Rig Veda · 335 of 1027
Mandala 4: HYMN XXXIX Dadhikrās.
1.Now give we praise to Dadhikrās the rapid, and mention in our laud the Earth and Heaven. May the Dawns flushing move me to exertion, and bear me safely over every trouble.
2.I praise the mighty Steed who fills my spirit, the Stallion Dadhikrāvan rich in bounties, Whom, swift of foot and shining bright as Agni, ye, Varuṇa and Mitra, gave to Pūrus.
3.Him who hath honoured, when the flame is kindled at break of dawn, the Courser Dadhikrāvan, Him, of one mind with Varuṇa and Mitra may Aditi make free from all transgression.
4.When we remember mighty Dadhikrāvan our food and strength, then the blest name of Maruts, Varuṇa, Mitra, we invoke for welfare, and Agni, and the thunder-wielding Indra.
5.Both sides invoke him as they call on Indra when they stir forth and turn to sacrificing. To us have Varuṇa and Mitra granted the Courser Dadhikrās, a guide for mortals.
6.So have I glorified with praise strong Dadhikrāvan, conquering Steed. Sweet may he make our mouths; may he prolong the days we have to live.
Asked of Guide
Who is Dadhikrās and why do the rishis praise his steed so much here?
Dadhikrās appears as a heroic figure identified with a mighty steed, Dadhikrāvan, whose swiftness and brightness are compared to Agni and whose coming is a source of food, strength, and protection. The hymn repeatedly links the steed to gods—Varuṇa, Mitra, Aditi, Agni, Indra, and the Maruts—so praising Dadhikrāvan is a way of invoking divine favor and safeguarding the worshippers during sacrifice and life’s journeys.
The rishis treat the steed as a sacred mediator: “the Courser Dadhikrāvan…a guide for mortals,” who honours the ritual flame and brings bounty. This role resembles other Vedic hymns where ritual animals or vehicles carry divine presence, as in hymns addressed to Agni in the same book that make the priestly fire the gods’ messenger.
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.