Lyrics

इन्द्रावरुणौ राजानौ
सम्राजौ शरणं वृणे ।
तौ नः कृपां प्रयच्छेतां
यथा नः सुखमावहेताम् ॥

इन्द्रावरुणौ! इन्द्रावरुणौ!
राजानौ जयतं, जयतं!

गन्तारौ ह्यवसे नः
हवं विप्रस्य शृणुतम् ।
धर्तारौ चर्षणीनां
भवतं नः सदा हितौ ॥

शृणुतं, पालयतं!
इन्द्रावरुणौ, नः हितौ!

अनुकामं तृप्तिमस्मभ्यं
रयिं दत्तमिन्द्रावरुणौ ।
वां नेदिष्ठं हि वयं
नित्यं नः समीमहे ॥

रयिं दत्तम्! रयिं दत्तम्!
इन्द्रावरुणौ! जयतं!

शचीभिर्युक्तं हव्यं
सुमतीभिश्च संयुतम् ।
वाजदाव्नां वयं भूयाम्
दातॄणां श्रेष्ठभागिनः ॥

वाजदाव्नां वयं भूयाम्!
वयं भूयाम्! वयं भूयाम्!
श्रेष्ठभागिनः!
श्रेष्ठभागिनः!

इन्द्रः सहस्रदातॄणां
वरुणः शंसनीयः ।
क्रतुर् भवत्युक्थ्यो नः
तयोः शक्तिर्निरामया ॥

इन्द्रः सहस्रदाता!
वरुणः शंसनीयः!
तयोः शक्तिः! तयोः शक्तिः!
निरामया! निरामया!

तयोरेव प्रसादेन
वयं सनेम सम्पदम् ।
तयोः शक्त्या धिया चैव
प्ररेचनमथो भवेत् ॥

सम्पदम्! सम्पदम्!
प्ररेचनम्! प्ररेचनम्!
इन्द्रावरुणौ, नः पालयतम्!

इन्द्रावरुणौ हुवे वाम्
चित्राय राधसे सदा ।
अस्मान् सुजिग्युषः कुरुतं
जयिनः शत्रुषु प्रभू ॥

इन्द्रावरुणौ हुवे वाम्!
चित्राय राधसे सदा!
जयिनः! जयिनः!
शत्रुषु प्रभू! शत्रुषु प्रभू!

इन्द्रावरुणौ हुवे वाम्
सिषासन्तीषु धीषु च ।
अस्मभ्यं शर्म यच्छतम्
सर्वतः सुखदं महत् ॥

हुवे वाम्! हुवे वाम्!
शर्म यच्छतम्! सुखदं महत्!

प्र वामश्नोतु सुष्टुतिः
इन्द्रावरुणौ यां हुवे ।
यां वां सधस्तुतिं स्तौमि
तया वर्धेथां मयोभुवौ ॥

इन्द्रावरुणौ! इन्द्रावरुणौ!
जयतं, जयतं, जयतं!
मयोभुवौ! मयोभुवौ!
इन्द्रावरुणौ! जयतं!

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Meaning and Word Forms

1. इन्द्रावरुणौ राजानौ

सम्राजौ शरणं वृणे ।
तौ नः कृपां प्रयच्छेतां
यथा नः सुखमावहेताम् ॥

Word Forms

• इन्द्रावरुणौ — nominative dual masculine of the compound इन्द्र + वरुण — Indra and Varuna. The dual form identifies the two deities together.
• राजानौ — nominative dual masculine of राजन् — the two kings, sovereigns.
• सम्राजौ — nominative dual masculine of सम्राज् — the two universal sovereigns, supreme rulers.
• शरणम् — accusative singular neuter of शरण — refuge, protection, shelter. From √श्रि (to resort to, take refuge).
• वृणे — √वृ (to choose, select, prefer); first person singular present tense, ātmanepada — I choose, I seek, I take as my refuge.
• तौ — nominative/accusative dual masculine of तद् — those two, they two.
• नः — genitive/dative plural of अस्मद् — our, for us, to us.
• कृपाम् — accusative singular feminine of कृपा — compassion, mercy, graciousness.
• प्रयच्छेताम् — प्र + √यम् (to extend, offer, grant); third person dual optative, ātmanepada — may the two grant, may they bestow.
• यथा — indeclinable conjunction — so that, in order that, just as.
• सुखम् — accusative singular neuter of सुख — happiness, comfort, well-being.
• आवहेताम् — आ + √वह् (to carry, bring); third person dual optative, ātmanepada — may the two bring, may they convey.

Literal Meaning

I choose Indra and Varuna, the two kings and universal sovereigns, as my refuge.

May those two bestow their compassion upon us, so that they may bring us happiness and well-being.

Important Grammatical Note

The dual is essential here:

Singular	Dual	Meaning
राजा	राजानौ	King / two kings
सम्राट्	सम्राजौ	Sovereign / two sovereigns
तौ	—	Those two
प्रयच्छेत्	प्रयच्छेताम्	May he grant / may the two grant
आवहेत्	आवहेताम्	May he bring / may the two bring

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2. इन्द्रावरुणौ! इन्द्रावरुणौ!

राजानौ जयतं, जयतं!

Word Forms

• इन्द्रावरुणौ — vocative dual masculine; O Indra and Varuna. In Sanskrit, the dual vocative generally has the same form as the nominative dual.
• राजानौ — nominative/vocative dual masculine of राजन् — the two kings.
• जयतम् — √जि (to conquer, win, triumph); second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — conquer, be victorious, may you two triumph.

Literal Meaning

O Indra and Varuna! O Indra and Varuna!

O sovereigns, may you two triumph! May you two be victorious!

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3. गन्तारौ ह्यवसे नः

हवं विप्रस्य शृणुतम् ।
धर्तारौ चर्षणीनां
भवतं नः सदा हितौ ॥

Word Forms

• गन्तारौ — nominative dual masculine of गन्तृ (one who goes, approaches); agent noun derived from √गम् (to go) — the two who come, the two who approach.
• हि — indeclinable particle — indeed, surely, for.
• अवसे — dative singular of अवस् (neuter) — for help, for protection, for assistance.
• नः — genitive/dative plural — our, for us.
• हवम् — accusative singular masculine of हव — invocation, call, summons. From √हू (to invoke, call).
• विप्रस्य — genitive singular masculine of विप्र — of the inspired poet, of the sage, of the inspired priest.
• शृणुतम् — √श्रु (to hear, listen); second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — hear, listen, may you two hear.
• धर्तारौ — nominative dual masculine of धर्तृ (supporter, sustainer); derived from √धृ (to hold, sustain, support) — the two sustainers.
• चर्षणीनाम् — genitive plural feminine of चर्षणी — of peoples, of human communities, of the active inhabitants of the world.
• भवतम् — √भू (to be, become); second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — be, become, may you two be.
• नः — genitive/dative plural — our, for us.
• सदा — indeclinable adverb — always, perpetually.
• हितौ — nominative dual masculine of हित — beneficial, well-disposed, friendly, favourable.

Literal Meaning

May you two come to our assistance.

Hear the invocation of the inspired sage.

May you two be the sustainers of all peoples and remain favourable to us always.

Important Vocabulary

अवस् is an important Vedic term signifying help, protection, favour and divine assistance.

चर्षणी is frequently used in Vedic Sanskrit for human communities or people engaged in worldly activity.

4. शृणुतं, पालयतं!

इन्द्रावरुणौ, नः हितौ!

Word Forms

• शृणुतम् — √श्रु (to hear); second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — hear, may you two listen.
• पालयतम् — √पाल् (to protect, guard); second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — protect, may you two protect.
• इन्द्रावरुणौ — vocative dual — O Indra and Varuna.
• नः — dative/genitive plural of अस्मद् — for us, our.
• हितौ — nominative dual masculine of हित — beneficial, favourable, well-disposed.

Literal Meaning

Hear us! Protect us!

O Indra and Varuna, be favourable to us!

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5. अनुकामं तृप्तिमस्मभ्यम्

रयिं दत्तमिन्द्रावरुणौ ।
वां नेदिष्ठं हि वयं
नित्यं नः समीमहे ॥

Word Forms

• अनुकामम् — indeclinable adverbial expression — according to desire, in accordance with one’s wishes. Formed from अनु + काम.
• तृप्तिम् — accusative singular feminine of तृप्ति — satisfaction, fulfilment, contentment. From √तृप् (to be satisfied).
• अस्मभ्यम् — dative plural of अस्मद् — to us, for us.
• रयिम् — accusative singular of रायि (masculine/feminine Vedic noun) — wealth, riches, prosperity, abundance.
• दत्तम् — √दा (to give); second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — give, bestow, may you two grant. The form is also the past passive participle of √दा, depending on context.
• इन्द्रावरुणौ — vocative dual — O Indra and Varuna.
• वाम् — accusative/dative/genitive dual of युष्मद् — you two, to you two, of you two. Here intended as “you two”.
• नेदिष्ठम् — superlative form of नेद (near); neuter singular — nearest, closest. Derived from the comparative/superlative family of निकटता (nearness).
• हि — indeclinable particle — indeed, surely, for.
• वयम् — nominative plural of अस्मद् — we.
• नित्यम् — indeclinable adverb — always, continually.
• नः — genitive/dative plural — our, for us.
• समीमहे — verbal form expressing approaching, seeking or desiring.

Literal Meaning

Grant us fulfilment according to our desires and bestow prosperity upon us, O Indra and Varuna.

For we continually seek you two as our closest protectors.

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6. शचीभिर्युक्तं हव्यं

सुमतीभिश्च संयुतम् ।
वाजदाव्नां वयं भूयाम्
दातॄणां श्रेष्ठभागिनः ॥

Word Forms

• शचीभिः — instrumental plural feminine of शची — with powers, abilities, energies or divine faculties. शची is also associated with Indra’s consort.
• युक्तम् — nominative/accusative singular neuter of युक्त — joined, endowed, equipped, accompanied. Past passive participle of √युज् (to join, yoke).
• हव्यम् — nominative/accusative singular neuter of हव्य — offering, oblation, that which is to be offered to the gods. From √हु (to sacrifice, offer).
• सुमतीभिः — instrumental plural feminine of सुमति — with good thoughts, benevolent intentions, favourable understanding.
• च — indeclinable conjunction — and.
• संयुतम् — nominative/accusative singular neuter of संयुत — joined together, united, accompanied. सम् + √युज्.
• वाजदाव्नाम् — genitive plural of वाजदावन् — of the bestowers of strength, prizes or abundance. A compound of वाज (strength, prize, nourishment) + दावन् (giver, bestower).
• वयम् — nominative plural of अस्मद् — we.
• भूयाम् — √भू (to be, become); first person plural optative, parasmaipada — may we become, may we be.
• दातॄणाम् — genitive plural masculine of दातृ (giver) — of the givers, of the generous donors. Derived from √दा.
• श्रेष्ठभागिनः — nominative plural masculine of श्रेष्ठभागिन् — those who receive the best share, the most fortunate beneficiaries, those entitled to the finest portion.

Literal Meaning

May our offering be endowed with divine powers and accompanied by benevolent thoughts.

May we become recipients of the generosity of those who bestow strength and abundance, and the foremost beneficiaries among the givers.

Important Vocabulary

• शची — power, ability, divine energy; also a proper name associated with Indra’s consort.
• सुमति — good thought, benevolent disposition, gracious intelligence.
• वाज — strength, nourishment, prize, wealth or victory.
• दातृ — giver, bestower, generous benefactor.
• भागिन् — one who receives or shares in something.

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7. इन्द्रः सहस्रदातॄणां

वरुणः शंसनीयः ।
क्रतुर् भवत्युक्थ्यो नः
तयोः शक्तिर्निरामया ॥

Word Forms

• इन्द्रः — nominative singular masculine of इन्द्र — Indra.
• सहस्रदातॄणाम् — genitive plural masculine of सहस्रदातृ — of the givers of thousands, of those who bestow abundantly. Compound सहस्र + दातृ.
• वरुणः — nominative singular masculine of वरुण — Varuna.
• शंसनीयः — nominative singular masculine of शंसनीय — worthy of praise, deserving to be praised. Derived from √शंस् (to praise, proclaim).
• क्रतुः — nominative singular masculine of क्रतु — resolve, will, intelligence, purpose, sacred intention.
• भवति — √भू (to be, become); third person singular present tense, parasmaipada — becomes, is.
• उक्थ्यः — nominative singular masculine of उक्थ्य — worthy of hymns or sacred praise; deserving of laudation. Related to उक्थ (hymn, praise).
• नः — genitive/dative plural — our, for us.
• तयोः — genitive/locative dual of तद् — of those two, in those two.
• शक्तिः — nominative singular feminine of शक्ति — power, strength, ability, energy.
• निरामया — nominative singular feminine of निरामय — free from disease, free from affliction, unharmed, untroubled.

Literal Meaning

Indra is the giver of thousands, and Varuna is worthy of praise.

May our resolve become worthy of sacred praise.

The power of those two is free from affliction.

Important Vocabulary

क्रतु is particularly important in Vedic Sanskrit. It means more than ordinary determination. It can signify purposeful intelligence, effective will, resolve and the power to accomplish an intended action.

उक्थ means a hymn or sacred utterance. Hence उक्थ्य conveys the idea of something worthy of hymnic praise.

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8. तयोरेव प्रसादेन

वयं सनेम सम्पदम् ।
तयोः शक्त्या धिया चैव
प्ररेचनमथो भवेत् ॥

Word Forms

• तयोः — genitive/locative dual of तद् — of those two, through those two.
• एव — indeclinable emphatic particle — indeed, alone, precisely.
• प्रसादेन — instrumental singular masculine of प्रसाद — through grace, by favour, through benevolence. From प्र + √सद् (to settle, become clear or calm).
• वयम् — nominative plural of अस्मद् — we.
• सनेम — Vedic-style optative form of √सन् (to gain, acquire, obtain); first person plural — may we obtain, may we win.
• सम्पदम् — accusative singular feminine of सम्पद् — prosperity, wealth, success, accomplishment.
• तयोः — genitive dual — of those two.
• शक्त्या — instrumental singular feminine of शक्ति — through power, by strength.
• धिया — instrumental singular feminine of धी — through intelligence, by wisdom, with inspired thought.
• च — indeclinable conjunction — and.
• एव — emphatic particle — indeed, also.
• प्ररेचनम् — noun expressing inspiration, stimulation or prompting.
• अथो — Vedic indeclinable particle — and then, furthermore, moreover.
• भवेत् — √भू (to be, become); third person singular optative, parasmaipada — may become, might be, could arise.

Literal Meaning

Through the grace of those two alone, may we attain prosperity.

Through their strength and wisdom, may inspiration and purposeful action arise.

Important Vocabulary

• प्रसाद — grace, favour, clarity, benevolence.
• सम्पद् — prosperity, success, accomplishment.
• धी — inspired thought, intelligence, insight, sacred understanding.
• शक्ति — power, strength, capacity.

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9. इन्द्रावरुणौ हुवे वाम्

चित्राय राधसे सदा ।
अस्मान् सुजिग्युषः कुरुतं
जयिनः शत्रुषु प्रभू ॥

Word Forms

• इन्द्रावरुणौ — accusative/vocative dual masculine — Indra and Varuna.
• हुवे — √हू (to invoke, call upon); first person singular present tense, ātmanepada — I invoke, I call upon.
• वाम् — accusative dual of युष्मद् — you two.
• चित्राय — dative singular neuter of चित्र — for the splendid, wondrous, brilliant or manifold.
• राधसे — dative singular neuter of राधस् — for bounty, abundance, prosperity, beneficence.
• सदा — indeclinable adverb — always, perpetually.
• अस्मान् — accusative plural masculine of अस्मद् — us.
• सुजिग्युषः — form of सु + जिग्युष्, the perfect active participle of √जि (to conquer, win) — those who have conquered well, victorious ones.
• कुरुतम् — √कृ (to make, do); second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — make, cause, render, may you two make.
• जयिनः — nominative plural masculine of जयिन् — victorious ones, conquerors.
• शत्रुषु — locative plural masculine of शत्रु — among enemies, against enemies, in relation to enemies.
• प्रभू — nominative dual masculine of प्रभु — the two mighty ones, the two masters, the two sovereign powers.

Literal Meaning

I invoke you both, O Indra and Varuna, always for splendid abundance and prosperity.

Make us victorious and powerful among our enemies.

Important Vocabulary

राधस् is a particularly important Vedic term for divine bounty and prosperity. It is more expansive than ordinary material wealth: it can include gifts, blessings, abundance and beneficent power.

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10. इन्द्रावरुणौ हुवे वाम्

सिषासन्तीषु धीषु च ।
अस्मभ्यं शर्म यच्छतम्
सर्वतः सुखदं महत् ॥

Word Forms

• इन्द्रावरुणौ — accusative/vocative dual masculine — Indra and Varuna.
• हुवे — √हू (to invoke); first person singular present, ātmanepada — I invoke.
• वाम् — accusative dual of युष्मद् — you two.
• सिषासन्तीषु — locative plural feminine of a desiderative present participle associated with √सन् (to seek, obtain, win) — in the thoughts that desire to attain, in aspirational intentions.
• धीषु — locative plural feminine of धी — in thoughts, in inspirations, in acts of intelligence or insight.
• च — indeclinable conjunction — and.
• अस्मभ्यम् — dative plural of अस्मद् — for us, to us.
• शर्म — accusative singular neuter of शर्मन् — protection, shelter, peace, happiness, security.
• यच्छतम् — second person dual imperative, parasmaipada — give, grant, bestow.
• सर्वतः — indeclinable adverb — from all sides, everywhere, completely.
• सुखदम् — accusative singular neuter compound सुख + द — happiness-giving, bestowing well-being.
• महत् — accusative singular neuter of महत् — great, immense, abundant.

Literal Meaning

I invoke you both in our aspirational thoughts and sacred intentions.

Grant us great protection and peace, bringing happiness from every direction.

Important Vocabulary

शर्मन् is an important Vedic word. It can express shelter, protection, peace, happiness and security.

It is especially appropriate in prayers to Indra and Varuna, who are invoked as guardians and protectors.

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11. प्र वामश्नोतु सुष्टुतिः

इन्द्रावरुणौ यां हुवे ।
यां वां सधस्तुतिं स्तौमि
तया वर्धेथां मयोभुवौ ॥

Word Forms

• प्र — indeclinable prefix — forth, forward, outward; intensifies the action.
• वाम् — genitive/dative dual of युष्मद् — of you two, to you two.
• अश्नोतु — √अश् (to attain, reach, obtain); third person singular imperative, parasmaipada — may it reach, may it attain.
• सुष्टुतिः — nominative singular feminine of सुष्टुति — excellent praise, well-composed hymn, worthy laudation. सु + स्तुति; स्तुति is derived from √स्तु.
• इन्द्रावरुणौ — vocative dual masculine — O Indra and Varuna.
• याम् — accusative singular feminine of यद् — which, that which.
• हुवे — √हू; first person singular present, ātmanepada — I invoke.
• याम् — accusative singular feminine — which.
• वाम् — accusative/dative dual — you two, to you two.
• सधस्तुतिम् — accusative singular feminine compound — praise offered in an assembly or common sacred gathering. सधस् means an assembly or common seat; स्तुति means praise.
• स्तौमि — √स्तु (to praise); first person singular present tense, parasmaipada — I praise, I laud.
• तया — instrumental singular feminine of तद् — by that, through that, with it.
• वर्धेथाम् — √वृध् (to grow, prosper, flourish); second person dual imperative, ātmanepada — may you two prosper, may you both flourish.
• मयोभुवौ — nominative dual masculine of मयोभू — the two who bring happiness, the two who create well-being. Compound मयस् (happiness, delight) + भू (to be, become).

Literal Meaning

May the excellent praise I offer reach you both, O Indra and Varuna.

The communal hymn with which I praise you both — through that may you two flourish as bringers of happiness and well-being.

Important Vocabulary

• सुष्टुति — excellent praise, well-composed hymn.
• सधस् — assembly, common sacred gathering, shared seat.
• मयस् — happiness, delight, well-being.
• मयोभू — one who brings happiness or creates well-being.

The closing epithet मयोभुवौ is especially fitting: the two deities are invoked as bringers of happiness and prosperity.

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Important Roots (धातवः) and Their Forms

Root	Meaning	Forms in the hymn
√वृ	To choose, select	वृणे
√श्रि	To resort to, take refuge	शरण (derivational association)
√यम्	To extend, offer, restrain	प्रयच्छेताम्
√वह्	To carry, bring	आवहेताम्
√जि	To conquer, win	जयतम्, जिग्युष्
√गम्	To go, approach	गन्तारौ
√श्रु	To hear, listen	शृणुतम्
√धृ	To hold, sustain	धर्तारौ
√भू	To be, become	भवतम्, भूयाम्, भवेत्
√तृप्	To be satisfied	तृप्ति
√दा	To give, bestow	दत्तम्, दातृ
√वृध्	To grow, flourish	वर्धेथाम्
√युज्	To join, yoke	युक्तम्, संयुतम्
√हु	To sacrifice, invoke	हुवे, हव्य
√शंस्	To praise, proclaim	शंसनीयः
√सन्	To gain, obtain	सनेम
√सद्	To sit, settle	प्रसाद (derivational association)
√कृ	To make, do	कुरुतम्
√हू	To invoke, call	हुवे, हवम्
√अश्	To reach, attain	अश्नोतु
√स्तु	To praise	स्तुति, स्तौमि
√वृध्	To prosper, grow	वर्धेथाम्

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Selected Vedic Vocabulary

Sanskrit	Meaning
इन्द्र	The mighty deity associated with strength, victory and divine protection
वरुण	The sovereign associated with cosmic order, moral law and guardianship
सम्राज्	Universal sovereign, supreme ruler
अवस्	Help, protection, divine assistance
चर्षणी	Human community, people
विप्र	Inspired poet, sage, priest
रायि	Wealth, abundance, prosperity
शची	Power, ability, divine energy
सुमति	Benevolent thought, gracious intelligence
वाज	Strength, nourishment, prize, victory
क्रतु	Will, resolve, intelligence, purposeful power
उक्थ	Sacred hymn, laudatory utterance
राधस्	Bounty, prosperity, divine beneficence
शर्मन्	Shelter, protection, peace, happiness
धी	Inspired thought, intelligence, insight
सधस्	Assembly, common sacred gathering
मयोभू	Bringer of happiness and well-being

Thematic Meaning

This composition invokes Indra and Varuna together as राजानौ सम्राजौ — the two kings and universal sovereigns.

The hymn begins with surrender and refuge. Rather than approaching the two deities separately, the worshipper invokes their combined sovereignty and seeks their compassion, protection and benevolence.

The first movement establishes their role as protectors of humanity. They are called upon to hear the invocation of the inspired priest and to sustain the human communities.

The next movement asks for fulfilment, prosperity and abundance. The imagery of शची (divine power), सुमति (benevolent intelligence) and वाज (strength and nourishment) connects material prosperity with inspired thought and divine capability.

The composition then moves towards a deeper understanding of divine power. Indra is celebrated as the abundant giver, while Varuna is praised as worthy of reverence. Their combined शक्ति is described as निरामया — free from affliction.

Through their प्रसाद (grace), the worshippers seek सम्पद् (prosperity), guided by शक्ति (power) and धी (intelligence).

The climax is a direct invocation for victory and protection. The worshipper asks Indra and Varuna to make their devotees victorious among their enemies and to grant शर्मन् — not merely physical protection, but peace, security and well-being.

The final verses return to praise itself. The hymn asks that its excellent and communal praise reach the two deities, through which they may flourish as मयोभुवौ — the two bringers of happiness.

The central progression is:

Refuge → Protection → Prosperity → Divine Power → Grace → Victory → Peace → Happiness.