Hear now the flowing tale of Indra, the mighty lord, as sung in the ancient hymns. The people called upon Indra, beseeching him to bring forth abundant and victorious wealth, ever-growing and steadfast, to stand by their side. They remembered how, with a single blow of his fist, Indra had struck down the fearsome Vṛtras, laying low all obstacles in his path. With his aid, they longed to wield the thunderbolt themselves, to shatter their enemies and triumph over all rivals in battle. They yearned to stand with brave companions and strong allies, confident that, joined with Indra, they would overcome any who rose against them. Great indeed was Indra, his might as vast as the open sky, ever increasing. All people—whether seeking children or wisdom—were urged to rely upon him. Indra, the eager one, whose belly swelled with Soma like the sea, whose form was broad as the cresting waters, was the very embodiment of bounty. His gifts shone forth, rich in cattle, ripened and ready for the worshipper, like a laden branch. His blessings and powers were ever present for those who served him, coming instantly to the devoted. Thus, his praise was always desired, his hymns sung at the Soma-drinking, for Indra delighted in the exhilarating draught. The people pressed Soma for him, honoring the one who delighted in its taste, for he had fashioned all things for the doer. Indra, fair-jawed and lord of all peoples, was invited to join their sacrifices, to rejoice in their songs and offerings. They poured forth their devotion, calling upon Indra, the mighty bull and lord, with heartfelt hymns. He was urged to come forth, splendid, swift, and excellent, all-pervading and powerful. The people asked him to lead them toward wealth, eager strength, fame, and glory. They sought from him cattle, horses, wide renown, and undiminished life. They prayed for abundant strength, riches by the thousand, and chariot-borne wealth. Always, they praised Indra, the ancient lord of treasures, the bringer of aid at the offering, singing ever greater hymns to him in every home and at every pressing. The singers of the Gāyatrī chanted his name, while those who praised the sun exalted the Sun. The priests, recognizing his hundredfold power, yoked Indra as one would a lofty banner. When he ascended from summit to summit, accomplishing many clear deeds, Indra pondered his purpose and stirred mightily with his troop. They called him to yoke his two tawny, strong-maned steeds and draw near, to listen to their songs and drink the Soma. They invited him to their praises, to resound with his voice, to be gracious and join their prayers, making their sacrifice flourish. The people spoke his laudation in the many-guarded place, for Indra delighted in their offerings and their friendship. They sought his friendship for wealth and heroic strength, praying that the generous Indra would grant them riches. They called upon the famed giver, whose path was wide, to open the enclosures and shower them with cattle, to make them prosper, and to split the stones that barred their way. Neither earth nor sky could restrain Indra as he strove; he would conquer the shining waters and drive the cows together for his people. With open ears, Indra heard their call and accepted their words, making their hymns effective, even if distance separated them. They knew him as the most vigorous, famed for hearing invocations in contests, the granter of a thousandfold aid. They called him to the Kuśikas, inviting him to drink the pressed Soma, to extend their lives, and make the inspired ones singers of a thousand songs. Their hymns surrounded him from every side, wishing that all blessings—those that lengthen life and those that are well-accepted—would please Indra. All songs magnified Indra, whose expanse was like the ocean, the best charioteer, the true lord of prizes. In friendship with him, the people felt strong and fearless, ever praising the unconquered victor. Indra’s gifts and aids never failed; when he bestowed cattle, the praisers rejoiced in his bounty. Indra, the breaker of forts, young and wise, of boundless might, was born to uphold all action, praised by many as the wielder of the thunderbolt. He, the stone-splitter, opened the cave of Vala, rich in cattle, and when the gods were terrified, they sought him out and came forward at his urging. By Indra’s gifts, heroes crossed wide rivers, and the singers, knowing his love for song, approached him with their praises. With his powers of illusion, Indra overcame the cunning Śuṣṇa, and the wise ones, knowing this, raised their hymns high. Thus, with their songs, they approached Indra, the lord of might, whose gifts were a thousandfold and even more abundant, ever seeking his favor and his strength.