The sacred Soma, radiant and pure, streamed forth for the divine offering, its flow akin to the skilled deeds of the wise, descending from the swelling mountains. These purified drops, like a noble woman continuing her ancestral line, made their way toward Vāyu, the swift god of the winds. Pressed and potent, the Soma juices, brimming with strength, increased Indra’s might through their vigorous actions. The bright ones, skillful and true, were summoned to come forth. With good hands, they seized the clear Soma, straining it and pressing out its essence with the help of cows. “Flow on, O Soma,” they invoked, “you who win wealth and grant great bounty. Be our guide, leading us to our highest goal.” Ten pourers gathered, cleansing the exhilarating Soma, preparing it as a delightful offering for Indra. Through right action, this Soma grew even greater, stirred to overflow with exhilaration. Its deeds now accomplished, it turned its attention to the destruction of foes, eager for the debts owed to the gods to be paid. From Soma came forth the powerful essence—a thunderbolt, a thousandfold in strength—giving birth to hymns in its honor. The sage, distributing the Soma, sought treasures for the inspired, his thoughts purified in the process. He desired the riches found among the strong, like those who possess swift horses, seeking victory in contests. “We seek you, Soma, bearer of manly powers, lovely and righteous, in the great gatherings beneath the vast sky,” the worshippers sang. The one whose strength was gathered, fit for hymns and noble in vow, had shattered a hundred fortresses. Thus, the tireless eagle brought Soma—the wealth, the king, the wise counselor—down from heaven. For the all-seeing, Soma bore the broad, far-reaching realm, guarding the nectar with his strength. Pouring out his might, he attained even greater greatness, becoming a benefactor renowned among men. “Flow forth for us, Soma, rich in rain,” the people called, “bring the nourishing wave of water from the sky, abundant and free from sickness.” With that stream, let the cows and their offspring come home to us. Flow, clarified butter, in the sacrifices, best supporter of the gods; let your stream bring us rain and prosperity. Cleanse for us, through your nourishing and unfailing filter, and let the gods hear our desires. The purified one has destroyed the harmful, crushed the malicious, and the ancient lights now shine forth. Soma’s powers rose up, resounding like the roar of a river’s wave, as the press-stone was urged on with song. Three voices, eager for the sacrifice, were raised as Soma flowed, unimpeded, to the channel. Through unbroken coverings, the beloved tawny one was driven with stones, pouring out sweetness. “Flow forth, most exhilarating one, through the filter, O wise one; you have entered the womb of the hymn.” Adorned with cows and garments, Soma flowed for Indra to drink. The Adhvaryu, the priest, poured the pressed Soma with stones through the filter, purifying it for Indra’s enjoyment. The highest, most nourishing Soma was pressed from heaven for Indra, the wielder of the bolt, the sweetest of all. The gods and the Maruts partook of its intoxicating juice, savoring the sweetness of the flowing Soma. When pressed, Soma increased exhilaration, inspiring the worshippers. “Advance, O wise one,” they called, “bring us strength and fame.” May the shining, swift-flowing Soma surround Bharadvāja with his juice, flowing through the filter. With ancient paths and unbroken coverings, beloved Soma flowed in a thousand streams. Like a generous friend, a giver, and a warrior, Soma bestowed his gifts freely. “Cast down the strength of those who oppose us, O Indu, much-invoked one. With a hundred aids, or a thousand pure streams, flow forth, bringing abundant wealth.” Soma’s powers arose, breaking the demon, driving away all opposition. With this strength, Soma struck down in the contests for wealth, and the worshippers praised him with fearless hearts. None could withstand the ordinances of the flowing purifier; he broke those who contended against him. All urged on that exhilarating, tawny, swift Soma in the waters—the spirited draught prepared for Indra. Thus, Soma’s journey, from the mountains to the altar, from the hands of the priests to the lips of the gods, was celebrated—his strength, his generosity, and his purifying power ever honored in sacred song and offering.