Hear now the tale of Indra, the mighty lord of power, whose glory shines through the ages. When Soma, the exhilarating drink, is pressed and offered, it is Indra who bestows wealth and bounty, his splendor magnified by the sacred libations. Those who desire his favor and know his greatness call upon him, seeking all treasures; even those who journey from afar approach, eager for his gifts. Indra is invoked to drive away decay and lurking dangers, to dispel ancient harms and fierce words with his strength. As travelers set out, they harness Indra’s chariot, propelled by powerful steeds, hoping for his favor and victory over foes. Among the gods, Indra is the ancient singer, born wise, whose wisdom opened the doors for Manu, our ancestor, to enter the divine realms. When swift chariots carry the sweet, exhilarating Soma, those who partake win renown. Indra, unconquered and all-powerful, is praised for his skill and knowledge, the lord of strength. Hymns are composed for Dadhikrāvan, the victorious horse, whose fragrant breath brings well-being and long life. Indra, breaker of cities, young and wise, was born with boundless vigor, wielding the thunderbolt, praised by many, upholding all actions. The Trishtubh hymn is sent forth for Indra, called by heroes and wise Purandhi, seeking wisdom and praise. The sages speak of two united with Kashyapa, knower of heaven, whose vows established the world and the sacrifice. Let all men, loved by the offering, sons and city-dwellers alike, raise their voices in praise. The hymn for Indra is recited and proclaimed, for Shakra delights in our libations and friendship. Vishvanara, lord of wealth, unconquered in strength, is also invoked, and the peoples’ chariots are called for aid. He who helps from heaven, through wisdom, enables men to cross hatred and distress, as one crosses a narrow place. Indra, all-pervading and giver of gifts, is beseeched to grant abundant wealth and magnify our glory among all peoples with his wise counsel. At dawn, birds—winged in mind, two-footed and four-footed—set forth, following the seasons, beyond the boundaries of heaven. The gods stand in the shining region of heaven; what is their truth, their immortality, their ancient offering? Through Ṛc and Sāman, the rites are performed, and Indra declares the sacrifice among the gods. All the hosts of men, with their companions, have fashioned Indra as king—strong, resolute, steadfast, mighty, and powerful. Faith is placed in his first intention: day by day, he struck down the evil one, split the waters, and when heaven and earth pursued him, even the stone-bound earth fled from his might. With all strength, people gather for the lord of heaven, the great guest among peoples, ancient and ever new, whose paths all follow. Indra’s people, relying on him, move about; there is none other who joins our songs as earths are joined. So, O tawny one, accept our words. Great hymns approach Maghavan, Indra, upheld by peoples, ever-growing, much-invoked, immortal and ever-youthful. Thoughts, youthful as heaven, shine and embrace Indra as a noble husband, splendid Maghavan, for aid. To that ram, mighty Indra, let songs bring joy; he is wealthy and oceanic, his human strength unsurpassed by the heavens. The wise ram is magnified with a hundred strong companions, like a racer, a chariot for invocation; may Indra turn to us with beautiful hymns. The earth, rich in ghee, adorned among beings, broad and fair, heaven and earth yielding honey, are established by Varuna’s law, unaging and ever-fertile. Indra has spanned both heaven and earth, like the dawns; he is sovereign of vast realms and peoples. The divine, auspicious mother brought him forth; the blessed mother gave him birth. Now, with praise, honor the father who, with black clouds as his womb, struck down the foe with Ṛjiśvan. Indra, mighty and thunder-armed, accompanied by the Maruts, is called upon as a friend for help. In the pressed Somas, Indra purifies his strength and song-worthy power, knowing the greatness of enduring skill. Sing forth to Indra, much-invoked and much-praised; call upon him with hymns to come. His exhilaration is praised, powerful in battles, world-creator, golden in splendor. Whatever Soma Indra delights in—with Viṣṇu, Trita Āptya, or the Maruts—let him rejoice in those drops. Let the priest pour out the most exhilarating sweetness of Soma, for the hero is thus praised, ever-growing. Pour the honeyed Soma for Indra to drink; by his greatness, he inspires gifts. Now, friends, praise Indra, the hero who alone surpasses all peoples. Sing a chant for Indra, the wise, great, creator of the sacred word, far-seeing and worthy of praise. He alone bestows wealth upon the mortal who serves, Indra, the sovereign, unconquered lord. Let us, friends, seek the favor of Indra, the thunderer, with hymns; praise the most heroic, the boldest among men.