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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 545 of 1027

Mandala 7: HYMN XXIX Indra.

1.THIS Soma hath been pressed for thee, O Indra: come hither, Lord of Bays, for this thou lovest. Drink of this fair, this well-effused libation: Maghavan, give us wealth when we implore thee.

2.Come to us quickly with thy Bay Steeds, Hero, come to our prayer, accepting our devotion. Enjoy thyself aright at this libation, and listen thou unto the prayers we offer.

3.What satisfaction do our hymns afford thee? When, Maghavan? Now let us do thee service. Hymns, only hymns, with love for thee, I weave thee: then hear, O Indra, these mine invocations.

4.They, verily, were also human beings whom thou wast wont to hear, those earlier sages. Hence I, O Indra Maghavan, invoke thee: thou art our Providence, even as a Father.

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 'Maghavan' and 'Lord of Bays'?

The hymn uses Maghavan to name Indra as the generous bestower of wealth and victory; the repeated appeals—“give us wealth” and “Best favourer of the singer’s prayer”—stress his role as provider. Calling him “Lord of Bays” links him to bay steeds, invoking his mobility and heroic prowess as he arrives to accept the libation and bless the worshippers.

This pairing of generosity and martial grandeur frames the ritual: the soma offering prompts Indra’s arrival and reward. The hymn’s tone echoes other Rig Veda hymns where offering provokes divine favor, as in Mandala 1 hymns that also praise Indra’s gifts and his swift chariot-bearing entrance.

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