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Rig Veda · 470 of 1027
Mandala 6: HYMN XXIX Indra.
1.YOUR men have followed Indra for his friendship, and for his loving-kindness glorified him. For he bestows great wealth, the Thunder-wielder: worship him, Great and Kind, to win his favour.
2.Him to whose hand, men closely cling, and drivers stand on his golden chariot firmly stationed. With his firm arms he holds the reins; his Horses, the Stallions, are yoked ready for the journey.
3.Thy devotees embrace thy feet for glory. Bold, thunder-armed, rich, through thy strength, in guerdon, Robed in a garment fair as heaven to look on, thou hast displayed thee like an active dancer.
4.That Soma when effused hath best consistence, for which the food is dressed and grain is mingled; By which the men who pray, extolling Indra chief favourites of Gods, recite their praises.
5.No limit of thy might hath been appointed, which by its greatness sundered earth and heaven. These the Prince filleth full with strong endeavour, driving, as ’twere, with help his flocks to waters.
6.So be the lofty Indra prompt to listen, Helper unaided, golden-visored Hero. Yea, so may he, shown forth in might unequalled, smite down the many Vṛtras and the Dasyus.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn stress Indra’s generosity and his “golden” chariot and visor?
The hymn presents Indra as the source of wealth and protection: he “bestows great wealth” and fills “earth and heaven” by his might, so praising his generosity binds devotees to his favor. Describing his “golden chariot” and “golden-visored” aspect makes his power visible and regal, a sensory emblem that assures worshippers of his capacity to drive enemies away and bring prosperity.
This portrayal follows the Rig Veda’s wider pattern where gods’ physical splendor signals their function; compare Agni in other hymns who appears as a luminous mediator between humans and gods. The sensory imagery—chariot, horses, garments—turns abstract gifts into believable action, explaining why devotees cling to his feet and call him “Helper unaided.”
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