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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 536 of 1027

Mandala 7: HYMN XX. Indra.

1.STRONG, Godly-natured, born for hero exploit, man’s Friend, hedoth whatever deed he willeth. Saving us e’en from great transgression, Indra, the Youthful, visiteth man’s home with favour.

2.Waxing greatness Indra slayeth Vṛtra: the Hero with his aid hath helped the singer. He gave Sudās wide room and space, and often hath granted wealth to him who brought oblations.

3.Soldier unchecked, war-rousing, battling Hero, unconquered from of old, victorious ever, Indra the very strong hath scattered armies; yea, he hath slain each foe who fought against him.

4.Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, O Indra, even both the worlds with might, O thou Most Mighty. Lord of Bays, Indra, brandishing his thunder, is gratified with Soma at the banquet.

5.A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly. He who is Chief of men, their armies’ Leader, is strong Hero, bold, and fain for booty.

6.The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God’s terrific spirit. He who with sacrifices worships Indra is lord of wealth, law-born and law’s protector.

7.Whene’er the elder fain would help the younger the greater cometh to the lesser’s present. Shall the Immortal sit aloof’ inactive? O Wondrous Indra, bring us wondrous riches.

8.Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, thy friends, O Thunder-wielder. May we be best content in this thy favour, sheltered by One who slays not, but preserves us.

9.To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. Desire of wealth hath come upon thy singer: help us then, gakra, to our share of riches.

10.Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us. Let thy great power bring good to him who lauds thee. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn keep calling Indra 'strong' and praising his battles so much?

The hymn praises Indra’s strength and battles because it presents him as the community’s protector and benefactor: he smites foes like Vṛtra, “hath scattered armies,” and grants wealth and room to worshippers such as Sudās. Victory in war and the giving of booty are how the poet locates divine favor—Indra’s martial might produces safety, riches, and social order for those who offer sacrifices.

This hymn frames worship as reciprocal: sacrifice and praise invite Indra’s “terrific spirit” and he in turn preserves and enriches his devotees, making them “lord of wealth” and law’s protector. The emphasis on martial imagery echoes other Rigveda hymns to Indra and resembles the warrior-god portraits in later epics that link divine power, kingship, and material reward.

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