Hymn for Lord Indra – The Rig Veda

The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘Vid’, which means, ‘to know’. The word ‘Rig’ in Sanskrit means ‘praise’ and the hymns of the Rig Veda (one of the oldest available scripture of Vedic thought) are expressions of adoration to various Vedic deities.

The hymn below is an invocation to Lord Indra, the Lord of the heavens in the Holy Vedas:

Indra shreshthani draviNani dhehi chitiM dakshasya subhaagatvamasme

PoshaM rayiiNaamariShTiM tanUnaM svaad maanaM vaachaH sudinatvamahvaam.

इन्द्र श्रेष्ठानि द्रविणानी धेहि चितिं दक्षस्य सुभागत्वमस्मे।

पोषं रयीणामरिष्टिं तनूनां स्वाद् मानं वाच: सुदिनत्वमह्वाम् ।।

It’s broad meaning is:

O Indra! Give us the highest of riches, the skill and knowledge for action. Give us well-being and the vigor of vitality to our limbs. Protect us against injury. May we become sweet of speech and may our days be days that are full of light.

Source: Rigveda 2.22.6

Wikipedia Article on Lord Indra

Have you read the Vedas or the Upanishads? Do you know Sanskrit? Can you suggest a better translation or interpretations for the hymn? Do share with us in the comments. Thank you!