The sacred Soma, pressed with care and devotion, was prepared for Indra, enclosed and cherished as a mother protects her child. With reverence, the Soma was offered to flow forth to the mighty Indra, the wise one. Indra, whose powerful neck, ample belly, and strong arms revealed his strength, became exhilarated by the Soma and, filled with vigor, struck down his foes. Indra was invoked to go forth at the head of all, his strength leading the way, for he is the lord of all and the mighty slayer of Vṛtra. The sacrificers prayed that Indra’s goad, long and potent, would grant them wealth, for it is by his favor that those who press Soma are blessed. Upon the sacred grass, pure Soma was placed for Indra, and he was called to come swiftly and partake of the offering. This Soma was pressed for his strength, for his delight in battle, and Indra was invoked by the name Aghaṇḍala. Indra, whose bull has horns and who himself is the offspring of the bull, the drinker from the vessel, was called to focus his mind upon the offering. As the lord of the dwelling, the firm pillar, and the assembly of the Soma-pressers, Indra was honored as the drop of Soma itself, the breaker of ancient cities, and the friend of sages. Though alone, Indra surpasses many in the quest for cows at the sacrifice, leading the swift and powerful horse to the Soma, always at the forefront. Turning their prayers to the Ādityas, the mortals recognized the need for their unique and supreme favor. The path of the Ādityas was known to be straight and unerring, their ways well-established and easy to follow. Savitṛ, Bhaga, Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman were invoked to grant broad and secure shelter as the people sought their protection. Divine Aditi was called to come with the gods, bearing undiminished protection, accompanied by the wise, ever-beloved, and providing good shelter. The Ādityas, sons of Aditi, were praised for their power to drive away hatred, to expand even distress into spaciousness, and to remove guilt. Aditi, undivided and ever-growing, was beseeched to guard by day and by night, bringing abundance and protection from harm. Her thoughts were sought to come as help, bringing peace, joy, and the removal of obstacles. The divine physicians, the Aśvins, were also invoked to bring well-being, ward off evil, and remove obstacles. Agni, together with the other sacred fires, was called to bring peace, while Sūrya was asked to protect from harm, and the wind, ever-purifying, to drive away evil and obstacles. The Ādityas were entreated to drive away disease, obstacles, and evil intent, protecting all from distress and the arrow of hostility, and to remove hatred with their all-knowing wisdom. The shelter offered by the Ādityas was invoked to release the people, even if they had sinned, for the gods are generous. If any mortal, driven by malice, acted as a demon to harm, the prayer was that such a one would bring harm only upon himself. The hostile, evil-minded mortal who sought harm was wished to partake of sin, while the gods, ever watchful, were called upon to discern the hearts of mortals, both hostile and friendly. Shelter was sought in the mountains and waters, and Heaven and Earth were asked to remove all that was harmful. The Vasus were invoked to carry the people with auspicious protection, delivering them from all misfortunes. For their offspring, the Ādityas of great might were asked to grant long life. Sacrifice and praise were offered to the Ādityas, in whom the people found kinship and grace. The great-protecting god among the Maruts, the savior Ashvins, and Mitra and Varuna were invoked for well-being. Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna, free from enmity and worthy of praise, were called to bring shelter with the triple protection of the Maruts. Though mortals are bound by death, the Ādityas were beseeched to grant their descendants a span of life. With devotion, the gods themselves had established Agni, the destroyer of want, the radiant one, among them, offering him the oblation. Agni, bestower of abundant gifts, sage of brilliant flame, and guide, was worshipped for the splendor of the wise and delightful sacrifice, for the ancient rite. Agni was chosen as the most fit for sacrifice, the immortal priest among the gods, wise in counsel for the offering. Born of strength, Agni shone with splendid light and supreme brilliance. Through him, the favor of Mitra, Varuna, and the heavenly waters was sought. Whoever, with kindling, offerings, or knowledge, served Agni with reverence and proper rites, for him swift horses brought delight and glorious fame, and no harm from gods or mortals could reach him. With their own fires, the people prayed to be united with Agni, son of strength and lord of nourishment, wishing for him to be their unfailing hero. Agni was praised as a guest, a friend, a chariot to be known; through him there was safety, the good were established, and he was the king of riches. The mortal who, with devotion and proper rites, was fortunate and praiseworthy, was wished to be a winner through his thoughts, blessed by Agni’s favor.