In ancient times, all the hosts of men, seeking a mighty protector and generous benefactor, fashioned Indra, the victorious one, to be their king. None surpassed him in resolve or in the bestowal of gifts; he was powerful, energetic, and strong beyond compare. The singers, united in devotion, raised their voices together so that Indra might drink the Soma, the sacred elixir. As he drank, Indra grew in strength, assuming his place as the steadfast lord of light, ever faithful to his vows, arriving with his hosts of power. The inspired ones, their vision sharp and minds awakened, bent their efforts like spokes turning on a wheel, lifting their songs in praise. They approached Indra with pure intentions, seeking that he, the mighty one, would listen and grant them his favor, keeping his praisers safe from harm. They called upon him—Indra, the generous and unrestrainable, who upholds all powers and is most worthy of hymns and sacrifice. May he, the wielder of the thunderbolt, clear all obstacles from the paths of his devotees. Indra’s might was legendary; with his power, he destroyed ancient fortresses, striking them down for their ruin. The worlds themselves trembled at his force—heaven and earth shook in awe and fear at the thunderbolt-bearer’s deeds. Thus, the people prayed, “May the truth of Indra, the heroic one, protect us. Like water, O mighty one, drive away all harm. When, O Indra, will you grant us wealth, that all-encompassing and desirable abundance, O king?” With reverence, the people sang chants to Indra, wise and great, vast in power, acting always in accordance with cosmic law, seeing all with clarity and ever worthy of praise. Indra, the all-conquering, caused the sun to shine and shaped all that exists; he was the god of all and supremely great. Shining with radiant light, he ascended to the luminous realm of heaven, chosen by the gods themselves as their friend. To Indra, lord of heaven, the people sent forth their heartfelt desires, open and broad as a mountain, hoping that their prayers would reach him, the Satrājit, unconcealed. Truly, Indra, the true Soma-drinker, became both earth and sky; he was the mighty one for those who pressed Soma, the sovereign of the heavens. He was ever the destroyer of ancient cities, the slayer of the Dasyu, the powerful lord of heaven. Thus, Indra’s devotees, lovers of song, sent forth their desires for greatness, inviting the gods to come bearing gifts of water. Their hymns of praise strengthened Indra, the hero, who, like a stone-splitter, grew ever greater day by day. The eager ones yoked his two bay steeds to his wide chariot, drawing him forth with their songs and words. Indra, the hundred-powered, brought strength and manliness among men, bestowing upon his followers a hero victorious in battle. To Indra, their father and treasure-giver, their mother and hundred-powered protector, the people sought favor, calling upon him, much-invoked and mighty, to grant them true heroism. On this day, men poured forth to Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, their eager songs of praise, inviting him to join his kinsmen. They rejoiced in his presence, the fair-jawed and golden one, adorned by the wise; his praises were foremost in every pressing of the sacred drink. All gazed upon Indra as they would upon the sun, for his treasures, born of power, were distributed among men as was fitting. They praised the generous giver of wealth, for Indra’s gifts were fortunate, and he was never angered by the desires of his followers, but rather encouraged generosity and giving. In every contest, Indra surpassed all rivals, destroying curses and conquering universally; he was to be invoked in every battle. The very earth hastened after Indra’s impetuous might, as mothers after a child. All rivals he subdued by his will, as when he overcame Vṛtra, the foe. From afar, his ageless protector, the swift envoy and unconquered charioteer, came to aid him, increasing the strength of his allies. Indra, the ever-youthful possessor of wealth, mighty in deeds and unopposed, was called upon by all for help. When Indra assigned a share to his devotee, all the gods approached, and the devotee, strengthened by Indra, accomplished heroic deeds. The first portion of the sweet Soma was set before Indra, who sat to the right of his friend, and together they struck down many foes. The people were urged to offer true praise to Indra, for none could claim he did not exist—his greatness was witnessed by all. Indra himself declared, “Here I am, O singer—see me! By my greatness I surpass all beings. The regions of truth make me grow; I shatter and break apart the worlds.” When the seers ascended to the law, riding alone on the bay horse, their minds and hearts spoke in harmony, and their companions rejoiced. All of Indra’s deeds at the pressings were to be proclaimed—his generous acts for those who pressed Soma, such as when he opened the well-guarded, distant wealth for Sharabha, the sage’s friend. Indra struck the vital spot of Vṛtra with his thunderbolt, freeing all that had been restrained. Swift as thought, he crossed the iron fortress, soared like a great bird to the sky, and brought Soma to the thunderer. Within the ocean, the thunderbolt lay hidden, covered by water, while streams brought tribute to Indra from their source. When speech was uttered without understanding, the queen of the gods delighted, milking four streams of strength—her highest power, a mystery. The gods themselves generated the divine speech, which all beings spoke in their own forms. May that speech, milking sweet strength for us like a cow, come with praise. Friend Vishnu was invoked to stride forth widely, granting space in the sky for the thunderbolt, so that Vṛtra might be slain, and the rivers, released by Indra’s impulse, might flow forth freely. The mortal who strives for the favor of the gods prospers, preparing offerings for Mitra and Varuna as is right. These kings, mighty in sovereignty and far-seeing, renowned since ancient times, their arms unassailable, yoked their chariots together with the rays of the sun. Thus, the story of Indra unfolds—a tale of might, generosity, and cosmic order, sung by those who seek his favor and protection, and who praise the king of the gods with reverence and devotion.