Sukta 179
Sukta 10.179
Indra
This brief hymn is a ritual summons to rise, behold, and present Indra’s rightful share in the timely sacrifice. It emphasizes preparedness (śrāta) of the offering—especially the midday pressing—and invites Indra to come, sit among companions, and drink the curd/pressed oblation in delight, confirming the act as aligned with Ṛta (cosmic order).
Mantras
Mantra 1
उत्तिष्ठताव पश्यतेन्द्रस्य भागमृत्वियम् । यदि श्रातो जुहोतन यद्यश्रातो ममत्तन ॥
Rise up and look upon Indra’s rightful share for the season-rite. If you are prepared, offer; if you are not prepared, then kindle the delight and readiness within.
Mantra 2
श्रातं हविरो ष्विन्द्र प्र याहि जगाम सूरो अध्वनो विमध्यम् । परि त्वासते निधिभिः सखायः कुलपा न व्राजपतिं चरन्तम् ॥
The offering is made ready—come forth, O Indra. The Sun has gone along the mid-course of the path. Friends sit around you with their treasures, as clansmen around the lord of the fold, moving with him.
Mantra 3
श्रातं मन्य ऊधनि श्रातमग्नौ सुश्रातं मन्ये तदृतं नवीयः । माध्यंदिनस्य सवनस्य दध्नः पिबेन्द्र वज्रिन्पुरुकृज्जुषाणः ॥
I deem it ready in the udder, ready in Agni; perfectly prepared I deem that newer Ṛta. Drink, O Indra the wielder of the thunderbolt, of the curd of the midday pressing, taking delight as the doer of many works.
Frequently Asked Questions
It tells the sacrificers to be fully prepared and then offer Indra his rightful portion at the correct time, especially at the midday pressing, so the rite aligns with Ṛta.
Because the hymn treats readiness—proper preparation of the offering and the sacrificer’s intent—as the key condition for Indra’s acceptance and for the ritual to be effective.
The hymn highlights the midday (mādhyandina) Soma context and specifically mentions Indra drinking the curd/curd-mixture (dadhi) associated with that pressing.