Rig Veda

Mandal - 4 (Part - 4)

HYMN 25 Indra

1

WHAT friend of man, God-loving, hath delighted, yearning therefor, this day in Indra's friendship?
Who with enkindled flame and flowing Soma laudeth him for his great protecting favour?

2

Who hath with prayer bowed to the Soma-lover? What pious man endues the beams of morning?
Who seeks bond, fritridship, brotherhood with Indra? Who hath recourse unto the Sage for succour?

3

Who claims to-day the Deities' protection, asks Aditi for light, or the Adityas?
Of whose pressed stalk of Soma drink the Asvins, Indra, and Agni, well-inclined in spirit?

4

To him shall Agni Bharata give shelter: long shall he look upon the Sun up-rising,
Who sayeth, Let us press the juice for Indra, man's Friend, the Hero manliest of heroes.

5

Him neither few men overcome, nor many to him shall Aditi give spacious shelter.
Dear is the pious, the devout, to Indra dear is the zealous, dear the Soma-bringer.

6

This Hero curbs the mighty for the zealous: the presser's brew Indra possesses solely:
No brother, kin, or friend to him who pours not, destroyer of the dumb who would resist him.

7

Not with the wealthy churl who pours no Soma doth Indra, Soma-drinker, bind alliance.
He draws away his wealth and slays him naked, own Friend to him who offers, for oblation.

8

Highest and lowest, men who stand between diem, going, returning, dwelling in contentment,
Those who show forth their strength when urged to battle-these are the men who call for aid on
Indra.