Vedic Mythology c5.s2.6

c5.s2.6

Indra is borne on a car which is golden (6, 29² &c.) and is swifter than thought (10, 112²). The epithet 'car-fighter' (*ratheṣṭhā́*) is exclusively appropriated to Indra. His car is drawn by two tawny steeds (*harī*)³, a term very frequently used and in the great majority of instances referring to Indra's horses. In a few passages a greater number than two, up to a hundred and even a thousand or eleven hundred are mentioned (2, 18⁴⁻⁷; 4. 46³; 6, 47¹⁸; 8, 19. 24). These steeds are sun-eyed (1, 161. 2). They snort and neigh (1, 30¹⁶). They have flowing manes (1, 10³ &c.) or golden manes (8, 32²⁹. 82²⁴). Their hair is like peacocks' feathers or tails (3, 45¹; 8, 1²⁵). They swiftly traverse vast distances and Indra is transported by them as an eagle is borne by its wings (2, 16³; 8, 34⁹). They are yoked by prayer (2, 18³ &c.), which doubtless means that invocations bring Indra to the sacrifice. Indra is a few times said to be drawn by the horses of Sūrya (10, 49⁷) or by those of Vāta (10, 22⁴⁻⁶), and Vāyu has Indra for his charioteer (4, 46². 48²) or his car-companion (7, 91⁶). Indra’s car and his steeds were fashioned by the Ṛbhus (1, 111¹; 5, 31⁴). Indra is once said to be provided with a golden goad (*kaśā*: 8, 33¹¹).