ON the earth’s centre, at libation’s place let the Priest worship

Indra with the kindling-stick.

The mightiest of the lords of men is kindled on the height of heaven.

Let him enjoy the butter. Hotar, worship.

2Him let the Hotar worship, him Tanûnapât with ready aids; the conqueror never overcome, Indra, the God who finds heaven’s light on paths most rich in pleasant sweets, with Narâsamsa all aglow. Let him enjoy, etc. as in verse 1.

3With viands let the Hotar worship Indra immortal, praised, receiver of oblations. The God, the equal of the Gods in vigour, the thunder-wielder, breaker-down of castles. Let him enjoy, etc.

4Let the Priest worship Indra, Bull who sitteth on sacred grass, doer of manly actions. Let him be seated on the grass with Vasus and Rudras and Âdityas for companions. Let him enjoy, etc.

5Let the Priest sacrifice. The Doors have strengthened Indra, his force and conquering might and vigour. At this our worship let the Doors be opened, easy to pass, the strengtheners of Order: wide let them open out for bounteous Indra. Let them enjoy, etc.

6Let the Priest sacrifice to Night and Morning, the teeming Cows of Indra, Mighty Mothers. Indra their calf with lustre have they strengthened, even as two mothers of a calf in common. Let them enjoy, etc.

7Let the Priest worship both the heavenly Hotars, Friends, Leeches, healing Indra with oblation. The sages, Gods preëminent for wisdom bestow on Indra his surpassing power. Let them enjoy, etc.

8Let the Priest offer sacrifice to the three Goddesses and balm. Let the three triple active Ones, let Idâ and Sarasvatî and Bhâratî the mighty Dames, Consorts of Indra, who receive our sacrificial offerings, enjoy the butter, etc.

9Let the Priest worship Tvashtar radiant Indra, Physician good at sacrifice, graced with butter, Multiform and prolific, rich and bounteous. Let Tvashtar, giving wondrous powers to Indra, enjoy, etc.

10Let the Priest worship him, the Forest-Sovran, the Immolator, Lord of Hundred Powers, the lover of the prayer, the friend of Indra. Balming with mead, may he on easy pathways sweeten our sacrifice with savoury butter. Let him enjoy, etc.

11Let the Priest offer sacrifice to Indra: with Hail! to Gods of butter; with Hail! to Gods of marrow; with Hail! to Gods of drops; with Hail! to Gods of offerings paid with Svâhâ; with Hail! to Gods of sacrificial hymns. All hail! May butter-drinking Gods and Indra rejoicing taste the butter. Hotar, worship.

12Vigorous, strewn by Gods upon the altar the right Gods’ sacred Grass hath strengthened Indra. Cut in the day, cherished by night it hath surpassed those who have sacrificial Grass with wealth. For gain of riches let him taste. Pay sacrifice.

13Firm, closely joined, the Doors divine have strengthened Indra in the rite. Pressed by a calf or tender boy may they drive off the courser as he tosses up the sand. For gain of wealth let