O Indra, lord of heroes! It is to thee that all the warriors of the earth do look for inspiration and strength. When a man taketh up his arms to defend his people, it is thy spirit that entereth into him. When he calleth upon thee in the hour of battle, his courage groweth tenfold. His arm becometh steady; his eye groweth keen; his heart groweth bold as the lion's.

The heroes of old who didst achieve great renown upon the battlefield — they were thy chosen ones, O mighty lord. They drank the soma and called upon thy name. They offered sacrifice unto thee, and thou didst grant them victory. Their names are remembered still by the bards who sing of ancient glories. Their deeds are the measure by which later warriors gauge their own accomplishments.

We see in thee, O Indra, the ideal of the warrior — strength without mercy toward the foe, yet generosity toward thy followers. Courage that knoweth no fear; determination that breaketh no obstacle; honor that resteth upon truthfulness and deed fulfilled. These are the qualities that make a man worthy to be called a hero, and these are thy qualities reflected in mortal form.

Grant unto our warriors, O lord of heroes, a portion of thy might! Let them stand firm in the battle-line; let them strike blows that shall echo in the halls of fame. Let them return home with honor and spoils. And if any must fall in combat, let them fall as heroes do — facing the foe, with spear in hand, their names to be remembered forever.

O Indra, accept the soma we pour for thee! Accept the hymns we chant in thy honor! Be thou the champion of our people, and lead us to glory in battle and prosperity in peace!