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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 131 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN CXXXI. Indra.

1.To Indra Dyaus the Asura hath bowed him down, to Indra mighty Earth with wide-extending tracts, to win the light, with wide-spread tracts. All Gods of one accord have set Indra in front preeminent. For Indra all libations must be set apart, all man’s libations set apart.

2.In all libations men with hero spirit urge the Universal One, each seeking several light, each fain to win the light apart. Thee, furthering like a ship, will we set to the chariot-pole of strength, As men who win with sacrifices Indra’s thought, men who win Indra with their lauds.

3.Couples desirous of thine aid are storming thee, pouring their presents forth to win a stall of kine, pouring gifts, Indra, seeking thee. When two men seeking spoil or heaven thou bringest face to face in war, Thou showest, Indra, then the bolt thy constant friend, the Bull that ever waits on thee.

4.This thine heroic power men of old time have known, wherewith thou breakest down, Indra, autumnal forts, breakest them down with conquering might. Thou hast chastised, O Indra, Lord of Strength, the man who worships not, And made thine own this great earth and these water-floods; with joyous heart these water-floods.

5.And they have bruited far this hero-might when thou, O Strong One, in thy joy helpest thy suppliants, who sought to win thee for their Friend. Their battle-cry thou madest sound victorious in the shocks of war. One stream after another have they gained from thee, eager for glory have they gained.

6.Also this morn may he be well inclined to us, mark at our call our offerings and our song of praise, our call that we may win the light. As thou, O Indra Thunder-armed, wilt, as the Strong One, slay the foe, Listen thou to the prayer of me a later sage, hear thou a later sage’s prayer.

7.O Indra, waxen strong and well-inclined to us, thou very mighty, slay the man that is our foe, slay the man, Hero! with thy bolt. Slay thou the man who injures us: hear thou, as readiest, to hear. Far be malignity, like mischief on the march, afar be all malignity.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn keep asking Indra to 'win the light' for different people?

The hymn asks Indra to “win the light” because light stands for victory, prosperity, and divine favor; Indra grants cattle, water, and success in battle to those who praise him. Multiple petitioners—sacrificers, couples, warriors—supply libations and song so each may obtain his own share of that bright reward.

This chapter emphasizes communal reliance on Indra: “All Gods of one accord have set Indra in front preeminent,” and the singers cast him as the force who breaks forts, sends the bolt, and makes “water‑floods” joyful. Read alongside other Rig Veda hymns to Indra, the pattern repeats: ritual praise secures Indra’s active blessing for distinct, concrete needs.

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