Dashati 2
Aindra praise: Indra as the pre-eminent ritual power and victorious protector invoked for strength and success
Indra
Heroic and energizing (vīra-rasa) suited to invocation of power and rallying
R̥ṣi attribution is not supplied here; these verses likely derive from multiple RV sources typical of Sāmavedic selection so a single family attribution cannot be asserted without concordance.
Applicable to Soma-yajña praise sequences where Indra is principal recipient (Indra-pavamāna/Indra-stotra contexts) with Agni functioning as the ritual enabler.
Mantras
Mantra 1
बृहस्पते परि दीया रथेन रक्षोहामित्रां अपबाधमानः प्रभञ्जन्सेनाः प्रमृणो युधा जयन्नस्माकमेध्यविता रथानाम्
Bṛhaspati, encompassing us with thy chariot, the slayer of the Rākṣasas, repelling the foes, shattering their hosts, and destroying them in battle, conquering, be thou the protector of our chariots.
Mantra 2
बलविज्ञायः स्थविरः प्रवीरः सहस्वान्वाजी सहमान उग्रः अभिवीरो अभिसत्वा सहोजा जैत्रमिन्द्र रथमा तिष्ठ गोवित्
Indra, discerner of strength, firm, the foremost hero, mighty, the bestower of the prize, prevailing, terrible, surpassing all heroes, assailing with power, born of might, victorious—ascend the chariot, (and grant) the winning of kine.
Mantra 3
गोत्रभिदं गोविदं वज्रबाहुं जयन्तमज्म प्रमृणन्तमोजसा इमं सजाता अनु वीरयध्वमिन्द्रं सखायो अनु सं रभध्वम्
Him, the splitter of the cow-stalls, the winner of kine, the thunderbolt-armed, conquering; crushing with might in the battle-course—after this Indra, O kinsmen, put forth your valour; after Indra, O friends, rally and take firm hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here “brahmā” points to sacred power (and can also echo the brahman-priest’s supervisory role). “ṛtviya” links Indra to the properly timed rite (ṛtu), presenting him as the ritual’s effective lord whose power makes the sacrifice succeed.
It recalls Indra’s mythic act of breaking obstructions to release the ‘cows’—a symbol of wealth, nourishment, and even light. In ritual praise it becomes a prayer for removing constraints and securing prosperity and victory.
Sāmavedic decads often weave supporting deities into the main praise. Agni is the kindled force that carries offerings and establishes the rite’s order; Uṣas marks auspicious renewal. Together they frame Indra’s power as operating within a well-kindled, well-timed sacrifice.