Sukta 117
Rishi: RV provenance (Soma-pressing Indra hymn tradition; specific RV attribution requires RV parallel identification)
Devata: Indra (with Soma as enabling power)
Chandas: Triṣṭubh-type (to be confirmed against RV parallel).
Mantras
Mantra 1
पिबा सोममिन्द्र मन्दतु त्वा यं ते सुषाव हर्यश्वाद्रिः । सोतुर्बाहुभ्यां सुयतो नार्वा
Drink Soma, O Indra; let that exhilarate thee which the stone, O tawny-horsed, hath well pressed for thee—well guided by the presser’s arms, like a rushing steed.
Mantra 2
यस्ते मदो युज्यश्चारुरस्ति येन वृत्राणि हर्यश्व हंसि । स त्वामिन्द्र प्रभूवसो ममत्तु
That exhilaration of thine which is fit for use and gracious, whereby, O tawny-horsed, thou smitest down the obstructions—let that, O Indra, lord of ample wealth, intoxicate thee.
Mantra 3
बोधा सु मे मघवन् वाचमेमां यां ते वसिष्ठो अर्चति प्रशस्तिम्। इमा ब्रह्म सधमादे जुषस्व
Awake, O bounteous one, to this my speech, the laudation which Vasiṣṭha chants for thee: these sacred formulations, at the common feast, do thou accept with favour.
Frequently Asked Questions
To drink the well-pressed Soma, become exhilarated (mada), and then destroy ‘vṛtras’—any obstructing powers—while granting strength, victory, and wealth.
Soma is treated as the enabling power that intensifies Indra’s might; the hymn frames correct pressing and offering as what awakens Indra’s effective, obstacle-slaying force.
Vasiṣṭha functions as an authority-marker: the recitation is aligned with a renowned seer’s praise, strengthening the claim that Indra will listen and accept the brahman at the sadhamāda (shared feast).