Indra, the wise and ancient hero, mighty in strength and swift in action, stands upon his victorious chariot—the very chariot that brings triumph and cattle. He is enduring and fierce, ever-conquering and victorious. With his thunderbolt arms, Indra shatters enclosures and knows every herd; he is the friend and companion whom all should follow, joining together in unity behind his indomitable might. As Indra, the hundred-powered hero, advances with irresistible force, he breaks through barriers and stands immovable amidst the clash of battle. He is the destroyer of foes, and so we pray: let him protect our army as we enter the fray. Indra leads the way, with Brihaspati at his right hand. The sacrifice itself becomes our fortress, and Soma stands at our front. Among the divine hosts, let the Maruts, fierce and conquering, march at the very forefront, clearing the path to victory. A mighty cry of the gods resounds—the voice of Indra, the powerful; of Varuṇa, the king; of the Ādityas; and of the Maruts, whose fierce and vast minds shake the very worlds. Their triumphant shout rises up, heralding victory. O Maghavan, rouse the weapons and stir the minds of my people, O slayer of Vṛtra! Let the triumphant cries of horses and chariots resound, filling the air with the sounds of conquest. May Indra be with us among our gathered banners. May our arrows fly true and victorious, and may our heroes prove superior in the fight. O gods, guard us as we call upon you in our hour of need. As the army of the Maruts belonging to the others approaches, let it come without strength. Hide it in darkness and confusion, so that none among them can recognize another. Lead astray the minds of our enemies, scatter their limbs, and drive them far away. Advance upon them, burn their hearts with torment, and let the foes be enveloped in blinding darkness. Go forth, O men, and be victorious! Let Indra grant you his protection. May your arms be fierce and invincible, as is your nature. Released by sacred prayer, let our arrows fly far and strike down the enemies, sparing all those who are ours. Let kites and great birds descend upon the fallen; let vultures feast on the flesh of the slain. Let our own army remain unharmed, and may no bird follow after any of our people. O Maghavan, scatter the hostile army that rises against us. Indra, slayer of Vṛtra, and Agni, burn them from both flanks. Where arrows fall and the young warriors rush like arrows themselves, there may Bṛhaspati and Aditi grant us their protection, always sheltering us. Scatter the demons and foes, O Indra. Break the jaws of Vṛtra, shatter the wrath of the assailing enemy, and let none stand against us. Hurl down our enemies, O Indra, and cast the assailants into darkness. Whoever attacks us, may he be lost in shadow. Let the two arms of Indra—firm, youthful, invincible, and of good aspect—be harnessed at the very first call to battle. By these arms, the great strength of the Asuras was conquered. I clothe your vital parts in armor; may Soma, the king, anoint you with ambrosia. May Varuṇa grant you victory, and may all the gods bring you joy. Let the enemies become blind and headless, like serpents. May Indra strike them down again and again, those already smitten by Agni’s fire. Whoever among us harbors hostility, or who, near or far, seeks to harm us—may all the gods strike him down. May prayer be my armor within, and may divine protection shield me from within. Like a fearsome beast roaming the mountains, you, Indra, have reached the lair of the foe. Fitting the sharp arrow to your bow, strike down the enemies and scatter them far. May we hear only what is auspicious with our ears, O gods; may we see only what is good with our eyes, O worshipful ones. May we, strong in body and praising you, live out the span of life allotted to us by the gods. May Indra of renowned glory grant us well-being; may Pūṣan, knower of all, grant us well-being; may Tārkṣya of the unbroken wheels grant us well-being; may Bṛhaspati bestow well-being upon us. Om. May Bṛhaspati bestow well-being upon us.