Indra, mighty and joyous, is called to the sacred ritual, drawn by the exhilarating Soma and the abundance of its offerings. With overflowing strength, he is invoked to partake in the libations pressed especially for him—the one who delights in Soma, who has fashioned all things for those who act. The worshippers invite Indra, the fair-jawed and gracious lord of all peoples, to rejoice with their songs and join their sacrifices. Their hymns, poured forth with devotion, summon Indra, the bull among gods and the sovereign lord. They urge Indra onward—splendid, swift, and excellent above all—asking that he become their all-pervading and powerful protector. They call upon him to inspire them toward wealth, eager strength, and lasting fame and glory. With reverence, they seek from Indra cattle, horses, and wide renown, praying for undiminished life for all. They entreat him to bestow great fame, abundant strength, and riches as numerous as those carried on chariots. With their hymns, they praise Indra—the ancient master of treasures, the ever-helpful lord at the offering. In every home and at every pressing of Soma, Indra’s might is celebrated with ever-greater hymns, and his strength is sung forth. The singers of the Gāyatrī meter chant his praises; those who honor the Sun exalt the Sun, and the priests, recognizing Indra’s hundredfold power, raise him up as one would a lofty banner. When Indra ascended from peak to peak, performing many wondrous deeds, he pondered the purpose of the offering, and his mighty band stirred at his side. The worshippers invite Indra to yoke his two tawny, strong-maned steeds and approach, to drink the Soma and listen to their songs. They call him to their praises, asking him to resound with his voice, to be gracious, to join their prayer, and to make their sacrifice flourish. Their laudation is spoken in his honor, increasing his greatness in the well-guarded place, for Indra delights in their offerings and friendships. They seek his friendship, his wealth, and his heroic strength, praying that generous Indra may grant them riches. They honor Indra, famed for his gifts and whose path is broad and clear, asking him to bestow cattle, open the enclosures, and make them prosper as the stone-splitter. Neither earth nor sky can restrain Indra as he strives; he conquers the shining waters and gathers the cows together for his devotees. With open ears, Indra hears their call. They ask that he accept their words and make their hymn effective, even if there is a distance between them. They know Indra as the most vigorous, famed for responding to invocations in contests, and they call upon him for aid—a thousandfold giver. They invite Indra of the Kuśikas to come, delighting in the pressed Soma, to extend their lives and make the inspired one a singer of a thousand songs. Their songs surround Indra from every side, and they pray that the blessings which lengthen life and are well-accepted may be pleasing to him. All songs magnify Indra, whose vastness is like the ocean. He is the best of charioteers, the true lord of prizes, and the supreme master. In friendship with Indra, the worshippers feel strong and fearless, ever praising the unconquered victor. Indra’s many gifts and aids never fail; when he bestows cattle and wealth, the praisers rejoice in his bounty. The breaker of forts, young and wise, of boundless might, was born—Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, praised by many, upholder of all action. He, the stone-splitter, opened Vala’s cave rich in cattle; the gods, at first afraid, sought him and came forth when urged by his might. By Indra’s gifts, the worshipper crossed the wide river, and the singers, knowing this, approached him with their songs. With his powers of illusion, Indra overcame the cunning Śuṣṇa; his wise ones know this and their praises rise high. With hymns, they approach Indra, lord of might, whose gifts are a thousandfold and ever more abundant. Turning to Agni, the worshippers choose him as their messenger—the priest who knows all, skillful in sacrifice. With offerings, they always invoke Agni, lord of the people and beloved carrier of oblations. Agni is asked to bring the gods to the well-laid altar grass, for he is the priest most worthy of praise. He is to awaken the eager gods as he carries their message, and to sit with them upon the altar. Radiant Agni, accepting offerings of ghee, is invoked to burn away the harmful ones, for he is the protector against evil. Through Agni, Agni is kindled—the wise, youthful master of the house, carrier of offerings, and invoker of the gods. The worshippers praise Agni, the sage who is true to law in the ritual and wards off harm. Whoever honors Agni as the lord of offerings and messenger, Agni becomes his protector. Whoever invokes Agni with offerings for the favor of the gods, to him, O pure one, may Agni grant kindness. Thus, radiant Agni is called to bring the gods to the sacrifice and to accept the worshippers’ offerings. In this way, the sacred songs and offerings flow—invoking Indra’s might and generosity, and Agni’s guidance and protection—binding gods and mortals together in the eternal ritual.