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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 285 of 1027

Mandala 3: HYMN LI. Indra.

1.HIGH hymns have sounded forth the praise of Maghavan, supporter of mankind, of Indra meet for lauds; Him who hath waxen great, invoked with beauteous songs, Immortal One, whose praise each day is sung aloud.

2.To Indra from all sides go forth my songs of praise, the Lord of Hundred Powers, strong, Hero, like the sea, Swift, winner of the booty, breaker-down of forts, faithful and ever-glorious, finder of the light.

3.Where battle’s spoil is piled the singer winneth praise, for Indra taketh care of matchless worshippers. He in Vivasvān’s dwelling findeth his delight: praise thou the ever-conquering slayer of the foe.

4.Thee, valorous, most heroic of the heroes, shall the priests glorify with songg and praises. Full of all wondrous power he goes to conquest: worship is his, sole Lord from days aforetime.

5.Abundant are the gifts he gives to mortals: for him the earth bears a rich store of treasures. The heavens, the growing plants, the living waters, the forest trees preserve their wealth for Indra.

6.To thee, O Indra, Lord of Bays, for ever are offered prayers and songs: accept them gladly. As Kinsman think thou of some fresh assistance; good Friend, give strength and life to those who praise thee.

7.Here, Indra, drink thou Soma with the Maruts, as thou didst drink the juice beside Śāryāta. Under thy guidance, in thy keeping, Hero, the singers serve, skilled in fair sacrifices.

8.So eagerly desirous drink the Soma, our juice, O Indra, with thy friends the Maruts, Since at thy birth all Deities adorned thee for the great fight, O thou invoked of many.

9.He was your comrade in your zeal, O Maruts: they, rich in noble gifts, rejoiced in Indra. With them together let the Vṛtra-slayer drink in his home the worshipper’s libation.

10.So, Lord of affluent gifts, this juice hath been pressed for thee with strength Drink of it, thou who lovest song.

11.Incline thy body to this juice which suits thy Godlike nature well: May it cheer thee who lovest it.

12.Brave Indra, let it work through both thy flanks, and through thy head by prayer, And through thine arms, to prosper us.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn keep urging Indra to drink Soma with the Maruts?

The hymn links Indra’s drinking of Soma with his strength and success: “Here, Indra, drink thou Soma with the Maruts” and again “drink the Soma, our juice,” making the libation the means by which he is energized for battle and gives abundant gifts to mortals. The Maruts are named companions whose shared drinking recalls the story of his birth and the Vṛtra-slaying, so the ritual re-enacts and sustains that alliance and victory.

Practically, the poets ask for Indra’s continued favor: Soma poured and shared will “prosper us,” confer strength “through both thy flanks” and permit him to grant bounty (earth, heavens, waters). This connects to themes in the Rigveda and to Sayana’s commentary about Soma as divine energizer that makes gods active and generous.

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