In the beginning, the gods brought forth the universal one, establishing him as the navel of sacrifices and the seat of all riches. He is the great and mighty, the charioteer who guides the rites, the sign and heart of sacrifice, in whom the gods rejoice. With inspired song, the sages praise Mitra and Varuṇa, whose vast and splendid rule is mighty among the gods. These two sovereigns, whose origin is in ghee, are celebrated as divine among divinities. Their power, immense on earth and in the heavens, is sought to be strong for their devotees, for their rule among the gods is truly great. Indra is invited to come with his shining light, for the pressed drinks have been purified by human hands, offered in small measures. The prayers call Indra, accompanied by the wise, to the pressed Soma and the hymns of the singers. With eagerness, the tawny Indra is summoned to the hymns, to place the Soma for the benefit of his worshippers. Praise is offered to the one whose flame embraces all things, whose tongue brings brightness to darkness. When he is kindled, he calls for Indra’s favor, and the mortal who honors him finds abundant waters and glory. Swift, prize-bringing gifts are wished to carry both men and their horses safely, to Indra and Agni, for their journey. Soma, the sacred drop, sets out toward Indra’s dwelling, never abandoning a friend, rushing in the vessel along a hundredfold path, like a youth delighting with maidens. Delightful, skillful, praiseworthy thoughts advance in gatherings, seeking the tawny one at play, as hymns surround him and cows gather around the milk. Soma is called to flow with nourishing essence, pouring forth in purified waves. What is drawn three times daily is prayed to bring fertile land, wealth, honeyed strength, and heroic power. No act performed in sacrifice is wasted or perishes, but is ever fruitful, like Indra—mighty, unassailable, and all-encompassing. He is firm and fierce, victorious in battles, in whom great powers are released. When he is born, the cows gather and heaven and earth unite without obstruction. Friends gather for purification, singing forth, surrounding him like a child adorned by sacrifices, seeking glory. Soma is released like a calf to its mothers, for the attainment of life, praised among the twice-born in divine intoxication. That which accomplishes skill is purified for prosperity, for the band, for peace, and for Mitra and Varuṇa. The mighty one, thousand-streamed, flows forth through the filter, ever fresh and pure. Cleansed with waters, adorned with cows, he shines forth, thousand-seeded. Soma is sent forth to Indra’s belly, pressed by men with stones and prepared for drinking. The Somas pressed in distant lands, those pressed here, and those pressed in the land of chariots, those in the Arjika rituals, in dwellings, and among the five peoples, are all called upon. May these divine Somas pour rain from the sky, bringing heroic strength. To the calf, Agni, the mind rises from the highest abode, desired with song. Agni is harmonious in many places, master of all directions, called upon in battles for help and victory, bestower of splendid gifts in contests. Indra is prayed to bring strength and heroism, mighty and wise, victorious in battles, to grant a warrior who conquers in war. Indra is honored as both father and mother, and his favor is earnestly sought. To the powerful, much-invoked, victorious one, requests are made for heroic strength. Indra is asked to bestow whatever splendid gift is not yet here, to grant both kinds of wealth and bring them forth. Whatever Indra considers worthy and heavenly, he is urged to bring, so that his blazing, unfailing gift may be known. His mind, renowned and vast, strives in all directions, firmly attaining the prize for victory. The Maruts, with their troop, cleanse and adorn the youthful, tawny-born one; the sage, the poet Soma, surpasses the filter, resounding with songs and poetry. The seer-minded Soma, shining in heaven, thousand-guided, follows the paths of poets, reigning in splendor in the third abode. The falcon, the bird, the carrier Govinda, Drapsa, bearing weapons, together with the wave of waters, approaches the ocean, distinguishing the fourth abode. These Somas pour forth, fulfilling Indra’s dear desire and manifesting his heroic power. Purifying, they go forth accompanied by the Ashvins and Vayu, bestowing noble strength. Soma, purifying for Indra’s favor, stirs the heart and settles in the seat of the gods. Seven inspired ones cleanse and pour forth Soma, and the sages follow him in the rites. Thus, the story flows: the gods, the sacrifices, the divine drinks, the hymns, and the prayers all converge, honoring the mighty ones and seeking their blessings for strength, prosperity, and unity.