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

HYMN 61

Rishi: NODHASA Deity: INDRA

1. As a dear thing, I bring my song to Indra, exalted, rapid, mighty, praise-worthy, unobstructed; I bring laud that is acceptable, and mantra-offerings given aplenty.

I offer not only my own laud but also the mantra-offerings of the older Rishis.

2. I offer as dear to Indra, the hurter (of foes of sacrifice), attractive chant. To Indra, the ancient Lord, thoughts flow purifying from the heart, mind and understanding

3. To the self-same Indra, I utter with my mouth the ideal, light-yielding chant - powerful, highly attractive with pure words of praise - exalting Indra, the wise.

4. Even for him I frame a laud as fashions the artisan a chariot for its master; praises well-formed to him who is moved by lauds, to all-pervading (moving) Indra, the wise.

First it was stoma, then it is rik.

5. Seeking inspiration, to the self-same Indra I give voice to the mantra of praise, as a steed (is harnessed); to revere the hero, source of bounty, of celebrated fame, tearer of the cities (of the Asuras).

With the utterance of the mantra one opens to divine hearing (inspiration).

The steed, when harnessed, leads to the destination.

6. For the same Indra, Tvashtri forged the bolt for battle, superbly effective, sure-aimed, wherewith the mighty lord, scorching, hurt the vital parts of Vritra.

7. Quaffing the libation in the great creator-sacrifice, accepting the dainty viands, the pervader snatched the ripe (treasures); superb vanquisher, wielder of the thunderbolt, he clove the coverer (cloud).

Indra lifts from the being of the Yajamana the elements that properly belong to the Gods but are in the possession of the Enemy and establishes them in their due station; he breaks down the obstruction to Light and Force from above and brings the divine gifts into the Yajamana.

8. To him, to Indra, on his destruction of Ahi, the dames too – consorts of the Gods – wove chants. He encompassed the wide heaven and earth. Heaven and earth do not exceed his greatness.

9. Of him (Indra) the greatness exceeds beyond heaven, earth and mid-region. Resplendent in his station, lauded by all, happy-gaited, mighty, Indra sum mons (his strength) for battle.

10. Indra, by his vigour cut asunder with his thunderbolt Vritra who dries up. He released the nourishing waters (radiances) damned by Vritra, like cows (stolen). One-minded with the giver, he grants him divine hearing.

Uniting the consciousness of the Yajamana with his own, I ndra grants him divine inspiration.

11. By his power the streams flow, Indra having compassed them with his thunderbolt. Encircling his chosen, granting abundantly to the giver, victorious, he gives him prowess to move swiftly (as to Turviti).

As to Turviti plunged in waters, Indra favours the Yajamana for swift movement.

12. Hastening, Lord, with thy ample power, strike Vritra with thy thunderbolt. Impel the waters and for their flow to the earth render thou his joints with thy bolt oblique, as those of an ox.

13. Celebrate with new hymns the former exploits of him who moves swiftly, when wielding his weapons in battle, he confronts and destroys the enemies.

14. Through fear of him, even mountains are still, heaven and earth quake at his appearance. Praising repeatedly the protection of beloved (Indra), Nodhasa instantly attained heroic strength.

Nodhasa is a seer of mantras, a historical figure. His is an example of attainment of treasure from hymns of praise.

15. To him has that praise been offered, which he, sole Lord of ample wealth, prefers from those praising him. Indra has increased Etasha, pouring libations, while contending with Surya, son of Svashva.

When Surya of Truth-Light, born of abundant life-force (Svashva) manifests in the Yajamana, and Etasha, the steed of lifeenergy, tries to rival him, Indra helps the latter.

16. Harnesser of steeds, O Indra, descendants of Gotama offer to thee pleasing prayers; bestow on them thought with all beauty. May he, rich with thought, come anon at dawn.