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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 83 of 1027

Mandala 1: HYMN LXXXIII. Indra.

1.INDRA, the mortal man well guarded by thine aid goes foremost in the wealth of horses and of kine. With amplest wealth thou fillest him, as round about the waters clearly seen afar fill Sindhu full.

2.The heavenly Waters come not nigh the priestly bowl: they but look down and see how far mid-air is spread: The Deities conduct the pious man to them: like suitors they delight in him who loveth prayer.

3.Praiseworthy blessing hast thou laid upon the pair who with uplifted ladle serve thee, man and wife. Unchecked he dwells and prospers in thy law: thy power brings blessing to the sacrificer pouring gifts.

4.First the Aṅgirases won themselves vital power, whose fires were kindled through good deeds and sacrifice. The men together found the Paṇi’s hoarded wealth, the cattle, and the wealth in horses and in kine.

5.Atharvan first by sacrifices laid the paths then, guardian of the Law, sprang up the loving Sun. Uśanā Kāvya straightway hither drove the kine. Let us with offerings honour Yama’s deathless birth.

6.When sacred grass is trimmed to aid the auspicious work, or the hymn makes its voice of praise sound to the sky. Where the stone rings as ’twere a singer skilled in laud,—Indra in truth delights when these come near to him.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn credit specific priests (Aṅgirases, Atharvan) with first deeds and powers?

The hymn names Aṅgirases and Atharvan to locate sacred authority in remembered founding acts: Aṅgirases “won themselves vital power” by kindled fires and sacrifice, and Atharvan “laid the paths” by establishing rites. Naming ancestors ties the community’s present prosperity and Indra’s favor to concrete ritual origins and people who embodied the Law.

This is a claim about pedigree and efficacy: ritual works because certain priests set it in motion and preserved it, and offerings make the Deities “delight in him who loveth prayer.” For a parallel, see Sayana’s commentary and the later Smriti texts that similarly root authority in ritual founders.

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