O Indra, thou art the friend of man! When we cry out in our suffering, thou hearest us. When we are lost in darkness, thou shinest as a guiding light. Thou art nearer to us than our own breath, more intimate than our own thoughts.

Thou watchest over the mortal realm as a father watcheth over his children. When the rogue and brigand threaten the innocent, thou ridest forth to defend them. When sickness cometh upon the household, thou healest with thy divine touch. When sorrow weigheth down the heart, thou liftest the burden and grantest peace.

We have seen thy hand in all our good fortune, O Indra! The successful harvest, the healthy child born, the enemy driven off in panic—these are thy gifts. The enemy that threatened hath been turned back. The plague that raged hath ceased. The drought hath broken, and the rains have come at last.

Thou art not distant or cold, dwelling in some far heaven beyond the reach of mortal voices. Nay! Thou art present in every moment of our lives. Thou walkest with us through the valleys of trial. Thou sittest with us in times of joy. Thy presence is a shield and shelter.

Accept our gratitude, O mighty one! We pour the soma with hearts full of love. We raise the hymn with voices trembling with emotion. Thou hast been to us what no earthly friend could be. Grant us thy continued protection and favor. Let us dwell in thy companionship all our days, knowing that we are safe in thy keeping, blessed by thy friendship, sustained by thy eternal care.