In the sacred moments of invocation, the worshippers turn first to Agni, the radiant fire, calling upon him as their singer and lord, the protector and guardian of all. They beseech him, the steadfast householder and mighty sentinel of heaven, to keep harm at bay and to shield their home from all dangers. With gentle compassion, Agni is entreated to prevent the approach of any enemy, to drive away hunger and evil, and to ward off those who wish ill upon the devotees. As the flames of Agni burn bright, the prayers shift to Indra, the mighty and generous one. The worshippers invite Indra to hear their words and to draw near for the drinking of Soma, summoned by their prayers and strength. The wise ones establish Indra, the lord of light and the powerful bull, for the sake of strength, placing him first among those praised, for his mind is ever drawn to Soma. Indra, lover of many, is called to partake in the pressed Soma, for the people know him as the golden victor in battles, undaunted even among the bold. They praise Indra’s truth and reliability, urging him to act according to his will and to quickly grant them his prize, for they strive for his favor, recognizing him as the wielder of the thunderbolt. The worshippers follow Indra, the lord of power, as the bringer of fortune and the knower of wealth and glory, seeking his aid in all things. Indra is hailed as the giver of horses and creator of cattle, the golden spring among gods, whose gifts are never wasted. Whatever is sought, the devotees ask Indra to bring it to them. They invite Indra for their delight, requesting fortune and wealth, and ask him to pour out abundance for their desire of cattle and horses. Indra is known to give thousands and hundreds of herds as gifts, and the worshippers make him the subject of their songs, seeking his aid as Purandara. Even if the inspired sage speaks with or without full insight, the devotees pray that his words bring forth praise for Indra, the hundred-powered one, and that he, mindful of the east, does not harm them. Indra, strong-armed and destroyer of fortresses, is invoked as the lord of riches, called upon with hymns by all who desire wealth. The worshippers do not seek the wicked, weary, or sluggish, but wish to make Indra, the mighty, their companion in the pressed Soma, hoping to be his friends. In battles, they have yoked the fierce and mighty destroyer of foes with exhilarating draughts, knowing him as the best charioteer and winner of booty, whom none can surpass. From everything they fear, the devotees implore Indra to make them fearless, to grant them his aids, and to scatter their haters and foes. Indra, lord of riches and distributor of great abundance, is invoked with offerings of Soma, for he is bountiful and singer-loving. Indra, slayer of Vṛtra and unassailable, is chosen by the worshippers to protect them at every end, in the middle, from behind, and in front. They ask him to guard them from below, above, and on every side, keeping divine danger and the weapons of the godless far away. Day after day, today, tomorrow, and always, Indra is called upon to protect the devotees and to guard all their singers, both by day and night. The generous hero, eager for strength and valor, joins the worshippers, and with his hundred-powered arms, has fashioned the thunderbolt. The devotees bring forth praise for Indra, which he gladly accepts, magnifying his greatness with hymns and Soma offerings. Indra’s gracious gifts continue to increase, unmatched among men, advancing alone among the peoples and surpassing all beings by his might. Even when the old enemy tries to prevail with an unyoked horse, Indra’s heroic deeds are spoken of, and his gifts only grow. Indra is invited to delight in songs of praise that bring increase, and to enjoy the good fame that accompanies them. Bold in mind and action, Indra is adorned and worshipped with strong Somas and reverence, his gifts ever increasing. He looks down as a protector and guardian over men, enjoying the skill of the Soma-presser and making a friend his companion. All the gods have given Indra strength and counsel; he is the lord of all existence, much praised and renowned for his gracious gifts. The worshippers praise Indra’s supreme power, for he destroyed Vṛtra with his strength, and his bounties are renowned and auspicious. Indra, the wise, perceives the generations of men, fashioning them as if alike, and his gifts remain renowned. His might and wisdom are exalted, and many have grown strong in his shelter, for Indra’s gifts are auspicious. Indra and the worshippers are yoked together as allies, and even against the hostile, the hero thinks upon them. The devotees praise Indra, not falsehood, for his destruction is great for the non-sacrificer, but many are the lights for the sacrificer. Indra, the ancient singer of the great, is ever new with his powers. Through his doors, Manu’s father brought wisdom among the gods. The stones pressed with Soma do not overstep the measure of heaven, and hymns and sacred utterances are praised. Indra, knowing, chose the cows for the Angirases, and his manliness is celebrated. Grown by the seers, Indra is the treasure of speech, gracious to the hymn’s offering, and is called to aid the worshippers. According to his will, the worshippers with Svāhā follow, seeking Indra’s protection for the winning of the clan. In Indra, all heroic deeds are accomplished and to be done, for the hymns know him as the lord of the sacrifice. When the shouts of Indra resounded with the people of Pañcajana, he spread out seats and rivers for the Arya, creating the dwelling of the mind. This praise, composed for Indra’s manly deeds, honors him, for he has opened the path of the wheel, guiding all with his strength and wisdom.