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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 658 of 1027

Mandala 8: HYMN XXXVIII. Indra-Agni.

1.YE Twain are Priests of sacrifice, winners in war and holy works: Indra and Agni, mark this well.

2.Ye bounteous riders on the car, ye Vṛtra-slayers unsubdued: Indra and Agni, mark this well.

3.The men with pressing-stones have pressed this meath of yours which gives delight: Indra, and Agni, mark this well.

4.Accept our sacrifice for weal, sharers of praise! the Soma shed: Indra and Agni, Heroes, come.

5.Be pleased with these libations which attract you to our sacred gifts Indra and Agni, Heroes, come.

6.Accept this eulogy of mine whose model is the Gāyatrī: Indra and Agni, Heroes, Come.

7.Come with the early-faring Gods, ye who are Lords of genuine wealth: Indra-Agni, to the Soma-draught

8.Hear ye the call of Atris, hear Śyāvāśva as he sheds the juice: Indra-Agni to the Soma-draught

9.Thus have I called you to our aid as sages called on you of old: Indra-Agni to the Soma draught!

10.Indra’s and Agni’s grace I claim, Sarasvatī’s associates To whom this psalm of praise is sung.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn keep addressing

The hymn continually names Indra and Agni because the sacrificial rite depends on both: Indra as the victorious, consuming force and Agni as the sacrificial priest who carries the offering to the gods. The repeated address—“Indra and Agni, Heroes, come” and “to the Soma-draught”—is a ritual summons asking each to accept the libation and ensure the sacrifice’s efficacy.

The speaker also ties the present rite to tradition by invoking sages and meters: “Thus have I called you…as sages called on you of old,” and by offering “this eulogy…whose model is the Gāyatrī.” Naming both deities concentrates the hymn’s power and continuity, echoing the role of Indra and Agni in other Rig Veda hymns where they jointly secure wealth, victory, and the sacrificial outcome.

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