Sukta 55
Sukta 8.55
Kāṇva / Kāṇvāyana (RV 8.55 is in the Kāṇva collection)
Not securely determinable from excerpt alone
This short Kāṇva hymn to Indra celebrates the manifest surge of his vīrya (heroic power) as it “comes toward” the worshipper, bringing rādhas (bounty) to the striving supplicant. Through striking enumerations of “hundreds” and “four hundreds,” it frames Indra’s gift as overflowing plenitude—material, martial, and vital. It culminates in an image of Indra establishing a sevenfold order and driving the dark obstructive forces beyond the paths, clearing the way for fame, sight, and success.
In this hymn
Addressed to
Mantras
Mantra 1
भूरीदिन्द्रस्य वीर्यं व्यख्यमभ्यायति । राधस्ते दस्यवे वृक ॥
इंद्र की बहुत बड़ी शक्ति है जो साफ दिखाई दे रही है और हमारे पास आ रही है। हे इंद्र, तुम्हारी शक्ति उन लोगों के लिए है जो तुम्हारी सेवा करते हैं और मेहनत करते हैं।
Mantra 2
शतं श्वेतास उक्षणो दिवि तारो न रोचन्ते । मह्ना दिवं न तस्तभुः ॥
आकाश में सौ चमकदार बैल सितारों की तरह चमक रहे हैं। अपनी बड़ी शक्ति से वो आकाश को पकड़े हुए हैं। यह रोशनी की शक्तियाँ ऊपर वाले आसमान को संभाल रही हैं।
Mantra 3
शतं वेणूञ्छतं शुनः शतं चर्माणि म्लातानि । शतं मे बल्बजस्तुका अरुषीणां चतुःशतम् ॥
सौ बाजे हैं जो आवाज़ उठते हैं, सौ तेज़ हरकतें, सौ तैयार पोशाक। मेरे लिए सौ बुनाई हुई चीज़ें, और लाल रंग की चार सौ शक्तियाँ। यह पूरा हिसाब है जब ताकत पुकार सुन लेती है।
Mantra 4
सुदेवाः स्थ काण्वायना वयोवयो विचरन्तः । अश्वासो न चङ्क्रमत ॥
कान्वयन परिवार के लोग, तुम्हारा भगवान अच्छा है। हर जगह चलते रहो, हर तरफ जाओ। घोड़ों की तरह आगे बढ़ो, रुकना नहीं है।
Mantra 5
आदित्साप्तस्य चर्किरन्नानूनस्य महि श्रवः । श्यावीरतिध्वसन्पथश्चक्षुषा चन संनशे ॥
फिर सात गुणों की तारीफ होती है, बड़े लोगों की बड़ाई बढ़ती है। अंधेरे वाले रास्ते से बाहर भगा दिए जाते हैं। उनकी नज़र भी अब नहीं मिलती, वो रास्ते से कट गए।
Inside Sukta 55
How it unfolds
- Where it opens
Indra’s abundant heroic power is declared as visibly manifest and moving toward the worshipper, with rādhas promised to the devoted seeker.
- Development
The hymn amplifies Indra’s giving through vivid numerical abundance (hundreds/four hundreds), portraying gifts and capacities as overflowing and well-prepared.
- Climax
The ‘sevenfold’ is praised and the undiminished great fame rises—Indra’s order becomes the turning point that secures success.
- Where it settles
Dark, obstructive forces are driven beyond the paths and cannot ‘join’ even by sight; the way is cleared and the hymn settles into assurance of protection and openness.
The deity: Indra
- Cosmic functionHe sustains cosmic and social order by defeating obstructive powers, releasing resources (waters/wealth/space), and empowering the righteous through strength and victorious momentum.
- Inner significanceIndra represents awakened will and courageous clarity— the inner force that breaks inertia, dispels tamas (darkness/obscuration), and opens a clear path for purpose, perception, and achievement.
The seer
- Kāṇva / Kāṇvāyana (attribution within the Kāṇva collection; specific seer for RV 8.55 not securely fixed)Kāṇva gotra (descendants/line of Kaṇva) · One of the most prolific and stylistically distinctive families of Rigvedic seers, especially known for vigorous Indra hymns, praise of Soma-pressing, and compact, forceful diction.
Famous verses
भूरीदिन्द्रस्य वीर्यं व्यख्यमभ्यायति । राधस्ते दस्यवे वृक ॥शतं वेणूञ्छतं शुनः शतं चर्माणि म्लातानि । शतं मे बल्बजस्तुका अरुषीणां चतुःशतम् ॥आदित्साप्तस्य चर्किरन्नानूनस्य महि श्रवः । श्यावीरतिध्वसन्पथश्चक्षुषा चन संनशे ॥Attributes of the deity
- vīrya (heroic power)
- maghavan (bountiful giver)
- vṛtrahan (obstacle-slayer)
- protector of paths and travelers
- bringer of fame (śravas)
- receiver of Soma and praise
- swift aid to the striving worshipper
Also by this seer
- Large portions of Mandala 8 (Kāṇva collection), predominantly Indra- and Soma-centered hymns
- Associated Kāṇva tradition in later Vedic memory (Kāṇva Śākhā of the Śukla Yajurveda is historically later, but reflects the enduring prestige of the Kāṇva name)
The rite, step by step
- Prepare the sacred space and kindle Agni; establish a focused intention for strength and obstacle-removal.
- Offer introductory praises to Indra, highlighting his manifest vīrya ‘approaching’ the sacrificer (stuti).
- Recite the central verses with enumerative imagery as a formal request for plenitude and reinforcement of alliance (yācñā + saṃstuti).
- Conclude with protective/clearing intent: Indra drives away ‘dark’ obstructors beyond the paths; seal with a closing oblation and quiet assent.
- Optionally repeat key pādas as japa-like reinforcement when seeking courage, victory, or removal of hindrances.
Offerings
- Soma (where applicable)
- clarified butter (ghṛta) into the fire
- oblations of grain/cakes (puroḍāśa) in Indra rites
- water and fragrant offerings as local custom permits
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Indra’s heroic strength as something that actively comes to help the worshipper, asks for abundant gifts, and affirms that Indra drives away dark obstacles so the path becomes clear.
In Vedic praise, such numbers often signal overflowing plenty rather than exact counting. Here they intensify the sense that Indra’s giving is vast, well-stocked, and reliable.
It commonly points to a complete, well-ordered structure of reality (often linked with ṛta). In the hymn’s context, it means Indra establishes fullness and order, and therefore pushes obstructive darkness beyond the way.
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