Sukta 38
Sukta 8.38
Śyāvāśva Ātreya (Anukramaṇī attribution for this Indrāgnī hymn; consistent with 8.38 context)
Indrāgnī (Indra and Agni together)
Gāyatrī (8.38 is a gāyatrī hymn; short 3-pāda structure typical)
This gāyatrī hymn invites Indra and Agni together as the twin ṛtvij-priests and victorious powers who make the sacrifice effective and fruitful in all “works of strength” (vājeṣu karmasu). The poet asks them to awaken to the offering, accept the well-formed praise moving in the gāyatrī “course,” and grant protection and inspired speech, with Sarasvatī’s empowering presence explicitly invoked toward the close.
Mantras
Mantra 1
यज्ञस्य हि स्थ ऋत्विजा सस्नी वाजेषु कर्मसु । इन्द्राग्नी तस्य बोधतम् ॥
For you two are truly the sacrificer-priests of the yajña, the victorious ones in the works that bring plenitudes of force. O Indra and Agni, awaken to this (our offering and intention).
Mantra 2
तोशासा रथयावाना वृत्रहणापराजिता । इन्द्राग्नी तस्य बोधतम् ॥
Delighting (in the offering), moving with the chariot of dynamic force, slayers of the Coverer and unconquered—O Indra and Agni, awaken to this (our rite).
Mantra 3
इदं वां मदिरं मध्वधुक्षन्नद्रिभिर्नरः । इन्द्राग्नी तस्य बोधतम् ॥
This intoxicating honey for you two the strong ones have milked out with the pressing-stones. O Indra and Agni, awaken to it (and drink of the Soma).
Mantra 4
जुषेथां यज्ञमिष्टये सुतं सोमं सधस्तुती । इन्द्राग्नी आ गतं नरा ॥
Take delight in the yajña for the desired fulfilment; accept the pressed Soma in the shared hymn of the session. O Indra and Agni, come here, you two heroic powers.
Mantra 5
इमा जुषेथां सवना येभिर्हव्यान्यूहथुः । इन्द्राग्नी आ गतं नरा ॥
Take delight in these pressings by which you bear and convey the offerings. O Indra and Agni, come here, you two heroic powers.
Mantra 6
इमां गायत्रवर्तनिं जुषेथां सुष्टुतिं मम । इन्द्राग्नी आ गतं नरा ॥
Accept this my well-shaped praise that moves in the gāyatrī course. O Indra and Agni, come here, you two heroic powers.
Mantra 7
प्रातर्यावभिरा गतं देवेभिर्जेन्यावसू । इन्द्राग्नी सोमपीतये ॥
Come with the movements of the dawn, together with the gods, O you two noble bringers of good. O Indra and Agni, (come) for the drinking of Soma.
Mantra 8
श्यावाश्वस्य सुन्वतोऽत्रीणां शृणुतं हवम् । इन्द्राग्नी सोमपीतये ॥
Hear the call of Śyāvāśva who presses Soma, (hear) of the Atris; O Indra and Agni, for the drinking of Soma.
Mantra 9
एवा वामह्व ऊतये यथाहुवन्त मेधिराः । इन्द्राग्नी सोमपीतये ॥
Thus do I call you two for your help, as the wise have called you before; O Indra and Agni, for the drinking of Soma.
Mantra 10
आहं सरस्वतीवतोरिन्द्राग्न्योरवो वृणे । याभ्यां गायत्रमृच्यते ॥
I call and choose the protecting help of Indra-and-Agni, those who come with the power of Sarasvatī; by these two the Gayatrī becomes a living utterance within us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indrāgnī means Indra and Agni invoked together as a single paired power—Indra bringing victory and protection, and Agni carrying offerings and perfecting the sacrifice.
Because the hymn is composed in the gāyatrī meter and treats that measured form of praise as a vehicle of power; the poet asks the gods to accept this “gāyatrī-course” stuti.
To call Indra and Agni to the ritual, have them “awaken” to the offering, and receive their help for successful action—protection, strength, and the effectiveness of sacred speech in the rite.