Indra, the heroic wielder of the thunderbolt, was invoked by generous souls, who prayed that their offerings might swiftly reach him. They remembered how, with his mighty bolt, Indra had subdued the demon Shushna, destroying all that had arisen alongside him. The people pleaded that Indra’s wealth and favor remain near, never distant, so that they might always enjoy his benevolence. They asked for true, harmless gifts—strength and abundance, like the fruitful cows—so that they might know Indra’s power. When mysterious beings, armless and footless, grew strong through the wisdom of the sages, Indra circled about and destroyed Shushna for the sake of all. The devotees then urged Indra to drink the Soma, to remain unharmed and ever-wealthy, and to protect those who praised him, granting them splendid riches. With reverence, the people worshipped Indra, whose right hand wields the bolt, who rides a chariot drawn by bay steeds. His beard shakes upwards, he is stirred by armies, and his generosity is renowned. His steeds are known even in the forest, and Indra, slayer of Vritra, stands present with gifts. Skillful and powerful, he rules, and even the name of the Dasa is driven away. When Indra, with his golden thunderbolt and chariot, drawn by two steeds, comes among the wise, Maghavan, famed since ancient times, is ready for the prize. With his companions, Indra, the bull, shakes his tawny beard and descends to the pleasant dwelling at the pressing of sweet Soma, stirring as the wind shakes the forest. His voice overcame discordant speech; he slew thousands of foes, and each heroic deed is celebrated. Like a father increasing his might for protection, Indra’s strength grows for his people. Hymns and praises are composed for him—unprecedented and excellent for the generous one. His bounty is known, his favor felt, as herdsmen care for their cattle. The people prayed that their friendship with Indra never be broken, nor the inspiration of his exhilaration. They knew his favor, like kin, and wished for his auspicious friendships to remain with them. Indra was invited to drink the Soma, rich in sweetness, pressed in the cup, and to bestow wealth upon his devotees. In his exhilaration, they asked for abundant riches, approaching him with sacrifices, hymns, and offerings. Indra, lord of power, was entreated to grant the best rewards. As lord of treasures and protector of singers, he was asked to shield them from enemies and harm. Then, the two mighty and skillful Asvins, inspired by exhilaration, churned the mixture in harmony. All the gods assembled when the Asvins emerged together, and the gods asked them to bring it back again. The people prayed for sweetness in departure and return, and asked the gods to grant them all that is done with sweetness. They called for favorable winds for their minds, skill, and intelligence. In Soma’s friendship and exhilaration, they wished their desires to be fulfilled, like battle-horses rushing to pasture. Soma, dwelling in all abodes and touching the heart, was invoked to make desires stand ready for wealth. They promised not to transgress Soma’s ordinances or beneficent acts, asking him to be gracious, like a father to his son, and to protect them from harm. Inspired thoughts flowed together like streams descending. Soma was asked to grant strength for life, to sustain them like cups, and to choose the eager ones by his power. The wise and inspired, in Soma’s exhilaration, sought rich pastures and herds abounding in cattle. Soma was asked to protect their cattle, spread throughout the world, gathering them together for life and seeing all beings. Soma, their universal guardian, was implored to repel those who seek harm, to let no evil-minded one rule over them. Awakened for their gaining of strength, Soma, bestower of fields among men, was asked to protect them from hostility and sin, wishing to deliver them. As a gracious friend of Indra, Soma was called upon in the assembly, wishing to deliver those fighting for offspring and home. The swift exhilaration grew dear to Indra, increasing the wisdom of the inspired. Soma stirred up wealth with cattle for the devoted worshipper, bringing forth the best for the seven, and helping them cross over blindness and deafness. Splendid thoughts went forth, yoked like wondrous ones to the chariot, driven by Pūṣan, strong in might. The people sought to attain greatness like the wind, recognizing Indra and Pūṣan among those praised. Indra and Pūṣan knew the praises, urging on like a herd. The people desired Pūṣan for themselves, for the accomplishment of thoughts and the help of the inspired. The winner of sacrifices, chariots swift as horses, the seer chosen of Manu, was the inspired one’s restraining friend. Vāyu, lord of the pure, cleansed the garments of the wearers. The lord of prizes, friend of abundance, whose tawny beard had grown, was unassailable. To Pūṣan’s chariot, the goats turned the yoke, friend of all who seek, born together and unfailing. They prayed that Pūṣan, strong in might, harness their chariot of strength and, as increaser of prizes, hear their call. Among those who are not, the singer declared himself as the one with force, preparing for the pressing for the sacrificing worshipper. He was the giver of curses, the smiter, upholding truth and destroying those who sought evil. If he gathered for battle those who did not worship the gods, intent only on themselves, he would cook for the mighty bull a strong, pressed Soma—the fifteenth—and pour it out. Thus, the story unfolds—a tale of devotion, prayer, and divine favor, where Indra, Soma, Pūṣan, the Asvins, and Vāyu are invoked and celebrated for their strength, protection, and generosity. The people, through hymns, offerings, and reverent praise, seek wisdom, wealth, harmony, and deliverance, trusting in the gods’ enduring friendship and the sweetness of their blessings.