Sama Veda

FIRST PART

BOOK IV

Chapter I

Decade V Indra and Others

1

This vigorous one whom deities commission, the conqueror of cars, the strong and mighty,
Swift, fleet to battle, with uninjured fellies, even Tarkshya for our weal will we call hither.

2

Indra the rescuer, Indra the helper, hero who listens at each invocation,
Sakra I call, Indra invoked of many. May Indra Maghavan accept our presents!

3

Indra whose right hand wields the bolt we worship, driver of bay steeds seeking sundered courses.
Shaking his beard with might he hath arisen, terrible with his weapons, with his bounty.

4

The ever-slaying, bold and furious Indra, the bright bolt's Lord, the strong, the great, the boundless,
Who slayeth Vritra and acquireth booty, giver of blessings, Maghavan the bounteous.

5

The man who lies in wait and fights against us, deeming himself a giant or a hero,--
By battle or with strength destroy him, Indra! With thy help, manly-souled! may we be victors!

6

He whom men call when striving with their foemen, or speeding onward in array of battle,
Whom bards incite where heroes win the booty, or in the way to waters, He is Indra.

7

On a high car, O Parvata and Indra, bring pleasant viands, with brave heroes, hither!
Enjoy our presents, Gods, at sacrifices: wax strong by hymns, rejoice in our oblation!

8

In ceaseless flow hath he poured forth his praises, as waters from the ocean's depth, to Indra,
Who to his car on both its sides securely hath fixed the earth and heaven as with an axle.

9

May our friends turn thee hitherward to friendship! Mayst thou approach us even o'er many rivers!
May the Disposer, radiant in this mansion with special lustre, bring the father's offspring!

10

Who yokes to-day unto the pole of Order the strong and passionate steers of checkless spirit,
Health-bringing, bearing in their mouths no fodder? Long shall he live who richly pays their service.