Let us begin by invoking attentive hearing and, with focused thought, placing Agni at the forefront. Now, let us choose that divine strength, seeking Indra and Vayu. As they strive together and join at the new navel of the shining one, our thoughts are drawn closer to the gods. May our minds reach out to the great Vishnu and to the Maruts, those children of the mountain. We call upon the Maruts as a troop—inviting them for sacrifice, for their generosity, for strength, and for the blessings they bestow. These are the upholders of vows, the mighty among the gods. With golden radiance, purified and triumphant, he overcomes all hatreds, leading with his team like the sun with its chariot. Streams shine upon his back, pure and ruddy-golden, as he moves through all forms, singing with seven songs and speaking with seven mouths. I offer praise to Savitar, the mighty god of wise and true action, the treasure-holder, whose thoughts rise high and whose impulses flash forth. At his command, the golden-handed and good in action, the heavens have been measured out by this self-radiant one. I contemplate Agni, the generous priest, son of strength, who knows all births. Wise and compassionate, he performs upright rites, spreading clarified butter with his bright flame, ever calling forth the sacred ghee. We remember that first, ancient deed of Indra, the heroic one, which is celebrated in heaven. By his divine might, he broke open the waters, making all the world overflow with strength. O Indra of a hundred powers, you created nourishment and food for all. Thus, at the festival, we honor Indra. O Pavamana, you, born of the pressing, have set your seat in both heaven and earth, bringing mighty protection and great fame. Now, Soma, flow in your sweetest and most delightful stream, pressed for Indra’s delight. Flow with strength for the Maruts, carrying all powers, surging forth with energy. With your most excellent exhilaration, flow forth as the sacred drink, O god, heroic one, destroyer of curses. Three voices rise—the cows low, the milch-cows bellow, and the tawny one comes roaring. Soma, flow for Indra and the Maruts, most sweet, having settled in the womb of the chant. This bright drop, skillfully prepared for exhilaration, has settled in the waters like an eagle nesting on the mountain. Flow, O tawny one, accomplishing skill for the gods to drink; the exhilaration is for the Maruts and for Vāyu. The resounding Soma, born of the mountain, has flowed through the filter; in his exhilaration, he pervades all. The beloved sage of heaven, set among the offspring, moves with sounds; the wise one, with inspired will, goes forth. The pressed Somas, rich in exhilaration, have advanced for our fame, O generous one, in the assembly. Like buffaloes, the wise Somas lead forth the waters as waves, breaking through the woods. Flow, O Soma, strong and pressed, making us renowned among people and driving away all hatreds. Truly, you are strong with brilliance; we call upon you, O purified one, radiant with light, who makes heaven visible. The drop, entering the filter, conscious and dear to poets, sends forth thought as a charioteer sends his horse. The swift Somas, bringing cattle and horses, bright and strong, have flowed forth, eager for heroism. Flow, O god, for long life; may your exhilaration reach Indra and ascend to Vāyu by the right path. The purified one has generated the wondrous heaven, like thunder—the great universal light. The resounding drops, streaming forth with their splendor and the voice of sweetness, bring exhilaration. The sage has sent forth the waves of the river, having taken his place; bearing the poet, desiring much, he holds fast. The gods have sought the Soma, born at dawn, purified by cows, filtered and adorned, the first portion of the sixth pressing. Purifying himself, the wise one advanced beyond all hostilities; the inspired sage is glorified with hymns. The pressed Soma enters the vessel, flowing with all glories; Soma is offered with devotion to Indra. Like a charioteer, the pressed Soma was set in motion in the filter of the stones, advancing swiftly like a steed. Just as eager, powerful cows rush forth, so the swift streams surged, striking away the black skin. Wise and exhilarating, Soma flows, driving away hostilities and repelling those not devoted to the gods. Flow forth with that stream by which you made the sun shine, setting the human waters in motion. Flow forth, you who aided Indra to slay Vṛtra and released the mighty waters. With this stream, O Soma, flow around, delighting in the pressings and bringing the ninefold draughts. Flow around Bharadvāja, radiant and wealth-bringing, with your juice, O resounding one, through the filter. The mighty, roaring, tawny one has bellowed, great and wondrous like Mitra, shining together with the sun. To you, bringer of joy, we choose the fire, the wisdom, the protection—O guardian sought by many. O Adhvaryu, lead the pressed Soma with the stones through the filter; purify it for Indra’s drink. The exhilarating stream of the pressed Soma rushes forth, surging with delight—ever onward, the exhilarating stream rushes forth.