Gathering in the sacred space, the devotees turned their thoughts and offerings to the lord who sits upon the divine seat—wondrous, beloved, and sought after even by Indra himself. They brought forth their gifts, rich in wisdom, invoking his presence. They remembered the ancient paths beneath the sky, the very trails by which the gods once drove forth the swift horse, and prayed that these divine ways would open to their prayers and be attentive to their voices. They called for good fortune, invoking Indra of a hundred powers, yearning that he would grant them strength and favor. The Soma, freshly pressed, was offered, its sweetness drawing the Maruts and the radiant Ashvins, who came to partake in the sacred drink. The worshippers, vigilant and filled with longing, praised Indra—he who is born for victory and eager for heroic might. With humility, the people affirmed their righteousness: they did not harm the gods, nor approach them with impure intentions, but walked faithfully upon the path of sacred utterance. As dawn broke, resplendent in song and radiant light, Atharvan himself was called to praise the divine Savitar. This dawn, unlike any before, shone forth with unprecedented brilliance. The Ashvins, beloved of heaven, were honored with lofty hymns. The tales of Indra’s valor were recounted: with the bones of Dadhichi, unconquered Indra struck down ninety-nine formidable foes. They invited Indra to come, accompanied by the exhilarating Soma and all the joyous festivals that celebrate it—mighty, full of abundant strength. They called again: “Come, O Indra, great one, with your powerful protections.” They remembered how Indra, with his immense strength and vigor, established both worlds, stretching them out as one would stretch two skins. The words of prayer, they believed, reached Indra like a pigeon returning to its nest, never neglected by him. They prayed that the wind would bring healing, happiness, and delight, carrying away all ailments from their midst. They trusted in the protection of the wise Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman—knowing that one guarded by these deities could not be harmed by anyone. As in days of old, they sought abundance—cows, horses, and chariots—for the sake of great renown. They praised the spotted cows, which, through Indra’s grace, yielded clarified butter in abundance, and the streams that flowed with the nectar of immortality. With prayers and longing for cattle, they recognized Indra’s presence manifest at the Soma offering. They invoked Sarasvatī, pure and rich in horses, strong and bountiful in wisdom, hoping she would desire their sacrifice. They wondered who among the descendants of Nahusha would satisfy Indra with Soma and bring them riches. Indra was called yet again: “Come, for you are truly eager. Drink this Soma. Here is my seat on the sacred grass.” They honored the great shelter provided by Mitra, Aryaman, and the unconquerable Varuṇa. With Indra’s help, they proclaimed themselves the guides and upholders of the chariots. They prayed that the third, the first portion of Soma, would gladden Indra, and that he would grant them wealth, striking down those who opposed sacred prayer. They begged Indra, lover of song, to protect their pressed Soma, delighting in its sweetness and granting them renowned glory. Indra, they declared, is always to be praised; no other god who is worshipped turns away from him, the heroic one. Just as rivers flow to the ocean, so do the drops of offering flow to Indra—none can surpass him. All the singers, with their hymns and voices, praised only Indra, the mighty. They sought from Indra strength and the wealth of the Ribhus, asking that the mighty one bestow vigor and the power to strive. They trusted Indra to dispel their fears, for he is steadfast and wise among men. Their praises, composed for the singer of the skies, sought Indra as cows seek their calf. They called upon Indra and Pūṣan for friendship, well-being, and strength. They affirmed that none is superior or greater than Indra, slayer of Vṛtra; none is his equal. They praised the swift one among people, the giver of wealth and cattle, the equal of all. Their hymns, poured forth to Indra, rose up in harmony to the mighty bull, the lord. They knew that those whom the Maruts, Aryaman, and Mitra support are well-guided and unharmed. They asked Indra to bring them whatever precious wealth is hidden or withheld. They recalled Indra’s most renowned deed—the slaying of Vṛtra—for the benefit and greatness of the people. With his help, they hoped to reach fame and attain the highest goal. They offered, in the morning, their gifts of grain, cakes, and hymns, asking Indra to accept them with favor.