Gathered in reverence, the sages call upon Indra, the mighty protector, inviting him to rejoice with them in the freshly pressed Soma. They recognize his boundless strength and his generosity, knowing him as the possessor of countless treasures. With heartfelt desires, they seek his protection and favor. Indra stands among beings who uphold all that is excellent. His renown echoes among people, and he perceives even the thoughts of those who lack devotion. The sages ask him to grant them knowledge of these, to share his insight and wisdom. With songs offered as lovingly as a mother listens to her children, they implore Indra to make them prosperous and truthful. When he does so, his two mighty steeds are harnessed, ready for action. Those beloved ones, having eaten and rejoiced, are filled with favor and delight. Inspired, they praise Indra with fresh insight, and again, his steeds are harnessed. The sages wish to praise Indra with clarity and vision. The yoke is full, the praise resounds, and Indra, following the will, prepares his chariot, his steeds harnessed and ready. He mounts the mighty chariot, rich with cows, considering the vessel full and ready for the yoking. The right and left steeds, hundred-powered, are yoked; delighted by Soma, Indra approaches his beloved spouse. With hymns, the tawny-haired steeds are yoked for Indra. He comes near, taking his seat in the hands of the ritual. The pressed Somas gladden him, and together with Pūṣan, he rejoices in the joy of the spouse. The foremost among mortals, aided by Indra, reaches the cows with strong and prosperous horses. Indra fills him with greater wealth, surrounding him as rivers and waters. Like divine streams, the wise approach the priestly office, seeing the vast expanse of the stretched atmosphere. The gods lead the godly one forward, delighting in him who loves the hymn, as brides delight in their beloved. The hymn is placed upon both, the two who serve with the ladle, like a pair. Indra’s ordinance is unrestrained, his good power abides and prospers for the sacrificer who presses Soma. The Angirases first established the sacred way, kindling the fires with righteous action. They discovered all the food of the Panis—the horses, cows, and cattle. Atharvan, with sacrifices, first trod the paths. From him, the sun, guardian of order, was born. The wise Kāvyā are called to gather with the cows, and the immortal born of Yama is worshipped. Whether the sacred grass is spread for lordship or the hymn proclaimed in the sky, where the stone speaks and the singer utters praise, Indra delights in these offerings. Soma is offered to Indra, most powerful and bold. The atmosphere fills him with strength, as the sun fills the world with rays. His irresistible steeds carry him to the praises of seers and the sacrifices of men. Indra, slayer of Vṛtra, mounts his chariot, his steeds yoked by the hymn. The sages pray that his mind turns towards them, that the sound of the stone brings him near. Indra is invited to drink the Soma, the greatest immortal delight. The bright streams flow to him in the seat of truth. Worship is offered, hymns are spoken, and the exhilarating Somas honor Indra, the mighty and eldest, with reverence. No one matches Indra in chariot-driving when his two bays are harnessed; none equals his speed or attains his wealth. He alone gives wealth to the mortal who serves him, unconquered lord. The sages wonder when Indra will listen to their songs and swiftly come to the mortal in need, as one steps to a field. Whoever, among many, calls Indra to the pressed Soma, to him Indra’s power belongs. Just as cows drink the sweet, flowing honey, those who rejoice with Indra in strength shine, possessing wealth and following the sun’s sovereignty. The speckled Prishni cows prepare Soma for him; dear to Indra, they urge on his thunderbolt and arrow, possessing wealth and following the sun’s rule. Wise and strong ones serve him with homage, accompanying his many ancient ordinances. Indra, unconquered, slew ninety-nine foes with the bones of Dadhichi. Seeking the horse’s head hidden among the mountains, he found it, guided by the falcon. There, they followed the name of the cow, the lower form of Tvashtar, thus in the house of the moon. The sages ask: Who today yokes the cows to the yoke of truth, eager, shining, with strong hearts? Their sisters are near in their hearts, bringing joy; who among them has fulfilled the service for life? Who seeks, who is praised, who is feared, who thinks Indra is present, who is near? Who for offspring, who for wealth, who for himself, who for people, will declare? Who desires Agni with oblation, with ghee, with ladle, with fixed seasons? For whom do the gods swiftly bear the offering? Who thinks the well-worshipped priest is good? Indra alone, most mighty, is praised; no one but him is a helper to mortals. The sages speak this word to him, asking that his gifts and aids never fail them, and that he measure out all human wealth, as the lord of people. Now, the sons of Rudra, the Maruts, wise and shining like races, set out. The Maruts have made the two worlds grow; the heroes rejoice, eager in contests. Sprinkled with brilliance, the Rudras have attained greatness and established their seat in heaven. Praising, they produce the hymn and generate strength; the speckled-mothered Maruts have taken up glory. When the cows, adorned with bright ointments, move forth, their shining bodies bear marks of beauty. They drive away all hostile forces, and clarified butter flows along their paths. The Maruts, resplendent and well-armed with spears, shake even the unshakable by their might. Swift as thought, they yoke the spotted steeds to their chariots—a strong band of heroes. When the Maruts yoke their spotted steeds to their chariots, speeding to the prize, they shatter the rock; the streams of the red one burst forth, scattered over the earth like water on a hide. Let the seven swift-moving ones bring the Maruts here, with agile strength. They come forth with their arms, take their seat on the wide sacred grass, and rejoice in the sweet libation. Thus, the hymns resound, the offerings are made, and the gods—Indra and the Maruts—are glorified for their might, wisdom, and generosity, ever present in the hearts and rituals of the devoted.