Rig Veda

Book 8, Hymn LXXXVII. Indra

1. To Indra sing a Sāma hymn, a lofty song to Lofty Sage,
To him who guards the Law, inspired, and fain for praise.

2 Thou, Indra, art the Conqueror: thou gavest splendour to the Sun.
Maker of all things, thou art Mighty and All-God.

3 Radiant with light thou wentest to the sky, the luminous realm of heaven.
ne Deities, Indra strove to win thee for their Friend.

4 Come unto us, O Indra, dear, still conquering, unconcealable,
Vast as a mountain spread on all sides, Lord of Heaven.

5 O truthful Soma-drinker, thou art mightier than both the worlds.
Thou strengthenest him who pours libation, Lord of Heaven.

6 For thou art he, O Indra, wiio stormeth all castles of the foe,
Slayer of Dasyus, man's Supporter, Lord of Heaven.

7 Now have we, Indra, Friend of Song, sent our great wishes forth to thee,
Coming like floods that follow floods.

8 As rivers swell the ocean, so, Hero, our prayers increase thy might,
Though of thyself, O Thunderer, waxing day by day.

9 With holy song mey bind to the broad wide-yoked car the Bay Steeds of the rapid God,
Bearers of Indra, yoked by word.

10 O Indra, bring great strength to us, bring valour, Śatakratu, thou most active, bring
A hero conquering in war.

11 For, gracious Śatakratu, thou hast ever been a Mother and a Sire to us,
So now for bliss we pray to thee.

12 To thee, Strong, Much-invoked, who showest forth thy strength, O Śatakratu, do I speak:
So grant thou us heroic strength.