Ankur's Books
Mandala I

HYMN LIV. Indra.

0:00
0:00

Loading audio…

1

Urging you not, Maghavan, to this distressing battle, for none can grasp the extent of your might. Sing hymns of praise to Śakra, Lord of power and might; laud you and magnify Indra who listens to you, Who with his daring might, a Bull exceeding strong in strength, makes him master of the heavens and earth.

2

Sing forth to lofty Dyaus a strength-bestowing song, the Bold, whose resolute mind has independent sway. High glory has the Asura, compact of strength, drawn by two Bay Steeds: a Bull, a Car is he.

3

The ridges of the lofty heaven you shook; you, daring, yourself shattered Śambara. When bold with sweet juice, you fought against the sorcerers bound in chains.

4

When with a roar that fills the woods, you drive down the stores that Śuṣṇa kept confined, Who will have power to stop you, firm and eager-souled, from doing still this day what you did long ago?

5

You help Narya, Turvaśa, and Yadu, and Vayya’s son Turvīti, Śatakratu! You help the horse and car in final battle, breaking down the nine-and-ninety castles.

6

A hero-lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free sacrifices and promotes the Law, Who with a bountiful reward welcomes hymns of praise: for him flows down the abundant stream from above.

7

His power is unmatched, his wisdom unmatched; chief, through their work, some drink the Soma, Those, Indra, who increase the lordly power, the firm heroic strength of you the Giver.

8

Therefore, for you, these abundant beakers Indra’s drink, stone-pressed juices held in ladles. Quaff them and satisfy your longing; then fix your mind on bestowing treasure.

9

There darkness stood, the vault that held the waters back; in Vṛtra’s hollow side the rain-cloud lay hidden. But Indra struck the rivers that the obstructer stopped, flood following flood, down steep slopes.

10

So give us, Indra, bliss-increasing glory, give us great sway and strength that conquers people. Preserve our wealthy patrons, save our princes; grant us wealth and food with noble offspring.

Source: Sacred Texts Archive
Hymn 53Hymn 55