Vedic Mythology c5.s2.21

c5.s2.21

Owing to the importance of the Vṛtra-myth the chief and specific epithet of Indra is *Vṛtrahan*, 'Vṛtra-slayer'²³. It is applied about 70 times to him in the RV. The only other deity who receives it with any frequency is Agni; but this is due to Agni's frequent association with Indra as a dual divinity. The few applications of the epithet to Soma are also clearly secondary (§ 37)²⁴. Though Indra is sometimes expressly stated to have slain Vṛtra by his own might alone (1, 165⁸; 7, 21⁶; 10, 138⁶) other deities are very often associated with him in the conflict. The gods in general are said to have placed him in the van for action or battle (1, 55³; 6, 17⁸) or the slaughter of Vṛtra (8, 12²²). They are also said to have increased his vigour for the fray with Vṛtra (10, 113⁸), or to have infused might or valour into him (1, 80¹⁵; 6, 20²; 10, 48³. 120³), or to have placed the bolt in his hands (2, 20⁸). But most frequently he is urged on and fortified by the Maruts (3, 32⁴; 10, 73¹. ² &c. § 29). Even when the other gods terrified by Vṛtra fled away (8, 85⁷ cp. 4, 18¹¹; AB. 3, 20), they stood by him; but the Maruts themselves are in one passage said to have deserted him (8, 7³¹). Agni, Soma, and Viṣṇu are often also allied with Indra in the fight with Vṛtra. Even priests on earth sometimes associate themselves with Indra in his combats (5, 30⁸; 8, 51¹¹; 10, 44⁹). The worshipper (*jaritā*) is said to have placed the bolt in Indra's hands (1, 63²), and the sacrifice is spoken of as having assisted the bolt at the slaughter of the dragon (3, 32¹²). Hymns, prayers, and worship, as well as Soma, are also often described as increasing (*√vṛdh*) the vigour of Indra²⁵.