Sukta 20
Kanda 20Anuvaka 2Sukta 207 Mantras

Sukta 20

Rishi: RV-source tradition (Indra-stotra); in AV 20 typically adopts RV r̥ṣi attribution for the borrowed verse (to be confirmed per pada-anukramaṇī).

Devata: Indra (with Soma as associated ritual power).

Chandas: Triṣṭubh/Jagatī-type RV metre tradition (to be confirmed per anukramaṇī for this specific verse).

Mantras

Mantra 1

शुष्मिन्तमं न ऊतये द्युम्निनं पाहि जागृविम्। इन्द्र सोमं शतक्रतो

Most mighty in thy force, for our defence—glorious and ever-wakeful—guard thou us. O Indra, Hundred-counselled, (guard) the Soma.

Mantra 2

इन्द्रियाणि शतक्रतो या ते जनेषु पञ्चसु । इन्द्र तानि त आ वृणे

Those Indra-powers of thine, O Hundred-counselled, that are among the fivefold peoples—O Indra, those from thee I choose and draw unto myself.

Mantra 3

अगन्निन्द्र श्रवो बृहद् द्युम्नं दधिष्व दुष्टरम्। उत् ते शुष्मं तिरामसि

There hath come, O Indra, mighty fame: assume thou glory unconquerable. Forth do we press beyond, by thy strong force.

Mantra 4

अर्वावतो न आ गह्यथो शक्र परावतः । उ लोको यस्ते अद्रिव इन्द्रेह तत आ गहि

From near, come hither unto us; yea, Mighty One, from far away. The realm that is thine, O Stone-wielder—O Indra—hence from that, come thou hither here.

Mantra 5

इन्द्रो अङ्गं महद् भयमभी षदप चुच्यवत्। स हि स्थिरो विचर्षणिः

Indra, in truth, hath faced the mighty fear and thrust it clean away. For he is steadfast, ruling wide o’er men.

Mantra 6

इन्द्रश्च मृलयाति नो न नः पश्चादघं नशत्। भद्रं भवाति नः पुरः

And Indra showeth mercy unto us: let not evil smite us from behind. Let auspicious good be ours in front.

Mantra 7

इन्द्र आशाभ्यस्परि सर्वाभ्यो अभयं करत्।जेता शत्रून् विचर्षणिः

May Indra from every quarter, from all sides around, make safety for us—he, the wide-ruling Conqueror of foes.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is used for rakṣā (protection) and paustika increase—invoking Indra’s vigilant guarding, strengthening the rite, and securing victory and fearlessness.

Soma represents the sacrificial power being activated; the hymn asks Indra to guard and empower that Soma-force so the ritual yields success and protection.

Yes. It can be recited as a protective stotra: invite Indra’s presence (ā gahi) and focus especially on the final all-directions fearlessness verse for daily or situational safeguarding.