Sukta 171
Sukta 10.171
Indra
This short Indra-hymn repeatedly addresses the god as the one who “brings forward” what is stalled or hidden—chariot, intention, and even the Sun itself. The poet praises Indra for hearing the Soma-offerer’s call, loosening the mortal from binding constraints, and advancing illumination beyond limiting powers.
Mantras
Mantra 1
त्वं त्यमिटतो रथमिन्द्र प्रावः सुतावतः । अशृणोः सोमिनो हवम् ॥
You, O Indra, didst advance and protect that eager-moving chariot of the Soma-presser; you didst hear the call of the one who holds the Soma-delight.
Mantra 2
त्वं मखस्य दोधतः शिरोऽव त्वचो भरः । अगच्छः सोमिनो गृहम् ॥
You didst bear away the head of Makha, stripping off the covering skin; you didst come to the house of the Soma-possessor.
Mantra 3
त्वं त्यमिन्द्र मर्त्यमास्त्रबुध्नाय वेन्यम् । मुहुः श्रथ्ना मनस्यवे ॥
You, O Indra, didst again and again loosen that mortal who was to be awakened to the foundation of the weapon (to the firm base of power), desirable for the seeker of mind—freeing him for true intention.
Mantra 4
त्वं त्यमिन्द्र सूर्यं पश्चा सन्तं पुरस्कृधि । देवानां चित्तिरो वशम् ॥
You, O Indra, make that Sun which is behind to be set in front—beyond even the limiting control of the gods; bring the light forward into the lead of our seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Indra for advancing what is stuck—protecting the sacrificer’s progress, freeing a person from constraints, and bringing hidden light (like the Sun) into the lead.
It is a poetic way of asking Indra to reverse obscurity: to make illumination, clarity, and right vision come forward and guide action.
Yes. The first verse explicitly speaks of the Soma-presser and Indra hearing the call, so it fits naturally within Soma offerings or Indra praise during fire-ritual contexts.