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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 208 of 1027

Mandala 2: HYMN XVII. Indra.

1.LIKE the Aṅgirases, sing this new song forth to him, for, as in ancient days, his mighty powers are shown, When in the rapture of the Soma he unclosed with strength the solid firm-shut stables of the kine.

2.Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty; Hero who fortified his body in the wars, and through his greatness set the heaven upon his head.

3.Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, before this folk. Hurled down by thee the car-borne Lord of Tawny Steeds, the congregated swift ones fled in sundry ways.

4.He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them all. He, borne on high, o’erspread with light the heaven and earth, and, sewing up the turbid darkness, closed it in.

5.He with his might made firm the forward-bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordained. Fast he upheld the earth that nourisheth all life, and stayed the heaven from falling by his wondrous skill.

6.Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. The thunderbolt, wherewith, loud-roaring, he smote down, and striking him to death laid Krivi on the earth.

7.As she who in her parents’ house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all. Grant knowledge, mete it out and bring it to us here: give us the share wherewith thou makest people glad.

8.May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours. Help us with manifold assistance, Indra: Mighty One, Indra, make us yet more wealthy.

9.Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee. Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn call Indra a wielder of a thunderbolt and giver of wealth together?

The hymn links Indra’s martial deed—smitting Krivi with the thunderbolt—with his role as bestower of prosperity, showing power and bounty as a single divine function. Lines about closing “the turbid darkness,” upholding the earth, and giving the “wealthy Cow” frame cosmic protection and material blessing as two effects of the same sovereignty.

This pairing reflects a Vedic ideal where cosmic order (ṛta) secured by heroic might produces social abundance; Indra’s victories create stability that yields booty and soma, as in Hymn I.32 where victory and sacrificial reward also connect. The poem praises strength that both fights and furnishes, praising Indra as protector and provider.

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