Let me tell you the story woven through these ancient hymns. In the assembly, the devotee prays that the skillful speech of the hostile may never overpower them, for their heart’s resolve rests only in Indra. Indra is invoked as their broad and mighty shield, foremost in battle, the great slayer of Vṛtra. With Indra as ally, the devotee finds courage to speak forth boldly. Indra’s greatness is beyond measure; his inherent power is vast. By his might, the very heavens and earth are measured out. Surrounded by the Maruts, the resounding host of storm gods, Indra’s company is strong and unassailable, shining with celestial splendor. Those who are upright seek out Indra at the break of dawn, drawing near with reverence. The peoples bow before him, acknowledging his sovereignty. The devotee calls for praise to be offered to Indra, the increaser of greatness, the wise one, and asks that his goodwill be made manifest, so that all the clans may advance under the guidance of these divine leaders. Inspired singers generate splendid hymns for Indra, the wide-ruling and mighty. The steadfast honor his ordinances, never straying from his path. Voices have established Indra as king, unconquerable in spirit, for the sake of united strength, with the sacred grass properly arranged for his tawny steeds. The worshippers beseech Indra never to let them grow weary of him. Whether he is far or near, they invite him to their libations, asking him to listen to their prayers. The hymns, made for him during the pressing of Soma, gather around him like bees on honey. The singers, desiring wealth, place their trust in Indra as one mounts a chariot. Longing for riches, the devotee calls upon Indra, mighty-handed and skillful, as a son calls upon his father. Soma is pressed for Indra, mixed with curdled milk, and the devotee invites him homeward to drink, with his two bay horses, for intoxication and joy. Indra is renowned for hearing praise; the devotee prays that their songs never be despised. Even the most generous, who gives thousands and hundreds, should never be hindered in their giving. The hero shines among men with Indra, hastening to drink the deep libations offered by those who worship him. Indra is called upon to be a shelter for the generous, to join them in battle, and to grant the knowledge of victory. With his help, the people hope to bring home distant prizes and the fullness of life. Again, Soma is pressed for Indra, the wielder of the bolt, and offerings are cooked for his aid, for he fills and delights his devotees. The Soma-pressers are urged not to falter, but to act skillfully for great wealth, for the swift and diligent prosper while the sluggish are never favored by the gods. Sudas’ chariot, under Indra’s protection and the Maruts’ aid, has never been turned aside or restrained. May he reach the herds rich in cows. The devotee prays that those who strive for victory may attain the prize when Indra is their protector, asking him to be the guardian of their chariots and their champion among men. The portion of the one who strives rises like unconquerable wealth; whom Indra protects, his enemies cannot harm. Skill is granted to the Soma-presser. In the sacrifices, a hymn unbroken, well-composed, and beautiful is set forth, for even those who went before are surpassed by the one whom Indra supports by his deeds. Who, the devotee asks, can overcome Indra, mighty with wealth? Faithfully, the warrior seeks the prize, even in the farthest heaven, under Indra’s guidance. Indra is urged to support the generous in the slaying of Vṛtra, those who give precious wealth, so that, with his wisdom, all hardships may be crossed. Indra’s wealth reaches from the lowest to the highest; he rules over all, and none can withhold the cows from him. He is the famed giver of all wealth, to whom the victorious turn, and all the world comes to him seeking help. The devotee longs to possess as much as Indra, desiring his favor, and prays that Indra not grant his gifts to the wicked. Day by day, the devotee seeks to learn where wealth is found, for apart from Indra, there is no other source of riches—not even a father. The swift one seeks the prize with the help of Purandhi, and the devotee bows to Indra with song, as one shapes a well-made wheel. No man gains wealth by ill-praise, nor does fortune favor the slothful; may Indra, strong and bountiful, grant a sure gift as is fitting in the highest heaven. The people approach Indra as unmilked cows approach their master, recognizing him as the lord of all that moves and stands still, the seer of the sunlit realm. There is no one like Indra, neither among the celestials nor mortals, neither born nor to be born. The people call upon him, seeking horses, strength, and cows. Indra is asked to bring the might of the greater over the lesser, for he is the ancient benefactor, ever worthy of invocation in every contest. The devotee prays that Indra will drive away their foes, grant true wealth, be their protector in riches, and the strength of their companions. Indra is invoked to bring resolve, as a father does for his sons, and to instruct his devotees in the path so that they may attain living light. The devotee prays that no unknown or hostile men overpower them, nor evil dwell among them; with Indra as their hero, they shall always cross over deep waters. Then, the Vasishthas are invoked—those with white-tipped, right-braided hair, inspiring thought, coming forth to gladden. The devotee rises to proclaim from the sacred grass, asking the Vasishthas to be their protectors, even from afar. From a distance, the Vasishthas brought Indra with the pressed Soma, past the hostile and fierce guardian. From the Soma of Pashadyumna’s descendant, Indra chose the Vasishthas as his own. With the Vasishthas, Indra crossed the river, broke through barriers, and, for Sudas son of Divodasa, advanced by their prayer. The Vasishthas, favored men, possess the imperishable and unfailing power of their fathers through sacred utterance. They do not err, for Indra placed strength in the Vasishthas with a mighty roar during the great chants. Like thirsty men seeking water, the Vasishthas shone forth for the king of the Dasharajna. Indra listened to their praise and made wide space for the Tritsus, granting victory and abundance. Thus, the hymns recount the unwavering devotion, the mighty deeds of Indra, his protection and generosity, and the power of sacred praise and the Vasishthas’ intercession in the lives of the faithful.