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

HYMN 56

Rishi: SAVYA Deity: INDRA

1. The enjoyer (Indra) bends and lifts up copious libations in the ladles (of the Yajamana) as a horse (does to) a mare. Turning the splendid golden chariot with harnessed steeds (towards the Yajamana), intent on the great work (of slaying the Asura), he takes the drink.

Indra comes down from his station and lifts up the impelling powers held in the bodies (ladles) of the worshipper. Here Somas signify the impelling powers which are energising.

2. Bowing down, the worshippers gather around Indra, as merchants desiring wealth come to the ocean on a voyage. With the power of praise, ascend quickly to Indra, discriminate, knowable, lord and mighty, as the desireful climb the hill.

3. He is swift in action, mighty; his faultless valour shines active in many battles as does a mountain peak; solid, subduing the malignani, exhilarated, he cast the cunning Shushna in prison to dwell in bonds.

4. When strengthened by prais-, the luminous Power joins Indra for thy increase, as Surya does with Ushas, he expels darkness with his assaulting might; he makes the enemies cry aloud, subjecting them to much affliction.

5. When thou, slayer, didst establish in the quarters of heaven the hidden, sustaining, undecaying midworld, and, O Indra, brightly rapturous, thou slewest Vritra with thy exultant power, then didst thou send down a flood of waters.

6. Thou, mighty Indra, with thy power thou bringest down from heaven to the realms of earth the sustaining (waters). In the exhilaration of the libation, thou hast released the waters and smitten Vritra with solid rock.

Realms of earth: in the inner and outer bodies of the Rishi.