As the sacred rite unfolds, all the gods—Vāyu, Bṛhaspati, Sūrya, Agni, and Indra—come together in harmony, drawn by the call of ‘svāhā’ to the purifier. Soma, the strong and unblemished one, prepares himself with a delightful stream, eager to serve the gods and to bring joy to the worshippers. The Soma drops, like Indra in their intoxicating delight, flow swiftly, drawn toward the steeds and horses, seeking the exhilaration of ancient times. Pressed and filtered, they journey toward strength and fame, cascading like waters down a slope, purified and reaching Indra’s presence. Ten maidens, skillful and swift as racers in the woods, cleanse Soma, their play unmatched. The bull—Soma’s sap—is released with the cows, bringing exhilaration and the favor of the gods, ready for offering. Pressed and purified, this godly drink swells with vitality, especially for Indra, as its milk pours forth. Soma, the soul of the sacrifice, delightful and wise, is purified and pours out ancient wisdom for the ritual. Thus purified, Indu brings the most exhilarating delight to the feast, weaving even secret songs into the offering. The Soma drops flow forth on the path of truth, resplendent and knowing their purpose. The foremost stream of sweetness spreads wide, abundant and worthy of praise among the offerings. The bull, foremost in speech, is yoked and gives forth his sound for the worshipper, establishing the true rite in every dwelling. The sage, adorned with heroic powers, moves with songs, seeking to win the world of light. Pavamana, overcoming obstacles, sits like a king among the people when the wise purify him. The beloved tawny one, clothed in waters, rests in the woods, his roaring voice praised by hymns. With exhilaration, Soma moves alongside Vayu, Indra, and the Ashvins, guided by his own laws. To Mitra and Varuna, to Bhaga, the waves of sweetness flow, knowing Soma’s powers. The worshippers pray: “O Heaven and Earth, grant us wealth, sweetness for strength, fame, and gathered riches.” These Somas, increasing Indra’s desire, flow forth, strengthening his power. Purifying themselves, they journey to Vayu and the Ashvins, bringing hopes for heroic strength. Soma, purified for Indra’s bounty, enters the heart, settling in the womb of truth. Ten fingers cleanse him, seven thoughts urge him onward, and the inspired ones follow his tracks. For the gods, for exhilaration, Soma is sent forth, clothed in kine, purifying in the vessels, the ruddy, tawny one putting on his garments and surrounding the cows. “Flow for us, O generous one,” the worshippers pray, “drive away all haters; Indu, come to us as a friend.” Soma is asked to shower rain from the sky, strength upon the earth, and grant might in battles. The people yearn to partake of Soma, as Indra does, the seer of light, as food for their offspring. The inspired sage, beloved of heaven and set among the offspring, proceeds, well-praised and filled with the wisdom of seers. Chosen and true, he advances for the dwelling, for the people, without deceit and with the swiftest force. Born of his mothers, this pure son makes them shine forth, grown great by the cosmic order. Set in motion by seven thoughts, Soma unimpeded sets the rivers flowing, increasing from a single source. For the mighty youth, the flowing Soma is pressed and spread, placed under Indra’s rule. The immortal fire, shining, beholds the seven streams, and the skilled one satisfies the goddesses. “O Soma,” the people pray, “drive away our deepest darkness; purifying, you have shattered them. For the ever-new hymn, make the path easy and shine forth ancient lights anew.” Pavamana is asked to grant great fame, cattle, horses with heroes, enduring wisdom, and enduring light. The pressed Somas, like swift chariots eager for glory, advance for wealth. Set in motion by the hands, they are harnessed for the deeds of the doers. These Somas, like kings adorned with cows, are as splendid as a sacrifice arranged by seven skilled ones, moving ever onward in the sacred rite.