Sukta 106
Rishi: Ṛgvedic provenance (Indra-stuti)
Devata: Indra
Chandas: Likely Triṣṭubh/Jagatī-type Ṛgvedic meter (exact meter requires full pada syllable count and hymn context).
This short Indra-stuti, transmitted in Atharvavedic collection but of Ṛgvedic provenance, magnifies Indra’s indriya (sovereign might), śuṣma (impetuous force), and kratu (resolute will) so that his vajra becomes fully “whetted” for decisive action. It further depicts the cosmos—Heaven, Earth, Waters, and Mountains—and the divine coalition (Viṣṇu, Mitra, Varuṇa, and the Maruts) as collectively impelling and praising Indra. The hymn’s operative power is to convert praise into momentum: increasing the patron’s śravas (renown) and securing Indra-driven victory, stability, and thriving.
Kind of charm
Mantras
Mantra 1
तव॒ त्यदि॑न्द्रि॒यं बृ॒हत् तव॒ शुष्म॑मु॒त क्रतु॑म्। वज्रं॑ शिशाति धि॒षणा॒ वरे॑ण्यम्
यह इंद्र की ताकत है, बड़ी और ज़बरदस्त। तुम्हारी हिम्मत है, तुम्हारा इरादा है। धिशना तुम्हारे लिए वज्र तेज़ करती है, जो सबसे बेस्ट है।
Mantra 2
तव॒ द्यौरि॑न्द्र॒ पौंस्यं॑ पृथि॒वी व॑र्धति॒ श्रवः॑ । त्वामापः॒ पर्व॑तासश्च हिन्विरे
इंद्र, आसमान तेरी ताकत से भरा है। धरती पे तेरा नाम बढ़ रहा है। पानी और पहाड़ दोनों तुम्हे आगे बढ़ने का सिग्नल दे रहे हैं।
Mantra 3
त्वां विष्णु॑र्बृ॒हन् क्षयो॑ मि॒त्रो गृ॑णाति॒ वरु॑णः । त्वां शर्धो॑ मद॒त्यनु॒ मारु॑तम्
विष्णु बड़े स्थान में तुम्हारा गाना गाता है। मित्र और वरुण भी तुम्हारे लिए गाते हैं। मरुत की टीम खुश है जब वो तुम्हारे साथ होती है।
Inside Sukta 106
How it unfolds
- How it opens
The hymn opens by attributing to Indra the ‘great indriya’ and pairing force (śuṣma) with resolve (kratu), establishing him as the decisive sovereign power.
- What it asks
That Indra’s vajra be effectively sharpened by dhiṣaṇā and that the cosmos and divine allies impel him—so he turns toward the patron with victory and prosperity.
- Where its power lies
Heaven and Earth enlarge Indra’s renown; Waters and Mountains actively ‘drive’ him; major deities and the Marut-host praise and attend him—signaling irresistible, coalition-backed efficacy.
- How it closes
The final movement seals the hymn by placing Indra at the center of a harmonized divine host (Viṣṇu–Mitra–Varuṇa–Maruts), implying stabilized order plus victorious momentum.
Famous verses
वज्रं शिशाति धिषणा वरेण्यम्पृथिवी वर्धति श्रवःKind of hymn
Paustika (Prosperity) / Royal-heroic praise (Indra-stuti)
What it is for
To increase śravas (public renown), secure Indra’s impelled assistance, and ensure success in contest—victory, stability, and flourishing under a strong, inspired resolve.
Who it is for
Kings/patrons, commanders, householders seeking prosperity with protection; priests reciting for royal success and public acclaim.
Also used as
- Rājanya/heroic praise (Indra-stuti)
- Rakṣoghna (protective/obstacle-breaking)
- Śāntika (order-support via Mitra–Varuṇa alignment)
The deity
Indra here embodies victorious sovereignty—cosmic and royal—whose strength is sharpened by dhiṣaṇā (inspired intelligence) and propelled by the world-powers (waters, mountains) and allied deities.
Powers of the deity
- Indriya: commanding might and lordship
- Śuṣma: impetuous, battle-winning force
- Kratu: strategic resolve and effective intent
- Vajra-śakti: capacity to strike, shatter obstacles, and rout threats
- Śravas-vardhana: increasing fame/renown of the patron
- Alliance-leadership: marshaling Maruts and harmonizing with Viṣṇu, Mitra, Varuṇa
Why the deity is called
Invoked to sharpen and mobilize Indra’s weapon-power and to translate cosmic support and divine coalition into the patron’s renown, protection, and victory.
The seer
- AnuktaAngiras. Indra-stuti used for royal-heroic empowerment: augmenting śravas (renown), activating kṣatra-like force, and aligning resolve (kratu) with effective striking power (vajra).
Other hymns of this seer
- AV 20.106 (RV-derived Indra praise)
- Other AV Book 20 Indra-stutis (RV recensions; specific attributions vary by śākhā and anukramaṇī)
Preparing for the rite
- Establish a clean recitation space; seat the patron facing east or north.
- Prepare clean water (āpaḥ) for sipping/sprinkling as a purity and ‘impelling’ symbol.
- Set an intention: increase śravas and obtain Indra’s decisive support; optionally light a small fire or lamp as a witness (not mandatory).
The rite
- Recite the three mantras in order (20.106.1–3), with a clear emphasis on ‘tava’ (thine) to ‘assign’ powers to Indra.
- After 20.106.2, sprinkle water lightly on the patron or ritual area to enact ‘āpaḥ … hinvire’ (waters impel).
- Conclude with a brief silent resolve (kratu) by the patron—mentally ‘whetting’ one’s own purpose in alignment with Indra’s vajra.
What it needs
- Clean water (āpaḥ)
- Optional: a stone or mountain-rock as a stability symbol (parvata)
- Optional: a small metal token or staff as a symbolic ‘vajra’
When
Dawn or before undertaking a contest, journey, assembly, or royal audience; also suitable on Indra-related observances or before martial/competitive rites.
The main substance
Clean water (āpaḥ) as the practical emblem of ‘impelling’ and purification
Amulets
- A small stone/pebble (parvata-symbol) for firmness
- A metal token/staff as symbolic vajra (optional)
How it is prepared
Keep water in a clean vessel; optionally place a small stone beside it. After recitation, use a few drops for sprinkling or sipping to ritually ‘set’ the hymn’s momentum and clarity of resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
To magnify Indra’s power and mobilize his help so the patron gains renown (śravas), protection, and victory through decisive, well-directed force.
They symbolize cosmic support: waters as living impetus and purification, mountains as firmness and stability—both portrayed as ‘impelling’ Indra toward effective action.
Recite the three verses before an important undertaking, keep a cup of clean water nearby, and lightly sprinkle a few drops afterward while setting a clear intention for steady resolve and successful outcomes.
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