Rig Veda · 478 of 1027
Mandala 6: HYMN XXXVII Indra.
1.LET thy Bay Horses, yoked, O mighty Indra, bring thy car hither fraught with every blessing. For thee, the Heavenly, e’en the poor invoketh: may we this day, thy feast-companions, prosper.
2.Forth to the vat the brown drops flow for service, and purified proceed directly forward. May Indra drink of this, our guest aforetime, Celestial King of the strong draught of Soma.
3.Bringing us hitherward all-potent Indra on well-wheeled chariot, may the Steeds who bear him Convey him on the road direct to glory, and ne’er may Vāyu’s Amṛta cease and fail him.
4.Supreme, he stirs this man to give the guerdon,—Indra, most efficacious of the princes,— Wherewith, O Thunderer, thou removest sorrow, and, Bold One! partest wealth among the nobles.
5.Indra is hewho gives enduring vigour: may our songs magnify the God Most Mighty. Best Vṛtra-slayer be the Hero Indra these things he gives as Prince, with strong endeavour.
Asked of Guide
Why does this hymn keep calling Indra a guest and a feast-companion?
The hymn treats Indra as both guest and feast-companion because the ritual invites the god into the sacrificers’ circle: lines ask him to “bring thy car hither” and to “drink of this, our guest aforetime,” making him present by sharing Soma and the vat. Presence is enacted through offerings and praise so Indra can “part wealth among the nobles” and grant vigour, tying his acceptance to concrete benefits for the community.
This is consistent with other Vedic hymns like Ṛgveda Mandala 1, where the gods are called to partake of sacrificial food and drink and thereby reciprocate with favor and protection. The hymn stages a relationship of hospitality that creates obligation and reward: ritual feeding makes Indra both honored guest and active benefactor.
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