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Dhammapada · narration sample

A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.

Rig Veda · 713 of 1027

Mandala 9: HYMN I. Indra.

1.TO you will I sing Indra’s praise who gives good gifts as well we know; The praise of Maghavan who, rich in treasure, aids his singers with wealth thousandfold.

2.As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the offerer slays his foes. As from a mountain flow the water-brooks, thus flow his gifts who feedeth many a one.

3.The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, O Indra, Lover of the Son As waters seek the lake where they are wont to rest, fill thee, for bounty, Thunderer.

4.The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, the sweetest of the meath drink thou, That in thy joy thou maysi scatter thy gifts o’er us, plenteously, even as the dust.

5.Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Soma-pressers like a horse- Laud, Godlike Indra, which milch-kine make sweet for thee: with Kaṇva’s sons are gifts for thee.

6.With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, preeminent, with unfailing wealth. O Thunderer, as a plenteous spring pours forth its stream, so, Indra, flow our songs to thee.

7.If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the earth, Come thence, high-thoughted! to our sacrifice with the Swift, come, Mighty with the Mighty Ones.

8.The active, fleet-foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift to victory, like the Wind, Wherewith thou goest round to visit Manus’ seed, wherewith all heaven is visible.

9.Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine, As, Maghavan, thou favouredst Medhyātithi, and, in the fight, Nipatithi.

10.As, Maghavan, to Kaṇva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and Dasavraja; As, Indra, to Gosarya and Ṛjiśvan, thou vouchsafedst wealth in kine and gold.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn keep calling Indra 'Maghavan' and asking him to pour out gifts?

The hymn names Indra ‘Maghavan’—literally “bountiful”—to insist his defining act is giving: “rich in treasure, aids his singers with wealth thousandfold.” The poets repeatedly request libations and song so he will “flow our songs to thee” and, like a spring, let his bounty pour down on the sacrificers.

The poem ties generosity to Indra’s warrior identity—he “rushes boldly on” and grants prizes to named patrons (Kaṇva, Trasadasyu, Gosarya), which validates communal reciprocity. This pattern matches what the Atharva or later Puranic episodes say about divinities rewarding loyal devotees: ritual praise activates divine largesse.

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.