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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 968 of 1027

Mandala 10: HYMN CXXXI. Indra.

1.DRIVE all our enemies away, O Indra, the western, mighty Conqueror, and the eastern. Hero, drive off our northern foes and southern, that we in thy wide shelter may be joyful.

2.What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order, So bring the food of those men, bring it hither, who went not to prepare the grass for worship.

3.Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. Sages desiring herds of kine and horses strengthen the mighty Indra for his friendship.

4.Ye, Aśvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice, And aided Indra in his work with Namuci of Asura birth.

5.As parents aid a son, both Aśvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. When thou, with might. hadst drunk the draught that gladdens, Sarasvatī, O Maghavan, refreshed thee.

6.Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. May he disperse our foes and give us safety, and may we be the lords of hero vigou r.

7.May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness. May this rich Indra, as our good Protector, drive off and keep afar all those who hate us.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn credit the Aśvins and Sarasvatī for helping Indra?

The hymn names the Aśvins and Sarasvatī as allies who “aided Indra in his work” and refreshed him after he “drank the draught that gladdens,” putting them in the story of Indra’s victory so his power appears embedded in a network of divine support. This frames Indra’s strength as communal: his conquering and protecting functions depend on other deities’ gifts and wisdom, not solitary heroics.

That pattern echoes other Rigveda songs where gods collaborate—compare Mandala 1 hymns where Agni and Soma prepare the ground for Indra’s deeds—showing Vedic ritual imagination treats success as the result of interdependent divine actions.

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