A sacred ritual unfolds, where the Soma juice is pressed and purified by devoted hands. Those who prepare it, seeking divine favor, send the fresh Soma to Vayu and the Ashvins, praying that these gods grant them heroic strength. Soma, purified for Indra’s bounty, is urged to settle deep within the heart, resting in the womb of truth. Ten fingers cleanse Soma, and seven inspired thoughts propel its journey. The sages, filled with insight, follow its path closely. For the gods and for exhilaration, Soma is sent forth, clothed in the essence of the kine, flowing and radiant. Within the vessels, the ruddy, tawny Soma dons its garments, encircling the cows with its purity. The flow of Soma is invoked to bring generosity, to drive away all haters, and to come as a friend, especially to Indra. It is called to rain strength from the sky, to bestow power upon the earth, and to grant might in battles. The devotees wish to partake of Soma, as Indra does, seeing its light and receiving it as nourishment for their offspring. Among them stands the inspired sage, beloved of heaven, set in the place of offspring, praised for possessing the wisdom of seers. Chosen and true, the sage advances for the dwelling and for the people, moving swiftly and without deceit. This pure son, born of his mothers, brings forth their brilliance at birth, growing vast and great by the cosmic order. Set in motion by seven thoughts, the sage unimpededly guides the rivers, which together converge at one 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. Soma is called upon to drive away the deepest darkness, purifying and shattering all obstacles. For the ever-new, ever-young hymn, Soma is asked to make the path easy and to shine forth ancient lights anew. Pavamana, the purifying Soma, is invoked to grant great fame, cattle, horses with heroes, enduring wisdom, and lasting light. The pressed Somas surge forward like swift chariots, eager for glory and wealth. Harnessed by hands, they are set in motion, bearing the works of the doers. Adorned with cows, the Somas are praised like kings, arranged as a sacrifice with seven officiants. Their drops, filled with might and song, flow around, streaming forth in the vessel for exhilaration. The drinkers of light have begotten the wealth of dawn for Vivasvat, and the strong ones spread the path wide. The channels of the mighty, active Soma open ancient doors of thought for the poets. The seven sons of the hotar unite, sitting together and seeking the one path. As navel connects to navel, so Soma is placed, and even the eye follows the sun, drawing out the offspring of the sage. The shining Soma, with its eye, beholds the beloved seat of heaven, set in secret by the priests. The people are called to sing to Indu, the purifying Soma, as the gods approach him. The Atharvans surround Soma with honeyed milk, honoring the god for the god, divine in nature. Soma is invoked to flow for blessing—blessing to the cow, the people, the charioteer, the kings, and the plants. Praise is offered to the tawny, self-powerful, ruddy one who touches the sky, Soma, with song. The pressed Soma is purified with stones moved by hand, running with sweetness and flowing with honey. Devotees bow down, sit near, and listen to the vessel, placing the drop for Indra. Soma, wise and destroyer of foes, flows for the cow and the gods, fulfilling their desires. Poured for Indra to drink, for intoxication, Soma is desired even by the mind itself, lord of the mind. The purifying one is asked to grant heroic strength and bestow wealth, with Indra as ally. The pressed Soma juices flow in the seat of truth, most sweet for Indra. The sages call out, as cows to their calf, inviting Indra to drink Soma. Flowing with intoxication, Soma dwells in the seat, as the wave of the river, resting upon the cow. From the navel of heaven, the discerning Soma is magnified in the waters, wise and poetic. Soma, placed within the vessels and the filter, is embraced by Indu. Thus, the ritual continues, weaving together the prayers, praises, and invocations, as Soma flows—purifying, blessing, and connecting heaven and earth.