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

HYMN 63

Rishi : NODHASA Deity: INDRA

1. Mighty art thou, Indra, who manifest by thy valour upheldst heaven and earth in thy strength. By fear of thee quake all beings, mountains, things vast, quake though firmly set, like rays that are scattered.

By the very appearance of Indra, the planes of heaven and earth get well established in the Yajamana.

2. When, Indra, thou bringest thy adept steeds (to harness) thy praiser lays the thunderbolt in thy hands wherewith, O doer of the coveted deeds, thou assailest thy enemies, and, much-invoked, stormest many cities (of the enemy).

The thunderbolt reaches Indra’s hands by the very laud of the singer.

3. Indra, undeflecting art thou, assailer of the enemies, chief of the Ribhus, benefactor of men, thou subduest (the foe). Aiding the bright young Kutsa in the violent, heroic battle, thou slewest Sushna.

4. Aiding him, O Indra, thou didst inspire him for high wealth, when, showerer, wielder of the thunderbolt, thou slewest Vritra; and when, munificent hero, facile subduer, thou didst put to flight the Dasyus from their dwellings.

5. O Indra, thou dost not think to harm any mortal though he be hostile. Open up ways for our horses. Wielder of the thunderbolt, slay our foes as with a club.

Open all directions to our life-forces of enjoyment so that they pass unobstructed.

6. O Indra, men invoke thee, (famous) as thou art, in battle where are won the waters and the pouring lustres. Self-sustainer, may thy wealth-bestowing succour be ours in war.

7. Indra with the thunderbolt, battling for Purukutsa, thou indeed didst destroy the seven cities (of the enemy); thou didst break with ease, like a blade of grass, the strength of Anhas for Sudasa. And King, thou gavest felicity in abundance to the filler (with offering).

Indra is friendly to Purukutsa, as to Kutsa. Puru has multiple meaning.

Seven cities: Though the cities of the Asuras are in the lower hemisphere (of three worlds), where their battles with the Gods take place, still it must be noted that in each of these worlds, there exist the seven sub-planes (deriving from the seven principles). The seven cities of the Asuras are in the mid-life-world where they predominate.

Sudasa: he who gives plentifully (such a Yajamana).

8. God Indra, Thou increasest around us like waters thy own variegated impelling power with which thou givest thyself to us. O brave one, thou causest flow of power (water) all around.

9. O Indra, praises have been sung to thee by the Gotamas, uttered with obeisance to thee along with thy steeds. Bring to us wealth of varied forms.

May he, rich with thought, come at dawn anon.