HYMNS TO INDRA
(From the “Rig Veda”)
I will declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the thunder-wielder.
He slew the dragon, then disclosed the waters, and cleft the channels of the mountain torrents.
He slew the dragon lying on the mountain; his heavenly bolt of thunder Twashtar fashioned.
Like lowing kine in rapid flow descending the waters glided downward to the ocean.
Impetuous as a bull, he chose the Soma, and quaffed in threefold sacrifice the juices.
Maghavan grasped the thunder for his weapon, and smote to death this first born of the dragons.
When, Indra, thou hadst slain the dragon’s first born, and overcome the charms of the enchanters,
Then, giving life to sun and dawn and heaven, thou foundest not one foe to stand against thee.
Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote into pieces Vritra worst of Vritras.
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They who pervaded earth’s extremest limit subdued not with their charms the wealth-bestower:
Indra, the bull, made his ally the thunder, and with its light milked cows from out the darkness.
The waters flowed according to their nature; he mid the navigable streams waxed mighty.
Then, Indra, with his spirit concentrated, smote him forever with his strongest weapon.
Indra broke through Ilîbisa’s strong castles, and Sushna with his horn he cut to pieces:
Thou, Maghavan, for all his might and swiftness, slewest thy fighting foeman with thy thunder.
Fierce on his enemies fell Indra’s weapon: with his sharp horn he rent their towns in pieces.
He with his thunderbolt dealt blows on Vritra, and conquered, executing all his purpose.