We seek thee, O Indra, at the time of sacrifice. The sacred fire burneth brightly upon the altar. The smoke riseth up toward the heavens, carrying with it our prayers and our songs. Be pleased to accept our offering, and grant unto us thy favour.

Thou art the god who dwelleth closest to the hearts of men. Other gods are far away, dwelling in the highest reaches of heaven. But thou, O Indra, art ever near to those who call upon thee. When the righteous cry out in distress, thou hearest them. When the warrior setteth forth to battle, thou goest before him. When the farmer looketh up at the sky in hope of rain, thou sendest the thunder.

The bond between thee and thy worshippers is stronger than steel, deeper than the roots of the mountains. We do not serve thee as slaves serve a harsh master, but as children serve a loving father. We know that thou carest for us, that thy heart is moved by our prayers, that thy power is exerted always for our good.

At the sacrifice, we make our covenant with thee anew. We bring the soma to the altar. We kindle the sacred fires. We chant the hymns that have been sung since ancient times. And thou, mighty Indra, dost come forth to meet us. The presence of thy glory filleth the sacred place. We feel thy strength flowing into us; we sense thy will becoming one with ours.

From this meeting shall come forth blessings upon our households, protection for our children, victory for our warriors, and prosperity for our people. The covenant is made; the sacred bond is renewed. We are thy people, O Indra, and thou art our protector and our king.

Stand thou at the side of those who call upon thy name. Let no evil come nigh unto those who have sought thy favour. Grant unto us the wisdom to discern right from wrong, and the courage to follow the path of righteousness.