In the ancient sanctuaries, within the very seat of discerning thought, there stirs the awareness of Rudra—the mighty one, whose presence awakens the oldest abodes of consciousness. To him, the seeker turns, yearning for friendship and protection, especially from the potent drink that has enabled the overcoming of all hatred and strife. The devotee’s voice rises in praise to Indra, the celebrated speaker of hymns, wondering: when will the one who praises become most blessed? When will Indra grant the wealth of cattle and horses, the signs of prosperity? Mighty steeds, well-lauded, draw the chariot of the undying, exhilarating one whom the ritual invokes. The worshippers call upon him—Indra, the much-praised and powerful—with ancient invocations, entreating him to take his honored place twice upon the beloved sacrificial grass. They urge him: “Grow strong, O much-praised Indra, with the wisdom and support of the sages. Pour forth nourishing food and grant us your help.” Indra, known as the stone-bearer and the helper of those who praise, receives thoughts yoked to the mind and proceeding from truth. Those gathered for the Soma feast, yoked for the sacred drink, call upon Indra’s steeds to bring forth abundance. Let the Rudras bring glory, and let the Marut-hosts shower prosperity. Indra’s achievements are celebrated along his heavenly path; at the very navel of the sacrifice, all unite as is known from tradition. With far-seeing vision, Indra moves forward at the ritual, measuring the sacrifice and discerning among men. His chariot is mighty, as are his steeds; Indra himself is hundred-powered, and the invocation to him is mighty indeed. The stone, the exhilaration, the pressed Soma—all these are mighty, as is the sacrifice that Indra restrains and the invocation that calls him. The devotee declares: “Mighty, I call you, Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, surrounded by splendid aids. You accept our praise, and mighty is the invocation we offer.” Reflecting further, the worshipper muses: “If I, Indra, were as powerful as you, the sole lord of wealth, my praiser would be renowned and rich in cattle. I would instruct and give to him, O lord of power, if I were the master of cattle.” Indra, the bountiful cow of sweet speech, yields milk—abundant in cattle and horses—to the worshipper when invoked. There is no limit to Indra’s generosity; no god or mortal can match him when, praised, he bestows wealth. Sacrifice once strengthened Indra when he set the earth apart and established the supports in the sky. From him, ever-growing, the seekers desire all the riches of the conqueror, choosing Indra’s aid above all. He traversed the midspace with the exhilaration of Soma, shattering the enclosures that bound the cows. For the Angirases, he drove forth the cows that had long been hidden, pushing aside all obstacles. By Indra’s might, the shining realms of heaven remain firm and unshaken. Like swelling waters, praise rises for Indra in battle, and his exhilarations rush to him. Praise and hymns increase his power, and he brings good fortune to his singers. His tawny steeds, eager for Soma, bring him to the sacrifice and the generous offering. With the foam of the waters, Indra struck off Namuci’s head, overcoming all hostilities. With his powers, he cast down the demons who sought to ascend the sky and escape. Indra destroyed the assembly of the non-offerers, scattering them in all directions; as the Soma-drinker, he became supreme. Thus, the people sing to the much-invoked, much-praised Indra, calling upon him with hymns and mighty songs. Indra, of double strength and great might, upholds heaven and earth; with his power, he split the mountains and released the waters. Alone, he rules as king, slaying foes and guiding the people with victory and renown. His exhilaration is praised—strong, victorious in battles, world-creating, radiant in glory. With it, he discovered light for Ayu and Manu, shining forth delighted upon the sacred grass. And so, even today, thoughtful singers praise what was praised before: the wives of the mighty one, the victorious waters, day by day. Indra’s is the great power, the strength and wisdom; the mind sharpens the desirable thunderbolt. For him, the sky increases manliness, the earth increases fame, and the waters and mountains urge him on. Vishnu of vast abode, Mitra, and Varuna all praise him; his host rejoices, following after the Maruts. Indra, bull among people, was born most mighty, taking up all lordships together. Alone, much-praised Indra overcomes all obstacles; no one but he accomplishes greater deeds.