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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 57 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN LVII. Indra.

1.To him most liberal, lofty Lord of lofty wealth, verily powerful and strong, I bring my hymn,— Whose checkless bounty, as of waters down a slope, is spread abroad for all that live, to give them strength.

2.Now all this world, for worship, shall come after thee—the offerer’s libations like floods to the depth, When the well-loved one seems to rest upon the hill, the thunderbolt of Indra, shatterer wrought of gold.

3.To him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this rite, Whose being, for renown, yea, Indra-power and light, have been created, like bay steeds, to move with speed.

4.Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee. Lover of praise, none else but thou receives our laud: as earth loves all her creatures, love thou this our hymn.

5.Great is thy power, O Indra, we are thine. Fulfil, O Maghavan, the wish of this thy worshipper. After thee lofty heaven hath measured out its strength: to thee and to thy power this earth hath bowed itself.

6.Thou, who hast thunder for thy weapon, with thy bolt hast shattered into pieces this broad massive cloud. Thou hast sent down the obstructed floods that they may flow: thou hast, thine own for ever, all victorious might.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Indra 'Maghavan' and praise his overflowing bounty?

The hymn names Indra “Maghavan” to stress him as the generous giver whose “checkless bounty” flows like waters, making him the source of wealth and strength for worshippers. The poets credit his thunderbolt and power for releasing rains and abundance, so praise functions as both thanks and a ritual request for continued largesse.

Calling him “Maghavan” ties praise to a concrete action: his bolt shatters clouds and sends “the obstructed floods” to flow, securing prosperity for earth and people. This mirrors themes in later Vedic passages and the Bhagavata perspective on a deity whose favor sustains life and social well-being.

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