Sukta 33
Rishi: Atharvanic tradition (Indra-stuti; specific r̥ṣi attribution varies by anukramaṇī for this cluster)
Devata: Indra
Chandas: Anuṣṭubh (likely; to be confirmed against pada count in critical edition)
Mantras
Mantra 1
इन्द्रस्तवः। यस्येदमा रजो युजस्तुजे जना वनं स्वः । इन्द्रस्य रन्त्यं बृहत्
A praise of Indra: whose, verily, are these regions—yoked for driving—whereby the peoples win the forest and the heaven; great is Indra’s joy-giving might.
Mantra 2
नाधृष आ दधृषते धृषाणो धृषितः शवः । पुरा यथा व्यथिः श्रव इन्द्रस्य नाधृषे शवः
Men dare to press against the unassailable; yet bold and whetted is his might. As of old, rout and renown are his—Indra’s, the unassailable—his force.
Mantra 3
स नो ददातु तां रयिमुरुं पिशङ्गसंदृशम्। इन्द्रः पतिस्तुविष्टमो जनेष्वा
May he bestow on us that wealth—wide, and of tawny, goodly aspect—Indra, the Lord, the most vehement in might, among the peoples, hitherward.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is mainly a paustika (prosperity) hymn to attract abundant, auspicious wealth and to stabilize that gain with Indra’s unassailable power, bringing success and reputation.
No specific substances are mentioned in the hymn; it can be used as a pure recitation (stuti) practice, with intention focused on prosperity and protection from loss.
Because the prosperity sought is not only to be obtained but also defended—Indra’s ‘nādhr̥ṣa śavaḥ’ signifies a power that opponents cannot overpower, securing wealth, victory, and fame.