Rig Veda · 17 of 1027
Mandala 1: HYMN XVII. Indra-Varuṇa
1.I CRAVE help from the Imperial Lords, from Indra-Varuṇa; may they Both favour one of us like me.
2.Guardians of men, ye ever come with ready succour at the call Of every singer such as I.
3.Sate you, according to your wish, O Indra-Varuṇa, with wealth: Fain would we have you nearest us.
4.May we be sharers of the powers, sharers of the benevolence Of you who give strength bounteously.
5.Indra and Varuṇa, among givers of thousands, meet for praise, Are Powers who merit highest laud.
6.Through their protection may we gain great store of wealth, and heap it up Enough and still to spare, be ours.
7.O Indra-Varuṇa, on you for wealth in many a form I call: Still keep ye us victorious.
8.O Indra-Varuṇa, through our songs that seek to win you to ourselves, Give us at once your sheltering help.
9.O Indra-Varuṇa, to you may fair praise which I offer come, Joint eulogy which ye dignify.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn call Indra and Varuṇa together so often?
The poet pairs Indra and Varuṇa because the hymn asks for both protection and abundance: Indra brings victory and wealth, Varuṇa upholds order and governance, so together they are “Powers who merit highest laud.” The repeated joint address—“O Indra-Varuṇa”—frames them as complementary patrons whose combined favor secures “sheltering help” and “great store of wealth.”
This coupling echoes other Rigveda hymns that join deities as cooperative forces; compare Mandala 1 hymn 24 where paired gods grant bounty and protection. Naming them together concentrates praise into a single petition so the singer may “be sharers of the powers” and have both strength and lawful blessing.
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