Rig Veda

Book 1, Hymn VIII. Indra

1 INDRA, bring wealth that gives delight, the victor's ever-conquering wealth,
Most excellent, to be our aid;

2 By means of which we may repel our foes in battle hand to hand,
By thee assisted with the car.

3 Aided by thee, the thunder-armed, Indra, may we lift up the bolt,
And conquer all our foes in fight.

4 With thee, O India, for ally with missile-darting heroes, may
We conquer our embattled foes.

5 Mighty is Indra, yea supreme; greatness be his, the Thunderer:
Wide as the heaven extends his power

6 Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to the fight,
Or singers loving holy thoughts.

7 His belly, drinking deepest draughts of Soma, like an ocean swells,
Like wide streams from the cope of heaven.

8 So also is his excellence, great, vigorous, rich in cattle, like
A ripe branch to the worshipper.

9 For verily thy mighty powers, Indra, are saving helps at once
Unto a worshipper like me.

10 So are his lovely gifts; let lauds and praises be to Indra sung,
That he may drink the Soma juice.