Sukta 43
Sukta 6.43
Bharadvāja (Bārhaspatya) tradition.
Indra.
Gāyatrī (likely; refrain-like structure; verify by syllable count in critical edition).
This short Indra-hymn is a compact Soma-invitation that recalls Indra’s heroic deeds—subduing Śambara for Divodāsa, releasing the “cows/rays” from the stone, and establishing victorious strength in the generous patron. Each verse pivots on the refrain-like call, “This is that Soma for you, O Indra, pressed out: drink,” linking praise (stuti) directly to the offering (havis). The purpose is to draw Indra to the pressing, renew his exhilaration (mada), and secure protection, victory, and bounty for the sacrificer and patron.
Mantras
Mantra 1
यस्य त्यच्छम्बरं मदे दिवोदासाय रन्धयः । अयं स सोम इन्द्र ते सुतः पिब ॥
You who, in the ecstasy, subdued that Śambara for Divodāsa—this is that Soma for you, O Indra, pressed out: drink.
Mantra 2
यस्य तीव्रसुतं मदं मध्यमन्तं च रक्षसे । अयं स सोम इन्द्र ते सुतः पिब ॥
You who guard the ecstasy pressed in its sharp intensity—its middle and its end as well—this is that Soma for you, O Indra, pressed out: drink.
Mantra 3
यस्य गा अन्तरश्मनो मदे दृळ्हा अवासृजः । अयं स सोम इन्द्र ते सुतः पिब ॥
You who, in the ecstasy, released the strong-held Rays (cows) from within the stone—this is that Soma for you, O Indra, pressed out: drink.
Mantra 4
यस्य मन्दानो अन्धसो माघोनं दधिषे शवः । अयं स सोम इन्द्र ते सुतः पिब ॥
You who, rejoicing in the Soma-essence, set in place the force of the bounteous giver—this is that Soma for you, O Indra, pressed out: drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Indra’s famous victories and liberations and then repeatedly invites him to drink the freshly pressed Soma, so he grants strength, protection, and success to the worshippers and their patron.
The repetition acts like a ritual refrain: it ties each remembered deed of Indra to the present offering, making the praise immediately effective as an invitation and request for blessing.
On the surface it recalls a mythic act of freeing cattle/wealth; symbolically it suggests Indra releasing hidden light, inspiration, and abundance from obstruction—turning confinement into openness and clarity.