Sukta 16

Mantra 1

आ त्वा वहन्तु हरयो वृषणं सोमपीतये । इन्द्र त्वा सूरचक्षसः ॥

May the tawny powers (thy steeds) bring thee here, O Indra the strong, for the drinking of Soma; thee the seers of luminous vision draw near and call.

Mantra 2

इमा धाना घृतस्नुवो हरी इहोप वक्षतः । इन्द्रं सुखतमे रथे ॥

These grains, dripping with clarified delight, O two tawny powers, bring here; bring Indra on the most blissful chariot (of the inner journey).

Mantra 3

इन्द्रं प्रातर्हवामह इन्द्रं प्रयत्यध्वरे । इन्द्रं सोमस्य पीतये ॥

At the awakening of the inner dawn we call Indra; we call Indra as the offering-march moves forward in the sacrifice; we call Indra for the drinking of Soma—so that the luminous Force may take in the delight and increase our power of victory.

Mantra 4

उप नः सुतमा गहि हरिभिरिन्द्र केशिभिः । सुते हि त्वा हवामहे ॥

Come near to us, to the pressed Soma; O Indra, with the bright-maned Hari-powers. For it is to the pressed delight that we call you—so you may draw close and take your joy in it.

Mantra 5

सेमं नः स्तोममा गह्युपेदं सवनं सुतम् । गौरो न तृषितः पिब ॥

Come to this our hymn of affirmation; come near to this pressed Soma of the offering-session. Drink it like a thirsty shining bull—take in the delight and grow vast in strength.

Mantra 6

इमे सोमास इन्दवः सुतासो अधि बर्हिषि । ताँ इन्द्र सहसे पिब ॥

These Soma-drops, pressed and set upon the sacred seat, are here; O Indra, drink them for the increase of your force—so that your power in us may become effective for the work.

Mantra 7

अयं ते स्तोमो अग्रियो हृदिस्पृगस्तु शंतमः । अथा सोमं सुतं पिब ॥

This foremost hymn is for you; may it touch your heart and become most peace-giving. Then drink the pressed Soma—so delight may settle as harmony and power in the inner being.

Mantra 8

विश्वमित्सवनं सुतमिन्द्रो मदाय गच्छति । वृत्रहा सोमपीतये ॥

To every pressed offering-session Indra comes for the ecstasy; the slayer of Vṛtra comes to drink Soma—so the power that breaks obstruction may awaken in us through delight.

Mantra 9

सेमं नः काममा पृण गोभिरश्वैः शतक्रतो । स्तवाम त्वा स्वाध्यः ॥

Fill for us this desire of the soul, O Shatakratu, with rays of light and powers of swiftness; we would affirm you with our self-possessing thought—so the being may become full and effective.