The Orion, or Researches into the Antiquity of the Vedas c11.61

c11.61

VERSE 1.—The verse has been differently interpreted by different writers. Yâska (13. 4.) interprets it as referring to the rays of the sun, which (the rays) deem themselves perfectly independent of the luminary by which they were sent out. Sâyaṇa ascribes it to Indra who says "that sacrificers, allowed by me to sacrifice to Vrishâkapi, have disregarded me, but are praising the lord Vrishâkapi who is delighted, as my friend, in the sacrifices, where plenty of Soma is used; [but notwithstanding] this Indra is superior to all." Mâdhava Bhaṭṭa, whom Sâyaṇa mentions with respect, however, thinks otherwise. He considers that the verse is addressed by Indrâṇî to Indra, when she perceived that the sacrificers have ceased to sacrifice on account of the oblations being spoiled by an animal representing Vrishâkapi. He would, therefore, thus interpret the verse. Says Indrâṇî, "In places of plenty where lord Vrishâkapi revels, sacrificers have give up sacrificing and disregarded Indra. My friend Indra is superior to all."