Vedic Mythology c5.s6.4.2

c5.s6.4.2

They are often called Vṛtra-slayers. They are armed with the bolt (6, 59³ &c.), and their lightning is sharp (5, 86³). They are fort-destroyers who aid in battle (1, 109⁷·⁸). They together demolished the 99 forts of the Dāsa (3, 12⁶) and are invincible in battle (5, 86²). They released the rivers from their imprisonment (8, 48⁸) and accomplished heroic deeds together (1, 108⁵). They are bountiful (5, 86³). All these are traits characteristic of Indra. Indra-Agni are also called the two priests of sacrifice (8, 38¹), and are wise (8, 40³). They are lords of the abode (*sadaspatī*) and drive away the goblins (1, 21⁵). These features are more appropriate to Agni. The two gods are twin brothers who have one father (6, 59²). They are once called Aśvins¹¹ (1, 109⁴), possibly in allusion to this close relationship. They bestow food, wealth, strength, cattle, steeds (4, 60¹³⁻¹⁴). They are greater than heaven and earth, rivers, and mountains (1, 109⁶). The two gods are once contrasted, though not when addressed as a pair; Indra being said to slay, but Agni to burn, the Dasyus (6, 28⁴). The two hymns (4, 49; 7, 97) addressed to Indra-Bṛhaspati consist chiefly of invitations to drink Soma and of prayers to bestow great wealth abounding in steeds and to promote devotion. Indra-Vāyu are constantly invited to come and drink Soma (1, 23¹⁻² &c.), little else being said about them.