The clans, with devotion and reverence, continually called upon Agni, the radiant fire, beloved lord of the people and bearer of sacred offerings. Ever present at their rituals, Agni was invoked with offerings, for he alone brought the gods near, being born upon the sacred grass as the priest most worthy of praise. As the sacred fire blazed, the people’s voices rose to summon Mitra and Varuṇa, those deities of pure insight, to partake in the joyous drinking of Soma. Mitra and Varuṇa, upholders of truth and cosmic order, were invoked as shining lords of righteousness, their favor earnestly sought. The worshippers prayed that Varuṇa, the great protector, and Mitra, with all their celestial aids, would bestow their gracious blessings upon the gathering. Turning then to mighty Indra, the singers lifted their hymns, their voices joining in praise of the thunderbolt-wielder. Indra, united with the twin fires, yoked with the power of speech, was the golden-armed champion, ever ready to answer the call. The people implored Indra to protect them in contests and battles, to grant them victory and the thousandfold prize, for his strength was unmatched. It was Indra who, with far-seeing vision, made the sun rise in the heavens, who shattered mountains with his radiant rays. To both Indra and Agni, the worshippers offered splendid praise, seeking their help as cows seek their calves. The wise continually praised these deities, seeking strength and aid in the struggle for victory. With eager words and longing hearts, the people called upon these two mighty ones, desiring wisdom and generous gifts. The exhilarating Soma was urged to flow forth, its invigorating stream dedicated to the Maruts, bringing strength and blessings in its wake. The purifier, supporter of the strong, seer of the sun, was invoked to hasten in the contests, swift and victorious. Through the pure filter, the tawny Soma flowed, urged onward in the race, its loud bellow resounding through earth and sky, like the fire of Indra, answering the call. Rich in sap and swelling with sweet juice, the Soma was poured out for Indra, creating a stream of delight. As the exhilarating Soma flowed, it subdued all hostility, its shining form circling, as cows circle in the field. Indra was invoked again and again, lord of men and true master of contests, for his help in winning strength and victory. The wondrous Indra, thunderbolt in hand, praised with might, was asked to scatter forth cattle, horses, and chariots for his devotees, granting them strength in every contest. Indra, bestower of riches and generous as a thousand gifts, was celebrated by the singers. Like a leader with a hundred armies, he advanced with power, clearing obstacles for his worshippers, his gifts flowing like streams from a mountain. For ages, men had poured offerings to Indra, the bolt-wielder, and now, carried by hymns, he was called to join his own kin. The beautiful-nosed, tawny Indra was joyfully sought, his renowned glories shining forth in the pressings of Soma. The worshippers prayed that, with his most excellent exhilaration, he would flow forth, destroying evil speech and delighting in the pressed Soma. Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra, was praised as the daily winner of prizes, cows, and horses. Indra mingled with the nourishing ones, settling among them like a falcon in its nest. Pūṣan was invoked as the bringer of wealth and fortune, while the purified Soma flowed forth, revealing the abundance of heaven and earth. The eager, beloved cows hastened for exhilaration, as the purifying drops of Soma carved their path. The people prayed for the most vigorous glory, surpassing all, to be brought by the purifier—glory with which they might conquer riches among all peoples. The discerning Soma, bull among thoughts, was purified, surpassing the days and dawns, roaring into the jars, entering Indra’s heart with wisdom. Purified by the wise, the ancient sage Soma flowed, filling the vessels, creating the name of Trita, and pouring forth honeyed sweetness for Indra’s friendship with Vāyu. This Soma made the dawns shine, created space among the rivers, and, milking the seven streams thrice, became a delight to the heart. Thus, Indra was hailed as truly heroic and steadfast, generous in mind. The gifts of the generous were placed before him, and the people prayed that no misfortune would befall them, asking Indra to delight in the pressed Soma, rich in cows. All voices magnified Indra, whose might was as vast as the ocean, the best of charioteers, true lord and master of prizes. In friendship with Indra, the strong worshippers were unafraid, praising the unconquered victor. Indra’s ancient bounties never failed; when the wealth of cattle was bestowed, it was a great joy to the singers. Again, the eager, swift drops of Soma flowed forth, passing through the filter, encompassing all blessings, as the people’s praises and offerings rose to the gods, their hearts filled with hope and devotion.