Sukta 33
Sukta 6.33
Bharadvāja Bārhaspatya
Triṣṭubh
This brief Triṣṭubh hymn to Indra asks for the god’s most powerful “mada” (invigorating heroic ecstasy) that enables victory, abundance, and right enjoyment. It recalls Indra’s decisive slaying of obstructing forces in battle and concludes with a prayer for his protection not only in immediate needs but also “beyond,” in the farther, luminous heavenly state.
In this hymn
Addressed to
Mantras
Mantra 1
य ओजिष्ठ इन्द्र तं सु नो दा मदो वृषन्त्स्वभिष्टिर्दास्वान् । सौवश्व्यं यो वनवत्स्वश्वो वृत्रा समत्सु सासहदमित्रान् ॥
इंद्र, सबसे ज़्यादा ताकत वाला वो जोश हमको दे। तुम बैल हो, सही मज़ा देने वाले। अच्छे घोड़ों की ताकत, जीतने वाली शक्ति, जैसे जंगल में खूब कुछ मिलता है। इससे तुमने वृत्र को हराया और लड़ाई में दुश्मनों को गिरा दिया। वो शक्ति हमको दो।
Mantra 2
त्वां हीन्द्रावसे विवाचो हवन्ते चर्षणयः शूरसातौ । त्वं विप्रेभिर्वि पणीँरशायस्त्वोत इत्सनिता वाजमर्वा ॥
लोग तुम्हे बुलाते हैं इंद्र, मदद के लिए। वीर जीतने के लिए आवाज़ उठाते हैं। तुमने रिशियों के साथ मिल कर दुश्मन लोगों को भगा दिया। तुम्हारे सहारे से तेज़ घोड़ा जीत के लौटा।
Mantra 3
त्वं ताँ इन्द्रोभयाँ अमित्रान्दासा वृत्राण्यार्या च शूर । वधीर्वनेव सुधितेभिरत्कैरा पृत्सु दर्षि नृणां नृतम ॥
इंद्र ने दोनों तरह के दुश्मनों को मारा। दासा लोग जो रास्ते रोक रहे थे, उन्हें भी मारा। आर्य लोग जो विरोध कर रहे थे, उन्हें भी मारा। इंद्र बहुत बहादुर है। जैसे लकड़हारा तेज़ कुल्हाड़ी से पेड़ काटता है, वैसे ही इंद्र ने दुश्मनों को काट डाला। लड़ाई में सबसे बड़ा बहादुर दिखता है।
Mantra 4
स त्वं न इन्द्राकवाभिरूती सखा विश्वायुरविता वृधे भूः । स्वर्षाता यद्ध्वयामसि त्वा युध्यन्तो नेमधिता पृत्सु शूर ॥
इंद्र, हमारे लिए दोस्त बन। पूरी ज़िन्दगी हमारे साथ रहो। हमारी मदद करो ताकि हम आगे बढ़ें। जब हम तुम्हे पुकारते हैं, तुम स्वर्ग जीतने वाले हो। तब लड़ाई में हम भी हिम्मत से लड़ते हैं। हम अपने पैर ज़मीन पर मज़बूत रखते हैं और पीछे नहीं हटते।
Mantra 5
नूनं न इन्द्रापराय च स्या भवा मृळीक उत नो अभिष्टौ । इत्था गृणन्तो महिनस्य शर्मन्दिवि ष्याम पार्ये गोषतमाः ॥
इंद्र, अब हमारे लिए आओ। सिर्फ आज ही नहीं, आगे भी हमारे साथ रहो। हमें अपनी कृपा का आशीर्वाद दो। हमारे मक़सद में हमें कामयाब करो। जब हम तुम्हारी महानता गाते हैं, तुम्हारी शरण में हम सुखी रहते हैं। तुम्हारे उजाले स्वर्ग में हम रहते हैं जहाँ बहुत रोशनी है।
Inside Sukta 33
How it unfolds
- Where it opens
A direct request for Indra’s strongest madá—an empowering force that brings rightful enjoyment and victory.
- Development
Indra’s battle-power is remembered: he overcomes Vṛtra-like obstructions and subdues enemies, portrayed with vivid, practical imagery (like a woodman hewing with sharpened axes).
- Climax
The hymn highlights Indra’s decisive capacity to strike down every kind of resistance and appear as the most manful in the thick of battle.
- Where it settles
A concluding plea for enduring grace and protection—both in immediate life and in the farther, luminous realm—so the singers may dwell in Indra’s vast shelter.
The deity: Indra
- Cosmic functionHe is the cosmic force of breakthrough: shattering obstruction, restoring the free flow of waters/energies, and establishing victorious order in contests and battles.
- Inner significanceIndra symbolizes the awakened power of will and courage that cuts through inner resistance—fear, inertia, and confusion—granting clarity, confidence, and forward movement toward one’s aim.
The seer
- Bharadvāja BārhaspatyaBharadvāja gotra; Bārhaspatya (linked with Bṛhaspati/Angiras tradition) · A principal seer of Maṇḍala 6, celebrated for Indra-hymns that combine martial imagery with requests for inspired strength (mada) and well-being under divine protection.
Famous verses
ya ojiṣṭha indra taṃ su no dā
vadhīr vaneva sudhitebhir atkaiḥ
bhavā mṛḻīka uta no abhiṣṭau
Attributes of the deity
- Ojīṣṭha (most powerful)
- Vṛṣan (bull-like vigor)
- Vṛtrahan (slayer of obstruction)
- Giver of madá (invigorating ecstasy/heroic inspiration)
- Protector in battle and bestower of prosperity
Also by this seer
- Major portions of Rig Veda Maṇḍala 6 traditionally associated with the Bharadvāja family of seers
- Indra and related deity hymns emphasizing victory over Vṛtra/obstruction and the gift of strength, cattle, and prosperity
The rite, step by step
- Ācamana and śuddhi (preparatory purification) and kindling/establishing the sacred fire (if in an Agni setting)
- Saṅkalpa: intention for strength, protection in conflicts, and success in one’s goal (abhiṣṭi)
- Recitation of RV 6.33 with focused remembrance of Indra as Vṛtra-slayer and remover of obstacles
- Offering with each verse (or at least the key verses) while mentally requesting madá, victory, and shelter (śarman)
- Śānti/closing prayer asking Indra’s grace in the near and the “beyond” (aparāya), concluding with thanksgiving
Offerings
- Soma (where applicable in Soma rite)
- Ghṛta (ghee) into Agni
- Puroḍāśa/anna (simple food oblation) as customary substitute where Soma is not available
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn asks Indra to grant his strongest “mada”—an energizing, victorious power that helps the worshipper overcome obstacles and succeed in conflict and goals.
It stresses how decisively Indra removes resistance: as a woodman cuts through wood cleanly, Indra cuts down obstructing forces in battle.
It expands the prayer from immediate help to lasting spiritual protection—seeking Indra’s shelter not only in present life but also in the farther, luminous realm of well-being.
Ask anything about Sukta 33 of the Rig Veda
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