Sukta 59
Sukta 8.59
Indra-Varuṇa
This short hymn invokes the dual divinities Indra and Varuṇa as joint guardians of the Soma-pressing, asking them to hasten to each sacrifice and accept their rightful shares. It links their outer cosmic sovereignty and victorious power with the inner ordering of the sacrificer—training him toward Ṛta (right measure) and granting prosperity, progeny, and long life.
Mantras
Mantra 1
इमानि वां भागधेयानि सिस्रत इन्द्रावरुणा प्र महे सुतेषु वाम् । यज्ञेयज्ञे ह सवना भुरण्यथो यत्सुन्वते यजमानाय शिक्षथः ॥
These destined shares flow toward you two, O Indra and Varuṇa, for your greatness in the pressed Soma. In sacrifice after sacrifice you hasten to the pressings; and you instruct and foster the sacrificer who presses, so he may grow into the right offering.
Mantra 2
निष्षिध्वरीरोषधीराप आस्तामिन्द्रावरुणा महिमानमाशत । या सिस्रतू रजसः पारे अध्वनो ययोः शत्रुर्नकिरादेव ओहते ॥
The powers that set free (the obstructed currents)—the healing herbs and the Waters—stood firm; and Indra and Varuṇa attained their vast greatness. They moved beyond the mid-worlds, to the farther shore of the path; against them no hostile force, no undivine power, can prevail.
Mantra 3
सत्यं तदिन्द्रावरुणा कृशस्य वां मध्व ऊर्मिं दुहते सप्त वाणीः । ताभिर्दाश्वांसमवतं शुभस्पती यो वामदब्धो अभि पाति चित्तिभिः ॥
This indeed is the Truth, O Indra and Varuṇa: for your lean (austere) seeker the seven voices milk out the wave of sweetness. By those powers protect the giver, O lords of luminous bliss—him who, undeceived, guards you with his awakenings of understanding.
Mantra 4
घृतप्रुषः सौम्या जीरदानवः सप्त स्वसारः सदन ऋतस्य । या ह वामिन्द्रावरुणा घृतश्चुतस्ताभिर्धत्तं यजमानाय शिक्षतम् ॥
Ghee-sprinkling, Soma-nourished, giving the ‘aged’ (mature) riches—seven sisters seated in the home of Ṛta: those, O Indra and Varuṇa, that drip with clarified light, by them uphold the sacrificer; by them train and lead him in the right way.
Mantra 5
अवोचाम महते सौभगाय सत्यं त्वेषाभ्यां महिमानमिन्द्रियम् । अस्मान्त्स्विन्द्रावरुणा घृतश्चुतस्त्रिभिः साप्तेभिरवतं शुभस्पती ॥
We have spoken the truth for the great felicity: to you two, the impetuous powers, belongs the mighty greatness of effective force. Do you, O Indra and Varuṇa, dripping with clarified light, protect us by the three and by the seven (ordered energies), O lords of luminous bliss.
Mantra 6
इन्द्रावरुणा यदृषिभ्यो मनीषां वाचो मतिं श्रुतमदत्तमग्रे । यानि स्थानान्यसृजन्त धीरा यज्ञं तन्वानास्तपसाभ्यपश्यम् ॥
O Indra and Varuṇa, when in the beginning you gave to the seers the inspired thought, the mind of the word, the hearing that receives—then the steadfast sages created the stations; and as they extended the sacrifice, by inner heat they beheld (its truth).
Mantra 7
इन्द्रावरुणा सौमनसमदृप्तं रायस्पोषं यजमानेषु धत्तम् । प्रजां पुष्टिं भूतिमस्मासु धत्तं दीर्घायुत्वाय प्र तिरतं न आयुः ॥
O Indra and Varuṇa, place in the sacrificers a glad and unfallen harmony, and the increase of spiritual plenitude. Set in us progeny, growth, and becoming; and for long life carry forward our life-force to its farther fulfilment.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are paired as complementary powers: Indra brings victorious strength and the release of bounty, while Varuṇa upholds Ṛta—truth, law, and right order. Together they ensure the sacrifice succeeds in both power and correctness.
It refers to the rightful portions of the offering—especially Soma—belonging to the invoked deities. The verse says these shares ‘flow’ to Indra–Varuṇa when the ritual is properly performed.
The hymn calls them ghee-bright, Soma-nourished supporters seated in the home of Ṛta. Interpreters often understand them as symbolic powers such as rays of light, waters, or forms of sacred speech that uphold order and help the sacrificer stay aligned with Ṛta.