Ankur's Books
Mandala II

HYMN XVIII. Indra

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1

The new car has been adorned at dawn; it has four yokes, three whips, and seven reins to guide it: Friendly to all, light-bringer, it must be urged to swift motion with prayers and wishes.

2

This is prepared for him the first, the second, and the third time: he is man’s priest and herald. Others will bear offspring from another parent, he goes as a noble bull, with others.

3

I have harnessed the Bay Steeds to Indra’s car, so that well-spoken words may bring him here. Let not other worshipper detain you here, for among us are many holy singers.

4

Indra, come hitherward with two Bay Coursers, come thou with four, with six when invoked. Come thou with eight, with ten, to drink the Soma. Here is the juice, brave warrior: do not scorn it.

5

O Indra, come thou hither having harnessed thy car with twenty, thirty, forty horses. Come thou with fifty well-trained coursers, Indra, sixty or seventy, to drink the Soma.

6

Come to us hitherward, O Indra, carried by eighty, ninety, or a hundred horses. This Soma juice among the Śunahotras has been poured out, in love, to make you happy, Indra.

7

To this my prayer, O Indra, come thou hither: bind to thy car’s pole all thy two Bay Coursers. Thou art to be invoked in many places Hero, rejoice thyself in this libation.

8

Never may my love from Indra be disunited; may his generous milch-cow yield us treasure. May we under his supreme protection, safe in his arms, succeed in each forthgoing.

9

Now may that wealthy cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who praises thee. Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

Source: Sacred Texts Archive
Hymn 17Hymn 19