Anuvaka 12
Suktas in Anuvaka 12
Sukta 111
This short Soma-liturgical hymn calls Indra to become fully exhilarated (sam-indu-bhiḥ) by the sacrificer’s pressed Soma, wherever Indra is customarily pleased—alongside Viṣṇu, Trita Āptya, or the Maruts, even in the remote “far region” by the sea. By removing distance and competing claims on Indra’s attention, it concentrates his delight upon the present rite so that his power turns into help, increase, and victory for the yajamāna.
Sukta 112
This brief Indra-hymn asserts the Vṛtra-slayer’s absolute dominion: whatever moves forth “toward the Sun” is declared to lie within Indra’s control. It further confirms Indra’s deathless, truth-grounded strength and summons him to every Soma-pressing, near or far, so that the offering is surely received and the sacrificer’s aims face no obstruction.
Sukta 113
This two-mantra Indra hymn is an āhvāna (invitation) that compels Indra to turn toward the sacrificer’s speech and arrive swiftly for Soma-drinking. It simultaneously enthrones him as the foremost power at the rite, asserting that inspired faculties (dhīṣaṇā) “fashion” his strength and secure his settled presence on the ritual seat.
Sukta 114
This brief Indra-stotra presents Indra as inherently without rival or binding dependency, yet eager to enter comradeship when battle calls. By praising his unmatched wealth, steeds, and mustering-roar, the hymn aims to recruit Indra’s protective alliance for the sacrificer—repelling rivals (bhrātr̥vya) and securing victory, support, and prosperity.
Sukta 115
This brief self-empowerment hymn (RV-derived) claims the speaker’s right to medhā (ritual intelligence) grounded in ṛta (cosmic-ritual order) and radiance “like the Sun.” It then turns to Indra: the poet’s well-fashioned praise is presented as the mechanism that awakens Indra’s śuṣma (might), and the final thrust is competitive—securing Indra’s increase and favor “for me” even amid other praising seers.
Sukta 116
This brief RV-derived Indra-stuti in Atharvaveda 20 petitions Indra for secure dwelling, communal stability, and the removal of vulnerability that comes from being “apart from” his protection. It then pivots to praise as a potent offering (stoma) that unlocks Indra’s “mighty bounty,” promising prosperity and unhindered progress of the rite through right-aligned worship.
Sukta 117
This brief Indra–Soma hymn urges Indra to drink the well-pressed Soma so his battle-fury (mada) awakens and he smashes “Vṛtras”—all obstructing forces. It also secures Indra’s attentive reception of the reciter’s praise by invoking the authoritative precedent of Vasiṣṭha, ensuring the liturgy’s efficacy at the communal Soma-feast.
Sukta 118
AV 20.118 is an RV-derived Indra-stuti used as a paustika (prosperity) hymn: it asks Indra—source of cattle, horses, and “golden” abundance—to deliver whatever the patron seeks without obstruction. The hymn strengthens the petition by recalling Indra’s cosmic feats (spreading heaven and earth, kindling the Sun, sustaining beings and Soma), thereby making the requested wealth and protection feel guaranteed by demonstrated power.
Sukta 119
AV 20.119 is a brief Indra-stuti of RV origin that presents praise itself as a potent, ancient brahman whose utterance releases beneficence like clouds breaking into rain. By linking correct hymnody (ṛta-grounded speech) with Soma-and-ghee sweetness, it aims to expand wealth (rayi), virile strength (vṛṣṇyaṃ śavaḥ), and communal prosperity.
Sukta 120
This brief two-verse hymn is a directional, all-terrain summons of Indra for immediate martial support, urging him to “press on” against a named rival (Turvaśa) on behalf of an Anu-descended patron (Anava). It strengthens royal power and prosperity by recalling Indra’s proven responsiveness to Kaṇva praise at specific locales, thereby compelling his swift arrival and victory-giving force.
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