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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 205 of 1027

Mandala 2: HYMN XIV. Indra.

1.MINISTERS, bring the Soma juice for Indra, pour forth the gladdening liquor with the beakers. To drink of this the Hero longeth ever; offer it to the Bull, for this he willeth.

2.Ye ministers, to him who with the lightning smote, like a tree, the rain-withholding Vṛtra— Bring it to him, him who is fain to taste it, a draught of this which Indra here deserveth.

3.Ye ministers, to him who smote Dṛbhīka, who drove the kine forth, and discovered Vala, Offer this draught, like Vita in the region: clothe him with Soma even as steeds with trappings.

4.Him who did Uraṇa to death, Adhvaryus! though showing arms ninety-and-nine in number; Who cast down headlong Arbuda and slew him,—speed ye that Indra to our offered Soma.

5.Ye ministers, to him who struck down Svaśna, and did to death Vyaṁsa and greedy Śuṣṇa, And Rudhikrās and Namuci and Pipru,—to him, to Indra, pour ye forth libation.

6.Ye ministers, to him who as with thunder demolished Śambara’s hundred ancient castles; Who cast down Varcin’s sons, a hundred thousand,—to him, to Indra, offer ye the Soma.

7.Ye ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast them down upon earth’s bosom; Who quelled the valiant men of Atithigva, Kutsa, and Āyu,—bring to him the Soma.

8.Ministers, men, whatever thing ye long for obtain ye quickly bringing gifts to Indra. Bring to the Glorious One what bands have cleansed; to Indra bring, ye pious ones, the Soma.

9.Do ye, O ministers, obey his order: that purified in wood, in wood uplift ye. Well pleased he longs for what your hands have tended: offer the gladdening Soma juice to Indra.

10.As the cow’s udder teems with milk, Adhvaryus, so fill with Soma Indra, liberal giver. I know him: I am sure of this, the Holy knows that I fain would give to him more largely.

11.Him, ministers, the Lord of heavenly treasure and all terrestrial wealth that earth possesses, Him, Indra, fill with Soma as a garner is filled with barley full: be this your labour.

12.Prepare thyself to grant us that great booty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure. Gather up wondrous wealth, O Indra, daily. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

Asked of Guide

Why does every verse ask ministers to bring Soma to Indra—what does that action do for him and for the worshippers?

The hymn repeatedly asks the Adhvaryus and ministers to bring Soma to Indra because the libation powers his role as war‑hero and generous ruler: drinking Soma enables Indra to smite foes like Vṛtra, Śambara, and Namuci and to bestow treasure. The repeated images—“fill with Soma Indra, liberal giver” and “fill with Soma as a garner is filled with barley”—present Soma as the fuel for his heroic might and bounty.

For worshippers the offering creates reciprocal benefit: by giving the gladdening juice to Indra they secure his favour and the booty he grants. Verses that urge prompt, purified presentation and speak of “abundant is thy treasure” make the ritual exchange explicit—gift produces protection and prosperity—echoing themes found elsewhere in the Rigveda where sacrifice binds gods and men.

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