The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society c19.s4.20

c19.s4.20

²⁰ In *RV* 10. 8. 9, Indra not only cuts off Viśvarūpa's three heads but also drives away his cattle. Wealth in cattle being the substance of sacrifice, this feature of Indra's heroic act aptly illustrates the actual treasure associated with the "head of the sacrifice." On Viśvarupa, see A. Hillebrandt, *Vedische Mythologie* (Breslau, 1929), 2: 206, 384–86.