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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 104 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN CIV. Indra.

1.THE altar hath been made for thee to rest on: come like a panting courser and be seated. Loosen thy flying Steeds, set free thy Horses who bear thee swiftly nigh at eve and morning.

2.These men have come to Indra for assistance: shall he not quickly come upon these pathways? May the Gods quell the fury of the Dāsa, and may they lead our folk to happy fortune.

3.He who hath only wish as his possession casts on himself, casts foam amid the waters. Both wives of Kuyava in milk have bathed them: may they be drowned within the depth of Śiphā.

4.This hath his kinship checked who lives beside us: with ancient streams forth speeds and rules the Hero, Añjasī, Kuliśī, and Virapatnī, delighting him, bear milk upon their waters.

5.Soon as this Dasyu’s traces were discovered, as she who knows her home, he sought the dwelling. Now think thou of us, Maghavan, nor cast us away as doth a profligate his treasure.

6.Indra, as such, give us a share of sunlight, of waters, sinlessness, and reputation. Do thou no harm to our yet unborn offspring: our trust is in thy mighty Indra-power.

7.Now we, I think, in thee as such have trusted: lead us on, Mighty One, to ample riches. In no unready house give us, O Indra invoked of many, food and drink when hungry.

8.Slay us not, Indra; do not thou forsake us: steal not away the joys which we delight in. Rend not our unborn brood, strong Lord of Bounty! our vessels with the life that is within them.

9.Come to us; they have called thee Soma-lover: here is the pressed juice. Drink thereof for rapture. Widely-capacious, pour it down within thee, and, invocated, hear us like a Father.

Asked of Guide

Why do the worshippers keep asking Indra not to harm their unborn children?

The hymn repeatedly begs Indra to protect unborn offspring because the community equates Indra’s favor with fertility and household survival. Lines like “Do thou no harm to our yet unborn offspring” and “Rend not our unborn brood” show fear that battle, drought, or divine wrath would destroy lineage and prosperity.

Indra serves as the warrior who opens riches and secures cattle and food; petitioners ask him to “lead us on…to ample riches” so their families endure. This concern for progeny and prosperity mirrors later Vedic texts such as the Gṛhyasūtras, which also link ritual protection to household continuity.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.