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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 273 of 1027

Mandala 3: HYMN XXXIX. Indra.

1.To Indra from the heart the hymn proceedeth, to him the Lord, recited, built with praises; The wakening song sung forth in holy synod: that which is born for thee, O Indra, notice.

2.Born from the heaven e’en in the days aforetime, wakening, sting aloud in holy synod, Auspicious, clad in white and shining raiment, this is the ancient hymn of our forefathers.

3.The Mother of the Twins hath borne Twin Children: my tongue’s tip raised itself and rested silent. Killing the darkness at the light’s foundation, the Couple newly born attain their beauty.

4.Not one is found among them, none of mortals, to blame our sires who fought to win the cattle. Their strengthener was Indra the Majestic he spread their stalls of kine the Wonder-Worker.

5.Where as a Friend with friendly men, Navagvas, with heroes, on his knees he sought the cattle. There, verily with ten Daśagvas Indra found the Sun lying hidden in the darkness.

6.Indra found meath collected in the milch-cow, by foot and hoof, in the cow’s place of pasture. That which lay secret, hidden in the waters, he held in his right hand, the rich rewarder.

7.He took the light, discerning it from darkness: may we be far removed from all misfortune. These songs, O Soma-drinker, cheered by Soma, Indra, accept from thy most zealous poet.

8.Let there be light through both the worlds for worship: may we be far from most overwhelming evil. Great woe comes even from the hostile mortal, piled up; but good at rescue are the Vasus.

9.Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered, The Strong, who listens, who gives aid in battles, who slays the Vṛtras, wins and gathers riches.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Indra the one who 'found the Sun lying hidden in the darkness'?

The poet credits Indra with rescuing the Sun from concealment — “Indra found the Sun lying hidden in the darkness” — portraying him as the warrior who retrieves lost light and brings cosmic order. This episode holds Indra as the agent who separates light from darkness, an act that secures cattle, wealth, and life for the people.

That image links to other Rig Veda passages where Indra slays obstacles like the Vṛtra and “took the light, discerning it from darkness,” emphasizing his role as revealer and protector. Read alongside hymns about Indra’s slaying of Vṛtra, the verse frames his heroism as both martial victory and the restoration of daylight and prosperity.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.