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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 461 of 1027

Mandala 6: HYMN XX. Indra.

1.GIVE us wealth, Indra, that with might, as heaven o’ertops the earth, o’ercomes our foes in battle Wealth that brings thousands and that wins the corn-lands, wealth, Son of Strength! that vanquishes the foeman.

2.Even as the power of Dyaus, to thee, O Indra, all Asura sway was by the Gods entrusted, When thou, Impetuous! leagued with Viṣṇu, slewest Vṛtra the Dragon who enclosed the waters.

3.Indra, Strong, Victor, Mightier than the mighty, addressed with prayer and perfect in his splendour, Lord of the bolt that breaketh forts in pieces, became the King of the sweet juice of Soma..

4.There, Indra, while the light was won, the Paṇis fled, ’neath a hundred blows, for wise Dasoni, And greedy Śuṣṇa’s magical devices nor left he any of their food remaining.

5.What time the thunder fell and Śuṣṇa perished, all life’s support from the great Druh was taken. Indra made room for his car-drivcr Kutsa who sate beside him, when he gained the sunlight.

6.As the Hawk rent for him the stalk that gladdens, he wrenched the head from Namuci the Dāsa. He guarded Nam, Sayya’s son, in slumber, and sated him with food, success, and riches.

7.Thou, thunder-armed, with thy great might hast shattered Pipru’s strong forts who knew the wiles of serpents. Thou gavest to thy worshipper Ṛjiśvan imperishable Wealth, O Bounteous Giver.

8.The crafty Vetasu, the swift Dasni, and Tugra speedily with all his servants, Hath Indra, gladdening with strong assistance, forced near as ’twere to glorify the Mother.

9.Resistless, with the hosts he battles, bearing in both his arms the Vṛtra-slaying thunder. He mounts his Bays, as the car-seat an archer: yoked at a word they bear the lofty Indra.

10.May we, O Indra, gain by thy new favour: so Parus laud thee, with their sacrifices, That thou hast wrecked seven autumn forts, their shelter, slain Dāsa tribes and aided Purukutsa.

11.Favouring Uśanā the son of Kavi, thou wast his ancient strengthener, O Indra. Thou gavest Navavāstva. as a present, to the great father gavest back his grandson.

12.Thou, roaring Indra, drovest on the waters that made a roaring sound like rushing rivers, What time, O Hero, o’er the sea thou broughtest, in safety broughtest Turvaśa and Yadu.

13.This Indra, was thy work in war: thou sentest Dhuni and Cumuri to sleep and slumber. Dabhīti lit the flame for thee, and worshipped with fuel, hymns, poured Soma, dressed oblations.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn keep listing different foes Indra defeated by name?

The hymn names enemies—Vṛtra, Namuci, Śuṣṇa, Pipru, the Paṇis and Dāsa tribes—to record concrete victories that make Indra’s power tangible. Each named foe fixes a remembered exploit: slaying Vṛtra who “enclosed the waters,” shattering “Pipru’s strong forts,” driving off the Paṇis and ending Śuṣṇa’s magic, so worshippers can appeal to those remembered rescues when asking for wealth and protection.

Naming associates the god’s mythic acts with the community’s needs; the roster of victories becomes evidence that Indra will again overthrow obstacles. This practice resembles the catalogue-style praise in Homer and in later Puranic lists, where specific deeds validate a deity’s ability to grant riches, safety, and social restoration.

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