O Indra, mighty wielder of the thunderbolt, it was you who split open the vast and mighty mountain. With your irresistible power, you shattered its strength and released the imprisoned waters, allowing them to flow freely and nourish all creation. By this act, you established the order of the world, ensuring its wholeness and abundance. In the wake of this cosmic deed, the immortal Agni, born of strength, remained steadfast and unmoved. When Agni assumed the sacred role of priest and messenger for Vivasvat, he moved along the paths ordained by the gods, faithfully spreading the offerings with devotion. Ever youthful and ageless, Agni approached his own realm, thirsting and standing among the fires. His shining back gleamed with moisture like a swift horse, and his voice thundered across the mountain peaks. Fierce and radiant, surrounded by the Rudras and Vasus, Agni presided as chief priest, seated among mortals and bestowing wealth. Like a racing chariot, he swiftly brought forth all that is desirable for life. Driven by the wind, he stood among the flames, powerful and resounding, his empty ladles clattering as he worked. When Agni, the mighty bull among the woods, blazed forth, the darkened fuel was transformed into bright, ageless wool. The roaring flame, stirred by the wind, swept through the forests. Like leaders guiding a herd, it toppled the bamboo and advanced with strength, scattering the birds from their perches and flights. The Bhṛgus established Agni among men as a source of wealth, beautiful and well-invoked for the people. As priest, honored guest, and friend, Agni was auspicious for the divine birth. At the sacrifices, the seven ladles chose the most worthy priest, the one whom worshippers selected—Agni, the joy of the Vasus, whom the faithful honored and from whom they sought treasure. O son of strength, Agni, grant to the singers today your unbroken, friendly protection. Praised and free from distress, wide in power, may you, O son of energy, come with your ancestors. Be a shelter for the singer, O radiant one, and a protection for the generous. O Agni, shield the singer widely from distress; may the wise one come at dawn, bringing thoughtful guidance. By you, O Agni, all other fires rejoice, and the immortals delight in your presence. Vaiśvānara, you are the navel of the peoples, honored as a pillar among the tribes. As the crown of heaven and the navel of earth, you became the joy of both worlds. The gods created you, Vaiśvānara, as a divine light for the Arya. Like steadfast rays of the sun, treasures are placed in Vaiśvānara Agni—treasures from the mountains, plants, waters, and among men; he is their king. The two worlds, like great ones, sing to the divine son, the human priest skilled as Dakṣa. With true strength, they praise Vaiśvānara, the best among men, with ancient hymns. O Jātavedas, Vaiśvānara, your greatness has spread from lofty heaven; you are king of peoples and humankind, making a path for the gods even in battle. Now, let the greatness of the Bull be proclaimed, whom the Purus follow, the slayer of Vṛtra. Vaiśvānara Agni, conquering the foe, shook the forests and split open Śambara’s stronghold. By his greatness, Vaiśvānara shines among all peoples, especially among the Bharadvājas, the devoted worshippers. In the house of Śātavaneya, with sharp flames, Agni, rich in praise, grows strong in many abodes. Agni, radiant and resplendent, is the banner of the assembly, the well-guiding envoy, swift and renowned, the twice-born wealth, the gift that Mātariśvan brought to Bhṛgu. To him, both rulers and subjects, those who bring offerings, and all mortals resort. Even from heaven, he was the first to be established as Hotar, the wise lord of the clans. With new praise, we approach Agni, born in our hearts, sweet of tongue, and famed among us. The priests, the active men, generate him among the people, striving with zeal. Pure and shining, Agni is the giver of treasure, the most excellent Hotar, established among the tribes. As householder and lord of the home, may Agni be the master of riches for the wealthy. You, Agni, lord of riches, are praised by the Gotamas with their thoughts. Swift and wise, bringing the prize, may you come quickly at dawn, beneficent one. Now, to mighty Indra, the strong, is offered this praise, a gift for his greatness. Let the inspired Adhrigavas send forth hymns for Indra, the most generous. With heart, mind, and thought, we bring these praises, raising our voices in abundant song for the ancient lord. With the greatest words of the wise and splendid hymns, let us magnify the generous one. We join this hymn for Indra, as a craftsman fits a chariot for the journey—songs for the song-loving, splendid Indra, the wise one for all to hear. Like a victorious troop, we set forth the hymn for Indra, honoring the heroic, bountiful one, famed for his deeds and upholder of law. For him, Tvaṣṭṛ fashioned the thunderbolt, most skillful, fit for glory and battle. With it, Indra struck at the vital spot of Vṛtra, shattering the stronghold with his weapon. At his mother’s urging, he drank at once the strength of his father; swift, with Viṣṇu’s aid, the stronger one cooked the offering and pierced the boar that hid the mountain. For Indra’s great deeds, even the goddesses, the wives of the gods, sang hymns, and the broad heavens and earth embraced him, though his greatness could not be contained. His greatness spread forth from heaven, earth, and midspace; Indra, famed in all abodes, took up his strength for battle, shining for victory. By his might, Indra with his thunderbolt cut apart the withering Vṛtra; like cows, he released the imprisoned waters and, mindful, won glory for the eager one. At his mighty roar, the rivers rejoiced; with the thunderbolt, he confined their courses, granting favor and abundance to the eager, swift Turvani, the generous. For him, bring forth the thunderbolt, O eager one, to slay the foe in many ways. With the goad’s edge, split the ridges and drive apart the waters, so floods may flow for our dwelling. Proclaim his ancient, mighty deeds with new hymns; when armed for battle, he fiercely scatters his enemies. At his terror, the firm mountains, vast heavens, and earth tremble at his birth. Approaching the seat of the wise one, the inspired poet is endowed with strength. Indra is to be followed among the worthy, even alone in the forest, the lord of abundance. Striving with the Sun for the prize, he gained the swift horses of Suvaśva. Thus, for you, O Indra, the Harijanas and Gotamas have composed splendid hymns. Upon these, bestow all-encompassing insight—may the wise one come swiftly at dawn with understanding. To the mighty, the strong, we offer our hymn—a song of praise to the singer, the descendant of Angiras. With well-formed verses, we praise the ancient one, the renowned hero. Bring your great homage to the mighty, offer your song of praise to the powerful one; by such hymns, our forefathers, the Angirases, knowing the path, found the cows through their devotion.