The Sukta, dedicated to इन्द्र , encourages offering Soma with praises to the guardian of heroes, inviting blessings for sacred rites [rv-8-69-1 ] rv • Book 8 . It exalts इन्द्र 's power over natural elements and his protective nature [rv-8-69-2 ] rv • Book 8 . Through symbolic references to rivers, cows, and bows, the ritualistic importance of worshiping इन्द्र and other deities like वरुण is emphasized, guiding practitioners in proper offerings [rv-8-69-12 ] rv • Book 8 .