Sama Veda

FIRST PART

BOOK III

Chapter II

Decade I Indra

1

No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens evermore:
No, not by sacrifice, to Indra. praised of all, resistless, daring, bold in might.

2

He without ligature, before making incision in the neck,
Closed up the wound again, most wealthy Maghavan, who healeth the dissevered parts.

3

A thousand and a hundred steeds are harnessed to thy golden car:
Yoked by devotion, Indra, let the long-maned bays bring thee to drink the Soma juice!

4

Come hither, Indra, with bay steeds, joyous, with tails like peacock's plumes!
Let no men check thy course as fowlers stay the bird: pass o'er them as o'er desert lands!

5

Thou as a God, O mightiest, verily blessest mortal man.
O Maghavan, there is no comforter but thou: Indra, I speak my words to thee.

6

O Indra, thou art far-renowned, impetuous Lord of power and might.
Alone, the never-conquered guardian of mankind, thou smitest
down resistless foes.

7

Indra for worship of the Gods, Indra while sacrifice proceeds,
Indra, as warriors in the battle-shock, we call, Indra that we may win the spoil.

8

May these my songs of praise exalt thee, Lord, who hast abundant wealth!
Men skilled in holy hymns, pure, with the hues of fire, have sung them with their lauds to thee.

9

These songs of ours exceeding sweet, these hymns of praise ascend to thee,
Like ever-conquering chariots that display their strength gain wealth and give unfailing help.

10

Even as the wild-bull, when he thirsts, goes to the desert's watery pool,
Come to us quickly both at morning and at eve, and with the Kanvas drink thy fill!