honored among men. The singer’s praise was raised for Indra, invoked with pressed Soma, desiring wealth and calling Śakra to bring riches. Indra was asked to bestow strength and abundant power for the singer, always protecting his devotees with well-being. Soma, exhilarating and bellowing, was poured for Indra, who was awakened with sacrifices. The Soma-drinkers prepared the sacred grass and uttered their prayers in assembly, bringing forth offerings from the houses of the renowned and powerful. Indra caused the streams to flow unimpeded, established many with the serpent, and at his roaring, chariots trembled, all devices shaken by his might. Terrible and knowing all manly deeds, Indra rushed with his weapons, shattering forts with his thunderbolt. No one who strove against him prevailed, nor any who worshipped with rituals. The hostile ones were scattered, and the godless did not overpower the devotees. Indra’s power surpassed many, his greatness filled the regions, and by his own might, he slew Vṛtra. No enemy found his limit in battle. Even the ancient gods submitted their powers to Indra for sovereignty. Indra dispensed gifts to the mighty; in contests of strength, all called upon him for aid. Even the weak called upon Indra, lord of abundant good fortune, who was a hundredfold protector, surrounded by guardians of the powerful. Indra’s friends sought to always grow in reverence and might through his greatness, asking his favor for victory in assembly and strength to overcome hostile men. Indra was asked to grant wealth that comes from his own nature, abundant power for the worshipper, and protection with well-being. Indra was invited to drink the Soma, skillfully poured for him, the lover of horses, from the mountain. The exhilarating draught that had empowered him to slay the Vṛtras was offered again, hoping to intoxicate him with its strength. Vasiṣṭha, the singer, offered praise, asking Indra to accept the hymns at the shared feast. The call of the mountain pourer and the inspired thought of the singer were directed to Indra, seeking his most helpful favor and union with him. The singer could not deny Indra’s words or his praise, always proclaiming his name and true glory. Many libations were offered to Indra among men, and many wise men called upon him. The singer pleaded that Indra, the generous one, not take their dwelling away, but continue to bless and protect his faithful.