Sukta 121
Rishi: RV-derived (likely Kaṇva tradition in this cluster)
Devata: Indra
Chandas: Triṣṭubh
Mantras
Mantra 1
अ॒भि त्वा॑ शूर नोनु॒मोऽदु॑ग्धा इव धे॒नवः॑ । ईशा॑नम॒स्य जग॑तः स्व॒र्दृश॒मीशा॑नमिन्द्र त॒स्थुषः॑
Toward thee, O hero, we press, as unmilked kine: thee, the sovereign of this moving world, the heaven-seeing, the sovereign, Indra, of what standeth fast.
Mantra 2
न त्वावां॑ अ॒न्यो दि॒व्यो न पार्थि॑वो॒ न जा॒तो न ज॑निष्यते । अ॒श्वा॒यन्तो॑ मघवन्निन्द्र वा॒जिनो॑ ग॒व्यन्त॑स्त्वा हवामहे
None other, heavenly or earthly, is like unto thee; none hath been born, nor shall be born. Seeking horses, O bounteous Indra, seeking the prize and seeking cattle, we call on thee.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a prosperity (paustika) hymn to call Indra for cattle-wealth, horse-wealth, and vāja—victory-prize strength and success.
The image suggests abundance ready to be drawn forth: just as cows come forward to be milked, the reciters ‘press’ toward Indra so his gifts flow readily.
No. The hymn can be recited plainly; if you wish to align with its imagery, a simple offering of water or a cow-product like milk/curds is sufficient.
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