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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 989 of 1027

Mandala 10: HYMN CLII. Indra.

1.A MIGHTY Governor art thou, Wondrous, Destroyer of the foe, Whose friend is never done to death, and never, never overcome.

2.Lord of the clan, who brings us bliss, Strong, Warrior, Slayer of the fiend, May India, Soma-drinker, go before us, Bull who gives us peace.

3.Drive Rākṣasas and foes away, break thou in pieces Vṛtra’sjaws: O Vṛtra-slaying Indra, quell the foeman’s wrath who threatens us.

4.O Indra, beat our foes away, humble the men who challenge us: Send down to nether darkness him who seeks to do us injury.

5.Baffle the foeman’s plan, ward off his weapon who would conquer us. Give shelter from his furious wrath, and keep his murdering dart afar.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Indra both 'Destroyer of the foe' and 'whose friend is never done to death'?

The hymn presents Indra as a sovereign protector who defeats enemies while preserving allies: “Destroyer of the foe” describes his role in shattering Vṛtra’s jaws and driving Rākṣasas away, and “whose friend is never done to death” asserts his steadfast guardianship over those he favors. The poem repeatedly asks him to “give shelter” and “keep his murdering dart afar,” which shows the community invoking his combative strength specifically to secure and sustain their lives and fortunes.

This pairing of martial ferocity with loyal protection is central to early Vedic kingship imagery and resembles the picture in other Rigveda hymns where the deity is both warrior and patron; compare Mandala 1 hymns to Indra that also demand slaying of foes and safeguarding of worshippers. The lines frame violence as service: Indra’s triumphs establish safety for his people rather than gratuitous destruction.

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