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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 675 of 1027

Mandala 8: HYMN LV. Indra.

1.LOUD singing at the sacred rite where Soma flows we priests invoke With haste, that he may help, as the bard’s Cherisher, Indra who findeth wealth for you.

2.Whom with fair helm, in rapture of the juice, the firm resistless slayers hinder not: Giver of glorious wealth to him who sing a his praise, honouring him who toils and pours:

3.Śakra, who like a curry-comb for horses or a golden goad, Indra, the Vṛtra-slayer, urges eagerly the opening of the stall of kine:

4.Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even though buried, piled in heaps: May Indra, Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed Thunderer, act at his pleasure, as he lists.

5.Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from men. All that we offer unto thee, O Indra, now, sacrifice, laud, effectual speech.

6.To Soma, Much-invoked, Bolt-armed! for thy carouse, Celestial, Soma-drinker come. Thou to the man who- prays and pours the juice hast been best giver of delightful wealth.

7.Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder-wielder drink his fill. So in like manner offer him the juice today. Now range you by the Glorious One.

8.Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees. So graciously accepting, Indra, this our praise, with wondrous thought come forth to us.

9.What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not done? Who hath not heard his glorious title and his fame, the Vṛtra-slayer from his birth? 10 ‘How great his power resistless! how invincible the Vṛtra-slayer’s matchless might! Indra excels all usurers who see the day, excels all traffickers in strength. 11 O Indra, Vṛtra-slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers, Bring prayers ne’er heard before to thee, O Much-invoked, O Thunder-armed, to be thy meed. 12 O thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an eager hope. Past the drink-offerings, Vasu, even of the good, hear my call, Strongest God, and come. 13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. For there is none but only thou to show us race, O Maghavan, thou much invoked. 14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us. Succour us with thine help and with thy wondrous thought. Most Mighty, finder of the way. 15 Now let your Soma juice be poured; be not afraid, O Kali’s sons. This darkening sorrow goes away; yea, of itself it vanishes.

Asked of Guide

Why do the priests keep asking Indra for wealth and rescue throughout this hymn?

The hymn presents Indra as the active divine benefactor who “findeth wealth” and is repeatedly called the Vṛtra-slayer, Thunder-armed, and Maghavan so that his drinking of Soma powers him to “scatter forth ample wealth” and open the “stall of kine.” The priests cast their ritual plea as dependency: they pour Soma, sing praise, and promise honor because Indra’s triumphant deeds and “wondrous thought” are the means by which famine, misery, and hidden riches are revealed and returned to the community.

This appeal is practical and reciprocal: offering Soma and lauds invites Indra’s presence and action—he is praised for past exploits and asked to act again so “this darkening sorrow goes away.” The structure echoes other Rigveda hymns where sacrificial hospitality to a god produces tangible gain, similar to Mandala 1 hymns that link Soma-offering, divine drinking, and social prosperity.

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