The swift and all-formed carrier, resplendent in the rays of the sun, bore the golden egg—the very source of creation. This great bird, self-born and mighty, moved in perfect order across the heavens, generating wisdom by its very being. In the primeval waters, a radiant seed was placed, all-formed and shining forth upon the earth. As it arose, it measured its own greatness within the mid-space, advancing as the seed of the vigorous horse. This being, adorned with a thousand aspects and clothed in radiant brilliance, became the very support of the sacrificial rite, upholding the sun’s light. A generous bestower—of thousands, of hundreds, of abundant gifts—this one is the supporter of heaven and the lord of the world. In the heights of heaven, when the bird with golden wings soars aloft, all gaze upon it with their hearts full of wonder. This shining one is the messenger of Varuṇa, the bird of Yama’s realm. There stands the Gandharva in heaven, upright and bearing his bright weapons. He is clothed in fragrance for vision and generates the golden name and all beloved things. A single shining drop moves toward the ocean, seeing with the keen eye of a vulture and fulfilling its destined order. Its brilliance glows with pure flame, creating beloved things in the third realm. Then, there is the ninth, the third part—swift and shining like a mighty bull, terrifying, thundering, and stirring men. Advancing unblinking, this single hero—Indra—conquered a hundred armies at once. With his unblinking, victorious, and indomitable might, Indra stands ready, hard to move and bold. O men, stand together in battle with this mighty one who holds the arrow. Indra, with his companions bearing arrows and quivers, leads as master and chief in battle. Victorious, strong-armed, fierce-bowed, and a drinker of soma, he strikes down his foes with his weapons. O Bṛhaspati, drive your chariot around, repelling demons and enemies, breaking armies, crushing opposition, and making us the best among chariots. Indra, wise and ancient, heroic and powerful, swift and enduring, fierce and conquering, stands upon the chariot that brings victory and cattle. He is the breaker of enclosures and knower of cattle, with thunderbolt arms, victorious and mighty. Friends, follow this Indra, your companion—join with him in unity. Indra, the hundred-powered hero, advances with force. He breaks through barriers, hard to move, and destroys the enemy in battle, protecting our army in the fight. Indra is their leader, Bṛhaspati their right hand, sacrifice their fortress, and Soma their vanguard. Among the divine hosts, let the Maruts go at the forefront of the conquering and victorious. A resounding cry of the gods arises—the voice of mighty Indra, of Varuṇa the king, of the Ādityas, and the Maruts, fierce and great of mind, shaking the worlds in victory. O Maghavan, stir up the weapons and rouse the minds of my people, O slayer of Vṛtra. Let the victorious cries of horses and chariots ring out. May Indra be with us among the gathered banners; may our arrows be victorious and our heroes superior. O gods, protect us in our invocations. That army of the Maruts belonging to the others approaches without strength—conceal it in darkness and confusion so that one among them does not recognize another. Lead astray the minds of these enemies, scatter their limbs, drive them away. Advance and burn them in their hearts with torments; let the foes be joined with blinding darkness. Go forth and be victorious, O men; may Indra grant you protection. May your arms be fierce and invincible as you are. Released, fly far away, O arrow sharpened by prayer—strike down the enemies and do not touch any of mine. Let the kites and great birds follow this, let the vultures claim the flesh of the slain; let our army be unharmed, and let no bird follow any of ours. O Maghavan, scatter the hostile army that opposes us. O Indra, slayer of Vṛtra, and Agni, burn them on both sides. Where the arrows fall, where the young warriors are like arrows, there may Bṛhaspati and Aditi grant us protection, always. Scatter the demons and foes, break the jaws of Vṛtra, shatter the wrath of the assailing enemy, O Indra, slayer of Vṛtra. Scatter our foes, O Indra, cast down the assailants—whoever attacks us, send him into darkness. The two arms of Indra—firm, youthful, invincible, and beautiful—let them be harnessed at the first call to battle, by which the great strength of the Asuras was conquered. I cover your vital parts with armor; may Soma, the king, anoint you with ambrosia; may Varuṇa make you victorious; may the gods fill you with joy. Let the enemies become blind and headless, like serpents. May Indra slay them again and again, those struck down by Agni. Whoever among us is hostile, or who, near or far, wishes us harm—may all the gods strike him down. May prayer be my armor within, may protection be my armor within. Like a fearsome beast roaming the mountains, you have reached the lair of the foe. Fitting the sharp arrow to the bow, O Indra, strike down the enemies and scatter the foes. May we hear what is auspicious with our ears, O gods; may we see what is auspicious with our eyes, O worshipful ones; may we, strong in limbs and praising you, live out the life allotted by the gods. May Indra of renowned glory grant us well-being; may Pūṣan, knower of all, grant us well-being; may Tārkṣya of unbroken wheels grant us well-being; may Bṛhaspati bestow well-being upon us. Om—may Bṛhaspati bestow well-being upon us.