इन्द्र , the revered protector of humanity, is emphatically invoked to descend upon earth, riding his vigorous steeds harnessed to his bounty-shedding chariot. The verses request इन्द्र to partake in the offerings, listen to prayers, and bestow prosperity, food, strength, and long life upon his devotees, signifying the deep-seated devotion and longing for divine guardianship in human affairs [rv-1-177-1 ] rv • Book 1 .