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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 607 of 1027

Mandala 7: HYMN XCI. Vāyu.

1.WERE not in sooth, the Gods aforetime blameless, whose pleasure was increased by adoration? For Vāyu and for man in his affliction they caused the Morning to arise with Sūrya.

2.Guardians infallible, eager as envoys’ preserve us safe through many months and autumns. Addressed to you, our fair praise, Indra-Vāyu, implores your favour and renewed well-being.

3.Wise, bright, arranger of his teams, he. seeketh men with rich food whose treasures are abundant. They have arranged them of one mind with Vāyu: the men have wrought all noble operations.

4.So far as native power and strength permit you, so far as men behold whose eyes have vision, O ye pure-drinkers, drink with us pure Soma: sit on this sacred grass, Indra and Vāyu.

5.Driving down teams that bear the lovely Heroes, hitherward, Indra-Vāyu, come together. To you this prime of savoury juice is offered: here loose your horses and be friendly-minded.

6.Your hundred and your thousand teams, O Indra and Vāyu, all-munificent, which attend you, With these most gracious-minded come ye hither, and drink, O Heroes of the meath we offer.

7.Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, O Indra-Vāyu, with our fair laudations, Exerting all our powe-,, call you to aid us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Asked of Guide

Why do the rishis call Indra and Vāyu together as one, ‘Indra‑Vāyu’?

The hymn treats Indra and Vāyu as a joint force because their actions are described as coordinated: they “come together” to drive down teams and to accept the Soma offering, and their “hundred and thousand teams” attend jointly. The priests address them as a paired divine duo when asking protection, victory, and generous favor, so invoking both concentrates the petition on a combined protective and martial power.

This pairing echoes other Rigveda hymns where deities act in concert; see Mandala 1, Hymn 32, which likewise links deities’ shared functions to amplify their effectiveness. The ritual language — “sit on this sacred grass” and “drink with us pure Soma” — frames Indra‑Vāyu’s unity as both a liturgical summons and a description of their cooperative role for the worshippers’ welfare.

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