Sukta 50
Rishi: RV-derived Indra hymn tradition
Devata: Indra
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (shorter, epigrammatic; AV20 includes mixed meters)
Mantras
Mantra 1
कन्नव्यो अतसीनां तुरो गृणीत मर्त्यः । नही न्वस्य महिमानमिन्द्रियं स्वर्गृणन्त आनशुः
When shall a mortal newly praise the Overcomer of the Atasins? For none, indeed, have reached his greatness, his Indra-power, though they laud him never so well.
Mantra 2
कदु स्तुवन्त ऋतयन्त देवत ऋषिः को विप्र ओहते । कदा हवं मघवन्निन्द्र सुन्वतः कदु स्तुवत आ गमः
When shall the praising seer, the inspired priest who sets all in ṛta, set thee in motion, O God? When, bounteous Indra, wilt thou heed the caller of the presser, when indeed wilt thou come to the praiser?
Frequently Asked Questions
The repeated “when” is a summoning strategy: it turns praise into an urgent call, meant to ‘set Indra in motion’ and bring him quickly to the worshiper.
Not necessarily. In Atharvanic adaptation, “sunvat” can be treated symbolically—your offering act and sincere praise stand in for the pressing, while the hymn’s main force is the spoken stuti.
It frames Indra’s power as inexhaustible. Because his indriya cannot be ‘used up’ by praise, repeated recitation remains valid for ongoing strength, protection, and renewed favor.