Rig Veda 8.87 - Indra
- Primary deity
- Indra
- Rishi family
- Kanva and Angirasa families
- Verses
- 6
- Location
- Mandala 8, Sukta 87
This Sukta is the 87th hymn of Mandala 8, a book of 103 hymns known as The Kanva and Angirasa Mandala. Its 6 verses are addressed chiefly to Indra, and are given here in Devanagari, IAST transliteration and Griffith’s English rendering. By tradition the hymns of this Mandala belong to Kanva and Angirasa families.
The text is preserved here in three registers: the Devanagari Sanskrit of the Samhita, a scholarly IAST romanisation, and Ralph T. H. Griffith's 1896 English translation. Where our editors have published a verse-by-verse commentary it appears beneath the relevant Rik below, adding philological and contextual reading beyond the base translation.
Verses
Commentary
Certainly! Let us explore Rig Veda Book 8, Hymn 87, Verse 2:
Sanskrit (Devanagari):
पिबतं घर्मं मधुमन्तमश्विना बर्हिः सीदतं नरा |
ता मन्दसाना मनुषो दुरोण आ नि पातं वेदसा वयः ||
Romanized:
pibataṃ gharmaṃ madhumantamaśvinā barhiḥ sīdataṃ narā |
tā mandasānā manuṣo duroṇa ā ni pātaṃ vedasā vayaḥ ||
1. Essential Meaning in Simple, Contemporary Language
“O Ashvins, drink the sweet, warming libation; come, sit upon the sacred grass. You who delight in offerings, descend into the home of man, bringing wisdom and vitality.”
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
This verse is an invitation—a loving call to the Ashvins, the divine twin healers and guides, to partake in the ritual offering (“gharma”—a warming, nourishing libation, often symbolic of spiritual energy). By inviting them to sit upon the “barhiḥ” (sacred grass), the worshipper creates a welcoming space for the divine to be present in human life.
The offering is described as “madhu-mantam” (full of honey/sweetness), representing not just physical nourishment but also the sweetness of devotion, gratitude, and the heartfelt desire for divine presence.
The verse asks the Ashvins to “descend into the home of man” (manuṣo duroṇa), bringing with them “vedasā vayaḥ”—wisdom and vitality. This expresses the ancient faith that divine blessings are not distant or abstract; they can be invited into the very center of our lives, bringing healing and insight.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
- Ashvins: Twin deities associated with healing, rescue, and guidance. They represent swift help, beauty, and the restoration of wholeness.
- Gharma: A ritual drink or offering, symbolizing warmth, nourishment, and spiritual energy.
- Barhiḥ (Sacred grass): The ritual seat for gods, representing hospitality and readiness to receive grace.
- Sweetness (Madhu): Symbolizes joy, devotion, and the attractive quality of spiritual offerings.
- Descent into the home: The movement of the divine from the realm of spirit into the everyday world—making the sacred accessible.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
This verse beautifully expresses a universal longing: to invite healing, wisdom, and vitality into our lives. The act of creating a sacred space, offering what is best and sweetest, and welcoming higher forces is an experience that transcends time and culture.
In modern terms, it reminds us to: - Create moments of stillness and reverence in our homes and hearts. - Offer our best intentions and efforts, making our lives attractive to goodness and grace. - Invite healing and wisdom—not just as abstract ideals, but as living presences that can transform our everyday experiences.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In Vedic rituals, inviting deities to partake in offerings was central. The Ashvins, beloved for their swiftness and compassion, were often called upon to heal, protect, and inspire. The ritual grass and libations are symbolic gestures of hospitality, making the home a temple and the heart an altar.
6. Inspiration and Reflection
This verse encourages us to recognize the sacred potential in daily life. By making space for wisdom, sweetness, and healing, and by consciously inviting these qualities, we transform our homes and hearts.
Reflection:
How can you create a welcoming space for healing and wisdom in your own life? What “sweet offerings”—kindness, gratitude, mindful attention—can you offer today to invite grace and vitality into your experience?
In summary:
The verse is a poetic invocation to invite divine healing and wisdom into our lives, reminding us that our sincere offerings and the creation of sacred space can make the presence of higher forces real and transformative. This ancient wisdom inspires us to live with reverence, openness, and a welcoming spirit—making the eternal truths of the Rig Veda shine in our modern journey.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s explore Rig Veda, Book 8, Hymn 87, Verse 3:
Sanskrit:
आ वां विश्वाभिरूतिभिः परियमेधा अहूषत |
ता वर्तिर्यातमुप वर्क्तबर्हिषो जुष्टं यज्ञं दिविष्टिषु ||
Romanized:
ā vāṃ viśvābhirūtibhiḥ priyamedhā ahūṣata |
tā vartiryātamupa vṛktabarhiṣo juṣṭaṃ yajñaṃ diviṣṭiṣu ||
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
This verse is a call, an invitation. The worshippers, Priyamedhas and others, are invoking two deities (likely Indra and another, perhaps Agni), asking them to come with all their powers and blessings. They’re being invited to the sacred ritual (yajña), to the seat prepared for them, and to accept the offerings made in the spirit of devotion.
In essence:
“Priyamedhas and the assembly call you with every hymn and prayer. Please come, O deities, to the seat prepared for you, and accept this sacred offering we present in the realm of the divine.”
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
This verse is more than just a ritual invitation. It reflects a profound attitude of reverence and open-heartedness. The worshippers are not simply performing a duty—they are yearning for divine presence, inviting the sacred into their lives with sincerity and love. The yajña (sacrifice or offering) is a bridge between the human and the divine, a way to connect the earthly with the heavenly.
Deeper wisdom:
- Openness to the divine: True spiritual practice is not mechanical; it is a heartfelt invitation to the sacred.
- Collective invocation: The phrase “with all their hymns” reminds us that spiritual progress is often a shared journey; together, we call forth the highest in ourselves and in the universe.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
- Priyamedhas: A revered sage, symbolizing wisdom and devotion.
- Yajña (Sacrifice/Offering): More than ritual, it represents self-giving, transformation, and the offering of one’s best to the universe.
- Barhis (Sacred seat): Represents the space prepared within oneself or a community for the divine to enter.
- Diviṣṭiṣu (“in the heavenly realms”): Symbolizes the aspiration to reach higher states of consciousness.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
In today’s world, we may not perform Vedic rituals, but the essence remains timeless. Every time we act with sincerity, invite inspiration, or dedicate our work for a higher purpose, we are enacting a modern yajña. Preparing a space for wisdom, love, or peace to enter our lives is a sacred act.
For a modern seeker:
- Invite the sacred: Create moments in your life—through meditation, creativity, or kindness—where you genuinely invite inspiration, wisdom, or grace.
- Prepare your inner seat: Just as the ritual seat is made ready for the divine, prepare your mind and heart for higher truths.
- Offer your best: Dedicate your actions with intention and sincerity, so that the mundane becomes sacred.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In Vedic tradition, the yajña was the central act of communion with the divine. Invocations like this one emphasize the importance of intention, preparation, and collective effort in spiritual life. The specific mention of Priyamedhas highlights the role of wise leadership and guidance in spiritual practices.
6. Inspiring Reflection
This verse is an invitation—not just for gods, but for us to invite the sacred into our own lives. It teaches that divine grace responds to sincere, unified calls and that preparing ourselves with devotion and openness is the way to receive higher blessings.
Let this be a reminder:
Whenever you seek wisdom, peace, or inspiration, call with sincerity, prepare your heart, and offer your best. The sacred responds to genuine invitation.
Summary:
The Vedic sages teach us that the doorway to the divine is opened by heartfelt invitation, collective effort, and sincere offering. In every age, we can prepare a seat in our lives for the sacred, and when we do so with devotion, that blessing will surely come.
Commentary
Certainly. Let’s approach Rig Veda Book 8, Hymn 87, Verse 4 with clarity, reverence, and insight.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
This verse is an invitation to the divine twins, the Ashvins, revered as healers and guides. The worshippers call upon them to come, partake of the sweet Soma (a sacred drink), and be seated with favor at the ritual altar (barhiḥ). The verse asks the Ashvins to be strengthened by the praise offered, and to descend from the heavens, like strong, swift horses arriving at their destination.
In essence:
“O Ashvins, come and drink the sweet Soma. Sit upon the sacred altar with kind favor. Be empowered by our prayers, and descend from the heavens swiftly and graciously, like splendid horses reaching their goal.”
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
This verse is not just a ritual invitation; it reflects a deep yearning for divine presence and blessing. The act of calling the Ashvins to the altar, offering Soma, and singing praises is symbolic of opening oneself to higher guidance, healing, and wisdom.
The Ashvins represent the qualities of transformation, movement, and rejuvenation. By inviting them, the seeker asks for these qualities to manifest in life—renewal, clarity, and the removal of obstacles.
The Soma, a drink prepared in ancient rituals, signifies not just material offering but the sweetness of devotion, the nectar of spiritual experience.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, Metaphors
- Ashvins: Divine twins associated with healing, dawn, and swift movement. They symbolize the union of opposites (night and day, dark and light), the restoration of health, and the arrival of new beginnings.
- Soma: Both a physical ritual drink and a spiritual metaphor for bliss, inspiration, and divine ecstasy.
- Barhiḥ (altar): The sacred space within and without, where the divine is welcomed; a symbol of inner readiness and purity.
- Swift Horses: The Ashvins are often depicted as horsemen. The horse here is a metaphor for energy, momentum, and the ability to overcome distance or difficulty—helping the seeker swiftly reach spiritual goals.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
Everyone seeks renewal, healing, and guidance, especially in times of uncertainty or transition. This verse is a poetic way of expressing the human desire for help from higher sources, for the “sweetness” of inspiration and hope, and for the ability to move forward gracefully.
In modern life, we can see the Ashvins as symbols of all forces that help us heal—whether through medicine, kindness, wisdom, or new opportunities. Inviting them is like inviting positive change and fresh energy into our lives.
The ritual setting can be seen as creating a sacred space—whether through meditation, prayer, or simple mindfulness—where we welcome transformation and guidance.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In Vedic culture, the Ashvins were among the most beloved deities, celebrated for their miraculous interventions, their compassion, and their role in bringing the dawn. Soma rituals were central to Vedic worship, seen as a bridge between human and divine realms.
The emphasis on “praise” and “sweetness” highlights the importance of gratitude and positive intention in spiritual practice.
6. A Contemporary Reflection
This verse invites us to actively seek renewal and healing, to create space in our lives—physical or mental—for the arrival of grace. It reminds us that spiritual progress is a journey, and with sincerity, sweetness, and the right invitation, we can draw down blessings and inspiration from higher realms.
A modern seeker can learn:
- To invite healing and transformation into life with openness and sincerity
- To create moments of sacredness, however small, where gratitude and hope are expressed
- To remember that help, renewal, and inspiration are always available, ready to “descend” when we call with pure intention
In summary:
This verse is a beautiful call to the forces of renewal and healing—symbolized by the Ashvins—to enter our lives, partake of our devotion, and empower us to move forward with grace and energy. It teaches that with sincere invitation and praise, divine help is never far away, and every moment can be made sacred through openness and gratitude.
May this ancient prayer inspire you to welcome transformation, healing, and grace into your life, wherever you are on your journey.
Commentary
Certainly. Let’s unfold the wisdom of Rig Veda Book 8, Hymn 87, Verse 5.
Original Sanskrit: आ नूनं यातमश्विनाश्वेभिः परुषितप्सुभिः | दस्रा हिरण्यवर्तनी शुभस पती पातं सोमं रताव्र्धा ||
Essential Meaning (in Simple Language): “O Ashvins, come now with your swift, rain-bringing horses. Divine twins, who travel on golden paths and shine radiantly—protect and partake in the Soma offered by the devotee who upholds cosmic order (ṛta).”
1. Essence of the Verse
The hymn is an invocation to the Ashvins—twin deities of healing, light, and swift movement—inviting them to arrive with their mystical horses that bring rain and nourishment. The devotee appeals to their shining presence, asking them to partake in the sacred Soma ritual, performed in harmony with cosmic law (ṛta).
2. Deeper Philosophical and Spiritual Significance
Ashvins represent dynamic, benevolent forces in the universe—divine twins who restore health, bring inspiration, and connect the earthly with the divine. Their golden path symbolizes the journey of light, truth, and right action.
Soma is more than a ritual drink; it is the nectar of inspiration, immortality, and connection to the divine. Offering Soma is an act of devotion, aligning oneself with the cosmic order (ṛta)—the principle of truth, harmony, and the underlying law of the universe.
The devotee’s call is not just for external help but for inward awakening: inviting the healing, illuminating, and harmonizing forces into one’s life by living in accordance with truth and offering sincere devotion.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
- Ashvins: Symbolize healing, swiftness, and the transformative potential of divine grace.
- Horses (aśvebhiḥ): Represent energy, movement, and the ability to traverse realms—spiritual progress.
- Golden Paths (hiraṇyavartanī): Metaphor for the radiant journey of spiritual evolution, clarity, and higher purpose.
- Soma: The essence of divine inspiration, bliss, and the elixir of spiritual awakening.
- ṛta (Cosmic Order): Living in alignment with truth, integrity, and universal harmony.
4. Relevance to Modern Life and Universal Human Experience
This verse teaches us the value of inviting healing and higher wisdom into our lives—by aligning with truth, acting with integrity, and offering our best (devotion, effort) to the world. Just as the Ashvins respond to sincere calls, the forces of inspiration and renewal are available to us when we open ourselves to them.
In our fast-paced world, the need for healing, clarity, and purpose is universal. The Ashvins’ swift arrival signifies that grace and transformation can come quickly when we are sincere and dedicated. Walking the “golden path” means choosing growth, kindness, and truth, even amidst challenges.
Offering “Soma”—our inner joy and devotion—to the world (through service, creativity, or spiritual practice) connects us with something greater, nourishing both ourselves and others.
5. Historical and Cultural Context
The Ashvins were venerated as bringers of light at dawn, healers of sickness, and helpers in times of need. Their mythic adventures often involve restoring life, bringing hope, and overcoming darkness. The Soma ritual was central in Vedic life, symbolizing communion with the divine and the quest for immortality—not just physically, but spiritually.
6. Contemporary Reflection and Inspiration
Let this verse remind you:
- Healing and inspiration are always accessible—call upon them with sincerity.
- Walk your own “golden path” of truth and purpose.
- Offer your best self to the world; live in harmony with universal principles.
- Trust that grace can transform even the darkest moment.
In essence:
Invite the forces of renewal, healing, and wisdom into your life. Align your actions with truth and cosmic harmony. As you offer your devotion and effort, the universe responds with grace, light, and transformation.
May the Ashvins guide you on your radiant journey, bringing blessings, inspiration, and the nectar of joy to all your endeavors.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s explore Rig Veda, Book 8, Hymn 87, Verse 6 together:
Sanskrit (Devanagari):
वयं हि वां हवामहे विपन्यवो विप्रासो वाजसातये |
तावल्गू दस्रा पुरुदंससा धियाश्विना शरुष्ट्या गतम ||
Romanized:
vayaṃ hi vāṃ havāmahe vipanyavo viprāso vājasātaye |
tāvalghū dasrā purudaṃsasā dhiyāśvinā śruṣṭyā ghatam ||
Griffith Translation (1896):
(Griffith’s translation seems mismatched here; the verse addresses the Ashvins, not Indra. A more accurate rendering is:)
“We invoke you, O Ashvins, the wondrous, the swift, with thoughtful minds and earnest prayers, for the attainment of strength and bounty. Come, O divine twins, with your blessings, through our devotion and wise invocation.”
1. Essential Meaning in Simple, Contemporary Language
The seers (viprās), with pure and thoughtful minds, are calling upon the Ashvins—the divine twin deities renowned for their swift help and multifaceted blessings. They ask the Ashvins to come quickly and graciously, drawn by the sincerity of their prayers, so that they may bestow strength, prosperity, and healing.
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
This verse embodies the spirit of heartfelt invocation. It teaches that when we approach the divine—whether as gods, higher powers, or the universal spirit—with sincerity, wisdom, and thoughtful intention, we invite blessings into our lives. The act of calling upon the Ashvins is not just a ritual; it is a union of deep yearning (dhiyā, thoughtful mind) and the hope for transformative grace.
The Ashvins symbolize the power of healing, swift assistance, and the fulfillment of both material and spiritual needs. The verse suggests that the fruits of life—strength, abundance, well-being—are not gained passively but through active engagement of mind, devotion, and prayer.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
- Ashvins (अश्विना): Twin gods associated with healing, swift rescue, and guidance. They are often called upon for help in times of need, representing the benevolent forces that respond to sincere calls for aid.
- Viprāso (विप्रासो): The wise or inspired poets/seers, symbolizing individuals who seek truth and higher knowledge.
- Dhiyā (धिया): Thoughtful mind or intelligence, highlighting the importance of intentionality and wisdom in prayer.
- Vājasātaye (वाजसातये): For gaining strength, vitality, or spiritual/mundane rewards.
The Ashvins’ swift arrival (“come quickly”) is a metaphor for the immediate and transformative power of genuine spiritual connection.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experiences and Modern Life
This hymn mirrors the universal human longing for support, healing, and strength—whether from the divine, loved ones, or our own inner resources. In modern terms, it encourages us to approach life’s challenges not with despair or passivity, but with thoughtful intent, optimism, and openness to help.
It reminds us that: - Sincerity of purpose is key: When we genuinely seek help, healing, or guidance, doors open. - Wisdom and devotion harmonize: Combining clear thinking with heartfelt prayer brings about powerful transformation. - Support is available: Whether through spirituality, community, or inner resilience, help arrives when called for authentically.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
The Ashvins were among the most beloved deities in Vedic times, often invoked for their ability to heal and assist mortals swiftly. Their stories are filled with miraculous interventions and rescues, symbolizing hope and renewal.
The Vedic seers (vipras) were not just priests, but poets and thinkers, emphasizing that spiritual pursuit is as much about insight and wisdom as it is about ritual.
6. Summary: Making the Eternal Truth Shine
In essence, this verse teaches:
When we reach out with sincere minds and thoughtful hearts, invoking the divine or seeking help, benevolent forces respond, bringing strength, healing, and abundance.
For the modern seeker:
Let your prayers and actions be guided by clarity and sincerity. Trust that help is available, and that the universe responds to genuine intent—sometimes swiftly and in wondrous ways. Cultivate wisdom and devotion together, and you invite blessings into your life.
Reflection:
Pause and consider—when you seek guidance or support, do you do so with both heartfelt sincerity and clear intention? How might you invite healing and strength into your own life today, echoing the ancient call of the Vedic seers to the Ashvins?
May the wisdom of this verse inspire you to seek and receive blessings with open heart and mind, in the spirit of the Vedic sages.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s explore Rig Veda Book 8, Hymn 87, Verse 1 in a way that makes its wisdom shine for today’s reader.
Essential Meaning in Simple Language
The verse is a heartfelt invocation to the twin deities, the Ashvins. The devotee praises them and invites them to come swiftly, like strong horses, to partake in the sweet offering (Soma). The worshipper asks the Ashvins to protect the ritual and the participants, just as careful guardians protect something precious.
Deeper Philosophical and Spiritual Significance
This verse is not just a request for divine presence; it’s a beautiful expression of the human desire for connection with higher forces. The Ashvins symbolize healing, rescue, and the swift arrival of help in times of need. The act of inviting them with praise and offering (Soma, a sacred drink) represents the reciprocal relationship between humans and the divine: when we offer our best, we attract grace and protection.
The reference to protection, and to the sweetness of Soma, hints at a profound truth: when we seek the divine with sincerity and purity, our lives are sweetened and safeguarded.
Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
We all experience moments when we yearn for help, healing, or inspiration—times when life feels uncertain or challenging. This verse teaches that calling upon higher forces with sincerity, gratitude, and the best of what we have to offer (whether it’s our prayers, efforts, or love), opens the way for support and guidance.
In modern terms, this is about cultivating hope, connection, and trust in something greater than ourselves. It’s also about recognizing that when we invite goodness—through our thoughts, actions, and intentions—into our lives, we create a space for healing and protection.
Cultural and Historical Context
The Ashvins were beloved in Vedic times as bringers of light at dawn and rescuers from darkness or danger. Soma rituals were central to invoking inspiration and spiritual vitality. The verse reflects the ancient belief in the active, benevolent presence of the divine in daily life, and the importance of approaching the sacred with reverence and generosity.
Reflective Inspiration for the Modern Seeker
This verse invites you to remember: - You are not alone. Help is always near when you ask with sincerity. - Your offerings—of gratitude, effort, kindness—open the doors to grace. - The light of healing and protection can enter your life, just as dawn follows night.
Let the spirit of this ancient prayer inspire you to reach out, to trust, and to offer your best, knowing that the universe responds to sincere calls for help and transformation.
May the swift Ashvins bring healing and sweetness to your journey, just as they did for seekers long ago.