Thus begins the sacred account of the purīṣa-steps, five in number, marking the journey of the Soma ritual. At the commencement of the first half of the first uttara, the names Asita, Kāśyapa, and Devala are invoked, each a sage of renown. The Gāyatrī meter resounds, and Soma, the purifier, is praised. "O men," the verses call, "sing to the purifier, to Indu; the gods themselves approach him." The Atharvāṇas, bearers of sacred knowledge, come forth with sweet milk, approaching the god, offering it to the divine one. Soma is entreated to purify for us, bringing welfare to the cow, to the people, to the charioteer, to the king, and to the plants, ensuring prosperity for all. Kāśyapa, son of Marīci, is invoked again, with the Gāyatrī meter and Soma the purifier. The Somas, radiant and cow-headed, flow with flashing brilliance and resounding light. Urged on by the priests, the invigorator advances toward the prize, like victorious men taking their seats after triumph. A prayer follows: "May Soma, having prospered, come together for our well-being, O wise one; purify yourself for the vision of the sun." A hundred Vaikhānasa-sages are recalled, with Gāyatrī and Soma, the purifier. For the sage, the streams of the invigorator flow forth, swift as horses seeking fame. Hymns hasten to the vessel flowing with honey, to the imperishable water, seeking the divine nectar. The drops of Soma move to the ocean, like cows returning to their stable, reaching the womb of truth. Bharadvāja, son of Bṛhaspati, is invoked next, with Gāyatrī and Agni. "O Agni, come for the offering, praised, to receive the oblation; be seated as the Hotṛ on the sacred grass." The Angiras kindle Agni with sticks and ghee, calling him the youngest and most radiant. Agni brings wide renown and splendid heroism to those who worship him. Viśvāmitra, son of Gāthin, or Jamadagni, is invoked with Gāyatrī, for Mitra and Varuṇa. "O Mitra and Varuṇa, pour out for us, with clarified butter, the abundance of cows; with honey, O wise ones, the realms." They are wide-famed, strengthened by homage, ruling over skill with the purest vows. Praising with Jamadagni, the worshippers sit in the womb of truth, drinking Soma grown by truth. Irīmbiṭhi, son of Kāṇva, is called with Gāyatrī for Indra: "Come hither, delighted, O Indra, drink this Soma; this sacred grass is my seat." Indra’s two tawny steeds, yoked with the power of prayer, are called to bring him. The Soma-offerers call upon Indra with prayer when the Soma is pressed. Indra and Agni are summoned together with words to the pressed Soma, most excellent in the sky, to protect the offering, inspired by thought. With the singer, the conscious sacrifice advances; with this Soma, Indra and Agni are asked to protect the worshippers. The speaker chooses Indra and Agni, covered with wisdom, with the favor of sacrifice, inviting them to enjoy the Soma. The Angirases have grown mighty. Soma, the purifier, has placed his exhilarating birth high in heaven and on earth, granting strong protection and great renown. For Indra, worthy of sacrifice, for Varuna, for the Maruts, the stream of Soma flows forth, granting wide space. With this, desiring to win all the glories of men, the worshippers strive to conquer. Purifying Soma, flowing with strength, moves clothed in waters and sits in the treasure-holding womb of truth, the divine golden fountain. Milking the heavenly udder, Soma approaches the ancient, beloved seat of sweetness, flowing to the inviting support, purified by men, seeking strength. Soma is urged to run forth, sit around the vessel with men, attain the prize; like a horse, the swift ones cleanse him and lead him to the sacred grass with reins. The godly drop, armed with its own weapon, is purified, destroying curses and protecting the people. Soma is the father of the gods, skillful creator, support of heaven, and foundation of earth. Usanas, the seer and inspired sage, the leader of men, by his insight discovers what is hidden among them—the secret name of the cows in the farthest place. Indra is praised as a hero, like unmilked cows call for their calf; he is lord of the moving and the fixed, lord with the vision of light. There is none like Indra, neither celestial nor earthly, born or yet to be born. The generous Indra is called upon by those desiring horses and cows. The verses ask: "By what wondrous protection has our ever-growing friend become our messenger? By what powerful help, chosen by you?" The intoxicating powers of Indra are questioned: "Who among them is the truest, the greatest at the Soma feast?" Even the firm ones Indra shatters, giving wealth to the worthy. He is asked to be the protector of friends and singers, a hundredfold aid. With hymns, Indra is praised as mighty and death-conquering, generous and the delight of Soma, as cows call to their calf. The worshippers seek the heaven-ox, the bountiful giver, wrapped in strength like a mountain rich in gifts, abundant prize, full of food, swiftly bringing cattle. Indra, the giver of wealth, is called for help in battle, invoked loudly at the Soma-pressing, like a worker calls for wages. No greedy or weak enemy can withstand the swift, exhilarating Indra, who gives worthy gifts to the singer who presses Soma. Soma flows with the sweetest, most delightful stream, pressed for Indra to drink. The slayer of demons, protector of all people, has entered his seat, settling in the vessel, his place of rest. Thus, the sacred ritual unfolds, with Soma, Indra, Agni, and the gods honored and the blessings sought for all creation.