Translations of Rig Veda Suktas 33-121 by M.P. Pandit

HYMN 104

Rishi: KUTSA Deity: INDRA

1. The altar is made, Indra, come and sit, like the neighing steeds (coming to their place). At the time of sacrifice, release the steeds, bearing thee day and night, from the car and let the reins loose.

The steeds are powers of life, the reins powers of mind. Indra arrives on the car led by both these powers, to enter into the Yajamana.

2. Those Gods approach Indra for the increase of the sacrificer; may he soon set them on the way. May the Gods consume the anger of the Dasa (Asura) and bring to us the delectable Light for our weal.

3. Knowing the mind⁵⁹

The creation is in two halves - parardha (upper) and aparardha (lower). The upper consists of the Eternal Truth Existence with its several gradations. The lower consists of the three worlds earth etc. - the region of Falsehood. The Truth and Falsehood however, are not distinctly, demarcated; they are mixed leading to confusion. As the substance of Truth increases with each ascent, the substance of Falsehood increases downward, culminating in Inconscience in Earth-Matter.

There is a constant battle between the Gods of Truth and the Asuras of Falsehood in the Life-World, mid-region of the triple lower bemisphere. The Falsehood decreases on the higher levels of the Life-World which are closer to the higher regions. It is on the mid-planes that there are strongholds of the Asuras. It is here that the mixture takes place between Truth and Falsehood leading to distortions of Truth and Light, even simulation of Truth by Falsehood. The Asuras take possession of the Cows, Soma, Waters etc. belonging to the Gods and use them for enjoyment. Kuyava is one of thest Asuras whose main function is to adultrate Truth with Falsehood.

Even as the Vedantins aver, Ignorance is not total absence of Knowledge; it is deformed Knowledge.

Shipha: Tree like the Ashwattha whose brances flow downward. In the context it is the Cosmic Tree below which the wives of Kuyava are sought to be drowned.

Two wives: Two powers - light and power.

4. The dwelling place of the vagrant was concealed; increasing with the waters (carried off) before, the hero glories. Anjasi, Kulishi, Virapatni, pleasing him with their milk sustain him with their waters.

The three captured divine streams fed Kuyava.

5. Since the track leading to the dwelling of the Asura (Kuyava) is discovered by us, as (the cow) knows the way to her home, therefore do thou, O Maghavan, guard us from his repeated (assaults). Do not cast us away as a profligate doeth his wealth.

6. As such, Indra, make us participate in the favours of the Sun, of the Waters, in the sinlessness desired by - living beings. Do not harm our progeny (of divine wealth) as yet in embryo. Our faith is thy mighty Indra-Power.

7. Now I know our faith in thy Power. Showerer, impel us towards the great Wealth. Invoked by many, Indra, do thou not cast us in a dwelling not ready; to the hungry give strength and Soma-drinks.

8. Harm us not, O. Indra, abandon us not; deprive us not of our dear enjoyments; O Maghavan, all-powerful, rend not our unborn.

Progeny (of divine Wealth); harm not the inner supports born with us.

9. Come hither to us. They speak of you as fond of Soma juice. It is here poured. Drink it for exhilaration. Widely capacious, pour it down within thee and, invoked, hear us as a father.