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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 544 of 1027

Mandala 7: HYMN XXVIII. Indra.

1.COME to our prayers, O Indra, thou who knowest: let thy Bay Steeds be yoked and guided hither. Though mortal men on every side invoke thee, still give thine ear to us, O All-impeller.

2.Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation, the sages’ prayer which, Potent God, thou guardest. What time thy hand, O Mighty, holds the thunder, awful in strength thou hast become resistless.

3.What time thou drewest both world-halves together, like heroes led by thee who call each other- For thou wast born for strength and high dominion-then e’en the active overthrew the sluggish.

4.Honour us in these present days, O Indra, for hostile men are making expiation. Our sin that sinless Varuṇa discovered, the Wondrous-Wise hath long ago forgiven.

5.We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches, Best favourer of the singer’s prayer and praises. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Indra both 'All-impeller' and 'Best favourer of the singer's prayer'?

The hymn presents Indra as a warrior who drives action—“All-impeller” captures his role in compelling forces and uprooting the sluggish when he “drewest both world-halves together.” That title ties to lines about thunder and irresistible strength, showing why the rishis invoke him for decisive, protective power.

The epithet “Best favourer of the singer’s prayer” names his reciprocal role: he receives worship and returns gifts, granting “ample riches” and preserving the worshipers. This pairing of martial might and patronage echoes other hymns in the Rig Veda where Indra both fights for the people and rewards their ritual praise.

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