Soma, the radiant and sweet one, begins his journey, flowing in delight for the Angirases, spreading wide his nourishing presence and mingling with the drawn milk. His splendor flashes like rain, shines with the brilliance of Agni, and moves as swiftly as the dawns themselves. When Soma is set in motion among the plants and trees, he gathers the sustenance for the sacred meal, fulfilling his role as the provider. Driven by the wind and impelled by desire, Soma stands eagerly among the herds. As a seeker of nourishment, he becomes the prize for which charioteers contend, much like the portions of the undying Agni, the ever-burning one. Agni, the wise arranger and priest of the assembly, is chosen as the universal friend, the one who surrounds every thought and receives the oblation of the child; none is chosen above him. There is abundant help and blessing from these deities. The devotee turns to Varuna and Mitra, seeking their goodwill and the security of their friendship. He prays that he and his people may attain their safe abode and remain ever under their protection. Mitra is called upon for his safeguarding, and both he and Varuna are asked to grant strong aid, so that the faithful may overcome their enemies with their own strength. Then Indra, mighty and united in power, rises up with vigor after drinking the pressed Soma. His cheeks tremble with energy, and all the hosts feel his strength. Both the worlds follow Indra when he becomes the slayer of foes, for his might is irresistible. The devotee seeks from Indra the eight-footed speech, new and radiant, grown in truth, to expand his own being. He calls upon Indra and Agni, offering them hymns and inviting them to drink the delightful Soma. The worshipper asks that all the eager bands of Indra and Agni, those mighty hosts, may come to the sacrifice. With those heroic bands, they are called to the offering, to partake of the Soma. Let the most radiant Soma flow, ringing out as it pours into the vessels, settling in its proper places. Let this Soma flow for Indra, for Vāyu, for Varuṇa, for the Maruts, and for Viṣṇu—all the gods who delight in its sweetness. Soma is entreated to bring nourishment and offspring from every side, to flow forth bestowing wealth a thousandfold. Pressed by the priests and filtered, Soma moves onward like a swift horse, his stream delightful and invigorating. In the fertile meadows, watched over by milk-giving cows, Soma flows like rivers to the ocean, exulting in the joy he brings. Whatever splendid wealth exists, heavenly or earthly, Soma is asked to bring it, purified and praiseworthy, to the worshippers. The mighty, purified Soma thunders as he settles upon the sacred grass, taking his place in the common seat, tawny and resplendent. Indra and Soma, lords of good things and guardians of cattle, are called upon to make the prayers fruitful, for they are the rulers who bestow abundance. Indra, strengthened by the exhilaration of Soma, becomes mighty and victorious, the slayer of Vṛtra, called upon in great battles to grant success. He is the heroic leader, generous even to the humble, bestowing wealth upon the worshipper who presses Soma. When warriors are roused for battle and the prize awaits the bold, Indra is asked to harness his exhilaration-yielding steeds: “Whom will you strike, whom will you enrich? O Indra, enrich us.” The cows drink the sweet, overflowing honey of Soma, and together with Indra, the mighty, they rejoice in strength, shining forth with wealth under the sovereignty of the sun. These spotted cows press the Soma for him, preparing the thunderbolt and arrow, and possessing riches. The wise ones, full of reverence, serve Indra’s might, performing the ancient rites for his pleasure, always shining under the sun’s rule. That Soma, pressed for exhilaration and skilled in the waters, mountain-dwelling like an eagle, finds his place among the gods. The pure one, flawless and driven by the gods’ breath, is washed in the waters and pressed by men; the cows sweeten him with their milk. Like a horse at the yoke, Soma is adorned in the gathering, the juice of sweetness granting immortality. The devotee prays: “Shine forth, O Lord of strength, famed god and inspirer of worship, open the middle vessel. Speak forth, O skillful one, the pressed juice, like fire among the people. Flow, O Soma, as rain from heaven, bringing forth the stream that wins cows and insight.” The child of the great ones, Soma, breathes forth and stirs the brightness of truth, becoming beloved of all and holding all together without division. He approaches the stone of Trita, finding the hidden place, and with the seven abodes of sacrifice, reaches the beloved. With Trita’s three supports, Soma moves skillfully, measuring his course with well-contrived yokes. Soma is called to flow for strength, purified and pressed, sweeter than honey, for Indra, for Vishnu, and for all the gods. Cleansed by pure thoughts in the filter, without deceit, Soma is like mothers caring for a newborn calf—pure and nurturing in his course. With his great power, he embraces both heaven and earth, removing coverings and revealing his greatness. The invigorating drop of Soma flows, rich in strength and abundance for the cows, seeking might for Indra and bringing exhilaration. He strikes down demons, drives away hostility, and opens a wide path, reigning as king of the people. Mingled with honey and strained through the filter, the drop flows, milked from the stone. This invigorating Soma, delighting in Indra’s friendship, stirs for exhilaration—a god for the gods, ever bringing joy.