With hearts full of reverence, the sages gathered and lifted their voices in praise of mighty Indra, the lord of great power. “Indra,” they called, “we extol you, the peerless one, strong and sovereign. Come, partake of the Soma we have pressed for you.” With eager devotion, they prepared the sacred seat and offered their worship, longing for their devotion and offerings to please him. They remembered that Indra belongs to all—he is the common friend, shared by every devotee. So, again and again, they summoned him, pressing sweet Soma with sacred stones, milking it for his delight. “Accept this drink, Indra,” they prayed, “and let it bring you joy.” They hailed him as wise and discerning, celebrated among all people, and implored him to grant them fame and renown. “You are the giver of spotted cattle, O king adorned with gold and generosity. May your favor never bring us harm.” In gratitude for his gifts, they recounted how they had bestowed a thousand spotted cattle and radiant gold, shining and vast, to honor him. The offspring of the mighty fortress, rich in gifts, had made them famous even among the gods. With these praises and the hope for wealth, the singers called upon Indra for help. Their voices rang out at the Soma-pressing, summoning the generous one as a provider. “No greedy or stubborn force can restrain you, Indra, swift and exhilarating in the intoxication of Soma. You, the giver, are worthy of every song and every drop pressed in your honor.” They celebrated his might, his strength, his wealth in horses and gold. Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, set the cattle free to roam the wide earth. Even treasures hidden or hoarded by many, he bestowed upon his worshippers. Armed with his thunderbolt, beautiful-jawed and drawn by tawny horses, Indra acted by his own will, granting as he desired. “Whatever you have done before, O much-praised one, even in ancient times for mortals, we now offer you again: our sacrifice, our praise, our swift and heartfelt words. With our Soma offerings, you—much-invoked, bolt-armed, and glorious—are the most desirable wealth for the singer, the best for the one who presses Soma.” They rejoiced, “We have filled you, O mighty one, with our offerings. United in mind, we bring you Soma—adorn yourself for fame among all beings.” Even the wolf, once an enemy, is adorned in your ways, they sang. “So come, Indra, delighting in praise; accept this hymn with your wondrous thought.” They wondered aloud, “What deed of Indra’s is not heroic? By what fame, for whom, has the slayer of Vṛtra not been known since birth? What of his great, bold powers has ever wavered? What task has he left undone? Indra has destroyed all the cunning ones and, by his will, has overcome the Paṇis.” With new hymns, they brought him abundant praise, as nourishing as food. Even the powerless had called upon Indra for help, trusting in his strength. “Come, wealth-giver, to our libations from afar. Hear our invocation, O most powerful one. Apart from you, O Indra, there is no other generous one, no other helper.” They pleaded, “Drive away from us all lack, hunger, and curse. Grant us your aid, and with your wondrous thought, most powerful, teach us the path. Let the Soma, pressed for you, be ready. Do not fear, O companions. The evil one departs, withdrawing on his own.” Turning their prayers to the Ādityas, the radiant rulers, they entreated favor, graciousness, and blessing. “Mitra, Varuṇa, Aryaman—guide us past distress, as only you know how. Your protection and shelter are wondrous, shining with glory for the worshipper. Great is your aid, O mighty ones; we choose your protection.” They asked the Ādityas always to defend the living from sudden harm, for these gods hear every invocation. “If there is shelter or protection for the weary Soma-presser, grant it to us and speak in our favor. For the innocent, there is a broad refuge and treasure—the Ādityas are wondrous and sinless.” “Let no barrier restrain us; may the great one choose us for favor. Indra is famed and powerful. Let not the malice of enemies nor the snares of the wicked reach us. Protect us thoroughly, O gods.” They addressed Aditi, the great goddess, with prayer for graciousness and blessing. “Lead us out from misery, from deep distress, from those who wish harm upon the fierce-born. Let no harm come to our offspring. Make our path wide and free from obstacles, so our children may flourish in life.” They honored those who lead the people—faultless, self-glorious, upholding their vows without deceit. “May the Ādityas release us from all bonds, as Aditi frees the bound. May sharp pain and evil intentions be washed away; let our attacker depart.” With gratitude, they remembered, “Generous Ādityas, you have always protected us, in the past and now. Forever, O wise ones, even against recurring sin, you act for the living. May your protection and favor endure for us, now and always.