Rig Veda - The First Book: HYMN I. Agni

RIG VEDA - THE FIRST BOOK
HYMN I. Agni.
1 I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice,
The hotar, lavishest of wealth.
2 Worthy is Agni to e !raised y living as y ancient seers.
"e shall ring. hitherward the Gods.
# Through Agni man otaineth wealth, yea, !lenty wa$ing day y day,
%ost rich in heroes, glorious.
& Agni, the !erfect sacrifice which thou encom!assest aout
'erily goeth to the Gods.
( %ay Agni, sa!ient)minded Priest, truthful, most gloriously great,
The God, come hither with the Gods.
* Whatever lessing, Agni, thou wilt grant unto thy worshi!!er,
That, Angiras, is indeed thy truth.
+ To thee, dis!eller of the night, , Agni, day y day with !rayer
-ringing thee reverence, we come
. /uler of sacrifices, guard of Law eternal, radiant ,ne,
Increasing in thine own aode.
0 -e to us easy of a!!roach, even as a father to his son1
Agni, e with us for our weal.
HYMN II. Vayu.
1 -2A3TI43L 'ayu, come, for thee these 5oma dro!s have een !re!ared1
6rin7 of them, hear7en to our call.
2 8nowing the days, with 5oma 9uice !oured forth, the singers glorify
Thee, 'ayu, with their hymns of !raise.
# 'ayu, thy !enetrating stream goes forth unto the worshi!!er,
4ar)s!reading for the 5oma draught.
& These, Indra)'ayu, have een shed: come for our offered dainties; sa7e1
The dro!s are yearning for you oth.
( Well do ye mar7 liations, ye 'ayu and Indra, rich in s!oil
5o come ye swiftly hitherward.
* 'ayu and Indra, come to what the 5oma. !resser hath !re!ared1
5oon, "eroes, thus I ma7e my !rayer.
+ %itra, of holy strength, I call, and foe)destroying 'aruna,
Who ma7e the oil)fed rite com!lete.
. %itra and 'aruna, through Law, lovers and cherishers of Law,
"ave ye otained your might !ower
0 ,ur 5ages, %itra)'aruna, wide dominion, strong y irth,
'ouchsafe us strength that wor7eth well.
HYMN III. Asvins
1 <2 Asvins, rich in treasure, Lords of s!lendour, having nimle hands,
Acce!t the sacrificial food.
2 <e Asvins, rich in wondrous deeds, ye heroes worthy of our !raise,
Acce!t our songs with mighty thought.
# =isatyas, wonder)wor7ers, yours arc these liations with cli!t grass1
>ome ye whose !aths are red with flame.
& , Indra marvellously right, come, these liations long for thee,
Thus y fine fingers !urified.
( 3rged y the holy singer, s!ed y song, come, Indra, to the !rayers,
,f the liation)!ouring !riest.
* A!!roach, , Indra, hasting thee, Lord of -ay "orses, to the !rayers.
In our liation ta7e delight.
+ <e 'isvedevas, who !rotect, reward, and cherish men, a!!roach
<our worshi!!er;s drin7)offering.
. <e 'isvedevas, swift at wor7, come hither ?uic7ly to the draught,
As milch)7ine hasten to their stalls.
0 The 'isvedevas, changing sha!e li7e ser!ents, fearless, void of guile,
-earers, acce!t the sacred draught
1@ Wealthy in s!oil, enriched with hymns, may right 5arsavad desire,
With eager love, our sacrifice.
11 Inciter of all !leasant songs, ins!irer o all gracious thought,
5arasvati acce!t our rite
12 5arasvati, the mighty flood,) she with e light illuminates,
5he rightens every !ious thought.
HYMN IV. Indri
1 As a good cow to him who mil7s, we call the doer of fair deeds,
To our assistance day y day.
2 >ome thou to our liations, drin7 of 5oma: 5oma)drin7er thouA
The rich ,ne;s ra!ture giveth 7ine.
# 5o may we e ac?uainted with thine innermost enevolence1
=eglect us not, come hitherward.
& Go to the wise uncon?uered ,ne, as7 thou of Indra, s7illed in song,
"im who is etter than thy friends.
( Whether the men who moc7 us say, 6e!art unto another !lace,
<e who serve Indra and none else:
* ,r whether, God of wondrous deeds, all our true !eo!le call us lest,
5till may we dwell in Indra;s care.
+ 3nto the swift ,ne ring the swift, man)cheering, grace of sacrifice,
That to the 4riend gives wings and 9oy.
. Thou, 5ata7ratu, dran7est this and wast the 'rtras; slayer: thou
"el!est the warrior in the fray.
0 We strengthen, 5ata7ratu, thee, yea, thee the !owerful in fight,
That, Indra, we may win us wealth.
1@ To him the mighty stream of wealth, !rom!t friend ot;him who !ours the
9uice,
yea, to this Indra sing your song.
HYMN V. Indra.
1 , >,%2 ye hither, sit ye down1 to Indra sing ye forth, your song,
com!anions, ringing hymns of !raise.
2 To him the richest of the rich, the Lord of treasures e$cellent,
Indra, wi th 5oma 9uice out!oured.
# %ay he stand y us in our need and in aundance for our wealth1
%ay he come nigh us with his strength.
& Whose !air of tawny horses yo7ed in attles foemen challenge not1
To him, to Indra sing your song.
( =igh to the 5oma)drin7er come, for his en9oyment, these !ure dro!s,
The 5omas mingled with the curd.
* Thou, grown at once to !erfect strength, wast orn to drin7 the 5oma
9uice,
5trong Indra, for !reeminence.
+ , Indra, lover of the song, may these ?uic7 5omas enter thee1
%ay they ring liss to thee the 5age.
. ,ur chants of !raise have strengthened thee, , 5ata7ratu, and our lauds
5o strengthen thee the songs we sing.
0 Indra, whose succour never fails, acce!t these viands thousandfold,
Wherein all manly !owers aide.
1@ , Indra, thou who lovest song, let no man hurt our odies, 7ee!
5laughter far from us, for thou canst.
HYMN VI. Indra.
1 They who stand round him as he moves harness the right, the ruddy
5teed
The lights are shining in the s7y.
2 ,n oth sides to the car they yo7e the two ay coursers dear to him,
-old, tawny, earers of the >hief.
# Thou, ma7ing light where no light was, and form, , men1 where form was
not,
Wast orn together with the 6awns.
& Thereafter they, as is their wont, threw off the state of; aes unorn,
Assuming sacrificial names.
( Thou, Indra, with the Tem!est)Gods, the rea7ers down of what is firm ;
4oundest the 7ine even in the cave.
* Worshi!!ing even as they list, singers laud him who findeth wealth,
The far)renowned, the mighty ,ne.
+ %ayest thou verily e seen coming y fearless Indra;s side1
-oth 9oyous, e?ual in your sheen.
. With Indra;s well eloved hosts, the lameless, hastening to heaven,
The sacrificer cries aloud.
0 >ome from this !lace, , Wanderer, or downward from the light of heaven1
,ur songs of !raise all yearn for this.
1@ Indra we see7 to give us hel!, from here, from heaven aove the earth,
,r from the s!acious firmament.
HYMN VII. Indra.
1 I=6/A the singers with high !raise, Indra reciters with their lauds,
Indra the choirs have glorified.
2 Indra hath ever close to him his two ay steeds and word)yo7ed car,
Indra the golden, thunder)armed.
# Indra hath raised the 5un on high in heaven, that he may see afar1
"e urst the mountain for the 7ine.
& "el! us, , Indra, in the frays, yea, frays, where thousand s!oils are
gained,
With awful aids, , awful ,ne.
( In mighty attle we invo7e Indra, Indra in lesser fight,
The 4riend who ends his olt at fiends.
* 3nclose, our manly "ero, thou for ever ounteous, yonder cloud,
4or us, thou irresistile.
+ 5till higher, at each strain of mine, thunder)armed Indra;s !raises rise1
I find no laud worthy of him.
. 2ven as the ull drives on the herds, he drives the !eo!le with his might,
The /uler irresistile1
0 Indra who rules with single sway men, riches, and the fivefold race
,f those who dwell u!on the earth.
1@ 4or your sa7e from each side we call Indra away from other men1
,urs, and none others;, may he e.
HYMN VIII. Indra.
1 I=6/A, ring wealth that gives delight, the victor;s ever)con?uering
wealth,
%ost e$cellent, to e our aid:
2 -y means of which we may re!el our foes in attle hand to hand,
-y thee assisted with the car.
# Aided y thee, the thunder)armed, Indra, may we lift u! the olt,
And con?uer all our foes in fight.
& With thee, , India, for ally with missile)darting heroes, may
We con?uer our emattled foes.
( %ighty is Indra, yea su!reme: greatness e his, the Thunderer1
Wide as the heaven e$tends his !ower
* Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to the fight,
,r singers loving holy thoughts.
+ "is elly, drin7ing dee!est draughts of 5oma, li7e an ocean swells,
Li7e wide streams from the co!e of heaven.
. 5o also is his e$cellence, great, vigorous, rich in cattle, li7e
A ri!e ranch to the worshi!!er.
0 4or verily thy mighty !owers, Indra, are saving hel!s at once
3nto a worshi!!er li7e me.
1@ 5o are his lovely gifts: let lauds and !raises e to Indra sung,
That he may drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
HYMN IX. Indra.
1 >,%2, Indra, and delight thee with the 9uice at all the 5oma feasts,
Protector, mighty in thy strength.
2 To Indra !our ye forth the9uice, the active gladdening 9uice to him
Ile gladdening, oinnific God.
# , Lord of all men, fair of chee7, re9oice thee in the gladdening lauds,
Present at these drin7)offerings.
& 5ongs have out!oured themselves to thee, Indra, the strong, the guardian
Lord,
And raised themselves unsatisfied.
( 5end to us ounty manifold, , Indra, worthy of; our wish,
4or !ower su!reme is only thine.
* , Indra, stimulate thereto us emulously fain for wealth,
And glorious, , most s!lendid ,ne.
+ Give, Indra, wide and lofty fame, wealthy in cattle and in strength,
Lasting our life)time, failing not.
. Grant us high fame, , Indra, grant riches estowing thousands, those
4air fruits of earth orne home in wains.
0 Praising with songs the !raise)worthy who cometh to our aid, we call
Indra, the Treasure)Lord of wealth.
1@ To lofty Indra, dweller y each liation, the !ious man
5ings forth aloud a strengthening hymn.
HYMN X. Indra.
1 T"2 chanters hymn thee, they who say the word of !raise magnify thee.
The !riests have raised thee u! on high, , 5ata7ratu, li7e a !ole.
2 As u! he clom from ridge to ridge and loo7ed u!on the toilsome tas7,
Indra oserves this wish of his, and the /ain hastens with his troo!.
# "arness thy !air of strong ay steeds, long)maned, whose odies fill the
girths,
And, Indra, 5oma)drin7er, come to listen to our songs of !raise.
& >ome hither, answer thou the song, sing in a!!roval, cry aloud.
Good Indra, ma7e our !rayer succeed, and !ros!er this our sacrifice.
( To Indra must a laud e said, to strengthen him who freely gives,
That 5a7ra may ta7e !leasure in our friendshi! and drin7)offerings.
* "im, him we see7 for friendshi!, him for riches and heroic might.
4or Indra, he is 5a7ra, he shall aid us while he gives us wealth.
+ 2asy to turn and drive away, Indra, is s!oil estowed y thee.
3nclose the stale of the 7ine, and give us wealth , Thunder)armed
. The heaven and earth contain thee not, together, in thy wrathful mood.
Win us the waters of the s7y, and send us 7ine aundantly.
0 "ear, thou whose ear is ?uic7, my call: ta7e to thee readily my songs
, Indra, let this laud of mine come nearer even than thy friend.
1@ We 7now thee mightiest of all, in attles hearer of our cry.
,f thee most mighty we invo7e the aid that giveth thousandfold.
11 , Indra, 5on of 8usi7a, drin7 our liation with delight.
Prolong our life anew, and cause the seer to win a thousand gifts.
12 Lover of song, may these our songs on every side encom!ass thee1
5trengthening thee of lengthened life, may they e dear delights to thee.
HYMN XI. Indra.
1 ALL sacred songs have magnified Indra e$!ansive as the sea,
The est of warriors orne on cars, the Lord, the very Lord of strength.
2 5trong in thy friendshi!, Indra, Lord of !ower and might, we have no fear.
We glorify with !raises thee, the never)con?uered con?ueror.
# The gifts of Indra from of; old, his saving succours, never fail,
When to the !raise)singers he gives the oon of sustance rich in 7ine.
& >rusher of forts, the young, the wise, of strength unmeasured, was he
orn
5ustainer of each sacred rite, Indra, the Thunderer, much)e$tolled.
( Lord of the thunder, thou didst urst the cave of 'ala rich in cows.
The Gods came !ressing to thy side, and free from terror aided thee,
* I, "ero, through thy ounties am come to the flood addressing thee.
5ong)lover, here the singers stand and testify to thee thereof.
+ The wily 5usna, IndraA thou o;er)threwest with thy wondrous !owers.
The wise eheld this deed of thine1 now go eyond their eulogies.
. ,ur songs of !raise have glorified Indra who ruleth y his might,
Whose !recious gifts in thousands come, yea, even more aundantly.
HYMN XII. Agni.
I W2 choose Agni the messenger, the herald, master of all wealth,
Well s7illed in this our sacrifice.
2 With callings ever they invo7e Agni, Agni, Lord of the "ouse,
,lation)earer, much eloved.
# -ring the Gods hither, Agni, orn for him who strews the sacred grass1
Thou art our herald, meet for !raise.
& Wa7e u! the willing Gods, since thou, Agni, !erformest emassage1
5it on the sacred grass with Gods.
( , Agni, radiant ,ne, to whom the holy oil is !oured, um u!
,ur enemies whom fiends !rotect.
* -y Agni Agni is inflamed, Lord of the "ouse, wise, young, who ears
The gift1 the ladle is his mouth.
+ Praise Agni in the sacrifice, the 5age whose ways are ever true,
The God who driveth grief away.
. God, Agni, e his strong defence who lord of sacrificial gifts,
Worshi!!eth thee the messenger.
0 Whoso with sacred gift would fain call Agni to the feast of Gods,
, Purifier, favour him.
1@ 5uch, Agni, Purifier, right, ring hither to our sacrifice,
To our olation ring the Gods.
11 5o lauded y our newest song of !raise ring o!ulence to us,
And food, with heroes for our sons.
12 , Agni, y effulgent flame, y all invo7ings of the Gods,
5how !leasure in this laud of ours.
HYMN XIII. Agni
1 AG=I, well)7indled, ring the Gods for him who offers holy gifts.
Worshi! them, Purifier, Priest.
2 5on of Thyself, !resent, , 5age, our sacrifice to the Gods today.
5weet to the taste, that they may feast.
# 6ear =arasamsa, sweet of tongue, the giver of olations, I
Invo7e to this our sacrifice.
& Agni, on thy most easy car, glorified, hither ring the Gods1
%anu a!!ointed thee as Priest.
( 5trew, , ye wise, the sacred grass that dri!s with oil, in order due,
Where the Immortal is eheld.
* Thrown o!en e the 6oors 6ivine, unfailing, that assist the rite,
4or sacrifice this day and now.
+ I call the lovely =ight and 6awn to seat them on the holy grass
At this our solemn sacrifice.
. The two Invo7ers I invite, the wise, divine and sweet of tongue,
To celerate this our sacrifice.
0 Ila, 5arasvati, %ahi, three Goddesses who ring delight,
-e seated, !eaceful, on the grass.
1@ Tvastar I call, the earliest orn, the wearer of all forms at will1
%ay he e ours and curs alone.
11 God, 5ovran of the Wood, !resent this our olation to the Gods,
And let the giver e renowned.
12 With 5vaha. !ay the sacrifice to Indra in the offerer;s house1
Thither I call the 6eities.
HYMN XV. Visv!d!vas.
1 To drin7 the 5oma, Agni, come, to our service and our songs.
With all these Gods: and worshi! them.
2 The 8anvas have invo7ed thee: they, , 5inger, sing thee songs of !raise
Agni, come hither with the Gods:
# Indra, 'ayu, -rhas!ati, %itra, Agni, Pusan, -haga,
Adityas, and the %arut host.
& 4or you these 9uices are !oured forth that gladden and e$hilarate,
The meath)dro!s resting in the cu!.
( The sons of 8anva fain for hel! adore thee, having strewn the grass,
With offerings and all things !re!ared.
* Let the swift steeds who carry thee, thought)yo7ed and dro!!ing holy oil,
-ring the Gods to the 5oma draught.
+ Adored, the strengtheners of Law, unite them, Agni, with their 6ames1
%a7e them drin7 meath, , right of tongue.
. Let them, , Agni, who deserve worshi! and !raise drin7 with thy tongue
Tle meath in solemn sacrifice.
0 Away, from the 5un;s realm of light, the wise invo7ing Priest shall ring
All Gods awa7ing with the dawn.
1@ With all the Gods, with Indra, with 'ayu, and %itra;s s!lendours, drin7,
Agni, the !leasant 5oma 9uice.
11 ,rdained y %anu as our Priest, thou sittest, Agni, at each rite1
"allow thou this our sacrifice.
12 "arness the /ed %ares to thy car, the -ays, , God, the flaming ones1
With those ring hitherward the Gods.
HYMN XV. RT".
1 , I=6/A drin7 the 5oma 9uice with /tu: let the cheering dro!s
5in7 dee! within, which settle there.
2 6rin7 from the Purifier;s cu!, %aruts, with /tu: sanctify
The rite, for ye give !recious gifts.
# , =estar, with thy 6ame acce!t our sacrifice: with /tu drin7,
4or thou art he who giveth wealth.
& -ring the Gods, Agni: in the three a!!ointed !laces set them down1
5urround them, and with /tu drin7.
( 6rin7 5oma after the /tus, from the -rahmana;s ounty1 undissolved,
, Indra, is thy friendshi!;s ond.
* %itra, 'aruna, ye whose ways are firm ) a Power that none deceives),
With /tu ye have reached the rite.
+ The 5oma)!ressers, fain for wealth, !raise the Wealth)giver in the rite,
In sacrifices !raise the God.
. %ay the Wealth)giver grant to us riches that shall e far renowned.
These things we gain, among the Gods.
0 "e with the /tu fain would drin7, Wealth)giver, from the =estar;s owl.
"aste, give your offering, and de!art.
1@ As we this fourth time, Wealth)giver, honour thee with the /tus, e
A Giver ountiful to us.
11 6rin7 ye the meath, , Asvins right with flames, whose acts are !ure.
who with
/tus acce!t the sacrifice.
12 With /tu, through the house)fire, thou, 7ind Giver, guidest sacrifice1
Worshi! the Gods for the !ious man.
HYMN XVI. Indra.
1 L2T thy -ay 5teeds ring thee, the 5trong, hither to drin7 the 5oma
draught)
Those, Indra, who are right as suns.
2 "ere are the grains edewed with oil1 hither let the -ay >oursers ring
Indra u!on his easiest car.
# Indra at early morn we call, Indra in course of sacrifice,
Indra to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
& >ome hither, with thy long)maned 5teeds, , Indra, to) the draught we
!our
We call thee wher, the 9uice is shed.
( >ome thou to this our song of !raise, to the liation !oured for thee
6rin7 of it li7e a stag athirst.
* "ere are the dro!s of 5oma 9uice e$!ressed on sacred grass1 thereof
6rin7, Indra, to increase thy might.
+ Welcome to thee e this our hymn, reaching thy heart, most e$cellent1
Then drin7 the 5oma 9uice e$!ressed.
. To every draught of !ressed)out 9uice Indra, the 'rtra)slayer, comes,
To drin7 the 5oma for delight.
0 4ulfil, , 5ata7ratu, all our wish with horses and with 7ine1
With holy thoughts we sing thy !raise.
HYMN XVII Indra-Varuna
1 I >/A'2 hel! from the Im!erial Lords, from Indra)'aruna: may they
-oth favour one of us li7e me.
2 Guardians of men, ye ever come with ready succour at the call
,f every singer such as I.
# 5ate you, according to your wish, , Indra)'aruna, with wealth1
4ain would we have you nearest us.
& %ay we e sharers of the !owers, sharers of the enevolence
,f you who give strength ounteously.
( Indra and 'aruna, among givers of thousands, meet for !raise,
Are Powers who merit highest laud.
* Through their !rotection may we gain great store of wealth, and hea! it
u!
2nough and still to s!are, e ours.
+ , Indra)'aruna, on you for wealth in many a form I call1
5till 7ee! ye us victorious.
. , Indra)'aruna, ) through our songs that see7 to win you to ourselves,
Give us at once your sheltering hel!.
0 , Indra)'aruna, to you may fair !raise which I offer come,
9oint eulogy which ye dignify.
HYMN XVIII. Bra#$anas%a&i.
1 , -/A"%A=AP5ATI, ma7e him who !resses 5oma glorious,
2ven 8a7sivan Ausi9a.
2 The rich, the healer of disease, who giveth wealth, increaseth store,
The !rom!t,)may he e with us still.
# Let not the foeman;s curse, let not a mortal;s onslaught fall on us
Preserve us, -rahmanas!ati.
& =e;er is the mortal hero harmed whom Indra, -rahmanas!ati,
And 5oma graciously ins!ire.
( 6o, thou, , -rahmanas!ati, and Indra, 5oma, 6a7sina,
Preserve that mortal from distress.
* To the Assemly;s wondrous Lord, to Indra;s lovely 4riend who gives
Wisdom, have I drawn near in !rayer.
+ "e without whom no sacrifice, e;en of the wise man, !ros!ers: he
5tirs u! the series of thoughts.
. "e ma7es the olation !ros!er, he !romotes the course of sacrifice1
,ur voice of !raise goes to the Gods.
0 I have seen =arasamsa, him most resolute, most widely famed,
As ;twere the "ousehold Priest of heaven.
HYMN XIX. Agni' Maru&s.
1 To this fair sacrifice to drin7 the mil7y draught thou art invo7ed1
, Agni, with the %aruts come.
2 =o mortal man, no God e$ceeds thy mental !ower, , %ighty one )
, Agni, with the %aruts come
# All Gods devoid of guile, who 7now the mighty region of mid)air1
, Agni, with those %aruts come.
& The terrile, who sing their song, not to e overcome y might1
( -rilliant, and awful in their form, mighty, devourers of their foes;1
* Who sit as 6eities in heaven, aove the s7y)vault;s luminous s!here1
+ Who scatter clouds aout the s7y, away over the illowy sea1
. Who with their right eams s!read them forth over the ocean in their
might
0 4or thee, to e thine early draught, I !our the 5oma)mingled meath1
, Agni, with the %aruts come.
HYMN XX R(#us.
1 4,/ the >elestial /ace this song of !raise which gives wealth lavishly
Was made y singers with their li!s.
2 They who for Indra, with their mind, formed horses harnessed y a word,
Attained y wor7s to sacrifice.
# They for the two =asatyas wrought a light car moving every way1
They formed a nectar)yielding cow.
& The /hus with effectual !rayers, honest, with constant laour, made
Their 5ire and %other young again.
( Together came your gladdening dro!s with Indra y the %aruts girt,
With the Adityas, with the 8ings.
* The sacrificial ladle, wrought newly y the God Tvastar;s hand)
4our ladles have ye made thereof.
+ 'ouchsafe us wealth, to him who !ours thrice seven liations, yea, to each
Give wealth, !leased with our eulogies.
. As ministering Priests they held, y !ious acts they won themselves,
A share in sacrifice with Gods.
HYMN XXI. Indra-Agni.
1 I=6/A and Agni I invo7e fain are we for their song of !raise
>hief 5oma)drin7ers are they oth.
2 Praise ye, , men, and glorify Indra)Agni in the holy rites1
5ing !raise to them in sacred songs.
# Indra and Agni we invite, the 5oma)drin7ers, for the fame
,f %itra, to the 5oma)draught.
& 5trong Gods, we id them come to this liation that stands ready here1
Indra and Agni, come to us.
( Indra and Agni, mighty Lords of our assemly, crush the fiends1
>hildless e the devouring ones.
* Watch ye, through this your truthfulness, there in the !lace of s!acious
view
Indra and Agni, send us liss.
HYMN XXII Asvins and O&#!rs
1 WA82= the Asvin Pair who yo7e their car at early morn1 may they
A!!roach to drin7 this 5oma 9uice.
2 We call the Asvins Twain, the Gods orne in a nole car, the est
,f charioteers, who reach the heavens.
# 6ro!!ing with honey is your whi!, Asvins, and full of !leasantness
5!rin7le therewith the sacrifice.
& As ye go thither in your car, not far, , Asvins, is the home
,f him who offers 5oma 9uice.
( 4or my !rotection I invo7e the golden)handed 5avitar.
"e 7noweth, as a God, the !lace.
* That he may send us succour, !raise the Waters; ,ffs!ring 5avitar1
4ain are we for his holy ways.
+ We call on him, distriuter of wondrous ounty and of wealth,
,n 5avitar who loo7s on men.
. >ome hither, friends, and seat yourselves 5avitar, to e !raised y us,
Giving good gifts, is eautiful.
0 , Agni, hither ring to us the willing 5!ouses of the Gods,
And Tvastar, to the 5oma draught.
1@ %ost youthful Agni, hither ring their 5!ouses, "otra, -harati,
'arutri, 6hisana, for aid.
11 5!ouses of "eroes, Goddesses, with whole wings may they come to us
With great !rotection and with aid.
12 Indrani, 'arunani, and Agnayi hither I invite,
4or weal, to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
1# %ay "eaven and 2arth, the %ighty Pair, edew for us our sacrifice,
And feed us full with nourishments.
1& Their water rich with fatness, there in the Gandharva;s steadfast !lace,
The singers taste through sacred songs.
1( Thornless e thou, , 2arth, s!read wide efore us for a dwelling)!lace1
'ouchsafe us shelter road and sure.
1* The Gods e gracious unto us even from the !lace whence 'isnu strode
Through the seven regions of the earthA
1+ Through all this world strode 'isnu: thrice his foot he !lanted, and the
whole
Was gathered in his footste!;s dust.
1. 'isnu, the Guardian, he whom none deceiveth, made three ste!s:
thenceforth
2stalishing his high decrees.
10 Loo7 ye on 'isnu;s wor7s, wherey the 4riend of Indra, close)allied,
"ath let his holy ways e seen.
2@ The !rinces evermore ehold that loftiest !lace where 'isnu is,
Laid as it were an eye in heaven.
21 This, 'ishnu;s station most sulime, the singers, ever vigilant,
Lovers of holy song, light u!.
HYMN XXIII. Vayu and O&#!rs.
1 5T/,=G are the 5omas: come thou nigh: these 9uices have een mi$t with
mil71
6rin7, 'ayu, the !resented draughts.
2 -oth 6eities who touch the heaven, Indra and 'ayu we invo7e
To drin7 of this our soma 9uice.
# The singers; for their aid, invo7e Indra and 'ayu, swift as mind,
The thousand)eyed, the Lords of thought.
& %itra and 'aru!a, renowned as Gods of consecrated might,
We call to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
( Those who y Law u!hold the Law, Lords of the shining light of Law,
%itra I call, and 'aruna.
* Let 'aruna e our chief defence, let %itra guard us with all aids
-oth ma7e us rich e$ceedingly.
+ Indra, y %aruts girt, we call to drin7 the 5oma 9uice1 may he
5ate him in union with his troo!.
. Gods, %arut hosts whom Indra leads, distriuters of Pusan;s gifts,
"ear7en ye all unto my cry.
0 With con?uering Indra for ally, stri7e 'rtra down, ye ounteous Gods
Let not the wic7ed master us.
1@ We call the 3niversal Gods, and %aruts to the 5oma draught,
4or !assing strong are Prsni;s 5ons.
11 4ierce comes the %aruts; thundering voice, li7e that of con?uerors, when
ye go
4orward to victory, , %en.
12 -orn of the laughing lightning. may the %aruts guard us everywhere
%ay they e gracious unto 3s.
1# Li7e some lost animal, drive to us, right Pusan, him who ears u!
heaven,
/esting on many)coloured grass.
1& Pusan the -right has found the 8ing, concealed and idden in a cave,
Who rests on grass of many hues.
1( And may he. duly ring to me the si$ ound closely, through these dro!s,
As one who !loughs with steers rings corn.
1* Along their !aths the %others go, 5isters of !riestly ministrants,
%ingling their sweetness with the mil7.
1+ %ay Waters gathered near the 5un, and those wherewith the 5un is
9oined,
5!eed forth this sacrifice of ours.
1. I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle ?uench their thirst:
,lations to the 5treams e given.
10 Amrit is in the Waters in the Waters there is healing alm
-e swift, ye Gods, to give them !raise.
2@ Within the Waters)5oma thus hath told me)dwell all alms that heal,
And Agni, he who lesseth all. The Waters hold all medicines.
21 , Waters, teem with medicine to 7ee! my ody safe from harm,
5o that I long may see the 5un.
22 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought.
If I have lied or falsely sworn, Waters, remove it far from me.
2# The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come1
, Agni, rich in mil7, come thou, and with thy s!lendour cover me.
2& 4ill me with s!lendour, Agni: give offs!ring and length of days: the Gods
5hall 7now me even as I am, and Indra with the /sis, 7now.
HYMN XXIV. Varuna and O&#!rs.
1 W", now is he, what God among Immortals, of whose aus!icious name we
may ethin7 usB
Who shall to mighty Aditi restore us, that I may see my 4ather and my
%otherB
2 Agni the God the first among the Immortals, ) of his aus!icious name let us
ethin7 us.
"e shall to mighty Aditi restore us, that I may see my 4ather and my %other.
# To thee, , 5avitar, the Lord of !recious things, who hel!est us
>ontinually, for our share we come)
& Wealth, highly lauded ere re!roach hath fallen on it, which is laid,
4ree from all hatred, in thy hands
( Through thy !rotection may we come to even the height of affluence
Which -haga hath dealt out to us.
* =e;er have those irds that fly through air attained to thy high dominion or
thy might or s!irit:
=or these the waters that flow on for ever, nor hills, aaters of the wind;s
wild fury.
+ 'aruna, 8ing, of hallowed might, sustaineth erect the Tree;s stem in the
aseless region.
Its rays, whose root is high aove, stream downward. 6ee! may they sin7
within us, and e hidden.
. 8ing 'aruna hath made a s!acious !athway, a !athway for the 5un wherein
to travel.
Where no way was he made him set his footste!, and warned afar whate;er
afflicts the s!irit.
0 A hundred alms are thine, , 8ing, a thousand: dee! and wide)reaching
also e thy favours.
4ar from us, far away drive thou 6estruction. Put from us e;en the sin we
have committed.
1@ Whither y day de!art the constellations that shine at night, set high in
heaven aove usB
'aruna;s holy laws remain unwea7ened, and through the night the %oon
moves on in s!lendor
11 I as7 this of thee with my !rayer adoring: thy worshi!!er craves this with
his olation.
'aruna, stay thou here and e not angry: steal not our life from us, , thou
Wide)/uler.
12 =ightly and daily this one thing they tell me, this too the thought of mine
own heart re!eateth.
%ay he to whom !rayed fettered 5unahse!a, may he the 5ovran 'aruna
release us.
1# -ound to three !illars ca!tured 5unahse!a thus to the Aditya made his
su!!lication.
"im may the 5ovran 'aruna deliver, wise, ne;er deccived, loosen the onds
that ind him.
1& With ending down, olations, sacrifices, , 'aruna, we de!recate thine
anger1
Wise Asura, thou 8ing of wide dominion, loosen the onds of sins y us
committed.
1( Loosen the onds, , 'aruna, that hold me, loosen the onds aove,
etween, and under.
5o in thy holy law may we made sinless elong to Aditi, , thou Aditya.
HYMN XXV. Varuna.
I W"AT2'2/ law of thine, , God, , 'arurna, as we are men,
6ay after day we violate.
2 give us not as a !rey to death, to e destroyed y thee in wrath,
To thy fierce anger when dis!leased.
# To gain thy mercy, 'aruna, with hymns we ind thy heart, as inds
The charioteer his tethered horse.
& They flee from me dis!irited, ent only on otaining wealths
As to their nests the irds of air.
( When shall we ring, to e a!!eased, the "ero, Lord of warrior might,
"im, the far)seeing 'arunaB
* This, this with 9oy they oth acce!t in common1 never do they fail
The ever)faithful worshi!!er.
+ "e 7nows the !ath of irds that fly through heaven, and, 5ovran of the
sea,
"e 7nows the shi!s that are thereon.
. True to his holy law, he 7nows the twelve moons with their !rogeny1
"e 7nows the moon of later irth.
0 "e 7nows the !athway of the wind, the s!reading, high, and mighty wind
"e 7nows the Gods who dwell aove.
1@ 'aruna, true to holy law, sits down among his !eo!le: he,
%ost wise, sits there to govern. all.
11 4rom thence !ercerving he eholds all wondrous things, oth what hath
een,
And what hereafter will e done.
12 %ay that Aditya, very )wise, ma7e fair !aths for us all our days1
%ay lie !rolong our lives for us.
1# 'aruna, wearing golden mail, hath clad him in a shining roe.
"is s!ies are seated found aout.
1& The God whom enemies threaten not, nor those who tyranniCe o;er men,
=or those whose minds are ent on wrong.
1( "e who gives glory to man7ind, not glory that is incom!lete,
To our own odies giving it.
1* <earning for the wide)seeing ,ne, my thoughts move onward unto him,
As 7ine unto their !astures move.
1+ ,nce more together let us s!ea7, ecause my meath is rought1 !riest)
li7e
Thou eatest what is dear to thee.
1. =ow saw I him whom all may see, I saw his car aove the earth1
"e hath acce!ted these my songs.
10 'aruna, hear this call of mine1 e gracious unto us this day
Longing for hel! I cried to thee.
2@ Thou, , wise God, art Lord of all, thou art the 8ing of earth and heaven
"ear, as thou goest on thy way.
21 /elease us from the u!!er ond, untie the ond etween, and loose
The onds elow, that I may live.
HYMN XXVI. Agni.
1 , W,/T"< of olation, Lord of !ros!ering !owers, assume thy roes,
And offer this our sacrifice.
2 5it ever to e chosen, as our Priest., most youthful, through our hymns,
, Agni, through our heavenly word.
# 4or here a 4ather for his son, 8insman for 7insman worshi!!eth,
And 4riend, choice)worthy, for his friend.
& 4iere let the foe)destroyers sit, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman,
Li7e men, u!on our sacred grass.
( , ancient "erald, e thou glad in this our rite and fellowshi!1
"ear7en thou well to these our songs.
* Whate;er in this !er!etual course we sacrifice to God and God,
That gift is offered u! in thee
+ %ay he e our dear household Lord, Priest, !leasant and, choice)worthy
may
We, with right fires, e dear to him.
. The Gods, adored with rilliant fires. have granted !recious wealth to us
5o, with right fires, we !ray to thee.
0 And, , Immortal ,ne, so may the eulogies of mortal men
-elong to us and thee ali7e.
1@ With all thy fires, , Agni, find !leasure in this our sacrifice,
And this our s!eech, , 5on of 5trength.
HYMN XXVII. Agni.
1 WIT" worshi! will I glorify thee, Agni, li7e a long)tailed steed,
Im!erial Lord of sacred rites.
2 %ay the far)striding 5on of 5trength, ringer of great felicity,
Who !ours his gifts li7e rain, e ours.
# Lord of all life, from near: from far, do thou, , Agni evermore
Protect us from the sinful man.
& , Agni, graciously announce this our olation to the Gods,
And this our newest song of !raise.
( Give us a share of strength most high, a share of strength that is elow,
A share of strength that is etween.
* Thou dealest gifts, res!lendent ,ne: nigh, as with waves of 5indhu, thou
5wift streamest to the worshi!!er.
+ That man is lord of endless strength whom thou !rotectest in the fight,
Agni, or urgest to the fray.
. "im, whosoever he may e, no man may van?uish, mighty ,ne1
=ay, very glorious !ower is his.
0 %ay he who dwells with all man7ind ear us with war)steeds through the
fight,
And with the singers win the s!oil.
1@ "el!, thou who 7nowest lauds, this wor7, this eulogy to /udra, him
Adorale in every house.
11 %ay this our God, great, limitless, smo7e)annered e$cellently right,
3rge us to strength and holy thought.
12 Li7e some rich Lord of men may he, Agni the anner of the Gods,
/efulgent, hear us through our lauds.
1# Glory to Gods, the mighty and the lesser glory to Gods the younger and
the elderA
Let us, if we have !ower, !ay the God worshi!1 no etter !rayer than this,
ye Gods, ac7nowledge.
HYMN XXVIII Indra' E&).
1 T"2/2 where the road)ased stone raised on high to !ress the 9uices out,
, Indra, drin7 with eager thirst the dro!!ings which the mortar sheds.
2 Where, li7e road hi!s, to hold the 9uice the !latters of the !ress are laid,
# There where the woman mar7s and leans the !estle;s constant rise and
fall,
& Where, as with reins to guide a horse, they ind the churning)staff with
cords,
( If of a truth in every house, , %ortar thou art set for wor7,
"ere give thou forth thy clearest sound, loud as the drum of con?uerors.
* , 5ovran of the 4orest, as the wind lows soft in front of thee,
%ortar, for Indra !ress thou forth the 5oma 9uice that he may drin7.
+ -est strength)givers, ye stretch wide 9aws, , 5acrificial Im!lements,
Li7e two ay horses cham!ing hers.
. <e 5ovrans of the 4orest, oth swift, with swift !ressers !ress to)day
5weet 5oma 9uice for Indra;s drin7.
0 Ta7e u! in ea7ers what remains1 the 5oma on the filter !our,
and on the o$)hide set the dregs.
HYMN XXIX. Indra.
1 , 5,%A 6/I=82/, ever true, utterly ho!eless though we e,
6o thou, , Indra, give us ho!e of eauteous horses and of 7ine,
In thousands, , most wealthy ,ne.
2 , Lord of 5trength, whose 9aws are strong, great deeds are thine, the
!owerful1
# Lull thou aslee!, to wa7e no more, the !air who on each other loo7
6o thou, , Indra, give us, hel! of eauteous horses and of 7ine,
& "ero, let hostile s!irits slee!, and every gentler genius wa7e1
6o thou, , Indra,. give us ho!e of eauteous horses and of 7ine,
( 6estroy this ass, , Indra, who in tones discordant rays to thee1
* 4ar distant on the forest fall the tem!est in a circling courseA
+ 5lay each reviler, and destroy him who in secret in9ures us1
6o thou, , Indra, give us ho!e of eauteous horses and of 7ine
HYMN XXX. Indra.
1 W2 see7ing strength with 5oma)dro!s fill full your Indra li7e a well,
%ost lieral, Lord of "undred Powers,
2 Who lets a hundred of the !ure, a thousand of the mil7)lent draughts
4low, even as down a de!th, to him:
# When for the strong, the ra!turous 9oy he in this manner hath made room
Within his elly, li7e the sea.
& This is thine own. Thou drawest near, as turns a !igeon to his mate1
Thou carest too for this our !rayer.
( , "ero, Lord of -ounties, !raised in hymns, may !ower and 9oyfulness
-e his who sings the laud to thee.
* Lord of a "undred Powers, stand u! to lend us succour in this fight
In others too let us agree.
+ In every need, in every fray we call as friends to succour us
Indra the mightiest of all.
. If he will hear us let him come with succour of a thousand 7inds,
And all that strengthens, to our call.
0 I call him mighty to resist, the "ero of our ancient home,
Thee whom my sire invo7ed of old.
1@ We !ray to thee, , much)invo7ed, rich in all !rccious gifts, , 4riend,
8ind God to those who sing thy !raise.
11 , 5oma)drin7er, Thunder)armed, 4riend of our lovely)featured dames
And of our 5oma)drin7ing friends.
12 Thus, 5oma)drin7er, may it e: thus, 4riend, who wieldest thunder, act
To aid each wish as we desire.
1# With Indra s!lendid feasts e ours, rich in all strengthening things
wherewith,
Wealthy in food, we may re9oice.
1& Li7e thee, thyself, the singers; 4riend, thou movest, as it were, esought,
-old ,ne, the a$le of the car.
1( That, 5ata7ratu, thou to grace and !lease thy !raisers, as it were,
5tirrest the a$le with thy strength.
1* With cham!ing, neighing loudly)snorting horses Indra hath ever won
himself great treasures
A car of gold hath he whose deeds are wondrous received from us, and let us
too receive it.
1+ >ome, Asvins, with enduring strength wealthy in horses and in 7ine,
And gold, , ye of wondrous deeds.
1. <our chariot yo7ed for oth ali7e, immortal, ye of mighty acts,
Travels, , Aivins, in the sea.
10 "igh on the forehead of the -ull one chariot wheel ye ever 7ee!,
The other round the s7y revolves.
2@ What mortal, , immortal 6awn, en9oyeth theeB Where lovest thouB
To whom, , radiant, dost thou goB
21 4or we have had thee in our thoughts whether anear or far away,
/ed)hued and li7e a da!!led mare.
22 "ither, , 6aughter of the 57y, come thou with these thy strengthenings,
And send thou riches down to us.
HYMN XXXI. Agni.
1 Thou, Agni, wast the earliest Angiras, a 5eer: thou wast, a God thyself, the
Gods; aus!icious 4riend.
After thy holy ordinance the %aruts, sage, active through wisdom, )with
their glittering s!ears, were orn.
2 , Agni, thou, the est and earliest Angiras, fulfillest as a 5age the holy law
of Gods.
5!rung from two mothers, wise, through all e$istence s!read, resting in
many a !lace for sa7e of living man.
# To %atarisvan first thou, Agni, wast disclosed, and to 'ivasvan through thy
nole inward !ower.
"eaven and 2arth, 'asuA shoo7 at the choosing of the Priest1 the urthen
thou didst ear, didst worshi! mighty Gods.
& Agni thou madest heaven to thunder for man7ind: thou, yet more !ious,
for !ious Pururavas.
When thou art ra!idly freed from thy !arents, first eastward they ear thee
round, and, after, to the west.
( Thou, Agni, art a -ull who ma7es our store increase, to e invo7ed y him
who lifts the ladle u!.
Well 7nowing the olation with the hallowing word, uniting all who live,
thou lightenest first our fol7
* Agni, thou savest in the synod when !ursued e;en him, farseeing ,neA who
wal7s in evil ways.
Thou, when the heroes fight for s!oil which men rush, round, slayest in war
the many y the hands of few.
+ 4or glory, Agni, day y day, thou liftest u! the mortal man to highest
immortality,
2ven thou who yearning for oth races givest them great liss, and to the
!rince grantest aundant food.
. , Agni, highly lauded, ma7e our singer famous that he may win us store of
riches1
%ay we im!rove the rite with new !erformance. , 2arth and "eaven, with
all the Gods, !rotect us.
0 , lameless Agni lying in thy Parents; la!, a God among the Gods, e
watchful for our good.
4ormer of odies, e the singer;s Providence1 all good things hast thou sown
for him, aus!icious ,neA
1@ Agni, thou art our Providence, our 4ather thou ) we are thy rethren and
thou art our s!ring of life. in thee, rich in good heroes, guard of high
decrees, meet hundred, thousand treasures, , infallileA
11 Thee, Agni, have the Gods made the first living ,ne for living man, Lord
of the house of =ahusa.
Ila they made the teacher of the sons of men, what time a 5on was orn to
the father of my race.
12 Worthy to e revered, , Agni, God, !reserve our wealthy !atrons with
thy succours, and ourselves.
Guard of our seed art thou, aiding our cows to ear, incessantly !rotecting
in thy holy way.
1# Agni, thou art a guard close to the !ious man: 7indled art thou, four)
eyedA for him who is unarmcd.
With fond heart thou acce!test e;en the !oor man;s !rayer, when he hath
rought his gift to gain security.
1& Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly)!raising !riest the highest wealth, the
o9ect of a man;s desire.
Thou art called 4ather, caring even for the wea7, and wisest, to the sim!le
one thou teachest lore.
1( Agni, the man who giveth guerdon to the !riests, li7e well)sewn armour
thou guardest on every side.
"e who with grateful food shows 7indness in his house, an offerer to the
living, is the ty!e of heaven.
1* Pardon, we !ray, this sin of ours, , Agni, )) the !ath which we have
trodden, widely straying,
6ear 4riend and 4ather, caring for the !ious, who s!eedest nigh and who
ins!irest mortals.
1+ As erst to %anus, to <ayiti, Angiras, so AngirasA !ure AgniA come thou to
our hall
-ring hither the celestial host and seat them here u!on the sacred grass,
and offer what they love.
1. -y this our !rayer e thou, , Agni, strengthened, !rayer made y us after
our !ower and 7nowledge.
Lead thou us, therefore, to increasing riches: endow us with thy strength)
estowing favour.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1 I WILL declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the
Thunder)wielder.
"e slew the 6ragon, then disclosed the waters, and cleft the channels of the
mountain torrents.
2 "e slew the 6ragon lying on the mountain1 his heavenly olt of thunder
Tvastar fashioned.
Li7e lowing 7ine in ra!id flow descending the waters glided downward to the
ocean.
# Im!etuous as a ull, he chose the 5oma and in three sacred ea7ers dran7
the 9uices.
%aghavan gras!ed the thunder for his wea!on, and smote to death this
firstorn of the dragons.
& When, Indra, thou hadst slain the dragon;s firstorn, and overcome the
charms of the enchanters,
Then, giving life to 5un and 6awn and "eaven, thou foundest not one foe to
stand against thee.
( Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote into !ieces 'rtra,
worst of 'rtras.
As trun7s of trees, what time the a$e hath felled them, low on the earth so
lies the !rostrate 6ragon.
* "e, li7e a mad wea7 warrior, challenged Indra, the great im!etuous many)
slaying "ero.
"e. roo7ing not the clashing of the wea!ons, crushed)Indra;s foe)the
shattered forts in falling.
+ 4ootless and handless still he challenged Indra, who smote him with his
olt etween the shoulders.
2masculate yet claiming manly vigour, thus 'rtra lay with scattered lims
dissevered.
. There as he lies li7e a an7)ursting river, the waters ta7ing courage flow
aove him.
The 6ragon lies eneath the feet of torrents which 'rtra with his greatness
had encom!assed.
0 Then humled was the strength of 'rtra;s mother1 Indra hath cast his
deadly olt against her.
The mother was aove, the son was under and li7e a cow eside her calf lay
6anu.
1@ /olled in the midst of never)ceasing currents flowing without a rest for
ever onward.
The waters ear off 'rtra;s nameless ody1 the foe of Indra san7 to during
dar7ness.
11 Guarded y Ahi stood the thralls of 6asas, the waters stayed li7e 7ine
held y the roer.
-ut he, when he had smitten 'rtra, o!ened the cave wherein the floods had
een im!risoned.
12 A horse;s tail wast thou when he, , Indra, smote on thy olt: thou, God
without a second,
Thou hast won ac7 the 7ine, hast won the 5oma: thou hast let loose to flow
the 5even /ivers.
1# =othing availed him lightning, nothing thunder, hailstorm or mist which
had s!read around him1
When Indra and the 6ragon strove in attle, %aghavan gained the victory for
ever.
1& Whom sawest thou to avenge the 6ragon, Indra, that fear !ossessed thy
heart when thou hadst slain him:
That, li7e a haw7 affrighted through the regions, thou crossedst nine)and)
ninety flowing riversB
1( Indra is 8ing of all that moves and moves not, of creatures tame and
horned, the Thunder)wielder.
,ver all living men he rules as 5ovran, containing all as s!o7es within the
felly.
HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
1 >ome, fain for ooty let us see7 to Indra1 yet more shall he increase his
care that guides us.
Will not the Indestructile endow us with !erfect 7nowledge of this wealth,
of cattleB
2 I fly to him invisile Wealth)giver as flies the falcon to his cherished eyrie,
With fairest hymns of !raise adoring Indra, whom those who laud him must
invo7e in attle.
# %id all his host, he indeth on the ?uiver he driveth cattle from what foe
he !leaseth1
Gathering u! great store of riches, Indra. e thou no traffic7er with us,
most mighty.
& Thou slewest with thy olt the wealthy 6asyu, alone, yet going with thy
hel!ers, IndraA
4ar from the floor of heaven in all directions, the ancient riteless ones fled
to destruction.
( 4ighting with !ious worshi!!ers, the riteless turned and fled, IndraA with
averted faces.
When thou, fierce Lord of the -ay 5teeds, the 5tayer, lewest from earth
and heaven and s7y the godless.
* They met in fight the army of the lameless. then the =avagvas !ut forth
all their !ower.
They, li7e emasculates with men contending, fled, conscious, y stee! !aths
from Indra, scattered.
+ Whether they wee! or laugh, thou hast o;erthrown them, , Indra, on the
s7y;s e$tremest limit.
The 6asyu thou hast urned from heaven, and welcomed the !rayer of him
who !ours the 9uice and lauds thee.
. Adorned with their array of gold and 9ewels, they o;er the earth a covering
veil e$tended.
Although they hastened, they o;ercame not Indra1 their s!ies he com!assed
with the 5un of morning.
0 As thou en9oyest heaven and earth, , Indra, on every side surrounded with
thy greatness,
5o thou with !riests ast lown away the 6asyu, and those who worshi! not
with those who worshi!.
1@ They who !ervaded earth;s e$tremest limit sudued not with their
charms the Wealth)estower1
Indra, the -ull, made his ally the thunder, and with its light mil7ed cows
from out the dar7ness.
11 The waters flowed according to their nature: he raid the navigale
streams wa$ed mighty.
Then Indra, with his s!irit concentrated, smote him for ever with his
strongest wea!on.
12 Indra ro7e through Iliisa;s strong castles, and 5us!a with his horn he cut
to !ieces1
Thou, %aghavan, for all his might and swiftness, slewest thy fighting foeman
with thy thunder
1# 4ierce on his enemies fell Indra;s wea!on1 with. his shar! ull he rent
their forts in !ieces.
"e with his thunderolt dealt lows on 'rtra: and con?uered, e$ecuting all
his !ur!ose.
1& Indra, thou hel!est 8utsa whom thou lovedst, and guardedst rave
6agadyu when he attled,
The dust of tram!ling horses rose to heaven, and 5vitri;s son stood u! again
for con?uest.
1( 5vitra;s mild steer, , %aghavan thou hel!est in comat for the land, mid
Tugra;s houses.
Long stood they there efore the tas7 was ended1 thou wast the master of
the foemen;s treasure.
HYMN XXXIV. Asvins.
1 <e who oserve this day e with us even thrice1 far)stretching is you
ounty, Asvins and your course.
To you, as to a cloa7 in winter, we cleave close1 you are to e drawn nigh
unto us y the wise.
2 Three are the fellies in your honey)earing car, that travels after 5oma;s
loved one, as all 7now.
Three are the !illars set u!on it for su!!ort1 thrice 9ourney ye y night, ,
Asvins, thrice y day.
# Thrice in the self)same day, ye Gods who anish want, s!rin7le ye thrice
to)day our sacrifice with meath:
And thrice vouchsafe us store of food with !lenteous strength, at evening, ,
ye Asvins, and at rea7 of day.
& Thrice come ye to our home, thrice to the righteous fol7, thrice tri!ly aid
the man who well deserves your hel!.
Thrice, , ye Asvins, ring us what shall ma7e us glad: thrice send us store of
food as nevermore to fail.
( Thrice, , ye Asvins, ring to us aundant wealth1 thrice in the Gods;
assemly, thrice assist our thoughts.
Thrice, grant ye us !ros!erity, thrice grant us fame: for the 5un;s daughter
hath mounted your three)wheeled car.
* Thrice, Asvins, grant to us the heavenly medicines, thrice those of earth
and thrice those that the waters hold,
4avour and health and strength estow u!on my son: tri!le !rotection,
Lords of 5!lendour, grant to him.
+ Thrice are ye to e worshi!!ed day y day y us1 thrice, , ye Asvins, ye
travel around the earth.
>ar)orne from far away, , ye =asatyas, come, li7e vital air to odies, come
ye to the three.
. Thrice, , ye Asvins, with the 5even %other 5treams: three are the 9ars,
the tri!le offering is !re!ared.
Three are the worlds, and moving on aove the s7y ye guard the firm)set
vault of heaven through days and nights.
0 Where are the three wheels of your tri!le chariot, where are the three
seats thereto firmly fastenedB
When will ye yo7e the mighty ass that draws it, to ring you to our sacrifice.
=asatyasB
1@ =asatyas, come1 the sacred gift is offered u!: drin7 the sweet 9uice with
li!s that 7now the sweetness well.
5avitar sends, efore the dawn of day, your car, fraught with oil, various)
coloured, to our sacrifice.
11 >ome, , =asatyas, with the thrice)eleven Gods: come, , ye Asvins, to
the drin7ing of the meath.
%a7e long our days of life, and wi!e out all our sins1 ward off our enemies:
e with us evermore.
12 -orne in your tri!le car, , Asvins, ring us !resent !ros!erity with nole
offs!ring.
I cry to you who hear me for !rotection e ye our hel!ers where men win
the ooty.
HYMN XXXV. Savi&ar.
1 AG=I I first invo7e for our !ros!erity: I call on %itra, 'aruna, to aid us
here.
I call on =ight who gives rest to all moving life: I call on 5avitar the God to
lend us hel!.
2 Throughout the dus7y firmament advancing, laying to rest the immortal
and the mortal,
-orne in his golden chariot he cometh, 5avitar, God who loo7s on every
creature.
# The God moves y the u!ward !ath, the downward: with two right -ays,
adorale, he 9ourneys.
5avitar comes, the God from the far distance, and chases from us all distress
and sorrow.
& "is chariot dec7ed with !earl, of various colours, lofty, with golden !ole,
the God hath mounted,
The many)rayed ,ne, 5avitar the holy, ound, earing !ower and might, for
dar7some regions.
( 6rawing the gold)yo7ed car his -ays, white)footed, have manifested light
to all the !eo!les.
"eld in the la! of 5avitar, divine ,ne, all men, all eings have their !lace
for ever.
* Three heavens there are: two 5avitar;s, ad9acent1 in <ama;s world is one,
the home of heroes,
As on a linch)!in, firm, rest things immortal1 he who hath 7nown it let him
here declare it.
+ "e, strong of wing, hath lightened u! the regions, dee!)?uivering Asura,
the gentle Leader.
Where now is 5urya, where is one to tell us to what celestial s!here his ray
hath wanderedB
. The earth;s eight !oints his rightness hath illumined, three desert regions
and the 5even /ivers.
God 5avitar the gold)eyed hath come hither, giving choice treasures unto
him who worshi!s.
0 The golden)handed 5avitar, far)seeing, goes on his way etween the earth
and heaven,
6rives away sic7ness, ids the 5un a!!roach us, and s!reads the right s7y
through the dar7some region.
1@ %ay he, gold)handed Asura, 7ind Leader, come hither to us with his hel!
and favour.
6riving off /a7sasas and <atudhanas, the God is !resent, !raised in hymns at
evening.
11 , 5avitar, thine ancient dustless !athways are well estalished in the air;s
midregion1
, God, come y those !aths so fair to travel, !reserve thou us from harm
this day, and less us.
HYMN XXXVI. Agni.
1 WIT" words sent forth in holy hymns, Agni we su!!licate, the Lord
,f many families who duly serve the Gods, yea, him whom others also
!raise.
2 %en have won Agni, him who ma7es their strength aound1 we, with
olations, worshi! thee.
,ur gracious)minded "el!er in our deeds of might, e thou, , 2$cellent,
this day.
# Thee for our messenger we choose, thee, the ,mniscient, for our Priest.
The flames of thee the mighty are s!read wide around1 thy s!lendour
reaches to the s7y.
& The Gods en7indle thee their ancient messenger, ) 'aruna, %itra,
Aryaman.
That mortal man, , Agni, gains through thee all wealth, who hath !oured
offerings unto thee.
( Thou, Agni, art a cheering Priest, Lord of the "ouse, men;s messenger1
All constant high decrees estalished y the Gods, gathered together, meet
in thee.
* In thee, the aus!icious ,ne, , Agni, youthfullest, each sacred gift is
offered u!1
This day, and after, gracious, worshi! thou our Gods, that we may have
heroic sons.
+ To him in his own s!lendour right draw near in worshi! the devout.
%en 7indle Agni with their sacrificial gifts, victorious o;er the enemies.
. 'rtra they smote and slew, and made the earth and heaven and firmament
a wide aode.
The glorious -ull, invo7ed, hath stood at 8anva;s side1 loud neighed the
5teed in frays for 7ine.
0 5eat thee, for thou art mighty: shine, est entertainer of the Gods.
Worthy of sacred food, !raised AgniA loose the smo7e, ruddy and eautiful
to see.
1@ -earer of offerings, whom, est sacrificing Priest, the Gods for %anu;s
sa7e ordained:
Whom 8anva, whom %edhyatithi made the source of wealth, and 'rsan and
3!astuta.
11 "im, Agni, whom %edhyatithi, whom 8anva 7indled for his rite,
"im these our songs of !raise, him, Agni, we e$tol1 his !owers shine out
!reeminent.
12 %a7e our wealth !erfect thou, , Agni, Lord divine1 for thou hast 7inshi!
with the Gods.
Thou rulest as a 8ing o;er widely)famous strength1 e good to us, for thou
art great.
1# 5tand u! erect to lend us aid, stand u! li7e 5avitar the God1
2rect as strength)estower we call aloud, with unguents and with !riests, on
thee.
1& 2rect, !reserve us from sore troule: with thy flame urn thou each
ravening demon dead.
/aise thou us u! that we may wal7 and live. so thou shalt find our worshi!
mid the Gods.
1( Preserve us, Agni, from the fiend, !reserve us from malicious wrong.
5ave us from him who fain would in9ure us or slay, %ost <outhful, thou with
lofty light.
1* 5mite down as with a clu, thou who hast fire for teeth, smite thou the
wic7ed, right and left.
Let not the man who !lots against us in the night, nor any foe !revail o;er
us.
1+ Agni hath given heroic might to 8ainva, and felicity1
Agni hath hel!ed our friends, hath hel!ed %edhyitithi, hath hel!ed 3!astuta
to win.
1. We call on 3gradeva, <adu, Turvasa, y means of Agni, from afar:
Agni, ring =avavastva and -rhadrata, Turviti, to sudue the foe.
10 %anu hath stalished thee a light, Agni, for all the race of men1
5!rung from the Law, oil)fed, for 8anva hast thou laCed, thou whom the
!eo!le reverence.
2@ The flames of Agni full of s!lendour and of might are fearful, not to e
a!!roached.
>onsume for ever all demons and sorcerers, consume thou each devouring
fiend.
HYMN XXXVII. Maru&s.
1 5I=G forth, , 8anvas, to your and of %aruts unassailale,
5!orting, res!lendent on their car
2 They who, self)luminous, were orn together, with the s!otted deer,
5!ears, swords, and glittering ornaments.
# ,ne hears, as though ;twere close at hand, the crac7ing of the whi!s they
hold
They gather glory on their way.
& =ow sing ye forth the God)given hymn to your e$ultant %arut host,
The fiercely)vigorous, the strong.
( Praise ye the -ull among the cows: for ;tis the %aruts; s!ortive and1
It strengthened as it dran7 the rain.
* Who is your mightiest, "eroes, when, , sha7ers of the earth and heaven,
<e sha7e them li7e a garment;s hemB
+ At your a!!roach man holds him down efore the fury of your wrath1
The rugged)9ointed mountain yields.
. They at whose racings forth the earth, li7e an age)wea7ened lord of men,
Tremles in terror on their ways.
0 5trong is their irth1 vigour have they to issue from their %other: strength,
<ea, even twice enough, is theirs.
1@ And these, the 5ons, the 5ingers, in their racings have enlarged the
ounds,
5o that the 7ine must wal7 7nee)dee!.
11 -efore them, on the ways they go, they dro! this offs!ring of the cloud,
Long, road, and ine$haustile.
12 , %aruts, as your strength is great, so have ye cast men down on earth,
5o have ye made the mountains fall.
1# The while the %aruts !ass along, they tal7 together on the way1
6oth any hear them as they s!ea7B
1& >ome ?uic7 with swift steeds, for ye have worshi!!ers among 8anva;s
sons
%ay you re9oice among them well.
1( All is !re!ared for your delight. We are their servants evermore,
To live as long as life may last.
HYMN XXXVIII. Maru&s.
I W"AT nowB When will ye ta7e us y oth hands, as a dear sire his son,
Gods, for whom sacred grass is cli!!edB
2 =ow whitherB To what goal of yours go ye in heaven, and not on earthB
Where do your cows dis!ort themselvesB
# Where are your newest favours shownB Where, %aruts, your !ros!erityB
Where all your high felicitiesB
& If, , ye %aruts, ye the 5ons whom Prsni ore, were mortal, and
Immortal he who sings your !raise.
( Then never were your !raiser loathed li7e a wild east in !asture)land,
=or should he go on <ama;s !ath.
* Let not destructive !lague on !lague hard to e con?uered, stri7e its
down1
Let each, with drought, de!art from us.
+ Truly, they the fierce and mighty 5ons of /udra send their windless
/ain e;en on the desert !laces.
. Li7e a cow the lightning lows and follows, motherli7e, her youngling,
When their rain)flood hath een loosened.
0 When they inundate the earth they s!read forth dar7ness e;en in day time,
With the water)laden rain)cloud.
1@ , %aruts, at your voice;s sound this earthly haitation sha7es,
And each man reels who dwells therein.
11 , %aruts, with your strong)hoofed steeds, unhindered in their courses,
haste
Along the right eman7ed streams.
12 4irm e the fellies of your wheels, steady your horses and your cars,
And may your reins e fashioned well.
1# Invite thou hither with this song, for !raise, Agni the Lord of Prayer,
"im who is fair as %itra is.
1& 4orm in thy mouth the hymn of !raise e$!and thee li7e, a rainy cloud
5ing forth the measured eulogy.
1( 5ing glory to the %arut host, !raiseworthy, tuneful, vigorous1
"ere let the 5trong ,nes dwell with us.
HYMN XXXIX Maru&s.
1 W"2= thus, li7e flame, from far away, %aruts, ye cast your measure forth,
To whom go <e, to whom, , sha7ers of the earth, moved y whose wisdom,
whose designB
2 5trong let your wea!ons e to drive away your foes, firm for resistance let
them e.
<ea, !assing glorious must e your warrior might, not as a guileful mortal;s
strength.
# When what is strong ye overthrow, and whirl aout each !onderous thing,
"eroes, your course is through the forest trees of earth, and through the
fissures of the roc7s.
& >onsumers of your foes, no enemy of yours is found in heaven or on the
earth1
<e /udras, may the strength, held in this ond, e yours, to id defiance
even now.
( They ma7e the mountains roc7 and reel, they rend the forest)7ings a!art.
onward, ye %aruts, drive, li7e creatures drun7 with wine, ye, Gods with all
your com!any.
* <e to your chariot have yo7ed the s!otted deer1 a red deer, as a leader,
draws.
2ven the 2arth herself listened as ye came near, and men were sorely
terrified.
+ , /udras, ?uic7ly we desire your succour for this wor7 of ours.
>ome to us with your aid as in the days of old, so now for frightened 8anva;s
sa7e.
. 5hould any monstrous foe, , %aruts, sent y you or sent y mortals
threaten us,
Tear ye him from us with your !ower and with your might, and with the
succours that are yours.
0 4or ye, the worshi!ful and wise, have guarded 8anva !erfectly.
, %aruts, come to us with full !rotecting hel!, as lightning flashes see7 the
rain.
1@ Whole strength have ye, , -ounteous ,nes: !erfect, earth)sha7ers, is
your might.
%aruts, against the !oet;s wrathful enemy send ye an enemy li7e a dart.
HYMN X*. Bra#$anas%a&i
1 , -/A%A=A5PATI, stand u!1 God)serving men we !ray to thee.
%ay they who give good gifts, the %aruts, come to us. Indra, most swift, e
thou with them.
2 , 5on of 5trength, each mortal calls to thee for aid when s!oil of attle
waits for him.
, %aruts, may this man who loves you well otain wealth of good steeds and
hero might.
# %ay -rahmanas!ati draw nigh, may 5unrta the Goddess come,
And Gods ring to this rite which gives the five)fold gift the "ero, lover of
man7ind.
& "e who estows a nole guerdon on the !riest wins fame that never shall
decay.
4or him we offer sacred hero)giving food, !eerless and con?uering easily.
( =ow -rahmanas!ati s!ea7s forth aloud the solemn hymn of !raise,
Wherein Indra and 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman, the Gods, have made their
dwelling !lace.
* %ay we in holy synods, GodsA recite that hymn, !eerless, that rings
felicity.
If you, , "eroes, graciously acce!t this word, may it otain all liss from
you.
+ Who shall a!!roach the !iousB who the man whose sacred grass is
trimmedB
The offerer with his fol7 advances more and more1 he fills his house with
!recious things.
. "e am!lifies his lordly might, with 7ings he slays1 e;en mid alarms he
dwells secure
In great or lesser fight none chec7s him, none sudues,)the wielder of the
thunderolt.
HYMN X*I. Varuna' Mi&ra' Arya$an.
1 =2;2/ is he in9ured whom the Gods 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman,
The e$cellently wise, !rotect.
2 "e !ros!ers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full hands, enrich,
Whom they !reserve from every foe.
# The 8ings drive far away from him his troules and his enemies,
And lead him safely o;er distress.
& Thornless, Adityas, is the !ath, easy for him who see7s the Law1
With him is naught to anger you.
( What sacrifice, Adityas, ye "eroes guide y the !ath direct,)
%ay that come nigh unto your thought.
* That mortal, ever unsudued, gains wealth and every !recious thing,
And children also of his own.
+ "ow, my friends, shall we !re!are Aryaman;s and %itra;s laud,
Glorious food of 'arunaB
. I !oint not out to you a man who stri7es the !ious, or reviles1
,nly with hymns I call you nigh.
0 Let him not love to s!ea7 ill words1 ut fear the ,ne who holds all four
Within his hand, until they fall.
HYMN X*II. +usan.
I 5",/T2= our ways, , Pusan, move aside ostruction in the !ath1
Go close efore us, cloud)orn God.
2 6rive, Pusan, from our road the wolf, the wic7ed inaus!icious wolf,
Who lies in Wait to in9ure us.
# Who lur7s aout the !ath we ta7e, the roer with a guileful heart1
4ar from the road chase him away.
& Tread with thy foot and tram!le out the firerand of the wic7ed one,
The doule)tongued, whoe;er he e.
( Wise Pusan, Wonder)Wor7er, we claim of thee now the aid wherewith
Thou furtheredst our sires of old.
* 5o, Lord of all !ros!erity, est wielder of the golden sword,
%a7e riches easy to e won.
+ Past all !ursuers lead us, ma7e !leasant our !ath and fair to tread1
, Pusan, find thou !ower for this.
. Lead us to meadows rich in grass1 send on our way no early heat1
0 -e gracious to us, fill us full, give, feed us, and invigorate1
1@ =o lame have we for Pusan: him we magnify with songs of !raise1
We see7 the %ighty ,ne for wealth.
HYMN X*III. Rudra.
1 W"AT shall we sing to /udra, strong, most ounteous, e$cellently wise,
That shall e dearest to his heartB
2 That Aditi may grant the grace of /udra to our fol7, our 7ine,
,ur cattle and our !rogeny:
# That %itra and that 'aruna, that /udra may rememer us,
<ea, all the Gods with one accord.
& To /udra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and almy medicines,
We !ray for 9oy and health and strength.
( "e shines in s!lendour li7e the 5un, refulgent as right gold is he,
The good, the est among the Gods.
* %ay he grant health into our steeds, welleing to our rams and ewes,
To men, to women, and to 7ine.
+ , 5oma, set thou u!on us the glory of a hundred men,
The great renown of mighty chiefs.
. Let not malignities, nor those who troule 5oma, hinder us.
Indu, give us a share of strength.
0 5omaA head, central !oint, love these: 5omaA 7now these as serving thee,
>hildren of thee Immortal, at the highest !lace of holy law.
HYMN X*IV. Agni.
I I%%,/TAL Datavedas, thou many)hued fulgent gift of 6awn,
Agni, this day to him who !ays olations ring the Gods who wa7en with the
morn.
2 4or thou art offering)earer and loved messenger, the charioteer of
sacrifice1
Accordant with the Asvins and with 6awn grant us heroic strength and lofty
fame.
# As messenger we choose to)day Agni the good whom many love,
5mo7e)annered s!reader of the light, at rea7 of day glory of sacrificial
rites.
& "im nolest and most youthful, richly worshi!!ed guest, dear to the men
who offer gifts,
"im, Agni Datavedas, I eseech at dawn that he may ring the Gods to us.
( Thee, Agni, will I glorify, deathless nourisher of the world,
Immortal, offering)earer, meet for sacred food, !reserver, est at
sacrifice.
* Tell good things to thy !raiser, , most youthful God, as richly worshi!!ed,
honey)tongued,
And, granting to Pras7anva lengthened days of life, show honour to the
"eavenly "ost.
+ 4or the men, Agni, 7indle thee as all !ossessor and as Priest:
5o Agni, much)invo7ed, ring hither with all s!eed the Gods, the e$cellently
wise,
. At dawn of day, at night, 3sas and 5avitar, the Asvins, -haga, Agni;s self1
57illed in fair rites, with 5oma !oured, the 8anvas light thee, the olation)
wafting God.
0 4or, Agni, Lord of sacrifice and messenger of men art thou1
-ring thou the Gods who wa7e at dawn who see the light, this day to drin7
the 5oma 9uice.
1@ Thou shonest forth, , Agni, after former dawns, all visile, , rich in
light.
Thou art our hel! in attle)strife, the 4riend of inan, the great high !riest in
sacrifice.
11 Li7e %anu, we will stalish thee, Agni, !erformer of the rite,
Invo7er, ministering Priest, e$ceeding wise, the swift immortal messenger.
12 When as the Gods; "igh Priest, y many loved, thou dost their mission as
their nearest 4riend,
Then, li7e the far)resounding illows of the flood, thy flames, , Agni, roar
aloud.
1# "eat), Agni, who hast ears to hear, with all thy train of escort Gods:
Let %itra, Aryaman,) see7ing etimes our rite, seat them u!on the sacred
grass.
1& Let those who strengthen Law, who ounti3ly give, the life)tongued
%aruts, hear our !raise.
%ay Law)su!!orting 'aruna with the Asvins twain and 3sas, drin7 the 5oma
9uice.
HYMN X*V Agni.
I W,/5"IP the 'asus, AgniA here, the /udras, the Adityas, all
Who s!ring from %anu, those who 7now fair rites, who !our their lessings
down.
2 Agni, the Gods who understand give ear unto the worshi!!er1
Lord of /ed 5teeds, who lovest song, ring thou those Three)and)Thirty
Gods.
# , Datavedas, great in act, hear7en thou to Pras7anva;s call,
As Priyamedha erst was heard, Atri, 'iru!a, Angiras.
& The sons of Priyamedha s7illed in lofty !raise have called for hel!
,n Agni who with fulgent flame is /uler of all holy rites.
( "ear thou, invo7ed withholy oil, ountiful giver of rewards,
These eulogies, wherey the sons of 8anva call thee to their aid.
* , Agni, loved y many, thou of fame most wondrous, in their homes
%en call on thee whose hair is flame, to e the earer of their gifts.
+ Thee, Agni, est to find out wealth, most widely famous, ?uic7 to hear,
5ingers have stalished in their rites "erald and ministering Priest.
. 5ingers with 5oma !ressed have made thee, Agni, hasten to the feast,
Great light to mortal worshi!!er, what time they ring the sacred gift.
0 Good, ounteous, 5on of 5trength, this day seat here on sacred grass the
Gods
Who come at early morn, the host of heaven, to drin7 the 5oma 9uice
1@ -ring with 9oint invocations thou, , Agni, the celestial host1
"ere stands the 5oma, ounteous Gods drin7 this e$!ressed ere yesterday.
HYMN X*VI. Asvins.
1 =ow %orning with her earliest light shines forth, dear 6aughter of the 57y1
"igh, Asvins, I e$tol your !raise,
2 5ons of the 5ea, mighty to save discoverers of riches, ye
Gods with dee! thought who find out wealth.
# <our giant coursers hasten on over the region all in flames, )
When your car flies with winged steeds.
& "e, lieral, lover of the flood, Lord of the "ouse, the vigilant,
>hiefsA with olations feeds you full.
( <e have regard unto our hymns, =asatyas, thin7ing of our words1
6rin7 oldly of the 5oma 9uice.
* 'ouchsafe to us, , Asvin Pair, such strength as, with attendant light,
%ay through the dar7ness carry us.
+ >ome in the shi! of these our hymns to ear you to the hither shore
, Asvins, harness ye the car.
. The heaven;s wide vessel is your own on the flood;s shore your chariot
waits
6ro!s, with the hymn, have een !re!ared.
0 8anvas, the dro!s are in the heaven: the wealth is at the waters; !lace1
Where will ye manifest your formB
1@ Light came to lighten u! the ranch, the 5un a!!eared as it were gold1
And with its)tongue shone forth the dar7.
11 The !ath of sacrifice was made to travel to the farther goal1
The road of heaven was manifest.
12 The singer of their !raise awaits whatever grace the Asvins give,
who save when 5oma gladdens them.
1# <e dwellers with 'ivasvan come, aus!icious, as to %anu erst:
come to the 5oma and our !raise.
1& , circumamient Asvins, 6awn follows the rightness of your way1
A!!rove with eams our solemn rites.
1( 6rin7 ye of our liations, grant !rotection, , ye Asvins Twain,
With aids which none may interru!t.
HYMN X*V,I. Asvins.
1 A5'I=5, for you who strengthen Law this sweetest 5oma hath een shed.
6rin7 this e$!ressed ere yesterday and give riches to him who offers it.
2 >ome, , ye Asvins, mounted on your tri!le car three)seated, eautiful of
form
To you at sacrifice the 8anvas send the !rayer1 graciously listen to their call.
# , Asvins, ye who strengthen Law, drin7 ye this sweetest 5oma 9uice.
-orne on your wealth)fraught car come ye this day to him who offers, ye of
wondrous deeds.
& ,mniscient Asvins, on the thrice)hea!ed grass edew with the sweet 9uice
the sacrifice.
The sons of 8anva, striving heavenward, call on you with draughts of 5oma
9uice out)!oured.
( , Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye guarded 8anva carefully,
8ee! us, , hords of 5!lendour1 drin7 the 5oma 9uice, ye strengtheners of
holy law.
* , %ighty ,nes, ye gave 5udas aundant food, rought on your treasure)
laden car:
5o now vouchsafe to us the wealth which many crave, either from heaven or
from the sea.
+ =asatyas, whether ye e far away or close to Turvasa,
-orne on your lightly)rolling chariot come to us, together with the suneams
come.
. 5o let your coursers, ornaments of sacrifice, ring you to our liations
here.
-estowing food on him who acts and gives aright, sit, >hiefs, u!on the
sacred grass.
0 >ome, , =asatyas, on your car dec7ed with a sunright cano!y,
Whereon ye ever ring wealth to the worshi!!er, to drin7 the 5oma;s
!leasant 9uice.
1@ With lauds and songs of !raise we call them down to us, that they, most
rich, may succour us:
4or ye have ever in the 8anvas; well)loved house, , Asvins, drun7 the 5oma
9uice.
HYMN X*VIII. Da-n.
1 6AW= on us with !ros!erity, , 3sas, 6aughter of the 57y,
6awn with great glory, Goddess, Lady of the Light, dawn thou with riches,
-ounteous ,ne.
2 They, ringing steeds and 7ine, oon)givers of all wealth, have oft s!ed
forth to lighten us.
, 3sas, wa7en u! for me the sounds of 9oy1 send us the riches of the great.
# 3sas hath dawned, and now shall dawn, the Goddess, driver forth of cars
Which, as she cometh nigh, have fi$ed their thought on her, li7e glory)
see7ers on the flood.
& "ere 8anva, chief of 8anva;s race, sings forth aloud the glories of the
heroes; names,)
The. !rinces who, , 3sas, as thou comest near, direct their thoughts to
lieral gifts.
( Li7e a good matron 3sas comes carefully tending everything1
/ousing all life she stirs all creatures that have feet, and ma7es the irds of
air fly u!.
* 5he sends the usy forth, each man to his !ursuit1 delay she 7nows not as
she s!rings.
, rich in o!ulence, after thy dawning irds that have flown forth no longer
rest.
+ This 6awn hath yo7ed her steeds afar, eyond the rising of the 5un1
-orne on a hundred chariots she, aus!icious 6awn, advances on her way to
%en.
. To meet her glance all living creatures end them down1 2$cellent ,ne,
she ma7es the light.
3sas, the 6aughter of the 57y, the o!ulent, shines foes and enmities away.
0 5hine on us with thy radiant light, , 3sas, 6aughter of the 57y,
-ringing to us great store of high felicity, and earning on our solemn rites.
1@ 4or in thee is each living creature;s reath and life, when, 2$cellentA
thou dawnest forth.
-orne on thy lofty car, , Lady of the Light, hear, thou of wondrous wealth,
our call.
11 , 3sas, win thyself the strength which among men is wonderful.
-ring thou therey the !ious unto holy rites, those who as !riests sing !raise
to thee.
12 -ring from the firmament, , 3sas, all the Gods, that they may drin7 our
5oma 9uice,
And, eing what thou art, vouchsafe us 7ine and steeds, strength meet for
!raist and hero might.
1# %ay 3sas whose aus!icious rays are seen res!lendent round aout,
Grant us great riches, fair in form, of all good things, wealth which light
laour may attain.
1& %ighty ,ne, whom the /sis of old time invo7ed for their !rotection and
their hel!,
, 3sas, graciously answer our songs of !raise with ounty and with rilliant
light.
1( 3sas, as thou with light to day hast o!ened the twin doors of heaven,
5o grant thou us a dwelling wide and free from foes. , Goddess, give us
food with 7ine.
1* -ring us to wealth aundant, sent in every sha!e, to !lentiful refreshing
food,
To all)suduing s!lendour, 3sas, %ighty ,ne, to strength, thou rich in s!oil
and wealth.
HYMN X*IX. Da-n.
1 2;2= from aove the s7y;s right realm come, 3sas, y aus!icious ways1
Let red steeds ear thee to the house of him who !ours the 5oma, 9uice.
2 The chariot which thou mountest, fair of sha!e, , 3sas light to move,)
Therewith, , 6aughter of the 57y, aid men of nole fame today.
# -right 3sas, when thy times return, all ?uadru!eds and i!eds stir,
And round aout floc7 winged irds from all theoundaries of heaven.
& Thou dawning with thy eams of light illumest all the radiant realm.
Thee, as thou art, the 8anvas, fain for wealth, have called with sacred
songs.
HYMN *. Surya.
1 "I5 right rays ear him u! aloft, the God who 7noweth all that lives,
5urya, that all may loo7 on him.
2 The constellations !ass away, li7e thieves, together with their eams,
-efore the all)eholding 5un;
# "is herald rays are seen afar refulgent o;er the world of men,
Li7e flames of fire that urn and laCe.
& 5wift and all eautiful art thou, , 5urya, ma7er of the light,
Illuming all the radiant realm.
( Thou goest to the hosts of Gods, thou comest hither to man7ind,
"ither all light to e elield.
* With that same eye of thine wherewith thou loo7est rilliant 'aruna,
3!on the usy race of men,
+ Traversing s7y and wide mid)air, thou metest with thy eams our days,
5un, seeing all things that have irth.
. 5even -ay 5teeds harnessed to thy car ear thee, , thou farseeing ,ne,
God, 5urya, with the radiant hair.
0 5urya hath yo7ed the !ure right 5even, the daughters of the car: with
these,
"is own dear team, he goeth forth.
1@ Loo7ing u!on the loftier light aove the dar7ness we have come
To 5urya, God among the Gods, the light that is most e$cellent.
11 /ising this day, , rich in friends, ascending to the loftier heaven,
5urya remove my heart;s disease, ta7e from me this my yellow hue.
12 To !arrots and to starlings let us give away my yellowness,
,r this my yellowness let us transfer to "aritala trees.
1# With all his con?uering vigour this Aditya hath gone u! on high,
Giving my foe into mine hand1 let me not e my foeman;s !rey.
HYMN *I. Indra.
1 %A82 glad with songs that /am whom many men invo7e, worthy of songs
of !raise, Indra, the sea of wealth:
Whose gracious deeds for men s!read li7e the heavens aroad1 sing !raise to
him the 5age, most lieral for our good.
2 As aids the s7ilful /hus yearned to Indra strong to save, who fills mid)air,
encom!assed round with might,
/ushing in ra!ture: and )o;er 5ata7ratu came the gladdening shout that
urged him on to victory.
# Thou hast disclosed the 7ine;s stall for the Angirases, and made a way for
Atri y a hundred doors.
,n 'imada thou hast estowed oth food and wealth, ma7ing thy olt dance
in the sacrificer;s fight.
& Thou hast unclosed the !risons of the waters: thou hast in the mountain
seiCed the treasure rich in gifts.
When thou hadst slain with might the dragon 'rtra, thou, Indra, didst raise
the 5un in heaven for all to see.
( With wondrous might thou lewest enchanter fiends away, with !owers
celestial those who called on thee in 9est.
Thou, hero)hearted, hast ro7en down Pi!ru;s forts, and hel!ed /9isvan
when the 6asyus were struc7 dead.
* Thou savedst 8utsa when 5usna was smitten down: to Atithigva gavest
5amara for a !rey.
2;en mighty Aruda thou troddest under foot1 thou from of old wast orn to
stri7e the 6asyus dead.
+ All !ower and might is closely gathered u! in thee: thy ounteous s!irit
9oys in drin7ing 5oma 9uice.
8nown is the thunderolt that lies within thine arms1 rend off therewith all
manly !rowess of our foe.
. 6iscern thou well Aryas and 6asyus: !unishing the lawless give them u! to
him whose grass is strewn.
-e thou the sacrificer;s strong encourager all these thy deeds are my delight
at festivals.
0 Indra gives u! the lawless to the !ious man, destroying y the 5trong ,nes
those who have no strength.
'amra when glorified destroyed the gathered !iles of the still wa$ing great
one who would reach the heaven.
1@ The might which 3sana hath formed for thee with might rends in its
greatness and with strength oth worlds a!art.
, "ero)souled, the steeds of 'ata, yo7ed y thought, have carried thee to
fame while thou art filled with !ower.
11 When Indra hath re9oiced with 8avya 3sana, he mounts his steeds who
swerve wider and wider yet.
The 5trong hath loosed his olt with the swift rush of rain, and he hath rent
in !ieces 5usna;s firm)uilt forts.
12 Thou mountest on thy car amid strong 5oma draughts1 5aryata rought
thee those in which thou hast delight.
Indra, when thou art !leased with men whose 5oma flows thou risest to
unchallenged glory in the s7y.
1# To old 8a7sivin, 5oma)!resser, s7illed in song, , Indra, thou didst give the
youthful 'rcaya.
Thou, very wise, wast %ena, 'rsanaiva;s child1 those deeds of thine must all
e told at 5oma feasts.
1& The good man;s refuge in his need is Indra, firm as a door!ost, !raised
among the Pa9ras.
Indra alone is Lord of wealth, the Giver, lover of riches, chariots, 7ine, and
horses.
1( To him the %ighty ,ne, the self)res!lendent, verily strong and great, this
!raise is uttered.
%ay we and all the heroes, with the !rinces, e, in this fray, , Indra, in thy
7ee!ing.
HYMN *II. Indra.
1 I GL,/I4< that /am who finds the light of heaven, whose hundred noly)
natured ones go forth with him.
With hymns may I turn hither Indra to mine aid,)the >ar which li7e a strong
steed hasteth to the call.
2 Li7e as a mountain on firm asis, unremoved, he, thousandfold !rotector,
wa$ed in mighty strength,
When Indra, 9oying in the draughts of 5oma 9uice, forced the clouds, slaying
'rtra stayer of their flow.
# 4or he stays e;en the stayers, s!read o;er laden cloud, rooted in light,
strengthened in ra!ture y the wise.
Indra with thought, with s7illed activity, I call, most lieral giver, for he
sates him with the 9uice.
& Whom those that flow in heaven on sacred grass, his own assistants, noly)
natured, fill full li7e the sea,)
-eside that Indra when he smote down 'rtra stood his hel!ers, straight in
form, mighty, invincile.
( To him, as in wild 9oy he fought with him who stayed the rain, his hel!ers
s!ed li7e swift streams down a slo!e,
When Indra, thunder)armed, made old y 5oma draughts, as Trta cleaveth
'ala;s fences, cleft him through.
* 5!lendour encom!assed thee, forth shone thy warrior might1 the rain)
ostructer lay in mid)air;s lowest dee!,
What time, , Indra, thou didst cast thy thunder down u!on the 9aws of
'ritra hard to e restrained.
+ The hymns which magnify thee, Indra, reach to thee even as water)roo7s
flow down and fill the la7e.
Tvastar gave yet more force to thine a!!ro!riate strength, and forged thy
thunderolt of over!owering might.
. When, Indra, thou whose !ower is lin7ed with thy -ay 5teeds hadst
smitten 'rtra, causing floods to flow for man,
Thou heldst in thine arms the metal thunderolt, and settest in the heaven
the 5un for all to see.
0 In fear they raised the lofty self)res!lendent hymn, !raise giving and
effectual, leading u! to heaven,
When Indra;s hel!ers fighting for the good of men, the %aruts, faithful to
man7ind, 9oyed in the light.
1@ Then "eaven himself, the mighty, at that 6ragon;s roar reeled ac7 in
terror when, Indra, thy thunderolt
In the wild 9oy of 5oma had struc7 off with might the head of 'rtra, tyrant
of the earth and heaven.
11 , Indra, were this earth e$tended forth tenfold, and men who dwell
therein multi!lied day y day,
5till here thy con?uering might, %aghavan, would e famed1 it hath wa$ed
vast as heaven in ma9esty and !ower.
12 Thou, old of heart, in thine own native might, for hel!, u!on the limit
of this mid)air and of heaven,
"ast made the earth to e the !attern of thy strength1 emracing flood and
light thou reachest to the s7y.
1# Thou art the counter!art of earth, the %aster of lofty heaven with all its
mighty "eroes1
Thou hast filled all the region with thy greatness1 yea, of a truth there is
none other li7e thee.
1& Whose am!litude the heaven and earth have not attained, whose ounds
the waters of mid)air have never reached,)
=ot, when in 9oy he fights the stayer of the rain1 thou, and none else, hast
made all things in order due.
1( The %aruts sang thy !raise in this encounter, and in thee all the 6eities
delighted,
What time thou, Indra, with thy s!i7y wea!on, thy deadly olt, smotest the
face of 'rtra.
HYMN *III. Indra.
I W2 will !resent fair !raise unto the %ighty ,ne, our hymns to Indra in
'ivasvdn;s dwelling)!lace:
4or he hath ne;er found wealth in those who seem to slee!1 those who give
wealth to men acce!t no !altry !raise.
2 Giver of horses, Indra, giver, thou, of 7ine, giver of arley, thou art Lord
and guard of wealth1
%an;s hel!er from of old, not disa!!ointing ho!e, 4riend of our friends, to
thee ,as such we sing this !raise.
# Indra, most s!lendid, !owerful, rich in mighty deeds, this treasure s!read
around is 7nown to e thine own.
Gather therefrom, , >on?ueror, and ring to us1 fail not the ho!e of him
who loves and sings to thee.
& Well !leased with these right flames and with these 5oma dro!s, ta7e
thou away our !overty with seeds and 7ine.
With Indra scattering the 6asyu through these dro!s, freed from their hate
may we otain aundant food.
( Let us otain, , Indra, !lenteous wealth and food, with strength
e$ceeding glorious, shining to the s7y1
%ay we otain the Goddess Providence, the strength of heroes, s!ecial
source of cattle, rich in steeds.
* These our liations strength)ins!iring, 5oma draughts, gladdened thee in
the fight with 'rtra, "ero Lord,
What time thou slewest for the singer with trimmed grass ten thousand
'rtras, thou resistless in thy might.
+ Thou goest on from fight to fight intre!idly, destroying castle after castle
here with strength.
Thou, Indra, with thy friend who ma7es the foe ow down, slewest from far
away the guileful =amuci.
. Thou hast struc7 down in death 8aran9a, Parnaya, in Atithigva;s very
glorious going forth.
3nyielding, when /9isvan com!assed them with siege, thou hast destroyed
the hundred forts of 'angrida.
0 With all)outstri!!ing chariot)wheel, , Indra, thou far)famed, hast
overthrown the twice ten 8ings of men,
With si$ty thousand nine)and)ninety followers, who came in arms to fight
with friendless 5usravas.
1@ Thou hast !rotected 5usravas with succour, and Turvayana with thine aid,
, Indra.
Thou madest 8utsa, Atithigva, Ayu, su9ect unto this 8ing, the young, the
mighty.
11 %ay we !rotected y the Gods hereafter remain thy very !ros!erous
friends, , Indra.
Thee we e$tol, en9oying through thy favour life long and 9oyful and with
store of heroes.
HYMN *IV. Indra.
1 3/G2 us not, %aghavan, to this distressful fight, for none may
com!rehend the limit of thy strength.
Thou with fierce shout hast made the woods and rivers roar1 did not men
run in crowds together in their fearB
2 5ing hymns of !raise to 5a7ra, Lord of !ower and might: laud thou and
magnify Indra who hearcth thee,
Who with his daring might, a -ull e$ceeding strong in strength, ma7eth him
master of the heaven and earth.
# 5ing forth to lofty 6yaus a strength)estowing song, the -old, whose
resolute mind hath inde!endent sway.
"igh glory hath the Asura, com!act of strength, drawn on y two -ay
5teeds1 a -ull, a >ar is he.
& The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest sha7e: thou, daring, of thyself
smotest through 5amara,
When old with gladdening 9uice, thou warredst with thy olt, shar! and
twoedged, against the anded sorcerers.
( When with a roar that fills the woods, thou forcest down on wind;s head
the stores which .usga 7e!t confined,
Who shall have !ower to stay thee firm and eager)souled from doing still
this day what thou of old hast doneB
* Thou hel!est =arya, Turvasa, and <adu, and 'ayya;s son Turviti, 5ata7ratuA
Thou hel!est horse and car in final attle thou rea7est down the nine)and)
ninety castles.
+ A hero)lord is he, 8ing of a mighty fol7, who offers free olations and
!romotes the Law,
Who with a ounteous guerdon welcomes hymns of !raise1 for him flows
down the aundant stream elow the s7y.
. "is !ower is matchless, matchless is his wisdom: chief, through their
wor7, e some who drin7 the 5oma,
Those, Indra, who increase the lordly !ower, the firm heroic strength of
thee the Giver.
0 Therefore for thee are these aundant ea7ers Indra;s drin7, stone)!ressed
9uices held in ladles.
Euaff them and satisfy therewith thy longing: then fi$ thy mind u!on
estowing treasure.
1@ There dar7ness stood, the vault that stayed the waters; flow1 in 'rtra;s
hollow side the rain)cloud lay concealed.
-ut Indra smote the rivers which the ostructer stayed, flood following after
flood, down stee! declivitics.
11 5o give us, Indra, liss)increasing glory give us great sway and strength
that con?uers !eo!le.
Preserve our wealthy !atrons, save our !rinces: vouchsafe us wealth and
food with nole offs!ring.
HYMN *V. Indra.
1 T",3G" e;en this heaven;s wide s!ace and earth have s!read them out,
nor heaven nor earth may e in greatness Indra;s match.
Awful and very mighty, causing woe to men, he whets his thunderolt for
shar!ness, as a ull.
2 Li7e as the watery ocean, so doth he receive the rivers s!read on all sides
in their am!le width.
"e ears him li7e a ull to drin7 of 5oma 9uice, and will, as Warrior from of
old, e !raised for might.
# Thou swayest, Indra, all 7inds of great manly !ower, so as to end, as;t
were, even that famed mountain down.
4oremost among the Gods is he through hero might, set in the van, the
5trong ,ne, for each arduous deed.
& "e only in the wood is !raised y worshi!!ers, when he shows forth to
men his own fair Indra)!ower.
A friendly -ull is he, a -ull to e desired when %aghavan aus!iciously sends
forth his voice.
( <et verily the Warrior in his vigorous strength stirreth u! with his might
great attles for man7ind:
And men have faith in Indra, the res!Iendent ,ne, what time he hurleth
down his olt, his dart of death.
* Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, he with great
might destroys the dwellings made with art,
"e ma7es the lights of heaven shine forth secure, he ids, e$ceeding wise,
the floods flow for his worshi!!er.
+ 6rin7er of 5oma, let thy heart incline to give: ring thy -ays hitherward, ,
thou who hearest !raise.
Those charioteers of; thine, est s7illed to draw the rein, the ra!id
suneams, Indra, lead thee not astray.
. Thou earest in oth hands treasure that never fails: the famed ,ne in his
ody holds unvan?uished might.
, Indra, in thy memers many !owers aide, li7e wells surrounded y the
ministering !riests.
HYMN *VI. Indra.
I 4,/ this man;s full liations held in ladles, he hath roused him, eager, as a
horse to meet the mare.
"e stays his golden car, yo7ed with -ay "orses, swift, and drin7s the 5oma
9uice which strengthens for great deeds.
2 To him the guidance)following songs of !raise flow full, as those who see7
gain go in com!any to the flood.
To him the Lord of !ower, the holy synod;s might, as to a hill, with s!eed,
ascend the loving ones.
# 'ictorious, great is he: in manly attle shines, unstained with dust, his
might, as shines a mountain !ea7:
Wherewith the iron one, fierce e;en against the strong, in ra!ture, fettered
wily 5ushna fast in onds.
& When 5trength the Goddess, made more strong for hel! y thee, waits
u!on Indra as the 5un attends the 6awn,
Then. he who with his might unflinching 7ills the gloom stirs u! the dust
aloft, with 9oy and trium!hing.
( When thou with might, u!on the framewor7 of the heaven, didst fi$,
across, air;s region firmly, unremoved,
In the light)winning war, Indra, in ra!turous 9oy, thou smotest 'rtra dead
and roughtest floods of rain.
* Thou with thy might didst gras!,the holder)u! of heaven, thou who art
mighty also in the seats of earth.
Thou, gladdened y the 9uice, hast set the waters free, and ro7en 'rtra;s
stony fences through and through.
HYMN *VII. Indra.
I To him most lieral, lofty Lord of lofty wealth, verily !owerful and strong, I
ring my hymn,)
Whose chec7less ounty, as of waters down a slo!e, is s!read aroad for all
that live, to give them strength.
2 =ow all this world, for worshi!, shall come after thee)the offerer;s
liations li7e floods to the de!th,
When the well)loved one seems to rest u!on the hill, the thunderolt of
Indra, shatterer wrought of gold.
# To him the terrile, most meet for lofty !raise, li7e right 6awn, now
ring gifts with reverence in this rite,
Whose eing, for renown, yea, Indra)!ower and light, have een created,
li7e ay steeds, to move with s!eed.
& Thine, Indra, !raised y many, e$cellently richA are we who trusting in thy
hel! draw near to thee.
Lover of !raise, none else ut thou receives our laud1 as earth loves all her
creatures, love thou this our hymn.
( Great is thy !ower, , Indra, we are thine. 4ulfil, , %aghavan, the wish of
this thy worshi!!er.
After thee lofty heaven hath measured out its strength1 to thee and to thy
!ower this earth hath owed itself.
* Thou, who hast thunder for thy wea!on, with thy olt hast shattered into
!ieces this road massive cloud.
Thou hast sent down the ostructed floods that they may flow1 thou hast,
thine own for ever, all victorious might.
HYMN *VIII.' Agni.
I =2;2/ wa$eth faint the Immortal, 5on of 5trength, since he, the "erald,
hath ecome 'ivasvan;s messenger.
,n !aths most e$cellent he measured out mid)air1 he with olation calls to
service of the Gods.
2 =ever decaying, seiCing his a!!ro!riate food, ra!idly, eagerly through the
dry wood he s!reads.
"is ac7, as he is s!rin7led, glistens li7e a horse1 loud hath he roared and
shouted li7e the heights of heavenB
# 5et high in !lace o;er all that 'asus, /udras do, immortal, Lord of riches,
seated as "igh Priest:
"astening li7e a car to men, to those who live, the God without delay gives
oons to e desired.
& 3rged y the wind e s!reads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his
tongues for sic7les, with a mighty roar.
-lac7 is thy !ath, Agni, changeless, with glittering wavesA when li7e a ull
thou rushest eager to the trees.
( With teeth of flame, wind)driven, through the wood he s!eeds,
trium!hant li7e a ull among the herd of cows,
With right strength roaming to the everlasting air1 things fi$ed, things
moving ?ua7e efore him as he flies.
* The -hrgus estalished thee among man7ind for men, li7e as a treasure,
eauteous, easy to invo7e:
Thee, Agni, as a herald and choice)worthy guest, as an aus!icious 4riend to
the >elestial /ace.
+ Agni, the seven tongues; deftest 5acrificer, him whom the !riests elect at
solemn worshi!,
The "erald, messenger of all the 'asus, I serve with dainty food, I as7 for
riches.
. Grant, 5on of 5trength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this
day to us thy !raisers.
, Agni, 5on of 5trength, with forts of iron !reserve thou from distress the
man who lauds thee.
0 -e thou a refuge, -right ,ne, to the singer, a shelter, -ounteous Lord, to
those who worshi!.
Preserve the singer from distress, , Agni. %ay he, enriched with !rayer,
come soon and early.
HYMN *IX. Agni.
1 T"2 other fires are, verily, thy ranches: the Immortals all re9oice in thee,
, Agni.
>entre art thou, 'aigvdnara, of the !eo!le, sustaining men li7e a dee!)
founded !illar.
2 The forehead of the s7y, earth;s centre, Agni ecame the messenger of
earth and heaven.
'aisvanara, the 6eities !roduced thee, a God, to e a light unto the Arya.
# As in the 5un firm rays are set for ever, treasures are in 'aisvanara, in
Agni.
,f all the riches in the hills, the waters, the hers, among man7ind, thou
art the 5ovran.
& As the great World)halves, so are their 5on;s !raises: s7illed, as a man, to
act, is he the "erald.
'aisvanara, celestial, truly mighty, most manly ,ne, hath many a youthful
consort.
( 2ven the lofty heaven, , Datavedas 'aisvanara, hath not attained thy
greatness.
Thou art the 8ing of lands where men are settled, thou hast rought
comfort to the Gods in attle.
* =ow will I tell the greatness of the "ero whom Prarti;s sons follow as
'rtra;s slayer1
Agni 'aisvanara struc7 down the 6asyu, cleave 5amara through and
shattered down his fences.
+ 'aisvanara, dwelling y his might with all men, far)shining, holy mid the
-haradva9as,
Is lauded, e$cellent, with hundred !raises y Purunitha, son of 5atavani.
HYMN *X. Agni.
I As ;twere 5ome goodly treasure %atarisvan rought, as a gift, the glorious
Priest to -hrgu,
-anner of sacrifice, the good Protector, child of two irths, the swiftly
moving envoy.
2 -oth Gods and men oey this /uler;s order, Gods who are worshi!!ed, men
who yearn and worshi!.
As Priest he ta7es his seat ere rea7 of morning, "ouse)Lord, adorale with
men, ,rdainer.
# %ay our fair !raise, heart)orn, most recent, reach him whose tongue,
e;en at his irth, is sweet as honey:
Whom mortal !riests, men, with their strong endeavour, su!!lied with
dainty viands, have created.
& Good to man7ind, the yearning Purifier hath among men een !laced as
Priest choice)worthy.
%ay Agni e our 4riend, Lord of the "ousehold, !rotector of the riches in the
dwelling.
( As such we Gotamas with hymns e$tol thee, , Agni, as the guardian Lord
of riches,
6ec7ing thee li7e a horse, the swift !riCewinner. %ay he, enriched with
!rayer, come soon and early.
HYMN *XI Indra.
1 2'2= to him, swift, strong and high. e$alted, I ring my song of !raise as
dainty viands,
%y thought to him resistless, !raise)deserving, !rayers offered most
es!ecially to Indra.
2 Praise, li7e olation, I !resent, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to
the 'ictor.
4or Indra, who is Lord of old, the singers have dec7ed their lauds with heart
and mind and s!irit.
# To him then with my li!s mine adoration, winning heaven;s light, most
e$cellent, I offer,
To magnify with songs of invocation and with fair hymns the Lord, most
ounteous Giver.
& 2ven for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man
who needs it,)
Praises to him who gladly hears our !raises, a hymn well)formed, all)
moving, to wise Indra.
( 5o with my tongue I dec7, to !lease that Indra, my hymn, as ;twere a
horse, through love of glory,
To reverence the "ero, ounteous Giver, famed far and wide, destroyer of
the castles.
* 2ven for him hath Tvastar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought,
celestial, for the attle,
Wherewith he reached the vital !arts of 'rtra, stri7ing)the vast, the mighty
with the stri7er.
+ As soon as, at liations of his mother, great 'isnu had drun7 u! the
draught, he !lundered.
The dainty cates, the coo7ed mess: ut ,ne stronger transfi$ed the wild
oar, shooting through the mountain.
. To him, to Indra, when he slew the 6ragon, the 6ames, too, >onsorts of
the Goda, wove !raises.
The mighty heaven and earth hath he encom!assed1 thy greatness heaven
and earth, comined, e$ceed not.
0 <ea, of a truth, his magnitude sur!asseth the magnitude of earth, mid)air,
and heaven.
Indra, a!!roved y all men, self)res!lendent, wa$ed in his home, loud)
voiced and strong for attle.
1@ Through his own strength Indra with olt of thunder cut !iece)meal 'rtra,
drier u! of waters.
"e let the floods go free, li7e cows im!risoned, for glory, with a heart
inclined to ounty.
11 The rivers !layed, through his im!etuous s!lendour, since with his olt he
com!assed them on all sides.
3sing his might and favouring him who worshi!!ed, he made a ford,
victorious, for Turviti.
12 'ast, with thine am!le !ower, with eager movement, against this 'rtra
cast thy olt of thunder.
/end thou his 9oints, as of an o$, dissevered, with olt oli?ue, that floods
of rain may follow.
1# 5ing with new lauds his e$!loits wrought aforetime, the deeds of him,
yea, him who moveth swiftly,
When, hurling forth his wea!ons in the attle, he with im!etuous wrath lays
low the foemen.
1& When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm. 5et mountains and the whole
heaven and earth, tremle for terror.
%ay =odhas, ever !raising the !rotection of that dear 4riend, gain ?uic7ly
strength heroic.
1( =ow unto him of these things hath een given what he who rules alone
o;er much, electeth.
Indra hath hel!ed 2tasa, 5oma)!resser, contending in the race of steeds with
5arya.
1* Thus to thee, Indra, yo7er of -ay >oursers, the Gotamas have rought
their !rayers to !lease thee.
-estow u!on them thought, dec7ed with all eauty. %ay he, enriched with
!rayer, come soon and early.
HYMN *XII. Indra.
1. LI82 Angiras a gladdening laud we !onder to him who loveth song,
e$ceeding mighty.
Let us sing glory to the far)famed "ero who must e !raised with fair hymns
y the singer.
2 3nto the great ring ye great adoration, a chant with !raise to him
e$ceeding mighty,
Through whom our sires, Angirases, singing !raises and 7nowing well the
!laces, found the cattle.
# When Indra and the Angirases desired it, 5arama found !rovision for her
offi!ring.
-rhas!ati cleft the mountain, found the cattle1 the heroes shouted with the
7ine in trium!h.
& %id shout, loud shout, and roar, with the =avagvas, seven singers, hast
thou, heavenly, rent the mountain:
Thou hast, with s!eeders, with 6asagvas, Indra, 5a7ra, with thunder rent
ostructive 'ala.
( Praised y Angirases, thou, foe)destroyer, hast, with the 6awn, 5un, rays,
dis!ellcd the dar7ness.
Thou Indra, hast s!read out the earths high ridges, and firmly fi$ed the
region under heaven.
* This is the deed most worthy of all honour, the fairest marvel of the
Wonder)Wor7er,
That, nigh where heaven ends down, he made four rivers flow full with
waves that carry down sweet water.
+ 3nwearied, won with lauding hymns, he !arted of old the ancient Pair,
united ever.
In highest s7y li7e -haga, he the doer of marvels set oth 6ames and earth
and heaven.
. 5till orn afresh, young 6ames, each in her manner, unli7e in hue, the Pair
in alternation
/ound heaven and earth from ancient time have travelled, =ight with her
dar7 lims, 6awn with lims of s!lendour.
0 /ich in good actions, s7illed in o!eration, the 5on with might maintains his
!erfect friendshi!.
Thou in the raw cows, lac7 of hue or ruddy, storest the ri!e mil7 glossy
white in colour.
1@ Their !aths, of old connected, rest unin9ured: they with great might
!reserve the immortal statutes.
4or many thousand holy wor7s the 5isters wait on the haughty Lord li7e
wives and matrons.
11 Thoughts ancient, see7ing wealth, with adoration, with newest lauds
have s!ed to thee, , %ighty.
As yearning wives cleave to their yearning husand, so cleave our hymns to
thee, , Lord most !otent.
12 5trong God, the riches which thy hands have holden from days of old
have !erished not nor wasted.
5!lendid art thou, , Indra, wise, unending1strengthen us with might, ,
Lord of Power.
1# , mighty Indra, Gotama;s son =odhas hath fashioned this new !rayer to
thee 2ternal,
5ure leader, yo7er of the Tawny >oursers. %ay he, enriched with !rayer,
HYMN *XIII. Indra.
1. T",3 art the %ighty ,ne: when orn, , Indra, with !ower thou
tcrrifiedst earth and heaven )
When, in their fear of thee, all firm)set mountains and monstrous creatures
shoo7 li7e dust efore thee.
2 When thy two wandering -ays thou drawest hither, thy !raiser laid within
thine arms the thunder,
Wherewith, , %uch)invo7ed, in will resistless, thou smitest foemen down
and many a castle.
# 4aithful art thou, these thou defiest, Indra: thou art the /hus; Lord,
heroic, victor.
Thou, y his side, for young and glorious 8utsa, with steed and car in attle
slewest 5usna,
& That, as a friend, thou furtheredst, , Indra, when, Thundcrer, )strong in
act, thou crushedst 'rtra:
When, "ero, thou, great)souled, with easy con?uest didst rend the 6asyus in
their
distant dwelling.
( This doest thou, and art not harmed, , Indra, e;en in the anger of the
strongest mortal.
Lay thou the race)course o!en for our horses1 as with a clu, slay,
Thunderarmed 1 our foemen.
* "ence men invo7e thee, Indra, in the tumult of attle, in the light)
estowing conflict.
This aid of thine, , Godli7e ,ne, was ever to e im!lored in deeds of might
in comat.
+ Warring for Puru7utsa thou, , Indra, Thunder)armed I rea7est down the
seven castles:
2asily, for 5udis, li7e grass didst rend them, and out of need, 8ing,
roughtest gain to Puru.
. , Indra, God who movest round aout us, feed us with varied food
!lenteous as water)
4ood wherewithal, , "ero, thou estowest vigour itself to flow to us for
ever.
0 Prayers have een made y Gotamas, , Indra, addressed to thee, with
laud for thy -ay "orses.
-ring us in nole sha!e aundant riches. %ay he, enriched with !rayer, come
soon and early.
HYMN *XIV. Maru&s.
1. -/I=G for the manly host, wise and ma9estical, , =odhas, for the %aruts
ring thou a !ure gift.
I dec7 my songs as one deft)handed, wise in mind !re!ares the water that
hath !ower in solemn rites.
2 They s!ring to irth, the lofty ,nes, the -ulls of "eaven, divine, the
youths of /udra, free from s!ot and stain:
The !urifiers, shining rightly even as suns, awful of form li7e giants,
scattering rain)dro!s down.
# <oung /udras, demon)slayers, never growing old, they have wa$ed, even
as mountains, irresistile.
They ma7e all eings tremle with their mighty strength, even the very
strongest, oth of earth and heaven.
& With glittering ornaments they dec7 them forth for show: for eauty on
their reasts they ind their chains of gold.
The lances on their shoulders !ound to !ieces: they were orn together, of
themselves, the %en of "eaven.
( Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they ma7e the winds,
they ma7e the lightnings with their !owers.
The restless sha7ers drain the udders of the s7y, and ever wandering round
fill the earth full with mil7.
* The ounteous %aruts with the fatness dro!!ing mil7 fill full the waters
which avail in solenm rites.
They lead, as ;twere, the 5trong "orse forth, that it may rain1 they mil7 the
thundering, the never)failing s!ring.
+ %ighty, with wondrous !ower and marvellously right, selfstrong li7e
mountains, ye glide swiftly on your way.
Li7e the wild ele!hants ye eat the forests u! when ye assume your strength
among the right red flames.
. 2$ceeding wise they roar li7e lions mightily, they, all)!ossessing, are
eauteous as antelo!es:
5tirring the dar7ness with lances and s!otted deer, comined as !riests,
with ser!ents; fury through their might.
0 "eroes who march in com!anies, efriending man, with ser!ents; ire
through strength, ye greet the earth and heaven.
3!on the seats, , %aruts, of your chariots, u!on the cars stands lightning
visile as light.
1@ Lords of all riches, dwelling in the home of wealth, endowed with mighty
vigour, singers loud of voice,
"eroes, of !owers infinite, armed with strong men;s rings, the archers, they
have laid the arrow on their arms.
11 They who with golden fellies ma7e the rain increase drive forward the
ig clouds li7e wanderers on the way.
5elf)moving, ris7, unwearied, they o;erthrow the firm: the %aruts with
right lances ma7e all things to reel.
12 The !rogeny of /udra we invo7e with !rayer, the ris7, the right, the
worshi!ful, the active ,nes
To the strong and of %aruts cleave for ha!!iness, the chasers of the s7y,
im!etuous, vigorous.
1# %aruts, the man whom ye have guarded with your hel!, he verily in
strength sur!asseth all man7ind.
5!oil with his steeds he gaineth, treasure with his men: he winneth
honourale strength and !ros!ereth.
1& , %aruts, to the worshi!!ers give glorious strength invincile in attle,
rilliant, ringing wealth,
Praiseworthy, 7nown to all men. %ay we foster well, during a hundred
winters, son and !rogeny.
1( Will ye then, , ye %aruts, grant us riches, durale, rich in men, defying
onslaught.
A hundred, thousandfold, ever increasingB %ay he, enriched with !rayer,
HYMN *XV. Agni.
1 ,=2)%I=626, wise, they trac7ed thee li7e a thief lur7ing in dar7 cave with
a stolen cow1
Thee claiming worshi!, earing it to Gods ). there nigh to thee sate all the
"oly ,nes.
2 The Gods a!!roached the ways of holy Law: there was a gathering vast as
heaven itself.
The waters feed with !raise the growing -ae, orn noly in the wom, the
seat of Law.
# Li7e grateful food, li7e some wide dwelling !lace, li7e a fruit)earing hill,
a wholesome stream.
Li7e a steed urged to run in swift career, rushing li7e 5indhu, who may chec7
his courseB
& 8in as a rother to his sister floods, he cats the woods as a 8ing eats the
rich.
When through the forest, urged y wind, he s!reads, verily Agni shears the
hair of earth.
( Li7e a swan sitting in the floods he !ants wisest in mind mid men he wa7es
at morn.
A 5age li7e 5oma, s!rung from Law, he grew li7e some young creature,
mighty, shining far.
HYMN *XVI. Agni.
1. LI82 the 5un;s glance, li7e wealth of varied sort, li7e reath which is the
life, li7e one;s own son,
Li7e a swift ird, a cow who yields her mil7, !ure and refulgent to the wood
he s!eeds.
2 "e offers safety li7e a !leasant home, li7e ri!ened corn, the >on?ueror of
men.
Li7e a 5eer lauding, famed among the fol7: li7e a steed friendly he
vouchsafes us !ower.
# With flame insatiate, li7e eternal might: caring for each one li7e a dame
at home:
-right when he shines forth, whitish mid the fol7, li7e a car, gold)dec7ed,
thundering to the fight.
& "e stri7es with terror li7e a dart shot forth, e;en li7e an archer;s arrow
ti!!ed with flame:
%aster of !resent and of future life, the maidens; lover and the matrons;
Lord.
( To him lead all your ways1 may we attain the 7indled God as cows their
home at eve.
"e drives the flames elow as floods their swell1 the rays rise u! to the fair
!lace of heaven.
HYMN *XVII. Agni.
1. 'I>T,/I,35 in the wood, 4riend among men, ever he claims oedience as
a 8ing.
Gracious li7e !eace, lessing li7e mental !ower, Priest was he, offering)
earer, full of thought.
2 "e, earing in his hand all manly might, crouched in the cavern, struc7
the Gods with fear.
%en filled with understanding find him there, when they have sting !rayers
formed within their heart.
# "e, li7e the 3norn, holds the road earth u!: and with effective
utterance fi$ed the s7y.
, Agni, guard the s!ots which cattle love1 thou, life of all, hast gone from
lair to lair.
& Whoso hath 7nown him dwelling in his lair, and hath a!!roached the
stream of holy Law,)
They who release him, !aying sacred rites, )truly to such doth he announce
great wealth.
( "e who grows mightily in hers, within each fruitful mother and each ae
she ears,
Wise, life of all men, in the waters; home,)for him have sages uilt as ;twere
a seat.
HYMN *XVIII. Agni.
1. >,%%I=GLI=G, restless, he ascends the s7y, unveiling nights and all that
stands or moves,
As he the sole God is !reeminent in great. ness among all these other Gods.
2 All men are 9oyful in thy !ower, , God, that living from the dry wood thou
art orn.
All truly share thy Godhead while they 7ee!, in their accustomed ways,
eternal Law.
# 5trong is the thought of Law, the Law;s ehest: all wor7s have they
!erformed: he ?uic7ens all.
Whoso will ring olation, gifts to thee, to him, ethin7ing thee, vouchsafe
thou wealth.
& 5eated as Priest with %anu;s !rogeny, of all these treasures he alone is
Lord.
%en yearn for children to !rolong their line, and are not disa!!ointed in
their ho!e.
( 2agerly they who hear his word fulfil his wish as sons oey their sire;s
ehest.
"e, rich in food, unars his wealth li7e doors1 he, the "ouse)4riend, ath
dec7ed heaven;s vault with stars.
HYMN *XIX. Agni.
1. -/IG"T, s!lendid, li7e 6awn;s lover, he ath filled the two 9oined worlds
as with the light of heaven.
When orn, with might thou hast encom!assed them1 4ather of Gods, and
yet their 5on wast thou.
2 Agni, the 5age, the humle, who discerns li7e the cow;s udder, the sweet
taste of food,
Li7e a liss)giver to e drawn to men, sits gracious in the middle of the
house.
# -orn in the dwelling li7e a lovely son, !leased, li7e a strong steed, he
ears on the fol7.
What time the men and I, with heroes, call, may Agni then gain all through
Godli7e !ower.
& =one rea7s these holy laws of thine when thou hast granted audience to
these chieftains here.
This is thy oast, thou smotest with thy !eers, and 9oined with heroes
dravest off disgrace.
( Li7e the 6awn;s lover, s!reading light, well)7nown as hued li7e morn, may
he rememer me.
They, earing of themselves, unar the doors1 they all ascend to the fair
!lace of heaven.
HYMN *XX. Agni.
1. %A< we, the !ious, win much food y !rayer, may Agni with fair light
!ervade each act,)
"e the oserver of the heavenly laws of Gods, and of the race of mortal
man.
2 "e who is germ of waters, germ of woods, germ of all things that move
not and that move,)
To him even in the roc7 and in the house1 Immortal ,ne, he cares for all
man7ind.
# Agni is Lord of riches for the man who serves him readily with sacred
songs.
Protect these eings thou with careful thought, 7nowing the races oth of
Gods and men.
& Whom many dawns and nights, unli7e, ma7e strong, whom, orn in Law,
all things that move and stand,)
"e ath een won, "erald who sits in light, ma7ing effectual all our holy
wor7s.
( Thou settest value on our cows and woods1 all shall ring triute to us to
the light.
men have served thee in many and sundry s!ots, !arting, as ;twere, an aged
father;s wealth.
* Li7e a rave archer, li7e one s7illed and old, a fierce avenger, so he
shines in fight.
HYMN *XXI. Agni.
1. L,'I=G the loving ,ne, as wives their husand, the sisters of one home
have urged him forward,
-right)coloured, even, as the cows love morning, dar7, rea7ing forth to
view, and redly eaming.
2 ,ur sires with lauds urst e;en the firmset fortress, yea, the Angirases,
with roar, the mountain.
They made for us a way to reach high heaven, they found us day, light, day;s
sign, eams of morning.
# They stalished order, made his service fruitful: then !arting them among
the longing faithful,
=ot thirsting after aught, they come, most active, while with sweet food the
race of Gods they strengthen.
& 5ince %atarisvan, far)diffused, ath stirred him, and he in every house
grown right and nole,
"e, -hrgu)li7e I hath gone as his com!anion, as on commission to a greater
5ovran.
( When man !oured 9uice to "eaven, the mighty 4ather, he 7new and freed
himself from close emracement.
The archer oldly shot at him his arrow, and the God threw his s!lendour on
his 6aughter.
* Whoso, ath flames for thee within his dwelling, or rings the worshi!
which thou lovest daily,
6o thou of doule might increase his sustance1 may he whom thou incitest
meet with riches.
+ All sacrificial viands wait on Agni as the 5even mighty /ivers see7 the
ocean.
=ot y our rethren was our food discovered1 find with the Gods care for us,
thou who 7nowest.
. When light ath filled the Lord of men for increase, straight from the
heaven descends the lim!id moisture.
Agni ath rought to light and filled with s!irit the youthful host lameless
and well !roviding.
0 "e who li7e thought goes swiftly on his 9ourney, the 5un, alone is ever
Lord of riches.
The 8ings with fair hands, 'aruna and %itra, !rotect the !recious nectar in
our cattle.
1@ , Agni, rea7 not our ancestral friendshi!, 5age as thou art, endowed
with dee!est 7nowledge.
,ld age, li7e gathering cloud, im!airs the ody1 efore that evil e come
nigh !rotect me.
HYMN *XXII. Agni.
1. T",3G" holding many gifts for men, he humleth the higher !owers of
each wise ordainer.
Agni is now the treasure)lord of treasures, for ever granting all immortal
ounties.
2 The Gods infallile all searching found not him, the dear -ae who still is
round aout us.
Worn weary, following his trac7, devoted, they reached the lovely highest
home of Agni.
# -ecause with holy oil the !ure ,nes, Agni, served thee the very !ure three
autumn seasons,
Therefore they won them holy names for worshi!, and noly orn they
dignified their odies.
& %a7ing them 7nown to s!acious earth and heaven, the holy ,nes revealed
the !owers of /udra.
The mortal and, discerning in the distance, found Agni standing in the
loftiest station.
( =igh they a!!roached, one)minded, with their s!ouses, 7neeling to him
adorale !aid worshi!.
4riend finding in his own friend;s eye !rotection, they made their own the
odies which they chastened.
* 5oon as the holy eings had discovered the thrice)seven mystic things
contained within thee,
With these, one)minded., they !reserve the Amrta1 guard thou the life of all
their !lants and cattle.
+ Thou, Agni, 7nower of men;s wor7s, hast sent us good food in constant
course for our susistence1
Thou dee!ly s7illed in !aths of Gods ecamest an envoy never wearied,
offeringearer.
. 8nowing the Law, the seven strong floods from heaven, full of good
thought, discerned the doors of riches.
5arama found the cattle;s firm)uilt !rison wherey the race of man is still
su!!orted.
0 They who a!!roached all nole o!erations ma7ing a !ath that leads to life
immortal,
To e the -ird;s su!!ort, the s!acious mother, Aditi, and her great 5ons
stood in !ower.
1@ When Gods immortal made oth eyes of heaven, they gave to him the
gift of eauteous glory.
=ow they flow forth li7e rivers set in motion1 they 7new the /ed 5teeds
coming down, , Agni.
HYMN *XXIII. Agni.
I. "2 who gives food, li7e !atrimonial riches and guides aright li7e some
wise man;s instruction,
Loved li7e a guest who lies in !leasant lodging,)may he, as Priest, !ros!er
his servant;s dwelling.
2 "e who li7e 5avitar the God, true)minded !rotecteth with his !ower. all
acts of vigour,
Truthful, li7e s!lendourr, glorified y many, li7e reath 9oy)giving,)all must
strive to win him.
# "e who on earth dwells li7e a 7ing surrounded y faithful friends, li7e a
God all)sustaining,
Li7e heroes who !reside, who sit in safety1 li7e as a lameless dame dear to
her husand.
& Thee, such, in settlements secure, , Agni, our men serve ever 7indled in
each dwelling.
,n him have they laid s!lendour in aundance1 dear to all men, earer e
he of riches.
( %ay thy rich worshi!!ers win food, , Agni, and !rinces gain long life who
ring olation.
%ay we get ooty from 9ur foe in attle, !resenting to the Gods their share
for glory.
* The cows of holy law, sent us y "eaven, have swelled with laden udders,
loudly lowing:
5oliciting his favour, from a distance the rivers to the roc7 have flowed
together.
+ Agni, with thee, soliciting thy favour, the holy ,nes have gained glory in
heaven.
They made the =ight and 6awn of different colours, and set the lac7 and
!ur!le hues together.
. %ay we and those who worshi! e the mortals whom thou, , Agni, leadest
on to riches.
Thou hast filled earth and heaven and air;s mid)region, and followest the
whole world li7e a shadow.
0 Aided y thee, , Agni, may we con?uer steeds with steeds, men with men,
heroes with heroes,
Lords of the wealth transmitted y our fathers1 and may our !rinces live a
hundred winters.
1@ %ay these our hymns of !raise, Agni, ,rdainer, e !leasant to thee in thy
heart and s!irit.
%ay we have !ower to hold thy steeds of riches, laying on thee the God)sent
gift of glory.
HYMN *XXIV. Agni.
1. As forth to sacrifice we go, a hymn to a hymn let us say,
Who hears us even when afar:
2 Who, from of old, in carnage, when the !eo!le gathered, hath !reserved
"is household for the worshi!!er.
# And let men say, Agni is orn, e;en he who slayeth 'rtra, he
Who winneth wealth in every fight.
& "im in whose house an envoy thou lovest to taste his offered gifts,
And strengthenest his sacrifice,
( "im, Angiras, thou 5on of 5trength, all men call ha!!y in his God,
"is offerings, and his sacred grass.
* "itherward shalt thou ring these Gods to our laudation and to taste.
These offered gifts, fair)shining ,ne.
+ When, Agni, on thine emassage thou goest not a sound is heard of steed
or straining of thy car.
. Aided y thee unin9ured, strong, one after other, goes he forth1
Agni, the ofterer forward ste!s.
0 And s!lendid strength, heroic, high, Agni, thou grantest from the Gods,
Thou God, to him who offers gifts.
HYMN *XXV. Agni.
1. A>>2PT our loudest)sounding hymn, food most delightful to the Gods,
Pouring our offerings in thy mouth.
2 =ow, Agni, will we say to thee, , wisest and est Afigiras,
,ur !recious, much)availing !rayer.
# Who, Agni, is thy 7in, of menB who is thy worthy worshi!!erB
,n whom de!endentB who art thouB
& The 7insman, Agni, of man7ind, their well eloved 4riend art thou,
A 4riend whom friends may su!!licate.
( -ring to us %itra, 'aruna, ring the Gods to mighty sacrifice.
-ring them, , Agni, to thine home.
HYMN *XXVI. Agni.
1. "ow may the mind draw nigh to !lease thee, AgniB What hymn of !raise
shall ring us greatest lessingB
,r who hath gained thy !ower y sacrificesB or with what mind shall we
ring thee olationsB
2 >ome hither, Agni: sit thee down as "otar: e thou who never wast
deceived our leader.
%ay "eaven and 2arth, the all)!ervading, love thee1 worshi! the Gods to
win for us their favour.
# -urn thou u! all the /i7sasas, , Agni: ward thou off curses from our
sacrifices.
-ring hither with his -ays the Lord of 5oma1 here is glad welcome for the
-ounteous Giver.
& Thou Priest with li! and voice that ring us children hast een invo7ed.
"ere with the Gods e seated.
Thine is the tas7 of >leanser and Presenter1 wa7en us, Wealth)estower and
Producer.
( As with olations of the !riestly %anus thou worshi!!edst the Gods, a 5age
with sages,
5o now, , truthfullest Invo7er Agni, worshi! this day with 9oy)estowing
ladle.
HYMN *XXVII. Agni.
1. "ow shall we !ay olation unto AgniB What hymn, Godloved, is said to
him refulgentB
Who, deathless, true to Law, mid men a herald, ringeth the Gods as est of
sacrificersB
2 -ring him with reverence hither, most !ro!itious in sacrifices, true to Law,
the herald:
4or Agni, when he see7s the Gods for mortals, 7nows them full well and
worshi!s them in s!irit.
# 4or he is mental !ower, a man, and !erfect: he is the ringer, friend),li7e,
of the wondrous.
The !ious Aryan tries at sacrifices address them first to him who doeth
marvels.
& %ay Agni, foe)destroyer, manliest "ero, acce!t with love our hymns and
our devotion.
5o may the lieral lords whose strength is strongest, urged y their riches,
stir our thoughts with vigour.
( Thus Agni Datavedas, true to ,rder, hath y the !riestly Gotamas een
lauded.
%ay he augment in them s!lendour and vigour1 oservant, as he lists, he
gathers increase.
HYMN *XXVIII. Agni.
1. , DATA'26A5, 7een and swift, we Gotamas with sacred song e$alt thee for
thy glories; sa7e.
2 Thee, as thou art, desiring wealth Gotama worshi!s with his song1
We laud thee for thy glories; sa7e.
# As such, li7e Angiras we call on thee est winner of the s!oil1
& Thee, est of 'rtra)slayers, thee who sha7est off our 6asyu foes1
( A !leasant song to Agni we, sons of /ahugana, have sung1
HYMN *XXIX. Agni.
1. "2 in mid)air;s e$!anse hath golden tresses: a raging ser!ent, li7e the
rushing tem!est1
Purely refulgent, 7nowing well the morn. ing: li7e honourale dames, true,
active wor7ers.
2 Thy well)winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the lac7 -ull
hath ellowed round aout us.
With dro!s that less and seem to smile he cometh1 the waters fall, the
clouds utter their thunder.
# When he comes streaming with the mil7 of worshi!, conducting y
directest !aths of ,rder
Aryaman, %itra, 'aruna, Pari9man fill the hide full where lies the nether
!ress)stone.
& , Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in 7ine, thou 5on of 5trength,
'ouchsafe to us, , Datavetlas, high renown.
( "e, Agni, 7indled, good and wise, must e e$alted in our song1
5hine, thou of many forms, shine radiantly on us.
* , Agni, shining of thyself y night and when the morning rea7s,
-urn, thou whose teeth are shar!, against the /a7sasas.
+ Adorale in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid,
When the great hymn is chanted forth.
. -ring to us ever)con?uering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice,
In all our frays invincile.
0 Give us, , Agni, through thy grace wealth that su!!orteth all our life,
Thy favour so that we may live.
1@ , Gotama, desiring liss !resent thy songs com!osed with care
To Agni of the !ointed flames.
11 %ay the man fall, , Agni, who near or afar assaileth us1
6o thou increase and !ros!er us.
12 8een and swift Agni, thousand)eyed, chaseth the /a7sasas afar1
"e singeth, herald meet for lauds.
HYMN *XXX. Indra.
1. T"35 in the 5oma, in wild 9oy the -rahman hath e$alted thee1
Thou, mightiest It thunder)armed, hast driven y force he 6ragon from the
earth, lauding thine own im!erial sway.
2 The mighty flowing 5oma)draught, rought y the "aw7, hath gladdened
thee,
That in thy strength, , Thunderer, thou hast struc7 down 'rtra from the
floods, lauding thine own im!erial sway.
# Go forward, meet the foe, e old: thy olt of thunder is not chec7ed.
%anliness, Indra, is thy might1 stay 'rtra, ma7e the waters thine, lauding
thine own im!erial sway.
& Thou smotest 'rtra from the earth, smotest him, Indra, from the s7y.
Let these life)fostering waters flow attended y the %arut host, lauding
( The wrathful Indra with his olt of thunder rushing on the foe,
5mote fierce on tremling 'rtra;s ac7, and loosed the waters free to run,
lauding his own im!erial sway.
* With hundred)9ointed thunderolt Indra hath struc7 him on the ac7,
And, while re9oicing in the 9uice, see7eth !ros!erity for friends, lauding his
own im!erial sway.
+ Indra, uncon?uered might is thine, Thunderer, >aster of the 5tone:
4or thou with thy sur!assing !ower smotest to death the guileful east,
lauding thine own im!erial sway.
. 4ar over ninety s!acious floods thy thunderolts were cast aroad1
Great, Indra, is thy hero might, and strength is seated in thine arms, lauding
0 Laud him a thousand all at once, shout twenty forth the hymn of !raise.
"undreds have sung aloud to him, to Indra hath the !rayer een raised,
1@ Indra hath smitten down the !ower of 'rtra,)might with stronger might.
This was his manly e$!loit, he slew 'rtra and let loose the floods, lauding
his own im!erial sway.
11 <ea, even this great Pair of Worlds tremled in terror at thy wrath,
When, Indra, Thunderer, %arut)girt, thou slewest 'rtra in thy strength,
12 -ut 'rtra scared not Indra with his sha7ing or his thunder roar.
,n him that iron thunderolt fell fiercely with its thousand !oints, lauding
1# Whenwith the thunder thou didst ma7e thy dart and 'rtra meet in war,
Thy might, , Indra, fain to slay the 6ragon, was set firm in heaven, lauding
1& When at thy shout, , Thunder)armed, each thing oth fi$ed and moving
shoo7,
2;en Tvastar tremled at thy wrath and ?ua7ed with fear ecause of thee,
1( There is not, in our 7nowledge, one who !asseth Indra in his strength1
In him the 6eities have stored manliness, insight, !ower and might, lauding
1* 5till as of old, whatever rite Atharvan, %anus sire of all,
6adhyach !erformed, their !rayer and !raise united in that Indra meet,
HYMN *XXXI. Indra.
1. T"2 men have lifted Indra u!, the 'rtra slayer, to 9oy and strength1
"im, verily, we invocate in attles whether great or small1 e he our aid in
deeds of might.
2 Thou, "ero, art a warrior, thou art giver of aundant s!oil.
5trengthening e;en the feele, thou aidest the sacrificer, thou givest the
offerer am!le wealth.
# When war and attles are on foot, ooty is laid efore the old.
<o7e thou thy wildly)rushing -ays. Whom wilt thou slay and whom enrichB 6o
thou, , Indra, ma7e us rich.
& %ighty through wisdom, as he lists, terrile, he hath wa$ed in strength.
Lord of -ay 5teeds, strong)9awed, sulime, he in 9oined hands for glory;s
sa7e hath gras!ed his iron thunderolt.
( "e filled the earthly atmos!here and !ressed against the lights in heaven.
=one li7e thee ever hath een orn, none, Indra, will e orn li7e thee.
Thou hast wa$ed mighty over all.
* %ay he who to the offerer gives the foeman;s man)sustaining food,
%ay Indra lend his aid to us. 6eal forth )aundant is thy wealth)that in thy
ounty 1 may share.
+ "e, righteous)hearted, at each time of ra!ture gives us herds of 7ine.
Gather in oth thy hands for us treasures of many hundred sorts. 5har!en
thou us, and ring us wealth.
. /efresh thee, "ero, with the 9uice out!oured for ounty and for strength.
We 7now thee Lord of am!le store, to thee have sent our hearts; desires1 e
therefore our Protector thou.
0 These !eo!le, Indra, 7ee! for thee all that is worthy of thy choice.
6iscover thou, as Lord, the wealth of men who offer u! no gifts1 ring thou
to us this wealth of theirs.
HYMN *XXXII. Indra.
1. G/A>I,35L< listen to our songs, %aghavan, e not negligent.
As thou hast made us full of 9oy and lettest us solicit thee, now, Indra, yo7e
thy two -ay 5teeds.
2 Well have they eaten and re9oiced: the friends have risen and !assed
away.
The sages luminous in themselves have. !raised thee with their latest hymn.
=ow, Indra, yo7e thy two -ay 5teeds.
# %aghavan, we will reverence thee who art so fair to loo7 u!on.
Thus !raised, according to our wish come now with richly laden car. =ow,
Indra, yo7e thy two -ay 5teeds.
& "e will in very truth ascend the !owerful car that finds the 7ine,
Who thin7s u!on the well)filled owl, the Tawny >oursers; harnesser. =ow,
( Let, Lord of "undred Powers, thy 5teeds e harnessed on the right and
left.
Therewith in ra!ture of the 9uice, draw near to thy eloved 5!ouse. =ow,
* With holy !rayer I yo7e thy long)maned !air of -ays1 come hitherward:
thou holdest them in oth thy hands.
The stirring draughts of 9uice out!oured have made thee glad1 thou,
Thunderer, hast re9oiced with Pusan and thy 5!ouse.
HYMN *XXXIII. Indra.
1. I=6/A, the mortal man well guarded y thine aid goes foremost in the
wealth of horses and of 7ine.
With am!lest wealth thou fillest him, as round aout the waters clearly seen
afar fill 5indhu full.
2 The heavenly Waters come not nigh the !riestly owl1 they ut loo7 down
and see how far mid)air is s!read1
The 6eities conduct the !ious man to them1 li7e suitors they delight in him
who loveth !rayer.
# Praiseworthy lessing hast thou laid u!on the !air who with u!lifted ladle
serve thee, man and wife.
3nchec7ed he dwells and !ros!ers in thy law1 thy !ower rings lessing to
the sacrificer !ouring gifts.
& 4irst the Angirases won themselves vital !ower, whose fires were 7indled
through good deeds and sacrifice.
The men together found the Pani;s hoarded wealth, the cattle, and the
wealth in horses and in 7ine.
( Atharvan first y sacrifices laid the !aths then, guardian of the Law,
s!rang u! the loving 5un.
3sana 8avya straightway hither drove the 7ine. Let us with offerings honour
<ama;s deathless irth.
* When sacred grass is trimmed to aid the aus!icious wor7, or the hymn
ma7es its voice of !raise sound to the s7y.
Where the stone rings as;twere a singer s7illed in laud, ))Indra in truth
delights when these come near to him.
HYMN *XXXIV. Indra.
1. The 5oma hath een !ressed for thee, , Indra: mightiest, old ,ne,
come.
%ay Indra)vigour fill thee full, as the 5un fills mid)air with rays.
2 "is !air of Tawny >oursers ring Indra of unresisted might
"ither to /sis; songs of !raise and sacrifice !erformed y men.
# 5layer of 'rtra, mount thy car: thy -ay 5teeds have een yo7ed y !rayer.
%ay, with its voice, the !ressing)stone draw thine attention hitherward.
& This !oured liation, Indra, drin7, immortal, gladdening, e$cellent.
5treams of the right have flowed to thee here at the seat of holy Law.
( 5ing glory now to Indra, say to him your solemn eulogies.
The dro!s !oured forth have made him glad1 !ay reverence to his might
su!reme.
* When, Indra, thou dost yo7e thy 5teeds, there is no etter charioteer1
=one hath sur!assed thee in thy might, none with good steeds o;erta7en
thee.
+ "e who alone estoweth on mortal man who offereth gifts,
The ruler of resistless !ower, is Indra, sure.
. When will he tram!le, li7e a weed, the man who hath no gift for himB
When, verily, will Indra hear our songs of !raiseB
0 "e who with 5oma 9uice !re!ared amid the many honours thee,)
'erily Indra gains therey tremendous might.
1@ The 9uice of 5oma thus diffused, sweet to the taste, the right cows
drin7,
Who for the sa7e of s!lendour close to mighty Indra;s side re9oice, good in
their own su!remacy.
11 >raving his touch the da!!led 7ine mingle the 5oma with their mil7.
The milch)7ine dear to Indra send forth his death)dealing thunderolt, good
in their own su!remacy.
12 With veneration, !assing wise, honouring his victorious might,
They follow close his many laws to win them due !reeminence, good in their
own su!remacy.
1# With ones of 6adhyac for his arms, Indra, resistless in attac7,
5truc7 nine)and)ninety 'rtras dead.
1& "e, searching for the horse;s head, removed among the mountains, found
At 5uryanavan what he sought.
1( Then verily they recogniCed the essential form of Tvastar;s -ull,
"ere in the mansion of the %oon.
1* Who yo7es to)day unto the !ole of ,rder the strong and !assionate steers
of chec7less s!irit,
With shaft)armed mouths, heart)!iercing, health)estowingB
Long shall he live who richly !ays their service.
1+ Who fleeth forthB who sufferethB who fearethB Who 7noweth Indra
!resent, Indra near usB
Who sendeth enediction on his offs!ring, his household, wealth and !erson,
and the Peo!leB
1. Who with !oured oil and offering honours Agni, with ladle worshi!s at
a!!ointed seasonsB
To whom to the Gods ring olation ?uic7lyB What offerer, God)favoured,
7nows him thoroughlyB
10 Thou as a God, , %ightiest, verily lessest mortal man.
, %aghavan, there is no comforter ut thou1 Indra, I s!ea7 my words to
thee.
2@ Let not thy ounteous gifts, let not thy saving hel! fail us, good Lord, at
any time:
And measure out to us, thou lover of man7ind, all riches hitherward from
men.
HYMN *XXXV. Maru&s.
1. T"2< who are glancing forth, li7e women, on their way, doers of mighty
deeds, swift racers, /udra;s 5ons,
The %aruts have made heaven and earth increase and grow1 in sacrifices
they delight, the strong and wild.
2 Grown to their !erfect strength greatness have they attained: the /udras
have estalished their aode in heaven.
5inging their song of !raise and generating might, they have !ut glory on,
the 5ons whom Prani are.
# When, >hildren of the >ow, they shine in right attire, and on their fair
lims lay their golden ornaments,
They drive away each adversary from their !ath, and, following their traces,
fatness floweth down,
& When, mighty Warriors, ye who glitter with your s!ears, o;erthrowing with
your strength e;en what is ne;er o;erthrown,
When, , ye %aruts, ye the host that send the rain, had harnessed to your
cars the thought)fleet s!otted deer.
( When ye have harnessed to your cars the s!otted deer, urging the
thunderolt, , %aruts, to the fray,
4orth rush the torrents of the dar7 red stormy cloud, and moisten, li7e a
s7in, the earth with water)floods.
* Let your swift)gliding coursers ear you hitherward with their fleet
!inions. >ome ye forward with your arms.
5it on the grass: a wide scat hath een made for you1 delight yourselves, ,
%aruts, in the !leasant food.
+ 5trong in their native strength to greatness have they grown, ste!!ed to
the firmament and made their dwelling wide.
When 'isnu saved the 5oma ringing wild delight, the %aruts sate li7e irds
on their dear holy grass.
. In sooth li7e heroes fain for fight they rush aout, li7e comatants fame)
see7ing have they striven in war.
-efore the %aruts every creature is afraid1 the men are li7e to 8ings,
terrile to ehold.
0 When Tyastar deft of hand had turned the thunderolt, golden, with
thousand edges, fashioned more s7ilfully,
Indra received it to !erform heroic deeds. 'rtra he slew, and forced the
flood of water forth.
1@ They with their vigorous strength !ushed the well u! on high, and clove
the cloud in twain though it was !assing strong.
The %aruts, ounteous Givers, sending forth their voice, in the wild 9oy of
5oma wrought their glorious deeds.
11 They drave the cloud transverse directed hitherward, and !oured the
fountain forth for thirsting Gotama.
5hining with varied light they come to him with hel!1 they with their might
fulfilled the longing of the sage.
12 The shelters which ye have for him who lauds you, estow them
threefold on the man who offers.
2$tend the same oons unto us, ye %aruts. Give us, , "eroes, wealth with
nole offi!ring.
HYMN *XXXVI. Maru&s.
1. T"2 est of guardians hath that man within whose dwelling !lace ye
drin7,
, %aruts, giants of the s7y.
2 "onoured with sacrifice or with the worshi! of the sages; hymns,
, %aruts, listen to the call.
# <ea, the strong man to whom ye have vouchsafed to give a sage, shall
move
Into a stale rich in 7ine.
& 3!on this hero;s sacred grass 5oma is !oured in daily rites1
Praise and delight are sung aloud.
( Let the strong %aruts hear him, him sur!assing all men1 strength e his
That reaches even to the 5un.
* 4or, through the swift Gods; loving hel!, in many an autumn, %aruts, we
"ave offered u! our sacrifice.
+ 4ortunate shall that mortal e, , %aruts most adorale,
Whose offerings ye ear away.
. , "eroes truly strong, ye 7now the toil of him who sings your !raise,
The heart;s desire of him who loves.
0 , ye of true strength, ma7e this thing manifest y your greatness ) stri7e
The demon with your thunderolt.
1@ >onceal the horrid dar7ness, drive far from us each devouring fiend.
>reate the light for which we long.
HYMN *XXXVII Maru&s.
1. L,36 5ingers, never humled, active, full of strength, immovale,
im!etuous, manliest, est)eloved,
They have dis!layed themselves with glittering ornaments, a few in numer
only, li7e the heavens with stars.
2 When, %aruts, on the stee!s ye !ile the moving cloud, ye are li7e irds on
whatsoever !ath it e.
>louds everywhere shed forth the rain u!on your cars. 6ro! fatness, honey)
hued, for him who sings your !raise.
# 2arth at their racings tremles as if wea7 and worn, when on their ways
they yo7e their cars for victory.
They, s!ortive, loudly roaring, armed with glittering s!ears, sha7ers of all,
themselves admire their mightiness.
& 5elf)moving is that youthful and, with s!otted steeds: thus it hath lordly
sway, endued with !ower and might.
Truthful art thou, and lameless, searcher out of sin1 so thou, 5trong "ost,
wilt e !rotector of this !rayer.
( We s!ea7 y our descent from our !rimeval 5ire: our tongue, when we
ehold the 5oma, stirs itself.
When, shouting, they had 9oined Indra in toil of fight, then only they
otained their sacrificial names.
* 5!lendours they gained for glory, they who wear right rings: rays they
otained, and men to celerate their !raise.
Armed with their swords, im!etuous and fearing naught, they have
!ossessed the %aruts; own eloved home.
HYMN *XXXVIII. Maru&s.
1. >,%2 hither, %aruts, on your lightning laden cars, sounding with sweet
songs, armed with lances, winged with steeds.
4ly unto us with nolest food, li7e irds, , ye of mighty !ower.
2 With their red)hued or, ha!ly, tawny coursers which s!eed their chariots
on, they come for glory.
-rilliant li7e gold is he who holds the thunder. 2arth have they smitten with
the chariot;s felly.
# 4or eauty ye have swords u!on your odies. As they stir woods so may
they stir our s!irits.
4or your sa7e, , ye %aruts very mighty and well)orn, have they set the
stone, in motion.
& The days went round you and came ac7 , yearners, ac7, to this !rayer
and to this solemn worshi!.
The Gotamas ma7ing their !rayer with singing have !ushed the well;s lid u!
to drin7 the water.
( =o hymn way ever 7nown li7e this aforetime which Gotama sang forth for
you, , %aruts,
What time u!on your golden wheels he saw you, wild oars rushing aout
with tus7s of iron.
* To you this freshening draught of 5oma rusheth, , %aruts, li7e the voice of
one who !rayeth.
It rusheth freely from our hands as these. liations wont to flow.
HYMN *XXXIX. Visv!d!vas.
1. %A< !owers aus!icious come to us from every side, never deceived,
unhindered, and victorious,
That the Gods ever may e with us for our gain, our guardians day y day
unceasing in their care.
2 %ay the aus!icious favour of the Gods e ours, on us descend the ounty
of the righteous Gods.
The friendshi! of the Gods have we devoutly sought1 so may the Gods
e$tend our life that we may live.
# We call them hither with a hymn of olden time, -haga, the friendly 6a7sa,
%itra, Aditi,
Aryaman, 'aruna, 5oma, the Asvins. %ay 5arasvati, aus!icious, grant felicity.
& %ay the Wind waft to us that !leasant medicine, may 2arth our %other
give it, and our 4ather "eaven,
And the 9oy)giving stones that !ress the 5oma;s 9uice. Asvins, may ye, for
whom our s!irits long, hear this.
( "im we invo7e for aid who reigns su!reme, the Lord of all that stands or
moves, ins!irer of the soul,
That Pusan may !romote the increase of our wealth, our 7ee!er and our
guard infallile for our good.
* Illustrious far and wide, may Indra !ros!er us1 may Pusan !ros!er us, the
%aster of all wealth.
%ay Tar7sya with unin9ured fellies !ros!er us1 -rhas!ati vouchsafe to us
!ros!erity.
+ The %aruts, 5ons of Prani, orne y s!otted steeds, moving in glory, oft
visiting holy rites,
5ages whose tongue is Agni, rilliant as the 5un,)hither let all the Gods for
our !rotection come.
. Gods, may we with our ears listen to what is good, and with our eyes see
what is good, ye "oly ,nes.
With lims and odies firm may we e$tolling you attain the term of life
a!!ointed y the Gods.
0 A hundred autumns stand efore us, , ye Gods, within whose s!ace ye
ring our odies to decay:
Within whose s!ace our sons ecome fathers in turn. -rea7 ye not in the
midst our course of fleeting life.
1@ Aditi is the heaven, Aditi is mid)air, Aditi is the %other and the 5ire and
5on.
Aditi is all Gods, Aditi five)classed men, Aditi all that hath een om and
shall e orn.
HYMN X.. Visv!d!vas.
1. %A< 'aruna with guidance straight, and %itra lead us, he who 7nows,
And Aryaman in accord with Gods.
2 4or they are dealers forth of wealth, and, not deluded, with their might
Guard evermore the holy laws.
# 5helter may they vouchsafe to us, Immortal Gods to mortal men,
>hasing our enemies away.
& %ay they mar7 out our !aths to liss, Indra, the %aruts, Pusan,
and -haga, the Gods to e adored.
( <ea, Pusan, 'isnu, ye who run your course, enrich our hymns with 7ine:
-less us with all !ros!erity.
* The winds waft sweets, the rivers !our sweets for the man who 7ee!s the
Law
5o may the !lants e sweet for us.
+ 5weet e the night and sweet the dawns, sweet the terrestrial
atmos!here:
5weet e our 4ather "eaven to us.
. %ay the tall tree e full of sweets for us, and full of sweets the 5un1
%ay our milch)7ine e sweet for us.
0 -e %itra gracious unto us, and 'aruna and Aryaman1
Indra, -rhas!ati e 7ind, and 'isnu of the mighty stride.
HYMN X.I S/$a.
1. Thou, 5oma, art !reeminent for wisdom: along the straightest !ath thou
art our leader.
,ur wise forefathers y thy guidance, Indu, dealt out among the Gods their
share of treasure.
2 Thou y thine insight art most wise, , 5oma, strong y thine energies and
all !ossessing,
%ighty art thou y all thy !owers and greatness, y glories art thou glorious,
guide of mortals.
# Thine are 8ing 'aruna;s eternal statutes, lofty and dee!, , 5oma, is thy
glory.
All)!ure art thou li7e %itra the eloved, adorale, li7e Aryaman, , 5oma.
& With all thy glories on the earth, in heaven, on mountains, in the !lants,
and in the waters,)
With all of these, well)!leased and not in anger, acce!t, , royal 5oma, our
olations.
( Thou, 5oma, art the Lord of heroes, 8ing, yea, 'rtra)slayer thou1
Thou art aus!icious energy.
* And, 5oma, let it e thy wish that we may
live and may not die1
Praise)loving Lord of !lants art thou.
+ To him who 7ee!s the law, oth old and young, thou givest ha!!iness,
And energy that he may live.
. Guard us, 8ing 5oma, on all sides from him who threatens us1 never let
The friend of one li7e thee e harmed.
0 With those delightful aids which thou hast, 5oma, for the worshi!!er,)
2ven with those !rotect thou us.
1@ Acce!ting this our sacrifice and this our !raise, , 5oma, come,
And e thou nigh to !ros!er us.
11 Well)s7illed in s!eech we magnify thee, 5oma, with our sacred songs1
>ome thou to us, most gracious ,ne.
12 2nricher, healer of disease, wealth)finder, !ros!ering our store,
-e, 5oma, a good 4riend to us.
1# 5oma, e ha!!y in our heart, as milch)7ine in the grassy meads,
As a young man in his own house.
1& , 5oma, God, the mortal man who in thy friendshi! hath delight,
"im doth the mighty 5age efriend.
1( 5ave us from slanderous re!roach, 7ee! us., , 5oma, from distress1
-e unto us a gracious 4riend.
1* 5oma, wa$ great. 4rom every side may vigorous !owers unite in thee1
-e in the gathering)!lace of strength.
1+ Wa$, , most gladdening 5oma, great through all thy rays of light, and e
A 4riend of most illustrious fame t* !ros!er us.
1* In thee e 9uicy nutriments united, and !owers and mighty foe)suduing
vigour,
Wa$ing to immortality, , 5oma1 win highest glories for thyself in heaven.
10 5uch of thy glories as with !oured olations men honour, may they all
invest our worshi!.
Wealth)giver, furtherer with troo!s of heroes, s!aring the rave, come,
5oma, to our houses.
2@ To him who worshi!s 5oma gives the milchcow, a fleet steed and a man of
active 7nowledge,
57illed in home duties, meet for holy synod, for council meet, a glory to his
father.
21 Invincile in fight, saver in attles, guard of our cam!, winner of light
and water,
-orn amid hymns, well)housed, e$ceeding famous, victor, in thee will we
re9oice, , 5oma.
22 These hers, these milch)7ine, and these running waters, all these, ,
5oma, thou hast generated.
The s!acious firmament ast thou e$!anded, and with the light thou hast
dis!elled the dar7ness.
2# 6o thou, God 5oma, with thy Godli7e s!irit, victorious, win for us a share
of riches.
Let none !revent thee1 thou art Lord of valour. Provide for oth sides in the
fray for ooty.
HYMN X.II. Da-n.
1. T"252 6awns have raised their anner: in the eastern half of the mid)air
they s!read aroad their shinine light.
Li7e heroes who !re!are their wea!ons for the war, onward they come
right red in hue, the %other >ows.
2 /eadily have the !ur!le eams of light shot u!: the /ed >ows have they
harnessed, easy to e yo7ed.
The 6awns have rought distinct !erce!tion as efore1 red)hued, they have
attained their fulgent rilliancy.
# They sing their song li7e women active in their tas7s, along their common
!ath hither from far away,
-ringing refreshment to the lieral devotee, yea, all things to the
worshi!!er who !ours the 9uice.
& 5he, li7e a dancer, !uts her roidered garments on1 as a cow yields her
udder so she ares her reast.
>reating light for all the world of life, the 6awn hath laid the dar7ness o!en
as the cows their stall.
( We have eheld the rightness of her shining: it s!reads and drives away
the dar7iorne monster.
Li7e tints that dec7 the Post at sacrifices, "eaven;s 6aughter hath attained
her wondrous s!lendour.
* We have o;er!ast the limit of this dar7ness: 6awn rea7ing forth again
rings clear !erce!tion.
5he li7e a flatterer smiles in light for glory, and fair of face hath wa7ened to
re9oice
us.
+ The Gotamas have !raised "eaven;s radiant 6aughter, the leader of the
charm of !leasant voices.
6awn, thou conferrest on us strength with offs!ring and men, cons!icuous
with 7ine and horses.
. , thou who shinest forth in wondrous glory, urged onward y thy strength,
aus!icious Lady,
6awn, may I gain that wealth, renowned and am!le, in rave sons, troo!s of
slaves, far)famed for horses.
0 -ending her loo7s on all the world, the Goddess shines, widely s!reading
with her right eye westward.
Wa7ing to motion every living creature, she understands the voice of each
adorer.
1@ Ancient of days, again again orn newly, dec7ing her eauty with the
self)same raiment.
The Goddess wastes away the life of mortals, li7e a s7illed hunter cutting
irds in !ieces.
11 5he hath a!!eared discovering heaven;s orders1 to the far distance she
drives off her 5ister.
6iminishing the days of human creatures, the Lady shines with all her lover;s
s!lendour.
12 The right, the lessed ,ne shines forth e$tending her rays li7e 7ine, as a
flood rolls his waters.
=ever transgressing the divine commandments, she is eheld visile with
the suneams.
1# , 6awn enriched with am!le wealth, estow on us the wondrous gift
Wherewith we may su!!ort children and children;s sons.
1& Thou radiant mover of sweet sounds, with wealth of horses and of 7ine
5hine thou on us this day, , 6awn aus!iciously.
1( , 6awn enriched with holy rites, yo7e to thy car thy !ur!le steeds,
And then ring thou unto us all felicities.
1* , Asvins wonderful in act, do ye unanimous direct
<our chariot to our home wealthy in 7ine and gold.
1+ <e who rought down the hymn from heaven, a light that giveth light to
man,
6o ye, , Asvius, ring strength ither unto us.
1. "ither may they who wa7e at dawn ring, to drin7 5oma oth the Gods
"ealth)givers Wonder)Wor7ers, orne on !aths of gold.
HYMN X.III. Agni-S/na.
1 AG=I and 5oma, mighty Pair, graciously hear7en to my call,
Acce!t in friendly wise my hymn, and !ros!er him who offers gifts.
2 The man who honours you to)day, Agni and 5oma, with this hymn,
-estow on him heroic strength, increase of 7ine, and nole steeds.
# The man who offers holy oil and urnt olations unto you,
Agni and 5oma, shall en9oy great strength, with offs!ring, all his life.
& Agni and 5oma, famed is that your. !rowess wherewith ye stole the 7ine,
his food, from Pani.
<e caused the rood of -rsaya to !erish: ye found the light, the single light
for many.
( Agni and 5oma, 9oined in o!eration ye have set u! the shining lights in
heaven.
4rom curse and from re!roach, Agni and 5oma, ye freed the rivers that were
ound in fetters.
* ,ne of you %itarisvan rought from heaven, the 4alcon rent the other
from the mountain.
5trengthened y holy !rayer Agni and 5oma have made us am!le room for
sacrificing.
+ Taste, Agni, 5oma, this !re!ared olation: acce!t it, %ighty ,nes, and let
it !lease you.
'ouchsafe us good !rotection and 7ind favour1 grant to the sacrificer health
and riches.
. Whoso with oil and !oured olation honours, with God)devoted heart, Agni
and 5oma,)
Protect his sacrifice, !reserve him from distress, grant to the sacrificer
great felicity.
0 Invo7ed together, mates in wealth, Agni5oma, acce!t our hymns1
Together e among the Gods.
1@ Agni and 5oma, unto him who worshi!s you with holy oil
5hine forth an am!le recom!ense.
11 Agni and 5onia, e ye !leased with these olations rought to you,
And come, together, nigh to us.
12 Agni and 5oma, cherish well our horses, and let our cows e fat who yield
olations.
Grant !ower to us and to our wealthy !atrons, and cause our holy rites to e
successful.
HYMN X.IV. Agni
1 4,/ Datavedas worthy of our !raise will we frame with our mind this
eulogy as ;twere a car.
4or good, in his assemly, is this care of ours. Let us not, in thy friendshi!,
Agni, suffer harm.
2 The man for whom thou sacrificest !ros!ereth, dwelleth without a foe,
gaineth heroic might.
"e wa$eth strong, distress never a!!roacheth him. Let us riot, in thy
friendshi!, Agni, suffer harm.
# %ay we have !ower to 7indle thee. 4ulfil our thoughts. In thee the Gods
eat the !resented offering,
-ring hither the Adityas, for we long for them. Let us not in thy friendshi!,
Agni, suffer harm.
& We will ring fuel and !re!are urnt offerings, reminding thee at each
successive festival.
4ulfil our thought that so we may !rolong our lives. Let us not in thy
( "is ministers move forth, the guardians of the fol7, !rotecting ?uadru!ed
and i!ed with their rays.
%ighty art thou, the wondrous herald of the 6awn. Let us not in thy friend.
shi!, Agni, suffer harm.
* Thou art Presenter and the chief Invo7er, thou 6irector, Purifier, great
"igh Priest y irth.
8nowing all !riestly wor7 thou !erfectest it, 5age. Let us not in thy
+ Lovely of form art thou, ali7e on every side: though far, thou shinest
rightly
as if close at hand.
, God, thou seest through even the dar7 of night. Let us not in thy
. Gods, foremost he his car who !ours liations out, and let our hymn
!revail o;er evil)hearted men.
Attend to this our s!eech and ma7e it !ros!er well. Let us not in thy
0 5mite with thy wea!ons those of evil s!eech and thought, devouring
demons, whether near or tar away.
Then to the singer give free way for sacrifice. Let us not in thy friendshi!,
Agni, suffer harm.
1@ When to thy chariot thou hadst yo7ed two red steeds and two ruddy
steeds, wind)s!ed, thy roar was li7e a ull;s.
Thou with smo7e)annered flame attac7est forest trees. Let us not in thy
11 Then at thy roar the very irds are terrified, when, eating)u! the grass,
thy s!ar7s fly forth aroad.
Then is it easy for thee and thy car to !ass. Let us not in thy friendshi!,
Agni, suffer harm.
12 "e hath the Power to soothe %itra and 'aruna1 wonderful is the %aruts;
wrath when they descend.
-e gracious: let their hearts he turned to us again. Let us not in thy
1# Thou art a God, thou art the wondrous 4riend of Gods, the 'asu of the
'asus, fair in sacrifice.
3nder, thine own most wide !rotection may we dwell. Let us not in thy
1& This is thy grace that, 7indled in thine own aode, invo7ed with 5oma
thou soundest forth most enign,
Thou givest wealth and treasure to the worshi!!er. Let us not in thy
1( To whom thou, Lord of goodly riches, grantest freedom from every sin
with !erfect wholeness,
Whom with good strength thou ?ui7enest, with children and wealth)may we
e they, 2ternal -eing.
1* 5uch, Agni, thou who 7nowest all good fortune, God, lengthen here the
days of our e$istence.
This !rayer of ours may 'aruna grant, and %itra, and Aditi and 5indhu, 2arth
and "eaven.
HYMN X.V. Agni
1. To fair goals travel Two unli7e in semlance1 each in succession nourishes
an infant.
,ne ears a Godli7e -ae of golden colour: right and fair)shining, is he
with the other.
2 Tvastar;s ten daughters, vigilant and youthful, !roduced this Infant orne
to sundry ?uarters.
They ear around him whose long flames are !ointed, fulgent among
man7ind with native s!lendour.
#. Three several !laces of his irth they honour, in mid)air, in the heaven,
and in the waters.
Governing in the cast of earthly regions, the seasons hath he stalished in
their order.
& Who of you 7nows this secret ,neB The Infant y his own nature hath
rought forth his %others.
The germ of many, from the waters; osom he goes forth, wise and great, of
Godli7e nature.
( 'isile, fair, he grows in native rightness u!lifted in the la! of waving
waters.
When he was orn oth Tvastar;s worlds were frightened1 they turn to him
and reverence the Lion.
* The Two aus!icious ,nes, li7e women, tend him1 li7e lowing cows they
see7 him in their manner.
"e is the Lord of %ight among the mighty: him, on the right, they alm with
their olations.
+ Li7e 5avitar his arms with might he stretches: awful, he strives gras!ing
the world;s two orders.
"e forces out from all a rilliant vesture, yea, from his %others draws he
forth new raiment.
. "e ma7es him a most nole form of s!lendour, dec7ing him in his home
with mil7 and waters.
The 5age adorns the de!ths of air with wisdom . this is the meeting where
the Gods are worshi!!ed.
0 Wide through the firmament s!reads forth trium!hant the far)res!lendent
strength of; thee the %ighty.
8indled y us do thou !reserve us, Agni, with all thy self)right undiminished
succours.
1@ In dry s!ots he ma7es stream, and course, and torrent, and inundates the
earth with floods that glisten.
All ancient things within his maw he gathers, and moves among the new
fresh)s!routing grasses.
11 4ed with our fuel, !urifying Agni, so laCe to us aus!iciously for glory.
and "eaven.
HYMN X.VI. Agni.
1. "2 in the ancient way y strength engendered, loA straight hath ta7en to
himself all wisdom.
The waters and the owl have made him friendly. The Gods !ossessed the
wealth estowing Agni.
2 At Ayu;s ancient call he y his wisdom gave all this !rogeny of men their
eing,
And, y refulgent light, heaven and the waters. The Gods !ossessed the
wealth. estowing Agni.
# Praise him, ye Aryan fol7, as chief !erformer of sacrifice adored and ever
toiling,
Well)tended, 5on of 5trength, the >onstant Giver. The Gods !ossessed the
& That %atarisvan rich in wealth and treasure, light)winner, finds a !athway
for his offis!ring.
Guard of our fol7, 4ather of earth and heaven. The Gods !ossessed the
( =ight and 6awn, changing each the other;s colour, meeting together suc7le
one same Infant1
Golden etween the heaven and earth he shineth. The Gods !ossessed the
* /oot of wealth, gathering)!lace of treasures, anner of sacrifice, who
grants the su!!liant;s wishes1
Preserving him as their own life immortal, the Gods !ossessed the wealth)
estowing Agni.
+ =ow and of old the home of wealth, the mansion of what is orn and what
was orn aforetime,
Guard of what is and what will e hereafter,)the Gods !ossessed the wealth
estowing Agni.
. %ay the Wealth)Giver grant us con?uering riches: may the Wealth)Giver
grant us wealth with heroes.
%ay the Wealth)Giver grant us food with offs!ring, and length of days may
the Wealth)Giver send us.
0 4ed with our fuel, !urifying Agni, so laCe to us aus!iciously for glory.
and "eaven.
HYMN X.VII. Agni.
1. >"A5I=G with light our sin away, , Agni, shine thou wealth on us.
%ay his light chase our sin away.
2 4or goodly fields, for !leasant homes, for wealth we sacrifice to thee.
# -est !raiser of all these e he: foremost, our chiefs who sacrifice.
& 5o that thy worshi!!ers and we, thine, Agni, in our sons may live.
( As ever) con?uering Agni;s eams of s!lendour go to every side,
* To every side thy face is turned, thou art trium!hant everywhere.
+ , thou whose face loo7s every way, ear us !ast foes as in a shi!.
. As in a shi!, convey thou us for our advantage o;er the flood.
HYMN X.VIII Agni.
1. 5TILL in 'aisvanara;s grace may we continue1 yea, he is 8ing su!reme o;er
all things living.
5!rung hence to life u!on this All he loo7eth. 'aisvanara hath rivalry with
5urya.
2 Present in heaven, in earth, all)!resent Agni,)all !lants that grow on
ground hath he !ervaded.
%ay Agni, may 'aisvanara with vigour, !resent, !reserve us day and night
from foemen.
# -e this thy truth, 'aisvanara, to us)ward1 let wealth in rich aundance
gather round us.
and "eaven.
HYMN X.IX. Agni.
1. 4,/ Datavedas let us !ress the 5oma1 may he consume the wealth of the
malignant.
%ay Agni carry us through all our troules, through grief as in a oat across
the river.
HYMN .. Indra.
1. %A< he who hath his home with strength, the %ighty, the 8ing su!reme of
earth and s!acious heaven,
Lord of true !ower, to he invo7ed in attles,)may Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
2 Whose way is unattainale li7e 5urya;s1 he in each fight is the strong 'rtra)
slayer,
%ightiest with his 4riends in his own courses. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
# Whose !aths go forth in their great might resistless, forthmil7ing, as it
were, heaven;s genial moisture.
With manly strength trium!hant, foe)suduer,)may Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
& Among Angirases he was the chiefest, a 4riend with friends, mighty amid
the mighty.
Praiser mid !raisers, honoured most of singers. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
( 5trong with the /udras as with his own children, in manly attle
con?uering his foemen ;
With his close comrades doing deeds of glory,)may Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
* "umler of !ride, e$citer of the conflict, the Lord of heroes, God invo7ed
of many,
%ay he this day gain with our men the sunlight. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts,
e oursuccour.
+ "is hel! hath made him cheerer in the attle, the fol7 have made him
guardian of their comfort.
5ole Lord is he of every holy service. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts, e our
succour.
. To him the "ero, on high days of !rowess, heroes for hel! and ooty shall
eta7e them.
"e hath found light even in the linding dar7ness. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts,
e our succour.
0 "e with his left hand chec7eth even the mighty, and with his righthand
gathereth u! the ooty.
2ven with the humle he ac?uireth riches. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts, e our
succour.
1@ With hosts on foot and cars he winneth treasures1 well is he 7nown this
day y all the !eo!le.
With manly might he con?uereth those who hate him. %ay Indra, girt y
%aruts, e our succour.
11 When in his ways with 7insmen or with strangers he s!eedeth to the
fight, invo7ed of many,
4or gain of waters, and of sons and grandsons, may Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
12 Awful and fierce, fiend)slayer, thunder)wielder, with oundless
7nowledge, hymned y hundreds, mighty,
In strength li7e 5oma, guard of the 4ive Peo!les, may Indra, girt y %aruts,
e our succour.
1# Winning the light, hitherward roars his thunder li7e the terrific mighty
voice of "eaven.
/ich gifts and treasures evermore attend him. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
1& Whose home eternal through his strength surrounds him on every side, his
laud, the earth and heaven,
%ay he, delighted with our service, save us. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts, e
our succour.
1( The limit of whose !ower not Gods y Godhead, nor mortal men have
reached, nor yet the Waters.
-oth 2arth and "eaven in vigour he sur!asseth. %ay Indra, girt y %aruts, he
our succour.
1* The red and tawny mare, laCe)mar7ed, high standing, celestial who, to
ring /9rasva riches,
6rew at the !ole the chariot yo7ed with stallions, 9oyous, among the hosts
of men was noted.
1+ The 'arsagiras unto thee, , Indra, the %ighty ,ne, sing forth this laud to
!lease thee,
/9rasva with his fellows, Amarisa, 5uradhas, 5ahadeva, -hayamana.
1. "e, much invo7ed, hath slain 6asyus and 5imyus, after his wont, and laid
them low with arrows.
The mighty Thunderer with his fair)com!le$ioned friends won the land, the
sunlight, and the waters.
10 %ay Indra evermore e our !rotector, and unim!erilled may we win the
ooty.
and "eaven.
HYMN .I. Indra.
1. 5I=G, with olation, !raise to him who ma7eth glad, who with /9isvan
drove the dus7y rood away.
4ain for hel!, him the strong whose right hand wields the olt, him girt y
%aruts we invo7e to e our 4riend.
2 Indra, who with trium!hant wrath smote 'yamsa down, and 5amara, and
Pi!ru the unrighteous one:
Who e$tir!ated 5usna the insatiate, him girt y %aruts we invo7e to e our
4riend.
# "e whose great wor7 of manly might is heaven and earth, and 'aruna and
5urya 7ee! his holy law:
Indra, whose law the rivers follow as they flow,)him girt y %aruts we
invo7e to e our 4riend.
& "e who is Lord and %aster of the steeds and 7ine, honoured )the firm and
sure) at every holy act:
5tayer even of the strong who !ours no offering out, )him girt y %aruts we
( "e who is Lord of all the world that moves and reathes, who for the
-rahman first efore all found the >ows:
Indra who cast the 6asyus down eneath his feet,)him girt y %aruts we
* Whom cowards must invo7e and valiant men of war, invo7ed y those who
con?uer and y those who flee:
Indra, to whom all eings turn their constant thought,)him girt y %aruts we
+ /efulgent in the /udras; region he !roceeds, and with the /udras through
the wide s!ace s!eeds the 6ame.
The hymn of !raise e$tols Indra the far)renowned1 him girt y %aruts we
. , girt y %aruts, whether thou delight thee in loftiest gathering)!lace or
lowly dwelling,
>ome thence unto our rite, true oon)est)ower1 through love of thee have
we !re!ared olations.
0 We, fain for thee, strong Indra, have !ressed 5oma, and, , thou sought
with !rayer, have made olations.
=ow at this sacrifice, with all thy %aruts, on sacred grass, , team)orne
God, re9oice thee.
1@ /e9oice thee with thine own -ay 5teeds, , Indra, unclose thy 9aws and
let thy li!s e o!en.
Thou with the fair chee7, let thy -ay 5teeds ring thee1 gracious to us, he
!leased with our olation.
11 Guards of the cam! whose !raisers are the %aruts, may we through
Indra, get ourselves the ooty.
and "eaven.
HYMN .II. Indra.
1. To thee the %ighty ,ne I ring this mighty hymn, for thy desire hath een
gratified y my laud.
In Indra, yea in him victorious through his strength, the Gods have 9oyed at
feast and when the 5oma flowed.
2 The 5even /ivers ear his glory far and wide, and heaven and s7y and
earth dis!lay his comely form.
The 5un and %oon in change alternate run their course, that we, , Indra,
may ehold and may have faith.
# %aghavan, grant us that same car to ring us s!oil, thy con?uering car in
which we 9oy in shoc7 of fight.
Thou, Indra, whom our hearts !raise highly in the war, grant shelter,
%aghavan, to us who love thee well.
& 2ncourage thou our side in every fight1 may we, with thee for our ally,
con?uer the foeman;s host.
Indra, estow on us 9oy and felicity rea7 down, , %aghavan, the vigour of
our foes.
( 4or here in divers ways these men invo7ing thee, holder of treasures, sing
hymns to win thine aid.
Ascend the car that thou mayest ring s!oil to us, for, Indra, thy fi$t
winneth the victory.
* "is arms win 7ine, his !ower is oundless in each act est, with a hundred
hel!s wa7er of attle;s din
Is Indra1 none may rival him in mighty strength. "ence, eager for the s!oil
the !eo!le call on him.
+ Thy glory, %aghavan, e$ceeds a hundred yea, more than a hundred, than a
thousand mid the fol7,
The great owl hath ins!irited thee oundlessly1 so mayst thou slay the
'rtras rea7er)down of fortsA
. ,f thy great might there is a three counter!art, the three earths, Lord
men and the three realms of light.
Aove this whole world, Indra, thou hast wa$en great1 without a foe art
thou, nature, from of old.
0 We invocate thee first among the 6eities1 thou hast ecome a mighty
>on?uer in fight.
%ay Indra fill with s!irit this our singer;s heart, and ma7e our car im!etuous,
foremost in attac7.
1@ Thou hast !revailed, and hast not 7e!t the ooty ac7, in trifling attles
in those of great account.
We ma7e thee 7een, the %ighty ,ne, succour us1 ins!ire us, %aghavan,
when we defy the foe.
11 %ay Indra evermore e our Protector, and unim!erilled may we win the
ooty.
This !rayer of ours may 'artuna grant and %itra, and Aditi and 5indhu, 2arth
and "eaven.
HYMN .III. Indra.
1. T"AT highest Indra)!ower of thine is distant1 that which is here sages
!ossessed aforetime.
This one is on the earth, in heaven the other, and oth unite as flag with
flag in attle.
2 "e s!read the wide earth out and firmly fi$ed it, smote with his
thunderolt and loosed the waters.
%aghavan with his !uissance struc7 down Ahi, rent /auhi!a to death and
slaughtered 'yarnsa.
# Armed with his olt and trusting in his !rowess he wandered shattering the
forts of 6asas.
>ast thy dart, 7nowing, Thunderer, at the 6asyu: increase the Arya;s might
and glory, Indra.
& 4or him who thus hath taught these human races, %aghavan, earing a
fame)worthy title,
Thunderer, drawing nigh to slay the 6asyus, hath given himself the name of
5on for glory.
( 5ee this aundant wealth that he !ossesses, and !ut your trust in Indra;s
hero vigour.
"e found the cattle, and he found the horses, he found the !lants, the
forests and the waters.
* To him the truly strong, whose deeds are many, to him the strong -ull let
us !our the 5oma.
The "ero, watching li7e a thief in amush, goes !arting the !ossessions of
the godless.
+ Well didst thou do that hero deed, , Indra, in wa7ing with thy olt the
slumering Ahi.
in thee, delighted, 6ames divine re9oiced them, the flying %aruts and all
Gods were 9oyful.
. As thou hast smitten 5usna, Pi!ru, 'rtra and 8uyava, and 5amara;s forts ,
Indra.
and "eaven.
HYMN .IV. Indra.
1. T"2 altar hath een made for thee to rest on1 come li7e a !anting
courser and e seated.
Loosen thy flying 5teeds, set free thy "orses who ear thee swiftly nigh at
eve and morning.
2 These men have come to Indra for assistance1 shall he not ?uic7ly come
u!on these !athwaysB
%ay the Gods ?uell the fury of the 6asa, and may they lead our fol7 to
ha!!y fortune.
# "e who hath only wish as his !ossession casts on himself, casts foam amid
the waters.
-oth wives of 8uyava in mil7 have athed them1 may they e drowned
within the de!th of 5i!ha.
& This hath his 7inshi! chec7ed who lives eside us1 with ancient streams
forth s!eeds and rules the "ero, An9asi, 8ulisi, and 'ira!atni, delighting
him, ear mil7 u!on their waters.
( 5oon as this 6asyu;s traces were discovered, as she who 7nows her home,
he sought the dwelling.
=ow thin7 thou of us, %aghavan, nor cast us away as doth a !rofligate his
treasure.
* Indra, as such, give us a share of sunlight, of waters, sinlessness, and
re!utation.
6o thou no harm to our yet unorn offs!ring1 our trust is in thy mighty
Indra)!ower.
+ =ow we, I thin7, in thee as such have trusted1 lead us on, %ighty ,ne, to
am!le riches.
In no unready house give us, , Indra invo7ed of many, food and drin7 when
hungry.
. 5lay us not, Indra: do not thou forsa7e us1 steal not away the 9oys which
we delight in.
/end not our unorn rood, strong Lord of -ountyA our vessels with the life
that is within them.
0 >ome to us: they have called thee 5oma)lover1 here is the !ressed 9uice.
6rin7 thereof for ra!ture.
Widely)ca!acious, !our it down within thee, and, invocated, hear us li7e a
4ather.
HYMN .V. Visv!d!vas.
1. WIT"I= the waters runs the %oon, he with the eauteous wings in
heaven.
<e lightnings with your golden wheels, men find not your aiding)!lace.
%ar7 this my woe, ye 2arth and "eaven.
2 5urely men crave and gain their wish. >lose to her husand clings the
wife.
And, in emraces intertwined, oth give and ta7e the liss of love. %ar7 this
my woe, ye 2arth and "eaven.
# , never may that light , ye Gods, fall from its station in the s7y.
=e;er fail us one li7e 5oma sweet, the s!ring of our felicity. %ar7 this my
woe ye 2arth and "eaven.
& I as7 the last of sacrifice. As envoy he shall tell it forth.
Where is the ancient law divineB Who is its new diffuser nowB %ar7 this my
woe, ye 2arth and "eaven.
( <e Gods who yonder have your home in the three lucid realms of heaven,
What count ye truth and what untruthB Where is mine ancient call on youB
* What is your firm su!!ort of LawB What 'aruna;s oservant eyeB
"ow may we !ass the wic7ed on the !ath of mighty AryamanB %ar7 this my
+ 1 am the man who sang of old full many a laud when 5oma flowed.
<et torturing cares consume me as the wolf assails the thirsty deer. %ar7 this
. Li7e rival wives on every side enclosing ris o!!ress me sore.
, 5ata7ratu, iting cares devour me, singer of thy !raise, as rats devour the
weaver;s threads. %ar7 this my woe, ye 2arth and "eaven.
0 Where those seven rays are shining, thence my home and family e$tend.
This Trta A!tya 7noweth well, and s!ea7eth out for rotherhood. %ar7 this
1@ %ay those five -ulls which stand on high full in the midst of mighty
heaven,
"aving together swiftly orne my !raises to the Gods, return. %ar7 this my
11 "igh in the mid ascent of heaven those -irds of eauteous !inion sit.
-ac7 from his !ath they drive the wolf as he would cross the restless floods.
12 4irm is this new)wrought hymn of !raise, and meet to e told forth, ,
Gods.
The flowing of the floods is Law, Truth is the 5un;s e$tended light. %ar7 this
1# Worthy of laud, , Agni, is that 7inshi! which thou hast with Gods.
"ere seat thee li7e a man1 most wise, ring thou the Gods for sacrifice.
1& "ere seated, man)li7e as a !riest shall wisest Agni to the Gods
5!eed onward our olations, God among the Gods, intelligent. %ar7 this my
1( 'aruna ma7es the holy !rayer. To him who finds the !ath we !ray.
"e in the heart reveals his thought. Let sacred worshi! rise anew. %ar7 this
1* That !athway of the 5un in heaven, made to e highly glorified,
Is not to e transgressed, , Gods. , mortals, ye ehold it not. %ar7 this my
1+ Trta, when uried in the well, calls on the Gods to succour him.
That call of his -rhas!ati heard and released him from distress. %ar7 this my
1. A ruddy wolf eheld me once, as I was faring on my !ath.
"e, li7e a car!enter whose ac7 is aching crouched and slun7 away. %ar7
this my woe, ye 2arth and "eaven.
10 Through this our song may we, allied with Indra, with all our heroes
con?uer in the attle.
and "eaven.
HYMN .VI. Visv!d!vas.
1. >ALL we for aid on Indra, %itra, 'aruna and Agni and the %arut host and
Aditi.
2ven as a chariot from a difficult ravine, ountiful 'asus, rescue us from all
distress.
2 >ome ye Adityas for our full !ros!erity, in con?uests of the foe, ye Gods,
ring 9oy to us.
distress.
# %ay the most glorious 4athers aid us, and the two Goddesses, %others of
the Gods, who strengthen Law.
distress.
& To mighty =arasamsa, strengthening his might, to Pusan, ruler over men,
we !ray with hymns.
distress.
( -rhas!ati, ma7e us evermore an easy !ath1 we crave what oon thou hast
for men in rest and stir.
Li7e as a chariot from a difficult ravine, ountiful 'asus, rescue us from all
distress.
* 5un7 in the !it the /si 8utsa called, to aid, Indra the 'rtra)slayer, Lord of
!ower and might.
distress.
+ %ay Aditi the Goddess guard us with the Gods1 may the !rotecting God
7ee! us with ceaseless care.
and "eaven.
HYMN .VII. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"2 sacrifice otains the Gods; acce!tance1 e graciously inclined to us,
Adityas.
"itherward let your favour e directed, and e our est deliverer from
troule.
2 -y !raise)songs of Angirases e$alted, mayAhe Gods come to us with their
!rotection.
%ay Indra with his !owers, %aruts with %aruts, Aditi with Adityas grant us
shelter.
# This laud of ours may 'aruna and Indra, Aryaman Agni, 5avitar find
!leasant.
This !rayer; of ours may 'aruna grant, and %itra, and Aditi and 5indhu, 2arth
and "eaven.
HYMN .VIII. Indra-Agni.
1. ,= that most wondrous car of yours, , Indra and Agni, which loo7s round
on all things living,
Ta7e ye your stand and come to us together, and drin7 liations of the
flowing 5oma.
2 As vast as all this world is in its com!ass, dee! as it is, with its far)
stretching surface,
5o let this 5oma e, Indra and Agni, made for your drin7ing till your soul e
sated.
# 4or ye have won a lessed name together1 yea, with one aim ye strove, ,
'rtra)slayers.
5o Indra)Agni, seated here together, !our in, ye %ighty ,nes, the mighty
5oma.
& -oth stand adorned, when fires are duly 7indled, s!reading the sacred
grass, with lifted ladles.
6rawn y strong 5oma 9uice !oured forth around us, come, Indra)Agni, and
dis!lay your favour.
( The rave deeds ye have done, Indra and Agni, the forms ye have
dis!layed and mighty e$!loits,
The ancient and aus!icious onds of friendshi!,)for sa7e of these drin7 of
the flowing 5oma.
* As first I said when choosing you, in attle we must contend with Asuras
for this 5oma.
5o came ye unto this my true conviction, and dran7 liations of the flowing
5oma.
+ If in your dwelling, or with !rince or -rahman, ye, Indra)Agni, "oly ,nes,
re9oice you,
2ven frorn thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drin7 liation of the
flowing 5oma.
. If with, the <adus, Turvasas, ye so9ourn, with 6ruhyus, Anus, Purus, Indra)
AgniA
2ven from thence, ye mighty Lords, come hither, and drin7 liations of the
flowing 5oma.
0 Whether, , Indra)Agni, ye e dwelling in lowest earth, in central, or in
highest.
flowing 5oma.
1@ Whether, , Indra)Agni, ye e dwelling in highest earth, in central, or in
lowest,
flowing 5oma.
11 Whether ye e in heaven, , Indra)Agni, on earth, on mountains, in the
hers, or waters,
flowing 5oma.
12 If, when the 5un to the mid)heaven hath mounted, ye ta7e delight in
food, , Indra)Agni,
flowing 5oma.
1# Thus having drun7 your fill of our liation, win us all 7inds of wealth,
Indra and Agni.
and "eaven.
HYMN .IX. Indra-Agni.
1. L,=GI=G for weal I loo7ed around, in s!irit, for 7insmen, Indra)Agni, or
for rothers.
=o !rovidence ut yours alone is with me so have I wrought for you this
hymn for succour.
2 4or I have heard that ye give wealth more freely than worthless son)in)law
or s!ouse;s rother.
5o offering to you this draught of 5oma, I ma7e you this new hymn, Indra
and Agni,
# Let us not rea7 the cords1 with this !etition we strive to gain the !owers
of our forefathers.
4or Indra)Agni the strong dro!s are 9oyful), for here in the owl;s la! are
oth the !ress)stones.
& 4or you the owl divine, Indra and Agni, !resses the 5oma gladly to delight
you.
With hands aus!icious and fair arms, ye Asvins, haste, s!rin7le it with
sweetness in the waters.
( <ou, I have heard, were mightiest, Indra)Agni, when 'rtra fell and when
the s!oil was !arted.
5it at this sacrifice, ye ever active, on the strewn grass, and with the 9uice
delight you.
* 5ur!assing all men where they shout for attle, ye Twain e$ceed the earth
and heaven in greatness.
Greater are ye than rivers and than mountains, , Indra)Agni, and all things
eside them.
+ -ring wealth and give it, ye whose arms wield thunder1 Indra and Agni,
with your !owers !rotect us.
=ow of a truth these e the very suneams wherewith our fathers were of
old united.
. Give, ye who shatter forts, whose hands wield thunder1 Indra and Agni,
save us in our attles.
and "eaven.
HYMN .X. R(#us.
1. T"2 holy wor7 I wrought efore is wrought again1 my sweetest hymn is
sung to celerate your !raise.
"ere, , ye /hus, is this sea for all the Gods1 sate you with 5oma offered
with the hallowing word.
2 When, see7ing your en9oyment onward from afar, ye, certain of my
7insmen, wandered on your way,
5ons of 5udhanvan, after your long 9ourneying, ye came unto the home of
lieral 5avitar.
# 5avitar therefore gave you immortality, ecause ye came !roclaiming him
whom naught can hide:
And this the drin7ing)chalice of the Asura, which till that time was one, ye
made to e fourfold.
& When they had served with Ceal at sacrifice as !riests, they, mortal as
they were, gained immortality.
The /hus, children of 5udhanvan, right as suns, were in a year;s course
made associate with !rayers.
( The /hus, with a rod measured, as ;twere a field, the single sacrificial
chalice. wide of mouth,
Lauded of all who saw, !raying for what is est, desiring glorious fame
among Immortal Gods.
* As oil in ladles, we through 7nowledge will !resent unto the "eroes of the
firmament our hymn,)
The /hus who came near with this great 4ather;s s!eed, and rose to
heaven;s high s!here to cat the strengthening food.
+ /hu to us is Indra freshest in his might, /hu with !owers and wealth is
giver of rich gifts.
Gods, through your favour may we on the ha!!y day ?uell the attac7s of
those who !our no offerings forth.
. ,ut of a s7in, , /hus, once ye formed a cow, and rought the mother
close unto her calf again.
5ons of 5udhanvan, "eroes, with sur!assing s7ill ye made your aged Parents
youthful as efore.
0 "el! us with strength where s!oil is won, , Indra1 9oined with the ghus
give us varied ounty.
and "eaven.
HYMN .XI. R(#us.
1. W,/8I=G with s7ill they wrought the lightly rolling car1 they wrought the
-ays who ear Indra and ring great gifts.
The /hus for their Parents made life young again: and fashioned for the
calf a mother y its side.
2 4or sacrifice ma7e for us active vital !ower for s7ill and wisdom food with
nole !rogeny.
Grant to our com!any this !ower most e$cellent, that with a family all)
heroic we may dwell.
# 6o ye, , /hus, ma7e !ros!erity for us, !ros!erity for car, ye "eroes, and
for steed.
Grant us !ros!erity victorious evermore,
con?uering foes in attle, strangers or a7in.
& Indra, the /hus; Lord, I invocate for aid, the /hus, 'a9as, %aruts to the
5oma draught.
'aruna, %itra, oth, yea, and the Asvins Twain1 let them s!eed us to wealth,
wisdom, and victory.
( %ay /hu send !ros!erity for attle, may 'a9a con?uering in the fight
!rotect us.
and "eaven.
HYMN .XII. Asvins.
1 To give first thought to them, I worshi! "eaven and 2arth, and Agni, fair
right glow, to hasten their a!!roach.
>ome hither unto us, , Asvins, with those aids wherewith in fight ye s!eed
the war)cry to the s!oil.
2 Am!le, unfailing, they have mounted as it were an elo?uent car that ye
may thin7 of us and give.
>ome hither unto us, , Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye hel! our
thoughts to further holy acts.
# <e y the might which heavenly nectar giveth you are in su!reme
dominion Lords of all these fol7.
>ome hither unto us, , Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye, "eroes, made
the arren cow give mil7.
& The aids wherewith the Wanderer through his offi!ring;s might, or the
Two)%othered 5on shows swiftest mid the swift:
Wherewith the sa!ient one ac?uired his tri!le lore,)>ome hither unto us, ,
Asvins, with those aids.
( Wherewith ye raised from waters, !risoned and fast ound, /eha, and
'andana to loo7 u!on the light:
Wherewith ye succoured 8a!va as he strove to win,)>ome hither unto us, ,
* Wherewith ye rescued Anta7a when languishing dee! in the !it, and
-hu9yu with unfailing hel!.
And comforted 8ar7andhu, 'ayya, in their woe,)>ome hither unto us, ,
+ Wherewith ye gave gucanti wealth and ha!!y home, and made the fiery
!it friendly for Atri;s sa7e:
Wherewith ye guarded Puru7utsa, Prsnigu, )>ome hither unto us, , Agvin:,
with those aids.
. %ighty ,nes, with what !owers ye gave Paravr9 aid what time ye made the
lind and lame to see and wal7:
Wherewith ye set at lierty the swallowed ?uail,)>ome hither unto us, ,
0 Wherewith ye ?uic7ened the most sweet e$haustless flood, and comforted
'asistha, ye who ne;er decay:
And to 5rutarya, 8utsa, =arya gave your hel!,)>ome hither unto us, ,
1@ Wherewith ye hel!ed, in attle of a thousand s!oils, 'is!ala see7ing
ooty, !owerless to move.
Wherewith ye guarded friendly 'aga, Asva;s son,)>ome hither unto us, ,
11 Wherey the cloud, ye -ounteous Givers, shed sweet rain for
6irghasravas, for the merchant Ausi9a,
Wherewith ye hel!ed 8a7sivan, singer of your !raise,)>ome hither unto us,
, Asvins, with those aids.
12 Wherewith ye made /asa swell full with water)floods, and urged to
victory the car without a horse:
Wherewith Triso7a drove forth his recovered cows,)>ome hither unto us, ,
1# Wherewith ye, com!ass round the 5un when far away, strengthened
%anddatar in his tas7s as lord of lands,
And to sage -haradvi9a gave !rotecting hel!,)>ome hither unto us, , Asvins,
with those aids.
1& Wherewith, when 5amara was slain, ye guarded well great Atithigva,
6ivodisa, 8aso9u,
And Trasadasyu when the forts were shattered down,)>ome hither unto us,
1( Wherewith ye honoured the great drin7er 'amra, and 3!astuta and 8ali
when he gained his wife,
And lent to 'yasva. and to Prthi favouring hel!,)>ome hither unto us, ,
1* Wherewith, , "eroes, ye vouchsafed deliverance to 5ayu, Atri, and to
%anu long ago:
Wherewith ye shot your shafts in 5yumarasmi;s cause.)>ome hither unto us,
1+ Wherewith Patharva, in his ma9esty of form, shone in his course li7e to a
gathered 7indled fire:
Wherewith ye hel!ed 5uryata in the mighty fray,)>ome hither unto us, ,
1. Wherewith, AngirasesA ye trium!hed in your heart, and onward went to
lierate the flood of mil7:
Wherewith ye hel!ed the hero %anu with new strength,)>ome hither unto
us, , Asvins, with those aids.
10 Wherewith ye rought awife for 'imada to wed, wherewith ye freely
gave the ruddy cows away:
Wherewith ye rought the host of 7ind Gods to 5udas)>ome hither unto us,
2@ Wherewith ye ring great liss to him who offers gifts, wherewith ye
have !rotected -hu9yu, Adhrigu,
And good and gracious 5uhara and /tastu!,)>ome hither unto us, , Asvins,
with those aids.
21 Wherewith ye served 8rsanu where the shafts were shot, and hel!ed the
young man;s horse to swiftness in the race:
Wherewith ye ring delicious honey to the ees,)>ome hither unto us, ,
22 Wherewith ye s!eed the hero as he fights for 7ine in hero attle, in the
strife for land and sons,
Wherewith ye safely guard his horses and his car,)>ome hither unto us, ,
Asvins with those aids.
2# Wherewith ye, Lords of "undred Powers, hel!ed 8utsa, son of Aduni,
gave Turviti and 6ahiti strength,
4avoured 6hvasanti and lent Purusanti hel!,)>ome hither unto us, , Asvins,
with those aids.
2& %a7e ye our s!eech effectual, , ye Asvins, and this our hymn, ye mighty
Wonder)Wor7ers.
In luc7less game I call on you for succour . strengthen us also on the field of
attle.
2( With, undiminished lessings, , ye Asvins, for evermore oth night and
day !rotect us.
and "eaven.
HYMN .XIII. Da-n.
1. This light is come, amid all lights the fairest: orn is the rilliant, far)
e$tending rightness.
=ight, sent away for 5avitar;s u!rising, hath yielded u! a irth)!lace for the
%orning.
2 The 4air, the -right is come with her white offs!ring: to her the 6ar7 ,ne
hath resigned her dwelling.
A7in, immortal, following each other, changing their colours oth the
heavens move onward.
# >ommon, unending is the 5isters; !athway: taught y the Gods, alternately
they travel.
4air)formed, of different hues and yet one)minded, =ight and 6awn clash
not, neither do they travel.
& -right leader of glad sounds, our eyes ehold her: s!lendid in hue she hath
unclosed the !ortals.
5he, stirring u! the world, hath shown us riches1 6awn hath awa7ened every
living creature.
( /ich 6awn, she sets afoot the coiled)u! slee!er, one for en9oyment, one
for wealth or worshi!,
Those who saw little for e$tended vision. All living creatures hath the 6awn
awa7ened.
* ,ne to high sway, one to e$alted glory, one to !ursue his gain, and one his
laour1
All to regard their different vocations, all moving creatures hath the 6awn
awa7ened.
+ We see her there, the >hild of "eaven a!!arent, the young %aid, flushing
in her shining raiment.
Thou soyran Lady of all earthly treasure, flush on us here, aus!icious 6awn,
this morning.
. 5he first of endless morns to come hereafter, follows the !ath of morns
that have de!arted.
6awn, at her rising, urges forth the living him who is dead she wa7es not
from his slumer.
0 As thou, 6awn, hast caused Agni to e 7indled, and with the 5un;s eye hast
revealed creation.
And hast awa7ened men to offer worshi!, thou hast !erformed, for Gods, a
nole service.
1@ "ow long a time, and they shall e together,)6awns that have shone and
6awns to shine hereafterB
5he yearns for former 6awns with eager longing, and goes forth gladly
shining with the others.
11 Gone are the men who in the days efore us loo7ed on the rising of the
earlier %orning.
We, we the living, now ehold her rightness and they come nigh who shall
hereafter see her.
12 4oe)chaser, orn of Law, the Law;s !rotectress, 9oy)giver wa7er of all
!leasant voices,
Aus!icious, ringing food for Gods; en9oyment, shine on us here, most
right, , 6awn, this morning.
1# 4rom days eternal hath 6awn shone, the Goddess, and shows this light
to)day, endowed with riches.
5o will she shine on days to come immortal she moves on in her own
strength, undecaying.
1& In the s7y;s orders hath she shone in s!lendour1 the Goddess hath
thrown off the veil of dar7ness.
Awa7ening the world with !ur!le horses, on her well)harnessed chariot
6awn a!!roaches.
1( -ringing all life)sustaining lessings with her, showing herself she sends
forth rilliant lustre.
Last of the countless mornings that have vanished, first of right morns to
come hath 6awn arisen.
1* AriseA the reath, the life, again hath reached us1 dar7ness hath !assed
away and light a!!roacheth.
5he for the 5un hath left a !ath to travel we have arrived where men
!rolong e$istence.
1+ 5inging the !raises of refulgent %ornings with his hymn;s we the !riest,
the !oet rises.
5hine then to)day, rich %aid, on him who lauds thee, shine down on us the
gift of life and offi!ring.
1. 6awns giving sons all heroes, 7ine and horses, shining u!on the man who
rings olations,)
These let the 5oma)!resser gain when ending his glad songs louder than the
voice of 'ayu.
10 %other of Gods, Aditi;s forui of glory, ensign of sacrifice, shine forth
e$alted.
/ise u!, estowing !raise on our devotion all)ounteous, nia7e us chief
among the !eo!le.
2@ Whatever s!lendid wealth the 6awns ring with them to less the man
who offers !raise and worshi!,
2ven that may %itra, 'aruna vouchsafe us, and Aditi and 5indhu, 2arth and
"eaven.
HYMN .XIV. Rudra.
1. To the strong /udra ring we these our songs of !raise, to him the Lord of
"eros with the raided hair,
That it e well with all our cattle and our men, that in this village all he
healthy and well)fed.
2 -e gracious unto us, , /udra, ring us 9oy1 thee, Lord of "eroes, thee with
reverence will we serve.
Whatever health and strength our father %anu won y sacrifice may we,
under thy guidance, gain.
# -y worshi! of the Gods may we, , -ounteous ,ne, , /udra, gain thy
grace, /uler of valiant men.
>ome to our families, ringing them liss1 may we, whose heroes are
unin9ured, ring thee sacred gifts,
& "ither we call for aid the wise, the wanderer, im!etuous /udra, !erfecter
of sacri fice.
%ay he re!el from us the anger of the Gods1 verily we desire his favourale
grace.
( "im with the raided hair we call with reverence down, the wild)oar of
the s7y, the red, the daCCling sha!e.
%ay he, his hand filled full of sovran medicines, grant us !rotection, shelter,
and a home secure.
* To him the %aruts; 4ather is this hymn addressed, to strengthen /udra;s
might, a song more sweet than sweet.
Grant us, Immortal ,ne, the food which mortals eat1 e gracious unto me,
my seed, my !rogeny.
+ , /udra, harm not either great or small of us, harm not the growing oy,
harm not the full)grown man.
5lay not a sire among us, slay no mother here, and to our own dear odies,
/udra, do not harm.
. "arm us not, /udra, in our seed and !rogeny, harm us not in the living, nor
in cows or steeds,
5lay not our heroes in the fury of thy wrath. -ringing olations evermore we
call to thee.
0 2ven as a herdsman I have rought thee hymns of !raise1 , 4ather of the
%aruts, give us ha!!iness,
-lessed is thy most favouring enevolence, so, verily, do we desire thy
saving hel!.
1@ 4ar e thy dart that 7illeth men or cattle1 thy liss e with us, , thou
Lord of "eroes.
-e gracious unto us, , God, and less us, and then vouchsafe us douly)
strong !rotection.
11 We, see7ing hel!, have s!o7en and adored him1 may /udra, girt y
%aruts, hear our calling.
and "eaven.
HYMN .XV. Surya.
1. T"2 rilliant !resence of the Gods hath risen, the eye of %itra, 'aruna
and Agni.
The soul of all that moveth not or moveth, the 5un hath filled the air and
earth and heaven.
2 Li7e as a young man followeth a maiden, so doth the 5un the 6awn,
refulgent Goddess1
Where !ious men e$tend their generations, efore the Aus!icious ,ne for
ha!!y fortune.
# Aus!icious are the 5un;s -ay)coloured "orses, right, changing hues, meet
for our shouts of trium!h.
-earing our !rayers, die s7y;s ridge have they mounted, and in a moment
s!eed round earth and heaven.
& This is the Godhead, this might of 5urya1 he hath withdrawn what s!read
o;er wor7 unfinished.
When he hath loosed his "orses from their station, straight over all =ight
s!readeth out her garment.
( In the s7y;s la! the 5un this form assumeth that 'aruna and %itra may
ehold it.
"is -ay 5teeds well maintain his !ower eternal, at one time right and
dar7some at another.
* This day, , Gods, while 5urya is ascending, deliver us from troule and
dishonour.
and "eaven.
HYMN .XVI. Asvins.
1. I T/I% li7e grass my song for the =asatyas and send their lauds forth as
the wind drives rain)clouds,
Who, in a chariot ra!id as an arrow, rought to the youthful 'imada a
consort.
2 -orne on y ra!id steeds of mighty !inion, or !roudly trusting in the Gods;
incitements.
That stallion ass of yours won, , =asatyas, that thousand in the race, in
<ama;s contest.
# <ea, Asvins, as a dead man leaves his riches, Tugra left -hu9yu in the cloud
of waters.
<e rought him ac7 in animated vessels, traversing air, unwetted y the
illows.
& -hu9yu ye ore with winged things, =asatyas, which for three nights, three
days full swiftly travelled,
To the sea;s farther shore, the strand of ocean, in three cars, hundred)
footed, with si$ horses.
( <e wrought that hero e$!loit in the ocean which giveth no su!!ort, or hold
or station,
What time ye carried -hu9yu to his dwelling, orne in a shi! with hundred
oars, , Asvins.
* The white horse which of old ye gave Aghasva, Asvins, a gift to e his
wealth for ever,)
5till to e !raised is that your glorious !resent, still to e famed is the raye
horse of Pedu.
+ , "eroes, ye gave wisdom to 8a7sivan who s!rang from Pa9ra;s line, who
sang your !raises.
<e !oured forth from the hoof of your strong charger a hundred 9ars of wine
as from a strainer.
. <e warded off with cold the fire;s fierce urning: food very rich in
nouri!liment ye furnished.
Atri, cast downward in the cavern, Asvins ye rought, with all his !eo!le,
forth to comfort.
0 <e lifted u! the well, , ye =asatyas, and set the ase on high to o!en
downward.
5treams flowed for fol7 of Gotama who thirsted, li7e rain to ring forth
thousandfold aundance.
1@ <e from the old >yavana, , =asatyas, stri!!ed, as ;twere mail, the s7in
u!on
his ody,
Lengthened his life when all had left him hel!less, 6asrasA and made him
lord of youthful maidens.
11 Worthy of !raise and worth the winning, "eroes, is that your favouring
succour , =asatyas,
What time ye, 7nowing well his case, delivered 'andana trom the !it li7e
hidden treasure.
12 That mighty deed of yours, for gain, , "eroes, as thunder heraldeth the
rain, I !ulish,
When, y the horse;s head, Atharvan;s offs!ring 6adhyac made 7nown to you
the 5oma;s sweetness.
1# In the great rite the wise dame called, =asatyas, you, Lords of many
treasures, to assist her.
<e heard the wea7ling;s wife, as ;twere an order, and gave to her a son
"iranyahasta.
1& <e from the wolf;s 9aws, as ye stood together, set free the ?uail, ,
"eroes, , =asatyas.
<e, Lords of many treasures, gave the !oet his !erfect vision as he mourned
his troule.
1( When in the time of night, in 8hela;s attle, a leg was severed li7e a wild
ird;s !inion,
5traight ye gave 'is!ali a leg of iron that she might move what time the
conflict o!ened.
1* "is father roed /9rasva of his eyesight who for the she)wolf slew a
hundred wethers.
<e gave him eyes, =asatyas, Wonder)Wor7ers, Physicians, that he saw with
sight unin9ured.
1+ The 6aughter of the 5un your car ascended, first reaching as it were the
goal with coursers.
All 6eities within their hearts assented, and ye, =asatyas, are close lin7ed
with glory.
1. When to his house ye came, to 6ivodasa, hasting to -haradva9a, , ye
Asvins,
The car that came with you rought s!lendid riches1 a !or!oise and a ull
were yo7ed together.
10 <e, ringing wealth with rule, and life with offs!ring, life rich in nole
heroes: , =asatyas,
Accordant came with strength to Dahnu;s children who offered you thrice
every day your !ortion.
2@ <e ore away at night y easy !athways Dahusa com!assed round on
every ?uarter,
And, with your car that cleaves the toe asunder, =asatyas never decayingA
rent the mountains.
21 ,ne morn ye strengthened 'aga for the attle, to gather s!oils that
might e told in thousands.
With Indra 9oined ye drove away misfortunes, yea foes of Prthusravas, , ye
mighty.
22 4rom the dee! well ye raised on high the water, so that /cat7a;s son,
5ara, should drin7 it:
And with your might, to hel! the weary 5ayu, ye made the arren cow yield
mil7, =asatyas.
2# To 'isva7a, =asatyasA son of 8rsna, the righteous man who sought your
aid and !raised you,
<e with your !owers restored, li7e some lost creature, his son 'isna!u for
his eyes to loo7 on.
2& Asvins, ye raised, li7e 5oma in a ladle /eha, who for ten days and ten
nights, fettered.
"ad lain in cruel onds, immersed and wounded, suffering sore affliction, in
the waters.
2( 1 have declared your wondrous deeds, , Asvins1 may this e mine, and
many 7ine and heroes.
%ay I, en9oying lengthened life, still seeing, enter old age as ;twere the
house I live in.
HYMN .XVII. Asvins.
1. A5'I=5, your ancient !riest invites you hither to gladden you with
draughts of meath of 5oma.
,ur gift is on the grass, our song a!!ortioned1 with food and strength come
hither, , =asatyas.
2 That car of yours, swifter than thought, , Asvins, which drawn y rave
steeds cometh to the !eo!le,
Whereon ye see7 the dwelling of the !ious,)come ye thereon to our aode,
, "eroes.
# <e freed sage Atri, whom the 4ive Tries honoured, from the strait !it, ye
"eroes with his !eo!le,
-affling the guiles of the malignant 6asyu, re!elling them, ye %ighty in
succession.
& /eha the sage, ye mighty "eroes, AsvinsA whom, li7e a horse, vile men
had sun7 in water,)
"im, wounded, with your wondrous !ower ye rescued1 your e$!loits of old
time endure for ever.
( <e rought forth 'andana, ye Wonder)Wor7ers, for trium!h, li7e fair gold
that hath een uried,
Li7e one who slumered in destruction;s osom, or li7e the 5un when
dwelling in the dar7ness.
* 8a7sivan, Pa9ra;s son, must laud that e$!loit of yours, =asatyas, "eroes, ye
who wanderA
When from the hoof of your strong horse ye showered a hundred 9ars of
honey for the !eo!le.
+ To 8rsna;s son, to 'isva7a who !raised you, , "eroes, ye restored his son
'isna!u.
To Ghosa, living in her father;s dwelling, stric7en in years, ye gave a
husand, Asvins.
. /usati, of the mighty !eo!le, Asvins, ye gave to 5yava of the line of 8anva.
This deed of yours, ye 5trong ,nes should e !ulished, that ye gave glory
to the son of =rsad.
0 , Asvins, wearing many forms at !leasure, on Pedu ye estowed a fleet)
foot courser,
5trong, winner of a thousand s!oils, resistless the ser!ent slayer, glorious,
trium!hant.
1@ These glorious things are yours, ye -ounteous Givers: !rayer, !raise in
oth worlds are your haitation.
, Asvins, when the sons of Paira call you, send strength with nourishment to
him who 7noweth.
11 "ymned with the reverence of a son, , Asvins ye 5wift ,nes giving ooty
to the singer,
Glorified y Agastya with devotion, estalished 'is!ala again, =asatyas.
12 <e 5ons of "eaven, ye %ighty, whither went ye, sought ye, for his fair
!raise the home of 8dvya.
When, li7e a !itcher full of gold, , Asvins, on the tenth day ye lifted u! the
uriedB
1# <e with the aid of your great !owers, , Asvins, restored to youth the
ancient man >yavana.
The 6aughter of the 5un with all her glory, , ye =asatyas, chose your car to
ear her.
1& <e, ever)youthful ,nes, again rememered Tugra, according to your
ancient manner1
With horses rown of hue that flew with swift wings ye rought ac7 -hu9yu
from the sea of illows.
1( The son of Tugra had invo7ed you, Asvins: orne on he went unin9ured
through the ocean.
<e with your chariot swift as thought, well)harnessed, carried him off, ,
%ighty ,nes, to safety.
1* The ?uail had invocated you, , Asvins, when from the wolf;s devouring
9aws ye freed her.
With con?uering car ye cleft the mountain;s ridges1 the offs!ring of 'isvac
ye 7illed with !oison.
1+ "e whom for furnishing a hundred wethers to the she)wolf, his wic7ed
father linded,
To him, /9rasva, gave ye eyes, , Asvins: light to the lind ye sent for !erfect
vision.
1. To ring the lind man 9oy thus cried the she)wolf1 , Asvins, , ye %ighty
,nes, , "eroes,
4or me /9rasva, li7e a youthful lover, hath. cut !iecemeal one and a
hundred wethers.
10 Great and weal)giving is your aid, , Asvins, ye, o9ects of all thought,
made whole the cri!!le.
Purandhi also for this cause invo7ed you, and ye, , mighty, came to her with
succours.
2@ <e, Wonder)Wor7ers, filled with mil7 for 5ayu the mil7less cow,
emaciated, arren:
And y your !owers the child of Purumitra ye rought to 'imada to e his
consort.
21 Ploughing and sowing arley, , ye Asvins, mil7ing out food for men, ye
Wonder)Wor7ers,
-lasting away the 6asyu with your trum!et, ye gave far)s!reading light unto
the Arya.
22 <e rought the horse;s head, Asvins, and gave it unto 6adhyac the
offs!ring of Atharvan.
True, he revealed to you, , WonderWor7ers, sweet 5oma, Tvastar;s secret,
as your girdle.
2# , 5ages, evermore I crave your favour1 e gracious unto all my !rayers, ,
Asvins.
Grant me, =asatyas, riches in aundance, wealth famous and accom!anied
with children.
2& With lieral ounty to the wea7ling;s consorts ye, "eroes, gave a son
"iranyahasta:
And 5yava, cut into three several !ieces, ye rougnt to life again, ,
ounteous Asvins.
2( These your heroic e$!loits, , ye Asvins, done in the days. of old, have
men related.
%ay we, addressing !rayer to you, ye %ighty, s!ea7 with rave sons aout us
to. the synod.
HYMN .XVIII. Asvins.
1. 4L<I=G, with falcons, may your chariot, Asvins, most gracious, ringing
friendly
hel!, come hither,)
<our chariot, swifter than the mind of mortal, fleet as the wind, three)
seated , ye %ighty.
2 >ome to us with your chariot tri!le seated, three)wheeled, of tri!le form,
that rolleth lightly.
4ill full our cows, give mettle to our horses, and ma7e each hero son grow
strong, , Asvins.
# With your well)rolling car, descending swiftly, hear this the !ress)stone;s
song, ye Wonder)Wor7ers.
"ow then have ancient sages said, , Asvins, that ye most swiftly come to
stay afflictionB
& , Asvins, let your falcons ear you hither, yo7ed to your chariot, swift,
with flying !inions,
Which, ever active, li7e the airy eagles, carry you, , =asatyas, to the
an?uet.
( The youthful 6aughter of the 5un, delighting in you, ascended there your
chariot, "eroes.
-orne on their swift wings let your eauteous horses, your irds of ruddy
hue, convey you near us.
* <e raised u! 'andana, strong WonderWor7ersA with great might, and with
!ower ye rescued /eha.
4rom out the sea ye saved the son of Tugra, and gave his youth again unto
>yavana.
+ To Atri, cast down to the fire that scorched him, ye gave, , Asvins,
strengthening tod and favour.
Acce!ting his fair !raises with a!!roval, ye gave his eyes again to linded
8anva.
. 4or ancient 5ayti in his sore affliction ye caused his cow to swell with
mil7, , Asvins.
The ?uail from her great misery ye delivered, and a new leg for 'is!ala
!rovided.
0 A white horse, Asvins, ye estowed on Pedu, a ser!ent)slaying steed sent
down y Indra,
Loud)neighing, con?uering the foe, highmettled, firm)limed and vigorous,
winning thousand treasures.
1@ 5uch as ye are, , noly horn, , "eroes, we in our troule call on you for
succour.
Acce!ting these our songs, for our welleing come to us on your chariot
treasure)laden.
11 >ome unto us comined in love, =asatyas come with the fresh swift
vigour of the falcon.
-earing olations I invo7e you, Asvins, at the first rea7 of everlasting
morning.
HYMN .XIX. Asvins.
1. "IT"2/, that I may live, I call unto the feast your wondrous car, thought)
swift, orne on y ra!id steeds.
With thousand anners, hundred treasures, !ouring gifts, !rom!tly
oedient, estowing am!le room.
2 2ven as it moveth near my hymn is lifted u!, and all the regions come
together to sing !raise.
I sweeten the olations: now the hel!ers come. 3r9ani hath, , Asvins,
mounted on your car.
# When striving man with man for glory they have met, ris7, measurcIess,
eager for victory in fight,
Then verily your car is seen u!on the slo!e when ye, , Asvins, ring some
choice oon to the !rince.
& <e came to -hu9yu while he struggled in the flood, with flying irds, self)
yo7ed, ye ore him to his sires.
<e went to the far)distant home, , %ighty ,nes: and famed is your great aid
to 6ivodisa given.
( Asvins, the car which you had yo7ed for glorious show your own two voices
urged directed to its goal.
Then she who came for friendshi!, %aid of nole irth, elected you as
"usands, you to e her Lords.
* /eha ye saved from tyranny: for Atri;s sa7e ye ?uenched with cold the
fiery !it that com!assed him.
<e made the cow of 5ayu stream refreshing mil7, and 'andana was hol!en to
e$tended life.
+ 6oers of marvels, s7ilful wor7ers, ye restored 'andana, li7e a car, worn
out with length of days.
4rom earth ye rought the sage to life in wondrous mode: e your great
deeds done here for him who honours you.
. <e went to him who mourned in a far distant !lace, him who was left
forlorn y treachery of his sire.
/ich with the light ofheaven was then the hel! ye gave, and marvellous your
succour when ye stood y him.
0 To you in !raise of sweetness sang the honey)ee1 Ausi9a calleth you in
5oma;s ra!turous 9oy.
<e drew unto yourselves the s!irit of 6adhyac, and then the horse;s head
uttered his words to you.
1@ A horse did ye !rovide for Pedu, e$cellent, white, , ye Asvins, con?ueror
of comatants,
Invincile in war y arrows, see7ing heaven worthy of fame, li7e Indra,
van?uisher of men.
HYMN .XX. Asvins.
1. A5'I=5, what !raise may win your graceB Who may e !leasing to you
othB
"ow shall the ignorant worshi! youB
2 "ere let the ignorant as7 the means of you who 7now)for none eside you
7noweth aught )
=ot of a s!iritless mortal man.
# 5uch as ye1 are, all)wise, we call you. <e wise, declare to us this day
acce!ted !rayer.
Loving you well your servant lauds you.
& 5im!ly, ye %ighty ,nes, I as7 the Gods of that wondrous olation hallowed
y the mystic word.
5ave us from what is stronger, fiercer than ourselves.
( 4orth go the hymn that shone in Ghosa -hrgu;s li7e, the song wherewith
the son of Pa9ra worshi!s you,
Li7e some wise minister.
* "ear ye the song of him who hastens s!eedily. , Asvins, I am he who sang
your !raise.
"ither, ye Lords of 5!lendour, hither turn your eyes.
+ 4or ye were ever nigh to deal forth am!le wealth, to give the wealth that
ye had gathered u!.
As such, ye 'asus, guard us well, and 7ee! us safely from the wic7ed wolf.
. Give us not u! to any man who hateth us, nor let our milch)cows stray,
whose udders give us food,
4ar from our homes without their calves.
0 %ay they who love you gain you for their 4riends. Pre!are ye us for
o!ulence with strengthening food,
Pre!are us for the food that floweth from our cows
1@ 1 have otained the horseless car of Asvins rich in sacrifice,
And I am well content therewith.
11 %ay it convey me evermore1 may the light chariot !ass from men
To men unto the 5oma draught.
12 It holdeth slumer in contem!t. and the rich who en9oyeth not1
-oth vanish ?uic7ly and are lost.
HYMN .XXI' Indra.
1. W"2= Will men;s guardians hasting hear with favour the song of Angiras;s
!ious
childernB
When to the !eo!le of the home he cometh he strideth to the sacrifice, the
"oly.
2 "e stalished heaven: he !oured forth, s7ilful wor7er, the wealth of 7ine,
for strength, that nurtures heroes.
The %ighty ,ne his self)orn host regarded, the horse;s mate, the mother of
the heifer.
# Lord of red dawns, he came victorious, daily to the Angirases; former
invocation.
"is olt and team hath he !re!ared, and stalished the heaven for
?uadru!eds and men two)footed.
& In 9oy of this thou didst restore, for worshi!, the lowing com!any of
hidden cattle.
When the three)!ointed one descends with onslaught he o!ens wide the
doors that cause man troule.
( Thine is that mil7 which thy swift)moving Parents rought down, a
strengthening genial gift for con?uest:
When the !ure treasure unto thee they offered, the mil7 shed from the cow
who streameth nectar.
* There is he orn. %ay the 5wift give us ra!ture, and li7e the 5un shine
forth from yonder dawning,
Indu, even us who dran7, whose toils are offerings, !oured from the s!oon,
with !raise, u!on the altar.
+ When the wood)!ile, made of good logs, is ready, at the 5un;s worshi! to
ind fast the -ulloc7,
Then when thou shinest forth through days of action for the >ar)orne, the
5wift, tile >attle)see7er.
. 2ight steeds thou roughtest down from mighty heaven, when fighting for
the well that giveth s!lendour,
That men might !ress with stones the gladdening yellow, strengthened with
mil7, fermenting, to e$alt thee.
0 Thou hurledst forth from heaven the iron missile, rought y the 57ilful,
from the sling of leather,
When thou, , %uch)invo7ed, assisting 8utsa with endless deadly darts didst
com!ass 5usna.
1@ -olt)armed, ere dar7ness overtoo7 the sunlight, thou castest at the
veiling cloud thy wea!on,
Thou rentest, out of heaven, though firmly 7notted, the might of 5usna that
was thrown around him.
11 The mighty "eaven and 2arth, those right e$!anses that have no
wheels, 9oyed, Indra, at thine e$!loit.
'rtra, the oar who lay amid the waters, to slee! thou sentest with thy
mighty thunder.
12 %ount Indra, lover of the men thou guardest, the well)yo7ed horses of
the wind, est earers.
The olt which 8avya 3sana erst gave thee, strong, gladdening, 'rtra)
slaying, hath he fashioned F
1# The strong -ay "orses of the 5un thou stayedst1 this 2tasa drew not the
wheel, , Indra.
>asting them forth eyond the ninety rivers thou dravest down into the !it
the godless.
1& Indra, !reserve thou us from this affliction Thunder)armed, save us from
the misery near us.
'ouchsafe us affluence in chariots, founded on horses, for our food and
fame and gladness.
1( =ever may this thy loving)7indness fail us: mighty in strength, may
!lenteous food surround us.
%aghavan, ma7e us share the foeman;s cattle1 may we e thy most lieral
feast com!anions.
HYMN .XXII Visvad!vas.
1. 5A<, ringing sacrifice to ounteous /udra, This 9uice for drin7 to you
whose wrath is fleetingA
With 6yaus the Asura;s "eroes I have lauded the %aruts as with !rayer to
2arth and "eaven.
2 5trong to e$alt the early invocation are =ight and 6awn who show with
varied as!ect.
The -arren clothes her in wide)woven raiment, and fair %orn shines with
5urya;s golden s!lendour.
# >heer us the /oamer round, who stri7es at morning, the Wind delight us,
!ourer forth of watersA
5har!en our wits, , Parvata and Indra. %ay all the Gods vouchsafe to us this
favour.
& And Ausi9a shall call for me that famous Pair who en9oy and drin7, who
come to righten.
5et ye the ,ffs!ring of the 4loods efore you: oth %others of the Living
,ne who eameth.
( 4or you shall Ausi9a call him who thunders, as, to win Ar9una;s assent,
cried Ghosa.
I will invo7e, that Pusan may e ounteous to you, the rich munificence of
Agni.
* "ear, %itra)'aruna, these mine invocations, hear them from all men in the
hall of worshi!.
Giver of famous gifts, 7ind hearer, 5indhu who gives fair fields, listen with
all his waters 1
+ Praised, %itra, 'arunaA is your gift, a hundred cows to the Pr7sayamas and
the Pa9ra.
Presented y car)famous Priyaratha, su!!lying nourishment, they came
directly.
. Praised is the gift of him the very wealthy1 may we en9oy it, men with
hero children1
"is who hath many gifts to give the Pa9ras, a chief who ma7es me rich in
cars and horses.
0 The fol7, , %itra)'aruna, who hate you, who sinfully hating !our you no
liations,
Lay in their hearts, themselves, a wasting sic7ness, whereas the righteous
gaineth all y worshi!.
1@ That man, most !uissant, wondrously urged onward, famed among
heroes, lieral in giving,
%oveth a warrior, evermore undaunted in all encounters even with the
mighty.
11 >ome to the man;s, the sacrificer;s calling1 hear, 8ings of Immortality,
9oy)giversA
While ye who s!eed through clouds decree your ounty largely, for fame, to
him the chariot rider.
12 'igour will we estow on that adorer whose tenfold draught we come to
taste, so s!a7e they.
%ay all in whom rest s!lendour and great riches otain refreshment in these
sacrifices.
1# We will re9oice to drin7 the tenfold !resent when the twicefive come
earing sacred viands.
What can he do whose steeds and reins are choicestB These, the all)!otent,
urge rave men to con?uest.
1& The sea and all the 6eities shall give us him with the golden car and nec7
e9ewelled.
6awns, hasting to the !raises otthe !ious, e !leased with us. oth offerers
and singers.
1( 4our youthful sons of %asarsara ve$ me, three, of the 7ing, the
con?uering Ayavasa.
=ow li7e the 5un, , 'aruna and %itra, your car hath shone, long)sha!ed and
reined with s!lendour.
HYMN .XXIII. Da-n.
1. T"2 6a7sina;s road chariot hath een harnessed1 this car the Gods
Immortal have ascended.
4ain to ring light to homes of men the nole and active Goddess hath
emerged from dar7ness.
2 5he efore all the living world hath wa7ened, the Lofty ,ne who wins and
gathers treasure.
/evived and ever young on high she glances. 6awn hath come first unto our
morning worshi!.
# If, 6awn, thou Goddess noly orn, thou dealest fortune this day to all the
race of mortals,
%ay 5avitar the God, 4riend of the homestead, declare efore the 5un that
we are sinless.
& 5howing her wonted form each day that !asseth, s!reading the light she
visiteth each dwelling.
2ager for con?uest, with right sheen she cometh. "er !ortion is the est of
goodly treasures.
( 5ister of 'aruna, sister of -haga, first among all sing forth, , 9oyous
%orning.
Wea7 e the strength of him who wor7eth evil ) may we sudue him with
our car the guerdon.
* Let our glad hymns and holy thoughts rise u!ward, for the flames rightly
urning have ascended.
The far)refulgent %ornings ma7e a!!arent the lovely treasures which the
dar7ness covered.
+ The one de!arteth and the other cometh1 unli7e in hue day;s, halves
march on successive.
,ne hides the gloom of the surrounding Parents. 6awn on her shining chariot
is res!lendent.
. The same in form to)day, the same tomorrow, they still 7ee! 'aruna;s
eternal statute.
-lameless, in turn they traverse thirty regions, and dart across the s!irit in a
moment.
0 5he who hath 7nowledge ,f the first day;s nature is orn refulgent white
The %aiden rea7eth not the law of ,rder, day y day coming to the !lace
a!!ointed.
1@ In !ride of eauty li7e a maid thou goest, , Goddess, to the God who
longs to win thee,
And smiling youthful, as thou shinest rightly, efore him thou discoverest
thy osom.
11 4air as a ride emellished y her mother thou showest forth thy form
that all may see it.
-lessed art thou , 6awn. 5hine yet more widely. =o other 6awns have
reached what thou attainest.
12 /ich in 7ine, horses, and all goodly treasures, in constant o!eration with
the suneams,
The 6awns de!art and come again again assuming their wonted forms that
!romise ha!!y fortune.
1# ,edient to the rein of Law 2ternal give us each thought that more and
more shall less us.
5hine thou on us to)day, 6awn, swift to listen. With us e riches and with
chiefs who worshi!.
HYMN .XXIV. Da-n.
1. T"2 6awn refulgent when the fire is 7indled, and the 5un rising, far
diffuse their rightness.
5avitar, God, hath sentus forth to laour, each ?uadru!ed, each i!ed, to e
active.
2 =ot interru!ting heavenly ordinances, although she minisheth human
generations.
The last of endless morns that have de!arted, the first of those that come,
6awn rightly shineth.
# There in the eastern region she, "eaven;s 6aughter, arrayed in garments
all of light, a!!eareth.
Truly she fo1loweth the !ath of ,rder, nor faileth, 7nowing well, the
heavenly ?uarters.
& =ear is she seen, as ;twere the -right ,ne;s osom1 she showeth sweet
things li7e a new song)singer.
5he cometh li7e a fly awa7ing slee!ers, of all. returning dames most true
and constant.
( There in the east half of the watery region the %other of the >ows hath
shown her ensign.
Wider and wider still she s!readeth onward, and filleth full the la!s of oth
heir Parents.
* 5he, verily, e$ceeding vast to loo7 on dearreth from her light nor 7in nor
stranger.
Proud of her s!otless form she, rightly shiming, turneth not from the high
nor froom the humle.
+ 5he see7eth men, as she who hath no rother, mounting her car, as ;twere
to gather riches.
6awn, li7e a loving matron for her husand, smiling and well attired,
unmas7s her eauty.
. The 5ister ?uitteth, for the elder 5ister, her !lace, and having loo7ed on
her de!arteth.
5he dec7s her eauty, shining forth with suneams, li7e women troo!ing to
the festal meeting.
0 To all these 5isters who ere now have vanished a later one each day in
course succeedeth.
5o, li7e the !ast, with days of ha!!y fortune, may the new 6awns shine
forth on us with riches.
1@ /ouse u!, , Wealthy ,ne, the lieral givers: let niggard traffic7ers slee!
on unwa7ened1
5hine richly, Wealthy ,ne, on those who worshi!, richly, glad.
6awn while wasting, on the singer.
11 This young %aid from the east hath shone u!on us: she harnesseth her
team of right red o$en.
5he will eam forth, the light will hasten hither, and Agni will e !resent in
each dwelling.
12 As the irds fly forth from their resting !laces, so men with store of food
rise at thy dawning.
<ea, to the lieral mortal who remaineth at home, , Goddess 6awn, much
good thou ringest.
1# Praised through my !rayer e ye who should e lauded. <e have
increased our wealth, ye 6awns who love us.
Goddesses, may we win y your good favour wealth to e told y hundreds
and y thousands.
HYMN .XXV. Svanaya.
1. >,%I=G at early morn he gives his treasure: the !rudent one receives and
entertains him.
Therey increasing still his life and offs!ring, he comes with rave sons to
aundant riches.
2 /ich shall he e in gold and 7ine and horses. Indra estows on him great
vital !ower,
Who stays thee, as thou comest, with his treasure, li7e game caught in the
net, , early comer.
# Longing, I came this morning to the !ious, the son of sacrifice, with car
wealth. laden.
Give him to drin7 9uice of the stal7 that gladdens: !ros!er with !leasant
hymns the Lord of "eroes.
& "ealth)ringing streams, as milch)cows, flow to !rofit him who hath
worshi!!ed, him who now will worshi!.
To him who freely gives and fills on all sides full streams of fatness flow and
ma7e him famous.
( ,n the high ridge of heaven he stands e$alted, yea, to the Gods he goes,
the lieral giver.
The streams, the waters flow for him with fatness1 to him this guerdon ever
yields aundance.
* 4or those who give rich meeds are all these s!lendours, for those who give
rich meeds suns shine in heaven.
The givers of rich meeds are made immortal: the givers of rich fees !rolong
their lifetime.
+ Let not the lieral sin7 to sin and sorrow, never decay the !ious )chiefs
who worshi!A
Let every man esides e their !rotection, and let affliction fall u!on the
niggard.
HYMN .XXVI. B#avayavya.
1. WIT" wisdom I !resent these lively !raises of -havya dweller on the an7
of 5indhu:
4or he, uncon?uered 8ing, desiring glory, hath furnished me a thousand
sacrifices.
2 A hundred nec7lets from the 8ing, eseeching, a hundred gift)steeds I at
once acce!ted:
,f the lord;s cows a thousand, I 8a7sivan. "is deathless glory hath he s!read
to heaven.
# "orses of dus7y colour stood eside me, ten chariots, 5vanaya;s gift, with
mares to draw them.
8ine numering si$ty thousand followed after. 8a7sivan gained them when
the days were closing.
& 4orty ay horses of the ten cars; master efore a thousand lead the long
!rocession.
/eeling in 9oy 8a7sivan;s sons and Pa9ra;s have grounded the coursers dec7ed
with !early tra!!ings.
( An earlier gift for you have I acce!ted eight cows, good mil7ers, and tree
harnessed horses,
Pa9ras, who with your wains with your great 7insman, li7e troo!s of
su9ects, have een fain for glory.
HYMN .XXVII Agni.
1. AG=I I hold as herald, the munificent, the gracious, 5on of 5trength, who
7noweth all that live, as holy 5inger, 7nowing all,
Lord of fair rites, a God with form erected turning to the Gods,
"e, when the flame hath s!rung forth from the holy oil, the offered fatness,
longeth for it with his glow.
2 We, sacrificing, call on thee est worshi!!er, the eldest of Angirases,
5inger, with hymns, thee, rilliant ,neA with singers; hymns:
Thee, wandering round as ;t were the s7y, who art the invo7ing Priest of
men,
Whom, -ull with hair of flame the !eo!le must oserve, the !eo!le that he
s!eed them on.
# "e with his shining glory laCing far and wide, he verily it is who slayeth
demon foes, slayeth the demons li7e an a$e1
At whose close touch things solid sha7e, and what is stale yields li7e trees.
5uduing all, he 7ee!s his ground and flinches not, from the s7illed archer
flinches not.
& To him, as one who 7nows, even things solid yield1 unrough fire)stic7s
heated hot he gives his gifts to aid. %en offer Agni gifts for aid.
"e dee!ly !iercing many a thing hews it li7e wood with fervent glow.
2ven hard and solid food he crunches with his might, yea, hard and solid
food with might.
( "ere near we !lace the sacrificial food for him who shines forth fairer in
the night than in the day, with life then stronger than y day.
"is life gives sure and firm defence as that one giveth to a son.
The during fires en9oy things given and things not given, the during fires
en9oy as food.
* "e, roaring very loudly li7e the %aruts; host, in fertile cultivated fields
adorale, in desert s!ots adorale,
Acce!ts and eats our offered gifts, ensign of sacrifice y desert:
5o let all, 9oying, love his !ath when he is glad, as men !ursue a !ath for
liss.
+ 2ven as they who sarig forth hymns, addressed to heaven, the -lirgus with
their !rayer and !raise invited him, the -hrgus ruing, offering gifts.
4or radiant Agni, Lord of all these treasures, is e$ceeding strong.
%ay he, the wise, acce!t the grateful coverings, the wise acce!t the
coverings.
. Thee we invo7e, the Lord of all our settled homes, common to all, the
household;s guardian, to en9oy, earer of true hymns, to en9oy.
Thee we invo7e, the guest of men, y whose mouth, even as a sire;s,
All these Immortals come to gain their food of life, olations come to Gods
as food.
0 Thou, Agni, most victorious with thy con?uering strength, most %ighty
,ne, art orn for service of the Gods, li7e wealth for service of the Gods.
%ost mighty is thine ecstasy, most s!lendid is thy mental !ower.
Therefore men wait u!on thee, undecaying ,ne, li7e vassals, undecaying
,ne.
1@ To him the mighty, con?uering with victorious strength, to Agni wal7ing
with the dawn, who sendeth 7ine, e sung your laud, to Agni sung:
As he who with olation comes calls him aloud in every !lace.
-efore the rands of fire he shouteth singerli7e, the herald, 7indler of the
rands.
11 Agni, eheld y us in nearest neighourhood, accordant with the Gods,
ring us, with gracious love, great riches with thy gracious love.
Give us , %ightiest, what is great, to see and to en9oy the earth.
As one of awful !ower, stir u! heroic might for those who !raise thee,
-ounteous LordA
HYMN .XXVIII. Agni.
1. -y %anu;s law was orn this Agni, Priest most s7illed, orn for the holy
wor7 of those who yearn therefore, yea, orn for his own holy wor7.
All ear to him who see7s his love and wealth to him who strives for fame,
Priest ne;er deceived, he sits in Ila;s holy !lace, girt round in Ila;s holy !lace.
2 We call that !erfecter of worshi! y the !ath or sacrifice: with reverence
rich in offerings, with worshi! rich in offerings.
Through !resentation of our food he grows not old in this his from:
The God whom %atarisvan rought from far away, for %anu rought from far
away.
# In ordered course forthwith he traverses the earth, swift)swallowing,
ellowing 5teer, earing the genial seed, earing the seed and ellowing.
,servant with a hundred eyes the God is con?ueror in the wood1
Agni, who hath his seat in road !lains here elow, and in the high lands far
away.
& That Agni, wise "igh)Priest, in every house ta7es thought for sacrifice and
holy service, yea, ta7es thought, with mental !ower, for sacrifice.
6is!oser, he with mental !ower shows all things unto him who strives:
Whence he was orn a guest enriched with holy oil, orn as ,rdainer and as
Priest.
( When through his !ower and in his strong !revailing flames the %aruts;
gladdening oons mingle with Agni;s roar, oons gladdening for the active
,ne,
Then he accelerates the gift, and y the greatness of his wealth,
5hall rescue us from overwhelming misery, from curse and overwhelming
woe.
* 'ast, universal, good he was made messenger: the s!eeder with his right
hand hath not loosed his hold, through love of fame not loosed his hold.
"e ears olations to the Gods for whosoever su!!licates.
Agni estows a lessing on each !ious man, and o!ens wide the doors for
him.
+ That Agni hath een set most 7ind in cam! of men, in sacrifice li7e a Lord
victorious, li7e a dear Lord in sacred rites.
"is are the olations of man7ind when offered u! at Ili;s !lace.
"e shall !reserve us from 'aruna;s chastisement, yea, from the great God;s
chastisement.
. Agni the Priest they su!!licate to grant them wealth1 him, dear, most
thoughtful, have they made their messenger, him, offering)earer have they
made,
-eloved of all, who 7noweth all, the Priest, the "oly one, the 5age)
"im, 4riend, for hel!, the Gods when they are fain for wealth, him, 4riend,
with hymns, when fain for wealth.
HYMN .XXIX Indra.
1. T"2 car which Indra, thou, for service of the Gods though it e far away,
, swift ,ne, ringest near, which, -lameless ,ne, thou ringest near,
Place swiftly nigh us for our hel!1 e it thy will that it e strong.
-lameless and active, hear this s!eech of orderers, this s!eech of us li7e
orderers.
2 "ear, Indra, thou whom men in every fight must call to show thy strength,
for cry of attle with the men, with men of war for victory.
"e who with heroes wins the light, who with the singers gains the !riCe,
"im the rich see7 to gain even as a swift strong steed, even as a courser
fleet and strong.
# Thou, %ighty, !ourest forth the hide that holds the rain, thou 7ee!est far
away, "ero, the wic7ed man, thou shuttest out the wic7ed man.
Indra, to thee I sing, to 6yaus, to /udra glorious in himself,
To %itra, 'aruna I sing a far)famed hymn to the 7ind God a far)famed hymn.
& We. wish our Indra here that he may further you, the 4riend, eloved of
all, the very strong ally, in wars the very strong ally
In all encounters strengthen thou our !rayer to e a hel! to us.
=o enemy)whom thou smitest downsudueth thee, no enemy, whom thou
smitest down.
( -ow down the overweening !ride of every foe with succour li7e to
7indling)wood in fiercest flame, with mighty succour, %ighty ,ne.
Guide us, thou "ero, as of old, so art thou counted lameless still.
Thou drivest, as a Priest, all sins of man away, as Priest, in !erson, see7ing
us.
* This may I utter to the !resent 5oma)dro!, which, meet to e invo7ed,
with !ower, awa7es the !rayer, awa7es the demon)slaying !rayer.
%ay he himself with darts of death drive far from us the scorner;s hate.
4ar let him flee away who s!ea7eth wic7edness and vanish li7e a mote of
dust.
+ -y thoughtful invocation this may we otain, otain great wealth, ,
Wealthy ,ne, with "ero sons, wealth that is sweet with hero sons.
"im who is wroth we !acify with sacred food and eulogies,
Indra the "oly with our calls ins!ired and true, the "oly ,ne with calls
ins!ired.
. ,n, for your good and ours, come Indra with the aid of his own lordliness
to drive the wic7ed hence, to rend the evilhearted onesA
The wea!on which devouring fiends cast at us shall destroy themselves.
5truc7 down, it shall not reach the mar7: hurled forth, the fire)rand shall
not stri7e.
0 With riches in aundance, Indra, come to us, come y an unostructed
!ath, come y a !ath from demons free.
-e with us when we stray afar, e with us when our home is nigh.
Protect us with thy hel! oth near and far away1 !rotect us ever with thy
hel!.
1@ Thou art our own, , Indra, with victorious wealth1 let might accom!any
thee, the 5trong, to give us aid, li7e %itra, to give mighty aid.
, strongest saviour, hel!er thou, ImmortalA of each warrior;s car.
"urt thou another and not us, , Thunderarmed, one who would hurt, ,
Thunder)armedA
11 5ave us from in9ury, thou who art well e$tolled1 ever the warder)off art
thou of wic7ed ones, even as a God, of wic7ed ones:
Thou slayer of the evil fiend, saviour of singer such as I.
Good Lord, the 4ather made thee slayer of the fiends, made thee, good
Lord, to slay the fiends.
HYMN .XXX. Indra.
1. >ome to us, Indra, from afar, conducting us even as a lord of heroes to
the gatherings, home, li7e a 8ing, his heroes; lord.
We come with gifts of !leasant food, with 9uice !oured forth, invo7ing thee,
As sons invite a sire, that thou mayst get thee strength thee, ounteousest,
to get thee strength.
2 , Indra, drin7 the 5oma 9uice !ressed out with stones. !oured from the
reservoir, as an o$ drin7s the s!ring, a very thirsty ull the s!ring.
4or the sweet draught that gladdens thee, for mightiest freshening of thy
strength.
Let thy -ay "orses ring thee hither as the 5un, as every day they ring the
5un.
# "e found the treasure rought from heaven that lay concealed, close)
hidden, li7e the nestling of a ird, in roc7, enclosed in never)enffing roc7.
-est Angiras, olt)armed, he strove to win, as ;twere, the stall of 7ine:
5o Indra hath disclosed the food concealed, disclosed the doors, the food
that lay concealed.
& Gras!ing his thunderolt with oth hands, Indra made its edge most 7een,
for hurling, li7e a carving)7nife for Ahi;s slaughter made it 7een.
2ndued with ma9esty and strength, , Indra, and with lordly might,
Thou crashest down the trees, as when a craftsman fells, crashest them
down as with an a$e.
( Thou, Indra, without effort hast let loose the floods to run their free
course down,
li7e chariots, to the sea, li7e chariots showing forth their strength.
They, reaching hence away, have 9oined their strength for one eternal end,
2ven as the cows who !oured forth every thing for man, <ea, !oured forth
all thing) for man7ind.
* 2ager for riches, men have formed for thee this song, li7e as a s7ilful
craftsman fashioneth a car, so have they wrought thee to their liss:
Adorning thee, , 5inger, li7e a generous steed for deeds of might,
<ea, li7e a steed to show his strength and win the !riCe, that he may ear
each !riCe away.
+ 4or Puru thou hast shattered, Indra ninety forts, for 6ivodasa thy oon
servant with thy olt, , 6ancer, for thy worshi!!er.
4or Atithigva he, the 5trong, rought 5amara. from the mountain down,
6istriuting the mighty treasures with his strength, !arting all treasures
with his strength.
. Indra in attles hel! his Aryan worshi!!er, he who hath hundred hel!s at
hand in every fray, in frays that win the light of heaven.
Plaguing the lawless he gave u! to %anu;s seed the dus7y s7in:
-laCing, ;twere, he urns each covetous man away, he urns, the tyrannous
away.
0 Wa$ed strong in might at dawn he tore the 5un;s wheel off. -right red, he
steals away their s!eech, the Lord of Power, their s!eech he steals away
from them,
As thou with eager s!eed, , 5age, hast come from far away to hel
As winning for thine own all ha!!iness of men, winning all ha!!iness each
day.
1@ Lauded with our new hymns, , vigorous in deed, save us with
strengthening hel!, thou 5hatterer of the 4ortsA
Thou, Indra, !raised y 6ivodasa;s clansmen, as heaven grows great with
days, shalt wa$ in glory.
HYMN .XXXI. Indra.
1. To Indra 6yaus the Asura hath owed him down, to Indra mighty 2arth
with wide)e$tending tracts, to win the light, with wide)s!read tracts.
All Gods of one accord have set Indra in front !reeminent.
4or Indra all liations must e set a!art, all man;s liations set a!art.
2 In all liations men with hero s!irit urge the 3niversal ,ne, each see7ing
several light, each fain to win the light a!art.
Thee, furthering li7e a shi!, will we set to the chariot)!ole of strength,
As men who win with sacrifices Indra;s thought, men who win Indra with
their lauds.
# >ou!les desirous of thine aid are storming thee, !ouring their !resents
forth to win a stall of 7ine, !ouring gifts, Indra, see7ing thee.
When two men see7ing s!oil or heaven thou ringest face to face in war,
Thou showest, Indra, )then the olt thy constant friend, the -ull that ever
waits on thee.
& This thine heroic !ower men of old time have 7nown, wherewith thou
rea7est down, Indra, autumnal forts, rea7est them down with con?uering
might.
Thou hast chastised, , Indra, Lord of 5trength, the man who worshi!s not,
And made thine own this great earth and these water)floods: with 9oyous
heart these waterfloods.
( And they have ruited far this hero)might when thou, , 5trong ,ne, in thy
9oy hel!est thy su!!liants, who sought to win thee for their 4riend.
Their attle)cry thou madest sound victorious in the shoc7s of war.
,ne stream after another have they gained from thee, eager for glory have
they gained.
*. Also this morn may he e well inclined to us, mar7 at our call our
offerings and our song of !raise, our call that we may win the light.
As thou, , Indra Thunder)armed, wilt, as the 5trong ,ne, slay the foe,
Listen thou to the !rayer of me a later sage, hear thou a later sage;s !rayer.
+ , Indra, wa$en strong and well)inclined to us, thou very mighty, slay the
man that is our foe, slay the man, "eroA with thy olt.
5lay thou the man who in9ures us1 hear thou, as readiest, to hear.
4ar e malignity, li7e mischief on the march, afar e all malignity.
HYMN .XXXII. Indra.
1. "2LP26, Indra %aghavan, y thee in war of old, may we sudue in fight
the men who strive with us, con?uer the men who war with us.
This day that now is close at hand less him who !ours the 5oma 9uice.
In this our sacrifice may we divide the s!oil, showing our strength, the s!oil
of war.
2 In war which wins the light, at the freegiver;s call, at due olation of the
early)rising one, olation of the active one,
Indra slew, even as we 7now)whom each owed head must reverence.
%ay all thy ounteous gifts e gathered u! for us, yea, the good gifts of
thee the Good.
# This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they made thee
chooser of the !lace , for thou choosest the !lace of sacrifice.
5!ea7 thou and ma7e it 7nown to us they see within with eams of light.
Indra, indeed, is found a see7er after s!oil, s!oil)see7er for his own allies.
& 5o now must thy great deed e lauded as of old, when for the Angirases
thou o!enedst the stall, o!enedst, giving aid, the stall.
In the same manner for us here fight thou and e victorious1
To him who !ours the 9uice give u! the lawless man, the lawless who is
wroth with us.
( When with wise !lan the "ero leads the !eo!le forth, they con?uer in the
ordered attle, see7ing fame, !ress, eager, onward see7ing fame.
To him in time of need they sing for life with offs!ring and with strength.
Their hymns with Indra find a welcome !lace of rest1 the hynins go forward
to the Gods.
* Indra and Parvata, our cham!ions in the fight, di ive ye away each man
who fain would war with us, drive him far from us with the olt.
Welcome to him concealed afar shall he the lair that he hath found.
5o may the /ender rend our foes on every side, rend them, , "ero,
everywhere.
HYMN .XXXIII. Indra.
1. WIT" sacrifice I !urge oth earth and heaven1 I urn u! great she)fiends
who serve not Indra,
Where throttled y thy hand the foes were slaughtered, and in the !it of
death lay !ierced and mangled.
2 , thou who castest forth the stones crushing the sorceresses; heads,
-rea7 them with thy wide)s!reading foot, with thy wide)s!reading mighty
foot.
# 6o thou, , %aghavan, eat off these sorceresses; daring strength.
>ast them within the narrow !it. within the dee! and narrow !it.
& ,f whom thou hast ere now destroyed thrice)fifty with thy fierce attac7s.
That deed they count a glorious deed, though small to thee, a glorious
deed.
( , Indra, crush and ray to its the fearful fiery)wea!oned fiend1
5tri7e every demon to the ground.
* Tear down the mighty ones. , Indra, hear thou us. 4or heaven hath glowed
li7e earth in fear, , nunder)armed, as dreading fierce heat, Thunder)armedA
%ost %ighty mid the %ighty ,nes thou s!eedest with strong olts of death,
=ot slaying men, uncon?uered "ero with the rave, , "ero, with the thrice)
seven rave.
+ The !ourer of liations gains the home of wealth, !ouring his gift
conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostilities of Gods.
Pouring, he strives, unchec7ed and strong, to win him riches thousandfold.
Indra gives lasting wealth to him who !ours forth gifts, yea, wealth he gives
that long shall last.
HYMN .XXXIV. Vayu.
1. 'ayu, let fleet)foot coursers ring thee s!eedily to this our feast, to drin7
first of the 9uice we !our, to the first draught of 5oma 9uice.
%ay our glad hymn, discerning well, u!lifted, gratify thy mind.
>ome with thy team)drawn car, , 'ayu, to the gift, come to the sacrificer;s
gift.
2 %ay the 9oy)giving dro!s, , 'ayu gladden thee, effectual, well !re!ared,
directed to the heavens, strong, lent with mil7 and see7ing heaven:
That aids, effectual to fulfil, may wait u!on our s7ilful !ower.
Associate teams come hitherward to grant our !rayers . they shall address
the hymns we sing.
# Two red steeds 'ayu yo7es, 'ayu two !ur!le steeds, swift)footed, to the
chariot, to the !ole to draw, most ale, at the !ole, to draw.
Wa7e u! intelligence, as when a lover wa7es his slee!ing love.
Illumine heaven and earth, ma7e thou the 6awns to shine, for glory ma7e
the 6awns to shine.
& 4or thee the radiant 6awns in the fardistant s7y roaden their lovely
gannents forth in wondrous eams, right)coloured in their new)orn
eams.
4or thee the nectar)yielding >ow !ours all rich treasures forth as mil7.
The %arut host hast thou engendered from the wom, the %aruts from the
wom of heaven.
( 4or thee the !ure right ?uic7ly)flowing 5oma)dro!s, strong in their
heightening !ower, hasten to mi$themselves, hasten to the water to e
mi$ed.
To thee the weary coward !rays for luc7 that he may s!eed away.
Thou y thy law !rotectest us from every world, yea, from the world of
highest Gods.
* Thou, 'ayu, who hast none efore thee, first of all hast right to drin7
these offerings of 5oma 9uice, hast right to drin7 the 9uice out)!oured,
<ea, !oured y all invo7ing tries who free themselves from taint of sin,
4or thee all cows are mil7ed to yield the 5oma)mil7, to yield the utter and
the mil7.
HYMN .XXXV. Vayu' Indra-Vayu.
1. 5T/2W= is the sacred grass: come 'ayu, to our feast, with team of
thousands, come, Lord of the harnessed team, with hundreds, Lord of
harnessed steedsA
The dro!s divine are lifted u! for thee, the God, to drin7 them first.
The 9uices rich in sweets have raised thern for thy 9oy, have raised
themselves to give thee strength.
2 Purified y the stones the 5oma flows for thee, clothed with its lovely
s!lendours, to the reservoir, flows clad in its refulgent light.
4or thee the 5oma is !oured forth, thy !ortioned share mid. Gods and men.
6rive thou thy horses, 'ayu, come to us with love, come well)inclined and
loving us.
# >ome thou with hundreds, come with thousands in thy team to this our
solemn rite, to taste the sacred food, 'ayu, to taste the offerings.
This is thy seasonale share, that comes co)radiant with the 5un.
-rought y attendant !riests !ure 9uice is offered u!, 'ayu, !ure 9uice is
offered u!.
& The chariot with its team of horses ring you oth, to guard us and to
taste the well)a!!ointed food, 'ayu, to taste the offeringsA
6rin7 of the !leasant )flavoured 9uice the first draught is assigned to you.
, 'ayu, with your s!lendid ounty come ye oth, Indra, with ounty come
ye oth.
( %ay our songs ring you hither to our solemn rites1 these dro!s of mighty
vigour have they eauti fied, li7e a swift veed of mighty strength.
6rin7 of them well)inclined to us, come hitherward to e our hel!.
6rin7, Indra)'ayu, of these Duices !ressed with stones, 5trength)giversA till
they gladden you.
* These 5oma 9uices !ressed for you in waters here, orne y attendant
!riests, are oficredu! to you1 right, 'ayu, are they offered u!.
5wift through the strainer have they flowed, and here are shed for oth
ofyou,
5oma)dro!s, fain for you, over the wether;s fleece, 5omas over the wether;s
fleece.
+ , 'ayu, !ass thou over all the,slumerers, and where the !ress)stone rings
enter ye oth that house, yea, Indra, go ye oth within.
The 9oyous %aiden is eheld, the utter flows. With richly laden team come
to our solemn rite, yea, Indra, come ye to the rite.
. /ide hither to the offering of the !leasant 9uice, the holy 4ig)tree which
victorious !riests surround1 victorious e they still for us.
At once the cows yield mil7, the arleymeal is dressed. 4or thee,
, 'ayu, never shall the cows grow thin, never for thee shall they e dry.
0 These -ulls of thine, , 'ayu with the arm of strength, who swiftly fly
within the current of thy stream, the -ulls increasing in their might,
"orseless, yet even through the waste swift)moving, whom no shout can
stay,
"ard to e chec7ed are they, li7e suneams, in their course. hard to e
chec7ed y oth the hands.
HYMN .XXXVI. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. -/I=G adoration am!le and most e$cellent, hymn, offierings, to the
watchful Twain, the ountiful, your sweetest to the ounteous ,nes.
5ovrans adored with streams of oil and !raised at every sacrifice.
Their high im!erial might may nowhere e assailed, ne;er may their
Godhead e assailed.
2 4or the road 5un was seen a !ath more widely laid, the !ath of holy law
hath een maintained with rays, the eye with -haga;s rays of light.
4irm)set in heaven is %itra;s home, and Aryaman;s and 'aruna;s.
Thence they give forth great vital strength which merits !raise, high !ower
of life that men shall !raise.
# With Aditi the luminous, the celestial, u!holder of the !eo!le, come ye
day y day, ye who watch slee!less, day y day.
/es!lendent might have ye otained, Adityas, Lords of lieral gifts.
%overs of men, mild oth, are %itra, 'aruna, mover of men is Aryaman.
& This 5oma e most sweet to %itra, 'aruna1 he in the drin7ing)feasts, shall
have a share thereof, sharing, a God, among the Gods.
%ay all the Gods of one accord acce!t it 9oyfully to)day.
Therefore do ye, , 8ings, accom!lish what we as7, ye /ighteous ,nes,
whate;er we as7.
( Whoso, with worshi! serves %itra and 'aruiIa, him guard ye carefully,
unin9ured, from distress, guard from distress the lieral man.
Aryaman guards him well who acts u!rightly following his law,
Who eautifies their service with his lauds, who ma7es it eautiful with
songs of !raise.
* Worshi! will I !roress to lofty 6yaus, to "eaven and 2arth, to %itra and to
ounteous 'aruna, the -ounteous, the >om!assionate.
Praise Indra, !raise thou Agni, !raise -haga and heavenly Aryaman.
Long may we live and have attendant !rogeny, have !rogeny with 5oma;s
hel!.
+ With the Gods; hel!, with Indra still eside us, may we e held self)
s!lendid with the %aruts.
%ay Agni, %itra, 'aruna give us shelter this may we gain, we and our
wealthy !rinces.
HYMN .XXXVII. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. WIT" stones have we !ressed out1 , come: these gladdening dro!s are
lent with mil7, these 5oma)dro!s which gladden you.
>ome to us, 8ings who reach to heaven, a!!roach us, coming hitherward.
These mil7y dro!s are yours, %itra and 'aruna, right 5oma 9uices lent
with mil7.
2 "ere are the dro!!ings: come ye nigh the 5oma)dro!!ings lent with curd,
9uices e$!ressed and lent with curd.
=ow for the wa7ening of your 6awn together with the 5un)God;s rays,
9uice waits for %itra and for 'aruna to drin7, fair 9uice for drin7, for
sacrihce.
# As ;twere a radiant)coloured cow, they mil7 with stones the stal7 for you,
with stones they mil7 the 5oma)!lant.
%ay ye come nigh us, may ye turn hither to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
The men !ressed out this 9uice, %itra and 'aruna, !ressed out this 5oma for
your drin7.
HYMN .XXXVIII. +usan.
1. 5T/,=G Pusan;s ma9esty is lauded evermore, the glory of his lordly might
is never faint, his song of !raise is never faint.
5ee7ing felicity I laud him nigh to hel!, the source, of liss,
Who, 'igorous one, hath drawn to him the hearts of all, drawn them, the
'igorous ,ne, the God.
2 Thee, then, , Pusan, li7e a swift one on his way, I urge with lauds that
thou mayst ma7e the foemen flee, drive, camel)li7e, our foes afar.
As I, a man, call thee, a God, giver of liss, to e my 4riend,
5o ma7e our loudly)chanted !raises glorious, in attles ma7e them glorious.
# Thou, Pusan, in whose friendshi! they who sing forth !raise en9oy
advantage, even in wisdom, through thy grace, in wisdom even they are
advanced.
5o, after this most recent course, we come to thee with !rayers for wealth.
=ot stirred to anger, , Wide)/uler, come to us, come thou to us in every
fight.
& =ot stirred to anger, come, 4ree)giver, nigh to us, to ta7e this gift of ours,
thou who hast goats for steeds, Goat)orneA their gift who long for fame.
5o, Wonder)Wor7erA may we turn thee hither with effectual lauds.
I slight thee not, , Pusan, thou /es!lendent ,ne1 thy friendshi! may not e
des!ised.
HYMN .XXXIX. Visv!d!vas.
1. "2A/6 e our !rayerA In thought I honour Agni first1 now straightway we
elect this heavenly com!any, Indra and 'ayu we elect.
4or when our latest thought is raised and on 'ivasvan centred well,
Then may our holy songs go forward on their way, our songs as ;twere unto
the Gods.
2 As there ye, %itra, 'aruna, aove the true have ta7en to yourselves the
untrue with your mind, with wisdom;s mental energy,
5o in the seats wherein ye dwell have we eheld the Golden ,ne,
=ot with our thoughts or s!irit, ut with these our eyes, yea, with the eyes
that 5oma gives.
# Asvins, the !ious call you with their hymns of !raise, sounding their loud
song forth to you, these living men, to their olations, living men.
All glories and all nourishment, Lords of all wealthA de!end on you.
The fellies of your golden chariot scatter dro!s, %ighty ,nesA of your golden
car.
& Well is it 7nown, , %ighty ,nes1 ye o!en heaven: for you the
chariotsteeds are yo7ed for morning rites, unswerving steeds for morning
rites,
We set you on the chariot)scat, ye %ighty, on the golden car.
<e see7 mid)air as y a !ath that leads aright, as y a !ath that leads direct.
( , /ich in 5trength, through your great !ower vouchsafe us lessings day
and night.
The offerings which we ring to you shall never fail, gifts rought y us shall
never fail.
* These 5oma)dro!s, strong IndraA drin7 for heroes, !oured, !ressed out y
!ressing)stones, are welling forth for thee, for thee the dro!s are welling
forth.
They shall ma7e glad thy heart to give, to give wealth great and wonderful.
Thou who acce!test !raise come glorified y hymns, come thou to us
enevolent.
+ Euic7ly, , Agni, hear us1 magnified y us thou shalt s!ec7 for us to the
Gods adorale yea, to the 8ings adorale1
When, , ye 6eities, ye gave that %ilch)cow to the Angirases,
They mil7ed her1 Aryaman, 9oined with them, did the wor71 he 7noweth her
as well as I.
. =e;er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never may your
right glories fall into decay, never efore our time decay.
What deed of yours, new every age, wondrous, sur!assing man, rings forth,
Whatever, %arutsA may e difficult to gain, grant us, whate;er is hard to
gain.
0 6adhyac of old, Anigiras, Priyamedha these, and 8anva, Atri, %anu 7new
my irth, yea, tose of ancient days and %anu 7new.
Their long line stretcheth to the Gods, our irth)conne$ions are with them.
To these, for their high station, 1 ow down with song, to Indra, Agni, ow
with song.
1@ Let the Invo7er less1 let offerers ring choice gifts: -rhas!ati the 4riend
doth sacrifice with 5teers, 5teers that have many an e$cellence.
=ow with our ears we catch the sound of the !ress)stone that rings afar.
The very 5trong hath gained the waters y himself, the strong gained many
a resting)!lace.
11 , ye 2leven Gods whose home is heaven, , ye 2leven who ma7e earth
your dwelling,
<e who with might, 2leven, live in waters, acce!t this sacrifice, , Gods,
with !leasure.
HYMN .X*. Agni.
1 To s!lendid Agni seated y the altar, loving well his home, I ring the food
as ;twere his !lace of irth.
I clothe the right ,ne with my hymn as with a roe, him with the car of
light, right)hued, dis!elling gloom.
2 >hild of a doule irth he gras!s at tri!le food: in the year;s course what
he hath swallowed grows anew.
"e, y another;s mouth and tongue a nole -ull, with other, as an ele!hant,
consumes the trees.
# The !air who dwell together, moving in the dar7 estir themselves1 oth
!arents hasten to the ae,
Im!etuous)tongued, destroying, s!ringing swiftly forth, one to e watched
and cherished, strengthener of his sire.
& 4or man, thou 4riend of men, these steeds of thine are yo7ed, im!atient,
lightly running, !loughing lac7ened lines,
6iscordant)minded, fleet, gliding with easy s!eed, urged onward y the
wind and ra!id in their course.
( 6is!elling on their way the horror of lac7 gloom , ma7ing a glorious show
these flames ,f his fly forth,
When o;er the s!acious tract he s!reads himself aroad, and rushes !anting
on with thunder and with roar.
* Amid rown !lants he stoo!s as if adorning them, and rushes ellowing
li7e a ull u!on his wives.
Proving his might, he dec7s the glory of his form, and sha7es his horns li7e
one terrific, ard to stay.
+ =ow covered, now dis!layed he gras!s as one who 7nows his resting)!lace
in those who 7now him well.
A second time they wa$ and gather Godli7e !ower, and lending oth
together change their Parents; form.
. The maidens with long, tresses hold him in emrace: dead, they rise u!
again to meet the Living ,ne.
/eleasing them from age with a loud roar he comes, filling them with new
s!irit, living, unsudued.
0 Lic7ing the mantle of the %other, far and wide he wanders over fields with
easts that flee a!ace.
5trengthening all that wal7, lic7ing u! all around, a lac7ened !ath,
forsooth, he leaves where;er he goes.
1@ , Agni, shine res!lendent with our wealthy chiefs, li7e a loud)snorting
ull, accustomed to the house.
Thou casting off thine infant wra!!ings laCest forth as though thou hadst
!ut on a coat of mail for war.
11 %ay this our !erfect !rayer e dearer unto thee than an im!erfect !rayer
although it !lease thee well.
With the !ure rilliancy that radiates from thy form, mayest thou grant to
us aundant store of wealth.
12 Grant to our chariot, to our house, , Agni, a oat with moving feet and
constant oarage,
,ne that may further well our wealthy !rinces and all the fol7, and e our
certain refuge.
1# Welcome our laud with thine a!!roval, Agni. %ay earth and heaven and
freely flowing rivers
<ield us long life and food and corn and cattle, and may the red 6awns
choose for us their choicest.
HYMN .X*I. Agni.
1. <2A, verily, the fair effulgence of the God for glory was estalished, since
he s!rang from strength.
When he inclines thereto successful is the hymn1 the songs of sacrifice have
rought him as they flow
2 Wonderful, rich in nourishment, he dwells in food: ne$t, in the seven
aus!icious %others is his home.
Thirdly, that they might drain the treasures of the -ull, the maidens rought
forth him for whom the ten !rovide.
# What time from out the dee!, from the 5teer;s wondrous form, the >hiefs
who had the !ower !roduced him with their strength:
When %atarisvan rued forth him who lay concealed, for mi$ture of the
sweet drin7, in the days of old.
& When from the "ighest 4ather he is rought to us, amid the !lants he rises
hungry, wondrously.
As oth together 9oin to e$!edite his irth, most youthful he is orn
res!lendent in his light.
( Then also entered he the %others, and in them !ure and unin9ured he
increased in magnitude.
As to the first he rose, the vigorous from of old, so now he runs among the
younger lowest ones.
* Therefore they choose him "erald at the morning rites, !ressing to him as
unto -haga, !ouring gifts,
When, much)!raised, y the !ower and will of Gods, he goes at all times to
his mortal worshi!!er to drin7.
+ What time the "oly ,ne, wind)urged, hath risen u!, ser!ent)li7e winding
through the dry grass unrestrained,
6ust lies u!on the way of him who urneth all, lac7)winged and !ure of
irth who follows sundry !aths.
. Li7e a swift chariot made y men who 7now their art, he with his red
lims lifts himself aloft to heaven.
Thy worshi!!ers ecome y urning lac7 of hue1 their strength flies as
efore a hero;s violence.
0 -y thee, , Agni, 'aruna who guards the Law, %itra and Aryaman, the
-ounteous, are made strong:
4or, as the felly holds the s!o7es, thou with thy might !ervading hast een
orn encom!assing them round.
1@ Agni, to him who toils and !ours liations, thou, %ost <outhfulA sendest
wealth and all the host of Gods.
Thee, therefore, even as -haga, will we set anew, young >hild of 5trength,
most wealthyA in our attle)song.
11 'ouchsafe us riches turned to worthy ends, good luc7 aiding in the
house, and strong ca!acity,
Wealth that directs oth worlds as they were guiding)reins, and, very Wise,
the Gods; assent in sacrifice.
12 %ay he, the Priest res!lendent, 9oyful, hear us, he with the radiant car
and ra!id horses.
%ay Agni, ever wise, with est directions to liss and highest ha!!iness
conduct us.
1# With hymns of might hath Agni now een lauded, advanced to height of
universal 7ingshi!.
=ow may these wealthy chiefs and we together s!read forth as s!reads the
5un aove the rain)clouds.
HYMN .X*II A%ris.
1. 8I=6L26, ring, Agni, Gods to)day for him who lifts the ladle u!.
5!in out the ancient thread for him who sheds, with gifts, the 5oma 9uice.
2 Thou dealest forth, Tanuna!at, sweet sacrifice enriched with oil,
-rought y a singer such as I who offers gifts and toils for thee.
# "e wondrous, sanctifying, right, s!rin7les the sacrifice with mead,
Thrice, =arasamsa from the heavens, a God mid Gods adorale.
& Agni, esought, ring hitherward Indra the 4riend, the Wonderful,
4or this my hymn of !raise, , sweet of tongue, is chanted forth to thee.
( The ladle)holders strew trimmed grass at this well)ordered sacrifice:
A home for Indra is adorned, wide, fittest to receive the Gods.
* Thrown o!en e the 6oors 6ivine, unfailing, that assist the rite,
"igh, !urifying, much)desired, so that the Gods may enter in.
+ %ay =ight and %orning, hymned with lauds, united, fair to loo7 u!on,
5trong %others of the sacrifice, seat them together on the grass.
. %ay the two Priests 6ivine, the sage, the sweet)voiced lovers of the hymn,
>om!lete this sacrifice of ours, effectual, reaching heaven to)day.
0 Let "otri !ure, set amang Gods, amid the %aruts -hirati, Ila, 5arasvati,
%ahi, rest on the grass, adorale.
1@ %ay Tvastar send us genial dew aundant, wondrous, rich in gifts,
4or increase and for growth of wealth, Tvastar our 7insman and our 4riend.
11 'anas!ati, give forth, thyself, and call the Gods to sacrifice.
%ay Agni, God intelligent, s!eed our olation to the Gods.
12 To 'ayu 9oined with Pusan, with the %aruts, and the host of Gods,
To Indra who ins!ires the hymn cry GloryA and !resent the gift.
1# >ome hither to en9oy the gifts !re!ared with cry of GloryA >ome,
, Indra, hear their calling: they invite thee to the sacrifice.
HYMN .X*III. Agni.
1. To Agni I !resent a newer mightier hymn, I ring my words and song unto
the 5on of 5trength,
Who, ,ffs!ring of the Waters, earing !recious things sits on the earth, in
season, dear Invo7ing Priest.
2 5oon as he s!rang to irth that Agni was shown forth to %atarisvan in the
highest firmament.
When he was 7indled, through his !ower and ma9esty his fiery s!lendour
made the heavens and earth to shine.
# "is flames that wa$ not old, eams fair to loo7 u!on of him whose face is
lovely, shine with eauteous sheen.
The rays of Agni, him whose active force is light, through the nights glimmer
slee!less, ageless, li7e the floods.
& 5end thou with hymns that Agni to his own aode, who rules, one 5ovran
Lord of wealth, li7e 'aruna,
"im, All)!ossessor, whom the -hrgus with their might rought to earth;s
central !oint, the centre of the world.
( "e whom no force can stay, even as the %aruts; roar, li7e to a dart sent
forth, even as the olt from heaven,
Agni with shar!ened 9aws chews u! and cats the trees, and con?uers them
as when the warrior smites his foes.
* And will not Agni find en9oyment in our !raise, will not the 'asu grant our
wish with gifts of wealthB
Will not the Ins!irer s!eed our !rayers to gain their endB "im with the
radiant glance 1 laud with this my song.
+ The 7indler of the flame wins Agni as a 4riend, !romoter of the Law,
whose face is right with oil.
Inflamed and 7een, refulgent in our gatherings, he lifts our hymn on high
clad in his radiant hues.
. 8ee! us incessantly with guards that cease not, Agni, with guards
aus!icious, very mighty.
With guards that never slumer, never heedless, never eguiled. , "el!er,
7ee! our children.
HYMN .X*IV. Agni.
1. T"2 Priest goes forth to sacrifice, with wondrous !ower sending aloft the
hymn of glorious rilliancy.
"e moves to meet the ladles turning to the right, which are the first to 7iss
the !lace where he aides.
2 To him sang forth the flowing streams of "oly Law, encom!assed in the
home and irth)!lace of the God.
"e, when he dwelt e$tended in the waters; la!, asored those Godli7e
!owers for which he is adored.
# 5ee7ing in course altern to reach the selfsame end the two co!artners
strive to win this eauteous form.
Li7e -haga must he e duly invo7ed y us, as he who drives the car holds
fast the horse;s reins.
& "e whom the two co!artners with oservance tend, the !air who dwell
together in the same aode,
-y night as in the day the grey one was orn young, !assing untouched y
eld through many an age of man.
( "im the ten fingers, the devotions. animate1 we mortals call on him a God
to give us hel!.
"e s!eeds over the slo!ing surface of the land1 new deeds hath he
!erformed with those who gird him round.
* 4or, Agni, li7e a herdsman, thou y thine own might rulest o;er all that is
in heaven and on the earth:
And these two %ighty ,nes, right, golden closely 9oined, rolling them
round are come unto thy sacred grass.
+ Agni, acce!t with 9oy, e glad in this our !rayer, 9oy)giver, self)sustained,
strong, orn of "oly LawA
4or fair to see art thou turning to every side, !leasant to loo7 on as a
dwelling filled with food.
HYMN .X*V. Agni.
1. As7 ye of him for he is come, he 7noweth it: he, full of wisdom, is
im!lored, is now im!lored.
With him are admonitions and with him commands1 he is the Lord of
5trength, the Lord of Power and %ight.
2 They as7 of him1 not all learn y their ?uestioning what he, the 5age, hath
gras!ed, as ;twere, with his own mind.
4orgetting not the former nor the later word, he goeth on, not careless, in
his mental !ower.
# To him these ladles go, to him these racing mares1 he only will give ear to
all the words I s!ea7.
All)s!eeding, victor, !erfecter of sacrifice, the -ae with flawless hel! hath
mustered vigorous might.
& Whate;er he meets he gras!s and then runs farther on, and straightway,
newly orn,cree!s forward with his 7in.
"e stirs the wearied man to !leasure and great 9oy what time the longing
gifts a!!roach him as he comes.
( "e is a wild thing of the flood and forest1 he hath een laid u!on the
highest surface.
"e hath declared the lore of wor7s to mortals, Agni the Wise, for he 7nows
Law, the Truthful.
HYMN .X*VI. Agni.
1. I LA36 the seven)rayed, the tri!le)headed, Agni all)!erfect in his Parents;
osom,
5un7 in the la! of all that moves and moves not, him who hath filled all
luminous realms of heaven.
2 As a great 5teer he grew to these his Parents: sulime lie stands,
untouched y eld, far)reaching.
"e !lants his footste!s on the lofty ridges of the road earth1 his red flames
lic7 the udder.
# >oming together to their common youngling oth >ows, fairsha!ed, s!read
forth in all directions,
%easuring out the !aths that must e travelled, entrusting all desires to him
the %ighty.
& The !rudent sages lead him to his dwelling, guarding with varied s7ill the
2ver)<outhful.
Longing, they turned their eyes unto the /iver1 to these the 5un of men was
manifested.
( -orn nole in the regions, aim of all mens; eyes to e im!lored for life y
great and small ali7e,
4ar as the Wealthy ,ne hath s!read himself aroad, he is the 5ire all)visile
of this !rogeny.
HYMN .X*VII. Agni.
1. "ow, Agni, have the radiant ones, as!iring, endued thee with the vigour
of the living,
5o that on oth sides fostering seed and offs!ring, the Gods may 9oy in "oly
Law;s fulfilmentB
2 %ar7 this my s!eech, 6ivine ,ne, thou, %ost <outhfulA offered to thee y
him who gives most freely.
,ne hates thee, and another sings thy !raises1 I thine adorer laud thy form,
, Agni.
# Thy guardian rays, , Agni, when they saw him, !reserved lind %amateya
from affliction.
Lord of all riches, he !reserved the !ious the foes who fain would harm
them did no mischief.
& The sinful man who worshi!s not, , Agni, who, offering not, harms us with
doule)dealing,)
-e this in turn to him a heavy sentence may he distress himself y his
revilings.
( <ea, when a mortal 7nowingly, , 'ictor, in9ures with doule tongue a
fellow)mortal,
4rom him, !raised AgniA save thou him that lauds thee1 ring us not into
troule and affliction.
HYMN .X*VIII. Agni.
1. W"AT %atarisvan, !iercing, formed y friction, "erald of all the Gods. in
varied figure,
Is he whom they have set mid human houses, gay)hued as light and shining
forth for eauty.
2 They shall not harm the man who rings thee !raises1 such as I am, Agni
my hel! a!!roves me.
All acts of mine shall they acce!t with !leasure, laudation from the singer
who !resents it.
# "im in his constant seat men s7illed in worshi! have ta7en and with
!raises have estalished.
As, harnessed to a chariot fleet)foot horses, at his command let earers
lead him forward.
& Wondrous, full many a thing he chews and crunches1 he shines amid the
wood with s!reading rightness.
3!on his glowing flames the wind lows daily, driving them li7e the 7een
shaft of an archer.
( "im, whom while yet in emryo the hostile, oth s7illed and fain to harm,
may never in9ure,
%en lind and sightless through his s!lendour hurt not1 his never)failing
lovers have !reserved him.
HYMN .X*IX. Agni.
1. "IT"2/ he hastens to give, Lord of great riches, 8ing of the mighty, to the
!lace of treasure.
lie !ressing)stones shall serve him s!eeding near us.
2 As 5teer of men so 5teer of earth and heaven y glory, he whose streams
all life hath drun7en,
Who hasting forward rests u!on the altar.
# "e who hath lighted u! the 9oyous castle, wise >ourser li7e the 5teed of
cloudy heaven,
-right li7e the 5un, with hundredfold e$istence.
& "e, douly orn, hath s!read in his effulgence through the three luminous
realms, through all the regions,
-est sacrificing Priest where waters gather.
( Priest douly orn, he through his love of glory hath in his 7ee!ing all
things worth the choosing,
The man who rings him gifts hath nole offs!ring.
HYMN .*. Agni.
1. AG=I, thy faithful servant I call u!on thee with many a gift,
As in the 7ee!ing of the great inciting God:
2 Thou who ne;er movest thee to aid the indolent, the godless man,
"im who though wealthy never rings an offering.
# 5!lendid, , 5inger, is that man, mightiest of the great in heaven.
Agni, may we e foremost, we thy worshi!!ers.
HYMN .*I. Mi&ra and Varuna
1. "2A'2= and earth tremled at the might and voice of him, whom, loved
and "oly ,ne, hel!er of all man7ind,
The wise who longed for s!oil in fight for 7ine rought forth with !ower, a
4riend, mid waters, at the sacrifice.
2 As these, li7e friends, have done this wor7 for you, these !rom!t servants
of Purumilha 5oma)offerer,
Give mental !ower to him who sings the sacred song, and hear7en, 5trong
,nes, to the master ofthe house.
# The fol7 have glorified your irth from 2arth and "eaven, to e e$tolled,
ye 5trong ,nes, for your mighty !ower.
<e, when ye ring to singer and the rite, en9oy the sacrifice !eriormed with
holy !raise and strength.
& The !eo!le !ros!ers, AsurasA whom ye dearly love1 ye, /ighteous ,nes,
!roclaim aloud the "oly Law.
That efficacious !ower that comes from lofty heaven, ye ind unto the
wor7, as to the !ole an o$.
( ,n this great earth ye send your treasure down with might1 unstained y
dust, the crowding 7ine are in the stalls.
"ere in the neighourhood they cry unto the 5un at morning and at evening,
li7e swift irds of !rey.
* The flames with curling tresses serve your sacrifice, whereto ye sing the
song, %itra and 'aruna.
5end down of your free will, !ros!er our holy songs1 ye are sole %asters of
the singer;s hymn of !raise.
+ Whoso with sacrifices toiling rings you gifts, and worshi!s, sage and
!riest, fulfilling your desire,)
To him do ye draw nigh and taste his sacrifice. >ome well)inclined to us
unto our songs and !rayer.
. With sacrifices and with mil7 they dec7 you first, ye /ighteous ,nes, as if
through stirrings of the mind.
To you they ring their hymns with their collected thought, while ye with
earnest soul come to us gloriously.
0 /ich strength of life is yours1 ye, "eroes, have otained through your
sur!assing !owers rich far)e$tending might.
=ot the !ast days con9oined with nights, not rivers, not the Pa!is have
attained your Godhead and your wealth.
HYMN .*II. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. T"2 roes which ye !ut on aound with fatness1 uninterru!ted courses
are your counsels.
All falsehood, %itra)'arunaA ye con?uer, and closely cleave unto the Law
2ternal.
2 This might of theirs hath no one com!rehended. True is the crushing word
the sage hath uttered,
The fearful four)edged olt smites down the three)edged, and those who
hate the Gods first fall and !erish.
# The 4ootless %aid !recedeth footed creatures. Who mar7eth, %itra)
'aruna, this your doingB
The -ae 3norn su!!orteth this world;s urthen, fuIfilleth Law and
overcometh falsehood.
& We loo7 on him the darling of the %aidens, always advancing, never falling
downward,
Wearing inse!arale, wide)s!read raiment, %itra;s and 'aruna;s delightful
glory.
( 3nridled >ourser, horn ut not of horses, neighing he flieth on with ac7
u!lifted.
The youthful love mystery thought)sur!assing, !raising in %itra)'aruna, its
glory.
* %ay the milch)7ine who favour %amateya !ros!er in this world him who
loves devotion.
%ay he, well s7illed in rites, e food, and calling Aditi with his li!s give us
assistance.
+ Gods, %itra)'aruna, with love and worshi!, let me ma7e you delight in this
olation.
%ay our !rayer e victorious in attles, may we have rain from heaven to
ma7e us !ros!er.
HYMN .*III. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. W2 worshi! with our reverence and olations you, %itra 'aruna,
accordant, mighty,
5o that with us, ye Twain whose ac7s are s!rin7led with oil, the !riests
with oil and hymns su!!ort you.
2 <our !raise is li7e a mighty !ower, an im!ulse1 to you, Twain Gods, a well)
formed hymn is offered,
As the !riest dec7s yon, 5trong ,nes, in assemlies, and the !rince fain to
worshi! you for lessings.
# , %itra)'aruna, Aditi the %ilch)cow streams for the rite, for fol7 who ring
olation,
When in the assemly he who worshi!s moves you, li7e to a human !riest,
with gifts !resented.
& 5o may the 7ine and heavenly Waters !our you sweet drin7 in families that
ma7e you 9oyful.
,f this may he, the ancient "ouse)Lord, give us. 2n9oy, drin7 of the mil7 the
cow !rovideth.
HYMN .*IV. Visnu
1. I WILL declare the mighty deeds of 'isnu, of him who measured out the
earthly regions,
Who !ro!!ed the highest !lace of congregation, thrice setting down his
footste!, widely striding.
2 4or this his mighty deed is 'isnu lauded, li7e some wild east, dread,
!rowling, mountain)roaming:
"e within whose three wide)e$tended !aces all living creatures have their
haitation.
# Let the hymn lift itself as strength to 'isnu, the -ull far)striding, dwelling
on the mountains,
"im who alone with tri!le ste! hath measured this common dwelling)!lace,
long, far e$tended.
& "im whose three !laces that are filled with sweetness, im!erishale, 9oy
as it may list them,
Who verily alone u!holds the threefold, the earth, the heaven, and all living
creatures.
( %ay I attain to that his well)loved mansion where men devoted to the
Gods are ha!!y.
4or there s!rings, close a7in to the Wide)5trider, the well of meath in 'isnu;s
highest footste!.
* 4ain would we go unto your dwelling)!laces where there are many)horned
and nimle o$en,
4or mightily, there, shineth down u!on us the widely)striding -ull;s sulimest
mansion.
HYMN .*V. Visnu-Indra.
1. To the great "ero, him who sets his mind thereon, and 'isnu, !raise aloud
in song your draught of 9uice,)
Gods ne;er eguiled, who orne as ;twere y nole steed, have stood u!on
the lofty ridges of the hills.
2 <our 5oma)drin7er 7ee!s afar your furious rush, Indra and 'isnu, when ye
come with all your might.
That which hath een directed well at mortal man, ow)armed 8rsanu;s
arrow, ye turn far aside.
# These offerings increase his mighty manly strength1 he rings oth Parents
down to share the genial flow.
"e lowers, though a son, the 4ather;s highest name: the third is that which
is high in the light of heaven.
& We laud this manly !ower of him the %ighty ,ne, !reserver, inoffensive,
ounteous and enign:
"is who strode, widely !acing, with three ste!!ings forth over the realms of
earth for freedom and for life.
( A mortal man, when he eholds two ste!s of him who loo7s u!on the light,
is restless with amaCe.
-ut his third ste! doth no one venture to a!!roach, no, nor the feathered
irds of air who fly with wings.
* "e, li7e a rounded wheel, hath in swift motion set his ninety racing steeds
together with the four.
6evelo!ed, vast in form, with those who sing forth !raise, a youth, no more
a child, he cometh to our call.
HYMN .*VI. Visnu
1. 4A/)5"I=I=G, widely famed, going thy wonted way, fed with the oil, e
hel!ful. %itra)li7e, to us.
5o, 'isnu, e;en the wise must swell thy song of !raise, and he who hath
olations !ay thee solemn rites.
2 "e who rings gifts to him the Ancient and the Last, to 'isnu who ordains,
together with his 5!ouse,
Who tells the lofty irth of him the Lofty ,ne, shall verily sur!ass in glory
e;en his !eer.
# "im have ye satisfied, singers, as well as ye 7now, !rimeval germ of ,rder
even from his irth.
<e, 7nowing e;en his name, have told it forth1 may we, 'isnu, en9oy the
grace of thee the %ighty ,ne.
& The 5ovran 'aruna and oth the Asvins wait on this the will of him who
guides the %arut host.
'isnu hath !ower su!reme and might iliat finds the day, and with his 4riend
unars the stale of the 7ine.
( 2ven he the "eavenly ,ne who came for fellowshi!, 'isnu to Indra, godly
to the godlier,
Who %a7er, throned in three worlds, hel!s the Aryan man, and gives the
worshi!!er his share of "oly Law.
HYMN .*VII. Asvins.
1. AG=I is wa7ened1 5urya riseth from the earth. %ighty, refulgent 6awn
hath shone with all her light.
The Asvins have e?ui!!ed their chariot for the course. God 5avitar hath
moved the fol7 in sundry ways.
2 When, Asvins, ye e?ui! your very mighty car, edew, ye Twain, our !ower
with honey and with oil.
To our devotion give victorious strength in war1 may we win riches in the
heroes; strife for s!oil.
# =igh to us come the Asvins; lauded three)wheeled car, the car laden with
meath and drawn y fleet)foot steeds,
Three)seated, o!ulent, estowing all delight. may it ring weal to us, to
cattle and to men.
& -ring hither nourishment for us, ye Asvins Twain: s!rin7le us with your
whi! that dro!s with honey)dew.
Prolong our days of life, wi!e out our tres!asses: destroy our foes, e our
com!anions and our 4riends.
( <e store the germ of life in female creatures, ye lay it u! within all living
eings.
<e have sent forth, , Asvins !assing mighty, the fire, the sovrans of the
wood, the waters,
* Leeches are ye with medicines to heal us, and charioteers are ye with s7ill
in driving.
<e 5trong, give sway to him who rings olation and with his heart !ours out
his gift efore you.
HYMN .*VIII. Asvins.
1. <2 'asus Twain, ye /udras full of counsel, grant us, 5trong 5trengtheners,
when ye stand eside us,
What wealth Aucathya craves of you, great "el!ers when ye come forward
with no niggard succour.
2 Who may give you aught, 'asus, for your favour, for what, at the >ow;s
!lace, ye grant through worshi!B
Wa7e for us understanding full of riches, come with a heart that will fulfil
our longing.
# As erst for Tugra;s son your car, sea)crossing, strong, was e?ui!!ed and set
amid the waters,
5o may I gain your shelter and !rotection as with winged course a hero see7s
his army.
& %ay this my !raise !reserve 3cathya;s offis!ring1 let not these Twain who
fly with wings e$haust me.
Let not the wood ten times u!)!iled consume me, when fi$ed for you it
ites the ground it stands on.
( The most maternal streams, wherein the 6ilsas cast me securely ound,
have not devoured me.
When Traitana would cleave my head asunder, the 6asa wounded his own
reast and shoulders.
* 6irghatamas the son of %amati hath come to length of days in the tenth
age of human 7ind.
"e is the -rahman of the waters as they strive to reach their end and aim1
their charioteer is he.
HYMN .*IX. H!av!n and Ear&#.
1. I P/AI52 with sacrifices mighty "eaven and 2arth at festivals, the wise,
the 5trengtheners of Law.
Who, having Gods for !rogeny, con9oined with Gods, through wonder)
wor7ing wisdom ring forth choicest oons.
2 With invocations, on the gracious 4ather;s mind, and on the %other;s great
inherent !ower I muse.
Prolific Parents, they have made the world of life, and for their rood all
round wide immortality.
# These 5ons of yours well s7illed in wor7, of wondrous !ower, rought forth
to life the two great %others first of all.
To 7ee! the truth of all that stands and all that moves, ye guard the station
of your 5on who 7nows no guile.
& They with sur!assing s7ill, most wise, have measured out the Twins united
in their irth and in their home.
They, the refulgent 5ages, weave within the s7y, yea, in the de!ths of sea, a
we for ever new.
( This is to)day the goodliest gift of 5avitar1 this thought we have when now
the God is furthering us.
,n us with loving)7indness "eaven and 2arth estow riches and various
wealth and treasure hundredfoldA
HYMN .*X. H!av!n and Ear&#.
1. T"252, "eaven and 2arth, estow !ros!erity on all, sustainers of the
region, "oly ,nes and wise,
Two -owls of nole 7ind1 etween these Goddesses the God, the fulgent
5un, travels y fi$ed decree.
2 Widely)ca!acious Pair, mighty, that never fail, the 4ather and the %other
7ee! all creatures safe1
The two world)halves, the s!irited, the eautiful, ecause the 4ather hath
clothed them in goodly forms.
# 5on of these Parents, he the Priest with !ower to cleanse, 5age, sanctifies
the worlds with his sur!assing !ower.
Thereto for his right mil7 he mil7ed through all the days the !arty)coloured
>ow and the !rolific -ull.
& Among the s7ilful Gods most s7illed is he, who made the two world)halves
which ring !ros!erity to all:
Who with great wisdom measured oth the regions out, and stalished them
with !illars that shall ne;er decay.
( 2$tolled in song, , "eaven and 2arth, estow on us, ye mighty Pair, great
glory and high lordly sway,
Wherey we may e$tend ourselves ever over the fol7: and send us strength
that shall deserve the !raise of men.
HYMN .*XI. R(#us.
1 W"< hath the -est, why hath the <oungest come to usB 3!on what
emassy comes heB What have we saidB
We have not lamed the chalice of illustrious irth. We, -rother Agni,
!raised the goodness of the wood.
2 The chalice that is single ma7e ye into four1 thus have the Gods
commanded: therefore am I come.
If, , 5udhanvan;s >hildren, ye will do this thing ye shall !artici!ate in
sacrifice with Gods.
# What to the envoy Agni in re!ly ye s!a7e, A courser must e made, a
chariot fashioned here,
A cow must e created, and the Twain made young. When we have done
these things, -rother, we turn to you.
& When thus, , /hus, ye had done ye ?uestioned thus, Whither went he
who came to us a messengerB
Then Tvastar, when he viewed the four wrought chalices, concealed himself
among the >onsorts of the Gods.
( As Tvastar thus had s!o7en, Let us slay these men who have reviled the
chalice, drin7ing)cu! of Gods,
They gave themselves new names when 5oma 9uice was shed, and under
these new names the %aiden welcomed them.
* Indra hath yo7ed his -ays, the Asvins; car is horsed, -rhas!ati hath rought
the >ow of every hue.
<e went as /hus, 'ihvan, 'a9a to the Gods, and s7illed in war, otained
your share in sacrifice.
+ <e y your wisdom rought a cow from out a hide: unto that ancient Pair
ye gave again their youth.
,ut of a horse, 5udhanvan;s 5ons, ye formed a horse1 a chariot ye e?ui!!ed,
and went unto the Gods.
. 6rin7 ye this water, were the words ye s!a7e to them: or drin7 ye this, the
rinsing of the %un9a)grass.
If ye a!!rove not even this, 5udhanvan;s 5ons, then at the third liation
gladden ye yourselves.
0 %ost e$cellent are waters, thus said one of you: most e$cellent is Agni,
thus another said.
Another !raised to many a one the lightning cloud. Then did ye sha!e the
cu!s, s!ea7ing the words of truth.
1@ ,ne downward to the water drives the cri!!led cow, another trims the
flesh rought on the carving)oard.
,ne carries off the refuse at the set of sun. "ow did the Parents aid their
children in their tas7A
11 ,n the high !laces ye have made the grass for man, and water in the
valleys, y your s7ill, , %en.
/hus, ye iterate not to)day that act of yours, your slee!ing in the house of
him whom naught can hide.
12 As, com!assing them round, ye glided through the worlds, where had the
venerale Parents their aodeB
<e laid a curse on him who raised his arm at you1 to him who s!a7e aloud to
you ye s!a7e again.
1# When ye had sle!t your fill, ye /hus, thus ye as7ed, , thou whom
naught may hide, who now hath wa7ened usB
The goat declared the hound to e your wa7ener. That day, in a full year, ye
first unclosed our eyes.
1& The %aruts move in heaven, on earth this Agni: through the mid)
firmament the Wind a!!roaches.
'aruna comes in the sea;s gathered waters, , 5ons of 5trength, desirous of
your !resence.
HYMN .*XI* T#! H/rs!.
1. 5LIG"T us not 'aruna, Aryaman, or %itra, /hu7san, Indra, Ayu, or the
%aruts,
When we declare amid the congregation the virtues of the strong 5teed,
God)descended.
2 What time they ear efore the >ourser, covered with tra!!ings and with
wealth, the gras!ed olation,
The da!!led goat goeth straightforward, leating, to the !lace dear to Indra
and to Pusan.
# 6ear. to all Gods, this goat, the share of Pusan, is first led forward with
the vigorous >ourser,
While Tvastar sends him forward with the >harger, acce!tale for sacrifice,
to glory.
& When thrice the men lead round the 5teed, in order, who goeth to the
Gods as meet olation,
The goat !recedeth him, the share of Pusan, and to the Gods the sacrifice
announceth.
( Invo7er, ministering !riest, atoner, fire)7indler 5oma)!resser, sage, reciter,
With this well ordered sacrifice, well finished, do ye fill full the channels of
the rivers.
* The hewers of the !ost and those who carry it, and those who carve the
7no to dec7 the "orse;s sta7e:
Those who !re!are the coo7ing)vessels for the 5teed,)may the a!!roving
hel! of these !romote our wor7.
+ 4orth, for the regions of the Gods, the >harger with his smooth ac7 is
come my !rayer attends him.
In him re9oice the singers and the sages. A good friend have we won for the
Gods; an?uet.
. %ay the fleet >ourser;s halter and his heel)ro!es, the head)stall and the
girths and cords aout him.
And the grass !ut within his mouth to ait him,)among the Gods, too, let all
these e with thee.
0 What !art of the 5teed;s flesh the fly hath eaten, or is left stic7ing to the
!ost or hatchet,
,r to the slayer;s hands and nails adhereth,)among the Gods, too, may all
this e with thee.
1@ 4ood undigested steaming from his elly, and any odour of raw flesh
remaining,
This let the immolators set in order and dress the sacrifice with !erfect
coo7ing.
11 What from thy ody which with fire is roasted, when thou art set u!on
the s!it, distilleth,
Let not that lie on earth or grass neglected, ut to the longing Gods let all
e offered.
12 They who oserving that the "orse is ready call out and say, the smell is
good: remove it:
And, craving meat, await the distriution, )may their a!!roving hel!
!romote laour.
1# The trial)for7 of the flesh)coo7ing caldron, the vessels out of which the
roth is s!rin7led,
The warming)!ots, the covers of the dishes, hoo7s, carving)oards,)all these
attend the >harger.
1& The starting)!lace, his !lace of rest and rolling, the ro!es wherewith the
>harger;s feet were fastened,
The water that he dran7, the food he tasted, )among the Gods, too, may all
these attend thee.
1( Let not the fire, smo7e)scented, ma7e thee crac7le, nor glowing caldron
smell and rea7 to !ieces.
,ffered, eloved, a!!roved, and consecrated,)such >harger do the Gods
acce!t with favour.
1* The roe they s!read u!on the "orse to clothe him, the u!!er covering
and the golden tra!!ings,
The halters which restrain the 5teed, the heel)ro!es,)all these, as grateful
to the Gods, they offer.
1+ If one, when seated, with e$cessive urging hath with his heel or with his
whi! distressed thee,
All these thy woes, as with the olations; ladle at sacrifices, with my !rayer
I anish.
1. The four)and)thirty ris of the. 5wift >harger, 7in to the Gods, the
slayer;s hatchet !ierces.
>ut ye with s7ill, so that the !arts e flawless, and !iece y !iece declaring
them dissect them.
10 ,f Tvastar;s >harger there is one dissector,)this is the custom)two there
are who guide him.
5uch of his lims as I divide in order, these, amid the alls, in fire I offer.
2@ Let not thy dear soul urn thee as thou comest, let not the hatchet linger
in thy ody.
Let not a greedy clumsy immolator, missing the 9oints, mangle thy lims
unduly.
21 =o, here thou diest not, thou art not in9ured1 y easy !aths unto the
Gods thou goest.
-oth -ays, oth s!otted mares are now thy fellows, and to the ass;s !ole is
yo7ed the >harger.
22 %ay this 5teed ring us all)sustaining riches, wealth in good 7ine,good
horses, manly offs!ring.
4reedom from sin may Aditi vouchsafe us1 the 5teed with our olations gain
us lordshi!A
HYMN .*XIII. T#! H/rs!.
1. W"AT time, first s!ringing into life, thou neighedst, !roceeding from the
sea or u!!er waters,
Lims of the deer hadst thou, and eagle !inions. , 5teed, thy irth is nigh
and must e lauded.
2 This 5teed which <ama gave hath Trita harnessed, and him, the first of all,
hath Indra mounted.
"is ridle the Gandharva gras!ed. , 'asus, from out the 5un ye fashioned
forth the >ourser.
# <ama art thou, , "orse: thou art Aditya: Trita art thou y secret
o!eration.
Thou art divided thoroughly from 5oma. They say thou hast three onds in
heaven
that hold thee.
& Three onds, they say, thou hast in heaven that ind thee, three in the
waters,
three within the ocean.
To me thou seernest 'aruna , , >ourser, there where they say is thy
sulimest irth)!lace.
( "ere), >ourser, are the !laces where they groomed thee, here are the
traces of thy hoofs as winner.
"ere have I seen the aus!icious reins that guide thee, which those who
guard the holy Law 7ee! safely.
* Thyself from far I recogniCed in s!irit,)a -ird that from elow flew through
the heaven.
I saw thy head still soaring, striving u!ward y !aths unsoiled y dust,
!leasant to travel.
+ "ere I eheld thy form, matchless in glory, eager to win thee food at the
>ow;s station.
Whene;er a man rings thee to thine en9oyment, thou swallowest the !lants
most greedy eater.
. After thee, >ourser, come the car, the ridegroom, the 7ine come after,
and the charm of maidens.
4ull com!anies have followed for thy friendshi!1 the !attern of thy vigour
Gods have co!ied.
0 "orns made of gold hath he1 his feet are iron1 less fleet than he, though
swift as thought, is Indra.
The Gods have come that they may taste the olation of him who mounted,
first of all, the >ourser.
1@ 5ymmetrical in flan7, with rounded haunches, mettled li7e heroes, the
>elestial >oursers
Put forth their strength, li7e swans in lengthened order, when they, the
5teeds, have reached the heavenly causeway.
11 A ody formed for flight hast thou, , >harger: swift as the wind in
motion is thy s!irit.
Thy horns are s!read aroad in all directions1 they move with restless eat
in wildernesses.
12 The strong 5teed hath come forward to the slaughter, !ondering with a
mind directed God)ward.
The goat who is his 7in is led efore him the sages and the singers follow
after.
1# The 5teed is come unto the nolest mansion, is come unto his 4ather and
his %other.
This day shall he a!!roach the Gods, most welcome1 then he declares good
gifts to him who offers.
HYMN .*XIV. Visv!d!vas.
1. ,4 this enignant Priest, with eld grey)coloured, the rother midmost of
the three is lightning.
The third is he whose ac7 with oil is s!rin7led. "ere I ehold the >hief with
seven male children.
2 5even to the one)wheeled chariot yo7e the >ourser: earing seven names
the single >ourser draws it.
Three)naved the wheel is, sound and undecaying, whereon are resting all
these worlds of eing.
# The seven who on the seven)wheeled car are mounted have horses, seven
in tale, who draw them onward.
5even 5isters utter songs of !raise together, in whom the names of the seven
>ows are treasured.
& Who hath eheld him as he s!rang to eing, seen how the oneless ,ne
su!!orts the onyB
Where is the lood of earth, the life, the s!iritB Who may a!!roach the man
who 7nows, to as7 itB
( 3nri!e in mind, in s!irit undiscerning, I as7 of these the Gods; estalished
!laces: 4or u! aove the yearling >alf the sages, to form a we, their own
seven threads have woven.
* I as7, un7nowing, those who 7now, the sages, as one all ignorant for sa7e
of 7nowledge,
What was that ,=2 who in the 3norn;s image hath stalished and fi$ed firm
these worlds; si$ regions.
+ Let him who 7noweth !resently declare it , this lovely -ird;s securely
founded station.
4orth from his head the >ows draw mil7, and, wearing his vesture, with
their foot have drun7 the water.
. The %other gave the 5ire his share of ,rder1 with thought, at first, she
wedded him in s!irit.
5he, the coy 6ame, was filled with dew !rolific1 with adoration men
a!!roached to !raise her.
0 <o7ed was the %other to the oon >ow;s car)!ole1 in the dan7 rows of
cloud the Infant rested.
Then the >alf lowed, and loo7ed u!on the %other, the >ow who wears all
sha!es in three directions.
1@ -earing three %others and three 4athers, single he stood erect1 they
never ma7e him weary.
There on the !itch of heaven they s!ea7 together in s!eech all)7nowing ut
not all)im!elling.
11 4ormed with twelve s!o7es, y length of time, unwea7ened, rolls round
the heaven this wheel of during ,rder.
"erein estalished, 9oined in !airs together, seven hundred 5ons and twenty
stand, , Agni.
12 They call him in the farther half of heaven the 5ire five)footed, of twelve
forms, wealthy in watery store.
These others say that he, God with far)seeing eyes, is mounted on the lower
seven)wheeled, si$)s!o7ed car.
1# 3!on this five)s!o7ed wheel revolving ever all living creatures rest and
are de!endent.
Its a$le, heavy)laden, is not heated1 the nave from ancient time remains
unro7en.
1& The wheel revolves, unwasting, with its felly1 ten draw it, yo7ed to the
far)stretching car)!ole.
The 5un;s eye moves encom!assed y the region1 on him de!endent rest all
living creatures.
1( ,f the co)orn they call the seventh single)orn: the si$ twin !airs are
called /sis, >hildren of Gods.
Their good gifts sought of men are ranged in order due, and various in their
form move for the Lord who guides.
1* They told me these were males, though truly females1 he who hath eyes
sees this, the lind discerns not.
The son who is a sage hath com!rehended1 who 7nows this rightly is his
father;s father.
1+ -eneath the u!!er realm, aove this lower, earing her calf at foot the
>ow hath risen.
Witherward, to what !lace hath she de!artedB Where calves sheB =ot amid
this herd of cattle.
1. Who, that the father of this >alf discerneth eneath the u!!er realm,
aove the lower,
5howing himself a sage, may here declare itB Whence hath the Godli7e s!irit
had its risingB
10 Those that come hitherward they call de!arting, those that de!art they
call directed hither.
And what so ye have made, Indra and 5oma, steeds ear as ;twere yo7ed to
the region;s car)!ole.
2@ Two -irds with fair wings, 7nit with onds of friendshi!, in the same
sheltering tree have found a refuge.
,ne of the twain eats the sweet 4ig)tree;s fruitage: the other eating not
regardeth only.
21 Where those fine -irds hymn ceaselessly their !ortion of life eternal, and
the sacred synods,
There is the 3niverse;s mighty 8ee!er, who, wise, hath entered into me the
sim!le.
22 The, tree whereon the fine -irds eat the sweetness, where they all rest
and !rocreate their offs!ring,)
3!on its to! they say the fig is luscious none gaineth it who 7noweth not the
4ather.
2# "ow on the Gayatri. the Gayatri was ased, how from the Tristu! they
fashioned the Tristu! forth,
"ow on the Dagati was ased the Dagati,) they who 7now this have won
themselves immortal life.
2& With Gayatri he measures out the !raise)song, 5ama with !raise)song,
tri!let with the Tristu!.
The tri!let witli the two or four)foot measure, and with the syllale they
form seven metres.
2( With Dagati the flood in heaven he stalished, and saw the 5un in the
/athantara 5aman.
Gavatri hath, they say, three rands for 7indling1 hence it e$cels in ma9esty
and vigour.
2* I invocate the milch)cow good for mil7ing so that the mil7er, deft of
hand, may drain her.
%ay 5avitar give goodliest stimulation. The caldron is made hot: I will
!roclaim it.
2+ 5he, lady of all treasure, is come hither yearning in s!irit for her calf and
lowing.
%ay this cow yield her mil7 for oth the Asvins, and may she !ros!er to our
high advantage.
2. The cow hath lowed after her lin7ing youngling: she lic7s his forehead,
as she lows, to form it.
"is mouth she fondly calls to her warm udder, and suc7les him with mil7
while gently lowing.
20 "e also snorts, y whom encom!assed round the >ow laws as she clings
unto the shedder of the rain.
5he with her shrilling cries hath humled mortal man, and, turned to
lightning, hath stri!!ed off her covering roe.
#@ That which hath reath and s!eed and life and motion lies firmly
stalished in the midst of houses.
Living, y offerings to the 6ead he moveth Immortal ,ne, the rother of the
mortal.
#1 I saw the "erdsman, him who never stumles, a!!roaching y his
!athways and de!arting.
"e, clothed with gathered and diffusive s!lendour, within the worlds
continually travels.
#2 "e who hath made him cloth not com!rehend him1 from him who saw
him surely is he hidden.
"e, yet envelo!ed in his %other;s osom, source of much life, hath sun7 into
destruction.
## 6yaus is my 4ather, my egetter1 7inshi! is here. This great earth is my
7in and %other.
-etween the wide)s!read world)halves is the irth)!lace1 the 4ather laid
the 6aughter;s germ within it.
#&1as7 thee of the earth;s e$tremest limit, where is the centre of the world,
I as7
thee.
1as7 thee of the 5tallion;s seed !rolific, I as7 of highest heaven where
5!eech aideth.
#( This altar is the earth;s e$tremest limit: this sacrifice of ours is the
world;s centre.
The 5tallion;s seed !rolific is the 5oma: this -rahman highest heaven where
5!eech aideth.
#* 5even germs unri!ened yet are heaven;s !rolific, seed1 their functions
they maintain y 'isnu;s ordinance.
2ndued with wisdom through intelligence and thought, they com!ass us
aout !resent on every side.
#+ What thing I truly am I 7now not clearly1 mysterious, fettered in my mind
I wander.
When the first)orn of holy Law a!!roached me, then of this s!eech I first
otain a !ortion.
#. -ac7, forward goes he, gras!ed y strength inherent, the Immortal orn
the rother of the mortal
>easeless they movelno!!osite directions1 men mar7 the one, and fail to
mar7 the other.
#0 3!on what syllale of holy !raise)song, as twere their highest heaven,
the Gods re!ose them,)
Who 7nows not this, what will he do with !raise)songB -ut they who 7now it
well sit here assemled.
&@ 4orunate mayst thou e with goodly !asture, and may we also e
e$ceeding wealthy.
4eed on the grass, , >ow, at every season, and coming hitherward drin7
lim!id water.
&1 4orming the water)floods, the uffalo hath lowed, one)footed or two)
footed or four)
footed, she,
Who hath ecome eight)footed or hath got nine feet, the thou sand)
syllaled in the sulimest heaven.
&2 4rom her descend in streams the seas of water: therey the world;s four
regions have their eing,
Thence flows the im!erishale flood and thence the universe hath life.
&# I saw from far away the smo7e of fuel with s!ires that rose on high o;er
that eneath it.
The %ighty %en have dressed the s!otted ulloc7. These were the customs
in the days aforetime,
&& Three with long tresses show in ordered season. ,ne of them sheareth
when the year is ended.
,ne with his !owers the universe regardeth1 ,f one, the swee! is seen, ut
his figure.
&( 5!eech hath een measured out in four divisions, the -rahmans who have
understanding 7now them.
Three 7e!t in close concealment cause no motion: of s!eech, men s!ea7
only the fourth division.
&* They call him Indra, %itra, 'aruna, Agni, and he is heavenly noly)winged
Garutman.
To what is ,ne, sages give many a title they call it Agni, <ama, %atarisvan.
&+ 6ar7 the descent1 the irds are golden)coloured: u! to the heaven they
fly roed in the waters.
Again descend they from the seat of ,rder, and all the earth is moistened
with their fatness.
&. Twelve are the fellies, and the wheel is single: three are the naves. What
man hath understood itB
Therein are set together s!o7es three hundred and si$ty, which in nowise
can e loosened.
&0 That reast of thine e$haustless, s!ring of !leasure, wherewith thou
feedest all things that are choicest,
Wealth)giver, treasure. finder, free estower,)ring that, 5arasvati, that we
may drain it.
(@ -y means of sacrifice the Gods accom!lished their sacrifice1 these were
the earliest ordinances.
These %ighty ,nes attained the height of heaven, there where the 5adhyas,
Gods of old, are dwelling.
(1 3niform, with the !assing days, this water mounts and fails again.
The tem!est)clouds give life to earth, and fires re)animate the heaven.
(2 The -ird >elestial, vast with nole !inion, the lovely germ of !lants, the
germ of waters,
"im who delighteth us with rain in season, 5arasvan I invo7e that he may
hel! us.
HYMN .*XV. Indra. Maru&s.
1. WIT" what right eauty are the %aruts 9ointly invested, !eers in age,
who dwell togetherB
4rom what !lace have they comeB With what intentionB 5ing they their
strength through love of wealth, these "eroesB
2 Whose !rayers have they, the <outhful ,nes, acce!tedB Who to his
sacrifice hath turned the %arutsB
We will delay them on their 9ourney swee!ing)with what high s!iritA)through
the air li7e eagles.
# Whence comest thou alone, thou who art mighty, Indra, Lord of the -raveB
What is thy !ur!oseB
Thou greetest us when meeting us the -right ,nes. Lord of -ay 5teeds, say
what thou hast against us.
& %ine are devotions, hymns: sweet are liations. 5trength stirs, and hurled
forth is my olt of thunder.
They call for me, their lauds are longing for me. These my -ay 5teeds ear
me to these olations.
( Therefore together with our strong com!anions, having adorned our
odies, now we harness,
,ur s!otted deer with might, for thou, , Indra, hast learnt and understood
our Godli7e nature.
* Where was that nature then of yours, , %aruts, that ye charged me alone
to slay the 6ragonB
4or I in truth am fierce and strong and mighty. I ent away from every
foeman;s wea!ons.
+ <ea, much hast thou achieved with us for comrades, with manly valour li7e
thine own, thou "ero.
%uch may we too achieve, , mightiest Indra, with our great !ower, we
%aruts, when we will it.
. 'rtra I slew y mine own strength, , %aruts, having wa$ed mighty in mine
indignation.
I with the thunder in my hand created for man these lucid softly flowing
waters.
0 =othing, , %aghavan, stands firm efore thee: among the Gods not one is
found
thine e?ual.
=one orn or s!ringing into life comes nigh thee. 6o what thou hast to do,
e$ceeding mightyB
1@ %ine only e transcendent !ower, whatever I, daring in my s!irit, may
accom!lish.
4or I am 7nown as terrile, , %aruts I, Indra, am the Lord of what I ruined.
11 =ow, , ye %aruts, hath your !raise re9oiced me, the glorious hymn which
ye have made me, "eroesA
4or me, for Indra, cham!ion strong in attle, for me, yourselves, as lovers
for a lover.
12 "ere, truly, they send forth their sheen to meet me, wearing their
lameless glory and their vigour.
When I have seen you, %atuts, in gay s!lendour, ye have delighted me, so
now delight me.
1# Who here hath magnified you, , ye %arutsB s!eed forward, , ye lovers,
to your lovers.
<e /adiant ,nes, assisting their devotions, of these my holy rites he ye
regardful.
1& To this hath %inya;s wisdom rought us, so as to aid, as aids the !oet him
who worshi!s.
-ring hither ?uic7A ,n to the sage, ye %arutsA These !rayers for you the
singer hath recited.
1( %ay this your !raise, may this your song, , %aruts, sung y the !oet,
%ana;s son, %andarya,
-ring offs!ring for ourselves with food to feed us. %ay we find strengthening
food in full aundanceA
HYMN .*XVI. Maru&s.
1. =ow let us !ulish, for the vigorous com!any the herald of the 5trong
,ne, their !rimeval might.
With fire u!on your way, , %aruts loud of voice, with attle, %ighty ,nes,
achieve your deeds of strength.
2 -ringing the !leasant mcath as ;twere their own dear son, they s!ort in
s!ortive wise gay at their gatherings.
The /udras come with succour to the worshi!!er: self)strong they fail not
him who offers sacrifice.
# To whomsoever, ringer of olations, they immortal guardians, have given
!lenteous wealth,
4or him, li7e loving friends, the %aruts ringing liss edew the regions
round with mil7 aundantly.
& <e who with mighty !owers have stirred the regions u!, your coursers have
s!ed forth directed y themselves.
All creatures of the earth, all dwellings are afraid, for rilliant is your
coming with your s!ears advanced.
( When they in daCCling rush have made the mountains roar, and sha7en
heaven;s high ac7 in their heroic strength,
2ach sovran of the forest fears as ye drive near, aid the shrus fly efore
you swift as whirling wheels.
* Terrile %aruts, ye with ne;er)diminished host, with grcat enevolence
fulfil our heart;s desire.
Where;er your lightning ites armed with its gory teeth it crunches u! the
cattle li7e a well)aimed dart.
+ Givers of during gifts whose ounties never fail, free from ill)will, at
sacrifices glorified,
They sing their song aloud that they may drin7 sweet 9uice1 well do they
7now the "ero;s first heroic deeds.
. With castles hundredfold, , %aruts, guard ye well the man whom ye have
loved from ruin and from sin,)
The man whom ye the fierce, the %ighty ones who roar, !reserve from
calumny y cherishing his seed.
0 , %aruts, in your cars are all things that are good1 great !owers are set as
;twere in rivalry therein.
/ings are u!on your shoulders when ye 9ourney forth1 your a$le turns
together oth the chariot wheels.
1@ "eld in your manly arms are many goodly things, gold chains are on your
chests, and glistering ornaments,
6eer)s7ins are on their shoulders, on their fellies 7nives1 they s!read their
glory out as irds s!read out their wings.
11 %ighty in mightiness, !ervading, !assing strong, visile from afar as
;twere with stars of heaven,
Lovely with !leasant tongues, sweet singers with their mouths, the %aruts,
9oined with Indra, shout forth all around.
12 This is your ma9esty, ye %aruts noly orn, far as the sway of Adid your
ounty s!reads.
2ven Indra y desertion never disannuls the oon estowed y you u!on the
!ious man.
1# This is your 7inshi!, %aruts, that, Immortals, ye were oft in olden time
regardful of our call,
"aving vouchsafed to man a hearing through this !rayer, y wondrous deeds
the "eroes have dis!layed their might.
1& That, , ye %aruts, we may long time flourish through your aundant
riches, , swift movers,
And that our men may s!read in the encam!ment, let me com!lete the rite
with these olations.
1( %ay this your laud, may this your song, , %aruts, sung y the !oet,
%ana;s son, %andarya,
food in full aundance.
HYMN .*XVII. Indra. Maru&s.
1. A T",35A=6 are thy hel!s for us, , Indra1 a thousand, Lord of -ays, thy
choice refreshments.
Wealth of a thousand sorts hast thou to cheer us1 may !recious goods come
nigh to us in thousands.
2 %ay the most sa!ient %aruts, with !rotection, with est oons rought
from lofty heaven, a!!roach us,
=ow when their team of the most nole horses s!eeds even on the sea;s
e$tremest limit.
# >lose to them clings one moving in seclusion, li7e a man;s wife, li7e a
s!ear carried rearward,
Well gras!ed, right, dec7ed with gold there is 'a7 also, li7e to a courtly,
elo?uent dame, among them.
& 4ar off the rilliant, never)weary %aruts cling to the young %aid as a 9oint
!ossession.
The fierce Gods drave not /odasi efore them, ut wished for her to grow
their friend and fellow.
( When chose immortal /odasi to follow) she with loose tresses and heroic
s!irit)
5he climed her servant;s chariot, she li7e 5urya with cloud)li7e motion and
refulgent as!ect.
* 3!on their car the young men set the %aiden wedded to glory, mighty in
assemlies,
When your song, %aruts, rose, and, with olation, the 5oma)!ourer sang his
hymn in worshi!.
+ I will declare the greatness of these %aruts, their real greatness, worthy
to e lauded,
"ow, with them, she though firm, strong)minded, haughty, travels to women
ha!!y in their fortune.
. %itra and 'aruna they guard from censure1 Aryaman too, discovers
worthless sinners 4irm things are overthrown that ne;er were sha7en1 he
!ros!ers, %aruts, who gives choice olations.
0 =one of us, %aruts, near or at a distance, hath ever reached the limit of
your vigour.
They in courageous might still wa$ing oldly have com!assed round their
foemen li7e an ocean.
1@ %ay we this day e dearest friends of Indra, and let us call on him in
fight to)morrow.
5o were we erst. =ew might attend us dailyA 5o e with usA /hu7san of the
"eroesA
11 %ay this your laud, may this your song, , %aruts, sung y the !oet,
%ana;s
son, %andarya,
-ring offs!ring for ourselves with. food to feed us. %ay we find
strengthening food in full aundance.
HYMN .*XVIII. Maru&s.
1. 5WI4T gain is his who hath you near at every rite1 ye welcome every song
of himwho serves the Gods.
5o may I turn you hither with fair hymns of !raise to give great succour for
the weal of oth the worlds.
2 5urrounding, as it were, self)orn, self)!owerful, they s!ring to life the
sha7ers)down of food and light:
Li7e as the countess undulations of the floods, worthy of !raise when near,
li7e ulloc7s and li7e 7ine.
# They who, li7e 5omas with their well)grown stal7s !ressed out, imied
within the heart, dwell there in friendly wise.
3!on their shoulders rests as ;twere a warrior;s s!ear and in their hand they
hold a dagger and a ring.
& 5elf)yo7ed they have descended lightly from the s7y. With your own lash,
Immortals, urge yourselve;s to s!eed.
3nstained y dust the %aruts, mighty in their strength, have cast down e;en
firm things, armed with their shining s!ears.
( Who among you, , %aruts armed with lightning)s!ears, moveth you y
himself, as with the tongue his 9awsB
<e rush from heaven;s floor as though ye sought for food, on many errands
li7e the 5un;s diurnal 5teed.
* 5ay where, then, is this mighty region;s farthest ound, where, %aruts, is
the lowest de!th that ye have reached,
When ye cast down li7e chaff the firmly stalished !ile, and from the
mountain send the glittering water)floodB
+ <our winning is with strength, daCCling, with heavenly light, with fruit
mature, , %aruts, fall of !lenteousness.
Aus!icious is your gift li7e a free giver;s meed, victorious, s!reading far, as
of immortal Gods.
. The rivers roar efore your chariot fellies when they are uttering the voice
of rain)clouds.
The lightnings laugh u!on the earth eneath them, what time the %aruts
scatter forth their fatness.
0 Prani rought forth, to fight the mighty attle, the glittering army of the
restless %aruts.
=urtured together they egat the monster, and then loo7ed round them for
the food that strengthens.
1@ %ay this your laud, may this your song , %aruts, sung y the !oet %ana;s
son,
%andarya,
HYMN .*XIX. Indra.
1. As, Indra, from great treason thou !rotectest, yea, from great treachery
these who a!!roach us,
5o, mar7ing well, >ontroller of the %aruts grant us their lessings, for they
are thy dearest.
2 The various doings of all mortal !eo!le y thee are ordered, in thy
wisdom, Indra.
The host of %arutg goeth forth e$ulting to win the light)estowing s!oil of
attle.
# That s!ear of thine sat firm for us, , Indra1 the %aruts set their whole
dread !ower in motion.
2;en Agni shines res!lendent in the rush)wood1 the viands hold him as
floods hold an island.
& 'ouchsafe us now that o!ulence, , Indra, as guerdon won y mightiest
donation.
%ay hymns that !lease thee cause the reast of 'ayu to swell as with the
mead;s refreshing sweetness.
( With thee, , Indra, are most ounteous riches that further every one who
lives u!rightly.
=ow may these %aruts show us loving)7indness, Gods who of old were ever
!rom!t to hel! us.
* -ring forth the %en who rain down oons, , Indra1 e$ert thee in the great
terrestrial region:
4or their road)chested s!ec7led deer are standing li7e a 8ing;s armies on
the field of attle.
+ "eard is the roar of the advancing %aruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly
moving,
Who with their rush o;erthrow as ;twere a sinner the mortal who would fight
with those who love him
. Give to the %anas, Indra with %aruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle
foremost.
Thou, God, art !raised with Gods who must e lauded. %ay we find
HYMN .*XX. Indra. Maru&s.
1. =A3G"T is to)day, to)morrow naught. Who com!rehends the mysteryB
We must address ourselves unto another;s thought, and lost is then the ho!e
we formed.
2 The %aruts are thy rothers. Why, , Indra, wouldst thou ta7e our livesB
Agree with them in friendly wise, and do not slay us in the fight.
# Agastya, rother, why dost thou neglect us, thou who art our friendB
We 7now the nature of thy mind. 'erity thou wilt give us naught.
& Let them !re!are the altar, let them 7indle fire in front1 we two
"ere will s!read sacrifice for thee, that the Immortal may oserve.
( Thou, Lord of Wealth, art %aster of all treasures, thou, Lord of friends, art
thy
friends; est su!!orter.
, Indra, s!ea7 thou 7indly with the %aruts, and taste olations in their
!ro!er season.
HYMN .*XXI. Maru&s.
1. To you I come with this mine adoration, and with a hymn I crave the
5trong ,nes; favour
A hymn that truly ma7es you 9oyful, %aruts. 5u!!ress your anger and unyo7e
your horses.
2 %aruts, to you this laud with !rayer and worshi!, formed in the mind and
heart, ye Gods, is offered.
>ome ye to us, re9oicing in your s!irit, for ye are they who ma7e our !rayer
effective.
# The %aruts, !raised y us, shall show us favour: %aghavan, lauded, shall
e most !ro!itious.
%aruts,, may all our days that are to follow e very !leasant, lovely and
trium!hant.
& I fled in terrror from this mighty Indra, my ody tremling in alarm, ,
%aruts.
,lations meant for you had een made ready: these have we set aside1 for
this forgive us.
( -y whom the %anas recogniCe the day)s!rings, y whose strength at the
dawn of endless mornings,
Give us, thou %ighty, glory with %aruts. fierce with the fierce, the 5trong
who givest trium!h.
* 6o thou, , Indra, guard the con?uering "eroes, and rid thee of thy wrath
against the %aruts,
With them, the wise, victorious and estowing. %ay we find strengthening
HYMN .*XXII. Maru&s.
1. W,=62/43L let your coming e, wondrous with hel!, ye -ounteous ,nes,
%aruts, who gleam as ser!ents gleam.
2 4ar e from us, , %aruts, ye free givers, your im!etuous shaft:
4ar from us e the stone ye hurl.
# , -ounteous Givers, touch ye not, , %aruts, Trns7anda;s fol7:
Lift ye us u! that we may live.
HYMN .*XXIII. Indra.
1. T"2 !raise)song let him sing forth ursting ird)li7e1 sing we that hymn
which li7e heaven;s light e$!andeth,
That the mil7)giving cows may, unim!eded call to the sacred grass the Gods;
assemly.
2 Let the -ull sing with -ulls whose toil is worshi!, with a loud roar li7e
some wild east that hungers.
Praised GodA the glad !riest rings his heart;s devotion: the holy youth
!resents twofold olation.
# %ay the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him ring
the earth;s autumnal fruitage.
Let the "orse neigh led near, let the 5teer ellow1 let the 'oice go etween
oth worlds as herald,
& To him we offer welcomest olations, the !ious ring their strength)
ins!iring !raises.
%ay Indra, wondrous in his might, acce!t them, car)orne and swift to move
li7e the =asatyas.
( Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car)orne Warrior,
%aghavan the "ero:
5tronger in war than those who fight against him, orne y strong steeds,
who 7ills enclosing dar7ness:
* "im who sur!asses heroes in his greatness1 the earth and heavens suffice
not for his girdles.
Indra endues the earth to e his garment, and, God)li7e, wears the heaven
as ;twere a frontlet,
+ Thee, "ero, guardian of the rave in attles, who roamest in the van,)to
draw thee hither,
Indra, the hosts agree eside the 5oma, and 9oy, for his great actions, in the
>hieftain.
. Liations in the sea to thee are !leasant, when thy divine 4loods come to
cheer these !eo!le.
To thee the >ow is sum of all things grateful when with the wish thou
see7est men and !rinces.
0 5o may we in this ,ne e well efriended, well aided as it were through
!raise of chieftains,
That Indra still may linger at our worshi!, as one led swift to wor7, to hear
our !raises.
1@ Li7e men in rivalry e$tolling !rinces, our 4riend e Indra, wielder of the
thunder.
Li7e true friends of some city;s lord within them held in good rule with
sacrifice they hel! him.
11 4or every sacrifice ma7es Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry
in s!irit:
As !leasure at the ford invites the thirsty, as the long way rings him who
gains his o9ect.
12 Let us not here contend with Gods, , Indra, for here, , %ighty ,ne, is
thine own !ortion,
The Great, whose 4riends the ounteous %aruts honour, as with a stream,
his song who !ours olations.
1# Addressed to thee is this our !raise, , Indra1 Lord of -ay 5teeds, find us
herey advancement.
5o mayst thou lead us on, , God, to comfort. %ay we find strengthening
HYMN .*XXIV. Indra.
1. T",3 art the 8ing of all the Gods, , Indra1 !rotect the men, , Asura,
!reserve us.
Thou Lord of "eroes, %aghavan, our saver, art faithful, very rich, the
victory)giver.
2 Indra, thou humledst tries that s!a7e with insult y rea7ing down
seven autumn forts, their refuge.
Thou stirredst, -lamelessA illowy floods, and gavest his foe a !rey to
youthful Puru7utsa.
# With whom thou drivest troo!s whose lords are heroes, and ringest
daylight now, much worshi!!ed Indra,
With them guard lion)li7e wasting active Agni to dwell in our tilled fields
and in our homestead.
& They through the greatness of thy s!ear, , Indra, shall, to thy !raise, rest
in this earthly station.
To loose the floods, to see7, for 7ine, the attle, his -ays he mounted oldly
seiCed the ooty.
( Indra, ear 8utsa, him in whom thou 9oyest1 the dar7)red horses of the
Wind are docile.
Let the 5un roll his chariot wheel anear us, and let the Thunderer go to
meet the foemen.
* Thou Indra, Lord of -ays, made strong y im!ulse, hast slain the ve$ers of
thy friends, who give not.
They who eheld the 4riend eside the living were cast aside y thee as
they rode onward.
+ Indra, the ard sang forth in ins!iration1 thou madest earth a covering for
the 6asa.
%aghavan made the three that gleam with moisture, and to his home
rought 8uyavac to slay him.
. These thine old deeds new ards have sung, , Indra. Thou con?ueredst,
oundest many tries for ever.
Li7e castles thou hast crushed the godless races, and owed the godless
scorner;s deadly wea!on.
0 A 5tormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, , Indra, li7e the
running rivers.
When o;er the flood thou roughtest them, , "ero, thou 7e!test Turvaga
and <adu safely.
1@ Indra, mayst thou e ours in all occasions, !rotector of the men, most
gentle)hearted,
Giving us victory over all our rivals. %ay we find strengthening food in full
aundance.
HYMN .*XXV. Indra.
1. GLA6 thee1 thy glory hath een ?uaffed, Lord of -ay 5teeds, as ;twere the
owl;s enlivening mead.
4or thee the 5trong there is strong drin7, mighty, omni!otent to win.
2 Let our strong drin7, most e$cellent, e$hilarating, come to thee,
'ictorious, Indra1 ringing gain, immortal con?uering in fight,
# Thou, "ero, winner of the s!oil, urgest to s!eed the car of man.
-urn, li7e a vessel with the flame, the lawless 6asyu, >on?uerorA
& 2m!owered y thine own might, , 5age, thou stolest 5arya;s chariot
wheel.
Thou arest 8utsa with the steeds of Wind to 5usna as his death.
( %ost mighty is thy ra!turous 9oy, most s!lendid is thine active !ower,
Wherewith, foe)slaying, sending liss, thou art su!reme in gaining steeds.
* As thou, , Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever 9oy, as water to the
thirsty,
5o unto thee I sing this invocation. %ay we find strengthening food in full
aundance.
HYMN .*XXVI. Indra.
1. >"22/ thee with draughts to win us liss1 5oma, !ierce Indra in thy
strength.
Thou stormest tremling in thy rage, and findest not a foeman nigh.
2 %a7e our songs !enetrate to him who is the ,nly ,ne of men:
4or whom the sacred food is s!read, as the steer !loughs the arley in.
# Within whose hands de!osited all the 4ive Peo!les; treasures rest.
%ar7 thou the man who in9ures us and 7ill him li7e the heavenly olt.
& 5lay everyone who !ours no gift, who, hard to reach, delights thee not.
-estow on us what wealth he hath1 this even the worshi!!er awaits.
( Thou hel!est him the douly strong whose hymns were sung unceasingly.
When Indra fought, , 5oma, thou hel!est the mighty in the fray.
* As thou, , Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever 9oy, li7e water to the
thirsty,
5o unto thee I sing this invocation. %ay we find strengthenifig food in full
aundance.
HYMN .*XXVII. Indra.
1. T"2 -ull of men, who cherishes all !eo!le, 8ing of the /aces, Indra,
called of many,
4ame)loving, !raised, hither to me with succour turn having yo7ed oth
vigorous -ay "orsesA
2 Thy mighty 5tallions, yo7ed y !rayer, , Indra, thy. >oursers to thy mighty
chariot harnessed,)
Ascend thou these, and orne y them come hither1 with 5oma 9uice out.
!oured, Indra, we call thee.
# Ascend thy mighty car1 the mighty 5oma is !oured for thee and sweets are
s!rin7led round us.
>ome down to us)ward, -ull of human races,come, having harnessed them,
with strong -ay "orses.
& "ere is God)reaching sacrifice, here the victim: here, Indra,are the
!rayers, here is the 5oma.
5trewn is thesacred grass1 come hither, 5a7ra: seatthee and drin71 unyo7e
thy two -ay >oursers.
( >ome to us, Indra, come thou highly lauded to the devotions of the singer
%ana.
5inging, may we find early through thy succour, may we find strengthening
HYMN .*XXVIII. Indra.
1. I4, Indra, thou hast given that gracious hearing where with thou hel!est
those who sang thy !raises.
-last not the wish that would e$alt us may I gain all from thee, and !ay all
man;s devotions.
2 Let not the 5ovran Indra disa!!oint us in what shall ring oth 5isters to
our dwelling.
To him have run the ?uic7ly flowing waters.%ay Indra come to us with life
and friendshi!.
# 'ictorious with the men, "ero in attles, Indra, who hearsthe singer;s
su!!lication,
Will ring his car nigh to the man who offers, if he himself u!holds the songs
that !raise him.
& <ea,Indra, with the men, through love of gloryconsumes the sacred food
which friends have offered.
The ever)strengthening song of him who worshi!s is sung in fight amid the
clash of voices.
(Aided y thee, , %aghavan, , Indra, may we sudue our foes who count
them mighty.
-e our !rotector, strengthen and increase us.%ay we find strengthening food
in full aundance.
HYMN .*XXIX. Ra&i.
The deified o9ect of this omitted hymn is said to e /ati or Love, and its
/sis or authors are Lo!amudrd, Agastya, and a disci!le. Lo!amudra is
re!resented as inviting the caresses of her aged husand Agastya, and
com!laining of his coldness and neglect. Agastya res!onds in stanCa #, and
in the second half of stanCa & the disci!le or the !oet riefly tells the result
of the dialogue. 5tanCa ( is su!!osed to e s!o7en y the disci!le who has
overheard the conversation, ut its conne$ion with the rest of the hymn is
not very a!!arent. In stanCa * ;toiling with strong endeavour; is a !ara!hrase
and not a translation of the original 7hanamanah 7hanitrai Gligonius
fodiensH which 5ayana e$!lains y ;otaining the desired result y means of
lauds and sacrifices.;
%. -ergaigne is of o!inion that the hymn has a mystical meaning, Agastya
eing identifiale with the celestial 5oma whom Lo!amudra, re!resenting
fervent Prayer, succeeds after long laour in drawing down from his secret
dwelling !lace. 5ee La /eligion 'edi?ue, ii. #0& f.
1 ;Through many autumns have I toiled and laoured, at night and morn,
through age)inducing dawnings.
,ld age im!airs the eauty of our odies. Let husands still come near unto
their s!ouses.
2 4or even the men aforetime, law)fulfillers, who with the Gods declared
eternal statutes,))
They have decided, ut have not accom!lished1 so now let Wives come near
unto their husands.
# =on inutilis est laor cui 6ii favent1 nos omnes aemulos et aemulas
vincamus.
5u!eremus in hac centum artium !ugna in ?ua duas !artes convenientes
utrin?ue commovemus.
& >u!ido me ce!it illius tauri IviriJ ?ui me des!icit, utrum hinc utrum illinc
a ali?ua !arte nata sit.
Lo!amudra taururn Imariturn suumJ ad se detrahit1 insi!iens illa sa!ientem
anhelantern asoret.
( This 5oma I address that is most near us, that which hath een imied
within the s!irit,
To !ardon any sins we have committed. 'erily mortal man is full of longings.
* Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, !rogeny
and. !ower,
>herished ) a sage of mighty strength ) oth classes, and with the Gods
otained his !rayer;s fulfilment.
-y ;oth classes; !roaly !riests and !rinces, or institutors of sacrifices, are
meant. %. -ergaigne understands the e$!ression to mean the two forms or
essences of 5oma, the celestial and the terrestrial.
( %emrum suum virile, ?uod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retra$it. /ursus
illud ?uod in 9uvenem filiam sulatum fuerat, non aggressurus, ad se
rerahit.
* Euum 9am in medio connessu, semi!erfecto o!ere, amorem in !uellam
!ater im!leverat, amo discedentes seminis !aulum in terrae su!erficiem
sacrorum sede effusum emiserunt.
+ Euum !ater suam nilam adiverat, cum ed congressus suum semen su!ra
wrrarn effudit. Tum 6ii enigni !recem GrahmaH !rgeduerunt, et
'astosh!atim, legum sacrarum custodem, formaverunt.
. Ille tauro similis s!umam in certamine 9actavit, tunc discedens
!usilla$imis huc !rofectus est. Euasi de$tro !ede claudus !rocessit, Kinutiles
fuerunt illi mei com!le$us,K ita locutus.
0 ;The fire, urning the !eo!le, does not a!!roach ?uic7ly Gy dayH1 the
na7ed G/a7asas a!!roachH not Agni y night: the giver of fuel, and the giver
of food, he, the u!holder Gof the riteH, is orn, overcoming enemies y his
might.;
HYMN .*XXX. Asvins.
1. LIG"TL< your coursers travel through the regions when round thesea of
air your car is flying.
<our golden fellies scatter dro!s of moisture1 drin7ing the sweetness ye
atend the %ornings.
2 <e as ye travel overta7e the >ourser who flies a!art, the 4riend of man,
most holy.
The !rayer is that the 5ister may convey you, all !raised, meath)drin7ersA to
su!!ort and strengthen.
# <e have de!osited, matured within her, in the raw cow the first mil7 of the
milch)cow,
Which the right offerer, shining li7e a ser!ent mid trees, !resents to you
whose form is !erfect.
& <e made the fierce heat to e full of sweetness for Atri at his wish, li7e
streaming water.
4ire)offering thence is yours, , Asvins, "eroes1 your car)wheels s!eed to us
li7e s!rings of honey.
( Li7e Tugra;s ancient son may I, ye %ighty, ring you to give your gifts with
mil7)olations.
<our greatness com!asseth 2arth, "eaven, and Waters1 decayed for you is
sorrow;s net, ye "oly.
* When, -ounteous ,nes, ye drive your yo7ed team downward, ye send, y
your own natures, understanding.
5wift as the wind let the !rince !lease and feast you1 he, li7e a !ious man,
gains strength for increase.
+ 4or verily we truthful singers !raise you the niggard traffic7er is here
e$cluded.
=ow, even now do ye , lameless Advins, ye %ighty, guard the man whose
God is near him.
. <ou of a truth day after day, , Asvins, that he might win the very
!lenteous torrent,
Agastya, famous among mortal heroes, roused with a thousand lauds li7e
sounds of music.
0 When with the glory of your car ye travel, when we go s!eeding li7e the
!riest of mortals,
And give good horses to sacrificers, may we, =asatyasA gain our share of
riches.
1@ With songs of !raise we call to)day, , Asvins, that your new chariot, for
our own well)eing,
That circles heaven with never)in9ured fellies. %ay we find strengthening
HYMN .*XXXI. Asvins
1. W"AT, dearest Pair, is this in strength and riches that ye as Priests are
ring from the watersB
This sacrifice is your glorification, ye who !rotect man7ind and give them
treasures.
2 %ay your !ure steeds, rain)drin7ers, ring you hither, swift as the
tem!est, your celestial coursers,
/a!id as thought, with fair ac7s, full of vigour, res!lendent in their native
light, , Asvins.
# <our car is li7e a torrent rushing downward1 may it come nigh, road)
seated, for our welfare,)
>ar holy, strong, that ever would e foremost, thought)swift, which ye, for
whom we long, have mounted.
& "ere s!rung to life, they oth have sung together, with odies free from
stain, with signs that mar7 them:
,ne of you Prince of 5acrifice, the 'ictor, the other counts as "eaven;s
aus!icious offs!ring.
( %ay your car)seat, down)gliding, golden)coloured, according to your wish
a!!roach our dwellings.
%en shall feed full the ay steeds of the other, and, Asvins they with roars
shall stir the regions.
* 4orth comes your strong -ull li7e a cloud of autumn, sending aundant
food of li?uid sweetness.
Let them feed with the other;s ways and vigour1 the u!!er streams have
come and do us service.
+ <our constant song hath een sent forth, 6is!osersA that flows threefold in
mighty strength, , Asvins.
Thus lauded, give the su!!liant !rotection moving or resting hear mine
invocation.
. This song of right contents for you is swelling in the men;s hall where
three)fold grass is.ready.
<our strong rain)cloud, ye %ighty ,nes, hath swollen, honouring men as
;twere with mil7;s out!ouring.
0 The !rudent worshi!!er, li7e Pusan, AsvinsA !raises you as he !raises 6awn
and Agni,
When, singing with devotion, he invo7es you. %ay we find strengthening
HYMN .*XXXII. Asvins.
1. T"I5 was the tas7. A!!ear !rom!tly, ye !rudent ,nes. "ere is the chariot
drawn y strong steeds1 e ye glad.
"eart)stirring, longed for, succourers of 'is!ala, here are "eaven;s 5ons
whose sway lesses the !ious man.
2 Longed for, most Indra)li7e, mighty, most %arut)li7e, most w*nderful in
deed, car)orne, est charioteers,
-ring your full chariot hither hea!ed with li?uid sweet1 thereon, ye %vins,
come to him who offers gifts.
# What ma7e ye there, ye %ightyB Wherefore linger ye with fol7 who,
offering not, are held in high esteemB
Pass over them: ma7e ye the niggard;s life decay1 give light unto the singer
elo?uent in !raise.
& >runch u! on. every side the dogs who ar7 at us1 slay ye our foes, ,
Asvins this ye understand.
%a7e wealthy every word of him who !raises you1 acce!t with favour, oth
=asatyas, this my laud.
( <e made for Tugra;s son amid the water)floods that animated shi! with
wings to fly withal,
Whereon with God)devoted mind ye rought him forth, and fled with easy
flight from out the mighty surge.
* 4our shi!s most welcome in the midst of ocean, urged y the Asvins, save
the son of Tugra,
"im who was cast down headlong in the waters, !lunged in the thic7
inevitale dar7ness.
+ What tree was that which stood fi$ed in surrounding sea to which the son
of Tugra su!!licating clungB
Li7e twigs, of which some winged creature may ta7e hold, ye, Asvins, ore
him off safely to your renown.
. Welcome to you e this the hymn of !raises uttered y %anas, , =asatyas,
"eroes,
4rom this our gathering where we offer 5oma. %ay we find strengthening
HYMN .*XXXIII. Asvins.
1. %A82 ready that which !asses thought in swiftness, that hath three
wheels and tri!le seat, ye %ighty,
Whereon ye see7 the dwelling of the !ious, whereon, threefold, ye fly li7e
irds with !inions.
2 Light rolls your easy chariot faring earthward, what time, for food, ye, full
of wisdom, mount it.
%ay this song, wondrous fair, attend your glory1 ye, as ye travel, wait on
6awn "eaven;s 6aughter.
# Ascend your lightly rolling car, a!!roaching the worshi!!er who turns him
to his duties,)
Whereon ye come unto the house to ?uic7en man and his offs!ring, ,
=asatyas, "eroes.
& Let not the wolf, let not the she)wolf harm you. 4orsa7e me not, nor !ass
me y or others.
"ere stands your share, here is your hymn, ye %ighty1 yours are these
vessels, full of !leasant 9uices.
( Gotama, Purumilha, Atri ringing olations all invo7e you for !rotection.
Li7e one who goes strai ht to the !oint directed, ye =asatyas, to mine
invocation.
* We have !assed o;er the limit of this dar7ness1 our !raise hath een
estowed on you, , Asvins.
>ome hitherward y !aths which Gods have travelled. %ay we find
HYMN .*XXXIV Asvins.
1. L2T us invo7e you oth this day and after the !riest is here with lauds
when morn is rea7ing1
=asatyas, wheresoe;er ye e, "eaven;s >hildren, for him who is more lieral
than the godless.
2 With us, ye %ighty, let yourselves e 9oyful, glad in our stream of 5oma
slay the niggards.
Graciously hear my hymns and invitations, mar7ing, , "eroes, with your
cars my longing.
# =asatyas, Pusans, ye as Gods for glory arranged and set in order 5urya;s
ridal.
<our giant steeds move on, s!rung from the waters, li7e ancient times of
'aruna the %ighty.
& <our grace e with us, ye who love sweet 9uices1 further the hymn sung y
the !oet %ana,
When men are 9oyful in your glorious actions, to win heroic strength, ye
-ounteous Givers.
( This !raise was made, , lieral Lords, , Asvins, for you with fair
adornment y the %anas.
>ome to our house for us and for our children, re9oicing, , =asatyas, in
Agastya.
* We have !assed o;er the limit of this dar7ness1 our !raise hath
een;estowed on you, , Asvins.
>ome hitherward y !aths which Gods have travelled. may we find
HYMN .*XXXV. H!av!n and Ear&#.
1. W"2T"2/ of these is elder, whether laterB "ow were they ornB Who
7noweth it, ye sagesB
These of themselves su!!ort all things e$isting1 as on a car the 6ay and
=ight roll onward.
2 The Twain u!hold, though motionless and footless, a wides!read offs!ring
having feet and moving.
Li7e your own fon u!on his !arents; osom, !rotect us, "eaven and earth,
from fearful danger.
# I call for Aditi;s unrivalled ounty, !erfect, celestial, deathless, meet for
worshi!.
Produce this, ye Twain Worlds, for him who lauds you. Protect us, "eaven
and 2arth, from fearful danger.
& %ay we e close to oth the Worlds who suffer no !ain, Parents of Gods,
who aid with favour,
-oth mid the Gods, with 6ay and =ight alternate. Protect us, "eaven and
2arth, from fearful danger.
( 4aring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin 5isters lying in their
Parents; osom,
8issing the centre of the world together. Protect us, "eaven and 2arth, from
fearful danger.
* 6uly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the
God;s !rotection.
Who, eautiful to loo7 on, ma7e the nectar. Protect us, "eaven and 2arth,
+ Wide, vast, and manifold, whose ounds are distant,)these, reverent, I
address at this our worshi!,
The lessed Pair, victorious, all)sustaining. Protect us, "eaven and 2arth,
. What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our
house;s chieftain,
Thereof may this our hymn e e$!iation. Protect us, "eaven and 2arth, from
fearful danger.
0 %ay oth these 4riends of man, who less, !reserve me, may they attend
me with their hel! and favour.
2nrich the man more lieral than the godless. %ay we, ye Gods, e strong
with food re9oicing.
1@ 2ndowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to
2arth and "eaven.
-e near us, 7ee! us from re!roach and troule. 4ather and %other, with
your hel! !reserve us.
11 -e this my !rayer fulfilled, , 2arth and "eaven, wherewith, 4ather and
%other, I address you.
=earest of Gods e ye with your !rotection. %ay we find strengthening food
in full aundance.
HYMN .*XXXVI. Visv!d!vas.
1. L,'26 of all men, may 5avitar, through !raises offered as sacred food,
come to our synod,
That you too, through)our hymn, ye ever)youthful, may gladden, at your
visit, all our !eo!le.
2 To us may all the Gods come troo!ed together, Aryaman, %itra, 'aruna
concordant,
That all may e !romoters of our welfare, and with great might !reserve
our strength from slac7ness.
# Agni I sing, the guest you love most dearly1 the >on?ueror through our
lauds is friendly)minded.
That he may e our 'aruna rich in glory and send food li7e a !rince !raised
y the godly.
& To you I see7 with reverence, =ight and %orning, li7e a cow good to mil7,
with ho!e to con?uer,
Pre!aring on a common day the !raise. song with mil7 of various hues within
this udder.
( %ay the great 6ragon of the 6ee! re9oice us1 as one who nourishes her
young comes 5indhu,
With whom we will incite the >hild of Waters whom vigorous course swift as
thought ring hither.
* %oreover Tvastar also shall a!!roach us, one)minded with the !rinces at
his visit.
"ither shall come the 'rtra)slayer Indra, /uler of men, as strongest of the
"eroes.
+ "im too our hymns delight, that yo7e swift horses, li7e mother cows who
lic7 their tender youngling.
To him our songs shall yield themselves li7e s!ouses, to him the most
delightful of the "eroes.
. 5o may the %aruts, armed with mighty wea!ons, rest here on heaven and
earth with hearts in concord,
As Gods whose cars have da!!led steeds li7e torrents, destroyers of the foe
allies of %itra.
0 They hasten on to ha!!y termination their orders when they are made
7nown y
glory.
As on a fair right day the arrow flieth o;er all the arren soil their missiles
s!ar7le.
1@ Incline the Asvins to show grace, and Pusan, for !ower and might have
they, their own !ossession.
4riendly are 'isnu, 'ata, and /hu7san so may I ring the Gods to ma7e us
ha!!y.
11 This is my reverent thought of you, ye "oly: may it ins!ire you, ma7e you
dwell among us,)
Thought, toiling for the Gods and see7ing treasure. %ay we find
HYMN .*XXXVII. +rais! /0 F//d.
1. =ow will I glorify 4ood that u!holds great strength,
-y whose invigorating !ower Trita rent 'rtra lim frorn lim.
2 , !leasant 4ood, , 4ood of meath, thee have we chosen for our own,
5o e our 7ind !rotector thou.
# >ome hitherward to us, , 4ood, aus!icious with aus!icious hel!,
"ealth)ringing, not un7ind, a dear and guileless friend.
& These 9uices which, , 4ood, are thine throughout the regions are diffused.
li7e winds they have their !lace in heaven.
( These gifts of thine, , 4ood, , 4ood most sweet to taste,
These savours of thy 9uices wor7 li7e creatures that have mighty nec7s.
* In thee, , 4ood, is set the s!irit of great Gods.
3nder thy flag rave deeds were done he slew the 6ragon with thy hel!.
+ If thou e gone unto the s!lendour of the clouds,
2ven from thence, , 4ood of meath, !re!ared for our en9oyment, come.
. Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from !lants of earth, ,
5oma, wa$ thou fat therey.
0 What 5oma, we en9oy from thee in mil7y food or arley)rew, 'ata!i,
grow thou fat therey.
1@ , 'egetale, >a7e of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening1
'ata!i, grow thou fat therey.
11 , 4ood, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, li7e cows, our
sacrificial gifts,
4rom thee who an?uetest with Gods, from thee who an?uetest with us.
HYMN .*XXXVIII. A%ri,
1. WI==2/ of thousands, 7indled, thou shinest a God with Gods to)day.
-ear out olations, envoy, 5age.
2 >hild of Thyself the sacrifice is for the righteous lent with meath,
Presenting viands thousandfold.
# Invo7ed and worthy of our !raise ring Gods whose due is sacrifice1
Thou, Agni, givest countless gifts.
& To seat a thousand "eroes they eastward have strewn the grass with
might,
Whereon, Adityas, ye shine forth.
( The sovran all)im!erial 6oors, wide, good, many and manifold,
"ave !oured their streams of holy oil.
* With gay adornment, fair to see, in glorious eauty shine they forth1
Let =ight and %orning rest them here.
+ Let these two 5ages first of all, heralds divine and elo?uent,
Perform for us this sacrifice.
. <ou I address, 5arasvati, and -harati, and Ila, all1
3rge ye us on to glorious fame.
0 Tvastar the Lord hath made all forms and all the cattle of the field
>ause them to multi!ly for us.
1@ 5end to the Gods, 'anas!ati, thyself, the sacrificial draught1
Let Agni ma7e the olations sweet.
11 Agni, !receder of the Gods, is honoured with the sacred song1
"e glows at offerings lest with "ailA
HYMN .*XXXIX. Agni.
1. -< goodly !aths lead us to riches, Agni, God who 7nowest every sacred
duty.
/emove the sin that ma7es us stray and wander. most am!le adoration will
we ring thee.
2 Lead us anew to ha!!iness, , Agni: lead us eyond all danger and
affliction.
-e unto us a wide road am!le castle less, !ros!er on their way our sons
and offs!ring.
# 4ar from us, Agni, !ut thou all diseases let them stri7e lauds that have no
saving Agni.
God, ma7e our home again to e a 1ess ing, with all the Immortal 6eities,
, "oly.
& Preserve us, Agni, with !er!etual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which
thou lovest.
, >on?ueror, most youthful, let no danger touch him who !raises thee to)
day or after.
( Give not us u! a !rey to sin, , Agni, the greedy enemy that rings us
troule:
=ot to the fanged that ites, not to the toothless1 give not us u!, thou
>on?ueror, to the s!oiler.
* 5uch as thou art, orn after Law, , Agni when lauded give !rotection to
our odies,
4rom whosoever would re!roach or in9ure1 for thou, God, rcscuest from all
o!!ression.
+ Thou, well discerning oth these classes, comest to men at early morn, ,
holy Agni.
-e thou oedient unto man at evening, to e adorned, as 7een, y eager
suitors.
. To him have we addressed our !ious s!eeches, I, %ana;s son, to him
victorious Agni.
%ay we gain countless riches with the sages. %ay we find strengthening food
in full aundance.
HYMN .X.. Br#as%a&i.
1.GL,/I4< thou -rhas!ati, the scatheless, who must e !raised with hymns,
sweet)tongued and mighty,
To whom as leader of the song, res!lendent, worthy of lauds, oth Gods and
mortals listen.
2 ,n him wait songs according to the season even as a stream of !ious men
set moving.
-rhas!ati)for helaid out the e$!anses) was, at the sacrifice, vast %atarisvan.
# The !raise, the verse that offers adoration, may he ring forth, as the 5un
sends his arms out,
"e who gives daily light through this God;s wisdom, strong as a dread wild
east, and inoffensive.
& "is song of !raise !ervades the earth and heaven ) let the wise worshi!!er
draw it, li7e a courser.
These of -rhas!ati, li7e hunters; arrows, go to the s7ies that change their
hue li7e ser!ents.
( Those, God, who count thee as a worthless ulloc7, and, wealthy sinners,
live on thee the -ounteous,)
,n fools li7e these no lessing thou estowest1 -rhas!ati, thou !unishest the
s!iteful.
* Li7e a fair !ath is he, where grass is !leasant, though hard to win, a
4riend eloved most early.
Those who unharmed y enemies ehold us, while1 they would ma7e them
are, stood closely com!assed.
+ "e to whom songs of !raise go forth li7e torrents, as rivers eddying under
an7s flow sea)ward)
-rhas!ati the wise, the eager, closely loo7s u!on oth, the waters and the
vessel.
. 5o hath -rhas!ati, great, strong and mighty, the God e$ceeding !owerful,
een rought hither.
%ay he thus lauded give us 7ine and horses. %ay we find strengthening food
in full aundance.
HYMN .X.I 1a&!r. Grass. Sun.
1. '2=,%,35, slightly venomous, or venomous a?uatic worm,)
-oth creatures, stinging, unoserved, with !oison have infected me.
2 >oming, it 7ills the unoserved: it 7ills them as it goes away,
It 7ills them as it drives them off, and ruising ruises them to death.
# 5ara grass, 6arha, 8usara, and 5airya, %un9a, 'irana,
Where all these creatures dwell unseen, with !oison have infected me.
& The cows had settled in their stalls, the easts of !rey had sought their
lairs,
2$tinguished were the lights of men, when things unseen infected me.
( ,r these, thesere!tiles, are oserved, li7e lur7ing thieves at evening time.
5eers of all, themselves unseen1 e therefore very vigilant.
* "eaven is your 5ire, your %other 2arth, 5oma your -rother, Aditi
<our 5ister1 seeing all, unseen, 7ee! still and dwell ye ha!!ily.
+ -iters of shoulder or of lim, with needle)stings, most venomous,
3nseen, whatever ye may e, vanish together and e gone.
. 5layer of things unseen, the 5un, eheld of all, mounts, eastward, u!,
>onsuming all that are not seen, and evil s!irits of the night.
0 There hath the 5un)God mounted u!, who scorches much and everything.
2ven the Aditya from the hills, all)seen, destroying things unseen.
1@ I hang the !oison in the 5un, a wine)s7in in a vintner;s house,
"e will not die, nor shall we die1 his !ath is far1 he whom -ay "orses ear
hath turned thee to sweet meath.
11 This little ird, so very small, hath swallowed all thy !oison u!.
5he will not die, nor shall we die1 his !ath is far1 he whom -ay "orses ear
12 The three)times)seven right s!ar7s of fire have swallowed u! the
!oison;s strength.
They will not die, nor shall we die1 his !ath is far1 he whom -ay "orses ear
1# ,f ninety rivers and of nine with !ower to stay the venom;s course,)
The names of all I have secured1 his !ath is far1 he whom -ay "orses ear
1& 5o have the !eahens three)times)seven, so have the maiden 5isters 5even
>arried thy venom far away, as girls ear water in their 9ars.
1( The !oison)insect is so small: I crush the creature with a stone.
I turn the !oison hence away, de!arted unto distant lands.
1* 4orth issuing from the mountain;s side the !oison)insect s!a7e and said1
The scor!ion;s venom hath no strength 5cor!ion, thy venom is ut wea7.
RIG VEDA - THE SE.OND BOOK
HYMN I. Agni.
1. T",3, Agni, shining in thy glory through the days, art rought to life from
out the waters, from the stone1
4rom out the forest trees and hers that grow on ground, thou, 5ovran Lord
of men art generatad IsicJ !ure.
2 Thine is the "erald;s tas7 and >leanser;s duly timed: Leader art thou, and
8indler for the !ious man.
Thou art 6irector, thou the ministering Priest1 thou art the -rahman, Lord
and %aster in our home.
# "ero of "eroes, AgniA Thou art Indra, thou art 'isnu of the %ighty 5tride,
adorale1
Thou, -rahmanas!ati, the -rahman finding wealth1 thou, , 5ustainer, with
thy wisdom tendest us.
& Agni, thou art 8ing 'aruna whose laws stand fast: as %itra, Wonder)
Wor7er, thou must e im!lored.
Aryaman, heroes; Lord, art thou, enrich ing all, and lieral Amsa in the
synod, , thou God.
( Thou givest strength, as Tvastar, to the worshi!!er1 thou wielding %itra;s
!ower hast 7inshi! with the 6ames.
Thou, urging thy fleet coursers, givest nole steeds1 a host of heroes art
thou with great store of wealth.
* /udra art thou, the Asura of mighty heaven1 thou art the %aruts; host,
thou art the Lord of food,
Thou goest with red winds1 liss hast thou in thine home. As Pusan thou
thyself !rotectest worshi!!ers.
+ Giver of wealth art thou to him who honours thee: thou art God 5avitar,
granter of !recious things.
As -haga, Lord of menA thou rulest over wealth, and guardest in his house
him who hath served thee well.
. To thee, the !eo!le;s Lord within the house, the fol7 !ress forward to their
8ing most graciously inclined.
Lord of the lovely loo7, all things elong to thee1 ten, hundred, yea, a
thousand are outweighed y thee.
0 Agni, men see7 thee as a 4ather with their !rayers, win thee, right)
formed, to rotherhood with holy act.
Thou art a 5on to him who duly worshi!s thee, and as a trusty 4riend thou
guardest from attac7.
1@ A /hu art thou, Agni, near to e adored thou art the 5ovran Lord of
foodful s!oil and wealth.
Thou shinest rightly forth, thou urnest to estow1 !ervading sacrifice,
thou lendest us thine hel!.
11 Thou, God, art Aditi to him who offers gifts1 thou, "otri, -harati, art
strengthened y the song.
Thou art the hundred)wintered Ila to give strength, Lord of WealthA 'rtra)
slayer and 5arasvati.
12 Thou, Agni, cherished well, art highest vital !ower: in thy delightful hue
are glories visile.
Thou art the lofty might that furthers each design1 thou art wealth
manifold, diffused on every side.
1# Thee, Agni, have the Adityas ta7en as their mouth: the -right ,nes have
made thee, , 5age, to e their tongue.
They who love offerings cling to thee at solemn rites1 y thee the Gods
devour the duly offered food.
1& -y thee, , Agni, all the Immortal guileless Gods cat with thy mouth the
olation that is offered them.
-y thee do mortal men give sweetness to their drin7. -right art thou orn,
the emryo of the !lants of earth.
1( With these thou art united, Agni: yea thou, God of nole irth, sur!assest
them in ma9esty,
Which, through the !ower of good, here s!reads aroad from thee, diffused
through oth the worlds, throughout the earth and heaven.
1* The !rincely worshi!!ers who send to those who sing thy !raise, , Agni,
guerdon graced with 7ine and steeds,)
Lead thou oth these and us forward to higher liss. With rave men in the
assemly may we s!ea7 aloud.
HYMN II. Agni.
1. WIT" sacrifice e$alt Agni who 7nows all life: worshi! him ;with olation
and the song of !raise,
Well 7indled, noly fed: heaven;s Lord, >elestial Priest, who laours at the
!ole where deeds of might are done.
2 At night and morning, Agni, have they called to thee, li7e milch)7ine in
their stalls lowing to meet their young.
As messenger of heaven thou lightest all night long the families of men.
Thou Lord of !recious oons.
# "im have the Gods estalished at the region;s ase, doer of wondrous
deeds, "erald of heaven and earth:
Li7e a most famous car, Agni the !urely right, li7e %itra. to e glorified
among the fol7.
& "im have they set in his own dwelling, in the vault, li7e the %oon wa$ing,
fulgent, in the realm of air.
-ird of the firmament, oservant with his eyes, guard of the !lace as ;twere,
loo7ing to Gods and men.
( %ay he as Priest encom!ass all the sacrifice. men throng to him with
offerings and with hymns of !raise.
/aging with 9aws of gold among the growing !lants, li7e heaven with all the
stars, he ?uic7ens earth and s7y.
* 5uch as thou art, rilliantly 7indled for our weal, a lieral giver, send us
riches in thy shine,
4or our advantage, Agni, God, ring "eaven and 2arth hither that they may
taste olation rought y man.
+ Agni, give us great wealth, give riches thousandfold. unclose to us, li7e
doors, strength that shall ring renown.
%a7e "eaven and 2arth !ro!itious through the !ower of !rayer, and li7e the
s7y;s right sheen let mornings eam on us.
. 2n7indled night y night at every morning;s dawn, may he shine forth with
red flame li7e the realm of light,)
Agni adored in eauteous rites with lauds of men, fair guest of living man
and 8ing of all our fol7.
0 5ong chanted y us men, , Agni, Ancient ,ne, has swelled unto the
deathless Gods in lofty heaven)
A milch)cow yielding to the singer in the rites wealth manifold, in hundreds,
even as he wills.
1@ Agni, may we show forth our valour with the steed or with the !ower of
!rayer eyond all other men:
And over the 4ive /aces let our glory shine high li7e the realm of light and
unsur!assale.
11 5uch, >on?uerorA e to us, e worthy of our !raise, thou for whom
!rinces noly orn e$ert themselves:
Whose sacrifice the strong see7, Agni, when it shines for never)failing
offs!ring in thine own aode.
12 8nower of all that lives, , Agni may we oth, singers of !raise and chiefs,
e in thy 7ee!ing still.
"el! us to wealth e$ceeding good and glorious, aundant, rich in children
and their !rogeny.
1# The !rincely worshi!!ers who send to those who sing thy !raise, , Agni,
guerdon, graced with 7ine and steeds,)
Lead thou oth these and us forward to higher liss. With rave men in the
assemly may we s!ea7 aloud.
HYMN III. A%ris.
1. AG=I is set u!on the earth well 7indled: he standeth in the !resence of all
eings.
Wise, ancient, God, the Priest and Purifier, let Agni serve the Gods for he is
worthy.
2 %ay =arasamsa lighting u! the chamers, right in his ma9esty through
threefold heaven,
5tee!ing the gift with oil diffusing !ur!ose, edew the Gods at chiefest time
of worshi!.
# Adored in heart, as is thy right, , Agni, serve the Gods first to)day efore
the mortal.
-ring thou the %arut host. <e men do worshi! to Indra seated on the grass,
eternal.
& , Grass divine, increasing, rich in heroes, strewn for wealth; sa7e, well
laid u!on this altar,)
,n this edewed with oil sit ye, , 'asus, sit all ye Gods, ye "oly, ye Adityas.
( Wide e the 6oors, the Goddesses, thrown o!en, easy to !ass, invo7ed,
through adorations,
Let them unfold, e$!ansive, everlasting, that sanctify the class famed, rich
in heroes.
* Good wor7 for us, the glorious =ight and %orning, li7e female weavers,
wa$en from aforetime,
<ielders of rich mil7, interweave in concert the long)e$tended thread, the
we of worshi!.
+ Let the two heavenly "eralds, first, most wise, most fair, !resent olation
duly with the sacred verse,
Worshi!!ing God at ordered seasons dec7ing them at three high !laces at
the centre of the earth.
. 5arasvati who !erfects our devotion, Ila divine, -harati all sur!assing,)
Three Goddesses, with !ower inherent, seated, !rotect this holy Grass, our
flawless refugeA
0 -orn is the !ious hero swift of hearing, li7e gold in hue, well formed, and
full of vigour.
%ay Tvastar lengthen our line and 7indred, and may they reach the !lace
which Gods inhait.
1@ 'anas!ati shall stand anear and start us, and Agni with his arts !re!are
olation.
Let the s7illed heavenly Immolator forward unto the Gods the offering
thrice anointed.
11 ,il has een mi$t1 oil is his haitation. In oil he rests1 oil is his !ro!er
!rovince.
>ome as thy wont is1 , thou 5teer, re9oice thee: ear off the olation duly
consecrated.
HYMN IV Agni.
1. 4,/ you I call theglorious refulgent Agni, the guest of men, rich in
olations
Whom all must strive to win even as a lover, God among godly !eo!le,
Datavedas.
2 -hrgus who served him in the home of waters set him of old in houses of
the living.
,ver all worlds let Agni e the 5ovran, the messenger of Gods with ra!id
coursers.
# Among the tries of men the Gods !laced Agni as a dear 4riend when they
would dwell among them.
Against the longing nights may he shine rightly, and show the offerer in the
house his vigour.
& 5weet is his growth as of one;s own !ossessions: his loo7 when rushing fain
to urn is lovely.
"e darts his tongue forth, li7e a harnessed courser who sha7es his flowing
tail, among the ushes.
( 5ince they who honour me have !raised my greatness,)he gave, as ;twere,
his hue to those who love him.
8nown is he y his right delightful s!lendour, and wa$ing old renews his
youth for ever.
* Li7e one athirst, he lighteth u! the forests: li7e water down the chariot
ways he roareth.
,n his lac7 !ath he shines in urning eauty, mar7ed as it were the heaven
that smiles through va!our.
+ Around, consuming the road earth, he wanders, free roaming li7e an o$
without a herdsman,)
Agni refulgent, urning u! the ushes, with lac7ened lines, as though the
earth he seasoned.
. I, in rememrance of thine ancient favour have sung my hymn in this our
third assemly.
, Agni, give us wealth with store of heroes and mighty strength in food and
nole offs!ring.
0 %ay the Grtsamadas, serving in secret, through thee, , Agni, overcome
their neighours,
/ich in good heroes and suduing foemen. That vital !ower give thou to
chiefs and singers.
HYMN V. Agni.
1. "2/AL6 and teacher was he orn, a guardian for our !atrons; hel!,
2arner y rites of nole wealth. That 5trong ,ne may we gras! and guide:
2 In whom, Leader of sacrifice, the seven reins, far e$tended, meet:
Who furthers, man)li7e, eighth in !lace, as >leanser, all the wor7 divine.
# When swift he follows this ehest, ird)li7e he chants the holy !rayers.
"e holds all 7nowledge in his gras! even as the felly rounds the wheel.
& Together with !ure mental !ower, !ure, as 6irector, was he orn.
57illed in his own unchanging laws he wa$es li7e the growing oughs.
( >lothing thern in his hues, the 7ine of him the Leader wait on him.
Is he not etter than the Three, the 5isters who have come to usB
* When, laden with the holy oil, the 5itster IsicJ y the %other stands,
The Priest delights in their a!!roach, as corn at coming of the rain.
+ 4or his su!!ort let him !erform as ministrant his !riestly tas7:
<ea, song of !raise and sacrifice1 we have estowed, let us otain.
. That so this man well s7illed, may !ay worshi! to all the "oly ,nes.
And, Agni, this our sacrifice which wehave here !re!ared, to thee.
HYMN VI. Agni.
1. AG=I, acce!t this flaming rand, this waiting with my !rayer on thee1
"ear graciously these songs of !raise.
2 With this hymn let us honour thee, see7er of horses, 5on of 5trength,
With this fair hymn, thou noly orn.
# As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth)lover, giver of our wealthA
With reverence let us worshi! thee.
& -e thou for us a lieral Prince, giver and Lord of !recious things.
6rive those who hate us far away.
( 5uch as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which no man may
resist1
Give food e$ceeding !lentiful.
* To him who lauds thee, craving hel!, most youthful envoyA through our
song,
%ost holy "eraldA come thou nigh.
+ -etween oth races, Agni, 5age, well s7illed thou !assest to and fro,
As envoy friendly to man7ind.
. -efriend us thou as 7nowing all. 5age, duly worshi! thou the Gods,
And seat thee on this sacred grass.
HYMN VII. Agni.
1. 'A53, thou most youthful God, -harata, Agni, ring us wealth,
2$cellent, s!lendid, much)desired.
2 Let no malignity !revail against us, either God;s or man;s.
5ave us from this and enmity.
# 5o through thy favour may we force through all our enemies a way,
As ;twere through streaming water)floods.
& Thou, Purifier Agni, high shinest forth, right, adorale,
When worshi!!ed with the sacred oil.
( ,urs art thou, Agni, -harata, honoured y us with arren cows,
With ulloc7s and with 7ine in calf
* Wood)fed, edewed with sacred oil, ancient, Invo7er, e$cellent,
The 5on of 5trength, the Wonderful.
HYMN VIII.Agni.
1. =ow !raise, as one who strives for strength, the harnessing of Agni;s car,
The lieral, the most s!lendid ,ne:
2 Who, guiding worshi!!ers aright, withers, untouched y age, the foe1
When worshi!!ed fair to loo7 u!on:
# Who for his glory is e$tolled at eve and morning in our homes,
Whose statute is inviolate:
& Who shines refulgent li7e the 5un, with rilliance and with fiery flame,
6ec7ed with im!erishale sheen.
( "im Atri, Agni, have our songs 5trengthened according to his sway1
All glories hath he made his own.
* %ay we with Agni;s, Indra;s hel!, with 5oma;s, yea, of all the Gods,
3nin9ured dwell together still, and con?uer those who fight with us.
HYMN IX. Agni.
1. A>>35T,%26 to the "erald;s !lace, the "erald hath seated him, right,
s!lendid, !assing mighty,
Whose foresight 7ee!s the Law from violation, e$cellent, !ure)tongued,
ringing thousands, Agni.
2 2nvoy art thou, !rotector from the foeman, strong God, thou leadest us to
higher lessings.
/efulgent, e an ever)heedful 7ee!er, Agni, for us and for our seed
offs!ring.
# %ay we adore thee in thy loftiest irth!lace, and, with our !raises, in thy
lower station.
The !lace whence thou issued forth I worshi!1 to thee well 7indled have
they !aid olations.
& Agni, est Priest, !ay worshi! with olation: ?uic7ly commend the gift to
e !resented:
4or thou art Lord of gathered wealth and treasure. of the right song of
!raise thou art inventor.
( The twofold o!ulence, , Wonder)Wor7er, of thee new)orn each day never
decreases.
2nrich with food the man who lauds thee, Agni1 ma7e him the lord of wealth
with nole offs!ring.
* %ay he, enevolent with this fair as!ect, est sacrificer, ring the Gods to
less us.
5ure guardian, our !rotector from the foemen, shine, Agni, with thine
affluence and s!lendour.
HYMN X. Agni.
1.AG=I, first, loudly calling, li7e a 4ather, 7indled y man u!on the seat of
worshi!.
>lothed in his glory, deathless, 7een of insight, must e adorned y all, the
5trong, the 4amous.
2 %ay Agni the res!lendent hear my calling through all my songs, Immortal,
7een of insight.
6ar7 steeds or ruddy draw his car, or carried in sundry ways he ma7es them
red of colour.
# ,n wood su!ine they got the well)formed Infant1 a germ in various)
fashioned !lants was Agni:
And in the night, not com!assed round y dar7ness, he dwells e$ceeding
wise, with rays of s!lendour.
& With oil and sacred gifts I s!rin7le Agni who ma7es his home in front of all
things living,
-road, vast, through vital !ower o;er all e$!anded, cons!icuous, strong with
all the food that feeds him.
( I !our to him who loo7s in all directions1 may he acce!t it with a friendly
s!irit.
Agni with ridegroom;s grace and lovely colour may not e touched when all
his form is fury.
* -y choice victorious, recogniCe thy !ortion1 with thee for envoy may we
s!ea7 li7e %anu.
,taining wealth, I call on !erfect Agni who with an elo?uent tongue
dis!enses sweetness.
HYMN XI. Indra.
1. "2A/ thou my call, , Indra: e not heedless1 thine may we e for thee to
give us treasures:
4or these !resented viands, see7ing riches, increase thy strength li7e
streams of water flowing.
2 4loods great and many, com!assed y the 6ragon, thou adest swell and
settest free, , "ero.
5trengthened y songs of !raise thou rentest !iecemeal the 6asa, him who
deemed himself immortal.
# 4or, "ero, in the lauds wherein thou 9oyedst, in hymns of !raise, , Indra,
songs of /udras,
These streams in which is thy delight a!!roach thee, even as the rilliant
ones draw near to 'ayu.
& We who add strength to thine own s!lendid vigour, laying within thine
arms the s!lendid thunder)
With us mayst thou, , Indra, wa$en s!lendid, with 5urya overcome the 6asa
races.
( "ero, thou slewest in thy valour Ahi concealed in de!ths, mysterious,
great enchanter,
6welling envelo!ed dee! within the waters, him who chec7ed heaven and
stayed the floods from flowing.
* Indra, we laud thy great deeds wrought aforetime, we laud thine e$!loits
later of achievement:
We laud the olt that in thine arms lies eager: we laud thy two -ay 5teeds,
heralds of 5urya.
+ Indra, thy -ay 5teeds showing forth their vigour have sent a loud cry out
that dro!!eth fatness.
The earth hath s!read herself in all her fulness1 the cloud that was aout to
move hath rested.
. 6own, never ceasing, hath the rain)cloud settled1 ellowing, it hath
wandered with the %others.
5welling the roar in the far distant limits, they have s!read wide the last
sent forth y Indra.
0 Indra hath hurled down the magician 'rtra who lay eleaguering the
mighty river.
Then oth the heaven and earth tremled in terror at the strong "ero;s
thunder when he ellowed.
1@ Loud roared the mighty "ero;s olt of thunder, when he, the 4riend of
man, urnt u! the monster,
And, having drun7 his fill of flowing 5oma, affled the guileful 6anava;s
devices.
11 6rin7 thou, , "ero Indra, drin7 the 5oma: let the 9oy)giving 9uices ma7e
thee 9oyful.
They, filling oth thy flan7s, shall swell thy vigour. The 9uice that satisfies
hath hel!ed Indra.
12 5ingers have we ecome with thee, , Indra1 may we serve duly and
!re!are devotion.
5ee7ing thy hel! we meditate thy !raises1 may we at once en9oy thy gift of
riches.
1# %ay we e thine, such y thy hel!, , Indra, as swell thy vigour while they
see7 thy favour.
Give us, thou God, the riches that we long for, most !owerful, with stare of
nole children.
1& Give us a friend, give us an haitation: Indra, give us the com!any of
%aruts,
And those whose minds accord with theirs, the 'ayus, who drin7 the first
liation of the 5oma.
1( Let those en9oy in whom thou art delighted. Indra, drin7 5oma for thy
strength and gladness.
Thou hast e$alted us to heaven, Preserver, in attles, through the lofty
hymns that !raise thee.
1* Great, verily, are they, , thou Protector, who y their songs of !raise
have won the lessing.
They who strew sacred grass to e thy dwelling, hel!ed y thee have got
them strength, , Indra.
1+ 3!on the great Tri7adru7a days, "ero, re9oicing thee, , Indra, drin7 the
5oma.
>ome with -ay 5teeds to drin7 of liation, sha7ing the dro!s from out thy
eard, contented.
1. "ero, assume the might wherewith thou clavest 'rtra !iecemeal, the
6anava Aurnavaha.
Thou hast disclosed the light to light the Arya1 on thy left hand, , Indra,
san7 the 6asyu.
10 %ay we gain wealth, suduing with thy succour and with the Arya, all our
foes, the 6asyus.
,ur gain was that to Trta of our !arty thou gavest u! Tvastar;s son
'isvaru!a.
2@ "e cast down Aruda what time his vigour was strengthened y liations
!oured y Trta.
Indra sent forth his whirling wheel li7e 5urya, and aided y the Angirases
rent 'ala.
21 =ow let that wealthy >ow of thine, , Indra, yield in return a oon to him
who lauds thee.
Give to thy !raisers1 let not fortune fail us. Loud may we s!ea7, with rave
men, in the assemly.
HYMN XII. Indra.
1. "2 who, 9ust orn, chief God of lofty s!irit y !ower and might ecame
the Gods; !rotector,
-efore whose reath through greatness of his valour the two worlds
tremled, "e, , men, is Indra.
2 "e who fi$ed fast and firm the earth that staggered, and set at rest the
agitated mountains,
Who measured out the air;s wide middle region and gave the heaven
su!!ort, "e, men, is Indra.
# Who slew the 6ragon, freed the 5even /ivers, and drove the 7ine forth
from the cave of 'ala,
-egat the fire etween two stones, the s!oiler in warriors; attle, "e, ,
men, is Indra.
& -y whom this universe was made to tremle, who chased away the
humled rood of demons,
Who, li7e a gamler gathering his winnings seiCed the foe;s riches, "e, ,
men, is Indra.
( ,f whom, the Terrile, they as7, Where is "eB or verily they say of him, "e
is not.
"e swee!s away, li7e irds, the foe;s !ossessions. "ave faith in him, for "e,
, men, is Indra.
* 5tirrer to action of the !oor and lowly, of !riest, of su!!liant who sings his
!raises:
Who, fair)faced, favours him who !resses 5oma with stones made ready, "e,
, men, is Indra.
+ "e under whose su!reme control are horses, all chariots, and the villages,
and cattle:
"e who gave eing to the 5un and %orning, who leads the waters, "e, ,
men, is Indra.
. To whom two armies cry in close encounter, oth enemies, the stronger
and the wea7er:
Whom two invo7e u!on one chariot mounted, each for himself, "e, , ye
men, is Indra.
0 Without whose hel! our !eo!le never con?uer: whom, attling, they
invo7e to give them succour:
"e of whom all this world is ut the co!y, who sha7es things moveless, "e,
, men, is Indra.
1@ "e who hath smitten, ere they 7new their danger, with his hurled wea!on
many grievous sinners:
Who !ardons not his oldness who !rovo7es him, who slays the 6asyti, "e, ,
men, is Indra.
11 "e who discovered in the fortieth autumn 5amara as he dwelt among
the mountains:
Who slew the 6ragon !utting forth his vigour, the demon lying there, "e,
men, is Indra.
12 Who with seven guiding reins, the -ull, the %ighty, set free the 5even
great 4loods to flow at !leasure:
Who, thunder)armed, rent /auhina in !ieces when scaling heaven, "e, , ye
men, is Indra.
1# 2ven the "eaven and 2arth ow down efore him, efore his very reath
the mountains tremle.
8nown as the 5oma)drin7er, armed with thunder, who wields the olt, "e, ,
ye men, is Indra.
1& Who aids with favour him who !ours the 5oma and him who rews it,
sacrificer, singer.
Whom !rayer e$alts, and !ouring forth of 5oma, and this our gift, "e, , ye
men, Is Indra.
1( Thou verily art fierce and true who sendest strength to the man who
rews and !ours liation.
5o may we evermore, thy friends, , Indra, s!ea7 loudly to the synod with
our heroes.
HYMN XIII. Indra.
1. T"2 5eason was the !arent, and when orn therefrom it entered ra!idly
the floods wherein it grows.
Thence was it full of sa!, streaming with mil7y 9uice1 the mil7 of the !lant;s
stal7 is chief and meet for lauds.
2 They come troo!ing together earing mil7 to him, and ring him
sustenance who gives su!!ort to all.
The way is common for the downward streams to flow. Thou who didst these
things first art worthy of our lauds.
# ,ne !riest announces what the institutor gives1 one, altering the forms,
Cealously !lies his tas7,
The third corrects the im!erfections left y each. Thou who didst these
& 6ealing out food unto their !eo!le there they sit, li7e wealth to him who
comes, more than the ac7 can ear.
Greedily with his teeth he eats the master;s food. Thou who didst these
( Thou hast created earth to loo7 u!on the s7y1 thou, slaying Ahi, settest
free the river;s !aths.
Thee, such, a God, the Gods have ?uic7ened with their lauds, even as a
steed with waters1 meet for !raise art thou.
* Thou givest increase, thou dealest to us our food1 thou mil7est from the
moist the dry, the rich in sweets.
Thou y the worshi!!er layest thy !recious store1 thou art sole Lord of all.
%eet for our !raise art thou.
+ Thou who hast s!read aroad the streams y stalished law, and in the
field the !lants that lossom and ear seed:
Thou who hast made the matchless lightnings of the s7y,)vast, com!assing
vast realms, meet for our !raise art thou.
. Who roughtest =armara with all his wealth, for sa7e of food, to slay him
that the fiends might e destroyed,
-roughtest the face unclouded of the strengthening one, !erforming much
even now, worthy art thou of !raise.
0 Thou oundest u! the 6asa;s hundred friends and ten, when, at one;s
hearing, thou el!est thy worshi!!er.
Thou for 6ahiti oundest 6asyus not with cords: Thou wast a mighty hel!.
Worthy of lauds art thou.
1@ All an7s of rivers yielded to his manly might: to him they gave, to him,
the 5trong, gave u! their wealth.
The si$ directions hast thou fi$ed, a five)fold view1 thy victories reached
afar. Worthy of lauds art thou.
11 %eet for high !raise, , "ero, is thy !ower, that with thy single wisdom
thou otainest wealth,
The life)su!!ort of con?uering Datusthira. Indra, for all thy deeds, worthy of
lauds art thou.
12 Thou for Turviti heldest still the flowing floods, the river)stream for
'ayya easily to !ass
6idst raise the outcast from the de!ths, and gavest fame unto the halt and
lind. Worthy of lauds art thou.
1# Pre!are thyself to grant us that great ounty, , 'asu, for aundant is thy
treasure.
5natch u! the wonderful, , Indra, daily. Loud may we s!ea7, with heroes, in
assemly.
HYMN XIV. Indra.
1. %I=I5T2/5, ring the 5oma 9uice for Indra, !our forth the gladdening
li?uor with the ea7ers.logeth ever
To drin7 of this the "ero offer it to the -ull, for this he willeth.
2 <e ministers, to him who with the lightning smote, li7e a tree, the rain)
withholding 'rtra)
-ring it to him, him who is fain to taste it, a draught of this which Indra
here deserveth.
# <e ministers, to him who smote 6rhhi7as who drove the 7ine forth, and
discovered 'ala,
,ffer this draught, li7e 'ita in the region1 clothe him with 5oma even as
steeds with tra!!ings.
& "im who did 3rana to death, AdhvaryusA though showing arms ninety)and)
nine in numer:
Who cast down headlong Aruda and slew him,)s!eed ye that Indra to our
offered 5oma.
( <e ministers, to him who struc7 down 5vasna, and did to death 'yamsa and
greedy 5usna,
And /udhi7ras and =amuci and Pi!ru,) to him, to Indra, !our ye forth
liation.
* <e ministers, to him who as with thunder demolished 5amara;s hundred
ancient castles:
Who cast down 'arcin;s sons, a hundred thousand,)to him, to Indra, offer ye
the 5oma.
+ <e ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast them down
u!on earth;s osom:
Who ?uelled the valiant men of Atithigva, 8utsa, and Ayu,)ring to him the
5oma.
. %inisters, men, whatever thing ye long for otain ye ?uic7ly ringing gifts
to Indra.
-ring to the Glorious ,ne what ands have cleansed: to Indra ring, ye !ious
ones, the 5oma.
0 6o ye, , ministers, oey his order1 that !urified in wood, in wood u!lift
ye.
Well !leased he longs for what your hands have tended1 offer the gladdening
5oma 9uice to Indra.
1@ As the cow;s udder teems with mil7, Adhvaryus, so fill with 5oma Indra,
lieral giver.
I 7now him1 I am sure of this, the "oly 7nows that I fain would give to him
more largely.
11 "im, ministers, the Lord of heavenly treasure and all terrestrial wealth
that earth !ossesses,
"im, Indra, fill with 5oma as a garner is filled with arley full1 e this your
laour.
12 Pre!are thyself to grant us that great ooty, , 'asu, for aundant is thy
treasure.
Gather u! wondrous wealth, , Indra, daily. Loud may we s!ea7, with
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XV. Indra
1. =ow, verily, will I declare the e$!loits, mighty and true, of him the True
and %ighty.
In the Tri7adru7as he dran7 the 5oma then in its ra!ture Indra slew the
6ragon.
2 "igh heaven unsu!!orted in s!ace he stalished1 he filled the two worlds
and the air;s mid)region.
2arth he u!held, and gave it wide e$!ansion. These things did Indra in the
5oma;s ra!ture.
# 4rom front, as ;twere a house, he ruled and measured: !ierced with his
olt the fountains of the rivers,
And made them flow at ease y !aths far)reaching, These things did Indra in
the 5oma;s ra!ture.
& >om!assing those who ore away 6ahiti, in 7indled fire he urnt u! all
their wea!ons.
And made him rich with 7ine and cars and horses. These things did Indra in
the 5oma;s ra!ture.
( The mighty roaring flood he stayed from flowing, and carried those who
swam not safely over.
They having crossed the stream attained to riches. These things did Indra in
the 5oma;s ra!ture.
* With mighty !ower he made the stream flow u!ward, crushed with his
thunderolt the car of 3sas,
/ending her slow steeds with his ra!id coursers. These things did Indra in
the 5oma;s ra!ture.
+ 8nowing the !lace wherein the maids were hiding, the outcast showed
himself and stood efore them.
The cri!!le stood erect, the lind eheld them. These things did Indra in
the 5oma;s ra!ture.
. Praised y the Angirases he slaughtered 'ala, and urst a!art the ulwar7s
of the mountain.
"e tore away their deftly)uilt defences. These things did Indra in the
5oma;s ra!ture.
0 Thou, with slee! whelming >umuri and 6huni, slewest the 6asyu, 7e!test
safe 6ahiti.
There the staff)earer found the golden treasure. These things did Indra in
the 5oma;s ra!ture.
1@ =ow let that wealthy >ow of thine, , Indra , yield in return a oon to
him who lauds thee.
Give to thy !raisers1 let not fortune fail us. Loud may we s!ea7, with rave
men, in assemly.
HYMN XVI. Indra.
1. To him, your own, the est among the good, I ring eulogy, li7e olation
in the 7indled fire.
We invocate for hel! Indra untouched y eld, who ma7eth all decay,
strengthened, for ever young.
2 Without whom naught e$ists, Indra the Lofty ,ne: in whom alone all
!owers heroic are comined.
The 5oma is within him, in his frame vast strength, the thunder in his hand
and wisdom in his head.
# =ot y oth worlds is thine own !ower to e sur!assed, nor may thy car e
stayed y mountains or y seas.
=one cometh near, , Indra, to thy thunderolt, when with swift steeds thou
fliest over many a league.
& 4or all men ring their will to him the /esolute, to him the "oly ,ne, to
him the 5trong they cleave.
Pay worshi! with olation, strong and !assing wise. 6rin7 thou the 5oma,
Indra, through the mighty laCe.
( The vessel of the strong flows forth, the flood of meath, unto the 5trong
who feeds u!on the strong, for drin7,
5trong are the two Adhvaryus, strong are oth the stones. They !ress the
5oma that is strong for him the 5trong.
* 5trong is thy thunderolt, yea, and thy car is strong: strong are thy -ay
5teeds and thy wea!ons !owerful.
Thou, Indra, -ull, art Lord of the strong gladdening drin7. with the strong
5oma, Indra, satisfy thyself.
+ I, old y !rayer, come near thee in thy sacred rites, thee li7e a saving
shi!, thee shouting in the war.
'erily he will hear and mar7 this word of ours1 we will !our Indra forth as
;twere a s!ring of wealth.
. Turn thee unto us ere calamity come nigh, as a cow full of !asture turns
her to her calf.
Lord of a "undred Powers, may we once firmly cling to thy fair favours even
as husands to their wives.
0 =ow let that wealthy >ow of thine, , Indra, yield in return a oon to him
who lauds thee.
Give to thy !raisers1 let not fortune fail us. Loud may we s!ea7, with
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XVII. Indra.
1. LI82 the Angirases, sing this new song forth to him, for, as in ancient
days, his mighty !owers are shown,
When in the ra!ture of the 5oma he unclosed with strength the solid firm)
shut stales of the 7ine.
2 Let him e even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his
!ower, increased his ma9esty:
"ero who fortified his ody in the wars, and through his greatness set the
heaven u!on his head.
# Thou didst !erform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou
showedst !ower, through !rayer, efore this fol7.
"urled down y thee the car)orne Lord of Tawny 5teeds, the congregated
swift ones fled in sundry ways.
& "e made himself y might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital
!ower wa$ed great aove them all.
"e, orne on high, o;ers!read with light the heaven and earth, and, sewing
u! the turid dar7ness, closed it in.
( "e with his might made firm the forward)ending hills, the downward
rushing of the waters he ordained.
4ast he u!held the earth that nourisheth all life, and stayed the heaven
from falling y his wondrous s7ill.
* 4it for the gras!ing of his arms is what the 5ire hath faricated from all
7ind of !recious wealth.
The thunderolt, wherewith, loud)roaring, he smote down, and stri7ing him
to death laid 8rivi on the earth.
+ As she who in her !arents; house is growing old, I !ray to thee as -haga
from the seat of all.
Grant 7nowledge, mete it out and ring it to us here1 give us the share
wherewith thou ma7est !eo!le glad.
. %ay we invo7e thee as a lieral giver thou givest us, , Indra, strength and
laours.
"el! us with manifold assistance, Indra1 %igthy ,ne, Indra, ma7e us yet
more wealthy.
0 =ow may that weaithy >ow of thine, , Indra, give in return a oon to him
who lauds thee.
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XVIII. Indra
1. T"2 rich new car hath een e?ui!!ed at morning: four yo7es it hath,
three whi!s, seven reins to guide it1
Ten)sided, friendly to man7ind, light)winner, that must e urged to s!eed
with !rayers and wishes.
2 This is !re!ared for him the first, the second, and the third time1 he is
man;s Priest and "erald.
,thers get offs!ring of another !arent he goeth, as a nole -ull, with
others.
# To Indra;s car the -ay 5teeds have I harnessed, that new well)s!o7en words
may ring him hither.
"ere let not other worshi!!ers detain thee, for among us are many holy
singers.
& Indra, come hitherward with two -ay >oursers, come thou with four, with
si$ when invocated.
>ome thou with eight, with ten, to drin7 the 5oma. "ere is the 9uice, rave
Warrior1 do not scorn it.
( , Indra, come thou hither having harnessed thy car with twenty, thirty,
forty horses.
>ome thou with fifty well trained coursers, Indra, si$ty or seventy, to drin7
the 5oma.
* >ome to us hitherward, , Indra, carried y eighty, ninety, or an hundred
horses.
This 5oma 9uice among the 5unahotras hath een !oured out, in love, to
glad thee, Indra.
+ To this my !rayer, , Indra, come thou hither1 ind to thy car;s !ole all thy
two -ay >oursers.
Thou art to e invo7ed in many !laces "ero, re9oice thyself in this liation.
. =e;er e my love from Indra disunited still may his lieral %ilch)cow yield
us treasure.
5o may we under his su!reme !rotection, safe in his arms, succeed in each
forth)going.
0 =ow may that wealthy >ow ,f thine, , Indra, give in return a oon to him
who lauds thee.
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XIX. Indra.
1. 6/A3G"T5 of this sweet 9uice have een drun7 for ra!ture, of the wise
5oma)!resser;s offered dainty,
Wherein, grown mighty in the days aforetime, Indra hath found delight, and
men who worshi!.
2 >heered y this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent !iecemeal
Ahi who arred u! the waters,
5o that the ?uic7ening currents of the rivers flowed forth li7e irds unto
their resting)!laces.
# Indra, this %ighty ,ne, the 6ragon;s slayer, sent forth the flood of waters
to the ocean.
"e gave the 5un his life, he found the cattle, and with the night the wor7s
of days com!leted.
& To him who worshi!!eth hath Indra given many and matchless gifts. "e
slayeth 'rtra.
5traight was he to e sought with su!!lications y men who struggled to
otain the sunlight.
( To him who !oured him gifts he gave u! 5urya,)Indra, the God, the %ighty,
to the mortal:
4or 2tasa with worshi! rought him riches that 7ee! distress afar, as ;twere
his !ortion.
* ,nce to the driver of his chariot, 8utsa, he gave u! greedy 5urya, !lague
of harvest:
And Indra, for the sa7e of 6ivodasa demolished 5amara;s nine)and)ninety
castles.
+ 5o have we rought our hymn to thee, , Indra, strengthening thee and
fain ourselves for glory.
%ay we with est endeavours gain this friendshi!, and mayst thou end the
godless scorner;s wea!ons.
. Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, , "ero, have wrought their hymn and tas7
as see7ing favour.
%ay they who worshi! thee afresh, , Indra, gain food and strength, liss,
and a ha!!y dwelling.
0 =ow may that wealthy >ow of thine, , Indra, give in return a oon to him
who lauds thee,
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XX. Indra.
1. As one rings forth his car when fain for comat, so ring we !ower to
thee) regard us, Indra)
Well s7illed in song, thoughtful in s!irit, see7ing great liss from one li7e
thee amid the "eroes.
2 Indra, thou art our own with thy !rotection, a guardian near to men who
love thee truly,
Active art thou, the lieral man;s defender, his who draws near to thee with
right devotion.
# %ay Indra, called with solemn invocations. the young, the 4riend, e men;s
aus!icious 7ee!er,
,ne who will further with his aid the singer, the toiler, !raiser, dresser of
olations.
& With laud and song let me e$tol that Indra in whom of old men !ros!ered
and were mighty.
%ay he, im!lored, fulfil the !rayer for !lenty of him who worshi!s, of the
living mortal.
( "e, Indra whom the Angirases; !raise delighted, strengthened their !rayer
and made their goings !ros!er.
5tealing away the mornings with the sunlight, he, lauded, crushed even
Asna;s ancient !owers.
* "e verily, the God, the glorious Indra, hath raised him u! for man, est
Wonder)Wor7er.
"e, self)reliant, mighty and trium!hant, rought low the dear head of the
wic7ed 6asa.
+ Indra the'rtra)slayer, 4ort)destroyer, scattered the 6asa hosts who dwelt
in dar7ness.
4or men hath he created earth and waters, and ever hel!ed the !rayer of
him who worshi!s.
. To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the tumult of
theattle.
When in his arms they laid the olt, he slaughtered the 6asyus and cast
down their forts of iron.
0 =ow may that wealthy >ow of thine, , Indra, give in return a oon to him
who lauds thee.
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XXI.
1. To him the Lord of all, the Lord of wealth, of light: him who is Lord for
ever, Lord of men and tilth,
"im who is Lord of horses, Lord of 7ine,of floods, to Indra, to the "oly ring
sweet 5oma 9uice.
2 To him the !otent ,ne, who con?uers and rea7s down, the 'ictor never
van?uished who dis!oses all,
The migty)voiced, the rider, unassailale, to Indra evercon?uering s!ea7
your reverent !rayer.
# 5till 'ictor, loved y mortals, ruler over men, o;erthrower, warrior, he hath
wa$en as he would:
"ost)gatherer, trium!hant, honoured mid the fol7. Indra;s heroic deeds will I
tell forth to all.
& The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the dee!, the
vast, of wisdom unattainale:
Who s!eeds the good, the rea7er)down, the firm, the vast,)Indra whose
rites ring 9oy hath made the light of 6awn.
( -y sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance
from him who s!eeds the flood.
In Indra see7ing hel! with worshi! and with hymn, they drew him to
themselves and won them 7ine and wealth.
* Indra, estow on us the est of treasures, the s!irit of aility and fortune:
Increase of riches, safety of our odies, charm of sweet s!eech, and days of
!leasant weather.
HYMN XXII. Indra.
I. At the Tri7adru7as the Great and 5trong hath drun7 drin7 lent with meal.
With 'isnu hath he ?uaffed the !oured out 5oma 9uice, all that he would.
That hath so heightened him the Great, the Wide, to do his mighty wor7.
5o may the God attain the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
2 5o he res!lendent in the attle overcame 8rivi y might. "e with his
ma9esty hath filled the earth and heaven, and wa$en strong.
,ne share of the liation hath he swallowed down1 one share he left.
5o may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
# -rought forth together with wisdom and mighty !ower thou grewest great:
with hero deeds suduing the malevolent, most swift in act:
Giving !ros!erity, and lovely wealth to him who !raiseth thee. 5o may the
God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
& This, Indra, was thy hero deed, 6ancer, thy first and ancient wor7, worthy
to e told forth in heaven,
What time thou sentest down life with a God;s own !ower, freeing the
floods.
All that is godless may he con?uer with his might, and, Lord of "undred
Powers, find for us strength and food.
HYMN XXIII. Bra#$anas%a&i.
1. W2 call thee, Lord and Leader of the heavenly hosts, the wise among the
wise, the famousest of all,
The 8ing su!reme of !rayers, , -rahmanas!ati1 hear us with hel!: sit down
in !lace of sacrifice.
2 -rhas!ati, God immortalA verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise,
a share in holy rites.
As with great light the 5un rings forth the rays of morn, so thou alone art
4ather of all sacred !rayer.
# When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the
refulgent car of sacrifice:
The awful car, -rhas!ati, that ?uells the foe, slays demons, cleaves the stall
of 7ine, and finds the light.
& Thou leadest with good guidance and !reservest men: distress o;erta7es
not him who offers gifts to thee.
"im who hates !rayer thou !unishest, -rhas!ati, ?uelling his wrath1 herein
is thy great mightiness.
( =o sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures doule)tongued
have overcome the man,)
Thou drivest all seductive fiends away from him whom, careful guard, thou
7ee!est -rahmanas!ati.
* Thou art our 7ee!er, wise, !re!arer of our !aths1 we, for thy service, sing
to thee with hymns of !raise.
-rhas!ati, whoever lays a snare for us, him may his evil fate, !reci!itate,
destroy.
+ "im, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded,
arrogant, ra!acious man,)
"im turn thou from our !ath away, -rhas!ati1 give us fair access to this
an?uet of the Gods.
. Thee as !rotector of our odies we invo7e, thee, saviour, as the comforter
who loveth us.
5tri7e, , -rhas!ati, the Gods; revilers down, and let not the unrighteous
come to highest liss.
0 Through thee, 7ind )!ros!erer, , -rahmanas!ati, may we otain the
wealth of %en which all desire1
And all our enemies, who near or far away !revail against us, crush, and
leave them destitute.
1@ With thee as our own rich and lieral ally may we, -rhas!ati, gain highest
!ower of life.
Let not the guileful wic7ed man e lord of us1)still may we !ros!er, singing
goodly hymns of !raise.
11 5trong, never yielding, hastening to the attle)cry, consumer of the foe,
victorious in the strife,
Thou art sin;s true avenger, -rahmanas!ati, who tamest e;en the fierce, the
wildly !assionate.
12 Whoso with mind ungodly see7s to do us harm, who, deeming him a man
of might mid lords, would slay,)
Let not his deadly low reach us, -rhas!ati: may we humiliate the strong ill)
doer;s wrath.
1# The mover mid the s!oil, the winner of all wealth, to e invo7ed in fight
and reverently adored,
-rhas!ati hath overthrown li7e cars of war all wic7ed enemies who fain
would in9ure us.
1& -urn u! the demons with thy fiercest flaming rand, those who have
scorned thee in thy manifested might.
5how forth that !ower that shall deserve the hymn of !raise1 destroy the
evil s!ea7ers, , -rhas!ati.
1( -rhas!ati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the fol7
effectual, s!lendid,
That, 5on of Law I which is with might refulgent)that treasure wonderful
estow thou on us.
1* Give us not u! to those who, foes in amuscade, are greedy for the
wealth of him who sits at ease,
Who cherish in their heart aandonment of Gods. -rhas!ati, no further rest
shall they otain.
1+ 4or Tvastar, he who 7nows each sacred song, rought thee to life,
!reeminent o;er all the things that e.
Guilt)scourger, guilt)avenger is -rhas!ati, who slays the s!oiler and u!holds
the mighty Law.
1. The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself a!art when, AngirasA thou
o!enedst the stall of 7ine.
Thoul , -rhas!ati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water)floods which
gloom had com!a)sed round.
10 , -rahmanas!ati, e thou controller of this our hymn and !ros!er thou
our children.
All that the Gods regard with love is lessed. Loud may we s!ea7, with
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XXIV. Bra#$anas%a&i.
1. -2 !leased with this our offering, thou who art the Lord: we will adore
thee with this new and mighty song.
As this thy friend, our lieral !atron, !raises thee, do thou, -rhas!ati, fulfil
our hearts; desire.
2 "e who with might owed down the things that should e owed, and in
his fury rent the holds of 5amara1
Who overthrew what shoo7 not, -rahma!as!ati,)he made his way within the
mountain stored with wealth.
# That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods1 strong things were
loosened and the firmly fi$ed gave way.
"e drave the 7ine forth and cleft 'ala through y !rayer, dis!elled the
dar7ness and dis!layed the light of heaven.
& The well with mouth of stone that !oured a flood of meath, which
-rahma!as!ati hath o!ened with his might)
All they who see the light have drun7 their fill thereat1 together they have
made the watery fount flow forth.
( Ancient will e those creatures, whatsoe;er they e: with moons, with
autumns, doors unclose themselves to you.
2ffortless they !ass on to !erfect this and that, a!!ointed wor7s which
-rahmanas!ati ordained.
* They who with much endeavour searching round otained the Panis;
nolest treasure hidden in the cave,)
Those sages, having mar7ed the falsehoods, turned them ac7 whence they
had come, and sought again to enter in.
+ The !ious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them ac7, the
sages stood again u!on the lofty ways.
>ast down with oth their arms u!on the roc7 they left the 7indled fire, and
said, =o enemy is he.
. With his swift ow, strung truly, -rahmanas!ati reaches the mar7 whate;er
it e that he desires.
2$cellent are the arrows wherewithal he shoots, 7een)eyed to loo7 on men
and s!ringing from his ear.
0 "e rings together and he !arts, the great "igh Priest: e$tolled is he, in
attle -rahma!as!ati.
When, gracious, for the hymn he rings forth food and wealth, the glowing
5un untrouled sends forth fervent heat.
1@ 4irst and !reeminent, e$celling all esides are the 7ind gifts of lieral
-rhas!ati.
These are the oons of him the 5trong who should e loved, wherey oth
classes and the !eo!le have delight.
11 Thou who in every way su!reme in earthly !ower, re9oicing, y thy
mighty strength hast wa$en great,)
"e is the God s!read forth in readth against the Gods1 he, -rahmanas!ati,
encom!asseth this All.
12 4rom you, twain %aghavans, all truth !roceedeth1 even the waters rea7
not your commandment.
>ome to us, -rahmanas!ati and Indra, to our olation Iiie yo7ed steeds to
fodder.
1# The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call1 the !riest of the
assemly gaineth wealth for hymns.
"ating the stern, remitting at his will the det, strong in the shoc7 of fight
is -rahmanas!ati.
1& The wrath of -rahmanas!ati according to his will had full effect when he
would do a mighty deed.
The 7ine he drave forth and distriuted to heaven, even as a co!ious flood
with strength flows sundry ways.
1( , -rahmanas!ati, may we e evermore masters of wealth well)guided,
full of vital strength.
"eroes on heroes send aundantly to us, when thou omni!otent through
!rayer see7est my call.
1* , -rahmanas!ati, e thou controller of this our hymn, and !ros!er thou
our children.
All that the Gods regard with love is lessed. Loud may we s!ea7, with
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XXV. Bra#$anas%a&i.
1. "2 lighting u! the flame shall con?uer enemies1 strong shall he e who
offers !rayer and rings his gift.
"e with his seed s!reads forth eyond another;s seed, whomever
-rahmanas!ati ta7es for his friend.
2 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and s!read his wealth y
7ine wise y himself is e.
"is children and his children;s children
grow in strength, whomever -rahmanas!ati ta7es for his friend.
# "e, mighty li7e a raving river;s illowy flood, as a ull con?uers o$en,
overcomes with strength.
Li7e Agni;s laCing rush he may not e restrained, whomever -rahmanas!ati
ta7es for his friend.
& 4or him the floods of heaven flow never failing down1 first with the heroes
he goes forth to war for 7ine.
"e slays in unaated vigour with great might, whomever -rahmanas!ati
( All roaring rivers !our their waters down for him, and many a flawless
shelter hath een granted him.
-lest with the ha!!iness of Gods he !ros!ers well, whomever -rahmanas!ati
HYMN XXVI. Bra#$anas%a&i.
1. T"2 righteous singer shall o;ercome his enemies, and he who serves the
Gods sudue the godless man.
The Cealous man shall van?uish the invincile, the worshi!!er share the
food of him who worshi!s not.
2 Worshi!, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar1 !ut on aus!icious courage for
the fight with foes.
Pre!are olation so that thou mayst have success. we crave the favouring
hel! of -rahmanas!ati.
# "e with his fol7, his house, his family, his sons, gains ooty for himself,
and, with the heroes, wealth,elieving
Who with olation and a true heart serves -rahmanas!ati the 4ather of the
Gods.
& Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him -rahmanas!ati
leads forward on his way,
5aves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful
deliverer from woe.
HYMN XXVII. Adi&yas.
1. T"252 hymns that dro! down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer tothe
8ings Adityas.
%ay %itra, Aryanian, and -haga hear us, the mighty 'aruna 6a7sa, and
Amsa.
2 With one accord may Aryaman and %itra and 'aruna this day acce!t this
!raise)song)
Adityas right and !ure as streams of water, free from all guile and
falsehood, lameless, !erfect.
# These Gods, Adityas, vast, !rofound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to
deceive the wic7ed,
Loo7ing within ehold the good and evil near to the 8ings is even the thing
most distant.
& 3!holding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods,
!rotectors of all eing,
Provident, guarding well the world of s!irits, true to eternal Law, the det)
e$actors.
( %ay I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, rings !rofit e;en
in danger.
3nder your guidance, 'aruna and %itra, round troules may I !ass, li7e
rugged !laces.
* 5mooth is your !ath, , Aryaman and %itra: e$cellent is it, 'aruna, and
thornless.
Thereon, Adityas, send us down your lessing1 grant us a shelter hard to e
demolished.
+ %other of 8ings, may Aditi trans!ort us, y fair !aths Aryaman, eyond all
hatred.
%ay we unin9ured, girt y many heroes, win 'aruna;s and %itra;s high
!rotection.
. With their su!!ort they stay three earths, three heavens: three are their
functions in the Gods; assemly.
%ighty through Law, Adityas, is your greatness: fair is it, Aryaman, 'aruna,
and %itra.
0 Golden and s!lendid, !ure li7e streams of water, they hold aloft the three
right heavenly regions.
=e;er do they slumer, never close their eyelids, faithful, far)ruling for the
righteous mortal.
1@ Thou over all, , 'aruna, art 5ovran, e they Gods, AsuraA or e they
mortals.
Grant unto us to see a hundred autumns ours e the lest long lives of our
forefathers.
11 =either the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the
west, Adityas.
5im!le and guided y your wisdom, 'asusA
may I attain the light that rings no danger.
12 "e who ears gifts unto the 8ings, true Leaders, he whom their
everlasting lessings !ros!er,
%oves with his chariot first in ran7 and wealthy, munificent and lauded in
assemlies.
1# Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells eside the
waters rich with !asture.
=one slays, from near at hand or from a distance, him who is under the
Adityas; guidance.
1& Aditi, %itra, 'aruna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against
you.
%ay I otain the road light free from !eril1 , Indra, let not during dar7ness
seiCe us.
1( 4or him the Twain united !our their fulness, the rain from heaven1 he
thrives most highly favoured.
"e goes to war mastering oth the mansions1 to him oth !ortions of the
world are gracious.
1* <our guiles, ye "oly ,nes, to ?uell o!!ressors, your snares s!read out
against the foe, Adityas,
%ay I car)orne !ass li7e a s7ilful horseman1 unin9ured may we dwell in
s!acious shelter.
1+ %ay1 not live, , 'aruna, to witness my wealthy, lieral, dear friend;s
destitution.
8ing, may1 never lac7 well)ordered riches. Lond may we s!ea7, with heroes,
in assemly.
HYMN XXVIII. Varuna
1. T"I5 laud of the self)radiant wise Aditya shall e su!reme o;er all that is
in greatness.
1 eg renown of 'aruna the %ighty, the God e$ceeding 7ind to him who
worshi!s.
2, "aving e$tolled thee. 'aruna, with thoughtful care may we have high
fortune in thy service,
5inffing thy !raises li7e the fires at coming, day after day, of mornings rich
in cattle.
# %ay we e in thy 7ee!ing, , thou Leader wide)ruling 'aruna, Lord of many
heroes.
, sons of Aditi, for ever faithful, !ardon us, Gods, admit us to your
friendshi!.
& "e made them flow, the Aditya, the 5ustainer1 the rivers run y 'aruna;s
commandment.
These feel no weariness, nor cease from flowing1 swift have they flown li7e
irds in air around us.
( Loose me from sin as from a ond that inds me1 may we swell, 'aruna,
thy s!ring of ,rder.
Let not my thread, while I weave song, e severed, nor my wor7;s sum,
efore the time, e shattered.
* 4ar from me, 'aruna, remove all danger acce!t me graciously, thou "oly
5ovran.
>ast off, li7e cords that hold a calf, my troules1 I am not even mine eyelid;s
lord without thee.
+ 5tri7e us not, 'aruna, with those dread wea!ons which, Asura, at thy
idding wound the sinner.
Let us not !ass away from light to e$ile. 5catter, that we may live, the men
who hate us
. , mighty 'aruna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we s!ea7 forth
our worshi!.
4or in thyself, invincile God, thy statutes neLer to e moved are fi$ed as on
a mountain.
0 %ove far from me what sins I have committed1 let me not suffer, 8ing, for
guilt of others.
4ull many a morn remains to dawn u!on us1 in these, , 'aruna, while we
live direct us.
1@ , 8ing, whoever, e he friend or 7insman, hath threatened me affrighted
in my slumer)
If any wolf or roer fain would harm us, therefrom, , 'aruna, give thou us
!rotection.
11%ay I not live , 'aruna, to witness my wealthy, lieral dear friend;s
destitution.
8ing, may I never lac7 well)ordered riches. Loud may we s!ea7, with
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XXIX. Visv!d!vas.
I. 3P",L62/5 of the Law, ye strong Adityas, remove my sin li7e her who
ears in secret.
<ou, 'aruna, %itra and all Gods who listen, I call to hel! me, I who 7now
your goodness.
2 <e, Gods, are !rovidence and ye are !ower1 remove ye utterly all those
who hate us.
As givers of good things deal with us 7indly1 this day e gracious to us and
hereafter.
# What service may we do you with our future, what service, 'asus, with our
ancient friendshi!B
, Aditi, and 'aru'a and %itra, Indra and %aruts, ma7e us well and ha!!y.
& <e, , ye Gods, are verily our 7insmen as such e 7ind to me who now
im!lore you.
Let not your car come slowly to our worshi!1 of 7insmen such as you ne;er
let us weary.
( I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised me as a sire
the gamler.
4ar e your nets, far, Gods, e mine offences1 seiCe me not li7e a ird u!on
her offs!ring.
* Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye "oly, that fearing in my heart I
may a!!roach you.
Protect us, God: let not the wolf destroy us. 5ave us, ye "oly, from the !it
and falling.
+ %ay I not live, , 'aruna, to witness my wealthy, lieral, dear friend;s
destitution.
8ing, may I never lac7 well)ordered riches. Loud may we s!ea7, with
heroes, in assemly.
HYMN XXX. Indra and O&#!rs.
1. T"2 streams unceasing flow to Indra, slayer of Ahi, 5avitar, God, Law;s
fulfiller,
6ay after day goes on the sheen of waters. What time hath !ast since they
were first set flowingB
2 "is %other)for she 7new)s!a7e and !roclaimed him who was aout to cast
his olt at 'rtra.
>utting their !aths according to his !leasure day after day flow to their goal
the rivers.
# Aloft he stood aove the airy region, and against 'rtra shot his deadly
missile.
2nvelo!ed in a cloud he rushed u!on him. Indra sudued the foe with
shar!ened wea!ons.
& As with a olt, -rhas!ati, fiercely flaming, !ierce thou 'r7advaras;, the
Asura;s, heroes.
2ven as in time of old with might thou slewest, so slay even now our enemy,
, Indra.
( >ast down from heaven on high thy olt of thunder wherewith in 9oy thou
smitest dead the foeman.
4or gain of children ma7e us thine, , Indra, of many children;s children and
of cattle.
* Whomso ye love, his !ower ye aid and strengthen: ye Twain are the rich
worshi!!er;s advancers.
Graciously favour us, Indra and 5oma: give us firm standing in this time of
danger.
+ Let it not ve$ me, tire me, ma7e me slothful, and never let us say, Press
not the 5oma:
4or him who cares for me, gives gifts, su!!orts me, who comes with 7ine to
me who !our liations.
. 5arasvati, !rotect us1 with the %aruts allied thou oldly con?uerest our
foemen,
While Indra does to death the daring chieftain of 5andi7as e$ulting in his
!rowess.
0 "im who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,)aim at him, !ierce him
with thy shar!ened wea!on.
-rhas!ati, with arms thou slayest foemen , 8ing, give u! the s!oiler to
destruction.
1@ Perform, , "ero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou
hast to finish.
Long have they een inflated with !resum!tion1 slay them, and ring us
hither their !ossessions.
11 I craving 9oy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the
com!any of %aruts,
That we may gain wealth with full store of heroes, each day more famous,
and with troo!s of children.
HYMN XXXI. Visv!d!vas.
1. "2LP, 'aruna and %itra, , ye Twain allied with 'asus, /udras, and Adityas,
hel! our car,
That, as the wild irds of the forest from their home, our horses may fly
forth, glad, eager for renown.
2 <ea, now ye Gods of one accord s!eed on our car what time among the
fol7 it see7s an act of might:
When, hasting through the region with the stam! of hoofs, our swift steeds
tram!le on the ridges of the earth.
# ,r may our Indra here, the 4riend of all man7ind, coming from heaven,
most.wise, girt y the %arut host,
Accom!any, with aid untrouled y a foe, our car to mighty gain, to win the
meed of strength.
& ,r may this Tvastar, God who rules the world with !ower, one)minded with
the Goddesses s!eed forth our car:
Ila and -haga the celestial, 2arth and "eaven, Pusan, Purandhi, and the
Asvins, ruling Lords.
( ,r, seen alternate, those two lessed Goddesses, %orning and =ight who
stir all living things to act1
While with my newest song I !raise you oth, , 2arth, that from what
moves not ye may s!read forth threefold food.
* <our lessing as a oon for su!!liants we desire1 the 6ragon of the 6ee!,
and A9a)27a!ad,
Trita, /hu7san, 5avitar shall 9oy in us, and ihe 4loods; swift >hild in our
worshi! and our !rayer.
+ These earnest !rayers I !ray to you, ye "oly1 to !ay you honour, living men
have formed them,
%en fain to win the !riCe and glory. %ay they win, as a car)horse might the
goal, your notice.
HYMN XXXII. Vari/us D!i&i!s.
1. G/A>I,35L< further, , ye "eaven and 2arth, this s!eech striving to win
reward, of me your worshi!!er.
4irst ran7 I give to you, Immortal, high e$tolledA I, fain to win me wealth, to
you the migty Pair.
2 Let not man;s guile annoy us, secret or y day1 give not us u! a !rey to
these calamities.
5ever not thou our friendshi!1 thin7 thereon for us. This, with a heart that
longs for liss, we see7 from thee.
# -ring hither with enignant mind the willing >ow teeming with !lenteous
mil7, full, ine$haustile.
, thou invo7ed y many, day y day I urge thee with my word, a charger
ra!id in his tread.
& With eulogy I call on /a7a swift to hear may she, aus!icious, hear us, and
herself oserve.
With never)rea7ing needle may she sew her wor7, and give a hero son most
wealthy, meet for !raise.
( All thy 7ind thoughts, , /a7a, lovely in their form, wherewith thou
grantest wealth to him who offers gifts)
With these come thou to us this day enevolent, , -lessed ,ne, estowing
food of thousand sorts.
* , road)tressed 5inivali, thou who art the 5ister of the Gods,
Acce!t the offered sacrifice, and, Goddess, grant us !rogeny.
+ With lovely fingers, lovely arms, !rolific %other of many sons)
Present the sacred gifts to her, to 5inlivali Eueen of men.
. "er, 5inivali, her, Gungu, her, /a7a, her, 5arasvati, Indrani to mine aid I
call, and 'artunani for my weal.
HYMN XXXIII. Rudra.
1. 4AT"2/ of %aruts, let thy liss a!!roach us1 e$clude us not from loo7ing
on the sunlight.
Gracious to our fleet courser e the "ero may we trans!lant us, /udra, in
our children.
2 With the most saving medicines which thou givest, /udra, may I attain a
hundred winters.
4ar from us anish enmity and hatred, and to all ?uarters maladies and
troule.
# >hief of all orn art thou in glory, /udra, armed with the thunder,
mightiest of the mighty.
Trans!ort us over troule to well)eing re!el thou from us all assaults of
mis. chief.
& Let us not anger thee with worshi!, /udra, ill !raise, 5trong GodA or
mingled invocation.
6o thou with strengthening alms incite our heroes1 I hear thee famed as
est of all !hysicians.
( %ay I with !raise)songs win that /udra;s favour who is adored with gifts
and invocations.
=e;er may the tawny God, fair)chec7ed, and gracious, swifthearing, yield us
to this evil !ur!ose.
* The 5trong, egirt y %aruts, hath refreshed me, with most invigorating
food, im!loring.
As he who finds a shade in fervent sunlight may I, unin9ured, win the liss of
/udra.
+ Where is that gracious hand of thine, , /udra, the hand that giveth health
and ringeth comfort,
/emover of the woe that Gods have sent usB , 5trong ,ne, loo7 thou on me
with com!assion.
. To him the strong, great, tawny, fair)com!le$ioned, I utter forth a mighty
hymn of !raises.
We serve the rilliant God with adorations, we glorify, the s!lendid name of
/udra.
0 With firm lims, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with
right gold decorations1
The strength of Godhead ne;er de!arts from /udra, him who is 5ovran of this
world, the mighty.
1@ Worthy, thou carriest thy ow and arrows, worthy, thy manyhued and
honoured nec7lace.
Worthy, thou cuttest here each fiend to !ieces1 a mightier than thou there is
not, /udra.
11 Praise him the chariot)orne, the young, the famous, fierce, slaying li7e
a dread east of the forest.
, /udra, !raised, e gracious to the singer. let thy hosts s!are us and smite
down another.
12 I end to thee as thou a!!roachest, /udra, even as a oy efore the sire
who greets him.
I !raise thee -ounteous Giver, Lord of heroes1 give medicines to us as thou
art lauded.
1# ,f your !ure medicines, , !otent %artits, those that are wholesomest
and healthestowing,
Those which our father %anu hath selected, I crave from. /udra for our gain
and welfare.
1& %ay /udra;s missile turn aside and s!are us, the great wrath of the
im!etuous ,ne avoid us.
Turn, -ounteous God, thy strong ow from our !rinces, and e thou gracious
to our seed and offs!ring.
1( , tawny -ull, thus showing forth thy nature, as neither to e wroth, ,
God, nor slay us.
"ere, /udra, listen to our invocation. Loud may we s!ea7, with heroes, in
assemly.
HYMN XXXIV. Maru&s
1. T"2 %aruts of resistless might who love the rain, res!lendent, terrile
li7e wild easts in their strength,
Glowing li7e flames of fire, im!etuous in career, lowing the wandering
raincloud, have disclosed the 7ine.
2 They gleam with armlets as the heavens are dec7ed with stars, li7e cloud)
orn lightnings shine the torrents of their rain.
5ince the strong /udra, , %aruts with rilliant chests, s!rang into life for
you in Prsni;s radiant la!.
# They dri! li7e horses in the racings of swift steeds: with the stream;s ra!id
cars they hasten on their way.
%aruts with helms of gold, ye who ma7e all things sha7e, con e with your
s!otted deer, one)minded, to our food.
& They have estowed of %itra all that live, to feed, they who for evermore
cause their swift dro!s to flow:
Whose steeds are s!otted deer, whose riches never fail, li7e horses in full
s!eed, ound to the !ole in wor7.
( With rightly)flarning 7ine whose udders swell with mil7, idth glittering
lances on your unostructed !aths,
, %aruts, of one mind, li7e swans who see7 their nests, come to the
ra!turous en9oyment of the meath.
* To these our !rayers, , %aruts, come unanimous, come ye to our liations
li7e the !raise of men.
%a7e it swell li7e a mare, in udder li7e a cow, and for the singer grace the
song with !lenteous strength.
+ Give us a steed, , %aruts migty in the car: !revailing !rayer that rings
rememrance day y day:
4ood to your !raisers, to your ard in deeds of might give winning wisdom,
!ower unin9ured, unsur!assed.
. When the right)chested %aruts, lavish of their gifts, ind at the time liss
their horses to the cars,
Then, as the milch)cow feeds her calf within the stalls, they !our forth food
for all olation)ringing men.
0 5ave us, , %aruts, 'asus, from the in9urer, the mortal foe who ma7es us
loo7ed u!on as wolves.
With chariot all aflame com!ass him round aout1 , /udras, cast away the
foeman;s deadly olt.
1@ Well)7nown, ye %aruts, is that wondrous course of yours, when they
mil7ed Prsni;s udder, close a7in to her.
,r when to shame the ard who lauded, /udra;s 5ons, ye , infallile rought
Trita to decay.
11 We call youi such, great %aruts, following wonted ways, to the olation
!aid to 'isnu 5!eeder)on.
With ladles lifted u!, with !rayer, we see7 of them !reeminent, golden)
hued, the wealth which all e$tol.
12 They, the 6asagvas, first of all rought sacrifice1 they at the rea7 of
mornings shall ins!irit us.
6awn with her !ur!le eams uncovereth the nights, with great light glowing
li7e a illowy sea of mil7.
1# The /udras have re9oiced thern in the gathered ands at seats of worshi!
as in !ur!le ornaments.
They with im!etuous vigour sending down the rain have ta7en to themselves
a right and lovely hue.
1& 5oliciting their high !rotection for our hel!, with this our adoration we
sing !raise to them,
Whom, for assistance, li7e the five terrestrial !riests. Trita hath rought to
aid us hither on his car.
1( 5o may your favouring hel! e turned to us)ward, your 7indness li7e a
Iowing cow a!!roach us,
Wherewith ye ear your servant over troule, and free your worshi!!er from
scoff and scorning.
HYMN XXXV. S/n /0 1a&!rs.
1. 2AG2/ for s!oil my flow of s!eech I utter1 may the 4loods; >hild acce!t
my songs with favour.
Will not the ra!id 5on of Waters ma7e them lovely, for he it is who shall
en9oy themB
2 To him let us address the song well)fashioned, forth from the heart. 5hall
he not understand it;
The friendly 5on of Waters y the greatness of Godhead hath !roduced all
things e$isting.
# 5ome floods unite themselves and others 9oin them1 die sounding rivers fill
one common storehouse.
,n every side the right 4loods have encom!assed the right res!lendent
,ffs!ring of the Waters.
& The never)sullen waters, youthful %aidens, carefully dec7ing, wait on him
the youthful.
"e with right rays shines forth in s!lendid eauty, unfed with wood. in
waters, oil)envelo!ed.
( To him three 6ames are oftering food to feed him, Goddesses to the God
whom none may in9ure.
Within the waters hath he !ressed, as hollows, and drin7s their mil7 who
now are first made mothers.
* "ere was the horse;s irth: his was the sunlight. 5ave thou our !rinces
from the o!!ressor;s onslaught.
"im, indestructile, dwelling at a distance in forts unwrought lies and ill
s!irits reach not.
+ "e, in whose mansion is the teeming %ilch)cow, swells the Gods; nectar
and cats nole viands.
lle 5on of Waters, gathering strength in waters, shines for his worshi!!er to
give him treasures.
. "e who in waters with his own !ure Godhead shines widely, law)aiding,
everlasting)
The other worlds are verily his ranches, and !lants are orn of him with all
their offs!ring.
0 The Waters; 5on hath risen, and clothed in lightning ascended u! unto the
curled cloud;s osom:
And earing with them his su!remest glory the <outhful ,nes, gold)
coloured, move around him.
1@ Golden in form is he, li7e gold to loo7 on, his colour is li7e gold, the 5on
of Waters.
When he is seated fresh from golden irth!lace those who !resent their gold
give food to feed him.
11 This the fair name and this the lovely as!ect of him the Waters; 5on
increase in secret.
Whom here the youthful %aids together 7indle, his food is sacred oil of
golden colour.
12 "im, nearest 4riend of many, will we worshi! with sacrifice. and
reverence and olation.
I ma7e his ac7 to shine, with chi!s !rovide him: t offer food and with my
songs e$alt him.
1# The -ull hath laid his own life)germ Within them. "e suc7s them as an
infant, and they 7iss him.
"e, 5on of Waters, of unfading colour, hadi entered here as in another;s
ody.
1& While here he dwelleth in sulimest station, res!lendent with the rays
that never !erish,
The Waters, earing oil to feed their ofis!ring, flow, <outhful ,nes, in
wanderings aout him.
1( Agni, I gave good shelter to the !eo!le, and to the !rinces goodly
!re!aration.
-lessed is all that Gods regard with favour. Loud may we s!ea7, with heroes,
in assemly.
HYMN XXXVI Vari/us G/ds.
1. WAT2/ and mil7 hath he endued, sent forth to thee1 the men have
drained him with the filters and the stones.
6rin7, Indra, from the "otar;s owlfirst right is thine)5oma hallowed and
!oured with 'asat and 5vaha.
2 -usied with sacrifice, with s!otted deer and s!ears, gleaming u!on your
way with ornaments, yea, our 4riends,
5itting on sacred grass, ye 5ons of -harata, drin7 5oma from the Potar;s
owl, , %en of heaven.
# >ome unto us, ye swift to listen1 as at home u!on the sacred grass sit and
en9oy yourselves.
And, Tvastar, well)content e 9oyful in the 9uice with Gods and Goddesses in
gladsome com!any.
& -ring the Gods hither, 5age, and offer sacrifice1 at the three altars seat
thee willingly, , Priest.
Acce!t for thy delight the !roffered 5oma meath1 drin7 from the 8indler;s
owl and fill thee with thy share.
( This is the strengthener of thy ody;s manly might1 strength, victory for all
time are !laced within thine arms.
Pressed for thee, %aghavan, it is offered unto thee1 drin7 from the chalice
of this -rahman, drin7 thy fill.
* Acce!t the sacrifice: mar7 oth of you, my call1 the Priest hath seated him
after the ancient te$ts.
%y !rayer that ids them come goes forth to oth the 8ings1 drin7 ye the
5oma meath from the 6irector;s owl.
HYMN XXXVII. Vari/us G/ds.
1. 2n9oy thy fill of meath out of the "otar;s cu!1 Adhvaryus he desires a full
draught !oured for him.
-ring it him1 see7ing this he gives. Granter of Wealth, drin7 5orna with the
/tus from the "otar;s cu!.
2 "e whom of old I called on, him I call on now. "e is to e invo7ed: his
name is "e who Gives,
"ere rought y !riests is 5oma meath. Granter of Wealth, drin7 5oma with
the /tus from the Potar;s cu!.
# 4at may the horses e wherewith thou s!ecdest on1 Lord of the Wood,
unharming, strengthen thou thyself.
6rawing and seiCing, -old ,ne, thou who grantest wealth, drin7 5oma with
the /tus from the =estar;s cu!.
& 4rom "otar;s cu! and Potar;s he hath drun7 and 9oyed1 the !roffered food
hath !leased him from the =estar;s owl.
The fourth cu! undistured, immortal, let him drin7 who giveth wealth, the
cu! of the wealth)giving God.
( <o7e, , ye Twain, to)day your hero)earing car, swift)moving hitherward1
your loosing)!lace is here.
%i$ the olations, then come hither with the meath, and drin7 the 5oma, ye
rich in aundant strength.
* Agni, acce!t the fuel and our offered gift1 acce!t the !rayer of man,
acce!t our eulogy,
6o thou with all, with /tu, , thou 2$cellent, fain, ma7e the great Gods all
fain taste the gift we ring.
HYMN XXXVIII. Savi&ar.
1. 3P/I52= is 5avitar, this God, to ?uic7en, Priest who neglects not this most
constant duty.
To the Gods, verily, he gives rich treasure, and lesses him who calls them
to the an?uet.
2 "aving gone u! on high, the God roadhanded s!reads his arms widely
forth that all may mar7 him.
2ven the waters end them to his service1 even this wind rests in the
circling region.
# Though orne y swift steeds he will yet unyo7e them1 e;en the fleet
chariot hath he stayed from going.
"e hath chec7ed e;en their haste who glide li7e ser!ents. =ight closely
followed 5avitar;s dominion.
& What was s!read out she weaves afresh, re)weaving1 the s7ilful leaves his
laour half)com!leted.
"e hath arisen from rest, and !arted seasons1 5avitar hath a!!roached,
God, holy)minded.
( Tlirough various dwellings, through entire e$istence, s!reads, manifest,
the household light of Agni.
The %other gives her 5on the goodliest !ortion, and 5avitar hath s!ed to
meet his summons.
* "e comes again, unfolded, fain for con?uest1 at home was he, the love of
all things moving.
2ach man hath come leaving his evil doings, after the Godli7e 5avitar;s
commandment.
+ The wild easts s!read through desert !laces see7ing their watery share
which thou hast set in waters.
The woods are given to the irds. These statutes of the God 5avitar none
disoeyeth.
. With utmost s!eed, in restless haste at sunset 'aruna see7s his watery
haitation.
Then see7s each ird his nest, each east his lodging. In due !lace 5avitar
hath set each creature.
0 "im whose high law not 'aruna nor Indra, not %itra, Aryaman, nor /udra
rea7eth,
=or evil)hearted fiends, here for my welfare him I invo7e, God 5avitar, with
worshi!.
1@ %ay they who strengthen liss, and thought and wisdom, and the 6ames;
Lord and =arasamsa aid us.
That good may come to us and wealth e gathered, may we e 5avitar the
God;s eloved.
11 5o come to us our hearts; desire, the ounty estowed y thee, from
heaven and earth and waters,
That it e well with friends and those who !raise thee, and, 5avitar, with
the loud)lauding singer.
HYMN XX Asvins.
1. 5I=G li7e the two !ress)stones for this same !ur!ose: come li7e two
misers to the tree of treasure:
Li7e two laud)singing -rahmans in the assemly, li7e the fol7;s envoys called
in many !laces.
2 %oving at morning li7e two chr)orne heroes, li7e to a !air of goats ye
come electing:
Li7e two fair dames emellishing their odies, li7e a wise married !air
among the !eo!le.
# Li7e to a !air of horns come first to usward, li7e to a !air of hoofs with
ra!id motion:
>ome li7e two >a7avas in the grey of morning, come li7e two chariot wheels
at dawn, ye %ighty.
& -ear us across the rivers li7e two vessels, save us as ye were yo7es, naves,
s!o7es and fellies.
-e li7e two dogs that in9ure not our odies: !reserve us, li7e two crutches,
that we fall not.
( Li7e two winds ageing not, two confluent rivers, come with ?uic7 vision
li7e two eyes efore us.
>ome li7e two hands most hel!ful to the ody, and guide us li7e two feet to
what is !recious.
* 2ven as two li!s that with the mouth s!ea7 honey, even as two reasts
that nourish our e$istence,
Li7e the two nostrils that !rotect our eing, e to us as our ears that hear
distinctly.
+ Li7e two hands give ye us increasing vigour: li7e heaven and earth
constrain the airy regions.
Asvins, these hymns that struggle to a!!roach you, shar!en ye li7e an a$e
u!on a whetstone.
. These !rayers of ours e$alting you, , Asvins, have the Grt5amadas, for a
laud, made ready.
Welcome them, , ye "eroes, and come ither. Loud may we s!ea7. with
rave men, in assemly.
HYMN X*. S/$a and +usan.
1 5,%A and Pusan, Parents of all riches, Parents of earth and Parents of high
heaven,
<ou Twain, rought forth as the whole world;s !rotectors, the Gods have
made centre of life eternal.
2 At irth of these two Gods all Gods are 9oyful1 they have caused dar7ness,
which we hate, to vanish.
With these, with 5oma and with Pusan, India generates ri!e warm mil7 in
the raw milch)cows.
# 5oma and Pusan, urge your chariot hither, the seven)wheeIed car that
measures out the region,
That stirs not all, that moves to every ?uarter, fivc)reined and harnessed y
the thought, ye %ighty.
& ,ne in the heaven on high hath made his dwelling, on earth and in the
firmament the other.
%ay they disclose to us great store of treasure, much)longed for, rich in
food, source of en9oyment.
( ,ne of you Twain is Parent of all creatures, the other9ourneys onward all)
eholding.
5oma and Pusan, aid my thought with favour1 with you may we o;ercome in
all encounters.
* %ay Pusan stir our thought, the all)im!elling, may 5oma Lord of riches
grant us riches.
%ay Aditi the !erfect Goddess aid us. Loud may we s!ea7, with heroes, in
assemly.
HYMN X*I. Vari/us D!i&i!s.
1. , 'A<3, come to us with all the thousand chariots that are thine,
Team)orne, to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
2 6rawn y thy team, , 'ayu, come: to thee is offered this, the !ure.
Thou visitest the !resser;s house.
# Indra and 'ayu, drawn y teams, ye "eroes, come today and drin7.
,f the right 9uice when lent with mil7.
& This 5oma hath een shed for you, Lawstrengtheners, %itra)'arunaA
Listen ye here to this my call.
( -oth 8ings who never in9ure aught seat them in their su!remest home,
The thousand)!illared, firmly)ased.
* 4ed with olation, 5ovran 8ings, Adityas, Lords of lieral gifts.
They wait on him whose life is true.
+ With 7ine, =asatyas, and with steeds, come, Asvins, /udras, to the house
That will !rotect its heroes well:
. 5uch, wealthy GodsA as none afar nor standing nigh to us may harm,
<ea, no malicious mortal foe.
0 As such, , longed)far Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied sort,
Wealth that shall ring us room and rest.
1@ 'erily Indra, con?uering all, driveth e;en mighty fear away,
4or firm is he and swift to act.
11 Indra e gracious unto us1 sin shall not reach us afterward,
And good shall e efore us still.
12 4rom all the regions of the world let Indra send security,
The foe)suduer, swift to act.
1# , all ye Gods, come hitherward1 hear this mine invocation, seat
<ourselves u!on this sacred grass.
1& Among ihe gunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught.
6rin7 ye of this delightsome 9uice.
1( <e %artus led y Indra, Gods with PriMan for your ounteousest,
"ear all of you this call of mine.
1* -est %other, est of /ivers, est of Goddesses, 5arasvati, We are, as
;twere, of no re!ute and dear %other, give thou us renown.
1+ In thee, 5arasvati, divine, all generations have their stay.
-e, glad with 5unahotra;s sons1 , Goddess grant us !rogeny.
1. 2nriched with sacrifice, acce!t 5arasvati, these !rayers of ours,
Thoughts which Grt5amadas eloved of Gods ring, "oly ,ne,to thee.
10 <e who less sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you oth,
And Agni who conveys our gifts.
2@ This our.effectual sacrifice, reaching the s7y, shall "eaven and 2arth
Present unto the Gods to)day.
21 In oth your la!s, ye guileless ,nes, the "oly Gods shall sit them down
To)day to drin7 the 5oma here.
HYMN X*II Ka%in2a,a.
1. T2LLI=G his race aloud with cries re!eated, he sends his voice out as his
oat a steersman.
, -ird, e ominous of ha!!y fortune from no side may calamity efall thee.
2 Let not the falcon 7ill thee, nor the eagle let not the arrow)earing archer
reach thee.
5till crying in the region of the 4athers, s!ea7 here aus!icious, earing
9oyful tidings.
# -ringing good tidings, -ird of ha!!y omen, call thou out loudly southward
of our dwellings,
5o that no thief, no sinner may o!!ress us. Loud may we s!ea7, with heroes,
in assemly.
HYMN X*III. Ka%in2a,a.
1. "2/2 on the right sing forth chanters of hymns of !raise, even the winged
irds that in due season s!ea7.
"e, li7e1 a 5ama)chanter utters oth the notes, s7illed in the mode of Trstu!
and of Gayatri.
2 Thou li7e the chanter)!riest chantest the 5ama, -ird: thou singest at
liations li7e a -rahman;s son.
2ven as a vigorous horse when he comes near the mare, announce to us
good forturue, -ird, on every side, !roclaim in all directions ha!!y luc7, ,
-ird.
# When singing here, , -ird. announce good luc7 to us, and when thou
sittest still thin7 on us with 7ind thoughts.
When flying off thou singest thou art li7e a lute. With rave sons in assemly
may we s!ea7 aloud.
RIG VEDA - THE THIRD BOOK
HYMN I. Agni.
1. T",3, Agni, who wilt have the strong, hast made me the 5oma;s !riest, to
worshi! in assemly.
Thou shinest to the Gods, I set the !ressstones. I toil: e 9oyful in thyself, ,
Agni.
2 2ast have we turned the rite: may the hymn aid it. With wood and worshi!
shall they honour Agni.
4rom heaven the synods of the wise have learnt it1 c;en for the ?uic7 and
strong they see7 advancement.
# The Prudent, he whose will is !ure, rought welfare, allied y irth to
"eaven and 2arth in 7inshi!.
The Gods discovered in the midst of waters eautiful Agni with the 5isters;
laour.
& "im, -lessed ,ne, the 5even strong 4loods augmented, him white at irth
and red when wa$en mighty.
As mother mares run to their new)orn you ling, so at his irth the Gods
wondered at Agni.
( 5!reading with radiant lims throughout the region, !urging his !ower
with wise !urifications,
/oing himself in light, the life of waters, lie s!reads aroad his high and
!erfect glories.
* "e sought heaven;s %ighty ,nes, the unconsuming, the unim!aired, not
clothed and yet not na7ed.
Then they, ancient and young, who dwell together, 5even sounding /ivers, as
one germ received him.
+ "is !iles, assuming every form, are scattered where flow sweet waters, at
the s!ring of fatness:
There stood the milch)7ine with full)laden udders, and oth !aired %ighty
%others of the Wondrous.
. >arefully cherished, 5on of 5trength, thou shoncst assuming lasting and
refulgent eauties.
4ull streams of fatness and sweet 9uice descended, there where the %ighty
,ne grew strong y wisdom.
0 4rom irth he 7new even his 4ather;s osom, he set his voices and his
streams in motion:
8new him who moved with lessed 4riends in secret, with the young 6ames
of heaven. "e stayed not hidden.
1@ "e nursed the Infant of the 5ire and %a7er1 alone the -ae suc7ed many
a teeming osom.
Guard, for the -right and 5trong, the fellow)s!ouses friendly to men and
ound to him in 7inshi!.
11 The %ighty ,ne increased in s!ace unounded: full many a glorious flood
gave strength to Agni.
4riend of the house, within the la! of ,rder lay Agni, in the 5ister /ivers;
service.
12 As 7een su!!orter where great waters gather, light)shedder whom the
rood re9oice to loo7 on:
"e who egat, and will eget, the dawnlights, most manly, >hild of 4loods,
is youthful Agni.
1# "im, varied in his form, the lovely Infant of floods and !lants the lessed
wood hath gendered.
Gods even, moved in s!irit, came around him, and served him at his irth,
the 5trong, the Wondrous.
1& Li7e rilliant lightnings, mighty luminaries accom!any the light)diffusing
Agni,
Wa$en, as ;twere in secret, in his dwelling, while in the oundless stall they
mil7 out Amrta.
1( I sacrificing serve thee with olations and crave with longing thy good)
will and friendshi!.
Grant, with the Gods, thy grace to him who lauds thee, !rotect us with thy
rays that guard the homestead.
1* %ay we, , Agni, thou who leadest wisely, thy followers and masters of all
treasures,
5trong in the glory of our nole offs!ring, sudue the godless when they
see7 the attle.
1+ 2nsign of Gods hast thou ecome, , Agni, 9oy)giver, 7nower of all secret
wisdom.
4riend of the homestead, thou hast lightened mortals1 carorne thou goest
to the Gods, fulfilling.
1. Within the house hath sate the 8ing immortal of mortals, filling full their
sacred synods.
-edewed with holy oil he shineth widely, Agni, the 7nower of all secret
wisdom.
10 >ome unto us with thine aus!icious friendshi!, come s!eeding, %ighty,
with thy mighty succours.
Grant us aundant wealth that saves from danger, that rings a good re!ute,
a glorious !ortion.
2@ To thee who art of old these songs, , Agni, have I declared, the ancient
and the later.
These great liations to the 5trong are offiered1 in every irth is Datavedas
stalished.
21 5talished in every irth is Datavedas, 7indled !er!etual y the
'isvamitras.
%ay we rest ever in the loving)7indness, in the aus!icious grace of him the
"oly.
22 This sacrifice of ours do thou, , %ighty, , truly Wise, ear to the Gods
re9oicing.
Grant us aundant food, thou !riestly "erald, vouchsafe to give us am!le
wealth, , Agni.
2# As holy food, Agni, to thine;invo7er give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in
marvels.
To us he orn a son, and s!reading offs!ring. Agni, e this thy gracious will
to us)ward.
HYMN II. Agni.
1. To him, 'aisvanara, who strengthens "oly Law, to Agni we !resent our
!raise li7e oil made !ure.
With thoughtful insight human !riests ring him anear, our "erald from of
old, as an a$e forms a car.
2 "e made the heaven and earth res!lendent y his irth1 >hild of two
%others he was meet to e im!lored,
Agni, olation)earer, gracious, ever)young, infallile, rich in radiant light,
the guest of men.
# Within the range of their sur!assin? !ower, y might, the Gods created
Agni with inventive thought.
I, eager to win strength, address him, li7e a steed, res!lendent with his
rilliance, with his am!le light.
& 2ager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident,
choiceworthy meet to e e$tolled1
The -hrgus; ounty, willing, strong with sages; lore, even Agni shining forth
with light that comes from heaven.
( 4or ha!!iness, men, having trimmed the sacred grass, set Agni glorious for
his strength efore them here:
<ea, with raised ladles, him right, dear to all the Gods, !erfecting aims of
wor7s, /udra of solemn rites.
* Around thy dwelling)!lace, , rightly)shining Priest, are men at sacrifice,
whose sacred grass is trimmed.
Wishing to do thee service, Agni, they are there, desirous of thy friendshi!
grant them store of wealth.
+ "e hath filled heaven and earth and the great realm of light, when at his
irth the s7ilful held him in their hold.
"e li7e a horse is led forth to the sacrifice 5age, graciously inclined, that he
may win us strength.
. "onour the olation)earer, him who 7nows fair rites, serve ye the
"ousehold 4riend who 7nows all things that e.
"e drives the chariot of the lofty ordinance1 Agni most active, is the great
"igh Priest of Gods.
0 They who are free from death, fain for him, !urified three s!lendours of
the mighty Agni, circling all.
To man, for his en9oyment, one of these they gave1 the other two have
!assed into the sister s!here.
1@ %an;s sacrificial food hath shar!ened li7e an a$e, for rightness, him the
5age of men, the !eo!le;s Lord,
-usied with sacred rites he mounts and he descends. "e hath laid down his
vital germ within these worlds.
11 "e stirs with life in woms dissimilar in 7ind, orn as a Lion or a loudly)
ellowing -ull1
'aisvanara immortal with wide)reaching might, estowing goods and wealth
on him who offiers gifts.
12 'aisvanara, as of old, mounted the co!e of heaven, heaven;s ridge, well
greeted, y those s7illed in nole songs.
"e, as of old, !roducing riches for the fol7, still watchful, traversesthe
common way again.
1# 4or new !ros!erity we see7 to Agni, him whose course is s!lendid, gold)
haired, e$cellently right,
Whom %atarisvan stalished, dweller in the heaven, meet for high !raise
and holy, sage and true to Law.
1& As !ure and swift of course, eholder of the light, who stands in heaven;s
right s!here a sign, who wa7es at dawn,
Agni, the head of heaven, whom none may turn aside)to him the Powerful
with mighty !rayer we see7.
1( The cheerful Priest, the !ure, in whom no guile is found, 4riend of the
"ouse, !raise)worthy, dear to all man7ind,
4air to ehold for eauty li7e a s!lendid car,) Agni the 4riend of men we
ever see7 for wealth.
HYMN III. Agni.
1. To him who shines afar, 'aisvanara, shall ards give !recious things that
he may go on certain !aths1
4or Agni the Immortal serves the 6eities, and therefore never rea7s their
everlasting laws.
2 "e, wondrous envoy, goes etween the earth and heaven, firm seated as
the "erald, great "igh Priest of men.
"e com!assethwith rays the lofty dwelling)!lace, Agni, sent forward y the
Gods, enriched with !iayer.
# 5ages shall glorify Agni with earnest thoughts, ensign of sacrifice, who fills
the synod full1
In whom the singers have stored u! their holy acts to him the worshi!!er
loo7s for 9oy and ha!!iness.
& The 5ire of sacrifice, great God of holy ards, Agni, the measure and the
symol of the !riests,
"ath entered heaven and earth that show in varied form1 the 5age whom
many love re9oiceth in his might.
( -right Agni with the right car, Lord of green domains, 'aisvanara dweller
in the floods, who finds the light,
Pervading, swift and wild, encom!assed round with !owers, him very
glorious have the Gods estalished here.
* Agni, together with the Gods and %anu;s fol7 y thought e$tending
sacrifice in varied form,
Goes, car)orne, to and fro with those who crown each rite, the fleet, the
"ousehold 4riend, who turns the curse aside.
+ 5ing, Agni, for long life to us and nole sons1 teem thou with !lenty, shine
u!on us store of food.
Increase the great man;s strength, thou ever)vigilant1 thou, longing for the
Gods, 7nowest their hymns full well.
. The %ighty ,ne, Lord of the !eo!le and their guest, the leader of their
thoughts, devoted 4riend of !riests,
,ur solemn rites; announcer, Datavedas, men with worshi! ever !raise, with
urgings for their weal.
0 Agni the God res!lendent, giver of great 9oy, hath on his lovely car
com!assed the lands with, might.
Let us with !ure laudations in his house a!!roach the high laws of the
nourisher of multitudes.
1@ I celerate thy glories, , 'aisvanara, wherewith thou, , farsighted God,
has found the light.
Thou filledst at thy irth oth worlds, the earth and heaven1 all this, , Agni,
hast thou com!assed of thyself.
11 -y his great s7ill the 5age alone hath rought to !ass a great deed,
mightier than 'aisvanara;s wondrous acts.
Agni s!rang into eing, magnifying oth his Parents, "eaven and 2arth, rich
in !rolific seed.
HYMN IV A%ris.
1. -2 friendly with each 7indled log of fuel, with every flash estow the
oon of riches.
-ring thou the Gods, , God, unto our worshi!1 serve, well)inclined, as
4riend thy friends, , Agni.
2 Agni whom daily 'aruna and %itra the Gods ring thrice a day to this our
worshi!,
Tanuna!at, enrich with meath our service that dwells with holy oil, that
offers honour.
# The thought that ringeth every oon !roceedeth to worshi! first the
Priest of the liation,
That we may greet the 5trong ,ne with our homage. 3rged, may he ring
the Gods, est 5acrificer.
& ,n high your way to sacrifice was made ready: the radiant flames went
u!ward to the regions.
4ull in the midst of heaven the Priest is seated1 sirew we the sacred grass
where Gods may rest them.
( >laiming in mind the seven !riests; urntolations, inciting all, they came
in settled order.
To this our sacrifice a!!roach the many who show in hero eauty at
assemlies.
* =ight and 6awn, lauded, hither come together, oth smiling, different are
their forms in colour,
That 'aruna and %itra may acce!t us, and Indra, girt y %aruts, with his
glories.
+. I crave the grace of heaven;s two chief Invo7ers1 the seven swift steeds
9oy in their wonted manner.
These s!ea7 of truth, !raising the truth eternal, thin7ing on ,rder as the
guards of ,rder.
. %ay -harati with all her 5isters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortalls
Agni,
5arasvati with all her 7indred /ivers, come to this grass, Three Goddesses,
and seat them.
0 Well !leased with us do thou , God, , Tvastar, give ready issue to our
!rocreant vigour,
Whence s!rings the hero, !owerful, s7illed in action, lover of Gods, ad9uster
of the !ress)stones.
1@ 5end to the Gods the olation, Lord of 4orests: and let the Immolator,
Agni, dress it.
"e as the truer Priest shall offer worshi!, for the Gods; generations well he
7noweth.
11 >ome thou to us, , Agni, duly 7indled, together with the !otent Gods
and Indra.
,n this our grass sit Aditi, ha!!y %other, and let our "ail delight the Gods
Immortal.
HYMN V. Agni.
1. AG=I who shines against the 6awns is wa7ened. The holy 5inger who
!recedes the sages.
With far)s!read lustre, 7indled y the !ious, the Priest hath thrown oth
gates of dar7ness o!en.
2 Agni hath wa$en mighty y laudations, to e adored with hymns of those
who !raise him.
Loving the varied shows of holy ,rder at the first flush of dawn he shines as
envoy.
# Amid men;s homes hath Agni een estalished, fulfilling with the Law,
4riend, germ of waters.
Loved and adored, the height he hath ascended, the 5inger, o9ect of our
invocations.
& Agni is %itra when en7indled duly, %itra as Priest, 'aruna, Datavedas:
%itra as active minister, and "ouse)4riend, %itra of flowing rivers and of
mountains.
( The 2arth;s, the -ird;s dear lofty !lace he guardeth, he guardeth in his
might the course of 5urya,
Guardeth the 5even)headed in the centre, guardeth sulime the 6eities
en9oyment.
* The s7ilful God who 7nows all forms of 7nowledge made for himself a fair
form, meet for worshi!.
This Agni guards with care that never ceases the 5onia;s s7in, the -ird;s !lace
rich in fatness.
+ Agni hath entered longingly the longing shrine rich with fatness, giving
easy access.
/es!lendent, !ure, sulime and !urifying, again, again he renovates his
%others.
. -orn suddenly, y !lants he grew to greatness, when tender shoots with
holy oil increased him,
Li7e waters lovely when they hasten downward may Agni in his Parents; la!
!rotect us.
0 2$tolled, the 5trong shone forth with 7indled fuel to the earth;s centre, to
the height of heaven.
%ay Agni, 4riend, adorale %atarisvan, as envoy ring the Gods unto our
worshi!.
1@ -est of all luminaries lofty Agni su!!orted with his flame the height of
heaven,
When, far from -hrgus, %atarisvan 7indled the olation)earer where he lay
in secret.
11 As holy food, Agni to thine invo7er give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in
marvels.
To us e orn a son and s!reading offs!ring. Agni, e this thy gracious will to
us)word.
HYMN VI. Agni.
1. 3/G26 on y dee! devotion, , ye singers, ring, !ious ones, the God)
a!!roaching ladle.
-orne onward to the right it travels eastward, and, filled with oil, to Agni
ears olation.
2 Thou at thy irth didst fill oth earth and heaven, yea, %ost Adorale,
thou didst e$ceed them.
2ven through the heaven;s and through the earth;s e$!anses let thy swift
seventongued flames roll on, , Agni.
# -oth "eaven and 2arth and Gods who should e worshi!!ed estalish thee
as Priest for every dwelling,
Whenever human families, God)devoted, ringing olations: laud thy
s!lendid lustre.
& 4irm in the Gods; home is the %ighty seated, etween vast "eaven and
2arth the well)eloved)
Those >ows who yield, unharmed, their nectar, 5!ouses of the 4ar)5trider,
everyoung, united.
( Great are the deeds of thee, the Great, , Agni1 thou y thy !ower hast
s!read out earth and heaven.
As soon as thou wast orn thou wast an envoy, thou, %ighty ,ne, was Leader
of the !eo!le.
* -ind to the !ole with cords of holy ,rder the long)maned ruddy steeds
who s!rin7le fatness.
-ring hithier, , thou God, all Gods together1 !rovide them nole worshi!,
Datavedas.
+ 2ven from the s7y thy rilliant lights shone hither1 still hast thou eamed
through many a radiant morning,
That the Gods !raised their 9oyous "erald;s laour eagerly urning, Agni, in
the forests.
. The Gods who ta7e delight in air;s wide region, or those the dwellers in
heaven;s realm of rightness,
,r those, the "oly, !rom!t to hear, our hel!ers, who, carorne, turn their
horses hither, Agni)))
0 With these, orne on one ear, Agni, a!!roach us, or orne on many, for thy
steeds are ale.
-ring, wit their 6ames, the Gods, the Three and)Thirty, after thy Godli7e
nature, and e 9oyful.
1@ "e is the Priest at whose re!eated worshi! even wide "eaven and 2arth
sing out for increase.
They fair and true and holy coming forward stand at his sacrifice who
s!rings from ,rder.
11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invo7er give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in
marvels.
usward.
HYMN VII.
1. T"2 seven tones risen from the whiteac7ed viand have made their way
etween the !air of %others.
-oth circum9acent Parents come together to yield us length of days they
hasten forward.
2 The %ale who dwells in heaven hath %ares and %ilch7ine1 he came to
Goddesses who ring sweet treasure.
To thee safe resting in the seat of ,rder the >ow alone u!on her way
!roceedeth.
# Wise %aster, wealthy finder)out of riches, he mounted those who may with
case e guided.
"e, dar7)ac7ed, manifold with varied as!ect, hath made them urst forth
from their food the rush)wood.
& 5trength)giving streams ear hither him eternal, fain to su!!ort the
mighty wor7. of Tvastar.
"e, flashing in his home with all his memers, hath entered oth the worlds
as they were single.
( They 7now the red -ull;s lessing, and are 9oyful under the flaming)
coloured Lord;s dominion1
They who give shine from heavenwith fair effulgence, whose lofty song li7e
Ila must e honoured.
* <ea, y tradition from the ancient sages they rought great strength from
the two mighty Parents,
To where the singer;s -ull, the night;s dis!eller, after his !ro!er law hath
wa$en stronger.
+ 5even holy singers guard with five Adhvaryus the -ird;s eloved firmly)
settled station.
The willing -ulls, untouched y old, re9oice them1 as Gods themselves the
ways of Gods they follow.
. I crave the grace of heaven;s two chief Invo7ers1 the seven swift steeds 9oy
in their wonted manner.
These s!ea7 of truth, !raising the Truth 2ternal, thin7ing on ,rder as the
guards of ,rder.
0 The many see7 the great 5teed as a stallion1 the reins oey the Lord of
varied colour.
, heavenly Priest, most !leasant, full of wisdom, ring the great Gods to us,
and 2arth and "eaven.
1@ /ich Lord, the %ornings have gleamed forth in s!lendour, fair)rayed, fair)
s!ea7ing, worshi!!ed with all viands,
<ea, with the glory of the earth, , Agni. 4orgive us, for our weal, e;en sin
cornmitted.
11 As holy food, Agni, to thine invo7er, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in
marvels.
To us e orn a son, and s!reading offs!ring Agni, e this thy gracious will to
usward.
HYMN VIII Sa)ri0i)ia, +/s&.
1. G,6)52/'I=G men, , 5ovran of the 4orest, with heavenly meath at
sacrifice anoint thee.
Grant wealth to us when thou art standing u!right as when re!osing on this
%other;s osom.
2 5et u! to eastward of the fire en7indled, acce!ting !rayer that wastes
not, rich in hero.
6riving far from us !overty and famine, lift thyself u! to ring us great good
fortune.
# Lord of the 4orest, raise. thyself u! on the loftiest s!ot of earth.
Give s!lendour, fi$t and measured well, to him who rings the sacrifice.
& Well)roed, envelo!ed he is come, the youthful1 s!ringing to life his glory
wa$eth greater.
>ontem!lative in mind and God)adoring, sages of high intelligence u!raise
him.
( 5!rung u! he rises in the days; fair weather, increasing in the men)
fre?uented synod.
With song the wise and s7ilful consecrate him1 his voice the God)adoring
singer utters.
*, <e whom religious men have firmly !lanted: thou 4orest 5ovran whom the
a$e hath fashioned,)
Let those the 5ta7es divine which here are standing e fain to grant us
wealth with store of children.
+ , men who lift the ladles u!, these hewn and !lanted in the ground,
-ringing a lessing to the field, shall ear our !recious gift to Gods.
. Adityas, /udras, 'asus, careful leaders, 2arth, "eaven, and Prthivi and
Air;s mid)region,
Accordant 6eities shall less our worshi! and ma7e our sacrifice;s ensign
lofty.
0 Li7e swan;s that flee in lengthened line, the Pillars have come to us
arrayed in rilliant coIour.
They, lifted u! on high, y sages, eastward, go forth as Gods to the God;s
dwelling)!laces.
1@ Those 5ta7es u!on the earth with rings that dec7 them seem to the eye
li7e horns of horned creatures:
,r, as u!raised y !riests in invocation, let them assist us in the rush to
attle.
11 Lord of the Wood, rise with a hundred ranches. with thousand ranches
may we rise to greatness,
Tlou whom this hatchct, with an edge well whetted for great felicity, hath
rought efore us.
HYMN IX.
1. W2 as thy friends have chosen thee, mortals a God, to e our hel!,
The Waters; >hild, the lessed, the res!lendent ,ne, victorious and eyond
com!are.
2 5ince thou delighting in the woods hast gone unto thy mother streams,
=ot to e scorned, Agni, is that return of thine when from afar thou now art
here.
# ,;er !ungent smo7e host thou !revailed, and thus art thou enevolent.
5ome go efore, and others round aout thee sit, they in whose friendshi!
thou hast !lace.
& "im who had !assed eyond his foes, eyond continual !ursuits, "im the
unerring ,nes, oservant, found in floods, couched li7e a lion in his lair.
( "im wandering at his own free will, Agni here hidden from our view,
"im %atarisvan rought to us from far away !roduced y friction, from the
Gods.
* , -earer of ,lations, thus mortals received thee from the Gods,
Whilst thou, the 4riend of man, guardest each sacrifice with thine own
!ower, %ost <outhful ,ne.
+ Amid thy wonders this is good, yea, to the sim!le is it clear,
When gathered round aout thee, Agni, lie the herds where thou art 7indled
in the morn.
. ,ffer to him who 7nows fair rites, who urns with !urifying glow,
5wift envoy, active, ancient, and adorale1 serve ye the God attentively.
0 Three times a hundred Gods and thrice a thousand, and three times ten
and nine have worshi!!ed Agni,
4or him s!read sacred grass, with oil edewed him, and stalished him as
Priest and 5acrificer.
HYMN X. Agni.
1. T"22 Agni, God, Im!erial Lord of all man7ind, do mortal men
With understanding 7indle at thesacrifice.
2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as %inister and Priest,
5hine forth in thine own home as guardian of the Law.
# "e, verily, who honours thee with fuel, 8nower of all life,
"e, AgniA wins heroic might, he !ros!ers well.
& 2nsign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us,
6ec7ed y the seven !riests, to him who ringeth gifts.
( ToAgni, the Invo7ing Priest, offer your est, your lofty s!eech,
To him ,rdainer)li7e who rings the light of songs.
* Let these our hymns ma7e Agni grow, whence, meet for laud, he s!rings to
life,
To mighty strength and great !ossession, fair to see.
+ -est 5acrificer, ring the Gods, , Agni, to the !ious man1
A 9oyful Priest, thy s!lendour drive our foes afar
. As such, , Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might1
-e nearest 4riend to those who laud thee, for their weal.
0 5o, wa7eful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers 7indly thee.
,lation)earer, deathless, cherisher of strength.
HYMN X,. Agni.
1. AG=I is Priest, the great "igh Priest of sacrifice, most swift in act1
"e 7nows the rite in constant course.
2 ,lation)earer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger,
Agni comes nigh us with the thought.
# 2nsign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well 7noweth with his thought
To !ros!er this man;s aim and ho!e.
& Agni, illustrious from old time, the 5on of 5trength who 7nows all life,
The Gods have made to their Priest.
( Infallile is Agni, he who goes efore the tries of men,
A chariot swift and ever new.
* 5trength of the Gods which none may harm, suduing all his enemies,
Agni is mightiest in fame.
+ -y offering sacred food to him the mortal worshi!!er otains.
A home from him whose light ma7es !ure.
. 4rom Agni, y our hymns, may we gain all things that ring ha!!iness,
5ingers of him who 7nows all life.
0 , Agni, in our deeds of might may we otain all !recious things1
Tle Gods are centred all in thee.
HYMN XII. Indra-Agni.
1. %,'26, Indra)Agni, y our hymn, come to the 9uice, the !recious dew1
6r.in7 ye thereof, im!elled y song.
2 , Indra)Agni, with the man who lauds you comes the wa7ening rite1
5o drin7 ye oth this 9uice assured.
# Through force of sacrifice I choose Indra)Agni who love the wise1
With 5orna let these sate them here.
& Indra and Agni I invo7e, 9oint)victors, ounteous, unsudued,
4oe)slayers, est to win the s!oil.
( Indra and Agni, singers s7illed in melody hymn you, ringing lauds1
I choose you for the sacred food.
* Indra and Agni, ye cast down the ninety forts which 6Asas held,
Together, with one mighty deed.
+ To Indra)Agni eeverent thoughts go forward from the holy tas7
Along the !ath of sacred Law.
. , Indra)Agni, !owers are yours, and dwellings and delightful food
Good is your readiness to act.
0 Indra and Agni, in your deeds of might ye dec7 heaven;s lucid realms1
4amed is that hero strength of yours.
HYMN XIII. Agni.
1. To Agni, to this God of yours I sing aloud with utmost !ower.
%ay he come to us with the Gods, and sit, est ,fferer, on the grass.
2 The "oly, whose are earth and heaven, and succour waits u!on his
strength:
"im men who ring olations laud, and they who wish to gain, for grace.
# "e is the 5age who guides these men, Leader of sacred rites is he.
"im your own Agni, serve ye well, who winneth and estoweth wealth.
& 5o may the gracious Agni grant most goodly shelter for our use:
Whence in the heavens or in the floods he shall !our wealth u!on our lands.
( The singers 7indle him, the Priest, Agni the Lord of tries of men,
/es!lendent and without a !eer through his own e$cellent designs.
* "el! us, thou -rahman, est of all invo7ers of the Gods in song.
-eam, 4riend of %aruts, liss on us, , Agni, a most lieral God.
+ <ea, grant us treasure thousandfold with children and with nourishment,
And, Agni, s!lendid hero strength, e$alted, wasting not away.
HYMN XIV. Agni.
1 T"2 !leasant Priest is come into the synod, true, s7illed in sacrifice, most
wise, ,rdainer.
Agni, the 5on of 5trength, whose car is lightning, whose hair is flame, hath
shown on earth his lustre.
2 To thee I offer reverent s!eech1 acce!t it1 to thee who mar7est it,
victorious, faithfulA
-ring, thou who 7nowest, those who 7now, and seat thee amid the sacred
grass, for hel!, , "oly.
# The Two who show their vigour, =ight and %orning, y the wind;s !aths
shall haste to thee , Agni.
When men adorn the Ancient with olations, these see7, as on two chariot)
seats, the dwelling.
& To thee, strong AgniA 'aruna and %itra and all the %aruts sang a song of
trium!h,
What time unto the !eo!le;s lands thou camest, s!reading them as the 5un
of men, with lustre.
( A!!roaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this day fulfilled
for thee thy longing.
Worshi! the Gods with most devoted s!irit, a Priest with no unfriendly
thought, , Agni.
* 4or, 5on of 5trength, from thee come many succours, and !owers
aundant that a God !ossesses.
Agni, to us with s!eech that hath no falsehood grant riches, real, to e told
in thousands.
+ Whatever, God, in sacrifice we mortals have wrought is all for thee,
strong, wise of !ur!oseA
-e thou the 4riend of each good chariot;s master. All this en9oy thou here,
immortal Agni.
HYMN XV. Agni.
1. /25PL2=62=T with thy wide)e$tending lustre, dis!el the terrors of the
fiends who hate us
%ay lofty Agni e my guide and shelter, the easily)invo7ed, the good
Protector.
2 -e thou To us, while now the morn is rea7ing, e thou a guardian when
the 5un hath mounted..
Acce!t, as men acce!t a true)orn infant, my laud, , Agni noly orn in
ody.
# -ull, who eholdest men, through many mornings, among the dar7 ones
shine forth red, , Agni.
Lead us, good Lord, and ear us over troule1 "el! us who long, %ost
<outhful God, to riches.
& 5hine forth, a -ull invincile, , Agni, winning y con?uest all the forts and
treasures,
Thou Datavedas who art s7illed in guiding, the chief high saving sacrifice;s
Leader.
( Lighting Gods hither, Agni, wisest 5inger, ring thou to us many and
flawless shelters.
-ring vigour, li7e a car that gathers ooty1 ring us, , Agni, eauteous./arth
and "eaven.
* 5well, , thou -ull and give those !owers an im!ulse, e;en 2arth and
"eaven who yield their mil7 in !lenty,
5hining, , God, with Gods in clear effulgence. Let not a mortal;s evil will
ostruct us.
+ Agni, as holy food to thine invo7er, give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in
marvels.
To us e orn a son and s!reading ofrs!ring. Agni, e this thy gracious will to
us)ward.
HYMN XVI. Agni.
1. T"I5 Agni is the Lord of great felicity and hero 5trength:
Lord of wealth in herds of 7ine: Lord of the attles with the foe.
2 Wait, %aruts, "eroes, u!on him the Pros!erer in whom is liss)increasing
wealth:
Who in fights ever con?uer evil)hearted men, who overcome the enemy.
# As such, , Agni, deal us wealth and hero might, , -ounteous ,neA
%ost lofty, very glorious, rich in !rogeny, free from disease and full of
!ower.
& "e who made all that lives, who !asses all in might, who orders service to
the Gods,
"e wor7s among the Gods, he wor7s in hero strength, yea, also in the !raise
of men.
( Give us not u! to indigence, Agni, nor want of hero sons,
=or, 5on of 5trength, to lac7 of cattle, nor to lame. 6rive. thou our
enemies away.
* "el! us to strength, lest AgniA rich in !rogeny, aundant, in our sacrifice.
4lood us with riches yet more !lenteous, ringing weal, with high renown,
most Glorious ,neA
HYMN XVII. Agni.
1. 63L< en7indled after ancient customs, ringing all treasures, he is
almed with unguents,)
4lame)haired, oil)clad, the !urifying Agni, s7illed in fair rites, to ring the
Gods for worshi!.
2 As thou, , Agni, s7ilful Datavedas, hast sacrificed as Priest of 2arth, of
"eaven,
5o with this offering ring the Gods, and !ros!er this sacrifice today as erst
for %anu.
# Three are thy times of life, , Datavedas, and the three mornings are thy
irths, , Agni.
With these, well)7nowing, grant the Gods; 7ind favour, and hel! in stir aiid
stress the man who worshi!s.
& Agni most right and fair with song we honour, yea, the adorale, ,
Datavedas.
Thee, envoy, messenger, olation)earer, the Gods have made centre of life
eternal.
( That Priest efore thee, yet more s7illed in worshi!, stalished of old,
healthgiver y his nature,)
After his custom offer, thou who 7nowest, and lay our sacrifice where Gods
may taste it.
HYMN XVIII. Agni.
1. AG=I, e 7ind to us when we a!!roach thee good as a friend to friend, as
sire and mother.
The races of man7ind are great o!!ressors urn u! malignity that strives
against us.
2 Agni, urn u! the unfriendly who are near us, urn thou the foeman;s
curse who !ays no worshi!.
-urn, 'asu, thou who mar7est well, the foolish1 let thine eternal nimle
eams surround thee.
# With fuel, Agni, and with oil, desirous, mine offering I !resent for strength
and con?uest,
With !rayer, so far as I have !ower, adoring)this hymn divine to gain a
hundred treasures.
& Give with thy glow, thou 5on of 5trength, when lauded, great vital !ower
to those who toil to serve thee.
Give richly, Agni, to the 'isvamitras in rest and stir. ,ft have we dec7ed thy
ody.
( Give us, , lieral Lord, great gtore of riches, for, Agni, such art thou when
duly 7indled.
Thou in the ha!!y singer;s home estowest, am!ly with arms e$tended,
things of eauty.
HYMN XIX. Agni.
1. Aow, ?uic7, sage, infallile, all)7nowing, I choose to e our Priest at this
olation.
In our Gods; service he, est s7illed, shall worshi!1 may he otain us oons
for strength and riches.
2 Agni, to thee I lift the oil)fed ladle, right, with an offering, earing our
olation.
4rom the right hand, choosing the Gods; attendance, he with rich !resents
hath arranged the worshi!.
# ,f 7eenest s!irit is the man thou aidest give us good offs!ring, thou who
givest freely.
In !ower of wealth most rich in men. , Agni, of thee, the Good, may we
sing forth fair !raises.
& %en as they worshi! thee the God, , Agni, have set on thee full many a
rilliant, as!ect.
5o ring %ost <outhful ,ne, the Gods; asserrigly, the "eavenly "ost which
thou to)day shalt honour.
( When Gods anoint thee Priest at their olation, and seat thee for thy tas7
as 5acrificer,
, Agni, e thou here our 7ind defender, and to ourselves vouchsafe the gift
of glory.
HYMN XX Agni.
1. WIT" lauds at rea7 of morn the !riest invo7eth Agni, 6awn, 6adhi7ras,
and oth the Asvins.
With one consent the Gods whose light is s!lendid, longing to taste our
sacrifice, shall hear us.
2 Three are thy !owers, , Agni, three thy stations, three are thy tongues,
yea, many, >hild of ,rderA
Three odies hast thou which the Gods delight in1 with these !rotect our
hymns with care unceasing.
# , Agni, many are the names thou earest, immortal, God, 6ivine, and
Datavedas.
And many charms of charmers, All)Ins!irerA have they laid in thee, Lord of
true attendantsA
& Agni, li7e -haga, leads the godly !eo!le, he who is true to Law and guards
the seasons.
Ancient, all)7nowing, he the 'rtra)slayer shall ear the singer safe through
every troule.
( I call on 5avitar the God, on %orning, -rhas!ati, and 6adhi7ras, and Agni,
,n 'aruna and %itra, on the Asvins, -haga, the 'asus, /udras and Adityas.
HYMN XXI. Agni.
1. 52T this our sacrifice among the Immortals1 e !leased with these our
!resents, Datavedas.
, Priest, , Agni, sit thee down efore us, and first en9oy the dro!s of oil
and fatness.
2 4or thee, , Purifier, flow the dro!s of fatness rich in oil.
After thy wont vouchsafe to us the choicest oon that Gods may feast.
# Agni, %ost 2$cellentA for thee the 5age are dro!s that dri! with oil.
Thou art en7indled as the est of 5eers. "el! thou the sacrifice.
& To thee, , Agni, mighty and resistless, to thee stream forth the dro!s of
oil and fatness.
With great light art thou come, , !raised y !oetsA Acce!t our offering, ,
thou 5age.
( 4atness e$ceeding rich, e$tracted from the midst,)this as our gift we offer
thee.
2$cellent God, the dro!s run down u!on thy s7in. 6eal them to each among
the Gods.
HYMN XXII. Agni.
1 T"I5 is that Agni whence the longing Indra too7 the !ressed 5oma dee!
within his ody.
Winner of s!oils in thousands, li7e a courser, with !raise art thou e$alted,
Datavedas.
2 That light of thine in heaven and earth, , Agni, in !lants, , "oly ,ne, and
in the waters,
Wherewith thou hast s!read wide the air;s mid)region)right is that
s!lendour, wavy, man)eholding.
# , Agni, to the sea of heaven thou goest1 thou hast called hither Gods
eheld in s!irit.
The waters, too, come hither, those u! yonder in the 5un;s realm of light,
and those eneath it.
& Let fires that dwell in mist, comined with those that have their home in
floods,
Guileless acce!t our sacrifice, great viands free from all disease.
( Agni, as holy food to thine invo7er give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in
marvels.
us)ward.
HYMN XXIII. Agni.
1. /3--26 into life, well stalished in the dwelling, Leader of sacrifice, the
5age, the youthful,
"ere in the wasting fuel Datavedas, eternal, hath assumed immortal eing.
2 -oth -haratas, 6evasravas, 6evavata, have strongly rued to life
effectual Agni.
, Agni, loo7 thou forth with am!le riches1 e, every day, earer of food to
feed us.
# "im noly orn of old the fingers ten !roduced, him whom his %others
counted dear.
Praise 6evavata;s Agni, thou 6evasravas, him who shall e the !eo!le;s Lord.
& "e set thee in the earth;s most lovely station, in Ila;s !lace, in days of fair
right weather.
,n man, on A!aya, AgniA on the rivers 6rsadvati, 5arasvati, shine richly.
( Agni, as holy food to thine invo7er give wealth in cattle, lasting, rich in
marvels.
To us e orn a son and s!reading offs!ring Agni, e this thy gracious will to
us)ward
HYMN XXIV. Agni.
1. AG=I, sudue o!!osing ands, and drive our enemies away.
Invincile, slay godless foes1 give s!lendour to the worshi!!er.
2 Lit with liation, Agni, thou, deathless, who callest Gods to feast,
Acce!t our sacrifice with 9oy.
# With s!lendour, Agni, 5on of 5trength, thou who art worshi!!ed, wa7eful
,ne.
5eat thee on this my sacred grass.
& With all thy fires, with all the Gods, Agni, e$alt the songs we sing.
And living men in holy rites.
( Grant, Agni, to the worshi!!er wealth rich in heroes, !lenteous store,
%a7e thou us rich with many sons.
HYMN XXV. Agni.
1. T",3 art the sa!ient 5on of 6yaus, , Agni, yes and the >hild of 2arth,
who 7nowest all things.
-ring the Gods s!ecially, thou 5age, for worshi!.
2. Agni the wise estows the might of heroes grants strengthening food,
!re!aring it for nectar.
Thou who art rich in food ring the Gods hither.
# Agni, infallile, lights 2arth and "eaven, immortal Goddesses gracious to
all men,)
Lord through his strength, s!lendid through adorations.
& >ome to the sacrifice, Agni and Indra come to the offerer;s house who hath
the 5oma.
>ome, friendly)minded, Gods, to drin7 the 5oma.
( In the floods; home art thou en7indled, Agni, , Datavedas, 5on of 5trength,
eternal,
2$alting with thine hel! the gathering!laces.
HYMN XXVI. Agni.
1. /2'2/I=G in our heart Agni 'aisvanara, the finder of the light, whose
!romises are true,
The lieral, gladsome, car)orne God we 8usi7as invo7e him with olation,
see7ing wealth with songs.
2 That Agni, right, 'aisvanara, we invo7e for hel!, and %atarisvan worthy
of the song of !raise:
-rhas!ati for man;s oservance of the Gods, the 5inger !rom!t to hear, the
swiftly)moving guest.
# Age after age 'aisvanara, neighing li7e a horse, is 7indled with the women
y the 8usi7as.
%ay Agni, he who wa7es among Immortal Gods, grant us heroic strength and
wealth in nole steeds.
& Let them go forth, the strong, as flames of fire with might. Gathered for
victory they have yo7ed their s!otted deer.
Pourers of floods, the %aruts, %asters of all wealth, they who can ne;er e
con?uered, ma7e the mountains sha7e.
( The %aruts, 4riends of men, are glorious as the fire1 their mighty and
res!lendent succour we im!lore.
Those storming 5ons of /udra clothed in roes of rain, oon)givers of good
gifts, roar as the lions roar.
* We, and on and and troo! following troo!, entreat with fair lauds Agni;s
s!lendour and the %aruts; might,
With s!otted deer for steeds, with wealth that never fails, they, wise ,nes,
come to sacrifice at our gatherings.
+ Agni am I who 7now, y irth, all creatures. %ine eye is utter, in my
mouth is nectar.
I am light threefold, measurer of the region e$haustless heat am I, named
urnt)olation.
. -earing in mind a thought with light accordant, he !urified the 5un with
three refinings:
-y his own nature gained the highest treasure, and loo7ed aroad over the
earth and heaven.
0 The 5!ring that fails not with a hundred streamlets, 4ather ins!ired of;
!rayers that men should utter,
The 5!ar7ler, 9oyous in his Parents; osorn, )him, the Truth)s!ea7er, sate ye,
2arth and "eaven.
HYMN XXVII. Agni.
1. I= ladle dro!!ing oil your food goes in olation u! to heaven,
Goes to the Gods in search of liss.
2 Agni I laud, the 5age ins!ired, crowner of sacrifice through song,
Who listens and gives ounteous gifts.
# , Agni, if we might otain control of thee the !otent God,
Then should we overcome our foes.
& 8indled at sacrifices he is Agni, hallower, meet for !raise,
With flame for hair1 to him we see7.
( Immortal Agni, shining far, enroed with oil, well worshi!!ed, ears
The gifts of sacrifice away.
* The !riests with ladles lifted u!, worshi!!ing here with holy thought,
"ave rought this Agni for our aid.
+ Immortal, 5acrificer, God, with wondrous !ower he leads the way,
3rging the great assemly on.
. 5trong, he is set on deeds ofstrength. In sacrifices led in front,
As 5inger he com!letes the rite.
0 2$cellent, he was made y thought. The Germ of eings have I gained,
<ea, and die 5ire of active strength.
1@ Thee have I stalished, 2$cellent, , strengthened y the sage;s !rayer,
Thee, Agni, longing, noly right.
11 Agni, the swift and active ,ne, singers, at time of sacrifice,
2agerly 7indle with their food.
12 Agni the 5on of 5trength who shines u! to the heaven in solemn rites,
The wise of heart, I glorify.
1# %eet to e lauded and adored, showing in eauty through the dar7,
Agni, the 5trong, is 7indled well.
1& Agni is 7indled as a ull, li7e a horseearer of the Gods1
%en with olations worshi! him.
1( Thee will we 7indle as a ull, we who are -ulls ourselves, , -ull.
Thee, Agni, shining mightily.
HYMN XXVIII. Agni.
1. AG=I who 7nowest all, acce!t our offering and the ca7e of meal,
At dawn;s liation, rich in !rayerA
2 Agni, the sacrificial ca7e hath een !re!ared and dressed for thee1
Acce!t it, , %ost <outhful God.
# Agni, en9oy the ca7e of meal and our olation three days old1
Thou, 5on of 5trength, art stalished at our sacrifice.
& "ere at the midday sacrifice en9oy thou the sacrificial ca7e, wise,
DatavedasA
Agni, the sages in assemlies never minish the !ortion due to thee the
%ighty.
( , Agni, at the third liation ta7ewith 9oy the offered ca7e of sacrifice,
thou, 5on of 5trength.
Through s7ill in song ear to the Gods our sacrifice, watchful and fraught
with riches, to Immortal God.
* , wa$ing Agni, 7nower, thou, of all, acce!t our gifts, the ca7e,
And that !re!ared ere yesterday.
HYMN XXIX. Agni.
1. "2/2 is the gear for friction, here tinder made ready for the s!ar7.
-ring thou the %atron1 we will ru Agni in ancient fashion forth.
2 1n the two fire)stic7s Datavedas lieth, even as the well)set germ in
!regnant women,
Agni who day y day must e e$alted y men who watch and worshi! with
olations.
# Lay this with care on that which lies e$tended1 straight hath she orne the
5teerwhen made !rolific.
With his red !illar)radiant is his s!lendour )in our s7illed tas7 is orn the 5on
of Ila.
& In Ila;s !lace we set thee down, u!on the central !oint of earth,
That, Agni Datavedas, thou mayst ear our offerings to the Gods.
( /u into life, ye men, the 5age, the guileless, Immortal, very wise and fair
to loo7 on.
, men, ring forth the most !ro!itious Agni, first ensign of the sacrifice to
eastward.
* When with their arms they ru him straight he shineth forth li7e a strong
courser, red in colour, in the wood.
-right, chec7less, as it were u!on the Atvins; !ath, lie !asseth y the stones
and urneth u! the grass.
+ Agni shines forth when orn, oservant, mighty, the ountiful, the 5ingar
!raised y sages:
Whom, as adorale and 7nowing all things, Gods set at solemn rites as
offeringearer.
. 5et thee, , Priest, in, thine own !lace, oservant1 lay down the sacrifice
in the home of worshi!.
Thou, dear to Gods, shalt serve them with olation1 Agni, give long life to
the sacrificer.
0 /aise ye a mighty smo7e, my fellow)wor7ersA <e shall attain to wealth
without ostruction.
This Agni is the attle)winning "ero y whom the Gods have overcome the
6asyus.
1@ This is thine ordered !lace of irth whence s!rung to life thou shonest
forth.
8nowing this, Agni, sit thee down, and !ros!er thou the songs we sing.
11 As Germ >elestial he is called Tanuna!at, and =arasamsa orn diffused in
varied sha!e.
4ormed in his %other he is %atarisvan: he hath, in his course, ecome the
ra!id flight of wind.
12 With strong attrition rued to life, laid down with careful hand, a 5age,
Agni, ma7e sacrifices good, and for the !ious ring the Gods.
1# %ortals have rought to life the God Immortal, the >on?ueror with
mighty 9aws, unfailing.
The sisters ten, unwedded and united, together gras! the -ae, the new)
orn Infant.
1& 5erved y the seven !riests, he shone forth from ancient time, when in
his %other;s osom, in her la!, he glowed.
Giving delight each day he closeth not his eye, since from the Asura;s ody
hewas rought to life.
1( 2ven as the %aruts, onslaughts who attac7 the foe, those orn the first of
all 7new the full !ower of !rayer.
The 8usi7as have made the glorious hymn ascend, and, each one singly in his
home, have 7indled fire.
1* As we, , Priest oservant, have elected thee this day, what time the
solemn sacrifice egan,
5o surely hast thou worshi!!ed, surely hast thou toiled1 come thou unto the
5oma, wise and 7nowing all.
HYMN XXX. Indra.
1. T"2 friends who offer 5oma long to find thee1 they !our forth 5oma and
!resent their viands.
They ear unmoved the cursing of the !eo!le, for all our wisdom comes
from thee, , Indra.
2 =ot far for thee are mid)air;s loftiest regions1 start hither, Lord of -ays,
with thy -ay "orses.
%ade for the 4irm and 5trong are these liations. The !ressing)stones are
set and fire is 7indled.
# 4air chee7s hath Indra, %aghavan, the 'ictor, Lord of a great host,
5tormer, strong in action.
What once thou didst in might when mortals ve$ed thee,)where now, , -ull,
are those thy hero e$!loitsB
& 4or, overthrowing what hath ne;er een sha7en, thou goest forth alone
destroying 'rtras.
4or him who followeth thy Law the mountains and heaven and earth stand
as if firmly stalished.
( <ea, %uch)invo7edA in safety through thy glories alone thou s!ea7est truth
as 'rtra;s slayer.
2;en these two oundless worlds to thee, , Indra, what time thou gras!est
them, are ut a handful.
* 4orthwith thy -ay steeds down the stee!, , Indra, forth, crushing foemen,
go thy olt of thunderA
5lay those who meet thee, those who flee, who follow1 ma7e all thy !romise
true: e all com!leted.
+ The man to whom thou givest as Provider en9oys domestic !lenty
undivided.
-lest, Indra, is thy favour dro!!ing fatness1 thy worshi!, %uch)invo7edA
rings gifts in thousands.
. Thou, Indra, %uch)invo7edA didst crush to !ieces 8unaru handless fiend
who dwelt with 6anu.
Thou with might, Indra, smotest dead the scorner, the footless 'rtra as he
wa$ed in vigour.
0 Thou hast estalished in her seat, , Indra, the level earth, vast, vigorous,
unounded.
The -ull hath !ro!!ed the heaven and air;s mid)region. -y thee sent onward
let the floods flow hither.
1@ "e who withheld the 7ine, in silence I yielded in fear efore thy low, ,
Indra.
"e made !aths easy to drive forth the cattle. Loud)reathing !raises hel!ed
the %uch)invo7ed ,ne.
11 Indra alone filled full the earth and heaven, the Pair who meet together,
rich in treasures.
<ea, ring thou near us from the air;s mid)region strength, on thy car, and
wholesome food, , "ero.
12 5urya transgresses not the ordered limits set daily y the Lord of Tawny
>oursers.
When to the goal he comes, his 9ourney ended, his 5teeds he looses1 this is
Indra;s doing.
1# %en gladly in the course of night would loo7 on the road right front of
the refulgent %orning:
And all ac7nowledge, when she comes in glory, the manifold and goodly
wor7s of Indra.
1& A mighty s!lendour rests u!on her osom1 earing ri!e mil7 the >ow,
unri!e, advances.
All sweetness is collected in the "eifer, sweetness which Indra made for our
en9oyment.
1( -arring the way they come. -e firm, , Indra: aid friends to sacrifice and
him who singeth.
These must e slain y thee, malignant mortals, armed with ill arts, our
?uiverearing foemen.
1* A cry is eard from enemies most near us1 against them send thy fiercest)
flaming wea!on.
/end them from under, crush them and sudue them. 5lay, %aghavan, and
ma7e the fiends our ooty.
1+ /oot u! the race of /a7sasas, , Indra rend it in front and crush it in the
middle.
"ow long hast thou eaved as one who waversB >ast thy hot dart at him
who hates devotion1
1. When orne y strong 5teeds for our weal, , Leader, thou seatest thee at
many nole viands.
%ay we e winners of aundant riches. %ay Indra e our wealth with store
of children.
10 -estow on us res!lendent wealth. , Indra let us en9oy thine overflow of
ounty.
Wide as a sea our longing hath e$!anded, fulfil it, , thou Treasure)Lord of
treasures.
2@ With 7ine and horses satisfy this longing with very s!lendid ounty s7ill
e$tend it.
5ee7ing the light, with hymns to thee, , Indra, 8usi7as have rought their
gift, the singers.
21 Lord of the 7ine, urst the 7ine;s stale o!en1 cows shall e ours, and
strength that wins the ooty.
"ero, whose might is true, thy home is heaven1 to us, , %aghavan, grant
gifts of cattle.
22 >all we on %aghavan, aus!icious Indra, est "ero in this fight where s!oil
is gathered,
The 5trong who listens, who gives aid in attles, who slays the 'rtras, wins
and gathers riches.
HYMN XXXI. Indra.
1. WI52, teaching, following the thought of ,rder, the sonless gained a
grandson from his daughter.
4ain, as a sire, to see his child !rolific, he s!ed to meet her with an eager
s!irit.
2 The 5on left not his !ortion to the rother, he made a home to hold him
who should gain, it.
What time his Parents gave the Priest his eing, of the good !air one acted,
one !romoted.
# Agni was orn tremling with tongue that flic7ered, so that the /ed;s great
children should e honoured.
Great is their germ, that orn of them is mighty, great the -ays; Lord;s
a!!roach through sacrifices.
& >on?uering ands u!on the Warrior waited1 they recogniCed great light
The conscious 6awns went forth to meet his coming, and the sole %aster of
the 7ine was Indra.
( The sages freed them from their firmuilt !rison1 the seven !riests drove
them forward with their s!irit.
All holy ,rder;s !athway they discovered he, full of 7nowledge, shared these
deeds through worshi!.
* When 5arama had found the mountain;s fissure, that vast and ancient
!lace she !lundered thoroughly.
In the floods; van she led them forth, light)footed1 she who well 7new came
first unto their lowing.
+ Longing for friendshi! came the nolest singer1 the hill !oured forth its
treasure for the !ious.
The "ero with young followers fought and con?uered, and straightway
Angiras was singing !raises,
. Peer of each nole thing, yea, all e$celling, all creatures doth he 7now, he
slayeth 5usna.
,ur leader, fain for war, singing from heaven, as 4riend he saved his lovers
from dishonour.
0 They sate them down with s!irit fain for ooty, ma7ing with hymns a way
to life eternal.
And this is still their !lace of fre?uent session, wherey they sought to gain
the months through ,rder.
1@ 6rawing the mil7 of ancient seed !rolific, they 9oyed as they eheld their
own !ossession.
Their shout of trium!h heated earth and heaven. When the 7ine showed,
they ade the heroes rouse them.
11 Indra drove forth the 7ine, that 'rtra)slayer, while hymns of !raise rose
u! and gifts were offered.
4or him the >ow, nole and far)e$tending, !oured !leasant 9uices, ringing
oil and sweetness.
12 They made a mansion for their 4ather, deftly !rovided him a great and
glorious dwelling:
With firm su!!ort !arted and stayed the Parents, and, sitting, fi$ed him
there erected, mighty.
1# What time the am!le chalice had im!elled him, swift wa$ing, vast, to
!ierce the earth and heaven,)
"im in whom lameless songs are all united1 all !owers invincile elong to
Indra.
1& I crave thy !owers, I crave thy mighty friendshi!1 full many a team goes
to the 'rtra)slayer.
Great is the laud, we see7 the Princes; favour. -e thou, , %aghavan, our
guard and 7ee!er.
1( "e, having found great, s!lendid, rich dominion, sent life and motion to
his friends and lovers.
Indra who shone together with the "eroes egot the song, the fire, and 5un
and %orning.
1* 'ast, the "ouse)4riend, he set the waters flowing, all)lucid, widely
s!read, that move together.
-y the wise cleansings of the meath made holy, through days, and nights
they s!eed the swift streams onward.
1+ To thee !roceed the dar7, the treasure)holders, oth of them sanctified
y 5urya;s ounty.
The while thy ovely storming 4riends, , Indra, fail to attain the measure of
thy greatness.
1. -e Lord of 9oyous songs, , 'rtra)slayer, -ull dear to all, who gives the
!ower of living.
>ome unto us with thine aus!icious friendshi!, hastening, %ighty ,ne, with
mighty succours.
10 Li7e Angiras I honour him with worshi!, and renovate old song for him the
Ancient.
>hase thou the many godless evil creatures, and give us, %aghavan, heaven;s
light to hel! m.
2@ 4ar forth are s!read the !urifying waters convey thou us across them
unto safety.
5ave us, our >harioteer, from harm, , Indra, soon, very soon, ma7e us win
s!oil of cattle.
21 "is 7ine their Lord hath shown, e;en 'rtra;s slayer, through the lac7 hosts
he !assed with red attendants.
Teaching us !leasant things y holy ,rder, to, us hath he thrown o!en all his
!ortals.
22 >all we on %aghavan, aus!icious Indra, est "ero in this fight where s!oil
is gathered.
and gathers riches.
HYMN XXXII. Indra
1. 6/I=8 thou this 5oma, Indra, Lord of 5oma: drin7 thou the draught of
noonday which thou Iovest.
Puffing thy chee7s, im!etuous, lieral Giver, here loose thy two -ay "orses
and re9oice thee.
2 Euaff it !ure, meal)lent, mi$t with mil7, , Indra: we have !oured forth
the 5oma for thy ra!ture.
8nit with the !rayer)fulfilling and of %aruts, yea, with the /udras, drin7
till thou art sated:
# Those who gave increase to thy strength and vigour: the %aruts singing
forth thy might, , Indra.
6rin7 thou, , fair of chee7, whose hand wields thunder, with /udras
anded, at our noon liation.
& They, even the %aruts who were there, e$cited with song the meath)
created strength of Indra.
-y them im!elled to act he reached the vitals ,f 'rtra, though he deemed
that none might wound him.
( Pleased, li7e a man, with our liation, Indra, drin7, for enduring hero
might, the 5oma.
Lord of -ays, moved y sacrifice come hither1 thou with the 5wift ,nes
stirrest floods and waters.
* When thou didst loose the streams to run li7e racers in the swift contest,
having smitten 'rtra
With flying wea!on where he lay, , Indra, and, godless, 7e!t the Goddesses
encom!assed.
+ With reverence let us worshi! mighty Indra, great and sulime, eternal,
everyouthful,
Whose greatness the dear world)halves have not measured, no, nor
conceived the might of him the "oly.
. %any are Indra;s noly wrought achievements, and none of all the Gods
transgress his statutes.
"e eareth u! this earth and heaven, and, doer of marvels, he egot the
5un and %orning.
0 "erein, , Guileless ,ne, is thy true greatness, that soon as orn thou
dran7est u! the 5oma.
6ays may not chec7 the !ower of thee the %ighty, nor the nights, Indra, nor
the months, nor autumns.
1@ As soon as thou wast orn in highest heaven thou dran7est 5oma to
delight thee, Indra:
And when thou hadst !ervaded earth and heaven thou wast the first
su!!orter of the singer.
11 Thou, !uissant God, more mighty, slewest. Ahi showing his strength when
couched around the waters.
The heaven itself attained not to thy greatness when with one hi! of thine
the earth was shadowed.
12 5acrifice, Indra, made thee wa$ so mighty, the dear olation with the
flowing 5oma.
, Worshi!ful, with worshi! hel! our worshi!, for worshi! hel!ed thy olt
when slaying Ahi.
1# With sacrifice and wish have I rought Indra: still for new lessings may I
turn him hither,
"im magnified y ancient songs and !raises, y lauds of later time and days
yet recent.
1& I have rought forth a song when longing seiCed me1 ere the decisive day
will I laud Indra:
Then may lie safely ear us over troule, as in a shi!, when oth sides
invocate him.
1( 4ull is his chalice1 GloryA Li7e a !ourer I have filled u! the vessel for his
drin7ing.
Presented on the right, dear 5oma 9uices have rought us Indra, to re9oice
him, hither.
1* =ot the dee!)flowing flood, , %uch)invo7ed ,neA not hills that com!ass
thee aout restrain thee,
5ince here incited, for thy friends, , Indra, thou rea7est e;en the firm uilt
stall of cattle.
1+ >all we on %aghavan, aus!icious Indra, est "ero in this fight where s!oil
is gathered,
and gathers riches.
HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
1. 4,/T" from the osom of the mountains, eager as two swift mares with
loosened rein contending,
Li7e two right mother cows who lic7 their youngling, 'i!as and 5utudri
s!eed down their waters.
2 Im!elled y Indra whom ye !ray to urge you, ye move as ;twere on
chariots to the ocean.
4lowing together, swelling with your illows, , lucid 5treams, each of you
see7s the other.
# I have attained the most maternal /iver, we have a!!roached 'i!as, the
road, the lessed.
Lic7ing as ;twere their calf the !air of %others flow onward to their common
home together.
& We two who rise and swell with illowy waters move forward to the home
which Gods have made us.
,ur flood may not e stayed when urged to motion. What would the singer,
calling to the /iversB
( Linger a little at my friendly idding rest, "oly ,nes, a moment in your
9ourney.
With hymn sulime soliciting your favour 8usi7a;s son hath called unto the
/iver.
* Indra who wields the thunder dug our channels1 he smote down 'rtra, him
who stayed our currents.
5avitar, God, the lovely)handed, led us, and at his sending forth we flow
e$!anded.
+ That hero deed of Indra must e lauded for ever that he rent Ahi in !ieces.
"e smote away the ostructors with his thunder, and eager for their course
forth flowed the waters.
. =ever forget this word of thine, , singer, which future generations shall
reecho.
In hymns, , ard, show us thy loving 7indness. "umle us not mid men. To
thee e honourA
0 List ?uic7ly, 5isters, to the ard who cometh to you from far away with car
and wagon.
-ow lowly down: e easy to e traversed stay, /ivers, with your floods
elow our a$les.
1@ <ea, we will listen to thy words, , singer. With wain and car from far
away thou comest.
Low, li7e a nursing mother, will I end me, and yield me as a maiden to her
lover.
11 5oon as the -haratas have fared across thee, the warrior and, urged on
and s!ed y Indra,
Then let your streams flow on in ra!id motion. I crave your favour who
deserve our worshi!.
12 The warrior host, the -haratas, fared over the singer won the favour of
the /ivers.
5well with your illows, hasting, !ouring riches. 4ill full your channels, and
roll swiftly onward.
1# 5o let your wave ear u! the !ins, and ye, , Waters, s!are the thongs:
And never may the !air of -ulls, harmless and sinless, waste away.
HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
1. 4,/T)/2=62/, Lord of Wealth, dis!elling foemen, Indra with lightnings
hath o;ercome the 6asa.
Im!elled y !rayer and wa$en great in ody, he hath filled earth and
heaven, the -ounteous Giver.
2 I stimulate thy Ceal, the 5trong, the "ero dec7ing my song of !raise forth:
Immortal.
, Indra, thou art e?ually the Leader of heavenly hosts and human
generations.
# Leading, his and Indra encom!assed 'rtra: wea7 grew the wily leader of
enchanters.
"e who urns fierce in forests slaughtered 'yamsa, and made the %ilch)7ine
of the nights a!!arent.
& Indra, light)winner, days; >reator, con?uered, victorious, hostile ands
with those who loved him.
4or man the days; right ensign he illumined, and found the light for his 9oy
and gladness.
( 4orward to fiercely falling lows !ressed Indra, heroli7e doing many hero
e$!loits.
These holy songs he taught the ard who gaised him, and widely s!read
these 6awns; res!lendent colour.
* They laud the mighty acts of him the %ighty, the many glorious deeds
!erformed y Indra.
"e in his strength, with all)sur!assing !rowess, through wondrous arts
crushed the malignant 6asyus.
+ Lord of the rave, Indra who rules the !eo!le gave freedom to the Gods
y might and attle.
Wise singers glorify with chanted !raises these his achievements in
'ivasvan;s dwelling.
. 2$cellent, >on?ueror, the victory)giver, the winner of the light and Godli7e
Waters,
"e who hath won this road earth and this heaven, )in Indra they re9oice
who love devotions.
0 "e gained !ossession of the 5un and "orses, Indra otained the >ow who
feedeth many.
Treasure of gold he won: he smote the 6asyus, and gave !rotection to the
Aryan colour.
1@ "e too7 the !lants and days for his !ossession: he gained the forest trees
and air;s mid)region.
'ala he cleft, and chased away o!!onents1 thus was he tamer of the
overweening.
11 >all we on %aghavan, aus!icious Indra, est "ero in the fight where s!oil
is gathered,
The 5trong, who listens, who gives aid in attles, who slays the 'rtras, wins
and gathers treasures.
HYMN XXXV Indra.
1. %,3=T the -ay "orses to thy chariot harnessed, and come to us li7e 'ayu
with his coursers.
Thou, hastening to us, shalt drin7 the 5oma. "ail, Indra. We have !oured it
for thy ra!ture.
2 4or him, the God who is invo7ed y many, the two swift -ay 5teeds to the
!ole I harness,
That they in fleet course may ring Indra hither, e;en to this sacrifice
arranged com!letely.
# -ring the strong 5teeds who drin7 the warm liation, and, -ull of Godli7e
nature, e thou gracious.
Let thy 5teeds eat: set free thy Tawny "orses, and roasted grain li7e this
consume thou daily.
& Those who are yo7ed y !rayer I harness, fleet friendly -ays who ta7e
their 9oy together.
%ounting thy firm and easy car, , Indra, wise and all)7nowing come thou to
the 5oma.
( =o other worshi!!ers must stay eside them thy -ays, thy vigorous and
smooth)ac7ed >oursers.
Pass y them all and hasten onward hither1 with 5oma !ressed we will
!re!are to feast thee.
* Thine is this 5orna1 hasten to a!!roach it. 6rin7 thou thereof, enevolent,
and cease not.
5it on the sacred grass at this our worshi!, and ta7e these dro!s into thy
elly, Indra.
+ The grass is strewn for thee, !ressed is the 5oma: the grain is ready for
thy -ays to feed on.
To thee who lovest them, the very mighty, strong, girt y %aruts, are these
gifts !resented.
. This the sweet draught, with cows, the men, the mountains, the waters,
Indra, have for thee made ready.
>ome, drin7 thereof, 5ulime ,ne, friendly)minded, foreseeing, 7nowing
well the ways thou goest.
0 The %aruts, they with whom thou sharedst 5oma, Indra, who made thee
strong and were thine army,)
With these accordant, eagerly desirous drin7 thou this 5oma with the tongue
of Agni.
1@ 6rin7, Indra, of the 9uice y thine own nature, or y the tongue of Agni,
, thou "oly.
Acce!t the sacrificial gift, , 5a7ra, from the Adhvaryu;s hand or from the
"otar;s.
is gathered,
The 5trong, who listens, who.gives aid in attles, who slays the 'rtras, wins
and gathers riches.
HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
1. WIT" constant succours, fain thyself to share it, ma7e this olation which
we ring effective.
Grown great through strengthening gifts at each liation, he hath ecome
renowned y mighty e$!loits.
2 4or Indra were the 5omas erst) discovered, wherey he grew strong)
9ointed, vast, and s7ilful.
Indra , ta7e ?uic7ly these !resented 9uices1 drin7 of the strong, that which
the strong have sha7en.
# 6rin7 and wa$ great. Thine are the 9uices, Indra, oth 5omas of old time
and these we ring thee.
2ven as thou dran7est, Indra, earlier 5omas, so drin7 to)day, a new guest,
meet for !raises.
& Great and im!etuous, mighty)voiced in attle, sur!assing !ower is his, and
strength resistless.
"im the road earth hath never com!rehended when 5omas cheered the
Lord of Tawny >oursers.
( %ighty and strong he wa$ed for hero e$!loit1 the -ull was furnished a
5age;s wisdom.
Indra is our 7ind Lord: his steers have vigour: his cows are many with
aundant offs!ring.
* As floods according to their stream flow onward, so to the sea, as orne
on cars, the waters.
'aster is Indra even than his dwelling, what time the stal7 mil7ed out, the
5oma, fills him.
+ 2ager to mingle with the sea, the rivers carry the well)!ressed 5oma 9uice
to Indra.
They drain the stal7 out with their arms, ?uic7)anded, and cleanse it with
a stream of mead and filters.
. Li7e la7es a!!ear his flan7s filled full with 5oma1 yea, he contains
liations in aundance.
When Indra had consumed the first sweet viands, he, after slaying 'rtra,
claimed the 5oma.
0 Then ring thou hither, and let none !revent it1 we 7now thee well, the
Lord of wealth and treasure.
That s!lendid gift which is thine own, , Indra, vouchsafe to us, Lord of the
Tawny >oursers.
1@ , Indra, %aghavan, im!etuous mover, grant us aundant wealth that
rings all lessings.
Give us a hundred autumns for our lifetime1 give us, , fair)chec7ed Indra,
store of heroes.
11 >all we on Indra, %aghavan, aus!icious, est "ero in the fight where
s!oil is gathered,
and gathers riches.
HYMN XXXVII. Indra.
1. , I=6/A, for the strength that slays 'rtra and con?uers in the fight,
We turn thee hitherward to us.
2 , Indra, Lord of "undred Powers, may those who !raise thee hitherward.
6irect thy s!irit and thine eye.
# , Indra, Lord of "undred Powers, with all our songs we invocate
Thy names for trium!h over foes.
& We strive for glory through the !owers immense of him whom many
!raise,
,f Indra who su!!orts man7ind.
( 4or 'rtra;s slaughter I address Indra whom many invocate,
To win us ooty in the wars.
* In attles e victorious. We see7 thee, Lord of "undred Powers,
Indra, that 'rtra may e slain.
+ In s!lendid comats of the hosts, in glories where the fight is won.
Indra, e victor over foes.
. 6rin7 thou the 5oma for our hel!, right, vigilant, e$ceeding strong,
, Indra, Lord of "undred Powers.
0 , 5ata7ratu, !owers which thou mid the 4ive /aces hast dis!layed)
These, Indra, do I claim of thee.
1@ Indra, great glory hast thou gained. Win s!lendid fame which none may
mar
We ma7e thy might !er!etual.
11 >ome to us either from anear, ,r, 5a7ra, come from far away.
Indra, wherever e thy home, come to us thence, , Thunder)armed.
HYMN XXXVIII. Indra.
1. "A5TI=G li7e some strong courser good at drawing, a thought have I
imagined li7e a wor7man.
Pondering what is dearest and most nole, I long to see the sages full of
wisdom.
2 As7 of the sages; mighty generations firm)minded and devout they framed
the heaven.
These are thy heart)sought strengthening directions, and they have come to
e s7y;s u!holders.
# Assuming in this world mysterious natures, they dec7ed the heaven and
earth for high dominion,
%easured with measures, fi$ed their road e$!anses, set the great worlds
a!art held firm for safety.
& 2ven as he mounted u! they all adorned him1 self)luminous he travels
clothed in s!lendour.
That is the -ull;s, the Asura;s mighty figure1 he, omniform, hath reached the
eternal waters.
( 4irst the more ancient -ull engendered offs!ring: these are his many
draughts that lent him vigour.
4rom days of old ye 8ings, two 5ons of "eaven, y hymns of sacrifice have
won dominion.
* Three seats ye 5ovrans, in the "oly synod, many, yea, all, ye honour with
your !resence.
There saw I, going thither in the s!irit, Gandharvas in their course with
wind)lown tresses.
+ That same com!anionshi! of her, the %ilch)cow, here with the strong -ull;s
divers forms they stalished.
2nduing still some new celestial figure, the s7ilful wor7ers sha!ed a form
around him.
. Let no one here dear me from en9oying the golden light which 5avitar
diffuses.
"e covers oth all)fostering worlds with !raises even as a woman cherishes
her children.
0 4ulfil, ye twain, his wor7, the Great, the Ancient1 as heavenly lessing
7ee! your guard around us.
All the wise Gods ehold his varied actions who stands erect, whose voice is
li7e a herdsman;s.
1@ >all we on Indra, %aghavan, aus!icious, est "ero in the fight where
s!oil is gathered,
and gathers riches.
HYMN XXXIX. Indra.
1. To Indra from the heart the hymn !roceedeth, to him the Lord, recited,
uilt with !raises:
The wa7ening song sung forth in holy synod1 that which is orn for thee, ,
Indra, notice.
2 -orn from the heaven e;en in the days aforetime, wa7ening, sting aloud in
holy synod,
Aus!icious, clad in white and shining raiment, this is the ancient hymn of
our forefathers.
# The %other of the Twins hath orne Twin >hildren1 my tongue;s ti! raised
itself and rested silent.
8illing the dar7ness at the light;s foundation, the >ou!le newly orn attain
their eauty.
& =ot one is found among them, none of mortals, to lame our sires who
fought to win the cattle.
Their strengthener was Indra the %a9estic he s!read their stalls of 7ine the
Wonder)Wor7er.
( Where as a 4riend with friendly men, =avagvas, with heroes, on his 7nees
he sought the cattle.
There, verily with ten 6asagvas Indra found the 5un lying hidden in the
dar7ness.
* Indra found meath collected in the milch)cow, y foot and hoof, in the
cow;s !lace of !asture.
That which lay secret, hidden in the waters, he held in his right hand, the
rich rewarder.
+ "e too7 the light, discerning it from dar7ness1 may we e far removed
from all misfortune.
These songs, , 5oma)drin7er, cheered y 5oma, Indra, acce!t from thy most
Cealous !oet.
. Let there e light through oth the worlds for worshi!1 may we e far
from most overwhelming evil.
Great woe comes even from the hostile mortal, !iled u!: ut good at rescue
are the 'asus.
is gathered,
and gathers riches.
HYMN X*. Indra.
1. T"22, Indra, we invo7e, the -ull, what time the 5oma is e$!ressed.
5o drin7 thou of the savoury 9uice.
2 Indra, whom many laud, acce!t the strength)conferring 5oma 9uice1
Euaff, !our down drin7 that satisfies.
# Indra, with all the Gods !romote our wealth)estowing sacrifice,
Thou highly)lauded Lord of men.
& Lord of the rave, to thee !roceed these dro!s of 5oma 9uice e$!ressed,
The right dro!s to thy dwelling)!lace.
( Within thy elly, Indra, ta7e 9uice, 5oma the most e$cellent1 Thine are the
dro!s celestial.
* 6rin7 our liation, Lord of hymns1 with streams of meath thou art
edewed
,ur glory, Indra, is thy gift.
+ To Indra go the treasures of the worshi!!er, which never fail1
"e drin7s the 5oma and is strong
. 4rom far away, from near at hand, , 'rtra)slayer, come to us1
Acce!t the songs we sing to thee.
0 When from the s!ace etween the near and far thou art invo7ed y us,
Thence, Indra. come thou hitherward.
HYMN X*I. Indra.
1. I=',826 to drin7 the 5oma 9uice, come with thy -ay 5teeds, Thunder)
armed
>ome, Indra, hitherward to me.
2 ,ur !riest is seated, true to time: the grass is regularly strewn:
The !ressing)stones were set at morn.
# These !rayers, , thou who hearest !rayer are offered1 seat thee on the
grass.
"ero, en9oy the offered ca7e.
& , 'rtra)slayer, e thou !leased with these liations, with these hymns,
5ong)loving Indra, with our lauds.
( ,ur hymns caress the Lord of 5trength, vast, drin7er of the 5oma;s 9uice,
Indra, as mother)cows their calf.
* 6elight thee with the 9uice we !our for thine own great munificence1
<ield not thy singer to re!roach.
+ We, Indra, dearly loving thee, earing olation, sing thee hymns
Thou, 'asu, dearly lovest us.
. , thou to whom thy -ays are dear, loose not thy "orses far from us1
"ere glad thee, Indra, Lord divine.
0 %ay long)maned >oursers, dro!!ing oil, ring thee on swift car
hitherward,
Indra, to seat thee on the grass.
HYMN X*II. Indra.
1. >,%2 to the 9uice that we have !ressed, to 5orna, Indra, leat with mil71
>ome, favouring us, thy -ay)drawn carA
2 >ome, Indra, to this gladdening drin7, !laced on the grass, !ressed out
with stones1
Wilt thou not drin7 thy fill thereofB
# To Indra have my songs of !raise gone forth, thus ra!idly sent hence,
To turn him to the 5oma)draught.
& "ither with songs of !raise we call Indra to drin7 the 5oma 9uice1
Will he not come to us y laudsB
( Indra, these 5omas are e$!ressed. Ta7e them within thy elly, Lord
,f "undred Powers, thou Prince of Wealth.
* We 7now thee winner of the s!oil, and resolute in attles, 5ageA
Therefore thy lessing we im!lore.
+ -orne hither y thy 5tallions, drin7, Indra, this 9uice which we have
!ressed,
%ingled with arley and with mil7.
. Indra, for thee, in thine own !lace, I urge the 5oma for thy draught1
6ee! in thy heart let it remain,
0 We call on thee, the Ancient ,ne, Indra, to drin7 the 5oma 9uice,
We 8usi7as who see7 thine aid.
HYMN X*III. Indra.
1. %,3=T26 u!on thy chariot)seat a!!roach us1 thine is the 5orna)draught
from days aforetime.
Loose for the sacred grass thy dear com!anions. These men who ring
olation call thee hither.
2 >ome our true 4riend, !assing y many !eo!le: come with thy two -ay
5teeds to our devotions:
4or these our hymns are calling thee, , Indra, hymns formed for !raise,
soliciting thy friendshi!.
# Pleased, with thy -ay 5teeds, Indra, God, come ?uic7ly to this our
sacrifice that heightens worshi!:
4or with my thoughts, !resenting oil to feed thee, I call thee to the feast of
sweet liations.
& <ea, let thy two -ay 5tallions ear thee hither, well limed and good to
draw, thy dear com!anions.
Pleased with the corn)lent offering which we ring thee, may Indra,
4riend, hear his friend;s adoration.
( Wilt thou not ma7e me guardian of the !eo!le, ma7e me, im!etuous
%aghavan, their rulerB
%a7e me a /si having drun7 of 5omaB Wilt thou not give me wealth that lasts
for everB
* <o7ed to thy chariot, led thy tall -ays, Indra, com!anions of thy an?uet,
ear thee hither,
Who from of old !ress to heaven;s farthest limits, the -ull;s im!etuous and
well)groomed "orses.
+ 6rin7 of the strong !ressed out y strong ones, Indra, that which the
4alcon rought thee when thou longedst:
In whose wild 9oy thou stirrest u! the !eo!le, in whose wild 9oy thou didst
unar the cow)stalls.
. >all we on Indra, %a7havan, aus!icious, est "ero in the fight where s!oil
is gathered:
and gathers riches.
HYMN X*IV. Indra.
1. %ay this delightsome 5oma e e$!ressed for thee y tawny stones.
Doying thereat, , Indra, with thy -ay 5teeds come1. ascend thy golden)
coloured car.
2 In love thou madest 3sas glow, in love thou madest 5urya shine.
Thou, Indra, 7nowing, thin7ing, Lord of Tawny 5teeds, aove all glories
wa$est great.
# The heaven with streams of golden hue, earth with her tints of green and
gold)
The golden Pair yield Indra !lenteous nourishment1 etween them moves
the golden ,ne.
& When orn to life the golden -ull illumines all the realm of light.
"e ta7es his golden wea!on, Lord of Tawny 5teeds, the golden thunder in his
arms.
( The right, the well)loved thunderolt, girt with the right, Indra
disclosed,
6isclosed the 5oma 9uice !ressed out y tawny stones, with tawny steeds
drave forth the 7ine.
HYMN X*V. Indra.
1. >,%2 hither, Indra, with -ay 5teeds, 9oyous, with tails li7e !eacoc7s;
!lumes.
Let no men chee7 thy course as fowlers stay the ird1 !ass o;er them as o;er
desert lands.
2 "e who slew 'rtra, urst the cloud, ra7e the strongholds and drave the
floods,
Indra who mounts his chariot at his -ay 5teeds; cry, shatters e;en things that
stand most firm.
# Li7e !ools of water dee! and full, li7e 7ine thou cherishest thy might:
Li7e the milch)cows that go well)guarded to the mead, li7e water)roo7s
that reach the la7e.
& -ring thou us wealth with !ower to stri7e, our share, ;gainst him who calls
it his.
5ha7e, Indra, as with hoo7s, the tree for ri!ened fruit, for wealth to satisfy
our wish.
( Indra, self)ruling Lord art thou, good Leader, of most glorious fame.
5o, wa$en in thy strength, , thou whom many !raise, e thou most swift to
hear our call.
HYMN X*VI. Indra.
1. ,4 thee, the -ull, the Warrior, 5ovran /uler, 9oyous and fierce, ancient
and ever youthful,
The undecaying ,ne who wields the thunder, renowned and great, great are
the e$!loits, Indra.
2 Great art thou, %ighty Lord, through manly vigour, , fierce ,ne, gathering
s!oil, suduing others,
Thyself alone the universe;s 5ovran1 so send forth men to comat and to rest
them.
# "e hath sur!assed all measure in his rightness, yea, and the Gods, for
none may e his e?ual.
Im!etuous Indra in his might c$ccedcth wide vast mid)air and heaven and
earth together.
& To Indra, even as rivers to the ocean, flow forth from days of old the 5oma
9uices:
To him wide dee! and mighty from his irth)time, the well of holy thoughts,
aIl)com!rehending.
( The 5oma, Indra, which the earth and heaven ear for thee as a mother
ears her infant,
This they send forth to thee, this, vigorous "eroA Adhvaryus !urify for thee
to drin7 of.
HYMN X*VII. Indra.
1. 6/I=8, Indra, %arut)girt, as -ull, the 5oma, for 9oy, for ra!ture even as
thou listest.
Pour down the flood of meath within thy elly1 thou from of old art 8ing of
5oma 9uices.
2 Indra, accordant, with the anded %aruts, drin7 5oma, "ero, as wise
'rtra)slayer.
5lay thou our foemen, drive away assailants and ma7e us safe on every side
from danger.
# And, drin7er at due seasons, drin7 in season, Indra, with friendly Gods, our
!ressed)out 5oma.
The %aruts following, whom thou madest sharers, gave thee the victory, and
thou slewest 'rtra.
& 6rin7 5oma, Indra, anded with the %aruts who, %aghavan, strengthened
thee at Ahi;s slaughter,
;Gainst 5amara, Lord of -aysA in winning cattle, and now re9oice in thee,
the holy 5ingers.
( The -ull whose strength hath wa$ed, whom %aruts follow, free)giving
Indra, the celestial /uler,
%ighty, all)con?uering, the victory)giver, him let us call to grant us new
!rotection.
HYMN X*VIII. Indra.
1. 5,,= as the young -ull s!rang into e$istence he longed to taste the
!ressed)out 5oma;s li?uor.
6rin7 thou thy fill, according to thy longing, first, of the goodly mi$ture
lent with 5oma.
2 That day when thou wast orn thou, fain to taste it, dran7est the !lant;s
mil7 which the mountains nourish.
That mil7 thy %other first, the 6ame who are thee, !oured for thee in thy
mighty 4ather;s dwelling.
# 6esiring food he came unto his %other, and on her reast eheld the
!ungent 5oma.
Wise, he moved on, 7ee!ing aloof the others, and wrought great e$!loits in
his varied as!ects.
& 4ierce, ?uic7ly con?uering, of sur!assing vigour, he framed his ody even
as he listed.
2;en from his irth)time Indra con?uered Tvastar, ore off the 5oma and in
ea7ers dran7 it.
( >all we on %aghavan, aus!icious Indra, est "ero in the fight where s!oil
is gathered:
and gathers riches.
HYMN X*IX. Indra.
1. G/2AT Indra will I laud, in whom all !eo!le who drin7 the 5oma have
attained their longing:
Whom, !assing wise, Gods, "eaven and 2arth, engendered, formed y a
%aster;s hand, to crush the 'rtras.
2 Whom, most heroic, orne y Tawny >oursers, verily none sudueth in the
attle:
Who, reaching far, most vigorous, hath shortened the 6asyu;s life with
Warriors old of s!irit.
# 'ictor in fight, swift mover li7e a warhorse, !ervading oth worlds, rainer
down of lessings,
To he invo7ed in war li7e -haga, 4ather, as ;twere, of hymns, fair, !rom!t to
hear, strength)giver.
& 5u!!orting heaven, the high ac7 of the region, his car is 'ayu with his
team of 'asus.
Illumining the nights, the 5un;s creator, li7e 6hisana he deals forth strength
and riches.
is gathered:
and gathers treasure.
HYMN *. Indra.
1. L2T Indra drin7, All)hailA for his is 5oma,)the mighty -ull come, girt y
%aruts, hither.
4ar)reaching, let him fill him with these viands, and let our offering sate his
ody;s longing.
2 I yo7e thy !air of trusty 5teeds for swiftness, whose faithful service from
of old thou lovest.
"ere, fair of chee7A let thy -ay >oursers !lace thee1 drin7 of this lovely
welleffused liation.
# With mil7 they made Indra their good Preserver, lauding for hel! and rule
the ounteous rainer.
Im!etuous God, when thou hast drun7 the 5oma, enra!tured send us cattle
in aundance.
& With 7ine and horses satisfy this longing with very s!lendid ounty still
e$tend it.
5ee7ing the light, with hymns to thee, , Indra, the 8usi7as have rought
their gift, the singers.
is gathered:
and gathers riches.
HYMN *I. Indra.
1. "IG" hymns have sounded forth the !raise of %aghavan, su!!orter of
man7ind, of Indra meet for lauds:
"im who hath wa$en great, invo7ed with eauteous songs, Immortal ,ne,
whose !raise each day is sung aloud.
2 To Indra from all sides go forth my songs of !raise, the Lord of "undred
Powers, strong, "ero, li7e the sea,
5wift, winner of the ooty, rea7er)down of forts, faithful and ever)
glorious, finder of the light.
# Where attle;s s!oil is !iled the singer winneth !raise, for Indra ta7eth
care of matchless worshi!!ers.
"e in 'ivasvan;s dwelling findeth his delight1 !raise thou the ever)
con?uering slayer of the foe.
& Thee, valorous, most heroic of the heroes, shall the !riests glorify with
songg and !raises.
4ull of all wondrous !ower he goes to con?uest1 worshi! is his, sole Lord
from days aforetime.
( Aundant are the gifts he gives to mortals1 for him the earth ears a rich
store of treasures.
The heavens, the growing !lants, the living waters, the forest trees !reserve
their wealth for Indra.
* To thee, , Indra, Lord of -ays, for ever are offered !rayers and songs1
acce!t them gladly.
As 8insman thin7 thou of some fresh assistance: good 4riend, give strength
and life to those who !raise thee.
+ "ere, Indra, drin7 thou 5oma with the %aruts, as thou didst drin7 the 9uice
eside 5aryata.
3nder thy guidance, in thy 7ee!ing, "ero, the singers serve, s7illed in fair
sacrifices.
. 5o eagerly desirous drin7 the 5oma, our 9uice, , Indra, with thy friends
the %aruts,
5ince at thy irth all 6eities adorned thee for the great fight, , thou
invo7ed of many.
0 "e was your comrade in your Ceal, , %aruts1 they, rich in nole gifts,
re9oiced in Indra.
With them together let the 'rtra)slayer drin7 in his home the worshi!!er;s
liation.
1@ 5o, Lord of affluent gifts, this 9uice hath een !ressed for thee with
strength
6rin7 of it, thou who lovest song.
11 Incline thy ody to this 9uice which suits thy Godli7e nature well1
%ay it cheer thee who lovest it.
12 -rave Indra, let it wor7 through oth thy flan7s, and through thy head y
!rayer,
And through thine arms, to !ros!er us.
HYMN *II. Indra.
1. I=6/A, acce!t at rea7 of day our 5oma mi$t with roasted corn,
With groats with ca7e, with eulogies.
2 Acce!t, , Indra, and en9oy the well)dressed sacrificial ca7e1 ,lations are
!oured forth to thee.
# >onsume our sacrificial ca7e, acce!t the songs of !raise we sing,
As he who woes acce!ts his ride.
& 4amed from of old, acce!t the ca7e at our liation !oured at dawn,
4orgreat, , Indra, is thy !ower.
( Let roasted corn of our midday liation, and sacrificial ca7e here !lease
thee, Indra,
What time the lauding singer, 7een of !ur!ose and eager as a ull, with
hymns im!lores thee.
* At the third sacrifice, , thou whom many !raise, give glory to the roasted
corn and holy ca7e.
With offered viands and with songs may we assist thee, 5age, whom 'a9a
and the /hus wait u!on.
+ The groats have we !re!ared for thee with Pusan, corn for thee, Lord of
-ay 5teeds, with thy horses.
2at thou the meal)ca7e, anded with the %aruts, wise "ero, 'rtra)slayer,
drin7 the 5oma.
. -ring forth the roasted corn to meet him ?uic7ly, ca7e for the ravest
"ero mid the heroes.
Indra, may hymns accordant with thee daily strengthen thee, -old ,ne, for
the draught of 5oma.
HYMN *III. Indra' +arva&a' E&).
1. ,= a high car, , Parvata and Indra, ring !leasant viands, with rave
heroes, hither.
2n9oy the gifts, Gods, at our sacrifices wa$ strong y hymns, re9oice in our
olation.
2 5tay still, , %aghavan, advance no farther. a draught of well)!ressed 5oma
will I give thee.
With sweetest song I gras!, , %ighty Indra, thy garment;s hem as a child
gras!s his father;s.
# Adhvaryu, sing we oth: sing thou in answer1 ma7e we a laud acce!tale
to Indra.
3!on this sacrificer;s grass he seated1 to Indra shall our eulogy e uttered.
& A wife, , %aghavan is home and dwelling1 so let thy -ay 5teeds yo7ed
convey thee hither.
Whenever we !ress out for thee the 5oma, let Agni as our "erald s!eed to
call thee.
( 6e!art, , %aghavan:again come hither1 oth there and here thy goat is
Indra, -rother,
Where thy tall chariot hath a !lace to rest in, and where th?u loosest thy
loud)neighing >ourser.
* Thou hast drun7 5oma, Indra, turn thee homeward: thy 9oy is in thy home,
thy racious >onsort:
Where thy tall chariot hath a !lace to rest in, and thy strong >ourser is set
free with guerdon.
+ -ounteous are these, Angirases, 'iru!as1 the Asura;s "eroes and the 5ons
of "eaven.
They, giving store of wealth to 'isvamitra, !rolong his life through countless
5oma)!ressings.
. %aghavan weareth every sha!e at !leasure, effecting magic changes in his
ody,
"oly ,ne, drin7er out of season, coming thrice, in a moment, through fit
!rayers, from heaven.
0 The mighty sage, God)orn and God)incited, who loo7s on men, restrained
the illowy river.
When 'isvamitra was 5udas;s escort, then Indra through the 8usi7as grew
friendly.
1@ Li7e swans, !re!are a song of !raise with !ressing)stones, glad in your
hymns with 9uice !oured forth in sacrifice.
<e singers, with the Gods, sages who loo7 on men, ye 8uti7as drin7 u! the
5oma;s savoury meath.
11 >ome forward, 8usi7as, and e attentive: let loose 5udas;s horse to win
him riches.
2ast, west, and north, let the 8ing slay the foeman, then at earth;s choicest
!lace !erform his worshi!.
12 Praises to Indra have I sung, sustainer of this earth and heaven. This
!rayer of 'isvamitra 7ee!s secure the race of -haratas.
1# The 'isvamitras have sung forth this !rayer to Indra Thunder)aimed1
5o let him ma7e us !ros!erous.
1& Among the 8i7atas what do thy cattleB They !our no mil7y draught, they
heat no caldron.
-ring thou to us the wealth of Pramaganda:give u! to us, , %aghavan, the
low)orn.
1( 5asar!ari, the gift of Damadagnis, hath lowed with mighty voice
dis!elling famine.
The 6aughter of the 5un hath s!read our glory among the Gods,
im!erishale, deathless.
1* 5asar!ari rought glory s!eedily to these, over the generations of the
4ivefold /ace:
6aughter of Pa7sa, she estows new vital !ower, she whom the ancient
Damadagnis gave to me.
1+ 5trong e the !air of o$en, firm the a$les, let not the !ole sli! nor the
yo7e e ro7en.
%ay Indra, 7ee! the yo7e)!ins from decaying1 attend us, thou whose fellies
are unin9ured.
1. , Indra, give our odies strength, strength to the ulls who draw the
wains,
5trength to our seed and !rogeny that they may live, for thou art he who
giveth strength.
10 2nclose thee in the heart of 8hayar timer, in the car wrought of 5insa!a
!ut firmness.
5how thyself strong, , A$le, fi$ed and strengthened1 throw us not from the
car whereon we travel.
2@ Let not this sovran of the wood leave us forlorn or in9ure us.
5afe may we e until we reach our homes and rest us and unyo7e.
21 With various aids this day come to us, Indra, with est aids s!eed us,
%aghavan, thou "ero.
Let him who hatcth us fall headlong downward1 him whom we hate let vital
reath aandon.
22 "e heats his very a$e, and then cuts a mere 5emal lossom off.
, Indra, li7e a caldron crac7ed and seething, so he !ours out foam.
2# %en notice not the arrow, , ye !eo!le: they ring the red east deeming
it a ulloc7.
A sluggish steed men run not with the courser, nor ever lead an ass efore a
charger.
2& These men, the sons of -harata, , Indra, regard not severance or close
conne$ion.
They urge their own steed as it were another;s, and ta7e him, swift as the
ow;s string, to attle.
HYMN *IV. Visv!d!vas.
1. To him adorale, mighty, meet for synods, this strengthening hymn,
unceasing, have they offered.
%ay Agni hear us with his homely s!lendours, hear us, 2ternal ,ne, with
heavenly lustre.
2 To mighty "eaven and 2arth I sing forth loudly1 my wish goes out desirous
and well 7nowing
-oth, at whose laud in synods, showing favour, the Gods re9oice them with
the living mortal.
# , "eaven and 2arth, may your great law he faithful1 he ye our leaders for
our high advantage.
To "eaven and 2arth I offer this my homage, with food, , Agni, as I !ray for
riches.
& <ea, holy "eaven and 2arth, the ancient sages whose word was ever true
had !ower to find you:
And rave men in the fightwhere heroes con?uer, , 2arth, have 7nown you
well and !aid you honour.
( What !athway leadeth to the GodsB Who 7noweth this of a truth, and who
will now declare itB
5een are their lowest dwelling)!laces only, ut they are in remote and
secret regions.
* The 5age who loo7eth on man7ind hath viewed them edewed, re9oicing
in the seat of ,rder.
They ma7e a home as for a ird, though !arted, with one same will finding
themselves together.
+ Partners though !arted, with far)distant limits, on one firm !lace oth
stand for ever watchful,
And, eing young for evermore, as sisters, s!ea7 to each other names that
are united.
. All living things they !art and 7ee! asunder: though earing u! the mighty
Gods they reel not.
,ne All is Lord of what is fi$ed and moving, that wal7s, that flies, this
multiform creation.
0 Afar the Ancient from of old I !onder, our 7inshi! with our mighty 5ire and
4ather,)
5inging the !raise whereof the Gods y custom stand on the s!acious far)
e$tended !athway.
1@ This laud, , "eaven and 2arth, to you I utter1 let the 7ind)hearted hear,
whose tongue is Agni,
<oung, 5ovran /ulers, 'aruna and %itra, the wise and very glorious Adityas.
11 The fair)tongued 5avitar, the golden)handed, comes thrice from heaven
as Lord in our assemly.
-ear to the Gods this song of !raise, and send us, then, 5avitar, com!lete
and !erfect safety.
12 6eft wor7er, s7iful)handed, hel!ful, holy, may Tvastar, God, give us these
things to aid us,
Ta7e your delight, <e /hus 9oined with Pusan1 ye have !re!ared the rite
with stones ad9usted.
1# -orne on their flashing car, the s!ear)armed %aruts, the nimle <ouths of
"eaven, the 5ons of ,rder,
The "oly, and 5arasvati, shall hear us1 ye %ighty, give us wealth with nole
offs!ring.
1& To 'isnu rich in marvels, songs And !raises shall go as singers on the road
of -haga,)
The >hieftain of the %ighty 5tride, whose %others, the many young 6ames,
never disregard him.
1( Indra, who rules through all his !owers heroic, hath with his ma9esty
filled earth and heaven.
Lord of rave hosts, 4ort)crusher, 'rtra)slayer, gather thou u! and ring us
store of cattle.
1* %y 5ires are the =asatyas, 7ind to7insmen1 the Asvins; 7inshi! is a glorious
title.
4or ye are they who give us store of riches1 ye guard your gift uncheated y
the ounteous.
1+ This is, ye Wise, your great and glorious title, that all ye 6eities aide in
Indra.
4riend, %uch)invo7edA art thou with thy dear /hus1 fashion ye this our
hymn for our advantage.
1. Aryaman, Aditi deserve our worshi!1 the laws of 'aruna remain unro7en.
The lot of childlessness remove ye from us, and let our course e rich in
7ine and offs!ring.
10 %ay the Gods; envoy, sent to many a ?uarter, !roclaim us sinless for our
!erfect safety.
%ay 2arth and "eaven, the 5un, the waters, hear us, and the wide
firmament and constellations.
2@ "ear us the mouatains which distil the rain)dro!s, and, resting firm,
re9oice in freshening moisture.
%ay Aditi with the Adityas hear us, and %aruts grant us their aus!icious
shelter.
21 5oft e our !ath for ever, well)!rovisioned1 with !leasant meath, , Gods,
the hers es!rin7le.
5afe e my liss, , Agni, in thy friendshi!1 may I attain the seat of foodful.
riches,
22 2n9oy the offering1 eam thou strength u!on us: comine thou for our
good all 7inds of glory.
>on?uer in attle, Agni, all those foemen, and light us every day with loving
7indness.
HYMN *V. Visv!d!vas.
1. AT the first shining of the earliest %ornings, in the >ow;s home was orn
the Great 2ternal.
=ow shall the statutes of the Gods e valid. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion )
2 Let not the Gods here in9ure us, , Agni, nor 4athers of old time who 7now
the region,
=or the sign set etween two ancient dwellings. Great is the Gods; su!reme
and sole dominion.
# %y wishes fly aroad to many !laces1 I glance ac7 to the ancient
sacrifices.
Let us declare the truth when fire is 7indled. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
& 8ing 3niversal, orn to sundry ?uarters, e$tended through the wood e
lies on couches.
,ne %other rests1 another feeds the Infant. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
( Lodged in old !lants, he grows again in younger, swiftly within the newly)
orn and tender.
Though they are unim!regned, he ma7es them fruitful. Great is the Gods;
su!reme and sole dominion.
* =ow lying far away, >hild of two %others, he wanders unrestrained, the
single youngling.
These are the laws of 'aruna and %itra. Great is the Gods; su!reme and sole
dominion.
+ >hild of two %others, Priest, sole Lord in synods, he still !recedes while
resting as foundation.
They who s!ea7 sweetly ring him sweet addresses. Great is the Gods;
. As to a friendly warrior when he attles, each thing that comes anear is
seen to meet him.
The hymn commingles with the cow;s olation. Great is the Gods; su!reme
and sole dominion.
0 6ee! within these the hoary envoy !ierceth: mighty, he goeth to the realm
of s!lendour,
And loo7eth on us, clad in wondrous eauty. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
1@ 'isnu, the guardian, 7ee!s the loftiest station, u!holding dear, immortal
dwelling)!laces.
Agni 7nows well all these created eings. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
11 <e, variant Pair, have made yourselves twin eauties1 one of the Twain is
dar7, right shines the other:
And yet these two, the dar7, the red, are 5isters. Great is the Gods; su!reme
and sole dominion.
12 Where the two >ows, the %other and the 6aughter, meet and give suc7
yielding their lordly nectar,
I !raise them at the seat of law eternal. Great is the Gods; su!reme and sole
dominion.
1# Loud hath she lowed, lic7ing the other;s youngling. ,n what world hath
the %ilch)cow laid her udderB
This Ila streameth with the mil7 of ,rder. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
1& 2arth weareth eauties manifold1 u!lifted, lic7ing her >alf of eighteen
months, she standeth.
Well)s7illed I see7 the seat of law eternal. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
1( Within a wondrous !lace the Twain are treasured1 the one is manifest,
the other hidden.
,ne common !athway leads in two directions. Great is the Gods; su!reme
and sole dominion.
1* Let the milch)7ine that have no calves storm downward, yielding rich
nectar, streaming, une$hausted,
These who are ever new and fresh and youthful. Great is the Gods; su!reme
and sole dominion.
1+ What time the -ull ellows in other regions, another herd receives the
genial moisture:
4or he is -haga, 8ing, the earth;s Protector. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
1. Let us declare the "ero;s wealth in horses, , all ye fol71 of this the Gods
have 7nowledge.
5i$fold they ear him, or y fives are harnessed. Great is the Gods; su!reme
and sole dominion.
10 Tvastar the God, the omniform. >reator, egets and feeds man7ind in
various manner.
"is, verily, arc all these living creatures. Great is the Gods; su!reme
dominion.
2@ The two great meeting -owls hath he united1 each of the Pair is laden
with histreasure.
The "ero is renowned for gathering riches. Great is the Gods; su!reme and
sole dominion.
21 <ea, and on this our earth the All)5ustainer dwells li7e a 8ing with nole
friends aout him.
In his !rotection heroes rest in safety. Great is the >ods; su!reme and sole
dominion.
22 /ich in their gifts for thee are hers and waters, and earth rings all her
wealth for thee, , Indra.
%ay we as friends of thine share goodly treasures. Great is the Gods;
HYMN *VI. Visv!d!vas.
1. =,T men of magic s7ill, not men of wisdom im!air the Gods; first
steadfast ordinances.
=e;er may the earth and heaven which 7now not malice, nor the fi$ed hills,
e owed y sage devices.
2 ,ne, moving not away, su!!orts si$ urthens1 the >ows !roceed to him the
true, the "ighest.
=ear stand three %ighty ,nes who travel swiftly1 two are concealed from
sight, one is a!!arent.
# The -ull who wears all sha!es, the tri!le)reasted, three)uddered, with a
rood in many !laces,
/uleth ma9estic with his tri!le as!ect, the -ull, the 2verlasting ,nes;
im!regner.
& When nigh them, as their tracer he oserved them1 he called aloud the
dear name of Adityas.
The Goddesses, the Waters, stayed to meet him1 they who were wandering
se!arate enclosed him.
( 5treamsA the wise Gods have thrice three haitations. >hild of three
%others, he is Lord in synods.
Three are the holy Ladies of the Waters, thrice here from heaven su!reme
in our assemly.
* 6o thou, , 5avitar, from heaven thrice hither, three times a day, send
down thy lessings daily.
5end us, , -haga, tri!le wealth and treasure: cause the two worlds to
!ros!er us, PreserverA
+ 5avitar thrice from heaven !ours down aundance, and the fair)handed
8ings 'aruna, %itra:
And s!acious "eaven and 2arth, yea, and the Waters, solicit wealth that
5avitar may send us.
. Three are the right realms, est, eyond attainment, and three, the
Asura;s "eroes, rule as 5ovrans,
"oly and vigorous, never to e in9ured. Thrice may the Gods from heaven
attend our synod.
HYMN *VII. Visv!d!vas.
1. %< thought with fine discernment hath discovered the >ow who wanders
free without a herdsman,
"er who hath straightway !oured me food in !lenty1 Indra and Agni
therefore are her !raisers.
2 Indra and Pusan, deft of hand and mighty, well)!leased have drained the
heaven;s e$haustless udder.
As in this !raise the Gods have all delighted, may I win lessing here from
you, , 'asus.
# 4ain to lend vigour to the -ull, the siste.. with reverence recogniCe the
germ within him.
The >ows come lowing hither to the <oungling, to him endued with great
and wondrous eauties.
& 4i$ing with thought, at sacrifice, the !ress)stones, I id the well)formed
"eaven and 2arth come hither:
4or these thy flames, which give men oons in !lenty, rise u! on high, the
eautiful, the holy.
( Agni, thy meath)sweet tongue that tastes fair viands, which among Gods is
called the far)e$tended,)
Therewith ma7e all the "oly ,des e seated here for our hel!, and feed
them with sweet 9uices.
* Let thy stream give us drin7, , God, , Agni, wonderful and e$haustless
li7e the rain)clouds.
Thus care for us, , 'asu Datavedas, show us thy loving)7indness, reaching all
men.
HYMN *VIII. Asvins.
1. T"2 Ancient;s %ilch)cow yields the things we long for1 the 5on of 6a7sina
travels etween them.
5he with the s!lendid chariot rings refulgence. The !raise of 3sas hath
awo7e the Asvins.
2 They ear you hither y well)orderd statute1 our sacred offerings rise as if
to !arents.
6estroy in us the counsel of the niggard come hitherward, for we have
shown you favour.
# With lightly)rolling car and well)yo7ed horses hear this, the !ress)stone;s
song, ye Wonder)Wor7ers.
"ave not the sages of old time, ye Asvins, called you most !rom!t to come
and stay misfortuneB
& /ememer us, and come to us, for ever men, as their wont is, invocate
the Asvins.
4riends as it were have offered you these 9uices, sweet, lent with mil7 at
the first rea7 of morning.
( 2ven through many regions, , ye Asvins high !raise is yours among
man7ind, ye %ighty)
>ome, hel!ers, on the !aths which Gods have travelled1 here your liations
of sweet meath are ready.
* Ancient your home, aus!icious is your friendshi!1 "eroes, your wealth is
with the house of Dahnu.
4orming again with you aus!icious friendshi!, let us re9oice with draughts of
meath together.
+ , Asvins, 'ery %ighty ones, with 'ayu and with his steeds, one)minded,
ever)youthful,
=asatyas, 9oying in the third day;s 5oma, drin7 it, not hostile, 'ery
-ounteous Givers.
. Asvins, to you are rought aundant viands in rivalry with sacred songs,
unceasing.
5!rung from high Law your car, urged on y !ress)stones, goes round the
earth and heaven in one rief moment.
0 Asvins, your 5oma sheds delicious sweetness1 drin7 ye thereof and come
unto our dwelling.
<our car, assuming many a sha!e, most often goes to the 5oma)!resser;s
!lace of meeting.
HYMN *IX. Mi&ra.
1. %IT/A, when s!ea7ing, stirreth men to laour1 %itra sustaineth oth the
earth and heaven.
%itra eholdeth men with eyes that close not. To %itra ring, with holy oil,
olation.
2 4oremost e he who rings thee food, , %itra, who strives to 7ee! thy
sacred Law, Aditya.
"e whom thou hel!est ne;er is slain or con?uered, on him, from near or far,
falls no affliction.
# 9oying in sacred food and free from sic7ness, with 7nees ent lowly on the
earth;s road surface,
4ollowing closely the Aditya;s statute, may we remain in %itra;s gracious
favour.
& Aus!icious and adorale, this %itra was orn with fair dominion, 8ing,
6is!oser.
%ay we en9oy the grace of him the "oly, yea, rest in his !ro!itious loving)
7indness.
( The great Aditya, to e served with wor. shi!, who stirreth men, is
gracious to the singer.
To %itra, him most highly to e lauded, offer in fire olation that he loveth.
* The gainful grace of %itra,. God, su!!orter of the race of man,
Gives s!lendour of most.glorious fame.
+ %itra whose glory s!reads afar, he who in might sur!asses heaven,
5ur!asses earth in his renown.
. All the 4ive /aces have re!aired to %itra, ever strong to aid,
4or he sustaineth all the Gods.
0 %itra to Gods, to living men, to him who strews the holy grass,
Gives food fulfilling sacred Law.
HYMN *X. R(#us.
1. "2/2 is your ghostly 7inshi!, here, , %en1 they came desirous to these
holy rites with store of wealth,
With wondrous arts, wherey, with schemes to meet each need, <e gained,
5udhanvan;s 5onsA your share in sacrifice.
2 The mighty !owers wherewith. ye formed the chalices, the thought y
which ye drew the cow from out the hide,
The intellect wherewith ye wrought the two -ay 5teeds,)through these, ,
/hus, ye attained divinity.
# 4riendshi! with Indra have the /hus, fully gained1 grandsons of %anu,
they s7ilfully urged the wor7.
5udhanvan;s >hildren won them everlasting life, serving with holy rites,
!ious with nole acts.
&1In com!any with Indra come ye to the 9uice, then gloriously shall your
wishes e fulfilled.
=ot to e !aragoned, ye Priests, are your good deeds, nor your heroic acts,
/hus, 5udhanvan;s 5ons.
( , Indra, with the /hus, %ighty ,nes, !our down the 5oma 9uice effused,
well)lent, from oth thy hands.
%aghalan, urged y song, in the drin7)offerer;s house re9oice thee with the
"eroes, with 5udhanvan;s 5ons.
* With /hu near, and 'a9a, Indra, here e$ult, with 5aci, !raised of many, in
the 9uice we !our.
These homes wherein we dwell have turned themselves to thee, )devotions
to the Gods, as laws of men ordain.
+ >ome with the mighty /hus, Indra, come to us, strengthening with thy
hel! the singer;s holy !raise:
At hundred eager calls come to the living man, with thousand arts attend
the act of sacrifice.
HYMN *XI. "sas.
1. , 3sas, strong with strength, endowed witli 7nowledge, acce!t the
singer;s !raise, , wealthy Lady.
Thou, Goddess, ancient, young, and full of wisdom, movest, all)ounteousA
as the Law ordaineth.
2 5hine forth, , %orning, thou aus!icious Goddess, on thy right car
awa7ing !leasant voices.
Let docile horses of far)reaching s!lendour convey thee hitherward, the
goldencoloured.
# Thou, %orning, turning thee to every creature, standest on high as ensign
of the Immortal,
To one same goal ever and ever wending now, li7e a wheel, , newly)orn,
roll hi ther.
& Letting her reins dro! downward, %orning cometh, the wealthy 6ame, the
Lady of the dwelling:
-ringing forth light, the Wonderful, the -lessed hath s!read her from the
ounds of earth and heaven.
( "ither invo7e the radiant Goddess %orning, and ring with reverence your
hymn to !raise her.
5he, dro!!ing sweets, hath set in heaven her rightness, and, fair to loo7
on, hath eamed forth her s!lendour.
* 4rom heaven, with hymns, the "oly ,ne was wa7ened1 rightly to oth
worlds came the wealthy Lady.
To %orning, Agni, when she comes refulgent, thou goest forth soliciting fair
riches.
+ ,n Law;s firm ase the s!eeder of the %ornings, the -ull, hath entered
mighty earth and heaven.
Great is the !ower of 'aruna and %itra, which, right, hath s!read in every
!lace its s!lendour.
HYMN *XII. Indra and O&#!rs.
1. <,3/ well)7nown !rom!t activities aforetime needed no im!ulse from
your faithful servant.
Where, Indra)'aruna, is now that glory wherewith ye rought su!!ort to
those who loved youB
2 This man, most diligent, see7ing after riches, incessantly invo7es you for
your favour.
Accordant, Indra)'aruna, with %aruts, with "eaven and 2arth, hear ye mine
invocation.
# , Indra)'aruna, ours e this treasure ours e wealth, %aruts, with full
store of heroes.
.%ay the 'arutris with their shelter aid us, and -harati and "otri with the
%ornings.
& -e !leasedA with our olations, thou loved of all Gods, -rhas!ati1
Give wealth to him who rings thee gifts.
( At sacrifices, with your hymns worshi! the !ure -rhas!ati)
I !ray for !ower which none may end)
* The -ull of men, whom none deceive, the wearer of each sha!e at will,
-rhas!ati %ost 2$cellent.
+ 6ivine, res!lendent Pusan, this our newest hymn of eulogy,
-y us is chanted forth to thee.
. Acce!t with favour this my song, e gracious to the earnest thought,
2ven as a ridegroom to his ride.
0 %ay he who sees all living things, see, them together at a glancc,)
%ay lie, may Pusan e our hel!.
1@ %ay we attain that e$cellent glory of 5avitar the God1
5o %ay he stimulate our !rayers.
11 With understanding, earnestly, of 5avitar the God we crave
,ur !ortion of !ros!erity.
12 %en, singers worshi! 5avitar the God with hymn and holy rites,
3rged y the im!ulse of their thoughts.
1# 5oma who gives success goes forth, goes to the gathering !lace of Gods,
To seat him at the seat of Law.
1& To us and to our cattle may 5oma give salutary food,
To i!ed and to ?uadru!ed.
1( %ay 5oma, strengthening our !ower of life, and con?uering our foes,
In our assemly ta7e his seat.
1* %ay %itra)'aruna, sa!ient Pair, edew our !asturage with oil,
With meat the regions of the air.
1+ 4ar)ruling, 9oyful when adored, ye reign through ma9esty of might,
With !ure laws everlastingly.
1. Lauded y Damadagni;s song, sit in the !lace of holy Law1
6rin7 5oma, ye who strengthen Law.
RIG VEDA - THE FO"RTH BOOK
HYMN I. Agni.
1, T"22 Agni, have the Gods, ever of one accord, sent hither down, a God,
a!!ointed messenger, yea, with their wisdom sent thee down.
The Immortal, , thou "oly ,ne, mid mortal men, the God)devoted God, the
wise, have they rought forth, rought forth the omni!resent God)devoted
5age.
2 As such, , Agni, ring with favour to the Gods thy -rother 'aruna who
loveth sacrifice,
True to the Law, the Aditya who su!!orteth men, the 8ing, su!!orter of
man7ind.
# 6o thou, , 4riend, turn hither him who is our 4riend, swift as a wheel, li7e
two car)steeds in ra!id course, WondrousA to us in ra!id course.
, Agni, find thou grace for us with 'aruna, with %aruts who illumine all.
-less us, thou /adiant ,ne, for seed and !rogeny, yea, less us, , thou
Wondrous God.
& 6o thou who 7nowest 'aruna, , Agni, !ut far away from us the God;s
dis!leasure.
-est 5acrificer, rightest ,ne, refulgent remove thou far from us all those
who hate us.
( -e thou, , Agni, nearest us with succour, our closest 4riend while now this
%orn is rea7ing.
/econcile to us 'aruna, e ounteous en9oy the gracious 9uice: e swift to
hear us.
* 2$cellent is the glance, of rightest s!lendour, which the aus!icious God
estows on mortals)
The God;s glance, longed)for even as the utter, !ure, heated, of the cow,
the milch)cow;s ounty.
+ Three are those irths, the true, the most e$alted, eagerly longed)for, of
the God, of Agni.
"e came invested in the oundless region, !ure, radiant, friendly, mightily
res!lendent.
. This envoy 9oyeth in all seats of worshi!, orne on his golden car, sweet)
tongued Invo7er1
Lovely to loo7 on, with red steeds, effulgent, li7e a feast rich in food,
9oyous for ever.
0 Allied y worshi!, let him give man 7nowledge1 y an e$tended cord they
lead him onward.
"e stays, effectual in this mortal;s dwelling, and the God wins a share in his
!ossessions.
1@ Let Agni )for he 7nows the way) conduct us to all that he en9oys of God)
sent riches,
What all the Immortals have !re!ared with wisdom, 6yaus, 5ire, -egetter,
raining down true lessings.
11 In houses first he s!rang into e$istence, at great heaven;s ase, and in
this region;s osom:
4ootless and headless, oth his ends concealing, in his -ull;s lair drawing
himself together.
12 Wondrously first he rose aloft, defiant, in the -ull;s lair, the homeof holy
,rder,
Longed)for, young, eautiful, and far)res!lendent1 and sevendear frieuds
s!rang u! unto the %ighty.
1# "ere did our human fathers ta7e their !laces, fain to fulfil the sacred
Law of worshi!.
4orth drave they, with loud call, 6awn;s teeming %ilch)7ine id in the
mountainstale, in the cavern.
1& 5!lendid were they when they had rent the mountain1 others, around,
shall tell forth this their e$!loit.
They sang their song, !re!ared to free the cattle1 they found the light: with
holy hymns they worshi!!ed.
1( 2ager, with thought intent u!on the ooty, the men with their celestial
s!eech threw o!en,
The solid mountain firm, com!act, enclosing, confining >ows, the stale full
of cattle.
1* The %ilch)cow;s earliest name they com!rehended1 they found the
%other;s thrice)seven nolest titles.
This the ands 7new, and sent forth acclamation1with the -ull;s sheen the
/ed ,ne was a!!arent.
1+ The turid dar7ness fled, the heaven was s!, endidA u! rose the right
eam of celestial %orning.
5urya ascended to the wide e$!anses, eholding deeds of men oth good
and evil.
1. Then, afterwards they loo7ed around, awa7ened, when first they held
that "eaven allotted treasure.
=ow all the Gods aide in all their dwellings. 'aruna, %itra, e the !rayer
effective.
10 I will call hither rightly)eaming Agni, the "erald, all)su!!orting, est
at worshi!.
"e hath disclosed, li7e the milch cows; !ure udder, the 5orria;s 9uice when
cleansed and !oured from ea7ers.
2@ The freest God of all who should e worshi!!ed, the guest who is
received in all men;s houses,
Agni who hath secured the Gods; high favour,)may he e gracious, to us
Datavedas.
HYMN II. Agni.
1. T"2, 4aithful ,ne, Immortal among mortals, a God among the Gods,
a!!ointed envoy,
Priest, est at worshi!, must shine forth in glory . Agni shall e raised high
with man;s olations.
2 -orn for us here this day, , 5on of 'igour, etween oth races of orn
eings, Agni,
Thou farest as an envoy, having harnessed, 5ulime ,neA thy strong)muscled
radiant stallions.
# I laud the ruddy steeds who !our down lessing, dro!!ing oil, flectest
through the thoualit of ,rder.
<o7ing red horses to and fro thou goest etween you 6eities and mortal
races.
& Aryaman, %itra, 'aruna, and Indra with 'isnu, of the Gods, %aruts and
Asvins)
These, Agni, with good car and steeds, ring hither, most ountiful, to fol7
with fair olations.
( Agni, e this our sacrifice eternal, with rave friends, rich in 7ine and
shee! and horses,
/ich, AsuraA in sacred food and children, in full assemly, wealth road)
ased and during.
* The man who, sweating, rings for thee the fuel, and ma7es his head to
ache, thy faithful servant,)
Agni, to him e a self)strong Protector guard him from all who see7 to do
him mischief.
+ Who rings thee food, though thou hast food in !lenty, welcomes his
cheerful guest and s!eeds him onward,
Who 7indles thee devoutly in his dwelling,to him e wealth secure and
freely giving.
. Whoso sings !raise to thee at eve or morning, and, with olation, doth the
thing thou lovest,)
In his own home, even as a goId)girt courser, rescue him from distress, the
ounteous giver.
0 Whoso rings gifts to thee Immortal, Agni, and doth thee service with
u!lifted ladle,)
Let him not, sorely toiling, lose his riches: let not the sinner;s wic7edness
enclose him.
1@ Whose well)wrought worshi! thou acce!test, Agni, thou God a mortal;s
gift, thou lieral Giver,)
6ear e his sacrifice to thee, %ost <outhfulA and may we strengthen him
when he adores thee.
11 %ay he who 7nows distinguish sense and folly of men, li7e straight and
croo7ed ac7s of horses.
Lead us, , God, to wealth and nole offs!ring1 7ee! !enury afar and grant
us !lenty.
12 This 5age the 5ages, ne;er deceived, commanded, setting him down in
dwellings of the living.
"ence mayst thou, friendly God, with ra!id footste!s ehold the Gods,
wonderful, fair to loo7 on.
1# Good guidance hast thou for the !riest, , Agni, who, <oungest GodA with
out!oured 5oma serves thee.
/uler of men, thou 9oyous God, ring treasure s!lendid and !lentiful to aid
the toiler.
1& =ow all that we, thy faithful servants, Agni, have done with feet, with
hands, and with our odies,
The wise, with toil, the holy rite have guided, as those who frame a car with
manual cunning.
1( %ay we, seven sages first in ran7, engender, from 6awn the %other, men
to e ordainers.
%ay we, Angirases, e sons of "eaven, and, radiant, urst the wealth)
containing mountain.
1* As in the days of old our ancient 4athers, s!eeding the wor7 of holy
worshi!, Agni,
5ought !ure light and devotion, singing !raises: they cleft the ground and
made red 6awns a!!arent.
1+ Gods, doing holy acts, devout, res!lendent, smelting li7e ore their human
generations.
2n7indling Agni and e$alting Indra, they came encom!assing the stall of
cattle.
1. 5trong ,neA he mar7ed them)and the Gods efore them)li7e herds of
cattle in a foodful !asture.
There they moaned forth their strong desire for mortals, to aid the True, the
nearest ,ne, the Living.
10 We have wor7ed for thee, we have laoured noly)right 6awns have
shed their light u!on our worshi!)
Adding a eauty to the !erfect Agni, and the God;s eauteous eye that
shines for ever.
2@ Agni, 6is!oser, we have sung these !raises to thee the Wise1 do thou
acce!t them gladly.
-laCe u! on high and ever ma7e us richer. Give us great wealth, , thou
whose oons are many.
HYMN III. Agni.
1. WI=, to assist you, /udra, Lord of worshi!, Priest of oth worlds,
effectual
5acrificer,
Agni, invested with his golden colours, efore the thunder stri7e and lay you
senseless.
2 This shrine have we made ready for thy coming, as the fond dame attires
her for her husand.
Performer of good wor7, sit down efore us, invested while these flames
incline to meet thee.
# A hymn, , Priest, to him who hears, the gentle, to him who loo7s on men,
e$ceeding gracious,
A song of !raise sing to the God Immortal, whom the stone, !resser of the
sweet 9uice, worshi!s.
& 2ven as true 7nower of the Law, , Agni, to this our solemn rite he thou
attentive.
When shall thy songs of festival e sung theeB When is thy friendshi! shown
within our dwellingB
( Why this com!laint to 'aruna, , AgniB And why to "eavenB for what is our
transgressionB
"ow wilt thou s!ea7 to 2arth and ounteous %itraB What wilt thou say to
Aryaman and -hagaB
* What, when thou laCest on the lesser altars, what to the mighty Wind
who comes toless us,
True, circumamientB what to 2arth, , Agni, what wilt thou say to man)
destroying /udraB
+ "ow to great Pusan who !romotes our welfare,) to honoured /udra what,
who gives olationsB
What sin of ours to the far)striding 'isnu, what, Agni, wilt thou tell the Lofty
Arrow.
. What wilt thou tell the truthful and of %aruts, how answer the great 5un
when thou art ?uestionedB
-efore the 4ree, efore the 5wift, defend us1 fulfil heaven;s wor7, all)
7nowing Datavedas.
0 I crave the cow;s true gift arranged y ,rder1 though raw, she hath the
sweet ri!e 9uice, , Agni.
Though she is lac7 of hue with mil7 she teemeth, nutritious, rightly
shining, all)sustaining.
1@ Agni the -ull, the manly, hath een s!rin7led with oil u!on his ac7, y
Law eternal.
"e who gives vital !ower goes on unswerving. Prsni the -ull hath mil7ed the
!ure wiiite udder.
11 -y Law the Angirases cleft the roc7 asunder, and sang their hymns
together with the cattle.
-ringing great liss the men encom!assed %orning1 light was a!!arent at
the irth of Agni.
12 -y Law the Immortal Goddesses the Waters, with meath)rich waves, ,
Agni, and unin9ured,
Li7e a strong courser lauded in his running, s!ed to flow onward swiftly and
for ever.
1# Go never to the feast of one who harms us, the treacherous neighour or.
unworthy 7insman.
Punish us not for a false rother;s tres!ass. Let us riot feel the might of
friend or foeman.
1& , Agni, 7ee! us safe with thy !rotection, loving us, honoured GodA and
ever guarding.
-eat thou away, destory severe affliction slay e;en the demon when he
wa$es mighty.
1( Through these our songs of !raise e gracious, Agni: moved y
our!rayers, , "ero, touch our viands.
Acce!t, , Angiras, these our devotions, and let the !raise which Gods desire
address thee.
1* To thee who 7nowest, Agni, thou 6is!oser, all these wise secret s!eeches
have I uttered,
5ung to thee, 5age, the charming words of wisdom, to thee, , 5inger, with.
my thoughts and Praises.
HYMN IV. Agni.
1. P3T forth li7e a wide)s!reading net thy vigour: go li7e a mighty 8ing with
his attendants.
Thou, following thy swift net, shootest arrows1 transfi$ the fiends with darts
that urn most fiercely.
2 4orth go in ra!id flight thy whirling wea!ons1 follow them closely, glowing
in thy fury.
5!read with thy tongue the winged flames, , Agni: unfettered, cast thy
firerands all around thee.
# 5end thy s!ies forward, flectest in thy motion: e, ne;er deceived, the
guardian of this !eo!le
4rom him who, near or far, is ent on evil, and let no troule sent from thee
o;ercome us.
& /ise u!, , Agni, s!read thee out efore us1 urn down our foes, thou who
hast shar!ened arrows.
"im, laCing AgniA who hath wor7ed us mischief, consume thou utterly li7e
dried)u! stule.
( /ise, Agni, drive off those who fight against us1 ma7e manifest thine own
celestial vigour.
5lac7en the strong ows of the demondriven1 destroy our foemen whether
7in or stranger.
* %ost <outhful God, he 7noweth well thy favour who gave an im!ulse to
this high devotion.
All fair days and magnificence of riches hast thou eamed forth u!on the
good man;s !ortals.
+ -lest, Agni, e the man, the lieral giver, who with his lauds and regular
olation
Is fain to !lease thee for his life and dwelling. %ay all his days e right1 e
this his longing.
. I !raise thy gracious favour1 sing in answer. %ay this my song sing li7e a
loved one with thee.
Lords of good steeds and cars may we adorn thee, and day y day vouchsafe
thou us dominion.
0 "ere of free choice let each one serve thee richly, res!lendent day y day
at eve and morning.
5o may we honour thee, content and 9oyous, !assing eyond the glories of
the !eo!le.
1@ Whoso with good steeds and fine gold, , Agni, comes nigh thee on a car
laden with trcasure,
"is 4riend art thou, yea, thou art his Protector whose 9oy it is to entertain
thee duly.
11 Through words and 7inshi! I destroy the miglity1 this !ower I have from
Gotama my father.
%ar7 thou this s!eech of ours, , thou %ost <outhful, 4riend of the "ouse,
e$ceeding wise, Invo7er.
12 8nowing no slumer, s!eedy and !ro!itious, alert and ever friendly, most
unwearied,
%ay thy !rotecting !owers, unerring Agni, ta7ing their !laces here,
comined, !reserve us.
1# Thy guardian rays, , Agni, when they saw him, !reserved lind %amateya
from affliction.
Lord of all riches, he !reserved the !ious1 the fees who fain would harm
them did no mischief
1& Aided y thee with thee may we e wealthy, may we gain strength with
thee to guide us onward.
4ulfil the words of oth, , 2ver Truthful1 straightway do this, thou God
whom !ower emoldens.
1( , Agni, with this fuel will we serve thee: acce!t the laud we sing to thee
with favour
6estroy the cursing /a7sasas1 !reserve us, , rich in friends, from guile and
scorn and slander.
HYMN V. Agni.
1. "ow shall we give with one accord olation to Agni, to 'aisvanara the
-ounteousB
Great light, with full high growth hath he u!lifted, and, as a !illar ears the
roof, sustains it.
2 /e!roach not him who, God and selfreliant, vouchsafed this ounty unto
me a mortal,)
6eathless, discerner, wise, to me the sim!le, 'aisvanara most manly,
youthful Aini.
# 5har!)!ointed, !owerful, strong, of oundless vigour, Agni who 7nows the
lofty hymn, 7e!t secret
As the lost milch)cow;s trac7, the douly %ighty,)he hath declared to me this
hidden 7nowledge.
& %ay he with shar!ened teeth, the -ounteous Giver, Agni, consume with
flame most fiercely glowing.
Those who regard not 'aruna;s commandments and the dear stedfast laws of
sa!ient %itra.
( Li7e youthful women without rothers, straying, li7e dames who hate their
lords, of evil conduct,
They who are full of sin, untrue, unfaithful, they have engendered this
aysmal station.
* To me, wea7, innocent, thou, luminous Agni, ast oldly given as ;twere a
heavy urthen,
This Prstha hymn, !rofound and strong and mighty, of seven elements, and
with offered dainties.
+ 5o may our song that !urifies, through wisdom reach in a moment him the
3niversal,
2stalished on the height, on earth;s est .station, aove the eauteous
grassy s7in of Prsni.
. ,f this my s!eech what shall I utter furtherB They indicate the mil7 stored
u! in secret
When they have thrown as ;twere the cows; stalls o!en. The -ird !rotects
earths; est and well)loved station.
0 This is the Great ,nes; mighty a!!arition which from of old the radiant
>ow hath followed.
This, shining rightly in the !lace of ,rder, swift, hasting on in secret, she
discovered.
1@ "e then who shone together with his Parents rememered Prsni;s fair and
secret treasure,
Which, in the %other >ow;s most lofty station, the -ull;s tongue, of the
flame ent forward, tasted.
11 With reverence I declare the Law, , Agni: what is, comes y thine order,
Datavedas.
,f this, whate;er it e, thou art the 5ovran, yea, all the wealth that is in
earth or
heaven.
12 What is our wealth therefrom, and what our treasureB Tell us ,
Datavedas, for thou
7nowest,
What is our est course in this secret !assage1 we, unre!roached, have
reached a tHlace far distant.
1# What is the limit, what the rules, the guerdonB Li7e fleet)foot coursers
s!eed we to the contest.
When will the Goddesses, the Immortal;s 5!ouses, the 6awns, s!read over us
the 5un)God;s s!lendourB
1& 3nsatisfied, with s!eech devoid of vigour, scanty and frivolous and
inconclusive,
Wherefore do they address thee here, , AgniB Let these who have no
wea!ons suffer sorrow.
1( The ma9esty of him the Good, the %ighty, aflame, hath shone for glory in
the dwelling.
"e, clothed in light, hath shone most fair to loo7 on, wealthy in oons, as a
home shines with riches.
HYMN VI. Agni.
1. P/I25T of our rite, stand u! erect, , Agni, in the Gods; service est of
sacrificers,
4or over evei y thought thou art the /uler1 thou furtherest e;en the wisdom
of the !ious.
2 "e was set down mid men as Priest unerring, Agni, wise, welcome in our
holy synods.
Li7e 5avitar he hath lifted u! his s!lendour, and li7e a uilder raised his
smo7e to heaven.
# The glowing ladle, filled with oil, is lifted: choosing Gods; service to the
right he circles.
2ager he rises li7e the new)wrought !illar which, firmly set and fi$ed,
anoints the victims.
& When sacred grass is strewn and Agni 7indled, the Adhvaryu rises to, his
tas7 re9 o cing.
Agni the Priest, li7e one who tends the cattle, goes three times round, as
from of old he wills it.
( Agni himself, the Priest, with measured motion, goes round, with sweet
s!eech, cheerful, true to ,rder.
"is fulgent flames run forth li7e vigorous horses: all creatures are affrighted
when he laCes.
* -eautiful and aus!icious is thine as!ect, , lovely Agni, terrile when
s!reading.
Thy s!lendours are not covered y the dar7ness1 detraction leaves no stain
u!on thy ody.
+ =aught hindered his !roduction, -ounteous Giver1 his %other and his 5ire
were free to send him.
Then as 4riend enevolent, refulgent, Agni shone forth in human
haitations.
. "e, Agni, whom the twice)five sisters, dwelling together, in the homes of
men engendered,
-right li7e a s!ear;s tooth, wa7ened in the morning, with !owerful mouth
and li7e an a$e well)shar!ened.
0 These thy -ay >oursers, Agni, dro!!ing fatness, ruddy vigorous, s!eeding
straightly forward,
And red steeds, wonderful, of mighty muscle, are to this service of the Gods
invited1
1@ These rightly)shining games of thine, , Agni, that move for ever
restless, allsuduing,
Li7e falcons hasting eagerly to the ?uarry, roar loudly li7e the army of the
%aruts.
11 To thee, , flaming God, hath !rayer een offered. Let the !riest laud
thee1 give to him who worshi!s.
%en have estalished Agni as Invo7er, fain to adore the glory of the living.
HYMN VII. Agni.
1. "2/2 y ordainers was this God a!!ointed first Invo7er, est at worshi!,
to e !raised at rites1
Whom A!navana, and the -hrgus caused to shine right)coloured in the
wood, s!reading from home to home.
2 When shall thy glory as a God, Agni, e suddenly shown forth.
4or mortal men have held thee fast, adorale in all their homes,
# 5eeing thee faithful to the Law, most sa!ient, li7e the starry heaven,
Illumining with cheerful ray each solemn rite in every house.
& 'ivasvan;s envoy living men have ta7en as their ensign, swift,
The ruler over all man7ind, moving li7e -hrgu in each home.
( "im the intelligent have they !laced duly as Invo7ing Priest,
Welcome, with sanctifying flame, est worshi!!er, with sevenfold might:
* In his 2ternal %others, in the wood, concealed and una!!roached,
8e!t secret though his flames are right see7ingon all sides, ?uic7ly found.
+ That as food s!reads forth in this earthly udder, Gods may re9oice them in
the home of ,rder,
Great Agni, served with reverence and olation, flies ever to the sacrifice,
the 4aithful.
. -ird of each rite, s7illed in an envoy;s duties, 7nowing oth worlds and
that which lies etween them,
Thou goest from of old a willing "erald, 7nowing full well heaven;s
innermost recesses.
0 -right God, thy !ath is lac71 light is efore thee1 thy moving s!lendour is
the chief of wonders.
When she, yet unim!regnate, hath conceived thee, even when newly orn
thou art an envoy.
1@ <et newly orn, his vigour is a!!arent when the wind lows u!on his fiery
s!lendour,
"is shar!ened tongue he layeth on the rushwood, and with his teeth e;en
solid food consumeth.
11 When he hath orne off food with swift flame swiftly, strong Agni ma7es
himself a s!eedy envoy,
4ollows the rustling of the wind, consuming, and courser)li7e, s!eeds, drives
the swift horse onward.
HYMN VIII. Agni.
1. <,3/ envoy who !ossesses all, Immortal, earer of your gifts,
-est worshi!!er, I woo with song.
2 "e, %ighty, 7nows the gift of wealth, he 7nows the dee! recess of heaven1
"e shall ring hitherward the Gods.
# "e 7nows, a God himself, to guide Gods to the righteous in his home1
"e gives e;en treasures that we love.
& "e is the "erald1 well)informed, he doth his errand to and fro,
8nowing the dee! recess of heaven.
( %ay we e they who gratify Agni with sacrificial gifts,
Whocherish and en7indle him.
* Illustrious for wealth are they, and hero deeds, victorious,
Who have served Agni reverently.
+ 5o unto us, day after day, may riches craved y many come,
And !ower and might s!ring u! for us.
. That holy 5inger in his strength shoots forth his arrows swifter than
The swift shafts of the tries of men.
HYMN IX. Agni.
1. AG=I, show favour1 great art thou who to this !ious man art come,
To seat thee on the sacred grass.
2 %ay he the Immortal, "el!er, ard to e deceived among man7ind,
-ecome the messenger of all.
# Around the altar is he led, welcome >hief Priest at solemn rites,
,r as the Potar sits him down.
& Agni in fire at sacrifice, and in the house as Lord thereof,
And as a -rahman ta7es his seat.
( Thou comest as the guide of fol7 who celerate a sacrifice,
And to olations rought y men.
* Thou servest as his messenger whose sacrifice thou lovest well,
To ear the mortal;s gifts to heaven.
+ Acce!t our solemn rite: e !leased, Angiras, with our sacrifice1
Give ear and listen to our call.
. %ay thine inviolale car, wherewith thou guardest those who give,
>ome near to us from every side.
HYMN X. Agni.
I. This day with !raises, Agni, we ring thee that which thou lovest.
/ight 9udgment, li7e a horse, with our devotions.
2 4or thou hast ever een the >ar)driver, Agni, of nole
5trength, lofty sacrifice, and rightful 9udgment.
# Through these our !raises come thou to meet us, right as the sunlight,
, Agni, well dis!osed, with all thine as!ects.
& =ow may we serve thee singing these lauds this day to thee, Agni.
Loud as the voice of "eaven thy lasts are roaring.
( 9ust at this time of the day and the night thy loo7 is the sweetest .
It shineth near us even as gold for glory.
* 5!otless thy ody, rilliant as gold, li7e clarified utter1
This gleams li7e gold on thee, , 5elf. de!endent.
+ All hate and mischief, yea, if committed, Agni, thou turnest,
"oly ,ne, from the man who rightly worshi!s.
. Agni, with you Gods, !ros!erous e our friendshi!s and 7inshi!s.
-e this our ond here y this !lace, thine al tar.
HYMN XI. Agni.
1. T"< lessed ma9esty, victorious Agni, shines rightly in the neighourhood
of 5urya.
5!lendid to see, it shows even at nighttime, and food is fair to loo7 on in thy
eauty.
2 Agni, disclose his thought for him who singeth, the well, 5trong GodA while
thou art !raised with fervour.
'ouchsafe to us that !owerful hymn, , %ighty, which, /adiant ,neA with all
the Gods thou lovest.
# 4rom thee, , Agni, s!rings !oetic wisdom, from thee come thoughts and
hymns of !raise that !ros!er:
4rom thee flows wealth, with heroes to adorn it, to the true)hearted man
who gives olation.
& 4rom thee the hero s!rings who wins the ooty, ringer of hel!, mighty, of
real courage.
4rom thee comes wealth, sent y the Gods, liss)giving: Agni, from thee the
fleet im!etuous charger.
( Immortal Agni, thee whose voice is !leasant, as first in ran7, as God,
religious mortals
Invite with hyrnns: thee who removest hatred, 4riend of the "ome, the
household;s Lord, unerring.
* 4ar from us thou removest want and sorrow, far from us all ill)will when
thou !rotectest.
5on of 5trength, Agni, lest is he at evening, whom thou as God attendest
for his welfare.
HYMN XII. Agni.
1. W",5, en7indles thee, with lifted ladle, and thrice this day offiers thee
food, , Agni,
%ay he e$cel, trium!hant through thy s!lendours, wise through thy mental
!ower, , Datavedas.
2 Whoso with toil and troule rings thee fuel, serving the ma9esty of
mighty Agni,
"e, 7indling thee at evening and at morning, !ros!ers, and comes to
wealth, and slays his foemen.
# Agni is %aster of sulime dominion, Agni is Lord of strength and lofty
riches.
5traightway the self)reliant God, %ost <outhful, gives treasures to the
mortal who adores him.
& %ost <outhful God, whatever sin, through folly, we here, as human eings,
have committed,
In sight of Aditi ma7e thou us sinless remit, entirely, Agni, our offences.
( 2ven in the !resence of great sin, , Agni, free us from !rison of the Gods
or mortals.
=ever may we who are thy friends e in9ured1 grant health and strength
unto our seed and offs!ring.
* 2ven as ye here, Gods 2$cellent and "oly, have loosed the cow that y the
foot was tethered,
5o also set us free from this affliction long let our life, , Agni, e e$tended.
HYMN XIII. Agni.
1. AG=I hath loo7ed, enevolently)minded, on the wealth)giving s!ring of
radiant %ornings.
>ome, Asvins, to the dwelling of the !ious1 5urya the God is rising with his
s!lendour.
2 5avitar, God, hath s!read on high his lustre, waving his flag li7e a s!oil)
see7ing hero.
Their stalished way go 'aruna and %itra, what time they ma7e the 5un
ascend the heaven.
# "im whom they made to drive away the dar7ness, Lords of sure mansions,
constant to their o9ect,
"im who eholds the universe, the 5un)God, seven strong and youthful
>oursers carry onward.
& 5!reading thy we with mightiest 5teeds thou comest, rending a!art, thou
God, the lac7)hued mantle.
The rays of 5urya tremulously shining sin7, li7e a hide, the dar7ness in the
waters.
( "ow is it that, unound and not su!!orted, he falleth not although
directed downwardB
-y what self !ower moves heB Who liath seen itB "e guards the vault of
heaven, a close)set !illar.
HYMN XIV. Agni.
1. T"2 God hath loo7ed, even Agni Datavedas, to meet the 6awns refulgent
in their glories.
>ome on your chariot, ye who travel widely, come to this sacrifice of ours,
=asatyas.
2 Producing light for all the world of creatures, God 5avitar hath raised aloft
his anner.
%a7ing his !resence 7nown y suneams, 5urya hath filled the firmament
and earth and heaven.
# /ed 6awn.is come, riding with rightness onward, distinguished y her
eams, gay)hued and mighty.
6awn on her noly)harnessed car, the Goddess, awa7ing men to ha!!iness,
a!!roacheth.
& %ay those most !owerful steeds and chariot ring you, , Asvins, hither at
the rea7 of morning.
"ere for your drauglit of meath are 5oma 9uices1 at this our sacrifice
re9oice, ye %ighty.
( "ow is it that, unound and unsu!!orted, he falleth not although directed
downwardB
-y what self)!ower moves heB Who hath seen itB "e guards the vault of
heaven, a close)set !illarB
HYMN XV. Agni.
1. AG=I the "erald, li7e a horse, is led forth at our solemn rite,
God among Gods adorale.
2 Three times unto our solemn rite comes Agni li7e a charioteer,
-earing the viands to the Gods.
# /ound the olations hath he !aced, Agni the Wise, the Lord of 5trength,
Giving the offerer !recious oons.
& "e who is 7indled eastward for 5rn9aya, 6evavata;s son,
/es!lendent, tamer of the foe.
( 5o mighty e the Agni whom the mortal hero shall command,
With shar!ened teeth and ountiful.
* 6ay after day they dress him, as they clean a horse who wins the !riCe.
6ress the red 5cion of the 57y.
+ When 5ahadeva;s !rincely son with two ay horses thought of me,
5ummoned y him I drew not ac7.
. And truly those two nole ays I straightway too7 when offered me,
4rom 5ahadeva;s !rincely son.
0 Long, , ye Asvins, may he live, your care, ye Gods, the !rincely son.
,f 5ahadeva, 5oma7a.
1@ >ause him the youthful !rince, the son of 5ahadeva, to en9oy
Long life, , Asvins, , ye Gods.
HYMN XVI. Indra.
1. I%P2T3,35, true, let %aghavan come hither, and let his Tawny >oursers
s!eed to reach us.
4or him have we !ressed 9uice e$ceeding !otent1 here, !raised with song,
let him effect his visit.
2 3nyo7e, as at thy 9ourney;s end, , "ero, to gladden thee today at this
liation.
Li7e 3sana, the !riest a laud shall utter, a hymn to thee, the Lord 6ivine,
who mar7est.
# When the -ull, ?uaffing, !raises our Iiation, as a sage !aying holy rites in
secret,
5even singers here from heaven hath he egotten, who e;en y day have
wrought their wor7s while singing.
& When heaven;s fair light y hymns was made a!!arent Gthey made great
s!lendour shine at rea7 of morningH,
"e with his succour, est of "eroes, scattered the linding dar7ness so that
men saw clearly.
( Indra, Im!etuous ,ne, hath wa$ed immensely1 he with his vastness hath
filled earth and heaven.
2;en eyond this his ma9esty e$tendeth who hath e$ceeded all the worlds in
greatness.
* 5a7ra who 7noweth well all human actions hath with his eager 4riends let
loose the waters.
They with their songs cleft e;en the mountain o!en and willingly disclosed
the stall of cattle.
+ "e smote away the floods; ostructer, 'rtra: 2arth, conscious, lent her aid
to s!eed thy thunder.
Thou sentest forth the waters of the ocean, as Lord through !ower and
might, , daring "ero.
. When, %uch)invo7edA the water;s roc7 thou cleftest, 5arama showed
herself and went efore thee.
"ymned y Angirases, ursting the cowstalls, much strength thou foundest
for us as our leader.
0 >ome, %aghavan, 4riend of %an, to aid the singer im!loring thee in attle
for the sunlight.
5!eed him with hel! in his iry!ired invo7ings1 down sin7 the sorcerer, the
!rayerless 6asyu.
1@ >ome to our home resolved to slay the 6asyu1 8utsa longed eagerly to
win thy friendshi!.
Ali7e in form ye oth sate in his dwelling the faithful Lady was in dout
etween you.
11 Thou comest, fain to succour him, with 8utsa,)a goad that masters oth
the Wind)God;s horses,
That, holding the rown steeds li7e s!oil for ca!ture, the sage may on the
final day e !resent.
12 4or 8utsa, with thy thousand, thou at day)rea7 didst hurl down greedy
5usna, foe of harvest.
Euic7ly with 8utsa;s friend destroy the 6asyus, and roll the chariot)wheel of
5arya near us.
1# Thou to the son of 'idathin, /9isvan, gavest u! mighty %rgaya and Pi!ru.
Thou smotest down the swarthy fifty thousand, and rentest forts as age
consumes a garment.
1& What time thou settest near the 5un thy ody, thy form, Immortal ,ne, is
seen e$!anding1
Thou a wild ele!hant with might invested. li7e a dread lion as thou wieldest
wea!ons.
1( Wishes for wealth have gone to Indra, longing for him in war for light and
at liation,
2ager for glory, laouring with !raisesongs1 he is li7e home, li7e sweet and
fair nutrition.
1* >all we for you that Indra, !rom!t to listen, him who hath done so much
for men;s advantage:
Who, Lord of envied ounty, to a singer li7e me rings ?uic7ly ooty worth
the ca!ture.
1+ When the shar!)!ointed arrow, , thou "ero, flieth mid any conflict of
the !eo!le,
When, 4aithful ,ne, the dread encounter cometh, then e thou the
Protector of our ody.
1. 4urther the holy thoughts of 'amadeva e thou a guileless 4riend in fight
for ooty.
We come to thee whose !rovidence !rotects us1 wide e thy sway for ever
for thy singer.
10 , Indra, with these men who love thee truly, free givers, %aghavan, in
every attle,
%ay we re9oice through many autumns, ?uelling our foes, as days sudue
the nights with s!lendour.
2@ =ow, as the -hrgus wrought a car, for Indra the 5trong, the %ighty, we
our !rayer have fashioned,
That he may, ne;er withdraw from us his friendshi!, ut e our odies; guard
and strong defender.
21 =ow, IndraA lauded, glorified with !raises, let !ower swell. high li7e
rivers for the singer.
4or thee a new hymn, Lord of -ays, is fashioned. %ay we, car)orne,
through song e victors ever.
HYMN XVII. Indra.
1. G/2AT art thou, Indra: yea, the earth, with gladness, and heaven confess
to thee thine high dominion.
Thou in thy vigour having slaughtered 'rtra didst free the floods arrested y
the 6ragon.
2 "eaven tremled at the irth of thine effulgence: 2arth tremled at the
fear of thy dis!leasure.
The stedfast mountains shoo7 in agitation . the waters flowed, and desert
s!ots were flooded.
# "urling his olt with might he cleft the mountain, while, !utting forth his
strength, he showed his vigour.
"e slaughtered 'rtra with his olt, e$ulting, and, their lord slain, forth
flowed the waters swiftly.
& Thy 4ather 6yaus esteemed himself a hero1 most nole was the wor7 of
Indra;s %a7er,
"is who egat the strong olt;s Lord who roareth, immovale li7e earth from
her foundation.
( "e who alone o;erthrows the world of creatures, Indra the !eo!les; 8ing,
invo7ed of many)
'erily all re9oice in him, e$tolling the oons which %aghavan the God hath
sent them.
* All 5oma 9uices are his own for ever, most gladdening draughts are ever
his, the %ighty,
Thou ever wast the Treasure)Lord of treasures1 Indra, thou lettest all fol7
share thy ounty.
+ %oreover, when thou first wast orn, , Indra, thou struc7est terror into all
the !eo!le.
Thou, %aghavan, rentest with thy olt the 6ragon who lay against the
waterfloods of heaven.
. The ever)slaying, old and furious Indra, the right olt;s Lord, infinite,
strong and mighty,
Who slayeth 'rtra and ac?uireth ooty, giver of lessings, %aghavan the
ounteous1
0 Alone renowned as %aghavan in attles, he frighteneth away assemled
armies.
"e ringeth us the ooty that he winneth may we, well)loved, continue in
his friendshi!.
1@ /enowned is he when con?uering and when slaying1 ;fis he who winneth
cattle in the comat.
When Indra hardeneth his indignation all that is fi$ed and all that moveth
fear him.
11 Indra hath won all 7ine, all gold, all horses,)%aghavan, he who rea7eth
forts in !ieces:
%ost manly with these men of his who hel! him, dealing out wealth and
gathering the treasure.
12 What is the care of Indra for his %other, what cares he for the 4ather
who egat himB
"is care is that which s!eeds his might in conflicts, li7e wind orne onward
y the clouds that thunder.
1# %aghavan ma7es the settled man unsettled1 he scatters dust that he hath
swe!t together,
-rea7ing in !ieces li7e "eaven armed with lightning1 %aghavan shall enrich
the man who lauds h:m.
1& "e urged the chariot)wheel of 5urya forward1 2tasa, s!eeding on his way,
he rested.
"im the lac7 undulating cloud edeweth, in this mid)air;s de!th, at the
ase of dar7ness,
1( As in the night the sacrificing !riest.
1* 2ager for ooty, craving strength and horses, we)singers stir Indra, the
strong, for friendshi!,
Who gives the wives we see7, whose succour fails not, to hasten, li7e a
!itcher to the fountain.
1+ -e thou our guardian, show thyself our 7insman, watching and lessing
those who !our the 5oma:
As 4riend, as 5ire, most fatherly of fathers giving the su!!liant vital strength
and freedom.
1. -e hel!ing 4riend of those who see7 thy friendshi! . give life, when
lauded, Indra, to the singer.
4or, Indra, we the !riests have !aid thee worshi!, e$alting thee with these
our sacrifices.
10 Alone, when Indra %aghavan is lauded, he slayeth many ne;er)resisted
'rtras.
"im in whose 7ee!ing is the well)loved singer never do Gods or mortals stay
or hinder.
2@ 2Len so let %aghavan, the loud)voiced Indra, give us true lessings,
foeless, men;s u!holder.
8ing of all creatures, give us glory am!ly, e$alted glory due to him who
lauds thee.
21 =ow, IndraA lauded, glorified with !raises, let !ower swell high li7e rivers
for the singer.
4or thee a new hymn, Lord of -aysA is fashioned. %ay we, car)orne,
HYMN XVIII. Indra and O&#!rs.
1. T"I5 is the ancient and acce!ted !athway y which all Gods have come
into e$istence.
"erey could one e orn though wa$en mighty. Let him not, otherwise,
destroy his %other.
2 =ot this way go I forth1 hard is the !assage. 4orth from the side oli?uely
will I issue.
%uch that is yet undone must I accom!lish: one must I comat and the other
?uestion.
# "e ent his eye u!on the dying %other1 %y word I now withdraw. That way
I follow.
In Tvastar;s dwelling India dran7 the 5oma, a hundredworth of 9uice !ressed
from the mortar.
& What strange act shall he do, he whom his %other ore for a thousand
months and many autumnsB
=o !eer hath he among those orn already, nor among those who shall e
orn hereafter.
( 6eeming him a re!roach, his mother hid him, Indra, endowed with all
heroic valour.
Then u! he s!rang himself, assumed his vesture, and filled, as soon as orn,
the earth and heaven.
* With lively motion onward flow these waters, the "oly ,nes, shouting, as
;twere, together.
As7 them to. tell thee what the floods are saying, what girdling roc7 the
waters urst asunder.
+ Are they addressing him with words of welcomeB Will the floods ta7e on
them the shame of IndraB
With his great thunderolt my 5on hath slaughtered 'rtra, and set these
rivers free to wander.
. I cast thee from me, mine,)thy youthful mother1 thee, mine own
offs!ring, 8usava hath swallowed.
To him, mine infant, were the waters gracious. Indra, my 5on, rose u! in
con?uering vigour.
0 Thou art mine own, , %aghavan, whom 'yamsa struc7 to the ground and
smote thy 9aws in !ieces.
-ut, smitten through, the mastery thou wonnest, and with thy olt the
6asa;s head thou crushedst.
1@ The "eifer hath rought forth the 5trong, the %ighty, the uncon?uerale
-ull, the furious Indra.
The %other left her unlic7ed >alf to wander, see7ing himself, the !ath that
he would follow.
11 Then to her mighty >hild the %other turned her, saying, %y son, these
6eities forsa7e thee.
Then Indra said, aout to slaughter 'rtra, , my friend 'rtra, stride full
oldly forward.
12 Who was he then who made thy %other widowB Who sought to stay thee
lying still or movingB
What God, when y the foot thy 5ire thou too7est and slewest, was at hand
to give thee comfortB
1# In dee! distress I coo7ed a dog;s intestines. Among the Gods I found not
one to comfort.
%y consort I eheld in degradation. The 4alcon then rought me the
!leasant 5oma.
HYMN XIX. Indra.
1. T"22, verily, , Thunder)wielding Indra, all the Gods here, the "el!ers
swift to listen,
And oth the worlds elected, thee the %ighty, "igh, wa$en strong, alone to
slaughter 'rtra.
2 The Gods, as worn witheld, rela$ed their efforts1 thou, Indra, orn of
truth, wast 5ovran /uler.
Thou slewest Ahi who esieged the waters, and duggest out their all)
su!!orting channels.
# The insatiate one, e$tended, hard to wa7en, who slumered in !er!etual
slee!, , Indra,)
The 6ragon stretched against the seven !rone rivers, where no 9oint was,
thou rentest with thy thunder.
& Indra with might shoo7 earth and her foundation as the wind stirs the
water with its fury.
5triving, with strength he urst the firm asunder, and tore away the summits
of the mountains.
( They ran to thee as mothers to their offs!ring1 the clouds, li7e chariots,
hastened forth together.
Thou didst refresh the streams and force the illows1 thou, Indra, settest
free ostructed rivers.
* Thou for the sa7e of 'ayya and Turviti didst stay the great stream, flowing,
allsustaining1
<ea, at their !rayer didst chec7 the rushing river and ma7e the floods easy
to cross, , Indra.
+ "e let the young %aids s7illed in Law, unwedded, li7e fountains, uling,
flow forth streaming onward.
"e inundated thirsty !lains and deserts, and mil7ed the dry >ows of the
mighty master.
. Through many a morn and many a lovely autumn, having slain 'rtra, lie set
free the rivers.
Indra hath set at lierty to wander on earth the streams encom!assed
!ressed together.
0 Lord of -ay 5teeds, thou roughtest from the ant)hill the unwedded
damsel;s son whom ants were eating.
The lind saw clearly, as he gras!ed the ser!ent, rose, ra7e the 9ar1
his9oints again united.
1@ To the wise man, , 5age and 5ovran /uler, the man who 7noweth all
thine ancient e$!loits.
"ath told these deeds of might as thou hast wrought them, great acts,
s!ontaneous, and to man;s advantage.
11 =ow, IndraA lauded, glorified with !raises, let !owers swell high, li7e
rivers, for the singer.
4or thee a new hymn, Lord of -aysA is fashioned. %ay we, car)orne,
HYMN XX. Indra.
1. 4/,% near or far away may mighty Indra giver of succour, come for our
!rotection
Lord of men, armed with thunder, with the 5trongest, slaying his foes in
conflict, in the attles.
2 %ay Indra come to us with Tawny >oursers, inclined to us, to favour and
enrich us.
%ay %aghavan, loud)voiced and wielding thunder, stand y us at this
sacrifice, in comat.
# Thou, honouring this our sacrifice, , Indra, shalt give us strength and fill
us full of courage.
To win the ooty, Thunder)armedA li7e hunters may we with thee sudue in
fight our foemen.
& Loving us well, enevolent, close eside us, drin7, Godli7e Indra, of the
well!ressed 5oma.
6rin7 of the meath we offer, and delight thee with food that cometh from
the mountain ridges.
( "im who is sung aloud y recent sages, li7e a ri!e)fruited tree, a scythe)
armed victor,)
I, li7e a ridegroom thin7ing of his consort, call hither Indra, him invo7ed of
many:
* "im who in native strength is li7e a mountain, the lofty Indra orn or old
for con?uest,
Terrific wielder of the ancient thunder. filled full with s!lendour as a 9ar
with water.
+ Whom from of old there is not one to hinder, none to curtail the riches of
his ounty.
Pouring forth freely, , thou 5trong and %ighty, vouchsafe us riches, God
invo7ed of manyA
. ,f wealth and homes of men thou art the ruler, and o!ener of the stale
of the cattle.
"el!er of men, winner of s!oil in comats, thou leadest to an am!le hea! of
riches.
0 -y what great might is he renowned as strongest, wherewith the Lofty ,ne
stirs u! wild attlesB
-est soother of the worshi!!er;s great sorrow, he gives !ossessions to the
man who lauds him.
1@ 5lay us not: ring, estow onus the am!le gift which thou hast to give to
him who offers.
At this new gift, with this laud sung efore thee, e$tolling thee, we, Indra,
will declare it.
11 =ow, IndraA lauded, glorified with !raises, let !ower swell high, li7e
rivers, for the singer.
A new hymn, Lord of -aysA for thee is fashioned. %ay we, car)orn, through
song e victors ever.
HYMN XXI. Indra.
1. %A< Indra come to us for our !rotection: here e the "ero, !raised, our
feast)com!anion.
%ay he whose !owers are many, wa$en mighty, cherish, li7e 6yaus, his own
su!reme dominion.
2 "ere magnify his great heroic e$!loits, most glorious ,ne, enriching men
with ounties,
Whose will is li7e a 5ovran in assemly, who rules the !eo!le, >on?ueror,
all)sur!assing.
# "ither let Indra come from earth or heaven, hither with s!eech from
firmament or ocean:
With %aruts, from the realm of light to aid us, or from a distance, from the
seat of ,rder.
& That Indra will we laud in our assemlies, him who is Lord of great and
lasting riches,
'ictor with 'ayu where the herds are gathered, who leads with oldness on
to higher fortune.
( %ay the Priest, Lord of many lessings, striving,)who fi$ing reverence on
reverence, giving
'ent to his voice, inciteth men to worshi!with lauds ring Indra hither to
our dwellings.
* When sitting !ondering in dee! devotion in Ausi9a;s aode they !ly the
!ress)stone,
%ay he whose wrath is fierce, the mighty earer, come as the house)lord;s
!riest within our chamers.
+ 5urely the !ower of -harvara the mighty for ever hel!eth to su!!ort the
singer:
That which in Ausi9a;s aode lies hidden, to come forth for delight and for
devotion.
. When he unars the s!aces of the mountains, and ?uic7ens with his floods
the water)torrents,
"e finds in lair the uffalo and wild)o$ when the wise lead him on to
vigorous e$!loit.
0 Aus!icious are thy hands, thine arms wellfashioned which !roffer ounty,
Indra, to thy !raiser.
What sloth is thisB Why dost thou not re9oice theeB Why dost thou not
delight thyself with givingB
1@ 5o Indra is the truthful Lord of treasure. 4reedom he gave to man y
slaying 'rtra.
%uch)laudedA hel! us with thy !ower to riches1 may I e sharer of thy
Godli7e favour.
11 =ow, IndraA lauded, glorified with !raises, let !ower swell high, li7e
rivers, for,the singer.
4or thee a new hymn, Lord of -aysA is fashioned. %ay we, care)orne,
through song e vict?rs ever.
HYMN XXII. Indra.
1. T"AT gift of ours which Indra loves and welcomes, even that he ma7es for
us, the Great and 5trong ,ne.
"e who comes wielding in his might the thunder, %aghavan, gives !rayer,
!raise, and laud, and 5oma.
2 -ull, hurler of the four)edged rain)!roducer with oth his arms, strong,
mighty, most heroic:
Wearing as wool Parusni for adornment, whose 9oints for sa7e of friendshi!
he hath covered.
# God who of all the Gods was orn divinest, endowed with am!le strength
and mighty !owers,
And earing in his arrns the yearning thunder, with violent rush caused
heaven and earth to tremle.
& -efore the "igh God, at his irth, heaven tremled, earth, many floods
and all the !reci!ices.
The 5trong ,ne ringeth nigh the -ull;s two Parents1 loud sing the winds,
li7e men, in air;s mid)region.
( These are thy great deeds, Indra, thine, the %ighty, deeds to e told aloud
at all liations,
That thou, , "ero, old and oldly daring, didst with thy olt, y strength,
destroy the 6ragon.
* True are all these thy deeds, , %ost "eroic. The %ilch)7ine issued from
the streaming udder.
In fear of thee, , thou of manly s!irit, the rivers swiftly set themselves in
motion.
+ With 9oy, , Indra, Lord of Tawny >oursers, the 5isters then, these
Goddesses, e$tolled thee,
When thou didst give the !risoned ones their freedom to wander at their
will in long succession.
. Pressed is the gladdening stal7 as ;twere a river1 so let the rite, the toiler;s
!ower, attract thee
To us)ward, of the -right ,ne, as the courser strains his. e$ceedingly strong
leather ridle.
0 2ver y us !erform thy most heroic, thine highest, est victorious deeds,
, 'ictor.
4or us ma7e 'rtras easy to e con?uered1 destroy the wea!on of our mortal
foeman.
1@ Graciously listen to our !rayer, , Indra, and strength of varied sort
estow thou on us.
5end to us all intelligence arid wisdom , %aghavan, e he who gives us
cattle.
11 =ow, IndraA lauded, glorified with !raises, let wealth swell hiah li7e
rivers to the singer.
HYMN XXIII. Indra.
1. "ow, what !riest;s sacrifice hath he made mighty, re9oicing in the 5oma
and its fountainB
6elighting in 9uice, eagerly drin7ing, the Lofty ,ne hath wa$ed for s!lendid
riches.
2 What hero hath een made his feast)com!anionB Who hath een !artner in
his loving)7indnessB
What 7now we of his wondrous actsB "ow often comes he to aid and s!eed
the !ious toilerB
# "ow heareth Indra offered invocationB "ow, hearing, mar7eth he the
invo7er;s wishesB
What are his ancient acts of ountyB Wherefore call they him ,ne who
filleth full the singerB
& "ow doth the !riest who laoureth, ever longing, win for himself the
wealth which he !ossessethB
%ay he, the God, mar7 well my truthful !raises, having received the homage
which he loveth.
( "ow, and what ond of friendshi! with a mortal hath the God chosen as
this morn is rea7ingB
"ow, and what love hath he for those who love him, who have entwined in
him their firm affectionB
* Is then thy friendshi! with thy friends most mightyB Thy rotherhood with
us, )when may we tell itB
The streams of mil7 move, as most wondrous sunlight, the eauty of the
Lovely ,ne for glory.
+ Aout to stay the Indra)less destructive s!irit he shar!ens his 7een arms to
stri7e her.
Wherey the 5trong, although our dets; e$actor, drives in the distant
mornings that we 7now not.
. 2ternal Law hath varied food that strengthens: thought of eternal Law,
removes transgressions.
The !raise)hymn of eternal Law, arousing, glowing, hath o!ed the deaf ears
of the living.
0 4irm)seated are eternal Law;s foundations in its fair form are many
s!lendid eauties.
-y holy Law long lasting food they ring us: y holy Law have cows come to
our worshi!.
1@ 4i$ing eternal Law he, too, u!holds it swift moves the might of Law and
wins the ooty.
To Law elong the vast dee! 2arth and "eaven1 %ilch)7ine su!reme, to Law
their mil7 they render.
11 =ow, IndraA lauded,) glorified with !raises, let !ower swell high li7e
rivers to the singer.
HYMN XXIV. Indra.
1. W"AT worthy !raise will ring efore us Indra, the 5on of 5trength, that
he may grant us riches:
4or he the "ero, gives the singer treasures1 he is the Lord who sends us
gifts, ye !eo!le.
2 To e invo7ed and hymned in fight with 'rtra, that well)!raised Indra gives
us real ounties.
That %aghavan rings comfort in the foray to the religious man who !ours
liations.
# "im, verily, the men invo7e in comat: ris7ing their lives they ma7e him
their !rotector,
When heroes, foe to foe, give u! their odies, fighting, each side, for
children and their offs!ring.
& 5trong GodA the fol7 at need !ut forth their vigour, striving together in the
whirl of attle.
When warrior ands encounter one another some in the gra!!le ?uit
themselves li7e Indra.
( "ence many a one worshi!s the might of Indra1 hence let the rew
succeed the meal)olation.
"ence let the 5oma anish those who !our not1 even hence I 9oy to !ay the
5trong ,ne worshi!.
* Indra gives comfort to the man who truly !resses, for him who longs fot it,
the 5oma,
=ot disaffected, with devoted s!irit this man he ta7es to e his friend in
attles.
+ "e who this day for Indra !resses 5oma, !re!ares the rew and fries the
grains of arley)
Loving the hymns of that devoted servant, to him may Indra give heroic
vigour.
. When the im!etuous chief hath sought the confliet, and the lord loo7ed
u!on the long)drawn attle,
The matron calls to the 5trong God whom !ressers of 5oma have encouraged
int the dwelling.
0 "e id a small !rice for a thing of value1 I was content, returning, still
un!urchased.
"e heightened not his insufficient offer. 5im!le and clever, oth mil7 out the
udder.
1@ Who for ten milch)7ine !urchaseth from rne this Indra who is mineB
When he hath slain the 'rtras let the uyer give him ac7 to me.
11 =ow, IndraA lauded, glorified with !raises, let wealth swell high li7e
rivers for the singer.
HYMN XXV. Indra.
1. W"AT friend of man, God)loving, hath delighted, yearning therefor, this
day in Indra;s friendshi!B
Who with en7indled flame and flowing 5oma laudeth him for his great
!rotecting favourB
2 Who hath with !rayer owed to the 5oma)loverB What !ious man endues
the eams of morningB
Who see7s ond, fritridshi!, rotherhood with IndraB Who hath recourse
unto the 5age for succourB
# Who claims to)day the 6eities; !rotection, as7s Aditi for light, or the
AdityasB
,f whose !ressed stal7 of 5oma drin7 the Asvins, Indra, and Agni, well)
inclined in s!iritB
& To him shall Agni -harata give shelter1 long shall he loo7 u!on the 5un u!)
rising,
Who sayeth, Let us !ress the 9uice for Indra, man;s 4riend, the "ero
manliest of heroes.
( "im neither few men overcome, nor many to him shall Aditi give s!acious
shelter.
6ear is the !ious, the devout, to Indra dear is the Cealous, dear the 5oma)
ringer.
* This "ero curs the mighty for the Cealous1 the !resser;s rew Indra
!ossesses solely1
=o rother, 7in, or friend to him who !ours not, destroyer of the dum who
would resist him.
+ =ot with the wealthy churl who !ours no 5oma doth Indra, 5oma)drin7er,
ind alliance.
"e draws away his wealth and slays him na7ed, own 4riend to him who
offers, for olation.
. "ighest and lowest, men who stand etween diem, going, returning,
dwelling in contentment,
Those who show forth their strength when urged to attle)these are the
men who call for aid on Indra.
HYMN XXVI. Indra.
1. I WA5 aforetime %anu, I was 5urya1 I am the sage 8a7sivan, holy singer.
8utsa the son of Ar9uni I master. I am the sa!ient 3sana ehold me.
2 I have estowed the earth u!on the Arya, and rain u!on the man who
rings olation.
I guided forth the loudly)roaring waters, and the Gods moved according to
my !leasure.
# In the wild 9oy of 5oma I demolished 5amara;s forts, ninety)and)nine,
together:
And, utterly, the hundredth haitation, when hel!ing 6ivodasa Atithigva.
& -efore all irds e ran7ed this -ird, , %aruts: su!reme of falcons e this
fleet)winged 4alcon,
-ecause, strong) !inioned, with no car to ear him, he rought to %anu the
Godloved olation.
( When the -ird rought it, hence in ra!id motion sent on the wide !ath
fleet as thought he hurried.
5wift he returned with sweetness of the 5oma, and hence the 4alcon hath
ac?uired his glory.
* -earing the stal7, the 4alcon s!eeding onward, -ird ringing from afar the
draught that gladdens,
4riend of the Gods, rought, gras!ing fast, the 5oma which e ad ta7en
from yon loftiest heaven.
+ The 4alcon too7 and rought the 5oma, earing thousand liations with
him, yea, ten thousand.
The -old ,ne left %alignities ehind him, wise, in wild 9oy of 5oma, left the
foolish.
HYMN XXVII. T#! Fa,)/n.
1. I, As I lay within the wom, considered all generations of these Gods in
order.
A hundred iron fortresses confined me ut forth I flew with ra!id s!eed a
4alcon.
2 =ot at his own free !leasure did he ear me1 he con?uered with his
strength and manly courage.
5traightway the -old ,ne left the fiends ehind him and !assed the winds as
he grew yet more mighty.
# When with loud cry from heaven down s!ed the 4alcon, thence hasting
li7e the wind he ore the -old ,ne.
Then, wildly raging in his mind, the archer 8rsanu aimed and loosed the
string to stri7e him.
& The 4alcon ore him from heaven;s lofty summit as the swift car of Indra;s
4riend ore -hu9yu.
Then downward ither fell a flying feather of the -ird hasting forward in his
9ourney.
( And now let %aghavan acce!t the ea7er, white, filled with mil7, filled
with the shining li?uid:
The est of sweet meath which the !riests have offered1 that Indra to his
9oy may drin7, the "ero, that he may ta7e and drin7 it to his ra!ture.
HYMN XXVIII. Indra-S/$a.
1. ALLI26 with thee, in this thy friendshi!, 5oma, Indra for man made
waters flow together,
5lew Ahi, and sent forth the 5even /ivers, and o!ened as it were ostructed
fountains.
2 Indu, with thee for his confederate, Indra swiftly with might !ressed down
the wheel of 5urya.
What rolled, all life;s su!!ort, on heaven;s high summit was se!arated from
the great o!!ressor.
# Indra smote down, Agni consumed, , Indu, the 6asyus ere the noontide in
the conflict.
,f those who gladly sought a hard)won dwelling he cast down many a
thousand with his arrow.
& Lower than all esides hast thou, , Indra, cast down the 6asyus, a9ect
tries of 6asas.
<e drave away, ye !ut to death the foemen, and too7 great vengeance with
your murdering wea!ons.
( 5o, of a truth, Indra and 5oma, "eroes, ye urst the stale of the 7ine and
horses,
The stale which the ar or stone ostructed: and !iercing through set free
the haitations.
HYMN XXIX. Indra.
1. >,%2, lauded, unto us with !owers and succours, , Indra, with thy Tawny
5teeds: e$ulting,
Past even the foeman;s manifold liations, glorified with our hymns, true
Wealth)estower.
2 %an;s 4riend, to this our sacrifice he cometh mar7ing how he is called y
5oma)!ressers.
4earless, and conscious that his 5teeds are nole, he 9oyeth with the 5oma)
!ouring heroes.
# %a7e his cars hear, that he may show his vigour and may e 9oyful in the
way he loveth.
%ay mighty Indra !ouring forth in ounty estow on us good roads and
!erfect safety:
& "e who with succour comes to his im!lorer, the singer here who with his
song invites him:
"e who himself sets to the !ole swift >oursers, he who hath hundreds,
thousands, Thunder)wielder.
( , Indra %aghavan, y thee !rotected may we e thine, !rinces and !riests
and singers,
5haring the riches sent from lofty heaven which yields much food, and all
desire its ounty.
HYMN XXX. Indra.
1. , I=6/A, 'rtra)slayer, none is etter, mightier than thou1
'erily there is none li7e thee.
2 Li7e chariot)wheels these !eo!le all together follow after thee1
Thou ever art renowned as Great.
# =ot even all the gathered Gods con?uered thee, Indra, in the war,
When thou didst lengthen days y night.
& When for the sa7e of those o!!ressed, and 8utsa as he attled,
Thou stolest away the 5un;s car)wheel.
( When, fighting singly, Indra. thou o;ercamest all the furious Gods, thou
slewest those who strove with thee.
* When also for a mortal man, Indra, thou s!eddest forth the 5un,
And hol!est 2tasa with might.
+ WhatB 'rtra)slayer, art not thou, %aghavan, fiercest in thy wrathB
5o hast thou ?uelled the demon too.
. And this heroic deed of might thou, Indra, also hast achieved,
That thou didst smite to death the 6ame, "eaven;s 6aughter, meditating ill.
0 Thou, Indra, %ighty ,ne, didst crush 3sas, though 6aughter of the 57y.
When lifting u! herself in !ride.
1@ Then from her chariot 3sas fled, affrighted, from her ruined car.
When the strong God had shattered it.
11 5o there this car of 3sas lay, ro7en to !ieces, in 'i!as,
And she herself fled far away.
12 Thou, Indra, didst. with magic !ower resist the overflowing stream
Who s!read her waters o;er the land.
1# 'aliantly didst thou seiCe and ta7e the store which 5usna had amassed,
When thou didst crush his fortresses.
1& Thou, Indra, also smotest down 8ulitara;s son 5amara,
The 6asa, from the lofty hill.
1( ,f 6asa 'arcin;s thou didst slay the hundred thousand and the five,
>rushed li7e the fellies, of a car.
1* 5o Indra, Lord of "eroes, Powers, caused the unwedded damsel;s son,
The castaway, to share the lauds.
1+ 5o sa!ient Indra, Lord of %ight, rought Turvaga and <adu, those
Who feared the flood, in safel o;er.
1. Ar!a and >itraratha, oth Aryas, thou, Indra, slewest swift,
,n yonder side of 5arayu,
10 Thou, 'rtra)slayer, didst conduct those two forlorn, the lind, the lame.
=one may attain this liss of thine.
2@ 4or 6ivodasa, him who rought olationt, 1ndra overthrew
A hundred fortresses of stone.
21 The thirty thousand 6isas he with magic !ower and wea!ons sent
To slumer, for 6ahiti;s sa7e.
22 As such, , 'rtra)slayer, thou art general Lord of 7ine for all,
Thou 5ha7er of all things that e.
2# Indra, whatever deed of might thou hast this day to e$ecute,
=one e there now to hinder it.
2& , Watchful ,ne, may Aryaman the God give thee all goodly things.
%ay /isan, -haga, and the God 8arulati give all things fair.
HYMN XXXI. Indra.
1. WIT" what hel! will he come to us, wonderful, ever)wa$ing 4riend:
With what most mighty com!anyB
2 What genuine and most lieral draught will s!irit thee with 9uice to urst
,!en e;en strongly)guarded wealthB
# 6o thou who art Protector of us thy friends who !raise thee
With hundred aids a!!roach us.
& Li7e as a courser;s circling wheel, so turn thee hitherward to us,
Attracted y the hymns of men.
( Thou see7est as it were thine own stations with swift descent of !owers1
I share thee even with the 5un.
* What time thy courage and his wheels together, Indra, run their course
With thee and with the 5un ali7e,
+ 5o even, Lord of Power and %ight, the !eo!le call thee %aghavan,
Giver, who !auses not to thin7.
. And verily to him who toils and !resses 5oma 9uice for thee
Thou ?uic7ly givest am!le wealth.
0 =o, not a hundred hinderers can chec7 thy gracious ounty;s flow,
=or thy great deeds when thou wilt act.
1@ %ay thine assistance 7ee! us safe, thy hundred and thy thousand aids1
%ay all thy favours strengthen us.
11 6o thou elect us this !lace for friendshi! and !ros!erity,
And great celestial o!ulence.
12 4avour us, Indra, evermore with overflowing store of wealth1
With all thy succours aid thou us.
1# With new !rotections, Indra, li7e an archer, o!en thou forus
The stales that are filled with 7ine.
1& ,ur chariot, Indra, oldly moves endued with s!lendour, ne;er re!ulsed,
Winning for us oth 7ine andsteeds.
1( , 5urya, ma7e our fame to e most e$cellent among the Gods,
%ost lofty as the heaven on high.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1. , T",3 who slewest 'rtra, come, , Indra, hither to our side,
%ighty ,ne with thy mighty aids.
2 5wift and im!etuous art thou, wondrous amid the well)dressed fol71
Thou doest marvels for our hel!.
# 2ven with the wea7 thou smitest down him
who is stronger, with thy strength
The mighty, with the 4riends thou hast.
& , Indra, we are close to thee: to thee we sing aloud our songs1
"el! hnd defend us, even us.
( As such, , >aster of the 5tone, come with thy succours wonderful,
-lameless, and irresistile.
* %ay we e friends of one li7e thee, , Indra, with the wealth of 7ine,
>omrades for lively energy.
+ 4or thou, , Indra, art alone the Lord of strength that comes from 7ine
5o grant thou us aundant food.
. They turn thee not another way, when, lauded, Lover of the 5ong,
Thou wilt give wealth to those who !raise.
0 The Gotamas have sung their song of !raise to thee that thou mayst give,
Indra, for lively energy.
1@ We will declare thy hero deeds, what 6isa forts thou ra7est down,
Attac7ing them in ra!turous 9oy.
11 The sages sing those manly deeds which, Indra, Lover of the 5ong,
Thou wrougtest when the 5oma flowed.
12 Indra, the Gotamas who ring thee !raises have grown strong y thee.
Give them renown with hero sons.
1# 4or, Indra, verily thou art the general treasure even of all .
Thee, therefore, do we invocate.
1& 2$cellent Indra, turn to us1 glad thee among us with the 9uice
,f 5omas, 5oma)drin7er thou.
1( %ay !raise from us who thin7 En thee, , Indra, ring thee near to us.
Turn thy two -ay 5teeds hitherward.
1* 2at of our sacrificial ca7e1 re9oice thee in the songs we sing.
2ven as a lover in his ride.
1+ To India for a thousand steeds well)trained and fleet of foot we !ray,
And hundred 9ars of 5oma 9uice.
1. We ma7e a hundred of thy 7ine, yea, and a thousand, hasten nigh1
5o let thy ounty come to us.
10 We have otained, a gift from thee, ten water)ewers wrought of gold1
Thou, 'rtra)slayer, givest much.
2@ A ounteous Giver, give us much, ring much and not a trifling gift1
%uch, Indra, wilt thou fain estow.
21 , 'rtra)slayer, thou art famed in many a !lace as ountiful
"ero, thy ounty let us share.
22 I !raise thy !air of Tawny 5teeds, wise 5on of him who giveth 7ine
Terrify not the cows with these.
2# Li7e two slight images of girls, unroed, u!on a new)wrought !ost,
5o shine the -ay 5teeds in their course.
2& 4or me the -ays are ready when I start, or start not, with the dawn,
Innocuous in the ways they ta7e.
HYMN XXXIII. R(#us.
I. I 52=6 my voice as herald to the /hus: I crave the white cow for the
overs!reading.
Wind)s!ed, the 57illful ,nes in ra!id motion have in an instant com!assed
round the heaven.
2 What time the /us had with care and marvels done !ro!er service to
assist their Parents,
They won the friendshi! of the Gods: the 5ages carried away the fruit of
their devotion.
# %ay they who made their Parents, who were lying li7e !osts that moulder,
young again for ever,)
%ay 'a9a, 'ihvan, /hu, 9oined with Indra , !rotect our sacrifice, the
5oma)lovers.
& As for a year the /hus 7e!t the %ilch)cow, throughout a year fashioned
and formed her ody,
And through a year;s s!ace still sustained her rightness, through these their
laours they were made immortal.
( Two ea7ers let us ma7e,) thus said the eldest. Lct us ma7e three,) this
was the younger;s sentence.
4our ea7ers let us ma7e,) thus s!o7e the youngest. Tvastar a!!roved this
rede of yours, , /hus.
* The men s!a7e truth and even so they acted1 this Godli7e way of theirs
the /hus followed.
And Tvastar, when he loo7ed on the four ea7ers res!lendent as the day,
was moved with envy.
+ When for twelve days the /hus 9oyed re!osing as guests of him who never
may e hidden,
lley made fair fertile fields, they rought the rivers. Plants s!read o;er
deserts, waters filled the hollows.
. %ay they who formed the swift car, earing "eroes, and the >ow
omniform and all)im!elling,
2ven may they form wealth for us,)the /hus, de$terous)handed, deft in
wor7 and gracious.
0 5o in their wor7 the Gods had satisfaction, !ondering it with thought and
mental insight.
The Gods; e$!ert artificer was 'a9a, Indra;s /hu7san, 'aruna;s was 'ihvan.
1@ They whol made glad with sacrifice and !raises, wrought the two -ays,
his docile 5teeds, for Indra,)
/hus, as those who wish a friend to !ros!er, estow u!on us gear and
growth of riches.
11 This day have they set gladdening drin7 efore you. =ot without toil are
Gods inclined to friendshi!.
Therefore do ye who are so great, , /hus, vouchsafe us treasures at this
third liation.
HYMN XXXIV. R(#us.
1. To this our sacrifice come /hu, 'ihvan, 'a9a, and Indra with the gift of
riches,
-ecause this day hath 6hisana the Goddess set drin7 for you1 the gladdening
draughts have reached you.
2 8nowing your irth and rich in gathered treasure, /hus, re9oice together
with the /tus.
The gladdening draughts and wisdom have a!!roached you1 send ye us
riches with good store of heroes.
# 4or you was made this sacrifice, , /hus, which ye, li7e men, won for
yourselves aforetime.
To you come all who find in you their !leasure1 ye all were)even the two
elder)'a9as.
& =ow for the mortal worshi!!er, , "eroes, for him who served you, was the
gift of riches.
6rin7, 'a9as, /husA unto you is offered, to gladden you, the third and great
liation.
( >ome to us, "eroes, 'a9as and /hu7sans, glorified for the sa7e of mighty
treasure.
These draughts a!!roach you as the day is closing, as cows, whose calves
are newly)orn, their stale.
* >ome to this sacrifice of ours, ye >hildren of 5trength, invo7ed with
humle adoration.
6rin7 of this meath, Wealth)givers, 9oined with Indra with whom ye are in
full accord, ye Princes.
+ >lose 7nit with 'aruna drin7 the 5oma, Indra: close)7nit, ilymn)loverA with
the %aruts drin7 it1
>lose)7nit with drin7ers first, who drin7 in season: close)7nit with heavenly
6ames who give us treasures.
. /e9oice in full accord with the Adityas, in concord with the Parvatas, ,
/hus:
In full accord with 5avitar, 6ivine ,ne: in full accord with floods that !our
forth riches.
0 /hus, who hel!ed their Parents and the Asvins, who formed the %ilch)
cow and the !air of horses,
%ade armour, set the heaven and earth asunder,)far) reaching "eroes, they
have made good offs!ring.
1@ <e who have wealth in cattle and in ooty, in heroes, in rich sustenance
and treasure,
5uch, , ye /hus, first to drin7, re9oicing, give unto us and those who laud
our !resent.
11 <e were not far1 we have not left you thirsting, lameless in this our
sacrifice, , /hus.
/e9oice you with the %aruts and with Indra, with the 8ings, GodsA that ye
may give us riches.
HYMN XXXV. R(#us.
1. >ome hither, , ye 5ons of 5trength, ye /hus: stay not afar, ye >hildren
of 5udhanvan.
At this liation is your gift of treasure. Let gladdening draughts a!!roach
you after Indra;s.
2 "ither is come the /hus; gift of riches: here was the drin7ing of the well)
!ressed 5oma,
5ince y de$terity and s7ill as craftsmen ye made the single chalice to e
fourfold
# <e made fourfold the chalice that wag single1 ye s!a7e these words and
said, , 4riend, assist us:
Then, 'a9asA gained the !ath of life eternal, deft)handed /hus, to the
Gods; assemly.
& ,ut of what sustance was that chalice fashioned which ye made fourfold
y your art and wisdomB
=ow for the gladdening draught !ress out the li?uor, and drin7, , /hus, of
die meath of 5oma.
( <e with your cunning made your Parents youthful: the cu!, for Gods to
drin7, ye formed with cunning:
With cunning, /hus, rich in treasure, fashioned the two swift Tawny 5teeds
who carry Indra.
* Whoso !ours out for you, when days are closing, the shar! liation for
your 9oy, , 'a9as,
4or him, , mighty /hus, ye, re9oicing, have fashioned wealth with
!lenteous store of heroes.
+ Lord of -ay 5teeds, at dawn the9uice thou dran7est1 thine, only thine, is
the noonday liation.
=ow drin7 thou with the wealth)estowing /hus, whom for their s7ill thou
madest friends, , Indra.
. <e, whom your artist s7ill hath raised to Godhead have set you down aove
in heaven li7e falcons.
5o give us riches, >hildren of 5udhanvan, , 5ons of 5trength: ye have
ecome immortal.
0 The third liation, that estoweth treasure, which ye have won y s7ill, ye
de$terous)handed,)
This drin7 hath een effused for you, , /hus . drin7 it with high delight,
with 9oy li7e Indra;s.
HYMN XXXVI. R(#us.
1. T"ia car that was not made for horses or for reins, three)wheeled,
worthy of lauds, rolls round the firmament.
That is the great announcement of your 6eity, that, , ye /hus, ye sustain
2 <e 5a!ient ,nes who made the lightly)rolling car out of your mind, y
thought, the car that never errs,
<ou, eing such, to drin7 of this drin7offering, you, , ye 'a9as, and ye
/hus, we invo7e.
# , 'a9as, /hus, reaching far, among the Gods this was your e$altation
gloriously declared,
In that your aged Parents, worn with length of days, ye wrought again to
youth so that they moved at will.
& The chalice that wag single ye have made fourfold, and y your wisdom
rought the >ow forth from the hide.
5o ?uic7ly, mid the Gods, ye gained immortal life. 'a9as and /hus, your
great wor7 must e e$tolled.
( Wealth from the /hus is most glorious in renown, that which the "eroes,
famed for vigour, have !roduced.
In synods must e sung the car which 'ihvan wrought1 that which ye
favour, GodsA is famed among man7ind.
* 5trong is the steed, the man a sage in elo?uence, the owman is a hero
hard to eat in fight,
Great store of wealth and manly !ower hath he otained whom 'a9a,
'ihvan, /hus have loo7ed 7indly on.
+ To you hath een assigned the fairest ornament, the hymn of !raise1 'a9as
and /hus, 9oy therein:
4or ye have lore and wisdom and !oetic s7ill1 as such, with this our !rayer
we call on you to come.
. According to the wishes of our hearts may ye, who have full 7nowledge of
all the delights of men,
4ashion for us, , /hus, !ower and s!lendid wealth, rich in high courage,
e$cellent, and vital strength.
0 -estowing on us here riches and offs!ring, here fashion fame for us
efitting heroes.
'ouchsafe us wealth of s!lendid sort, , /hus, that we may ma7e us more
renowned than others.
HYMN XXXVII. R(#us.
1. >,%2 to our sacrifice, 'a9as, /hu7sans, Gods, y the !aths which Gods
are wont to travel,
As ye, gay Gods, acce!t in s!lendid weather the sacrifice among these fol7
of %anus.
2 %ay these rites !lease you in your heart and s!irit: may the dro!s clothed
in oil this day a!!roach you.
%ay the aundant 9uices ear you onward to !ower and strength, and, when
imied, delight you.
# <our threefold going near is God)a!!ointed, so !raise is given you, 'a9as
and /hu7sans.
5o, %anus)li7e, mid younger fol7 I offer, to you who are aloft in heaven, the
5oma.
& 5trong, with fair chains of gold and 9aws of iron, ye have a s!lendid car
and well)fed horses.
<e 5ons of 5trength, ye !rogeny of Indra, to you the est is offered to
delight you.
( /hu7sansA him, for handy wealth, the mightiest comrade in the fight,
"im, Indra;s e?ual, we invo7e, most ounteous ever, rich in steeds.
* The mortal man whom, /hus, ye and Indra favour with your hel!,
%ust e successful, y his thoughts, at sacrifice and with the steed.
+ , 'a9as and /hu7sans, free for us the !aths to sacrifice,
<e Princes, lauded, that we may !ress forward to each !oint of heaven.
. , 'a9as and /hu7sans, ye =asatyas, Indra, less this wealth,
And, efore other men;s, the steed, that am!le riches may e won.
HYMN XXXVIII. Dad#i3ris.
1. 4/,% you two came the gifts in days aforetime which Trasadasyu granted
to the Purus.
<e gave the winner of our fields and !lough)lands, and the strong smiter
who sudued the 6asytis.
2 And ye gave mighty 6adhi7ras, the giver of many gifts, who visiteth all
!eo!le,
Im!etuous haw7, swift and of varied colour, li7e a rave 8ing whom each
true man must honour.
# Whom, as ;twere down a !reci!ice, swift rushing, each Puru !raises and
his heart re9oices,)
5!ringing forth li7e a hero fain for attle, whirling the car and flying li7e the
tem!est.
& Who gaineth !recious ooty in the comats and moveth, winning s!oil,
among the cattle:
5hown in right colour, loo7ing on the assemlies, eyond the churl, to
worshi! of the living.
( Loudly the fol7 cry after him in attles, as ;twere a thief who steals away
a garment:
5!eeding to glory, or a herd of cattle, even as a hungry falcon swoo!ing
downward.
* And, fain to come forth first amid these armies, this way and that with
rows of cars he rushes,
Gay li7e a ridesman, ma7ing him a garland, tossing the dust, cham!ing the
rein that holds him.
+ And that strong 5teed, victorious and faithful, oedient with his ody in
the comat,
5!eeding straight on amid the swiftly ressing, casts o;er his rows the dust
he tosses u!ward.
. And at his thunder, li7e the roar of heaven, those who attac7 tremle and
are affrighted:
4or when he fights against emattled thousands, dread is he in his striving:
none may stay him.
0 The !eo!le !raise the over!owering swiftness of this fleet 5teed who
giveth men aundance.
,f him they say when drawing ac7 from attle. 6adhi7ras hath s!ed
forward with his thousands.
1@ 6adhi7ras hath o;ers!read the 4ivefold Peo!le with vigour, as the 5un
lightens the waters.
%ay the strong 5teed who winneth undreds, thousands, re?uite with
sweetness these my words and !raises.
HYMN XXXIX Dad#i3ras.
1. =ow give we !raise to 6adhi7ras the ra!id, and mention in our laud the
2arth and "eaven.
%ay the 6awns flushing move me to e$ertion, and ear me safely over every
troule.
2 I !raise the mighty 5teed who fills my s!irit, the 5tallion 6adhi7ravan rich
in ounties,
Whom, swift of foot aind shining right as Agni, ye, 'aruna and %itra, gave
to Purus.
# "im who hath honoured, when the flame is 7indled at rea7 of dawn, the
>ourser 6adhi7rivan,
"im, of one mind with 'aruna and %itra may Aditi ma7e free from all
transgression.
& When we rememer mighty 6adhi7ravan our food and strength, then the
lest name of %aruts,
'aruna, %itra, we invo7e for welfare, and Agni, and the thunder)wielding
Indra.
( -oth sides invo7e him as they call on Indra when they stir forth and turn to
sacrificing.
To us have 'aruna and %itra granted the >ourser 6adhi7ris, a guide for
mortals.
* 5o have I glorified with !raise strong 6adhi7ravan, con?uering 5teed.
5weet may he ma7e our mouths: may he !rolong the days we have to live.
HYMN X*. Dad#i3ravan.
1. L2T us recite the !raise of 6adhi7ravan1 may all the %ornings move me to
e$ertion:
Praise of the Lord of Waters, 6awn, and Agni, -rhas!ati 5on of Angiras, and
5urya.
2 -rave, see7ing war and ooty, dwelling with the good and with the swift,
may he hasten the food of 6awn.
%ay he the true, the fleet, the lover of the course, the ird)li7e
6adhi7ravan, ring food, strength, and light.
# "is !inion, ra!id runner, fans him m his way, as of a ird that hastens
onward to its aim,
And, as it were a falcon;s gliding through the air, stri7es 6adhi7ravan;s side
as he s!eeds on with might.
& -ound y the nec7 and y the flan7s and y the mouth, the vigorous
>ourser lends new swiftness to his s!eed.
6rawing himself together, as his strength allows, 6adhi7ras s!rings along the
windings of the !aths.
( The "amsa homed in light, the 'asu in mid)air, the !riest eside the altar,
in the house the guest,
6weller in nolest !lace, mid men, in truth, in s7y, orn of flood, 7ine,
truth, mountain, he is holy Law.
HYMN X*I. Indra-Varuna.
1. W"AT laud, , Indra)'aruna, with olation, hath li7e the Immortal Priest
otained your favourB
"ath our effectual laud, addressed with homage, touched you, , Indra)
'aruna, in s!iritB
2 "e who with dainty food hath won you, Indra and 'aruna, Gods, as his
allies to friendshi!,
Dayeth the 'rtras and his foes in attles, and through your mighty favours is
made famous.
# Indra and 'aruna are most lieral givers of treasure to the men who toil to
serve them,
When they, as 4riends inclined to friendshi!, honoured with dainty food,
delight in flowing 5oma.
& Indra and 'aruna, ye hurl, , %ighty, on him your strongest flashing olt of
thunder
Who treats us ill, the roer and o!!ressor1 measure on him your
overwhelming vigour.
( , Indra)'aruna, e ye the lovers of this my song, as steers who love the
milch)>ow.
%il7 may it yield us as, gone forth to !asture, the great >ow !ouring out her
thousand rivers.
* 4or fertile fields, for worthy sons and grandsons, for the 5un;s eauty and
for steer)li7e vigour,
%ay Indra)'aruna with gracious favours wor7 marvels for us in the stress of
attle.
+ 4or you, as Princes, for your ancient 7indness, good comrades of the man
who see7s for ooty,
We choose to us for the dear ond of friendshi!, most lieral "eroes
ringing liss li7e !arents.
. 5howing their strength, these hymns for grace, 4ree)givers I have gone to
you, devoted, as to attle.
4or glory have they gone, as mil7 to 5oma, to Indra)'aruna my thoughts and
!raises.
0 To Indra and to 'aruna, desirous of gaining wealth have these my thoughts
!roceeded.
They have come nigh to you as treasurelovers, li7e mares, fleet)footed,
eager for the glory.
1@ %ay we ourselves e lords of during riches, of am!le sustenance for car
and hones.
5o may the Twain who wor7 with newest succours ring yo7ed teams
hitherward to us and riches.
11 >ome with your mighty succours, , ye %ighty: come, Indra)'aruna, to us
in attle.
What time the flashing arrows !lay in comat, may we through you e
winners in the contest.
HYMN X*I* Indra-Varuna.
1. I A% the royal /uler, mine is em!ire, as mine who sway all life are all
Immortals.
'aruna;s will the Gods oey and follow. I am the 8ing of men;s most lofty
cover.
2 I am 8ing 'aruna. To me were given these first e$istinghigh celestial
!owers.
'aruna;s will the Gods oey and follow. I am the 8ing of men;s most lofty
cover.
# I 'aruna am Indra1 in their greatness, these the two wide dee! fairly)
fashioned regions,
These the two world)halves have I, even as Tvastar 7nowing all eings,
9oined and held together.
& I made to flow the moisture)shedding waters, and set the heaven firm in
the scat of ,rder.
-y Law the 5on of Aditi, Law ,server, hath s!read aroad the world in
threefold measure.
( "eroes with nole horses, fain for attle, selected warriors, call on me in
comat.
I Indra %aghavan, e$cite the conflict: I stir the dust, Lord of sur!assing
vigour.
* All this I did. The Gods; own con?uering !ower never im!edeth me whom
none o!!oseth.
When lauds and 5oma 9uice have made me 9oyful, oth the unounded
regions are affrighted.
+ All eings 7now these deeds of thine thou tellest this unto 'aruna, thou
great 6is!oserA
Thou art renowned as having slain the 'rtras. Thou madest flow the floods
that were ostructed.
. ,ur fathers then were these, the 5even his, what time the son of 6urgaha
was ca!tive.
4or her they gained y sacrifice Trasadasyu, a demi)god, li7e Indra,
con?uering foemen.
0 The s!ouse of Puru7utsa gave olations to you, , Indra)'aruna, with
homage.
Then unto her ye gave 8ing Trasadasyu, the demi)god, the slayer of the
foeman.
1@ %ay we, !ossessing much, delight in riches, Gods in olations and the
7ine in !asture:
And that %ilch)cow who ahrin7s not from the mil7ing, , Indra)'aruna, give
to us daily.
HYMN X*III. Asvins.
1. W", will hear, who of those who merit worshi!, which of all Gods ta7e
!leasure in our homageB
,n whose heart shall we lay this laud celestial, rich with fair offerings,
dearest to ImmortalsB
2 Who will e graciousB Who will come most uic7ly of all the GodsB Who will
ring liss most largelyB
What car do they call swift with ra!id coursersB That which the 6aughter of
the 5un elected.
# 5o many days do ye come swiftly hither, as Indra to give hel! in stress of
attle.
6escended from the s7y, divine, strong)!inioned, y which of all your
!owers are ye most mightyB
& What is the !rayer that we should ring you, Asvins, wherey ye come to
us when invocatedB
Whether of you confronts e;en great etrayalB Lovers of sweetness, 6asras,
hel! and save us.
( In the wide s!ace your chariot reacheth heaven, what time it turneth
hither from the ocean.
5weets from your sweet shall dro!, lovers of sweetnessA These have they
dressed for you as dainty viands.
* Let 5indhu with his wave edew your horses1 in fiery glow have the red
irds come hither.
,served of all was that your ra!id going, wherey ye were the Lords of
5iirya;s 6aughter.
+ Whene;er I gratified you here together, your grace was given us, , ye rich
in ooty.
Protect, ye Twain, the singer of your !raises1 to you, =asatyas, is my wish
directed.
HYMN X*IV. Asvins.
1. W2 will invo7e this day your car, fars!reading, , Asvins, even the
gathering, of the sunlight,)
>ar !raised in hymns, most am!le, rich in treasure, fitted with seats, the
car that eareth 5urya.
2 Asvins, ye gained that glory y your Godhead, ye 5ons of "eaven, y your
own might and !ower.
4ood followeth close u!on your right a!!earing when stately horses in your
chariot draw you.
# Who ringeth you to)day for hel! with offered olation, or with hymns to
drin7 the 9uicesB
Who, for the sacrifice;s ancient lover, turneth you hither, Asvins, offering
homageB
& -orne on your golden car, ye omni!resentA come to this sacrifice of ours,
=asatyas.
6rin7 of the !leasant li?uor of the 5oma give riches to the !eo!le who adore
you.
( >ome hitherward to us from earth, from heaven, orne on your golden
chariot rolling lightly.
5uffer not other worshi!!ers to stay you here are ye ound y earlier onds
of friendshi!.
* =ow for us oth, mete out, , WonderWor7ers, riches e$ceeding great with
store of heroes,
-ecause the men have sent you !raise, , Asvins, and A9amilhas come to the
laudation.
+ Whene;er I gratified you here together, your grace was given us, , ye rich
in ooty.
Protect, ye Twain, the singer of your !raises1 to you, =asatyas, is my wish
directed.
HYMN X*V. Asvins
1. <,=62/ goes u! that light1 your chariot is yo7ed that travels round u!on
the summit of this heaven.
Within this car are stored three 7indred shares of food, and a s7in filled with
meath is rustling as the fourth.
2 4orth come your viands rich with store of !leasant meath, and cars and
horses at the flushing of the dawn,
5tri!!ing the covering from the surrounded gloom, and s!reading through
mid)air right radiance li7e the 5un.
# 6rin7 of the meath with li!s accustomed to the draught: harness for the
meath;s sa7e the chariot that ye love.
/efresh the way ye go, refresh the !aths with meath1 hither, , Asvins, ring
the s7in that holds the meath.
& The swans ye have are friendly, rich in store of mcath, gold)!inioned,
strong to draw, awa7e at early morn,
5wimming the flood, e$ultant, fain for draughts that cheer1 ye come li7e
flies to our liations of)the meath.
( Well 7nowing solemn rites and rich in meath, the fires sing to the morning
Asvins at the rea7 of day,
When with !ure hands the !rudent energetic !riest hath with the stones
!ressed out the 5oma rich in meath.
* The rays advancing nigh, chasing with day the gloom, s!read through the
firmament right radiance li7e the 5un:
And the 5un harnessing his horses goeth forth1 ye through your Godli7e
nature let his !aths e 7nown.
+ 6evout in thought I have declared, , Asvins, your chariot with good
steeds, which lasts for ever,
Wherewith ye travel swiftly through the regions to the !rom!t worshi!!er
who rings olation.
HYMN X*VI. Vayu. Indra-Vayu
1. 6/I=8 the est draught of 5oma)9uice, , 'ayu, at our holy rites1
4or thou art he who drin7eth first.
2 >ome, team)drawn, with thy hundred hel!s, with Indra, seated in the car,
'aya, and drin7 your fill of 9uice.
# %ay steeds a thousand ring you oth, Indra. and 'ayu, hitherward
To drin7 the 5oma, to the feagt.
& 4or ye, , Indra)'ayu, mount the goldenseated car that aids
The sacrifice, that reaches heaven.
( ,n far)refulgent chariot come unto the man who offers gifts1
>ome, Indra)'ayu, hitherward.
* "ere, Indra)'ayu, is the 9uice1 drin7 it, accordant with the Gods,
Within the giver;s dwelling)!lace.
+ "ither, , Indra)'ayu, e your 9ourney here unyo7e your steeds,
"ere for your draught of 5oma 9uice.
HYMN X*VI* Vayu. Indra-Vayu.
1. 'ayu, the right is offered thee, est of the meath at holy rites.
>ome thou to drin7 the 5oma 9uice, God, longed)for, on thy team)drawn car.
2 , 'ayu, thou and Indra are meet drin7ers of these 5oma)draughts,
4or unto you the dro!s !roceed as waters gather to the vale.
# , Indra)'ayu, mighty Twain, s!eeding together, Lords of 5trength,
>ome to our succour with your team, that ye may drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
& The longed)for teams which ye !ossess, , "eroes, for the worshi!!er,
Turn to us, Indra)'ayu, ye to whom the sacrifice is !aid.
HYMN X*VIII. Vayu.
1. TA5T2 offerings never tasted yet, as ards en9oy the foeman;s wealth.
, 'ayu, on refulgent car come to the drin7ing of the 9uice.
2 /emoving curses, drawn y teams, with 1ndra, seated y thy side,
# The two dar7 treasuries of wealth that wear
all eauties wait on thee.
& %ay nine)and)ninety harnessed steeds who yo7e them at thy will ring
thee.
( "arness, , 'ayu, to thy car a hundred well)fed tawny steeds,
<ea, or a thousand steeds, and let thy chariot come to us with might.
HYMN X*IX. Indra-Br#as%a&i.
1. 62A/ is this offering in your mouth, , Indra and -rhas!ati1
4amed is the laud, the gladdening draught.
2 This lovely 5oma is effused, , Indra and -rhas!ati,
4or you, to drin7 it and re9oice.
# As 5oma)drin7ers to our house come, Indra and -rhas!ati)and Indra)to
drin7 5oma 9uice.
& 'ouchsafe us riches hundredfold, , Indra, and -rhas!ati,
With store of horses, thousandfold.
( , Indra. and -rhas!ati, we call you when the meath is shed,
With songs, to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
* 6rin7, Indra and -rhas!ati, the 5oma in the giver;s house1
6elight yourselves aiding there.
HYMN *. Br#as%a&i.
1. "im who with might hath !ro!!ed earth;s ends, who sitteth in threefold
seat, -rhas!ati, with thunder,
"im of the !leasant tongue have ancient sages, dee!)thin7ing, holy singers,
set efore them.
2 Wild in their course, in well)mar7ed wise re9oicing were they, -rhas!ati,
who !ressed around us.
Preserve -rhas!ati, the stall unin9ured, this com!any;s raining, ever)moving
irth!lace.
# -rhas!ati, from thy remotest distance have they sat down who love the
law eternal.
4or thee were dug wells s!ringing from the mountain, which murmuring
round aout !our streams of sweetness.
& -rhas!ati, when first he had his eing from mighty s!lendour in su!remest
heaven,
5trong, with his sevenfold mouth, with noise of thunder, with his seven rays,
lew and dis!ersed the dar7ness.
( With the loud)shouting and who sang his !raises, with thunder, he
destroyed ostructive 'ala.
-rhas!ati thundering drave forth the cattle, the lowing cows who ma7e
olations ready.
* 5erve we with sacrifices, gifts, and homage even thus the 5teer of all the
Gods, the 4ather.
-rhas!ati, may we e lords of riches, with nole !rogeny and store of
heroes.
+ 5urely that 8ing y !ower and might heroic hath made him lord of all his
foes; !osses)ions,
Who cherishes -rhas!ati well)tended, adorns and worshi!s him as foremost
sharer.
. In his own house he dwells in !eace and comfort1 to him for ever holy food
flows richly.
To him the !eo!le with free will !ay homage)the 8ing with whom the
-rahman hat !recedence.
0 "e, uno!!osed, is master of the riches.of his own su9ects and of hostile
!eo!le.
The Gods u!hold that 8ing with their !rotection who hel!s the -rahman
when he see7s his favour.
1@ Indra, -rhas!ati, rainers of treasure, re9oicing at this sacrifice drin7 the
5oma.
Let the aundant dro!s sin7 dee! within you1 vouchsafe us riches with full
store of heroes.
11 -rhas!ati and Indra, ma7e us !ros!er may this e your enevolence to
usward.
Assist our holy thoughts, wa7e u! our s!irit1 wea7en the hatred of our foe
and rivals.
HYMN *I. Da-n.
1. 4,/T" from the dar7ness in the region eastward this most aundant
s!lendid light hat mounted.
=ow verily the far)refulgent %ornings, 6aughters of "eaven, ring welfare
to the !eo!le.
2 The richly)coloured 6awns have mounted eastward, li7e !illars !lanted at
our sacrifices,
And, flushing far, s!lendid and !urifying, unarred the !ortals of the fold of
dar7ness.
# 6is!elling gloom this day the wealthy %ornings urge lieral givers to
!resent their treasures.
In the unlightened de!th of dar7ness round them let niggard traffic7ers
slee! unawa7ened.
& , Goddesses, is this your car, I as7 you, ancient this day, or is it new, ye
%ornings,
Wherewith, rich 6awns, ye see7 with wealth =avagva, 6asagva Angira, the
seven)toned singerB
( With horses harnessed y eternal ,rder, Goddesses, swiftly round the
worlds ye travel,
Arousing from their rest, , 6awns, the slee!ing, and all that lives, man,
ird, and east, to motion.
* Which among these is eldest, and where is she through whom they fi$ed
the /hus; regulationsB
What time the s!lendid 6awns go forth for s!lendour, they are not 7nown
a!arto ali7e, unwasting.
+ -lest were these 6awns of old, shining with succour, true with the truth
that s!rings from holy ,rder:
With whom the toiling worshi!!er, y !raises, hymning and lauding, soon
attained to riches.
. "ither from eastward all at once they travel, from one !lace s!reading in
the selfsame manner.
Awa7ing, from the seat of holy ,rder the Godli7e 6awns come nigh li7e
troo!s of cattle.
0 Thus they go forth with undiminished colours, these %ornings similar, in
self)same fashion,
>oncealing the gigantic might of dar7ness with radiant odies right and
!ure and shining.
1@ , Goddesses, , "eaven;s refulgent 6aughters, estow u!on us wealth
with store of children.
As from our !leasant !lace of rest ye rouse us may we e masters of heroic
vigour.
11 Well)s7illed in lore of sacrifice, ye 6aughters of "eaven, refulgent
6awns, I thus address you.
%ay we e glorious among the !eo!le. %ay "eaven vouchsafe us this, and
2arth the Goddess,
HYMN *I* Da-$.
1. T"I5 Lady, giver of delight, after her 5ister shining forth, 6aughter of
"eaven, hath shown herself.)
2 3nfailing, %other of the 8ine, in colour li7e a right red mare,
The 6awn ecame the Asvins; 4riend.
# <ea, and thou art the Asvins; 4riend, the %other of the 8ine art thou1
, 6awn thou rulest over wealth.
& Thin7ing of thee, , 9oyous ,ne, as her who driveth hate away,
We wo7e to meet thee with our lauds.
( ,ur eyes ehold thy lessed rays li7e troo!s of cattle loosed to feed.
6awn hath filled full the wide e$!anse.
* When thou hast filled it, 4ulgent ,neA thou layest are the gloom with
light.
After thy nature aid us, 6awn.
+ Thou overs!readest heaven with rays, the dear wide region of mid)air.
With thy right shining lustre, 6awn.
HYMN *III. Savi&ar.
1. ,4 5avitar the God, the sa!ient Asura, we crave this great gift which is
worthy of our choice,
Wherewith he freely grants his worshi!er defence. This with his rays the
Great God hath vouchsafed to us.
2 5ustainer of the heaven, Lord of the whole world;s life, the 5age, he
!utteth on his golden)coloured mail.
>lear)sighted, s!reading far, filling the s!acious realm, 5avitar hath rought
forth liss that deserveth laud.
# "e hath filled full the regions of the heaven and earth1 the God for his
own strengthening wa7eth u! the hymn.
5avitar hath stretched out his arms to cherish life, !roducing with his rays
and lulling all that moves.
& Lighting all living creatures, neer to e deceived, 5avitar, God, !rotects
each holy ordinance.
"e hath stretched out his arms to all the fol7 of earth, and, with his laws
oserved, rules his own mighty course.
( 5avitar thrice surrounding with his mightiness mid)air, three regions, and
the tri!le s!here of light,
5ets the three heavens in motion and the threefold earth, and willingly
!rotects us with his tri!le law.
* %ost gracious God, who rings to life and lulls to rest, he who controls the
world, what moves not and what moves,
%ay he vouchsafe us shelter, )5avitar the God,) for tran?uil life, with tri!le
ar against distress.
+ With the year;s seasons hath 5avitar, God, come nigh1 may he !ros!er our
home, give food and nole sons.
%ay he invigorate us through the days and nights, and may he send us
o!ulence with !rogeny.
HYMN *IV. Savi&ar.
1. =ow must we !raise and honour 5avitar the God1 at this time of the day
the men must call to him,
"im who distriutes wealth to %anu;s !rogeny, that he may grant us here
riches most e$cellent.
2 4or thou at first !roducest for the holy Gods the nolest of all !ortions,
immor)tality1
Thereafter as a gift to men, , 5avitar, thou o!enest e$istence, life
succeeding life.
# If we, men as we are, have sinned against the Gods through want of
thought, in wea7ness, or through insolence,
Asolve us from the guilt and ma7e us free from sin, , 5avitar, ali7e among
oth Gods and men.
& =one may im!ede that !ower of 5avitar the God wherey he will maintain
the universal world.
What the fair)fingered God rings forth on earth;s e$!anse or in the heightof
heaven, that wor7 of his stands sure.
( To lofty hills thou sendest those whom Indra leads, and givest fi$ed aodes
with houses unto these.
"owever they may fly and draw themselves a!art, still, 5avitar, they stand
oeying thy ehest.
* %ay the liations !oured to thee thrice daily, day after day, , 5avitar,
ring us lessing.
%ay Indra, "eaven, 2arth, 5indhu with the Waters, Aditi with Adityas, give
us shelter.
HYMN *V. Visv!d!vas.
1. W", of you, 'asus, savethB who !rotectethB , "eaven and 2arth and
Aditi, !reserve us,
'aruna., %itra, from the stronger mortal. Gods, which of you at sacrifice
giveth comfortB
2 They who with laud e$tol the ancient statutes, when they shine forth
infallile dividers,
"ave ordered as !er!etual ,rdainers, and eamed as holy)thoughted
WonderWor7ers.
# The "ousewife Goddess, Aditi, and 5indhu, the Goddess 5vasti I im!lore
for friendshi!1
And may the unostructed =ight and %orning oth, day and night, !rovide
for our !rotection.
& Aryaman, 'aruna have disclosed the !athway, Agni as Lord of 5trength the
road to welfare.
Lauded in manly mode may Indra)'isnu grant us their !owerful defence and
shelter.
( I have esought the favourof the %aruts, of Parvata, of -haga God who
rescues.
4rom troule caused y man the Lord !reserve us: from woe sent y his
friend let %itra save us.
* Agree, through these our watery olations, Goddesses, "eaven and 2arth,
with Ahiudhnya.
As if to win the sea, the Gharma)heaters have o!ened, as they come anear,
the rivers.
+ %ay Goddess Aditi with Gods defend us, save us the saviour God with care
unceasing.
We dare not stint the sacred food of %itra and 'aruna u!on the ac7 of Agni.
. Agni is 5ovran Lord of wealth, Agni of great !ros!erity1
%ay he estow these gifts on us.
0 "ither to us, rich !leasant 6awn, ring many things to e desired,
Thou who hast am!le store of wealth.
1@ 5o then may -haga, 5avitar, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman, Indra, with ounty
come to us.
HYMN *VI. H!av!n and Ear&#.
1. %A< mighty "eaven and 2arth, most meet for honour, e !resent here
with light and gleaming s!lendours:
When, fi$ing them a!art, vast, most e$tensive, the 5teer roars loudly in far)
reaching courses.
2 The Goddesses with Gods, holy with holy, the Two stand !ouring out their
rain, e$haustless1
4aithful and guileless, having Gods for children, leaders of sacrifice with
shining s!lendours.
# 5ure in the worlds he was a s7ilful >raftsman, he who !roduced these
Twain the 2arth and "eaven.
Wise, with his !ower he rought oth realms, together s!acious and dee!,
wellfashioned, unsu!!orted.
& , "eaven and 2arth, with one accord !romoting, with high !rotection as
of Eueens, our welfare,
4ar)reaching, universal, holy, guard us. %ay we, car)orne, through song e
victors ever.
( To oth of you, , "eaven and 2arth, we ring our lofty song of !raise,
Pure ,nesA to glorify you oth.
* <e sanctify each other;s form, y your own !ro!er might ye rule,
And from of old oserve the Law.
+ 4urthering and fulfilling, ye, , %ighty, !erfect %itra;s Law.
<e sit around our sacrifice.
HYMN *VII. Ks!&ra%a&i' E&).
1. W2 through the %aster of the 4ield, even as through a friend, otain
What nourisheth our 7ine and steeds. In such may he e good to us.
2 As the cow yieldeth mil7, !our for us freely, Lord of the 4ield, the wave
that eareth sweetness,
6istilling meath, well)!urified li7e utter, and let the. Lords of holy Law e
gracious.
# 5weet e the !lants for us. the heavens, the waters, and full of sweets for
us e air;s mid)region.
%ay the 4ield;s Lord for us e full of sweetness, and may we follow after him
unin9ured.
& "a!!ily wor7 our steers and men, may the !lough furrow ha!!ily.
"a!!ily e the traces ound: ha!!ily may he !ly the goad.
( 5una and 5ira, welcome ye this laud, and with the mil7 which ye have
made in heaven
-edew ye oth this earth of ours.
* Aus!icious 5ita, come thou near1 we venerate and worshi! thee
That thou mayst less and !ros!er us and ring us fruits aundantly.
+ %ay Indra !ress the furrow down, may Pusan guide its course aright.
%ay she, as rich in mil7, e drained for us through each succeeding year.
. "a!!ily let the shares turn u! the !loughland, ha!!ily go the !loughers
with the o$en.
With meath and mil7 Par9anya ma7e us ha!!y. Grant us !ros!erity, 5una and
5ira.
HYMN *VIII. G#r&a.
1. 4,/T" from the ocean s!rang the wave of sweetness1 together with the
stal7 it turned to Amrta,
That which is holy oil;s mysterious title1 ut the Gods; tongue is truly Amrta;s
centre.
2 Let us declare aloud the name of Ghrta, and at this sacrifice hold it u!
with homage.
5o let the -rahman hear the !raise we utter. This hath the four)horned
-uffalo emitted.
# 4our are his horns, three are the feet that ear him: his heads are two, his
hands are seven in numer.
-ound with a tri!le ond the 5teer roars loudly1 the mighty God hath
entered in to mortals.
& That oil in tri!le sha!e the Gods discovered laid down within the >ow,
concealed y Panis.
Indra !roduced one sha!e, 5urya another1 y their own !ower they formed
the third from 'ena.
( 4rom inmost reservoir in countless channels flow down these rivers which
the foe eholds not.
I loo7 u!on the streams of oil descending, and loA the Golden /eed is there
among them.
* Li7e rivers our liations flow together, cleansing themselves in inmost
heart and s!irit.
The streams of holy oil !our swiftly downward li7e the wild easts that fly
efore the owman.
+ As rushing down the ra!ids of a river, flow swifter than the wind the
vigorous currents,
The streams of oil in swelling fluctuation li7e a red courser ursting through
the fences.
..Li7e women at a gathering fair to loo7 on and gently smiling, they incline
to Agni.
The streams of holy oil attain the fuel, and Datavedas 9oyfully receives
them.
0 As maidens doc7 themselves with gay adornment to 9oin the ridal feast, I
now ehold them.
Where 5oma flows and sacrifice is ready, thither the streams of holy oil are
running.
1@ 5end to our eulogy a herd of cattle estow u!on us e$cellent !ossessions.
-ear to the Gods the sacrifice we offer the streams of oil flow !ure and full
of sweetness.
11 The universe de!ends u!on thy !ower and might within the sea, within
the heart, within all life.
%ay we attain that sweetly)flavoured wave of thine, rought, at its
gathering, o;er the surfaceof the floods.
RIG VEDA - THE FIFTH BOOK
HYMN I. Agni
1. Agni is wa7ened y the !eo!le;s fuel to meet the 6awn who cometh li7e a
milch)cow.
Li7e young trees shooting u! on high their ranches, his flames are rising to
the vault of heaven.
2 4or worshi! of the Gods the Priest was wa7ened1 at morning gracious Agni
hath arisen.
8indled, his radiant might is made a!!arent, and the great 6eity set free
from dar7ness.
# When he hath stirred the line of his attendants, with the !ure mil7 !ure
Agni is anointed.
The strength)estowing gift is then made ready, which s!read in front, with
tongues, erect, he drin7eth.
& The s!irits of the !ious turn together to Agni, as the eyes of all to 5urya.
"e, when oth 6awns of different hues have orne him, s!rings u! at
dayrea7 as a strong white charger.
( The nole ,ne was orn at days; eginning, laid red in colour mid the well)
laid fuel.
<ielding in every house his seven rich treasures, Agni is seated, Priest most
s7illed in worshi!.
* Agni hath sat him down, a Priest most s7ilful, on a sweet)smelling !lace,
his %other;s osom.
<oung, faithful, sage, !reeminent o;er many, 7indled among the fol7 whom
he sustaineth.
+ This 5inger e$cellent at sacrifices, Agni the Priest, they glorify with
homage.
"im who s!read out oth worlds y Law 2ternal they alm with oil, strong
5teed who never faileth.
.. "e, worshi!ful "ouse)4riend, in his home is worshi!!ed, our own
aus!icious guest, lauded y sages.
That strength the -ull with thousand horns !ossesses. In might, , Agni, thou
e$cellest others.
0 Thou ?uic7ly !assest y all others, Agni, for him to whom thou hast
a!!eared most lovely,
Wondrously fair, adorale, effulgent, the guest of men, the darling of the
!eo!le.
1@ To thee, %ost <outhful GodA to thee, , Agni from near and far the !eo!le
ring their triute.
%ar7 well the !rayer of him who est e$tols thee. Great, high, aus!icious,
Agni, is thy shelter.
11 Ascend to)day thy s!lendid car, , Agni, in s!lendour, with the "oly ,nes
around it.
8nowing the !aths y mid)air;s s!acious region ring hither Gods to feast on
our olation.
12 To him adorale, sage, strong and mighty we have sung forth our song of
!raise and homage.
Gavisthira hath raised with !rayer to Agni this laud far)reaching, li7e gold
light to heaven.
HYMN II. Agni.
1. T"2 youthful %other 7ee!s the -oy in secret !ressed to her close, nor
yields him to the 4ather.
-ut, when he lies u!on the arm, the !eo!le see his unfading countenance
efore them.
2 What child is this thou carriest as handmaid, , <outhful ,neB The >onsort)
Eueen hath ome him.
The -ae unorn increased through many autumns. I saw him orn what
time his %other are him.
# I saw him from afar gold)toothed, right)coloured, hurling his wea!ons
from his haitation,
What time I gave him Amrta free from mi$ture. "ow can the Indraless, the
hymnless harm meB
& I saw him moving from the !lace he dwells in, even as with a herd,
rilliantly shining.
These seiCed him not1 he had een orn already. They who were grey with
age again grow youthful.
( Who se!arate my young ull from the cattle, they whose !rotector was in
truth no strangerB
Let those whose hands have seiCed u!on them free them. %ay he,
oservant, drive the herd to us)ward.
* %id mortal men godless have secreted the 8ing of all who live, home of
the !eo!le.
5o may the !rayers of Atri give him freedom. /e!roached in turn e those
who now re!roach him.
+ Thou from the sta7e didst loose e;en 5unahse!a ound for a thousand: for
he !rayed with fervour.
5o, Agni, loose from us the onds that ind us, when thou art seated here, ,
Priest who 7nowest.
. Thou hast s!ed from me, Agni, in thine anger1 this the !rotector of Gods;
Laws hath told me.
Indra who 7noweth ent his eye u!on thee1 y him instructed am I come, ,
Agni.
0 Agni shines far and wide with lofty s!lendour, and y his greatness ma7es
all things a!!arent.
"e con?uers godless and malign enchantments, and shar!ens oth his horns
to gore the /a7sas.
1@ Loud in the heaven aove e Agni;s roarings with 7een)edged wea!ons to
destroy the demons.
4orth urst his s!lendours in the 5oma;s ra!ture. The godless ands !ress
round ut cannot stayhim.
11 As a s7illed craftsman ma7es a car, a singer I, %ighty ,neA this hymn for
thee have fashioned.
If thou, , Agni, God, acce!t it gladly, may we otain therey the heavenly
Waters.
12 %ay he, the strong)nec7ed 5teer, wa$ing in vigour, gather the foeman;s
wealth with none to chec7 him.
Thus to this Agni have the Immortals s!o7en. To man who s!reads the grass
may he grant shelter, grant shelter to the man who rings olation.
HYMN III. Agni.
1. T",3 at thy irth art 'aruna, , Agni: when thou art 7indled thou
ecomest %itra.
In thee, , 5on of 5trength, all Gods are centred. Indra art thou to man who
rings olation.
2 Aryaman art thou as regardeth maidens mysterious, is thy name, , 5elf)
sustainer.
As a 7ind friend with streams of mil7 they alm thee what time thou ma7cst
wife and lord one)minded.
# The %aruts dec7 their eauty for thy glory, yea, /udraA for thy irth fair,
rightly)coloured.
That which was fi$ed as 'isnu;s loftiest station)therewith the secret of the
>ows thou guardest.
& Gods through thy glory, God who art so lovelyA granting aundant gifts
gained life immortal.
As their own Priest have men estalished Agni: and serve him fain for !raise
from him who liveth.
( There is no !riest more s7illed than thou in worshi!: none 5elf)sustainer
!ass thee in wisdom.
Ile man within whose house as guest thou dwellest, , God, y sacrifice shall
con?uer mortals.
* Aided y thee, , Agni may we con?uer through our olation, fain for
wealth, awa7ened1
%ay we in attle, in the days; assemlies,, 5on of 5trength, y riches
con?uer mortals.
+ "e shall ring evil on the evil)!lottcr whoever turns against us sin and
outrage.
6estroy this calumny of him, , Agni, whoever in9ures us with doule)
dealing.
. At this dawn;s flushing, GodA our ancient fathers served thee with
offerings, ma7ing thee their envoy,
When, Agni, to the store of wealth thou goest, a God cn7indled with good
things y mortals.
0 5ave, thou who 7nowest, draw thy father near thee, who counts as thine
own son, , >hild of Power.
, sa!ient Agni, when wilt thou regard usB When, s7illed in holy Law, wilt
thou direct usB
1@ Adoring thee he gives thee many a title, when thou, Good LordA
acce!test this as 4ather.
And doth not Agni, glad in strength of Godhead, gain s!lendid liss when he
hath wa$en mightyB
11 %ost <outhful Agni, verily thou earest thy !raiser safely over all his
troules.
Thieves have een seen y us and o!en foemen1 un7nown have een the
!lottings of the wic7ed.
12 To thee these eulogies have een directed1 or to the 'asu hath this sin
een s!o7en.
-ut this our Agni, flaming high, shall never yield us to calumny, to him who
wrongs us.
HYMN IV. Agni.
1. , AG=I, 8ing and Lord of wealth and treasures, in thee is my delight at
sacrifices.
Through thee may we otain the strength we long for, and overcome the
fierce attac7s of mortals.
2 Agni, 2ternal 4ather, offering) earer, fair to ehold, far)reaching, far)
refulgent,
4rom well)7e!t household fire eam food to feed us, and measure out to us
aundant glory.
# The 5age of men, the Lord of human races, !ure, !urifying Agni, almed
with utter,
"im the ,mniscient as your Priest ye stalish1 he wins among the Gods
things worth the choosing.
& Agni, en9oy, of one accord with Ila, striving in rivalry with eams of 5arya,
2n9oy, , Datavedas, this our fuel, and ring the Gods to us to taste
olations.
( As dear "ouse)4riend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our sacrifice
come thou who 7nowest.
And, Agni, having scattered all assailants, ring to us the !ossessions of our
foemen.
* 6rive thou away the 6asyu with thy wea!on. As, gaining vital !ower for
thine own ody,
, 5on of 5trength, the Gods thou satisfiest, so in fight save us, most heroic
Agni.
+ %ay we, , Agni, with our lauds adore thee, and with our gifts, fair)
eaming PurifierA
5end to us wealth containing all things !recious1 estow u!on us every sort
of riches.
. 5on of 5trength, Agni, dweller in three regions, acce!t our sacrifice and
our olation.
Among the Gods may we e counted !ious1 !rotect us with a tri!ly)guarding
shelter.
0 ,ver all woes and dangers, Datavedas, ear us as in a oat across a river.
Praised with our homage even as Atri !raised thee, , Agni, e the guardian
of our odies.
1@ As I, rememering thee with grateful s!irit, a mortal, call with might on
thee Immortal,
'ouchsafe us high renown, , Datavedas, and may I e immortal y my
children.
11 The !ious man, , Datavedas Agni, to whom thou grantest am!le room and
!leasure,
Gaineth aundant wealth with sons and horses, with heroes and with 7ine
for his well)eing.
HYMN V. A%ris.
1. To Agni, Datavedas, to the flame, the well)en7indled God,
,ffer thic7 sacrificial oil.
2 "e, =arasamsa, ne;er eguiled, ins!iriteth this sacrifice1
4or sage is he, with sweets in hand.
# Adored, , Agni, hither ring Indra the Wonderful, the 4riend,
,n lightly)rolling car to aid.
& 5!read thyself out, thou soft as wool The holy hymns have sung to thee.
-ring gain to us, , eautifulA
( ,!en yourselves, ye 6oors 6ivine, easy of access for our aid1
4ill, more and more, the sacrifice.
* 4air strengtheners of vital !ower, young %others of eternal Law,
%orning and =ight we su!!licate.
+ ,n the wind;s flight come, glorified, ye two celestial Priests of man
>ome ye to this our sacrifice.
. lA 5arasvati, %ahl, three Goddesses who tring us weal,
-e seated harmless on the grass.
0 /ich in all !lenty, Tvastar, come aus!icious of thine own accord
"el! us in every sacrifice.
1@ 'anas!ati, wherever thou 7nowest the Gods; mysterious names,
5end our olations thitherward.
11 To Agni and to 'aruna, Indra, the %aruts, and the Gods,
With 5vaha e olation rought.
HYMN VI. Agni.
1. I 'AL32 Agni that good Lord, the home to which the 7ine return1
Whom fleet)foot coursers see7 as home, and strong enduring steeds as
home. -ring food to those who sing thy !raise.
2 ;Tis Agni whom we laud as good, to whom the milch)7ine come in herds,
To whom the chargers swift of foot, to whom our well)orn !rinces come.
-ring food to those who sing thy !raise.
# Agni the God of all man7ind, gives, verily, a steed to man.
Agni gives !recious gear for wealth, treasure he gives when he is !leased.
& God, Agni, we will 7indle thee, rich in thy s!lendour, fading not,
5o that this glorious fuel may send forth y day its light for thee. -ring food
to those who sing thy !raise.
( To thee the s!lendid, Lord of flame, right, wondrous, Prince of men, is
rought.
,lation with the holy verse, , Agni, earer of our gifts.
* These Agnis in the seats of the fire nourish each thing most e$cellent.
They give delight, they s!read aroad, they move themselves continually.
+ Agni, these rilliant flames of thine wa$ li7e strong chargers mightily,
Who with the treadings of their hoofs go swiftly to the stalls of 7ine. -ring
food to those who sing thy !raise.
. To us who laud thee, Agni, ring fresh food and safe and ha!!y homes.
%ay we who have sung hymns to thee have thee for envoy in each house.
0 Thou, rilliant God, within thy mouth warmest oth ladies of the oil.
5o fill us also, in our hymns, aundantly, , Lord of 5trength,-ring food to
those who sing thy !raise.
1@ Thus Agni have we duly served with sacrifices and with hymns.
5o may he give us what we crave, store of rave sons and fleet)foot steeds.
HYMN VII. Agni.
1. ,442/ to Agni, , my friends, your seemly food, your seemly !raise:
To him su!remest o;er the fol7, the 5on of 5trength, the mighty Lord1
2 "im in whose !resence, when they meet in full assemly, men re9oice:
2ven him whom worthy ones inflame, and living creatures ring to life.
# When we !resent to him the food and sacrificial gifts of men,
"e y the might of s!lendour gras!s the holy ,rdinance;s rein.
& "e gives a signal in the night even to him who is afar,
When he, the -right, unchanged y eld, consumes the sovrans of the wood.
( "e in whose service on the ways they offer u! their dro!s of sweat,
,n him is their high 7in have they mounted, as ridges on the earth.
* Whom, sought of many, mortal man hath found to e the 5tay of all:
"e who gives flavour to our food, the home of every man that lives.
+ 2ven as a herd that cro!s the grass he shears the field and wilderness,
With flashing teeth and eard of gold, deft with his unaated might.
. 4or him, to whom, right as an a$e he, as to Atri, hath flashed forth,
"ath the well)earing %other orne, !roducing when her time is come.
0 Agni to whom the oil is shed y him thou lovest to su!!ort,
-estow u!on these mortals fame and s!lendour and intelligence.
1@ 5uch Ceal hath he, resistless one1 he gained the cattle given y thee.
Agni, may Atri overcome the 6asyus who estow no gifts, sudue the men
who give no food.
HYMN VIII. Agni.
1. , AG=I urged to strength, the men of old who loved the Law en7indled
thee,
the Ancient, for their aid,
Thee very right, and holy, nourisher of all, most e$cellent, the 4riend and
%aster of the home.
2 Thee, Agni, men have stalished as their guest of old, as %aster of the
household, thee, with hair of flame:
"igh)annered, multiform, distriutor of wealth, 7ind hel!er, good
!rotector, drier of the floods.
# The tries of men !raise thee, Agni, who 7nowest well urnt offerings, the
6iscerner, lavishest of wealth,
6welling in secret, -lest ,neA visile to all, loud)roaring, s7illed in worshi!,
glorified with oil.
& 2ver to thee, , Agni, as e$ceeding strong have we drawn nigh with songs
and reverence singing hymns.
5o e thou !leased with us, AngirasA as a God en7indled y the nole with
man;s goodly light.
( Thou, AgniA multiform, God who art lauded muchA givest in every house
susistence as of old.
Thou rulest y thy might o;er food of many a sort1 that light of thine when
laCing may not e o!!osed.
* The Gods, %ost <outhful Agni, have made thee, inflamed, the earer of
olations and the messenger.
Thee, widely)reaching, homed in sacred oil, invo7ed, effulgent, have they
made the 2ye that stirs the thought.
+ %en see7ing 9oy have lit thee worshi!!ed from of old, , Agni, with good
fuel and with sacred oil.
5o thou, edewed and wa$ing mighty y the !lants, s!readest thyself
aroad over the realms of earth.
HYMN IX. Agni.
1. -2A/I=G: olations mortal men, , Agni, worshi! thee the God.
I deem thee Datavedas1 ear our offerings, thou, unceasingly.
2 In the man;s home who offers gifts, where grass is trimmed, Agni is Priest,
To whom all sacrifices come and strengthenings that win renown.
# Whom, as an infant newly)orn, the 7indling)stic7s have rought to life,
5ustainer of the tries of men, s7illed in well)ordered sacrifice.
& <ea, very hard art thou to gras!, li7e offs!ring of the wriggling sna7es,
When thou consumest many woods li7e an o$, Agni, in the mead.
( Whose flames, when thou art sending forth the smo7e, com!letely reach
the mar7,
When Trta in the height of heaven, li7e as a smelter fanneth thee, e;en as a
smelter shar!eneth thee.
* , Agni, y thy succour and y %itra;s friendly furtherance,
%ay we, averting hate, suue the wic7edness of mortal men.
+ , Agni, to our heroes ring such riches, thou victorious God.
%ay he !rotect and nourish us, and hel! in aining strength1 e thou near us
in *rht for our success.
HYMN X. Agni.
1. -/I=G us most mighty s!lendour thou, Agni, resistless on thy way.
With overflowing store of wealth mar7 out for us a !ath to strength.
2 ,urs art thou, wondrous Agni, ywisdom and ounteousness of !ower.
The might of Asuras rests on thee, li7e %itra worshi!ful in act.
# Agni, increase our means of life, increase the house and home of these,
The men, the !rinces who have won great riches through our hymns of
!raise.
& -right Agni, they who dec7 their songs for thee have horses as their meed.
The men are mighty in their might, they whose high laud, as that of heaven,
awa7es thee of its own accord.
( , Agni, those res!lendent flames of thine go valorously forth,
Li7e lightnings flashing round us, li7e a rattling car that see7s the s!oil.
* =ow, Agni, come to succour us: let !riests draw nigh to offer gifts:
And let the !atrons of our rites sudue all regions of the earth.
+ -ring to us, Agni, Angiras, lauded of old and lauded now,
Invo7erA wealth to ?uell the strong, that singers may e$tol thee. -e near us
in fight for our success.
HYMN XI. Agni.
1. T"2 watchful Guardian of the !eo!le hath een orn, Agni, the very
strong, for fresh !ros!erity.
With oil u!on his face, with high heaventouching flame, he shineth
s!lendidly, !ure, for the -haratas.
2 2nsign of sacrifice, the earliest "ousehold)Priest, the. men have 7indled
Agni in his threefold seat,
With Indra and the Gods together on the grass let the wise Priest sit to
com!lete the sacrifice.
# Pure , unadorned, from thy two %others art thou orn1 thou camest
from'ivasvan as a charming 5age.
With oil they strengthened thee, , Agni, worshi!!ed God1 thy anner was
the smo7e that mounted to the s7y.
& %ay Agni graciously come to our sacrifice. The men ear Agni here and
there in every house.
"e hath ecome an envoy, earer of our gifts1 electing Agni, men choose
one e$ceeding wise.
( 4or thee, , Agni, is this sweetest !rayer of mine1 dear to thy s!irit e this
!roduct of my thought.
As great streams fill the river so our song of !raise fill thee, and ma7e thee
yet more mighty in thy strength.
* , Agni, the Angirases discovered thee what time thou layest hidden,
fleeing ac7 from wood to wood.
Thou y attrition art !roduced as con?uer.ing might, and men, , Angiras,
call thee the 5on of 5trength.
HYMN XII. Agni.
I. To Agni, lofty Asura, meet for worshi!, 5teer of eternal Law, my !rayer I
offer:
I ring my song directed to the %ighty li7e !ure oil for his mouth at
sacrifices.
2 %ar7 the Law, thou who 7nowest, yea, oserve it1 send forth the full
streams of eternal ,rder.
I use no sorcery with might or falsehood the sacred Law of the /ed 5teer I
follow.
# "ow hast thou, follower of the Law eternal, ecome the 7nower of a new
song, AgniB
The God, the Guardian of the seasons, 7nows me1 the Lord of him who won
this wealth I 7now not.
& Who, Agni, in alliance with thy foeman, what s!lendid hel!ers won for
them their richesB
Agni, who guard the dwelling)!lace of falsehoodB Who are !rotectors of the
s!eech of liarsB
( Agni, those friends of thine have turned them from thee1 gracious of old,
they have ecome ungracious.
They have deceived themselves y their own s!eeches, uttering wic7ed
words against the righteous.
* "e who !ays sacrifice to thee with homage, , Agni, 7ee!s the /ed 5teer;s
Law eternal:
Wide is his dwelling. %ay the nole offi!ring of =ahusa who wandered forth
come hither.
HYMN XIII. Agni.
1. WIT" songs of !raise we call on thee, we 7indle thee with songs of !raise,
Agni, )with songs of !raise, for hel!.
2 2ager for wealth, we meditate Agni;s effectual !raise to)day,
Praise of the God who touches heaven.
# %ay Agni, Priest among man7ind, ta7e !leasure in our songs of !raise,
And worshi! the >elestial 4ol7.
& Thou, Agni, art s!read widely forth, Priest dear and e$cellent: through
thee
%en ma7e the sacrifice com!lete.
( 5ingers e$alt thee, Agni, well lauded, est giver of our strength1
5o grant thou us heroic might.
* Thou Agni, as the felly rings the s!o7es, encom!assest the Gods.
1 yearn for ounty manifold.
HYMN XIV. Agni.
1. 2=8I=6LI=G the Immortal, wa7e Agni with song of !raise1 may he ear
our olations to the Gods.
2 At high solemnities mortal men glorify him the Immortal, est
At sacrifice among man7ind.
# That he may ear their gifts to heaven, all glorify him Agni, God,
With ladle that distilleth oil.
& Agni shone right when orn, with light 7illing the 6asyus and the dar71
"e found the 8ine, the 4loods, the 5un.
( 5erve Agni, God adorale, the 5age whose ac7 is almed with oil1
Let him a!!roach, and hear my call.
* They have e$alted Agni, God of all man7ind, with oil and hymns
,f !raise, devout and elo?uent.
HYMN XV. Agni.
1. To him, the far)renowned, the wise ,rdainer, ancient and glorious, a song
I offer.
2nthroned in oil, the Asura, liss)giver, is Agni, firm su!!ort of nole, riches.
2 -y holy Law they 7e!t su!!orting ,rder, y hel! of sacrifice, in loftiest
heaven,)
They who attained with orn men to the unorn, men seated on that stay,
heaven;s firm sustainer.
# Averting woe, they laour hard to ring him, the ancient, !lenteous food
as !ower resistless.
%ay he, orn newly, con?uer his assailants1 round him they stand as round
an angry lion.
& When, li7e a mother, s!reading forth to nourish, to cherish and regard
each man that liveth,)
>onsuming all the strength that thou hast gotten, thou wanderest round,
thyself,
in varied fashion.
( %ay strength !reserve the com!ass of thy vigour, GodA that road stream
of thine that eareth riches.
Thou, li7e a thief who 7ee!s his refuge secret, hast hol!en Atri to great
wealth, y teaching.
HYMN XVI. Agni.
1. G/2AT !ower is in the eam of light, sing !raise to, Agni, to the God
Whom men have set in foremost !lace li7e %itra with their eulogies.
2 "e y the s!lendour of his arms is Priest of every ale man.
Agni conveys olation straight, and deals, as -haga deals, his oons.
# All rests u!on the laud and love of him the rich, high)flaming God,
,n whom, loud)roaring, men have laid great strength as on a faithful friend.
& 5o, Agni, e the 4riend of these with lieral gift of hero strength.
<ea, "eaven and 2arth have not sur!assed this <outhful ,ne in glorious
fame.
( , Agni, ?uic7ly come to us, and, glorified, ring !recious wealth.
5o we and these our !rinces will assemle for the good of all. -e near in
fight to !ros!er us.
HYMN XVII. Agni.
1. G,6, may a mortal call the 5trong hither, with solemn rites, to aid,
A man call Agni to !rotect when sacrifice is well !re!ared.
2 =ear him thou seemest mightier still in native glory, set to hold
A!art yon flame)hued vault of heaven, lovely eyond the thought of man.
# <ea, this is y the light of him whom !owerful siong hath ound to act,
Whose earns of s!lendour flash on high as though they s!rang from
heavenly seed.
& Wealth loads the Wonder)Wor7er;s car through his, the very wise ,ne;s
!ower.
Then, meet to e invo7ed among all tries, is Agni ghorified.
( =ow, too, the !rinces shall otain e$cellent riches y our li!s.
Protect us for our welfare1 lend thy succour, , thou 5on of 5trength. -e near
in fight to !ros!er us.
HYMN XVIII. Agni.
1. AT dawn let1 Agni, much)eloved guest of the house, e glorified:
Immortal who delights in all olations rought y mortal men.
2 4or 6vita who receives through wealth of native strength maimed
offerings,
Thy !raiser even gains at once the 5oma)dro!s, Immortal GodsA
# =oles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with lengthened life,
4or, God who givest steedsA that car hither and thither goes unharmed.
& They who have varied ways of thought, who guard, the lauds within their
li!s,
And strew the grass efore the light, have dec7ed themselves with high
renown.
( Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite,
"eroes; illustrious, lofty fame, who at the synod met for !raise !resented
me with fifty steeds.
HYMN XIX. Agni.
1. ,=2 state egets another state1 hus7 is made visile from hus71
Within his %other;s side he s!ea7s.
2 6iscerning, have they offered gifts1 they guard the strength that never
wastes.
To a strong fort have they !ressed in.
# 5vaitreya;s !eo!le, all his men, have gloriously increased in might.
A gold chain -rhadu7tha wears, as, through this 5oma, see7ing s!oil.
& I ring, as ;twere, the longed)for mil7, the dear mil7 of the 5ister)Pair.
Li7e to a caldron filled with food is he, uncon?uered, con?uering all.
( -eam of light, come to us in s!ortive fashion, finding thyself close to the
wind that fans thee.
These flames of his are wasting flames, li7e arrows 7een)!ointed,
shar!ened, on his reast.
HYMN XX. Agni.
1. AG=I, est winner of the s!oil, cause us to !raise efore the Gods
As our associate meet for lauds, wealth which thou verily deemest wealth.
2 Agni, the great who ward not off the anger of thy !ower and might
5tir u! the wrath and hatred due to one who holds an alien creed.
# Thee, Agni, would we choose as Priest, the !erfecter of strength and s7ill:
We who ring sacred food invo7e with song thee >hief at holy rites.
& "ere as is needful for thine aid we toil, , >on?ueror, day y day,
4or wealth, for Law. %ay we re9oice, %ost Wise ,neA at the feast, with 7ine,
re9oice, with heroes, at the feast.
HYMN XXI. Agni.
1. W2 stalish thee as %anus used, as %anus used we 7indle thee.
Li7e %anus, for the !ious man , Angiras, Agni, worshi! Gods.
2 4or well, , Agni, art thou !leased when thou art 7indled mid man7ind.
5traight go the ladles unto thee, thou highorn God whose food is oil.
# Thee have all Gods of one accord estalished as their messenger.
5erving at sacrifices men adore thee as a God, , 5age.
& Let mortal man adore your God, Agni, with worshi! due to Gods.
5hine forth en7indled, /adiant ,ne. 5it in the chamer of the Law, sit in the
chamer of the food.
HYMN XXII. Agni.
1. LI82 Atri, 'isvasamanA sing to him of !urifying light,
Who must e !raised in holy rites, the Priest most welcome in the house.
2 5et Datavedas in his !lace, Agni the God and %inister.
Let sacrifice !roceed to)day duly, com!rising all the Gods.
# All mortals come to thee for aid, the God of most oservant mind.
,f thine e$celling favour we ethin7 us as we long for it.
& %ar7 with attention this our s!eech, , Agni, thou victorious ,ne.
Thee, 5trong)9awedA as the homestead;s Lord, the Atris with their lauds
e$alt, the Atris eautify with songs.
HYMN XXIII. Agni.
1. -y thy fair s!lendour;s mighty !ower, , Agni, ring victorious wealth,
Wealth that o;ercometh all man7ind, and, near us, con?uereth in fight.
2 'ictorious Agni, ring to us the wealth that van?uisheth in war:
4or thou art wonderful and true, giver of strength in herds of 7ine.
# 4or all the fol7 with one accord, whose sacred grass is trimmed and
strewn,
Invite thee to their worshi!)halls, as a dear Priest, for choicest wealth.
& 4or he, the God of all men, hath gotten him might that ?uelleth foes.
, Agni, in these homes shine forth, right GodA for our !ros!erity, shine,
PurifierA s!lendidly.
HYMN XXIV. Agni.
1. , AG=I, e our nearest 4riend, e thou a 7ind deliverer and a gracious
4riend.
2 2$cellent Agni, come thou nigh to us, and give us wealth most s!lendidly
renowned.
# 5o hear us, listen to this call of ours, and 7ee! us far from every sinful
man.
& To thee then, , %ost -right, , /adiant God, we come with !rayer for
ha!!iness for our friends.
HYMN XXV. Agni.
1. I WILL sing near, for grace, your God Agni, for he is good to us.
5on of the -rands, may he give gifts, and, righteous, save us from the foe.
2 4or e is true, wh!m men of old en7indled, and the Gods themselves,
The Priest with the delicious tongue, rich with the light of glorious eams.
# With wisdom that sur!asseth all, with gracious will most e$cellent,
, Agni, worthy of our choice, shine wealth on us through hymns of !raise.
& Agni is 8ing, for he e$tends to mortals and to Gods ali7e.
Agni is earer of our gifts. Worshi! ye Agni with your thoughts.
( Agni gives to the worshi!!er a son, the est, of mightiest fame,
,f dee! devotion, ne;er sudued, ringer of glory to his sire.
* Agni estows the hero)lord who con?uers with the men in fight.
Agni estows the fleet)foot steed, the victor never overcome.
+ The mightiest song is Agni;s1 shine on high, thou who art rich in light.
Li7e the >hief >onsort of a 8ing, riches and strength !roceed )from thee.
. /es!lendent are thy rays of light1 loud is thy voice li7e !ressing)stones.
<ea, of itself thy thunder goes forth li7e the roaring of the heaven.
0 Thus, see7ing riches, have we !aid homage to Agni >on?ueror.
%ay he, most wise, as with a shi!, carry us over all our foes.
HYMN XXVI. Agni.
1. , AG=I, "oly and 6ivine, with s!lendour and thy !leasant tongue
-ring hither and adore the Gods.
2 We !ray thee, thou who dro!!est oil, right)rayedA who loo7est on the
5un,
-ring the Gods hither to the feast.
# We have en7indled thee, , 5age, right caller of the Gods to feast.
, Agni, great in 5acrifice.
& , Agni, come with all the Gods, come to our sacrificial gift1
We choose thee as Invo7ing Priest.
( -ring, Agni, to the worshi!!er who !ours the 9uice, heroic strength1
5it with the Gods u!on the grass.
* 'ictor of thousands, Agni, thou, en7indled, cherishest the laws,
Laud)worthy, envoy of the Gods.
+ 5et Agni Datavedas down, the earer of our sacred gifts,
%ost<outhful, God and %inister.
. 6uly !roceed our sacrifice, com!rising all the Gods, to)day1
5trew holy grass to e their seat.
0 5o may the %aruts sit thereon, the Asvins, %itra, 'aruna1
The Gods with all their com!any.
HYMN XXVII. Agni.
1. T"2 Godli7e hero, famousest of noles, hath granted me two o$en with a
wagon.
Trvrsan;s son Tryaruna hath distinguished himself, 'aisvanara AgniA with ten
thousands.
2 Protect Tryaruna, as thou art wa$ing strong and art highly !raised,
'aisvanara AgniA
Who granteth me a hundred 7ine and twenty, and two ay horses, good at
draught, and harnessed.
# 5o Trasadasyu served thee, God %ost <outhful, craving thy favour for the
ninth time, Agni:
Tryaruya who with attentive s!irit acce!teth many a song from me the
mighty.
& "e who declares his wish to me, to Asvamedha, to the Prince,
Pays him who with his verse see7s gain, gives !ower to him who 7ee!s the
Law.
( 4rom whom a hundred o$en, all of s!ec7led hue, delight my heart,
The gifts of Asvamedha, li7e thrice)mingled draughts of 5oma 9uice.
* To Asvamedha who estows a hundred gifts grant hero !ower,
, Indra)AgniA lofty rule li7e the unwasting 5un in heaven.
HYMN XXVIII. Agni.
1. AG=I inflamed hath sent to heaven his lustre1 he shines forth widely
turning unto %orning.
2astward the ladle goes that rings all lessing, !raising the Godswith
homage and olation.
2 2n7indled, thou art 8ing of the immortal world1 him who rings offerings
thou attendest for his weal.
"e whom thou urgest on ma7es all !ossessions his1 he sets efore thee,
Agni, gifts that guests may claim.
# 5how thyself strong for mighty liss, , Agni, most e$cellent e thine
effulgent s!lendours.
%a7e easy to maintain our household lordshi!, and overcome the might of
those who hate us.
& Thy glory, Agni, I adore, 7indled, e$alted in thy strength.
A 5teer of rilliant s!lendour, thou art lighted well at sacred rites.
( Agni, invo7ed and 7indled, serve the Gods, thou s7illed in sacrifice1
4or thou art earer of our gifts.
* Invo7e and worshi! Agni while the sacrificial rite !roceeds1
4or offering)earer choose ye him.
HYMN XXIX. Agni.
1. %A=;5 worshi! of the Gods hath three great lustres, and three celestial
lights have they estalished
The %aruts gifted with !ure strength adore thee, for thou, , Indra, art their
sa!ient /si.
2 What time the %aruts sang their song to Indra, 9oyous when he had drun7
of 5oma 9uices,
"e gras!ed his thunderolt to slay the 6ragon, and loosed, that they might
flow, the youthful Waters.
# And, , ye -rahmans, %aruts, so may Indra drin7 draughts of this my
carefully !ressed 5orna:
4or this olation found for man the cattle, and Indra, having ?uaffed it,
slew the 6ragon.
& Then heaven and earth he sundered and su!!orted1 wra!!ed even in these
he struc7 the -east with terror.
5o Indra forced the 2ngulfer to disgorgement, and slew the 6anava. !anting
against him.
( Thus all the Gods, , %aghavan, delivered to thee of their free will the
draught of 5oma:
When thou for 2tasa didst cause to tarry the flying mares of 5urya racing
forward.
* When %aghavan with the thunderolt demolished his nine)and)ninety
castles all together,
The %aruts, where they met, glorified Indra1 ye with the Trstu! hymn
ostructed heaven.
+ As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed ?uic7ly three hundred uffaloes,
even as he willed it.
And Indra, from man;s gift, for 'rtra;s slaughter, dran7 ofr at once three
la7es of !ressed)out 5oma.
. When thou three hundred uffaloes; flesh hadst eaten, and drun7, as
%aghavan, three la7es of 5oma,
All the Gods raised as ;twere a shout of trium!h to Indra !raise ecause he
slew the 6ragon.
0 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly s!eeding, , 3sana and
Indra, to the dwelling,
Thou camest thither )con?uering together with 8utsa and the Gods1 thou
slewest 5usna.
1@ ,ne car)wheel of the 5un thou rolledst forward, and one thou settest
free to move for 8utsa.
Thou slewest noseless 6asyus with thy wea!on, and in their home
o;erthrewest hostile s!ea7ers.
11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to 'idathin;s son, as !rey, thou
gavest Pi!ru.
/9isivan drew thee into friendshi! dressing the sacred food, and thou hast
drun7 his 5oma.
12 =avagvas and 6asgvas with liations of 5oma 9uice sing hymns of !raise to
Indra.
Laouring at their tas7 the men laid o!en the stall of 8ine though firmly
closed and fastened.
1# "ow shall I serve thee, %aghavan, though 7nowing full well what hero
deeds thou hast accom!lishedB
And the fresh deeds which thou wilt do, %ost %ightyA these, too, will we tell
forth in sacred synods.
1& /esistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all these
many acts, , Indra.
What thou wilt do in ravery, Thunder)wielderA none is there who may
hinder this thy !rowess.
1( Indra, acce!t the !rayers which now are offered, acce!t the new
!rayers, %ightiestA which we utter.
Li7e fair and well)made roes, I, see7ing riches, as a deft craftsman ma7es
a car, have wrought them.
HYMN XXX. Indra.
1. W"2/2 is that "eroB Who hath loo7ed on Indra orne on light)rolling car
y Tawny >oursers,
Who, Thunderer, see7s with wealth the 5oma)!resser, and to his house goes,
much)invo7ed, to aid himB
2 I have eheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have sought the
4ounder;s haitation.
I as7ed of others, and they said in answer, %ay we, awa7ened men, attain to
Indra.
# We will tell, Indra, when we !our liation, what mighty deeds thou hast
!erformed to !lease us.
Let him who 7nows not learn, who 7nows them listen1 hither rides %aghavan
with all his army.
& Indra, when orn, thou madest firm thy s!irit1 alone thou see7est war to
fight with many.
With might thou clavest e;en the roc7 asunder, and foundest out the stale
of the %ilch)7ine.
( When thou wast orn su!remest at a distance, earing a name renowned
in far)off regions,
5ince then e;en Gods have een afraid of Indra1 he con?uered all the floods
which served the 6asa.
* These lissful %aruts sing their !salm to !raise thee, and !our to thee
liation of the 5oma.
Indra with wondrous !owers sudued the 6ragon, the guileful lur7er who
eset the waters.
+ Thou, %aghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, s!eeding, while
9oying in the mil7, the Giver.
There, see7ing man;s !ros!erity, thou torest away the head of =amuci the
6asa.
. Pounding the head of =amuci the 6asa, me, too thou madest thine
associate, IndraA
<ea, and the rolling stone that is in heaven oth worlds, as on a car, rought
to the %aruts.
0 Women for wea!ons hath the 6asa ta7en, What in9ury can his feele
armies To meB
Well he distinguished his two different voices, and Indra then advanced to
fight the 6asyu.
1@ 6ivided from their calves the >ows went lowing around, on every side,
hither and thither.
These Indra re)united with his hel!ers, what time the well)!ressed 5oma
made him 9oyful.
11 What time the 5omas mi$ed y -ahru cheered him, loud the 5teer
ellowed in his haitations.
5o Indra dran7 thereof, the 4ort)destroyer, and gave him guerdon, in return,
of milch)7ine.
12 This good deed have the /usamas done, AgniA that they have granted me
four thousand cattle.
We have received /nancaya;s wealth, of heroes the most heroic, which was
freely offered.
1# The /usamas, , Agni, sent me homeward with fair adornment and with
7ine in thousands.
The strong liations have made Indra 9oyful, when night, whose course was
ending, changed to morning.
1& =ight, well)nigh ended, at /nancaya;s coming, 8ing of the /usamas, was
changed to morning.
Li7e a strong courser, fleet of foot, urged onward, -ahru hath gained four
thousand as his guerdon.
1( We have received four thousand head of cattle !resented y the
/usamas, , Agni.
And we, the singers, have received the caldron of metal which was heated
for Pravargya.
HYMN XXXI. Indra.
1. %AG"A'A= Indra turns his chariot downward, the strength)dis!laying car
which he hath mounted.
2ven as a herdsman driveth forth his cattle, he goeth, first, unin9ured, fain
for treasure.
2. "aste to us, Lord of -ays: e not ungracious1 visit us, lover of gold)hued
olation.
There is naught else etter than thou art, Indra1 e;en to the wifeless hast
thou given s!ouses.
# When out of strength arose the strength that con?uers, Indra dis!layed all
!owers that he !ossesses.
4orth from the cave he drove the mil7y mothers, and with the light laid are
investing dar7ness.
&. Anus have wrought a chariot for thy >ourser, and Tvastar, %uch)invo7edA
thy olt that glitters.
The -rahmans with their songs e$alting Indra increased his strength that he
might slaughter Ahi.
( When heroes sang their laud to thee the "ero, IndraA and stones and Aditi
accordant,
Without or steed or chariot were the fellies which, s!ed y Indra, rolled
u!on the 6asytis.
* I will declare thine e$!loits wrought aforetime, and, %aghavan, thy deeds
of late achievement,
When, Lord of %ight, thou sunderedst earth and heaven, winning for man
the moistly)gleaming waters.
+ This is thy deed, e;en this, WonderfulA 5ingerA that, slaying Ahi, here thy
strength thou showedst,
6idst chec7 and stay e;en gusna;s wiles and magic, and, drawing nigh, didst
chase away the 6asytis.
. Thou, Indra, on the farther an7 for<adu and Turvaga didst stay the
gushing waters.
<e oth assailed the fierce1 thou arest 8utsa1 when Gods and 3sana came
to you together.
0 Let the steeds ring you oth, Indra and 8utsa, orne on the chariot
within hearing)distance.
<e lew him from the waters, from his dwelling, and chased the dar7ness
from the nole;s s!irit.
1@ 2ven this sage hath come loo7ing for succour even to 'ata;s docile
harnessed horses.
"ere are the %aruts, all, thy dear com!anions1 !rayers have increased thy
!ower and might, , Indra.
11 When night was near its close he carried forward e;en the 5un;s chariot
ac7ward in its running.
2taga rought his wheel and firmly stays it1 setting it eastward he shall give
us courage.
12 This Indra, , ye men, hath come to see you, see7ing a friend who hath
e$!ressed the 5oma.
The crea7ing stone is laid u!on the altar, and the Adhvaryus come to turn it
?uic7ly.
1# Let mortals who were ha!!y still e ha!!y: let them not come to sorrow,
, Immortal.
Love thou the !ious, and to these thy !eo!le)with whom may we e
numered)give thou vigour.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1.T"2 well thou clavest, settest free the fountains, and gavest rest to floods
that were ostructed.
Thou, Indra, laying the great mountain o!en, slaying the 6anava, didst loose
the torrents.
2 The fountain)de!ths ostructed in their seasons, thou, ThundererA madest
flow, the mountain;s udder.
5trong Indra, thou y slaying e;en the 6ragon that lay e$tended there hast
shown thy vigour.
# Indra with violence smote down the wea!on,
yea, even of that wild and mighty creature.
Although he deemed himself alone une?ualled, another had een orn e;en
yet more !otent.
& "im, whom the heavenly food of these delighted, child of the mist, strong
wa$ing, couched in dar7ness,
"im the olt)hurling Thunderer with his lightning smote down and slew, the
6anava;s wrath)fire, 5usna.
( Though he might ne;er e wounded still his vitals felt that, the God;s olt,
which his !owers su!!orted,
When, after offered draughts, 5trong Lord, thou laidest him, fain to attle,
in the !it in dar7ness.
* "im as he lay there huge in length e$tended, still wa$ing in the gloom
which no sun lightened,
"im, after loud)voiced threats, the "ero Indra, re9oicing in the !oured
liation, slaughtered.
+ When ;gainst the mighty 6anava his wea!on Indra u!lifted, !ower which
none could comat,
When at the hurling of his olt he smote him, he made him lower than all
living creatures.
. The fierce God seiCed that huge and restless coiler, insatiate, drin7er of
the sweets, recument,
And with his mighty wea!on in his dwelling smote down the footless evil)
s!ea7ing ogre.
0 Who may arrest his strength or chee7 his vigourB Alone, resistless, he ears
off all riches.
2ven these Twain, these Goddesses, through terror of Indra;s might, retire
from his dominion.
1@ 2;en the >elestial A$e ows down efore him, and the 2arth, lover)li7e,
gives way to Indra.
As he im!arts all vigour to these !eo!le, straightway the fol7 end them to
him the Godli7e.
11 I hear that thou wast orn sole Lord of heroes of the 4ive /aces, famed
among the !eo!le.
As such my wishes have most lately gras!ed him, invo7ing Indra oth at eve
and morning.
12 5o, too, I hear of thee as in due season urging to action and enriching
singers.
What have thy friends received from thee, the -rahmans who, faithful, rest
their ho!es on thee, , IndraB
HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
1. G/2AT !raise to Indra, great and strong mid heroes, I !onder thus, the
feele to the %ighty,
Who with his and shows favour to this !eo!le, when lauded, in the fight
where s!oil is gathered.
2 5o made attentive y our hymns, 5teerA IndraA thou fastenedst the girth of
thy -ay >oursers,
Which, %aghavan, at thy will thou drivest hither. With these sudue for us
the men who hate us.
# They were not turned to us)wtrd, lofty IndraA while yet through lac7 of
!rayer they stood unharnessed.
Ascend this chariot, thou whose hand wields thunder, and draw the rein, ,
Lord of nole horses.
& Thou, ecause many lauds are thine, , Indra, wast active warring in the
fields
for cattle.
4or 5urya in his own aode thou, "ero, formedst in fights even a 6asa;s
nature.
( Thine are we, Indra: thine are all these !eo!le, conscious of might, whose
cars are set in motion.
5ome hero come to us, , 5trong as Ahi eauteous in war, to e invo7ed li7e
-haga.
* 5trength much to e desired is in thee, Indra1 the Immortal dances forth
his hero e$!loits.
5uch, Lord of Treasure, give us s!lendid riches. I !raise the 4riend;s gift, his
whose wealth is mighty.
+ Thus favour us, , Indra, with ihy succour: "ero, !rotect the ards who
sing thy !raises.
-e friendly in the fray to those who offer the s7in of eautiful and well)
!ressed 5oma.
. And these ten steeds which Trasadasyu gives me, the goldrich chief, the
son of Puru7utsa,
/es!lendent in their rightness shall convey me. Gairi7sita willed it and so
came I hither.
0 And these, estowed as sacrificial guerdon, the !owerful tawny steeds of
%arutasva:
And thousands which 7ind >yavatana gave me, aundantly estowed for my
adornment.
1@ And these commended horses, right and active, y 6hvanya son of
La7smana !resented,
>ame unto me, as cows into the /si 5amvarana;s stall, with magnitude of
riches.
HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
1. -,3=6L255 and wasting not, the heavenly food of Gods goes to the
foeless ,ne, doer of wondrous deeds.
Press out, ma7e ready, offer gifts with s!ecial Ceal to him whom many laud,
acce!ter of the !rayer.
2 "e who filled full his elly with the 5oma;s 9uice, %aghavan, was delighted
with the meath;s sweet draught,
When 3sana, that he might slay the monstrous east, gave him the mighty
wea!on with a thousand !oints.
# Illustrious is the man whoever !resseth out 5oma for him in sunshine or in
cloud and rain.
The mighty %aghavan who is the sage;s 4riend advanceth more and more his
eauteous !rogeny.
& The 5trong God doth not flee away from him whose sire, whose mother or
whose rother he hath done to death.
"e, the Avenger, see7eth this man;s offered gifts1 this God, the source of
riches, doth not flee from sin.
( "e see7s no enter!rise with five or ten to aid, nor stays with him who
!ours no 9uice though !ros!ering well.
The 5ha7er con?uers or slays in this way or that, and to the !ious gives a
stale full of 7ine.
* 2$ceeding strong in war he stays the chariot wheel, and, hating him who
!ours not, !ros!ers him who !ours.
Indra the terrile, tamer of every man, as Arya leads away the 6asa at his
will.
+ "e gathers u! for !lunder all the niggardLs gear1 e$cellent wealth he gives
to him who offers gifts.
=ot even in wide stronghold may all the fol7 stand firm who have !rovo7ed
to anger his sur!assing might.
. When Indra %aghavan hath mar7ed two wealthy men fighting for
eauteous cows with all their followers,
"e who stirs all things ta7es one as his close ally, and, 5ha7er, with his
"eroes, sends the 7ine to him.
0 AgniA I laud the lieral Agnivesi, 5atri the ty!e and standard of the !ious.
%ay the collected waters yield him !lenty, and his e !owerful and right
dominion.
HYMN XXXV. Indra.
1. I=6/A, for our assistance ring that most effectual !ower of thine,
Which con?uers men for us, and wins the s!oil, invincile in fight.
2 Indra, whatever aids e thine, four e they, or, , "ero, three,
,r those of the 4ive Tries of men, ring ?uic7ly all that hel! to us.
# The aid most e$cellent of thee the %ightiest hitherward we call,
4or thou wast orn with hero might, con?uering, Indra, with the 5trong.
& %ighty to !ros!er us wast thou orn, and mighty is the strength thou hast.
In native !ower thy soul is firm1 thy valour, Indra, slays a host.
( , 5ata7ratu, Lord of 5trength, , Indra, >aster of the 5tone.
With all thy chariot;s force assail the man who shows himself thy foe.
* 4or, %ightiest 'rtra)slayer, thee, fierce, foremost among many, fol7
Whose sacred grass is trimmed invite to attle where the s!oil is won.
+ Indra, do thou !rotect our car that mingles foremost in the fights,
That ears its !art in every fray, invincile and see7ing s!oil.
. >ome to us, Indra, and !rotect our car with thine intelligence.
%ay we, , %ightiest ,ne, otain e$cellent fame at rea7 of day, and
meditate our hymn at dawn.
HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
1. %A< Indra come to us, he who 7nows rightly to give forth treasures from
his store of riches.
2ven as a thirsty steer who roams the deserts may he drin7 eagerly the
mil7ed)out 5oma.
2 Lord of -ay "orses, "ero, may the 5oma rise to thy chee7s and 9aws li7e
mountain)ridges.
%ay we, , 8ing, as he who driveth coursers, all 9oy in thee with hymns,
invo7ed of manyA
# Invo7ed of many, >aster of the 5tone my heart ?ua7es li7e a rolling wheel
for fear of !enury.
5hall not Puruvasu the singer give thee !raise, , ever)!ros!ering %aghavan,
mounted on thy carB
& Li7e the !ress)stone is this thy !raiser, Indra. Loudly he lifts his voice with
strong endeavour.
With thy left hand, , %aghavan, give us riches1 with thy right, Lord of -ays,
e not reluctant.
( %ay the strong "eaven ma7e thee the 5trong wa$ stronger1 5trong, thou
art orne y thy two strong -ay "orses.
5o, fair of chee7, with mighty chariot, mighty, u!hold us, strong)willed,
thunderarmed, in attle.
* %aruts, let all the !eo!le in oeisance ow down efore this youthful
5rutaratha,
Who, rich in steeds, gave me two dar7 red horses together with three
hundred head of cattle.
HYMN XXXVII. Indra.
1. -262W26 with holy oil and meetly worshi!!ed, the 5wift ,ne vies with
5urya;s eam in s!lendour.
4or him may mornings dawn without cessation who saith, Let us !ress 5oma
out for Indra.
2 With 7indled fire and strewn grass let him worshi!, and, 5oma)!resser,
sing with stones ad9usted1
And let the !riest whose !ress)stones ring forth loudly, go down with his
olation to the river.
# This wife is coming near who loves her husand who carries to his home a
vigorous consort.
"ere may his car see7 fame, here loudly thunder, and his wheel ma7e a
thousand revolutions.
& =o troules ve$ that 8ing in whose home Indra drin7s the shar! 5oma 9uice
with mil7 commingled.
With heroes he drives near, he slays the foeman1 -lest, cherishing that
name, he guards his !eo!le.
( %ay he su!!ort in !eace and win in attle1 he masters oth the hosts that
meet together.
6ear shall he e to 5urya, dear to Agni, who with !ressed 5oma offers gifts
to India.
1. WI62, Indra 5ata7ratu, s!reads the ounty of thine am!le grace1
5o, Lord of fair dominion, 4riend of all men, give us s!lendid wealth.
2 The food which, %ightiest Indra, thou !ossessest worthy of renown
Is ruited as most widely famed, invincile, , Golden)huedA
# , 6arter of the 5tone, the !owers which readily oey thy will,)
6ivinities, oth thou and they, ye rule, to guard them, earth and heaven.
& And from whatever !ower of thine, , 'rtra)slayer, it may e,
-ring thou to us heroic strength1 thou hast a man;s regard for us.
( In thy !rotection, with these aids of thine, , Lord of "undred Powers,
Indra, may we e guarded well, "ero, may we e guarded well.
HYMN XXXIX. Indra.
1. 5T,=2)6A/TI=G Indra. Wondrous ,ne, what wealth is richly given from
thee,
That ounty, Treasure)4inderA ring filling oth thy hands, to us.
2 -ring what thou deemest worth the wish, , Indra, that which is in heaven.
5o may we 7now thee as thou art, oundless in thy munificence.
# Thy lofty s!irit, far)renowned as fain to give and !rom!t to win,)
With this thou rendest e;en the firm, 5tone)6arterA so to gain thee strength.
& 5ingers with many songs have made Indra !ro!itious to their fame,
"im who is 8ing of human 7ind, most lieral of your wealthy ones.
( To him, to Indra must e sung the !oet;s word, the hymn of !raise.
To him, acce!ter of the !rayer, the Atris raise their songs on high, the Atris
eautify their songs.
HYMN X*. Indra. Surya. A&ri.
1. >,%2 thou to what the stones have !ressed, drin7 5oma, , thou 5oma;s
Lord,
Indra est 'rtra)slayer 5trong ,ne, with the 5trong.
2 5trong is the stone, the draught is strong, strong is this 5oma that is
!ressed,
Indra, est 'rtra)slayer, 5trong ,ne with the 5trong.
# As strong I call on thee the 5trong, , Thunder)armed, with various aids,
Indra, est 'rtra)slayer, 5trong ,ne with the 5trong.
& Im!etuous, Thunderer, 5trong, ?uelling the mighty, 8ing, !otent, 'rtra)
slayer, 5oma)drin7er,
%ay he come hither with his yo7ed -ay "orses: may Indra gladden him at
the noon liation.
( , 5urya, when the Asura;s descendant 5varhanu, !ierced thee through
and through with dar7ness,
All creatures loo7ed li7e one who is ewildered, who 7noweth not the !lace
where he is standing.
* What time thou smotest down 5varhanu;s magic that s!read itself
eneath the s7y, , Indra,
-y his fourth sacred !rayer Atri disoovered 5urya concealed in gloom that
stayed his function.
+ Let not the o!!ressor with this dread, through anger swallow me u!, for I
am thine, , Atri.
%itra art thou, the sender of true lessings1 thou and 8ing 'aruna e oth
my hel!ers.
. The -rahman Atri, as he set the !ress)stones, serving the Gods with !raise
and adoration,
2stalished in the heaven the eye of 5urya, and caused 5varhanu;s magic
arts to vanish.
0 The Atris found the 5un again, him whom 5varhanu of the rood
,f Asuras had !ierced with gloom. This none esides had !ower to do.
HYMN X*I. Visv!d!vas
1. W",, %itra)'aruna, is your !ious servant to give you gifts from earth or
mighty heavenB
Preserve us in the seat of holy ,rder, and give the offerer !ower that
winneth cattle.
2 %ay %itra, 'aruna, Aryaman, and Ayu, Indra /hu7san, and the %aruts,
love us,
And they who of one mind with ounteous /udra acce!t the hymn and laud
with adorations.
# <ou will I call to feed the car)horse, Asvins, with the wind;s flight swiftest
of those who travel1
,r also to the Asura of heaven, Worshi!ful, ring a hymn as ;twere liation.
& The heavenly 'ictor, he whose !riest is 8anva, Trta with 6yaus accordant,
'ata, Agni,
All)feeding Pusan, -haga sought the olation, as they whose steeds are
fleetest see7 the contest.
( -ring ye your riches forward orne on horses1 let thought e framed for
hel! and gain of treasure.
-lest he the !riest of Ausi9a through courses, the courses which are yours
the fleet, , %aruts.
* -ring hither him who yo7es the car, your 'ayu, who !raises with his songs,
the God and 5inger:
And, !raying and devout, nole and !rudent, may the Gods; 5!ouses in their
thoughts retain us.
+ I s!eed to you with !owers that should e honoured, with songs
distinguishing "eaven;s mighty 6aughters,
%orning and =ight, the Two, as ;twere all)7nowing1 these ring the sacrifice
unto the mortal.
. <ou I e$tol, the nourishers of heroes ringing you gifts, 'astos!ati and
Tvastar)
/ich 6hisana accords through our oeisance ) andTrees and Plants, for the
swift gain of riches.
0 ,urs e the Parvatas, even they, for offs!ring, free)moving, who are
"eroes li7e the 'asus.
%ay holy A!tya, 4riend of man, e$alted, strengthen our word for ever and
e near us.
1@ Trta !raised him, germ of the earthly hero, with !ure songs him the
,ffs!ring of the Waters.
Agn: with might neighs loudly li7e a charger1 he of the flaming hair destroys
the forests.
11 "ow shall we s!ea7 to the great might of /udraB "ow s!ea7 to -haga who
ta7es thought for richesB
%ay Plants, the Waters, and the 57y !reserve us, and Woods and %ountains
with their trees for tresses.
12 %ay the swift Wanderer, Lord of refreshments listen to our songs, who
s!eeds throuih cloudy heaven1
And may the Waters, right li7e castles, hear us, as they flow onward from
the cloven mountain.
1# We 7now your ways, ye %ighty ,nes receiving choice meed, ye
Wonderful, we will !roclaim it.
2ven strong irds descend not to the mortal who strives to reach them with
swift low and wea!ons.
1& >elestial and terrestrial generations, and Waters will I summon to the
feasting.
%ay days with right dawns cause my songs to !ros!er, and may the
con?uered streams increase their waters.
1( 6uly to each one hath my laud een offered. 5trong e 'arutri with her
!owers to succour.
%ay the great %other /asa here efriend us, straight)handed, with the
!rinces, striving forward.
1* "ow may we serve the Lieral ,nes with worshi!, the %aruts swift of
course in invocation, the %aruts far)renowned in invocationB
Let not the 6ragon of the 6ee! annoy us, and gladly may he welcome our
addresses.
1+ Thus thin7ing, , ye Gods, the mortal wins you to give him increase of his
herds of cattle1 the mortal wins him, , ye Gods, your favour.
"ere he wins wholesome food to feed this ody1 as for mine old age, =irrti
consume it
1. , Gods, may we otain from you this favour, strengthening food through
the >ow;s !raise, ye 'asus.
%ay she who gives good gifts, the gracious Goddes. s, come s!eeding nigh to
us for our well)eing.
10 %ay Ila, %other of the herds of cattle, and 3rvasi with all the streams
acce!t us:
%ay 3rvasi in lofty heaven acce!ting, as she !arta7es the olation of the
living,
2@ 'isit us while she shares 3r9avya;s food.
HYMN X*II. Visv!d!vas.
1. =ow may our sweetest song with dee! devotion reach 'aruna, %itra,
Aditi, and -haga.
%ay the 4ive Priests; Lord, dwelling in olations, liss)giving Asura, hear,
whose !aths are o!en.
2 %ay Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart)gladdening son, my
song that lauds her.
The !rayer they love, liss)giving, God)a!!ointed, I offer unto 'aruna and
%itra.
# In s!irit him, the 5agest of the 5ages: with sacrificial oil and meath edew
him
5o then let him, God 5avitar, !rovide us e$cellent, ready, and res!lendent
treasures.
& With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, !ros!erity, Lord of -aysA and
!ious !atrons:
And, with the sacred !rayer y Gods a!!ointed, give us the holy 6eities;
loving7indness.
( God -haga, 5avitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they who con?uer
'rtra;s treasures,
And 'a9a and /hu7san and Purandhi, the %ighty and Immortal ,nes,
!rotect usA
* Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled 'ictor whom the
%aruts follow.
=one of old times, , %aghavan, nor later, none of these days hath reached
thy hero !rowess.
+ Praise him the >hief who gives the oon of riches, -rhas!ati distriutor of
treasures,
Who, lessing most the man who sings and !raises, comes with aundant
wealth to his invo7er.
. Tended, -rhas!ati, with thy !rotections, the !rinces are unharmed and
girt y heroes.
Wealth that rings liss is found among the givers of horses and of cattle
and of raiment.
0 %a7e their wealth flee who, through our hymns en9oying their riches, yield
us not an am!le guerdon.
4ar from the sun 7ee! those who hate devotion, the godless, !ros!ering in
their vocation.
1@ With wheelless chariots drive down him, , %aruts, who at the feasts of
Gods regards the demons.
%ay he, though athed in sweat, form em!ty wishes, who lames his sacred
rite who toils to serve you.
11 Praise him whose ow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord of
every alm that ealeth.
Worshi! thou /udra for his great good favour1 adore the Asura, God, with
salutations.
12 %ay the "ouse)friends, the cunning)handed Artists, may the 5teer;s
Wives, the streams carved out y 'ihvan,
And may the fair ,nes honour and efriend us, 5arasvati, -rhaddiva, and
/a7a.
1# %y newest song, thought that now s!rings within me, I offer to the
Great, the 5ure Protector,
Who made for us this All, in fond love laying each varied form within his
6aughter;s osom.
1& =ow, even now, may thy fair !raise, , 5inger, attain Idas!ati who roars
and thunders,
Who, rich in clouds and waters with his lightning s!eeds forth edewing
oth the earth and heaven.
1( %ay this my laud attain the troo! of %aruts, those who are youths in act,
the 5ons of /udra.
The wish calls me to riches and well)eing1 !raise the unwearied ,nes
whose steeds are da!!led.
1* %ay this my laud reach earth and air;s mid)region, and forest trees and
!lants to win me riches.
%ay every 6eity e swift to listen, and %other 2arth with no ill thought
regard me.
1+ Gods, may we dwell in free untrouled liss.
1. %ay we otain the Asvins; newest favour, and gain their health)estowing
ha!!y guidance.
-ring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and 9oy, ImmortalsA
HYMN X*III. Visv!d!vas.
1. %A< the %ilch)cows who hasten to their o9ect come harmless unto us
with li?uid sweetness.
The 5inger, lauding, calls, for am!le riches, the 5even %ighty ,nes who
ring en9oyment.
2 With reverence and fair !raise will I ring hither, for sa7e of strength,
e$haustless 2arth and "eaven.
4ather and %other, sweetof s!eech, fairhanded, may they, far)famed, in
every fight !rotect us.
# Adhvaryus, ma7e the sweet liations ready, and ring the eautiful right
9uice to 'ayu.
God, as our Priest, e thou the first to drin7 it1 we give thee of the mead to
ma7e thee 9oyful.
& Two arms)the 5oma;s de$terous immo. lators)and the ten fingers set and
fi$ the !ress)stone.
The stal7 hath !oured, fair with its s!reading ranches, the mead;s right
glittering 9uice that dwells on mountains.
( The 5oma hath een !ressed for thee, its lover, to give thee !ower and
might and high en9oyment.
Invo7ed, turn hither in thy car, , Indra, at need, thy two well)trained and
dear -ay "orses.
* -ring y God)traversed !aths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati,
>elestial Lady,
2$alted, worshi!!ed with our gifts and homage, who 7noweth holy Law, to
drin7 sweet 5oma.
+ As on his father;s la! the son, the darling, so on the fire is set the sacred
caldron,
Which holy singers dec7, as if e$tending and heating that which holds the
fatty memrane.
. "ither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty song, most
sweet and !leasantA
>ome in one car, 9oy)giversA to the an?uet, li7e the olt inding !ole and
nave, come hither.
0 I have declared this s!eech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and victorious
'ayu,
Who y their ounty are the hymns; ins!irers, and of themselves give !ower
as a !ossession.
1@ Invo7ed y us ring hither, 9atavedas the %aruts all under their names
and figures.
>ome to the sacrifice with aid all %aruts, all to the songs and !raises of the
singerA
11 4rom high heaven may 5arasvati the "oly visit our sacrifice, and from the
mountain.
2ager, !ro!itious, may the almy Goddess hear our effectual s!eech, our
invocation.
12 5et in his seat the God whose ac7 is dus7y, -rhas!ati the lofty, the
6is!oser.
"im let us worshi!, set within the dwelling, the red, the golden)hued, the
allres!lendent.
1# %ay the 5ustainer, high in heaven, come hither, the -ounteous ,ne,
invo7ed, with all his favours,
6weller with 6ames divine, with !lants, unwearied, the 5teer with tri!le
horn, the life)estower.
1& The tuneful elo?uent !riests of him who liveth have sought the %other;s
right and loftiest station.
As living men, with offered gifts and homage they dec7 the most aus!icious
>hild to clothe him.
1( Agni, great vital !ower is thine, the mighty1 !airs wa$ing old in their
devotion see7 thee.
%ay every 6eity e swift to listen, and %other 2arth with no ill thought
regard me.
1* Gods, may we dwell in free untrouled liss.
1+ %ay we otain the Asvins; newest favour, and gain their health)estowing
ha!!y guidance.
HYMN X*IV. Visv!d!vas.
1. As in the first old times, as all were wont, as now, he draweth forth the
!ower turned hitherward with song,
The Princedom throned on holy grass, who findeth light, swift, con?uering in
the; !lants wherein he wa$eth strong.
2 5hining to him who leaves heaven;s regions undistured, which to his
sheen who is eneath show fair in light,
Good guardian art thou, not to e deceived, %ost WiseA 4ar from deceits thy
name dwelleth in holy Law.
# Truth waits u!on olation !resent and to come1 naught chec7s him in his
way, this vic tory) ringing Priest1
The %ighty >hild who glides along the sacred grass, the undecaying <outh
set in the midst of !lants.
& These come, well)yo7ed, to you for furtherance in the rite1 down come
the twinorn strengtheners of Law for him,
With reins easily guided and commanding all. In the dee! fall the hide
stealeth away their names.
( Thou, moving eauteously in visily !regnant ones, snatching with trees
the ranching !lant that gras!s the 9uice,
5hinest, true 5ingerA mid the u!holders of the voice. Increase thy >onsorts
thou, lively at sacrifice.
* Li7e as he is eheld such is he said to e.
They with effectual s!lendour in the floods have made
2arth yield us room enough and am!ly wide e$tent, great might invincile,
with store of hero sons.
+ 5urya the 5age, as if unwedded, with a 5!ouse, in attle)loving s!irit
moveth o;er the foes.
%ay he, self)e$cellent, grant us a sheltering home, a house that wards the
fierce heat off on every side.
. Thy name, sung forth y /sis in these hymns of ours, goes to the loftier
,ne with this swift mover;s light.
-y s7ill he wins the oon whereon his heart is set1 he who estirs himself
shall ring the thing to !ass.
0 The chief and est of these aideth in the sea, nor doth liation fail
wherein it is !rolonged.
The heart of him who !raiseth tremleth not in fear there where the hymn
is found connected with the !ure.
1@ 4or it is he1 with though to of 8satra, %anasa, of <a9ata, and 5adhri, and
2vavada,
With Avatsara;s sweet songs will we strive to win the mightiest strength
which even he who 7nows should gain.
11 The "aw7 is their full source, girth)stretching ra!turous drin7 of
'isvavara, of %ayin, and <a9ata.
They ever see7 a fresh draught so that they may come, 7now when thy time
to halt and drin7 thy fill is near.
12 5ada!rna the holy, Tarya, 5rutavit, and -ahuvr7ta, 9oined with you, have
slain the foes.
"e gains his wish in oth the worlds and rightly shines)when he adores the
host with well)advancing steeds.
1# The worshi!!er;s defender is 5utamhara, !roducer and u!lifter of all
holy thoughts.
The milch)cow rought, sweet)flavoured mil7 was dealt around. Who s!ea7s
the idding te$t 7nows this, not he who slee!s.
11 The sacred hymns love him who wa7es and watches1 to him who watches
come the 5ama verses.
This 5oma saith unto the man who watches, I rest and have my dwelling in
thy friendshi!.
1( Agni is watchful, and the gcas love him: Agni is watchful, 5ama verses
see7 him.
Agni is watchful, to him saith this 5oma, I rest and have my dwelling in thy
friendshi!.
HYMN X*V. Visv!d!vas.
1. -A/65 of a!!roaching 6awn who 7now the heavens are come with hymns
to throw the mountain o!en.
The 5un hath risen and o!ed the stale !ortals1 the doors of men, too, hath
the God thrown o!en.
2 5urya hath s!read his light as s!lendour1 hither came the >ows; %other,
conscious, from the stale,
To streams that flow with iting waves to deserts: and heaven is stalished
li7e a firm)set !illar.
# This laud hath won the urden of the mountain. To aid the ancient irth of
mighty waters
The mountain !arted, "eaven !erformed his office. The worshi!!ers were
worn with constant serving.
& With hymns and God)loved words will I invo7e you, Indra and Agni, to
otain your favour,
4or verily sages, s7illed in sacrificing, worshi! the %aruts and with lauds
invite them.
( This day a!!roach us1 may our thoughts e holy, far from us let us cast
away misfortune.
Let us 7ee! those who hate us at a distance, and haste to meet the man
who sacrifices.
* >ome, let us carry out, , friends, the !ur!ose wherewith the %other
threw the >ow;s stall o!en,
That wherewith %anu con?uered 'isisi!ra, wherewith the wandering
merchant gained heaven;s water.
+ "ere, urged y hands, loudly hath rung the !ress)stone wherewith
=avagvas through ten months sang !raises.
5arama went aright and found the cattle. Angiras gave effect to all their
laours.
. When at the dawning of this mighty Goddess, Angirases all sang forth with
the cattle,)
Their s!ring is in the loftiest !lace of meeting,)5arama found the 7ine y
,rder;s !athway.
0 -orne y his >oursers 5even may 5urya visit the field that s!readeth wide
for his long 9ourney.
6own on the 5oma swoo!ed the ra!id 4alcon. -right was the young 5age
moving mid his cattle.
1@ 5urya hath mounted to the shining ocean when he hath yo7ed his fair)
ac7ed Tawny "orses.
The wise have drawn him li7e a shi! through water1 the floods oedient
have descended hither.
11 I lay u!on the 4loods your hymn, lightwinning, wherewith =avagvas their
ten months com!leted.
Through this our hymn may we have Gods to guard us1 through this our hymn
!ass safe eyond affliction.
HYMN X*VI. Visv!d!vas.
1. W2LL 7nowing I have ound me, horseli7e, to the !ole1 I carry that which
ears as on and gives us hel!.
I see7 for no release, no turning ac7 therefrom. %ay he who 7nows the
way, the Leader, guide me straight.
2 , Agni, Indra, 'aruna, and %itra, give, , ye Gods, and %arut host, and
'isnu.
%ay oth =asatyas, /udra, heavenly %atrons, Pusan, 5arasvati, -haga,
acce!t us.
# Indra and Agni, %itra, 'aruna, Aditi, the Waters, %ountains, %aruts, 57y,
and 2arth and "eaven,
'isnu I call, Pusan, and -rahmanas!ati, and -haga, 5amsa, 5avitar that they
may hel!.
& %ay 'isnu also and 'ata who in9ures none, and 5oma granter of !ossessions
give us 9oy:
And may the /hus and the Asvins, Tvastar and 'ihvan rememer us so that
we may have wealth.
( 5o may the and of %aruts dwelling in the s7y, the holy, come to us to sit
on sacred grass:
-rhas!ati and Pusan grant us sure defence, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman guard
and shelter us.
* And may the %ountains famed in nole eulogies, and the fair)gleaming
/ivers 7ee! us safe from harm.
%ay -haga the 6is!enser come with !ower and grace, and far)!ervading
Aditi listen to my call.
+ %ay the Gods; 5!ouses aid us of their own freewill, aid us to offs!ring and
the winning of the s!oil.
Grant us !rotection, , ye gracious Goddesses, ye who are on the earth or in
the waters; realm.
. %ay the 6ames, wives of Gods, en9oy our !resents, /at, Asvini, Agnayi,
and Indrani.
%ay /odasi and 'arunani hear us, and Goddesses come at the %atrons;
season.
HYMN X*VII. Visv!d!vas.
1. 3/GI=G to toil and ma7ing !roclamation, see7ing "eaven;s 6aughter
comes the %ighty %other1
5he comes, the youthful "ymn, unto the 4athers, inviting to her home and
loudly calling.
2 5wift in their motion, hasting to their duty, reaching the central !oint of
life immortal,
,n every side aout the earth and heaven go forth the s!acious !aths
without a limit.
# 5teer, 5ea, /ed -ird with strong wings, he hath entered the dwelling)!lace
of the Primeval 4ather.
A gay)hued 5tone set in the midst of heaven, he hath gone forth and guards
mid)air;s two limits.
& 4our ear him u! and give him rest and ?uiet, and ten invigorate the -ae
for travel.
"is 7ine most e$cellent, of threefold nature, !ass swiftly round the
oundaries of heaven.
( Wondrous, , !eo!le, is the mystic 7nowledge that while the waters stand
the streams are flowing1
That, se!arate from his %other, Two su!!ort him, closely)united, twins, here
made a!!arent.
* 4or him they lenghten !rayers and acts of worshi!1 the %others weave
garments for him their offs!ring.
/e9oicing, for the 5teer;s im!regning contact, his 5!ouses move on !aths or
heaven to meet him.
+ -e this our !raise, , 'aruna and %itra may this e health and force to us,
, Agni.
%ay we otain firm ground and room for resting1 Glory to "eaven, the lofty
haitationA
HYMN X*VIII. Visv!d!vas.
1. W"AT may we meditate for the eloved Power, mighty in native strength
and glorious in itself,
Which as a magic energy see7ing waters s!reads even to theimmeasurale
middle region;s cloudB
2 ,;er all the region with their uniform advance these have s!read out the
lore that giveth heroes strength.
-ac7, with their course reversed, the others !ass away1 the !ious lengthens
life with those that are efore.
# With !ressing)stones and with the right eams of the day he hurls his
roadest olt against the Guileful ,ne.
2ven he whose hundred wander in his own aode, driving the days afar and
ringing them again.
& I, to en9oy the eauty of his form, ehold that ra!id rush of his as ;twere
an a$e;s edge,
What time he gives the man who calls on him in fight wealth li7e a dwelling)
house filled full with store of food.
( 4our)faced and noly clad, 'aruna, urging on the !ious to his tas7, stirs
himself with the tongue.
=aught y our human nature do we 7now of him, him from whom -haga
5avitar estows the oon.
HYMN X*IX. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"I5 day I ring God 5avitar to meet you, and -haga who allots the
wealth of mortals.
<ou, Asvins, "eroes rich in treasures, daily see7ing your friendshi! fain
would I turn hither.
2 8nowing full well the Asura;s time of coming, worshi! God 5avitar with
hymns and !raises.
Let him who rightly 7noweth s!ea7 with homage to him who dealeth out
man;s nolest treasure.
# =ot for reward doth Pusan send his lessings, -haga, or Aditi1 his gar is
s!lendour.
%ay Indra, 'isniu, 'aruna, %itra, Agni !roduce aus!icious days, the Wonder)
Wor7ers.
& 5ending the shelter which we as7, the foeless 5avitar and the /ivers shall
a!!roach us.
When I, the sacrifice;s !riest, invite them, may we he lords of wealth and
rich !ossessions.
( They who devote such worshi! to the 'asus, singing their hymns to 'aruna
and %itra,
'ouchsafe them am!le room, far off e danger. Through grace of "eaven
and 2arth may we e ha!!y.
HYMN *. Visv!d!vas.
1. L2T every mortal man elect the friendshi! of the guiding God.
2ach one solicits him for wealth and see7s renown to !ros!er him.
2 These, leading God, are thine, and these here ready to s!ea7 after us.
As such may we attain to wealth and wait with services on thee.
# 5o further honour as our guests the "ero Gods and then the 6ames.
%ay he remove and 7ee! afar our foes and all who loc7 our !ath.
& Where fire is set, and swiftly runs the victim dwelling in the trough,
"e wins, with heroes in his home, friendly to man, li7e constant streams.
( %ay these thy riches, Leader GodA that rule the car, e lest to us,
<ea, lest to us for wealth and weal. This will we !onder !raising strength,
this !onder as we !raise the God.
HYMN *I. Visv!d!vas.
1. WIT" all assistants, Agni, come hither to drin7 the 5oma)9uice:
With Gods unto our sacred gifts.
2 >ome to the sacrifice, , ye whose ways are right, whose laws are true,
And drin7 the draught with Agni;s tongue.
# , 5inger, with the singers, , Gracious, with those who move at dawn,
>ome to the 5oma)draught with Gods.
& To Indra and to 'ayu dear, this 5oma, y the mortar !ressed,
Is now !oured forth to fill the 9ar.
( 'ayu, come hither to the feast, well!leased unto our sacred gifts1
6rin7 of the 5oma 9uice effused come to the food.
* <e, Indra, 'ayu, well deserve to drin7 the 9uices !ressed y us.
Gladly acce!t them, s!otless Pair come to the food.
+ 4or Indra and for 'ayu !ressed are 5oma 9uices lent with curd,
As rivers to the lowland flow1 come to the food.
. Associate with all the Gods, come, with the Asvins and with 6awn,
Agni, as erst with Atri, so en9oy the 9uice.
0 Associate with 'aruna, with %itra, 5oma, 'isnu, come,
Agni, as erstwith Atri, so en9oy the 9uice.
1@ Associate with 'asus, with Adityas, Indra, 'iyu, come, Agni as erst with
Atri, so en9oy the 9uice.
11 %ay -haga and the Asvins grant us health and wealth, and Goddess Adid
and he whom none resist.
The Asura Pusan grant us all !ros!erity, and "eaven and 2arth most wise
vouchsafe us ha!!iness.
12 Let us solicit 'ayu for !ros!erity, and 5oma who is Lord of all the world
for weal:
4or weal -rhas!ati with all his com!any. %ay the Adityas ring us health and
ha!!iness.
1# %ay all the Gods, may Agni the eneficent, God of all men, this day e
with us for our weal.
"el! us the /hus, the 6ivine ,nes, for our good. %ay /udra less and 7ee!
us from calamity.
1& Pros!er us, %itra, 'aruna. , wealthy Pathya, !ros!er us.
Indra and Agni, !ros!er us: !ros!er us thou, , Aditi.
1( Li7e 5un and %oon may we !ursue in full !ros!erity our !ath,
And meet with one who gives again, )who 7nows us well and slays us not.
HYMN *II Maru&s.
1. 5I=G oldly forth, 5yavasva, with the %aruts who are loud in song,
Who, holy, as their wont is, 9oy in glory that is free from guile.
2 4or in their oldness they are friends of firm and sure heroic strength.
They in their course, old)s!irited, guard all men of their own accord.
# Li7e steers in ra!id motion they advance and overta7e the nights:
And thus the %aruts; !ower in heaven and on the earth we celerate.
& With oldness to your %aruts let us offer laud and sacrifice1
Who all, through ages of man7ind, guard mortal man from in9ury.
( Praiseworthy, givers of good gifts, "eroes with full and !erfect strength )
To %aruts, "oly ,nes of heaven, will I e$tol the sacrifice.
* The lofty "eroes cast their s!ears and wea!ons right with gleaming gold.
After these %aruts followed close, li7e laughing lightning from the s7y, a
s!lendour of its own accord.
+ They who wa$ed mighty, of the earth, they who are in the wide mid)air,
,r in the rivers; com!ass, or in the aode of am!le heaven.
. Praise thou the %aruts; com!any, the valorous and truly strong,
The "eroes, hasting, y themselves have yo7ed their deer for victory.
0 4air)gleaming, on Parusni they have clothed themselves in roes of wool,
And with their chariot tires they cleave the roc7 asunder in their might.
1@ Whether as wanderers from the way or s!eeders on or to the !ath,
3nder these names the s!reading and tend well the sacrifice for me.
11 To this the "eroes well attend, well do their teams attend to this.
'isile are their varied forms. -ehold, they are Paravatas.
12 "ymn)singing, see7ing water, they, !raising, have danced aout the
s!ring.
What are they unto meB =o thieves, ut hel!ers, s!lendid to ehold.
1# 5ulime, with lightnings for their s!ears, 5ages and ,rderers are they.
/si, adore that %arut host, and ma7e them ha!!y with thy song.
1& /si, invite the %arut and with offerings, as a maid her friend.
4rom heaven, too, -old ,nes, in your might haste hither glorified with
songs.
1( Thin7ing of these now let him come, as with the escort of the Gods,
And with the s!lendid Princes, famed for ra!id courses, to the gifts.
1* Princes, who, when I as7ed their 7in, named Prsni as their %other)cow,
And the im!etuous /udra they, the %ighty ,nes, declared their 5ire.
1+ The mighty ones, the seven times seven, have singly given me hundred
gifts.
I have otained on <amuna famed wealth in 7ine and wealth in steeds.
HYMN *III. Maru&s.
1. Who 7nows the irth of these, or who lived in the %aruts; favour in the
days of old
What time their s!otted deer were yo7edB
2 Who, when they stood u!on their cars, hath heard them tell the way they
wentB
Who was the ounteous man to whom their 7indred rains flowed down with
food of sacrificeB
# To me they told it, and they came with winged steeds radiant to the
draught,
<ouths, "eroes free from s!ot or stain1 -ehold us here and !raise thou us:
& Who shine self)luminous with ornaments and swords, with reast!lates,
armlets, and with wreaths,
Arrayed on chariots and with ows.
( , swift to !our your ounties down, ye %aruts, with delight I loo7 u!on
your cars,
Li7e s!lendours coming through the rain.
* %unificent "eroes, they have cast heaven;s treasury down for the
worshi!!er;s ehoof1
They set the storm)cloud free tostream through oth the worlds, and
rainfloods flow o;er desert s!ots.
+ The ursting streams m illowy flood have s!read aroad, li7e milch)7ine,
o;er the firmament.
Li7e swift steeds hasting to their 9ourney;s resting)!lace, to every side run
glittering roo7s.
. "ither, , %aruts, come from heaven, from mid)air, or from near at hand
Tarry not far away from us.
0 5o let not /asa, 8rumu, or Anitaha, 8uha, or 5indhu hold you ac7.
Let not the watery 5arayti ostruct your way. With us e all the liss ye
give.
1@ That rilliant gathering of your cars, the com!any of %aruts, of the
<outhful ,nes,
The rain)showers, s!eeding on, attend.
11 With eulogies and hymns may we follow your army, troo! y troo!, and
and y and,
And com!any y com!any.
12 To what olation)giver, s!rung of nole ancestry, have s!ed
The %aruts on this course to)dayB
1# 'ouchsafe to us the ounty, that which we im!lore, through which, for
child and !rogeny,
<e give the seed of corn that wasteth not away, and liss that reacheth to
all life.
1& %ay we in safety !ass y those who slander us, leaving ehind disgrace
and hate.
%aruts, may we e there when ye, at dawn, in rest and toil, rain waters
down and alm.
1( 4avoured y Gods shall he the man, , "eroes, %arutrA and !ossessed of
nole sons,
Whom ye !rotect. 5uch may we e.
1* Praise the 4ree)givers. At this lieral !atron;s rite they 9oy li7e cattle in
the mead.
5o call thou unto them who come as ancient 4riends1 hymn those who love
thee with a song.
HYMN *IV. Maru&s.
1. T"I5 hymn will I ma7e for the %arut host who right in native s!lendour
cast the mountains down.
5ing the great strength of those illustrious in renown, who stay the heat,
who sacrifice on heights of heaven.
2 , %aruts, rich in water, strengtheners of life are your strong ands with
harnessed steeds, that wander far.
Trita roars out at him who aims the lightning)flash. The waters swee!ing
round are thundering on their way.
# They gleam with lightning, "eroes, >asters of the 5tone, wind)ra!id
%aruts, overthrowers of the ills,
,ft through desire to rain coming with storm of hail, roaring in onset,
violent and e$ceeding strong.
& When, mighty /udras, through the nights and through the days, when
through the s7y and realms of air, sha7ers of all,
When over the road fields ye drive along li7e shi!s, e;en to strongholds ye
come, %aruts, ut are not harmed.
( %aruts, this hero strength and ma9esty of yours hath, li7e the 5un,
e$tended o;er a lengthened way,
When in your course li7e deer with s!lendour unsudued ye owed the hill
that gives im!erishale rain.
* -right shone your host, ye 5ages, %aruts, when ye smote the waving tree
as when the worm consumeth it.
Accordant, as the eye guides him who wal7s, have ye led our devotion
onward y an easy !ath.
+ =ever is he, , %aruts, slain or overcome, never doth he decay ne;er is
distressed or harmed:
"is treasures, his resources, never waste away, whom. whether he e !rince
or /si, ye direct.
. With harnessed team li7e heroes overcoming troo!s, the friendly %aruts,
laden with their water)cas7s,
Let the s!ring flow, and when im!etuous; they roar they inundate the earth
with floods of !leasant meath.
0 4ree for the %aruts is the earth with slo!ing ways, free for the rushing
,nes is heaven with stee! descents.
The !aths of air;s mid)region are !reci!itous, !reci!itous the mountains with
their running streams.
1@ When, as the 5un hath risen u!, ye ta7e delight, , ounteous radiant
%aruts, "eroes of the s7y,
<our coursers weary not when s!eeding on.their way, and ra!idly ye reach
the end of this your !ath.
11 Lances are on your shoulders, an7lets on your feet, gold chains are on
your reasts, gems, %aruts, on your car.
Lightnings aglow with flame are flashing in your hands, and visors wroughtof
gold are laid u!on your heads.
12 %aruts, in eager stir ye sha7e the vault of heaven, s!lendid eyond
conce!tion, for its shining fruit.
They gathered when they let their deeds of might flash forth. The Pious
,nes send forth a far)resounding shout.
1# 5age %aruts, may we e the drivers of the car of riches ful I of life that
have een given y you.
, %aruts, let that wealth in thousands dwell with us which never vanishes
li7e Tisya from the s7y.
1& %aruts, ye further wealth with longedfor heroes, further the /si s7illed in
chanted verses.
<e give the -harata as his strength, a charger, and ye estow a 7ing who
?uic7ly listens.
1( ,f you, most swift to succourA I solicit wealth wherewith we may s!read
forth mid men li7e as the 5un.
Acce!t, , %aruts, graciously this hymn of mine that we may live a hundred
winters through its !ower.
HYMN *V. Maru&s.
1. WIT" gleaming lances, with their reasts adorned with gold, the %aruts,
rushing onward, hold high !ower of life.
They hasten with swift steeds easy to e controlled. Their cars moved
onward as they went to victory.
2 <e, as ye wist, have gained of your own selves your !ower1 high, , ye
%ighty ,nes, and wide ye shine aroad.
They with their strength have even measured out the s7y.
Their cars moved onward as they went to victory.
# 5trong, orn together, they together have wa$ed great1 the "eroes more
and more have grown to ma9esty
/es!lendent as the 5un;s eams in their light are they. Their cars moved
& %aruts, your mightiness deserves to e adored, sight to e longed for li7e
the shining of the 5un.
5o lead us with your aid to immortality.
Their cars moved onward as they went to victory.
( , %aruts, from the ,cean ye u!lift the rain, and fraught with va!orous
moisture !our the torrents down.
=ever, ye Wonder)Wor7ers, are your %ilch)7ine dry. Their cars moved
* When to your car)!oles ye have yo7ed your s!otted deer to e your
steeds, and !ut your golden mantles on,
, %aruts, ye dis!erse all enemies aroad. Their cars moved onward as they
went to victory.
+ =either the mountains nor the rivers 7ee! you ac71 whither ye have
resolved thither ye, %aruts, go.
<e com!ass round aout even the heaven and earth. Their cars moved
Whate;er is ancient, %aruts, what of recent time, whate;er is s!o7en, 'asus,
what is chanted forth,
They who ta7e cogniCance of all of this are ye. Their cars moved onward as
they went to victory.
0 -e gracious unto us, ye %aruts, slay us not e$tend ye unto us shelter of
many a sort.
Pay due regard unto our friendshi! and our !raise. Their cars moved onward
as they went to victory.
1@ , %aruts, lead us on to higher fortune deliver us, when lauded, from
afflictions.
Acce!t, ye "oly ,nes, the gifts we ring you. %ay we e masters of
aundant riches.
HYMN *VI. Maru&s.
1. AG=I, that valorous com!any adorned with ornaments of gold,
The !eo!le of the %aruts, I call down to)day even from the luminous realm
of heaven.
2 2ven as thou thin7est in thy heart, thither my wishes also tend.
Those who have come most near to thine invo7ing calls, strengthen them
fearful to ehold.
# 2arth, li7e a ounteous lady, lieral of her gifts, struc7 down and sha7en,
yet e$ultant, comes to us.
Im!etuous as a ear, , %aruts, is youi rush terrile as a dreadful ull..
& They who with mighty strength o;erthrow li7e o$en difficult to yo7e,
>ause e;en the heavenly stone to sha7e ; yea, sha7e the roc7y mountain as
they race along.
( /ise u!A even now with lauds I call the very numerous com!any,
3ne?ualled, of these %aruts, li7e a herd of 7ine, grown u! together in their
strength.
* -ind to your car the right red mares, yo7e the red coursers to your car.
-ind to the !ole, to draw, the fleet)foot tawny steeds, the est at drawing,
to the !ole.
+ <ea, and this loudly)neighing right red vigorous horse who hath een
sutioned, fair to see,
Let him not cause delay, , %aruts,, in your course, urge ye him onward in
your cars.
. The %aruts; chariot, ever fain to gather glory, we invo7e,
Which /odasi hath mounted, ringing !leasant gifts, with %aruts in her
com!any.
0 I call that rilliant and of yours, adorale, ra!id on the car
Whereon the ounteous 6ame, aus!icious, noly orn, shows glorious with
the %arut host.
HYMN *VII. Maru&s.
1. ,4 one accord, with Indra, , ye /udras, come orne on your golden car
for our !ros!erity.
An offering from us, this hymn is rought to you, as, unto one who th irsts
for water, heavenly s!rings.
2 Armed with your daggers, full of wisdom, armed with s!ears, armed with
your ?uivers, armed with arrows, with good ows,
Good horses and good cars have ye, , Prsni;s 5ons1 ye, %aruts, with good
wea!ons go to victory.
# 4rom hills and heaven ye sha7e wealth for the worshi!!er1 in terror at
your coming low the woods ow down.
<e ma7e the earth to tremle, 5ons of Prsni, when for victory ye have
yo7ed, fierce ,nesA your s!otted deer.
& -right with the lasts of wind, wra!!ed in their roes of rain, li7e twins of
nole as!ect and of lovely form,
The %aruts, s!otless, with steeds tawnyhued and red, strong in their
mightiness and s!reading wide li7e heaven.
( /ich in adornment, rich in dro!s, munificent, right in their as!ect,
yielding ounties that endure,
=ole y irth, adorned with gold u!on their reasts, the 5ingers of the s7y
have won immortal fame.
* -orne on oth shoulders, , ye %aruts, are your s!ears1 within your arms is
laid your energy and #trength.
-old thoughts are in your heads, your wea!ons in your cars, all glorious
ma9esty is moulded on your forms.
+ 'ouchsafe to us, , %aruts, s!lendid ounty in cattle and in steeds, in cars
and heroes.
>hildren of /udra, give us high distinction1 may I en9oy your Godli7e hel!
and favour.
. "oA %aruts, "eroes, s7illed in Law, immortal, e gracious unto us, ye rich
in treasures,
<e hearers of the truth, ye sage and youthful, grown mighty, dwelling on the
lofty mountains.
HYMN *VIII. Maru&s.
1. =ow do I glorify their mighty cohort, the com!any of these the youthful
%aruts,
Who ride im!etuous on with ra!id horses, and radiant in themselves, are
Lords of Amrta.
2 The mighty glittering and, arm)ound with racelets, givers of liss,
unmeasured in their greatness,
With magical !owers, ountiful, ever)roaring,)these, lieral "eroes,
venerate thou singer.
# This day may all your water)ringers, %aruts, they who im!el the falling
rain, a!!roach us.
This fire, , %aruts, hath een duly 7indled: let it find favour with you,
youthful 5ages.
& <e raise u! for the fol7 an active ruler whom, "oly ,nesA a %aster;s hand
hath fashioned.
<e send the fighter hand to hand, armmighty, and the rave hero, %aruts
with good horses.
( They s!ring forth more and more, strong in their glories, li7e days, li7e
s!o7es where none are last in order.
"ighest and mightiest are the 5ons of Prsni. 4irm to their own intention cling
the %aruts.
* When ye have hastened on with s!otted coursers, , %aruts, on your cars
with strong)wrought fellies,
The waters are distured, the woods are shattered. Let 6yaus the /ed 5teer
send his thunder downward.
+ 2ven 2arth hath s!read herself wide at their coming, and they as husands
have with !ower im!regned her.
They to the !ole have yo7ed the winds for coursers1 their sweat have they
made rain, these 5ons of /udra.
. "oA %aruts, "eroes, s7illed in Law, immortal, e gracious unto us, ye rich
in treasures,
<e hearers of the truth, ye sage and youthful, grown mighty, dwelling on the
lofty mountains.
HYMN *IX. Maru&s.
1. <,3/ s!y hath called to you to give !ros!erity. I sing to "eaven and 2arth
and offer sacrifice.
They athe their steeds and hasten through the firmament1 they s!read
aroad their radiance through the sea of cloud.
2 2arth sha7es and reels in terror at their onward rush, li7e a full shi!
which, ?uivering, lets the water in.
%ar7ed on their ways are they, visile from afar1 the "eroes !ress etween
in mighty armament.
# As the e$alted horn of ulls for s!lendid might, as the 5un;s eye set in the
firmament;s e$!anse,
Li7e vigorous horses ye are eauteous to ehold, and for your glory show
li7e ridegrooms, , ye %en.
& Who, , ye %aruts, may attain the mighty lore of you the mighty, who may
reach your manly deedsB
<e, verily, ma7e earth tremle li7e a ray of light what time ye ring your
oons to give !ros!erity,
( Li7e steeds of ruddy colour, scions of one race, as foremost cham!ions
they have attled in the van.
The "eroes have wa$ed strong li7e we.1grown manly youths: with floods of
rain they ma7e the 5un;s eye fade away,
* "aving no eldest and no youngest in their and, no middlomost,
!reeminent they have wa$ed in might,
These 5ons of Prsni, s!rung of nole ancestry1 come hiterward to us, ye
ridegrooms of the s7y.
+ Li7e irds of air they flew with might in lengthened lines from heaven;s
high ridges to the orders of the s7y.
The steeds who carry them, as Gods and mortals 7now, have caused the
waters of the mounuains to desGend.
. %ay 6yaus, the Infinite, roar for our an?uet1 may 6awns toil for us,
glittering with moisture.
Lauded y thee, these %aruts, 5ons o /udra, , /si, have sent down the
heavenly treasure.
HYMN *X. Maru&s.
1. I LA36 with reverence the gracious Agni1 here may he sit and !art our
meed among us.
As with s!oil)see7ing cars I ring olation1 turned rightward I will swell the
%arut;s, !raise)song.
2 The %aruts, yea, the /udras, who have mounted their famous s!otted deer
and cars swift)moving,)
-efore you, fierce ,nesA woods ow down in terror1 2arth, even the
mountain, tremles at your coming.
# Though vast and tall, the mountain is affrighted, the height of heaven is
sha7en at your roaring
When, armed with lances, ye are s!orting, %aruts, and rush along together
li7e the waters.
& They, li7e young suitors, sons of wealthy houses, have with their golden
natures dec7ed their odies.
5trong on their cars, the lordly ,nes, for glory, have set their s!lendours on
their forms for ever.
( =one eing eldest, none among them youngest, as rothers they have
grown to ha!!y fortune.
%ay their 5ire /udra, young and deft, and Prsni !ouring much mil7, ring
fair days to the %aruts.
* Whether, , lessed %aruts, ye e dwelling in highest, midmost, or in
lowest heaven,
Thence, , ye /udras, and thou also, Agni, notice the sacrificial food we
offer.
+ , %aruts, Lords of all, when Agni and when ye drive downward from
sulimest heaven along the heights,
5ha7ers of all, re9oicing, slayers of the foe, give riches to the 5oma)!ressing
worshi!!er.
. , Agni, with the %aruts as they gleam and sing, gathered in troo!,
re9oicing drin7 the 5oma 9uice:
With these the living ones who cleanse and further all, 9oined with thy
anner, , 'aisvanara, from of old.
HYMN *XI. Maru&s.
1. , "2/,25 lordliest of all, who are ye that have singly come
4orth from a region most remoteB
2. Where are your horses, where the reinsB "ow came yeB how had ye the
!owerB
/ein was on nose and seat on ac7.
# The whi! is laid u!on the flan7. The heroes stretch their thighs a!art,
Li7e women when the ae is orn.
& Go ye, , "eroes, far away, ye ridegrooms with a lovely 5!ouse
That ye may warm you at the fire.
( %ay she gain cattle for her meed, hundreds of shee! and steeds and 7ine,
Who threw emracing arms around the hero whom gyavaiva !raised.
* <ea, many a woman is more firm and etter than the man who turns
Away from Gods, andoffers not.
+ 5he who discerns the wea7 and worn, the man who thirsts and is in want
5he sets her mind u!on the Gods.
. And yet full many a one, un!raised, mean niggard, is entitled man1
,nly in weregild is he such.
0 And she, the young, the 9oyous)s!irited, divulged the !ath to 5yava, yea,
to me.
Two red steeds carried me to Purumilha;s side, that sage of far)e$tended
fame,
1@ "im who, li7e 'aidadasvi, li7e Taranta, hath estowed on me
A hundred cows in lieral gift.
11 They who are orne y ra!id steeds, drin7ing the meath that gives
delight,
They have attained high glories here.
12 They y whose s!lendour oth the worlds are over)s!read they shine on
cars
As the gold gleams aove in heaven.
1# That %arut and is ever young, orne on right cars, unlamale,
%oving to victory, chec7ed y none.
1& Who 7noweth, verily, of these where the All)sha7ers ta7e delight,
-orn, s!otless, after sacred LawB
1( Guides are ye, lovers of the song to mortal man through holy hymn,
And hearers when he cries for hel!.
1* 6o ye, destroyers of the foe, worshi!ful and e$ceeding right,
5end down the treasures that we crave.
1+ ,3rmya, ear thou far away to 6arhya this my hymn of !raise,
5ongs, Goddess, as if chariot)orne.
1. 4rom me to /athaviti say, when he hath !ressed the 5oma 9uice,
The wish I had de!arteth not.
10 This wealthy /athaviti dwells among the !eo!le rich in 7ine,
Among the mountains, far withdrawn.
HYMN *XII. Mi&ra-Varuna
1. -< your high Law firm order is estalished there where they loose for
travel 5urya;s horses.
Ten hundred stood together1 there I loo7ed on this the most marvellous
6eities; one chief glory.
2 This, %itra)'aruna, is your s!ecial greatness1 floods that stood there they
with the days attracted.
<e cause to flow all voices of the cow!en1 your single chariotfelly hath
rolled hither.
# , %itra)'aruna, ye y your greatness, oth 8ings, have firmly stalished
earth and heaven,
<e caused the cows to stream, the !lants to flourish, and, scattering swift
dro!s, sent down the rain)flood.
& Let your well)harnessed horses ear you hither1 hitherward let them come
with reins drawn tightly.
A covering cloud of sacred oil attends you, and your streams flow to us from
days aforetime.
( To ma7e the lustre wider and more famous, guarding the sacred grass with
veneration,
<e, %itra)'aruna, firm, strong, awe)ins!iring, are seated on a throne amid
olations.
* With hands that shed no lood, guarding the !ious, whom, 'aruni#, ye
save amid olations.
<e Twain, together, 8ings of willing s!irit, u!hold dominion ased on
thousand !illars.
+ Adorned with gold, its columns are of iron. in heaven it glitters li7e a whi!
for horses:
,r stalished on a field dee!)s!oiled and fruitful. 5o may we share the
meath that loads your car)seat.
. <e mount your car gold)hued at rea7 of morning, and iron)!illared when
the 5un is setting,
And from that !lace, , 'aruna and %itra, ehold infinity and limitNtion.
0 -ountiful guardians of the worldA the shelter that is im!enetrale,
strongest, flawless,
Aid us with that, , 'aruna and %itra, and when we long to win may we e
victors.
HYMN *XIII. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. G3A/6IA=5 of ,rder, ye whose Laws are ever true, in the sulimest
heaven your chariot ye ascend.
, %itra)'aruna whomsoe;er ye1 favour, here, to him the rain with sweetness
streameth down from heaven.
2 This world;s im!erial 8ings, , %itra)'aruna, ye rule in holy synod, loo7ing
on the light.
We !ray for rain, your oon, and immortality. Through heaven and over
earth the thunderers ta7e their way.
# Im!erial 8ings, strong, "eroes, Lords of earth and heaven, %itra and
'aruna, ye ever active ,nes,
<e wait on thunder with the many)tinted clouds, and y the Asura;s magic
!ower cause "eaven to rain.
& <our magic, %itra)'aruna, resteth in the heaven. The 5un, the wondrous
wea!on, cometh forth as light.
<e hide him in the s7y with cloud and flood of rain, and water)dro!s,
Par9anyaA full of sweetness flow.
( The %aruts yo7e their easy car for victory, , %itra)'aruna, as a hero in the
wars.
The thunderers roam through regions varied in their hues. Im!erial 8ings,
edew us with the mil7 of heaven.
* /efreshing is your voice, , %itra)'aruna1 Par9anya sendeth out a wondrous
mighty voice.
With magic !ower the %aruts clothe them with the clouds. <e Two cause
"eaven to rain, the red, the s!otless ,ne.
+ Wise, with your Law and through the Asura;s magic !ower ye guard the
ordinances, %itra)'aruna.
<e y eternal ,rder govern all the world. <e set the 5un in heaven as a
refulgent car.
HYMN *XV. Mi&ra-Varuna
1. <ou, foeman)slaying 'aruna and %itra, we invo7e with song,
Who, as with !enfold of your arms, encom!ass round the realm of light.
2 5tretch out your arms with favouring love unto this man who singeth
hymns,
4or in all !laces is sung forth your evergracious friendliness.
# That I may gain a refuge now, may my ste!s e on %itra;s !ath.
%en go !rotected in the charge of this dear 4riend who harms us not.
& %itra and 'aruna, from you may I, y song, win nolest meed.
That shall stir envy in the homes of wealthy chiefs and those who !raise.
( With your fair s!lendours, 'aruna and %itra, to our gathering come,
That in their homes the wealthy chiefs and they who are your friends may
thrive.
* With those, moreover, among whom ye hold your high su!remacy,
'ouchsafe us room that we may win strength for !ros!erity and wealth.
+ When morning flushes, "oly ,nesA in the Gods; realm where white >ows
shine,
5u!!orting Arcananas, s!eed, ye "eroes, with your active feet hither to my
!ressed 5oma 9uice.
HYMN *XV Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. 43LL wise is he who hath discerned1 let him s!ea7 to us of the Gods,)
The man whose !raise)songs 'aruna the eautiful, or %itra, loves.
2 4or they are 8ings of nolest might, of glorious fame most widely s!read:
Lords of the rave, who strengthen Law, the "oly ,nes with every race.
# A!!roaching you with !rayer for aid, together I address you first
We who have good steeds call on you, %ost 5age, to give us strength
esides.
& 2;en out of misery %itra gives a way to dwelling at our case,
4or he who worshi!s hath the grace of %itra, fighter in the van. ;
( In %itra;s shelter that e$tends to utmost distance may we dwell,
3nmenaced, guarded y the care, ever as sons of 'aruna.
* <e, %itra, urge this !eo!le on, and to one end direct their ways.
=eglect not ye the wealthy chiefs, neglect not us the /sis1 e our guardians
when ye ?uaff the mil7.
HYMN *XVI. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. , 5API2=T man, call the Two Gods, the very wise, who slay the foe.
4or 'aruna, whose form is Law, !lace offerings for his great delight.
2 4or they have won unro7en sway in full !erfection, !ower divine.
And, li7e high laws, the world of man hath een made eautiful as light.
# Therefore we !raise you that your cars may travel far in front of ours)
<ou who acce!t the eulogy of /atahavya with his hymns.
& And ye show w%om, Wondrous Gods with fulness of intellIgence.
-y men;s discernment are 'e mar7ed, , ye whose might is !urified.
( This is the Law sulime, , 2arth1 to aid the /sis; toil for fame
The Two, wide)s!reading, are !re!ared. They come with am!le overflow.
* %itra, ye Gods with wandering eyes, would that the worshi!!ers and we
%ight strive to reach the realm ye rule, most s!acious and !rotected well,
HYMN *XVII. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. <2 Gods, Adityas, 'aruna, Aryaman, %itra, verily
"ave here otained su!remest sway, high, holy, set a!art for you.
2 When, 'aruna and %itra, ye sit in your golden dwelling)!lace,
<e Twain, su!!orters of man7ind, foeslayers, give felicity.
# All these, !ossessors of all wealth, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman,
4ollow their ways, as if with feet, and guard from in9ury mortal man.
& 4or they are true, they cleave to Law, held holy among every race,
Good leaders, ounteous in their gifts, deliverers even from distress.
( Which of your !ersons, 'aruna or %itra, merits not our !raiseB
Therefore our thought is turned to you, the Atris; thought is turned to you.
HYMN *XVIII. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. 5I=G forth unto your 'aruna and %itra with a song ins!ired.
They, %ighty Lords, are lofty Law
2 4ull s!rings of fatness, 5ovran 8ings, %itra. and 'aruna, the Twain,
Gods glorified among the Gods.
# 5o hel! ye us to riches, great terrestrial and celestial wealth1
'ast is your sway among the Gods.
& >arefully tending Law with Law they have attained their vigorous might.
The two Gods wa$ devoid of guile.
( With rainy s7ies and streaming floods, Lords of the strength that ringeth
gifts,
A lofty seat have they attained.
HYMN *XIX. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. T"/22 s!heres of light, , 'aruna, three heavens, three firmaments ye
com!rehend, , %itra1
Wa$ed strong, ye 7ee! the s!lendour of dominion, guarding the ,rdinance
that lasts for ever.
2 <e, 'aruna, have 7ine who yield refreshment: %itra, your floods !our
water full of sweetness.
There stand the Three 5teers, s!lendid in their rightness, who fill the three
world)owls with genial moisture.
# I call at dawn on Aditi the Goddess, I call at noon and when the 5un is
setting.
I !ray, , %itra)'aruna, for safety, for wealth and !rogeny, in rest and
troule.
& <e who u!hold the region, s!here of rightness, ye who su!!ort earth;s
realm 6ivine Adityas,
The Immortal Gods, , 'aruna and %itra, never im!air your everlasting
statutes.
HYMN *XX. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. 2'2= far and wide, , 'aruna and %itra, doth your grace e$tend.
%ay I otain your 7ind good)will.
2 4rom you, enignant Gods, may we gain fully food for sustenance.
5uch, , ye /udras, my we e.
# Guard us, , /udras. with your guar& save us, ye s7illed to save, my we
5udue the 6asyus, we ourselves,
& ,r ne;er may we, , Wondrous 5trong, en9oy another;s solemn feast,
,urselves, our sons, or !rogeny.
HYMN *XXI. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. , 'aruna and %itra, ye who slay the foemen, come with might
To this our goodly sacrifice.
2 4or, 'aruna and %itra, ye 5ages are /ulers over all. 4ill full our songs, for
this ye can.
# >ome to the 9uice that we have !ressed. 'aruna, %itra, come to drin7
This 5oma of the worshi!!er.
HYMN *XXI* Mi&ra-Varuna.
1 To 'aruna and %itra we offerwith songs, as Atri did. 5it on the sacred grass
to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
2 -y ,rdinance and Law ye dwell in !eace secure, estirring men.
5it on the sacred grass to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
# %ay 'aruna and %itra, for our hel!, acce!t the sacrifice.
5it on the sacred grass to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
HYMN *XXIII. Asvins.
1. W"2T"2/, , Asvins, ye this day e far remote or near at hand,
In many s!ots or in mid)air, come hither, Lords of am!le wealth.
2 These here, who show o;er widest s!ace, ringing full many a wondrous
act,
/esistless, lovingly I see7, I call the %ightiest to en9oy.
# Another eauteous wheel have ye fi$ed there to decorate your car.
With others through the realms ye roam in might unto the neighouring
tries.
& That deed of yours that is e$tolled, 'isvasA hath all een done with this.
-orn otherwise, and s!otless, ye have entered 7inshi!;s onds with us.
( When 5urya mounted on your car that rolls for ever ra!idly,
-irds of red hue were round aout and urning s!lendours com!assed you.
* Atri ethin7s himself of you, , "eroes, with a friendly mind,
What time, =asatyas, with his mouth he stirs the s!otless flame for you.
+ 5trong is your swiftly moving steed, famed his e$ertion in the course
When y your great deeds, Atyins, >hiefs, Atri is rought to us again.
. Lovers of sweetness, /udras, she who streams with sweetness waits on
you.
When ye have travelled through the seas men ring you gifts of well)dressed
food.
0 Asvins, with truth they call you Twain estowers of felicity:
At sacrifice most !rom!t to hear, most gracious ye at sacrifice.
1@ %ost !leasing to the Asvins e these !rayers which magnify their might,
Which we have fashioned, even as cars high reverence have we s!o7en
forth.
HYMN *XXIV. Asvins.
1. W"2/2 in the heavens are ye to)day, Gods, Asvins, rich in constancyB
"ear this, ye e$cellent as 5teers1 Atri inviteth you to come.
2 Where are they nowB Where are the Twain, the famed =asatyas, Gods in
heavenB
Who is the man ye strive to reachB Who of your su!!liants is with youB
# Whom do ye visit, whom a!!roachB to whom direct your harnessed carB
With whose devotions are ye !leasedB We long for you to further us.
& <e, 5trengtheners, for Paura stir the filler swimming in the flood,
Advancing to e ca!tured li7e a lion to the amuscade.
( <e from cyavana worn with age removed his s7in as ;twere a roe.
5o, when ye made him young again, he stirred the longing of a dame.
* "ere is the man who lauds you oth1 to see your glory are we here.
=ow ear me, come with saving hel!, ye who are rich in store of wealth.
+ Who among many mortal men this day hath won you to himselfB
What ard, acce!ters of the ardB Who, rich in wealthA with sacrificeB
. , Asvins, may your car a!!roach, most e$cellent of cars for s!eed.
Through many regions may our !raise !ass onward among mortal men.
0 %ay our laudation of you Twain, lovers of meathA e sweet to you.
4ly hitherward, ye wise of heart, li7e falcons with your winged steeds.
1@ , Asvins, when at any time ye listen to this call of mine,
4or you is dainty food !re!ared1 they mi$ refreshing food for you.
HYMN *XXV. Asvins.
1. To meet your treasure)ringing car, the mighty car most dear to us,
Asvins, the /si is !re!ared, your raiser, with his song of !raise. Lovers of
sweetness, hear my call.
2 Pass, , ye Asvins, !ass away eyond all tries of selfish men,
Wonderful, with your golden !aths, most gracious, ringers of the flood.
Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.
# >ome to us, , ye Asvin Pair, ringing your !recious treasures, come
<e /udras, on your !aths of gold, re9oicing, rich in store of wealth. Lovers of
sweetness, hear my call.
& , strong and Good, the voice of him who lauds you well cleaves to your
car.
And that great east, your chariot)steed, fair, wonderful, ma7es dainty
food. Lovers of sweetness, hear my call.
( Watchful in s!irit, orn on cars, im!etuous, listing to his cry,
Asvins, with winged steeds ye s!eed down to cyavana void of guile. Lovers
of sweetness, hear my call.
* "ither, , "eroes, let your steeds, of da!!led hue, yo7ed at the thought,
<our flying steeds, , Asvins, ring you hitherward, with liss, to drin7.
+ , Asvins, hither come to us: =asatyas, e not disinclined.
Through longing for the !ious turn out of the way to reach our home. Lovers
of sweetness, ear my call.
. <e Lords of 5!lendour, free from guile, come, stand at this our sacrifice.
-eside the singer, Asvins, who longs for your grace and lauds you oth.
0 6awn with her white herd hath a!!eared, and in due time hath fire een
!laced.
"arnessed is your immortal car, , WonderWor7ers, strong and 7ind. Lovers
of sweetness, ear my call.
HYMN *XXVI. Asvins
1. AG=I, the right face of the 6awns, is shining: the singers; !ious voices
have ascended.
-orne on your chariot, Asvins, turn you hither and come unto our full and
rich liation.
2 %ost fre?uent guests, they scorn not what is ready1 even now the lauded
Asvins are eside us.
With !rom!test aid they come at morn and evening, the worshi!!er;s most
lessed guards from troule.
# <ea, come at mil7ing)time, at early morning, at noon of day and when the
5un is setting,
-y day, y night, with favour most aus!icious. =ot only now the draught
hath drawn the Asvins.
& 4or this !lace, Asvins, was of old your dwelling, these were your houses,
this your haitation.
>ome to us from high heaven and from the mountain. >ome from the waters
ringing food and vigour.
( %ay we otain the Asvins; newest favour, and gain their health)estowing
ha!!y guidance.
HYMN *XXVII. Asvins.
1. 4I/5T worshi! those who come at early morning1 let the Twain drin7
efore the giftless niggard.
The Asvins claim the sacrifice at dayrea71 the sages yielding the first share
e$tol them.
2 Worshi! at dawn and instigate the Asvins1nor is the worshi!!er at eve
re9ected.
-esides ourselves another craves and worshi!s1 each first in worshi! is most
highly favoured.
# >overed with gold, meath)tinted, dro!!ing fatness, your chariot with its
freight of food comes hither,
5wift as thought, Asvins, ra!id as the tem!est, wherewith ye travel over all
ostructions.
& "e who hath served most often the =asatyas, and gives the sweetest food
at distriution,
4urthers with his own holy wor7s his offs!ring, and ever !asses those whose
flames ascend not.
( %ay we otain the Asvins; newest favour, and gain their health)estowing
ha!!y ildance.
HYMN *XXVIII. Asvins.
1. <2 Asvins, hither come to us1 =asatyas, e not disinclined.
4ly hither li7e two swans unto the 9uice we shed.
2 , Asvins, li7e a !air of deer, li7e two wild cattle to the mead1
# , Asvins rich in gifts, acce!t our sacrifice to !ros!er it1
& As Atri when descending to the cavem called on you loudly li7e a wailing
woman.
<e came to him, , Asvins, with the freshest and most aus!icious fleetness of
a falcon.
( Tree, !art asunder li7e the side of her who ringeth forth a child.
<e Asvins, listen to my call1 loose 5a!tavadhri from his onds.
* 4or 5a!tavadhri, for the seer affrighted when he we!t and wafled,
<e, Asvins, with your magic !owers rent u! the tree and shattered it.
+ Li7e as the wind on every side ruffles a !ool of lotuses,
5o stir in thee the ae unorn, so may the ten)month ae descend.
. Li7e as the wind, li7e as the wood, li7e as the sea is set astir,
5o also, ten)month ae, descend together with the after)irth.
0 The child who hath for ten months; time een lying in his mother;s side,)
%ay he come forth alive, unharmed, yea, livingfrorn the living dame.
HYMN *XXIX. Da-n.
1. , "2A'2=L< 6awn, awa7en us to am!le o!ulence to)day
2ven as thou hast wa7ened us with 5atyasravas, 'ayya;s son, high)ornA
delightful with thy steedsA
2 6aughter of "eaven, thou dawnedst on 5unitha 5ucadratha;s son,
5o dawn thou on one mightier still, on 5atyasravas, 'ayya;s son, high)ornA
# 5o, ringing treasure, dawn to)day on us thou 6aughter of the 57y,
As thou, , mightier yet. didst shine for 5atyatravas, 'ayya;s son, high)ornA
& "ere round aout thee are the !riests who laud thee, -right ,ne, with
their hymns,
And men with gifts, , -ounteous 6ame, s!lendid with wealth and offering
much, high)ornA delightful with thy steedsA
( Whatever these thy ands !erform to !lease thee or to win them wealth,
2;en fain they gird us round and give rich gifts which ne;er are reft away,
high)ornA delightful with thy steedsA
* Give to these wealthy !atrons fame, , affluent 6awn, with hero sons,
To these our !rinces who have rought rich gifts ne;er to e reft away,
highornA delightful with thy steedsA
+ -ring lofty and res!lendent fame, , thou munificent 6awn, to these
,ur wealthy !atrons who estow rich gifts on us of steeds and 7ine, high)
ornA delightful with thy steedsA
. -ring us, , 6aughter of the 57y, susistence in our herds of 7ine,
Together with the suneams, with the shine of !ure refulgent flames,
0 , 6aughter of the 57y, shine forth: delay not to !erform thy tas7.
Let not the 5un with fervent heat consume thee li7e a roer foe, high)
ornA delightful with the steedsA
1@ 5o much, and more e$ceedingly, , 6awn, it suits thee to estow,
Thou /adiant ,ne who ceasest not to shine for those who sing thy !raise,
HYMN *XXX. Da-n.
1. T"2 singers welcome with their hymns and !raises the Goddess 6awn who
ringeth in the sunlight,
5ulime, y Law true to eternal ,rder, right on her !ath, red)tinted, far)
refulgent.
2 5he comes in front, fair, rousing u! the !eo!le, ma7ing the !athways easy
to e travelled.
"igh, on her lofty chariot, all)im!elling, 6awn gives her s!lendour at the
days; eginning.
# 5he, harnessing her car with !ur!le o$en. in9uring none, hath rought
!er!etual riches.
,!ening !aths to ha!!iness, the Goddess shines, !raised y all, giver of
every lessing.
& With changing tints she gleams in doule s!lendour while from the
eastward she dis!lays her ody.
5he travels !erfectly the !ath of ,rder, nor fails to reach, as one who
7nows, the ?uarters.
( As conscious that her lims are right with athing, she stands, as ;twere,
erect that we may see her.
6riving away malignity and dar7ness, 6awn, >hild of "eaven, hath come to
us with lustre.
* The 6aughter of the 57y, li7e some chaste woman, ends, o!!osite to
men, her forehead downward.
The %aid, disclosing oons to him who worshi!s, hath rought again the
daylight as aforetime.
HYMN *XXXI. Savi&ar.
1. T"2 !riests of him the lofty Priest well)s7illed in hymns harness their
s!irit, yea, harness their holy thoughts.
"e only 7nowing wor7s assigns their !riestly tas7s. <ea, lofty is the !raise of
5avitar the God.
2 The 5a!ient ,ne arrays himself in every form1 for ?uadru!ed and i!ed he
hath rought forth good.
2$cellent 5avitar hath loo7ed on heaven;s high vault, and shineth after the
outgoing of the 6awn.
# 2ven he, the God whose going)forth and ma9esty the other 6eities have
followed with their might,
"e who hath measured the terrestrial regions out y his great !ower, he is
the >ourser 5avitar.
& To the three s!heres of light thou goest, 5avitar, and with the rays of
5idrya thou cominest thee.
Around, on oth sides thou encom!assest the night1 yea, thou, , God, art
%itra through thy righteous laws.
( ,ver all generation thou art Lord alone1 Pusan art thou, , God, in all thy
goings)forth.
<ea, thou hast domination over all this world. 5yavasva hath rought !raise
to thee, , 5avitar,
HYMN *XXXII. Savi&ar.
1. W2 crave of 5avitar the God this treasure much to e en9oyed.
The est, all)yielding, con?uering gift of -haga we would gladly win.
2 5avitar;s own su!remacy, most glorious and eloved of all,
=o one diminisheth in aught.
# 4or 5avitar who is -haga shall send riches to his worshi!!er.
That wondrous !ortion we im!lore.
& 5end us this day, God 5avitar, !ros!erity with !rogeny.
6rive thou the evil dream away.
( 5avitar, God, send far away all sorrows and calamities,
And send us only what is good.
* 5inless in sight of Aditi through the God 5avitar;s influence,
%ay we otain all lovely things.
+ We with our hymns this day elect the general God, Lord of the good,
5avitar whose decrees are true.
. "e who for ever vigilant !recedes these Twain, the 6ay and =ight,
Is 5avitar the thoughtful God.
0 "e who gives glory unto all these living creatures with the song,
And rings them forth, is 5avitar.
HYMN *XXXIII. +ar2anya.
1. 5I=G with these songs thy welcome to the %ighty, with adoration !raise
and call Par9anya.
The -ull, loud roaring, swift to send his ounty, lays in the !lants the seed.
for germination.
2 "e smites the trees a!art, he slays the demons1 all life fears him who
wields the mighty wea!on.
4rom him e$ceeding strong fices e;en the guiltless, when thundering
Par9anya smites the wic7ed.
# Li7e a car)driver whi!!ing on his horses, he ma7es the messengers of rain
s!ring forward.
4ar off resounds the roaring of the lion, what time Par9anya fills the s7y
with rain)cloud.
& 4orth urst the winds, down come the lightning)flashes1 the !lants shoot
u!, the realm of light is streaming.
4ood s!rings aundant for all living creatures, what time Par9anya ?uic7ens
earth with moisture.
( Thou at whose idding earth ows low efore thee, at whose command
hoofed cattle fly in terror,
At whose ehest the !lants assume all colours, even thou Par9anya, yield us
great !rotection.
* 5end down for us the rain of heaven, ye %aruts, and let the 5tallion;s flood
descend in torrents.
>ome hither with this thunder while thou !ourest the waters down, our
heavenly Lord and 4ather.
+ Thunder and roar1 the germ of life de!osit. 4ly round us on thy chariot
waterladen.
Thine o!ened water)s7in draw with thee downward, and let the hollows and
the heights e level.
. Lift u! the mighty vessel, !our down water, and let the lierated streams
rush forward.
5aturate oth the earth and heaven with fatness, and for the cows let there
e drin7 aundant.
0 When thou, with thunder and with roar, Par9anya, smitest sinners down,
This universe e$ults thereat, yea, all that is u!on the earth.
1@ Thou hast !oured down the rain)flood now withhold it. Thou hast made
desert !laces fit for travel.
Thou hast made hers to grow for our en9oyment1 yea, thou hast won thee
!raise from living creatures.
HYMN *XXXIV. +r&#ivi.
1. T",3, of a truth,, Prthivi, earest the tool that rends the hills1
Thou rich in torrents, who with might ?uic7enest earth, , %ighty ,ne.
2 To thee, , wanderer at will, ring out the lauds with eams of day,
Who drivest, li7e a neighing steed, the swelling cloud, , right of hue.
# Who gras!est with thy might on earth. e;en the strong sovrans of the
wood,
When from the lightning of thy cloud the rain)floods of the heaven descend.
HYMN *XXXV. Varuna.
1. 5I=G forth a hymn sulime and solemn, grateful to glorious. 'aruna,
im!erial /uler,
Who hath struc7 out, li7e one who slays the victim, earth as a s7in to s!read
in front of 5urya.
2 In the tree)to!s the air he hath e$tended, !ut mil7 in 7ine and vigorous
s!eed in horses,
5et intellect in hearts, fire in the waters, 5iurya in heaven and 5oma on the
mountain.
# 'aruna lets the ig cas7, o!ening downward, flow through the heaven and
earth and air;s mid)region.
Therewith the universe;s 5ovran waters earth as the shower of rain edews
the arley.
& When 'aruna is fain for mil7 he moistens the s7y, the land, and earth to
her foundation.
Then straight the mountains clothe them in the rain)cloud1 the "eroes,
!utting forth their vigour, loose them.
( I will declare this mighty deed of magic, of glorious 'aruna the Lord
Immortal,
Who standing in the firmament hath meted the earth out with the 5un as
with a measure.
* =one, verily, hath ever let or hindered this the most wise God;s mighty
deed of magic,
Wherey with all their flood, the lucid rivers fill not one sea wherein they
!our their waters.
+ If we have sinned against the man who loves us, have ever wronged a
rother, friend, or comrade,
The neighour ever with us, or a stranger, , 'aruna, remove from us the
tres!ass.
. If we, as gamesters cheat at !lay, have cheated, done wrong unwittingly
or sinned of !ur!ose,
>ast all these sins away li7e loosened fetters, and, 'aruna let us e thine
own eloved.
HYMN *XXXVI. Indra-Agni.
1. T"2 mortal man whom ye, the Twain, Indra and Agni, hel! in fight,
-rea7s through e;en strongly)guarded wealth as Trta urst his way through
reeds.
2 The Twain invincile in war, worthy to e renowned in frays,
Lords of the 4ivefold. Peo!le, these, Indra and Agni, we invo7e.
# Im!etuous is their strength, and 7een the lightning of the mighty Pair,
Which from their arms s!eeds with the car to 'rtra;s slayer for the 7ine.
& Indra and Agni, we invo7e you oth, as such, to send your cars1
Lords of ?uic7)coming ounty, ye who 7now, chief lovers of the song.
( These who give increase day y day, Gods without guile for mortal man,
Worthy themselves, I honour most, Two Gods as !artners, for my horse.
* The strength)estowing offering thus to Indra)Agni hath een !aid, as
utter, !urified y stones.
6eal to our !rinces high renown, deal wealth to those who sing your !raise,
deal food to those who sing your !raise.
HYMN *XXXVII. Maru&s.
1. To 'isnu, to the %ighty whom the %aruts follow let your hymns orn in
song go forth, 2vayamarut:
To the im!etuous, strong and, adorned with racelets, that rushes on in 9oy
and ever roars for vigour.
2 They who with might were manifest, and who willingly y their own
7nowledge told it forth, 2vayamarut.
%aruts, this strength of yours no wisdom com!rehendeth1 through their gifts;
greatness they are moveless as the mountains.
# Who y the !salm they sing are heard, from lofty heaven, the strong, the
rightly shining ,nes, 2vayamarut:
In whose aode there is no mightier one to move them, whose lightnings are
as fires, who urge the roaring rivers.
& "e of the %ighty 5tride forth strode, 2vayamarut, out of the s!acious
dwelling)!lace, their home in common.
When he, himself, hath yo7ed his emulous strong horses on heights, he
cometh forth, 9oy)giving, with the "eroes.
( Li7e your tremendous roar, the rainer with light flashing, strong, s!eeding,
hath made all tremle, 2vayamarut,
Wherewith victorious ye, self)luminous, !ress onward, with strong reins,
dec7ed with gold, im!etuous and well)wea!oned.
* 3nounded is your greatness, ye of mighty !ower1 may your right vigour
e our aid, 2vayamarut:
4or ye are visile hel!ers in the time of troule1 li7e fires, aglow with light,
save us from shame and insult.
+ 5o may the /udras, mighty warriors, 2vayamarut, with s!lendid rilliancy,
li7e fires, e our !rotectors:
They whose terrestrial dwelling)!lace is wide)e$tended, whom none sus!ect
of sin, whose ands have lofty courage.
. >ome in a friendly s!irit, come to us, , %aruts, and hear his call who
!raises you, 2vayamarut.
Li7e car)orne men, one)minded with the mighty 'isnu, 7ee! enmity far
from us with your deeds of wonder.
0 >ome to our sacrifice, ye "nly ,nes, to less it, and, free from demons,
hear our call, 2vayamarut.
%ost e$cellent, li7e mountains in the air;s raid)region, e irresistile, ye,
Wise, to this man;a hater.
RIG VEDA - THE SIXTH BOOK
HYMN I. Agni.
1. T",3, first inventor of this !rayer, , Agni, Wor7er of %arvels, hast
ecome our "erald.
Thou, -ull, hast made us strength which none may con?uer, strength that
shall overcome all other !rowess.
2 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worshi!, furthering us, est ,fferer,
meet for honour.
5o first to thee have !ious men resorted, turning thy mind to thoughts of
am!le riches.
# In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest with much
wealth as with an army,
The radiant Agni, lofty, fair to loo7 on, worshi!!ed with marrow, evermore
res!lendent.
& They who a!!roached the God;s aode with homage, eager for glory, won
them !erfect glory1
<ea, they gained even sacrificial titles, and found delight in thine aus!icious
as!ect.
( ,n earth the !eo!le magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial and
terrestrial riches.
Thou, "el!er, must e 7nown as our Preserver, 4ather and %other of
man7ind for ever.
* 6ear !riest among man7ind, adorale Agni hath seated him, 9oy)giver,
s7illed in worshi!.
Let us a!!roach thee shining in thy dwelling, 7neeling u!on our 7nees, with
adoration.
+ Longing for liss, !ure)minded, God)devoted, Agni, we see7 thee, such,
meet to e lauded.
Thou, Agni, leddest forth our men to attle, refulgent with the heaven;s
e$alted s!lendour.
. 5age of man7ind, all !eo!les; Lord and %aster, the -ull of men, the sender
down of lessings,
5till !ressing on, !romoting, !urifying, Agni the "oly ,ne, the Lord of
riches.
0 Agni, the mortal who hath toiled and worshi!!ed, rought thee olations
with his 7indled fuel,
And well 7nows sacrifice with adoration, gains every 9oy with thee to guard
and hel! him.
1@ %ightily let us worshi! thee the %ighty, with reverence, AgniA fuel and
olations,
With songs, , 5on of 5trength, with hymns, with altar1 so may we strive for
thine aus!icious favour.
11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with s!lendour and with thy
glories, glorious and trium!hant.
>ontinue thou to shine on us, , Agni, with strength aundant, rich, and long
enduring.
12 'ouchsafe us ever, as man needs, , 'asu, aundant wealth of 7ine for son
and offs!ring.
4ood nole, !lenteous, far from sin and evil, he with us, and fair fame to
ma7e us ha!!y.
1# %ay I otain much wealth in many !laces y love of thee and through thy
grace, 8ing Agni:
4or in thee -ounteous ,ne, in thee the 5ovran, Agni, are many oons for
him who serves thee.
HYMN II. Agni.
1. T",3, Agni, even as %itra, hast a !rincely glory of thine own.
Thou, active 'asu, ma7est fame increase li7e full !ros!erity.
2 4or, verily, men !ray to thee with sacrifices and with songs.
To thee the 4riendly >ourser, seen of all, comes s!eeding through the air.
# ,f one accord men 7indle thee "eaven;s signal of the sacrifice,
When, craving liss, this race of man invites thee to the solemn rite.
& Let the man thrive who travails sore, in !rayer, far thee the -ountiful.
"e with the hel! of lofty 6yaus comes safe through straits of enmity.
( The mortal who with fuel lights thy flame and offers unto thee,
5u!!orts a house with many a ranch, Agni, to live a hundred years.
* Thy right smo7e lifts itself aloft, and far)e$tended shines in heaven.
4or, PurifierA li7e the 5un thou eamest with thy radiant glow.
+ 4or in men;s houses thou must e glorified as a well)loved guest,
Gay li7e an elder in a fort, claiming !rotection li7e a son.
. Thou, Agni, li7e an ale steed, art urged y wisdom in the wood.
Thou art li7e wind: food, home art thou, li7e a young horse that runs astray.
0 2;en things im!erishale, thou, , Agni, li7e a gaCing o$,
2atest, when hosts, 2ternal ,neA of thee the %ighty rend the woods.
1@ Agni, thou enterest as Priest the home of men who sacrifice.
Lord of the !eo!le, !ros!er them. Acce!t the ofrering, AngirasA
11 , Agni, God with %itra;s might, call hither the favour of the Gods from
earth and heaven.
-ring weal from heaven, that men may dwell securely. %ay we o;ercome the
foe;s malign o!!ressions, may we o;ercome them, through thy hel! o;ercome
them.
HYMN III. Agni.
1. T/32, guardian of the Law, thy faithful servant wins am!le light and
dwells in !eace, , Agni,
Whom thou, as 'aruna in accord with %itra, guardest, , God, y anishing
his troule.
2 "e hath !aid sacrifices, toiled in worshi!, and offered gifts to wealth)
increasing Agni.
"im the dis!leasure of the famous moves not, outrage and scorn affect not
such a mortal.
# -right God, whose loo7 is free from stain li7e 5urya;s, thou, swift, what
time thou earnestly desirest,
"ast gear to give us. >ome with 9oy at evening, where, >hild of Wood, thou
mayest also tarry.
& 4ierce is his gait and vast his wondrous ody1 he cham!eth li7e a horse
with it and ridle,
And, darting forth his tongue, as ;twere a hatchet, urning the woods,
smelteth them li7e a smelter.
( Archer)li7e, fain toshoot, he sets his arrow, and whets his s!lendour li7e
the edge of iron1
The messenger of night with rilliant !athway, li7e a tree)roosting ird of
ra!id !inion.
* In eams of morn he clothes him li7e the singer, and right as %itra with
his s!lendour crac7les.
/ed in the night, y day the men;s !ossession1 red, he elongs to men y
day, Immortal.
+ Li7e "eaven;s when scattering eams his voice was uttered1 among the
!lants the radiant "ero shouted,
Who with his glow in ra!id course came hither to fill oth worlds, well)
wedded 6ames, with treasure.
. Who, with su!!orting streams and rays that suit him, hath flashed li7e
lightning with his native vigour.
Li7e the deft %a7er of the and of %aruts, the right im!etuous ,ne hath
shone refulgent.
HYMN IV Agni.
1. As at man;s service of the Gods, Invo7er, thou, 5on of 5trength, dost
sacrifice and worshi!,
5o ring for us to)day all Gods together, ring willingly the willing Gods, ,
Agni.
2 %ay Agni, radiant "erald of the morning, meet to e 7nown, acce!t our
!raise with favour.
6ear to all life, mid mortal men Immortal, our guest, awa7e at dawn, is
Datavedas.
# Whose might the very heavens regard with wonder1 right as the 5un he
clothes himself with lustre.
"e who sends forth,, 2ternal Purifier, hath shattered e;en the ancient wor7s
of Asna.
& Thou art a 5inger, 5onA our feast)com!anion1 Agni at irth !re!ared his
food and !athway.
Therefore vouchsafe us strength, , 5trength)estower. Win li7e a 8ing1 foes
troule not thy dwelling.
( 2ven he who cats his firm hard food with swiftness,and overta7es the
nights as 'ayu 7ingdoms.
%ay we o;ercome those who resist thine orders, li7e a steed casting down
the flying foemen.
* Li7e 5urya with his fulgent rays, , Agni, thou overs!readest oth the
worlds with s!lendour.
6ec7ed with right colour he dis!els the dar7ness, li7e Ausi9a, with clear
flame swifily flying.
+ We have elected thee as most delightful for thy eams; glow1 hear our
great laud, , Agni.
The est men !raise thee as the !eer of Indra in strength, mid Gods, li7e
'iyu in thy ounty.
. =ow, Agni, on the tran?uil !aths of riches come to us for our weal1 save us
from sorrow.
Grant chiefs and ard this oon. %ay we live ha!!y, with hero children,
through a hundred winters.
HYMN V. Agni.
1. I I=',>AT2 your 5on of 5trength, the <outhful, with hymns, the <oungest
God, whose s!eech is guileless:
5age who sends wealth com!rising every treasure, ringer of many oons,
devoid of malice.
2 At eve and morn thy !ious servants ring thee their !recious gifts, , Priest
of many as!ects,
,n whom, the Purifier, all things living as on firm. ground their ha!!iness
have stalished.
# Thou from of old hast dwelt among these !eo!le, y mental !ower the
charioteer of lessings.
"ence sendest thou, , sa!ient Datavedas, to him who serves thee treasures
in succession.
& Agni, whoever secretly attac7s us, the neighour, thou with %itra;s mightA
who harms us,
-urn him with thine own 5teers for ever youthful, urning with urning
heat, thou fiercest urner.
( "e who serves thee with sacrifice and fuel, with hymn, , 5on of 5trength,
and chanted !raises,
5hines out, ImmortalA in the midst of mortals, a sage, with wealth, with
s!lendour and with glory.
* 6o this, , Agni, when we urge thee, ?uic7ly, trium!hant in thy might
sudue our foemen.
When thou art !raised with words and dec7ed with rightness, acce!t this
chanted hymn, the singer;s worshi!.
+ "el! us, that we may gain this wish, , Agni, gain riches, Wealthy ,neA
with store of heroes.
6esiring strength from thee may we e strengthened, and win, 2ternalA
thine eternal glory.
HYMN VI. Agni.
1. "2 who see7s furtherance and grace to hel! him goes to the 5on of
5trength with newest worshi!,
>alling the heavenly Priest to share the an?uet, who rends the wood,
right, with his lac7ened !athway.
2 White)hued and thundering he dwells in s!lendour, %ost <outhful, with the
loudvoiced and eternal)
Agni, most variform, the Purifier, who follows crunching many am!le
forests.
# Incited y the wind thy flames, , Agni, move onward, Pure ,neA !ure, in
all directions.
Thy most destructive heavenly =avagvas rea7 the woods down and
devastate them oldly.
& Thy !ure white horses from their onds are loosened1 , /adiant ,ne, they
shear the ground eneath them,
And far and wide shines out thy flame, and flic7ers ra!idly moving over
earth;s high ridges.
( 4orth darts the -ull;s tongue li7e the shar! stone wea!on discharged y
him who fights to win the cattle.
Agni;s fierce flame is li7e a hero;s onset1 dread and resistless he destroys the
forests.
* Thou with the sunlight of the great Im!eller hast oldly over)s!read the
earth;s e$!anses.
5o drive away with con?uering might all !erils. fighting out foemen urn u!
those who harm us.
+ WondrousA of wondrous !owerA give to the singer wealth wondrous,
mar7ed, most wonderful, life)giving.
Wealth right, , -right ,ne, vast, with many heroes, give with thy right
flames to the man who lauds thee.
HYMN VII. Agni.
1. "im, messenger of earth and head of heaven, Agni 'aisvanara, orn in
holy ,rder,
The 5age, the 8ing, the guest of men, a vessel fit for their mouths, the Gods
have generated.
2 "im have they !raised, mid)!oint of sacrifices, great cistern of liations,
seat of riches.
'aisvanara, conveyer of olations, ensign of worshi!, have the Gods
engendered.
# 4rom thee, , Agni, s!rings the mighty singer, from thee come heroes who
sudue the foeman.
, 8ing, 'aisvanara, estow thou on us e$cellent treasures worthy to
elonged fo r.
& To thee, ImmortalA when to life thou s!ringest, all the Gods sing for 9oy as
to their infant.
They y thy mental !owers were made immortal, 'aisvanara, when thou
shonest from thy Parents.
( Agni 'aisvanara, no one hath ever resisted these thy mighty ordinances,
When thou, arising from thy Parents; osom, foundest the light for days;
a!!ointed courses.
* The summits of the heaven are traversed through and through y the
Immortal;s light, 'aisvanara;s rilliancy.
All creatures in e$istence rest u!on his head. The 5even swift)flowing
5treams have grown li7e ranches forth,
+ 'aisvanara, who measured out the realms of air, 5age very wise who made
the lucid s!heres of heaven,
The 3ndeceivale who s!read out all the worlds, 7ee!er is he and guard of
immortality.
HYMN VIII. Agni.
1. AT Datavedas; holy gathering I will tell aloud the con?uering might of the
swift red)hued 5teer.
A !ure and fresher hymn flows to 'aisvanara, even as for Agni lovely 5oma is
made !ure.
2 That Agni, when in loftiest heaven he s!rang to life, Guardian of "oly
Laws, 7e!t and oserved them well.
2$ceeding wise, he measured out the firmament. 'aisvanara attained to
heaven y mightiness.
# Wonderful %itra !ro!!ed the heaven and earth a!art, and covered and
concealed
the dar7ness with his light.
"e made the two owls !art asunder li7e two s7ins. 'aisvanara !ut forth all
his creative !ower.
& The %igty seiCed him in the osom of the floods1 the !eo!le waited on
the 8ing who should e !raised.
As envoy of 'ivasvan %atari5van rought Agni 'aisvanara hither from far
away.
( In every age estow u!on the singers wealth, worthy of holy synods,
glorious, ever new.
8ing, undecaying, as it were with shar!ened olt, smite down the sinner li7e
a tree with lightning)flash.
* 6o thou estow, , Agni, on our wealthy chiefs, rule, with good heroes,
undecaying, ending not.
5o may we win for us strength. , 'aisvanara, hundredfold, thousandfold, ,
Agni, y thy hel!.
+ , thou who dwellest in three !laces, "el!er, 7ee! with effective guards
our !rincely !atrons.
8ee! our and, Agni, who have rought thee !resents. Lengthen their lives,
'aisvanara, when lauded.
HYMN IX. Agni.
1. ,=2 half of day is dar7, and right the other1 oth atmos!heres move on
y sage devices.
Agni 'aisvanara, when orn as 5ovran, hath with his lustre overcome the
dar7ness.
2 I 7now not either war! or woof, I 7now not the we they weave when
moving to the contest.
Whose son shall here s!ea7 words that must e s!o7en without assistance
from the 4ather near himB
# 4or oth the war! and woof he understandeth, and in due time shall s!ea7
what should e s!o7en,
Who 7noweth as the immortal world;s Protector, descending, seeing with no
aid from other.
& "e is the Priest, the first of all1 ehold him. %id mortal men he is the light
immortal.
"ere was he orn, firm)seated in his station Immortal, ever wa$ing in his
ody.
( A firm light hath een set for men to loo7 on1 among all things that fly the
mind is swiftest.
All Gods of one accord, with one intention, move unostructed to a single
!ur!ose.
* %ine ears unclose to hear, mine eye to see him: the light that harours in
my s!irit roadens.
4ar roams my mind whose thoughts are in the distance. What shall I s!ea7,
what shall I now imagineB
+ All the Gods owed them down in fear efore thee, Agni, when thou wast
dwelling in the dar7ness.
'aisvanara e gracious to assist us, may the Immortal favour us and hel! us.
HYMN X. Agni.
1. I=5TALL at sacrifice, while the rite advances, your !leasant, heavenly
Agni, meet for !raises.
With hymns)for he illumines us)install him. "e, Datavedas, ma7es our rites
successful.
2 "ear this laud, /adiant Priest of many as!ects, , Agni with the fires of
man en7indled,
Laud which ards send forth !ure as sacred utter, strength to this man, as
;twere for self)advantage.
# %id mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of
!raise to Agni,
And the God, wondrous right, with wondrous succours hel!s him to win a
stale filled with cattle.
& "e, at his irth, whose !ath is lac7 ehind him, filled heaven and earth
with far)a!!arent s!lendour1
And he himself hath een. through night;s thic7 dar7ness, made manifest y
light, the Purifier.
( With thy most mighty aid, confer, , Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on
our !rinces,
Who stand !reeminent, sur!assing others in lieral gifts, in fame, and hero
virtues.
* Agni, acce!t this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the
worshi!!er !resenteth.
4air hymns hadst thou among the -haradva9as, and hol!est them to gain
aundant vigour.
+ 5catter our foes, increase our store. %ay we he glad a hundred winters
with rave sons.
HYMN XI. Agni.
1. 2AG2/L< 5acrifice thou, most s7ilful, AgniA Priest, !ressing on as if the
%aruts sent thee.
To our olation ring the two =asatyas, %itra and 'aruna and 2arth and
"eaven.
2 Thou art our guileless, most delightful "erald, the God, among man7ind,
of holy synods.
A Priest with !urifying tongue, , Agni, sacrifice with thy mouth to thine own
ody.
# 4or even the lessed longing that is in thee would ring the Gods down to
the singer;s worshi!,
When the Angirases; sagest 5age, the Poet, sings the sweet measure at the
solemn service.
& -right hath he eamed, the wise, the far)refulgent. Worshi! the two
wides!reading Worlds, , Agni,
Whom as the Living ,ne rich in olations the 4ive Tries, ringing gifts,
adorn with homage.
( When I with reverence cli! the grass for Agni, when the trimmed ladle,
fullof oil, is lifted,
4irm on the seat of earth is ased the altar1 eye)li7e, the sacrifice is
directed 5un)ward.
* 2nrich us, , thou Priest of many as!ects, with the Gods, Agni, with thy
fires, en7indled.
, 5on of 5trength, clad in the roe of riches, may we esca!e from woe as
from
a !rison.
HYMN XII. Agni.
1. 8I=G of trimmed grass, "erald within the dwelling, may Agni worshi! the
Im!eller;s World)halves.
"e, 5on of 5trength, the "oly, from a distance hath s!read himself aroad
with light li7e 5urya.
2 In thee, most wise, shall 6yaus, for full !erfection, 8ingA "oly ,neA
!ronounce the call to worshi!.
4ound in three !laces, li7e the 5!eeder;s footste!, come to !resent men;s
riches as olationsA
# Whose laCe most s!lendid, sovran in the forest, shines wa$ing on his way
li7e the ) Im!eller.
"e 7nows himself, li7e as a guileless smelter, not to e stayed among the
!lants, Immortal.
& ,ur friends e$tol him li7e a steed for vigour even Agni in the dwelling,
9ataveNas.
Trce)fed, he fights with !ower as doth a cham!ion, li7e 6awn;s 5ire to e
!raised with sacrifices.
( %en wonder at his shining glows when, !aring the woods with case, o;er
the road earth he goeth,
And, li7e a rushing flood, loosed ?uic7ly, urneth, swift as a guilty thief, o;er
desert !laces.
* 5o mighty thou !rotectest us from slander, , >ham!ion, AgniA with all fires
en7indled.
-ring o!ulence and drive away affliction. %ay rave sons gladden us through
a hundred winters.
HYMN XIII. Agni.
1. 4/,% thee, as ranches from a tree, , Agni, from thee, Aus!icious GodA
s!ring all our lessings)
Wealth swiftly, strength in attle with our foemen, the rain esought of
heaven, the flow of waters.
2 Thou art our -haga to send wealth thou dwellest, li7e circumamient air,
with wondrous s!lendour.
4riend art thou of the lofty Law, li7e %itra, >ontroller, AgniA GodA of many a
lessing.
# AgniA the hero slays with might his foeman: the singer ears away the
Pani;s ooty)
2ven he whom thou, 5age, orn in Law, incitest y wealth, accordant with
the >hild of Waters.
& The man who, 5on of 5trength 1 with sacrifices, hymns, lauds, attracts thy
fervour to the altar,
2n9oys each !recious thing, , God, , Agni, gains wealth of corn and is the
lord of treasures.
( Grant, 5on of 5trength, to men for their susistence such things as ring
high fame and hero children.
4or thou with might givest much food in cattle even to the wic7ed wolf
when he is hungry.
* 2lo?uent, 5on of 5trength, %ost %ighty, Agni, vouchsafe us seed and
offs!ring, full of vigour.
%ay I y all my songs otain aundance. %ay rave sons gladden us through
a hundred winters.
HYMN XIV. Agni.
1. W",5, to Agni hath endeared his thought and service y his hymns,
That mortal cats efore the rest, and finds sufficiency of food.
2 Agni, in truth, is !assing wise, most s7illed in ordering, a 5eer.
At sacrifices %anus; sons glorify Agni as their Priest.
# The foeman;s wealth in many a !lace, Agni, is emulous to hel!.
%en fight the fiend, and see7 y rites to overcome the riteless foe.
& Agni estows the hero chief, winner of waters, firm in fray.
5oon as they loo7 u!on his might his enemies tremle in alarm.
( 4or with his wisdom Agni, God, !rotects the mortal from re!roach,
Whose con?uering wealth is never chec7ed, is never chec7ed in deeds of
might.
* , Agni, God with %itra;s might call hither the favour of the Gods from
earth and heaven.
-ring weal from heaven that men may dwell securely. %ay we o;ercome the
foe;s malign o!!ressions, may we o;ercome them, through thy hel! o;ercome
them.
HYMN XV. Agni.
1. WIT" this my song I strive to reach this guest of yours, who wa7es at
early morn, the Lord of all the tries.
2ach time he comes from heaven, the Pure ,ne from of old1 from ancient
days the >hild cats everlasting food.
2 Whom, well)dis sed, the -lirgus stalished as a rriend, whom men must
glorify, high)flaming in the wood.
As such, most friendly, thou art every day e$tolled in lauds y 'itahavya, ,
thou wondrous God.
# -e thou the foeless hel!er of the s7ilful man, suduer of the enemy near
or far away.
-estow a wealthy home on men, , 5on of 5trength. Give 'itahavya riches
s!reading far and wide, give -haradva9a wide)s!read wealth.
& "im, your refulgent guest, Agni who comes from heaven, the "erald of
man7ind, well)s7illed in sacred rites,
Who, li7e a holy singer, utters heavenly words, olation)earer, envoy, God,
I see7 with hymns.
( Who with his !urifying, eye)attracting form hath shone u!on the earth as
with the light of 6awn:
Who s!eeding on, as in the fight of 2taia, cometh, untouched y age, as one
athirst in heat.
* Worshi! ye Agni, Agni, with your log of wood: !raise your eloved, your
eloved guest with songs.
Invite ye the Immortal hither with your hymns. A God among the Gods, he
loveth what is choice, loveth our service, God mid Gods.
+ Agni inflamed with fuel in my song I sing, !ure, >leanser, steadlast, set in
tront at sacrifice.
Wise Datavedas we im!lore with !rayers for liss the Priest, the holy 5inger,
ounteous, void of guile.
. %en, Agni, in each age have made thee, 6eathiess ,ne, their envoy,
offering)earer, guard adorale.
With reverence Gods and mortals have estalished thee, the ever)watchful,
omni!resent "ousehold Lord.
0 Thou, Agni, ordering the wor7s and ways of oth, as envoy of the Gods
traversest oth the worlds.
When we lay claim to thy regard and gracious fare, e thou to us a
thrice!rotecting friendly guard.
1@ "im fair of face, ra!id, and fair to loo7 on, him very wise may we who
7now not follow.
Let him who 7nows all rules invite for worshi!, Agru announce our offering
to the Immortals.
11 "im, Agni, thou deliverest and savest who rings him !rayer to thee the
Wise, , "ero,
The end of sacrifice or its ince!tion: yea, thou endowest him with !ower
and riches.
12 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni: !reserve us, , thou 'ictor,
from dishonour.
"ere let the !lace of dar7ening come u!on thee1 may wealth e ours,
desirale in thousands.
1# Agni, the Priest, is 8ing, Lord of the homestead, he, Datayedas, 7nows all
generations.
%ost s7ilful worshi!!er mid Gods and mortals, may he egin the sacrifice,
the "oly.
1& Whate;er to)day thou, right)flamed Priest, en9oyest from the man;s rite)
for thou art sacrificer)
Worshi!, for duly dost thou s!read in greatness1 ear off thine ofrerings of
to)day, %ost <outhful.
1( Loo7 thou u!on the viands duly laid for thee. 4ain would he set thee here
to worshi! "eaven and,2arth.
"el! us, , lieral Agni, in the strife for s!oil, so that we may o;ercome all
things that troule us, o;ercome, o;ercome them with thy hel!.
1* Together with all Gods, , fair)faced Agni, e seated first u!on the
woollined altar,
=est)li7e, edewed with oil. -ear this our worshi! to 5avitar who sacrifices
rightly.
1+ "ere the arranging !riests, as did Atharvan, ru this Agni forth,
Whom, not ewildered, as he moved in winding ways, they rought from
gloom.
1. 4or the Gods; an?uet e thou orn, for full !erfection and for weal.
-ring the Immortal Gods who strengthen holy Law1 so let our sacrifice reach
the Gods.
10 , Agni, Lord and %aster of men;s homesteads, with 7indled fuel we have
made thee mighty.
Let not our household gear e found defective. 5har!en us with thy
!enetrating s!lendour.
HYMN XVI. Agni.
1. P/I25T of all sacrifices hast thou een a!!ointed y the Gods,
Agni, amid the race of man.
2 5o with thy 9oyous tongues for us sacrifice noly in this rite.
-ring thou the Gods and worshi! them.
# 4or well, , God, 6is!oser, thou 7nowest, straight on, the !aths and ways,
Agni, most wise in sacrifice.
& Thee, too, hath -harata of old, with mighty men, im!lored for liss.
And worshi!!ed thee the worshi!ful.
( Thou givest these aundant oons to 6ivodasa !ouring forth,
To -haradva9a offering gifts.
* 6o thou, Immortal %essenger, ring hither the >elestial 4ol7:
"earing the singer;s eulogy.
+ %ortals with !ious thought im!lore thee, Agni, God, at holy rites,
To come unto the feast of Gods.
. I glorify thine as!ect and the might of thee the -ountilul.
All those who love shall 9oy in thee,
0 Invo7er !laced y %anus, thou, Agni, art near, the wisest Priest1
Pay worshi! to the Tries of "eaven.
1@ >ome, Agni, lauded, to the feast: come to the offering of the gifts.
As Priest e seated on the grass.
11 5o, Angiras, we ma7e thee strong with fuel and with holy oil.
-laCe high, thou youngest of the Gods.
12 4or us thou winnest, Agni, God, heroic strength e$ceeding great,
4ar)s!reading and of high renown.
1# Agni, Atharvan rought thee forth, y ruing, from the lotus)flower,
The head of 'isva, of the Priest.
1& Thee. 'rtra;s slayer, rea7er down of castles, hath Atharvan;s son,
6adhyac the /si, lighted u!.
1( The hero Pathya 7indled thee the 6asyus;. most destructive foe,
Winner of s!oil in every fight.
1* >ome, here, , Agni, will I sing verily other songs to thee,
And with these dro!s shalt thou grow strong.
1+ Where;er ty mind a!!lies itself, vigour !reeminent ast thou1
There wilt thou gain a dwelling)!lace.
1. =ot for a moment only lasts thy ounty, good to many a oneA
,ur service therefore shalt thou gain.
10 Agni, the -harata, hath een sought, the 'rtra)slayer, mar7ed of all,
<ea, 6ivodasa;s "ero Lord.
2@ 4or he gave riches that sur!ass in greatness all the things of earth,
4ighting untrouled, unsudued.
21 Thou, Agni, as in days of old, with recent glory, gathered light,
"ast overs!read the lofty heaven.
22 -ring to your Agni, , my friends, oldly your laud and sacrifice1
Give the 6is!oser !raise and song.
2# 4or as sagacious "erald he hath sat through every age of man,
,lation)earing messenger.
2& -ring those Two 8ings whose ways are !ure, Adityas, and the %arut host,
2$cellent GodA and "eaven and 2arth.
2( 4or strong and active mortal man, e$cellent, Agni, is the loo7 ,f thee
Immortal, 5on of 5trength
2* /ich through his wisdom, nolest e the giver serving thee to)day1
The man hath rought his hymn of !raise.
2+ These, Agni, these are hel!ed y thee, who strong and active all their
lives,
,;ercome the malice of the foe, fight down the malice ofthe foe.
2. %ay Agni with his !ointed laCe cast down each fierce devouring fiend
%ay Agni win us wealth y war.
20 , active Datavedas, ring riches with store of hero sons1
5lay thou the demons, , %ost Wise.
#@ 8ee! us, , Datavedas, from the trouling of the man of sin1
Guard us thou 5age who 7nowest !rayer.
#1 Whatever sinner, Agni, rings olations to !rocure our death,
5ave us from woe that he would wor7.
#2 6rive from us with thy tongue, , God, the man who doeth evil deeds,
The mortal who would stri7e us dead.
## Give shelter reaching far and wide to -haradva9a, con?uering LordA
Agni, send wealth most e$cellent.
#& %ay Agni slay the 'rtras,)fain for riches, through the lord of song,
5erved with olation, 7indled, right.
#( "is 4ather;s 4ather, shining in his %other;s everlasting side,
5et on the seat of holy Law.
#* , active Datavedas, ring devotion that wins !rogeny, Agni, that it may
shine to heaven.
#+ , >hild of 5trength, to thee whose loo7 is lovely we with dainty food,
, Agni, have !oured forth our songs.
#. To thee for shelter are we come, as to the shade from fervent heat
Agni, who glitterest li7e gold.
#0 %ighty as one who slays with shafts, or li7e a ull with shar!ened horn,
Agni, thou rea7est down the forts.
&@ Whom, li7e an infant newly orn, devourer, in their arms they ear,
%en;s Agni, s7illed in holy rites.
&1 -ear to the an?uet of the Gods the God est finder)out of wealth,
Let him he seated in his !lace.
&2 In Datavedas 7indle ye the dear guest who hath now a!!eared
In a soft !lace, the homestead;s Lord.
&# "arness, , Agni, , thou God, thy steeds which are most e$cellent1
They ear thee as thy s!irit wills.
&& >ome hither, ring the Gods to us to taste the sacrificial feast,
To drin7 the draught of 5oma 9uice.
&( , Agni of the -haratas, laCe high with everlasting might,
5hine forth and gleam, 2ternal ,ne.
&* The mortal man who serves the God with an?uet, and, ringing gifts at
sacrifice, lauds Agni,
%ay well attract, with !rayer and hands u!lifted, the Priest of "eaven and
2arth, true 5acrificer.
&+ Agni, we ring thee, with our hymn, olation fashioned in the heart.
Let these e o$en unto thee, let these e ulls and 7ine to thee.
&. The Gods en7indle Agni, est slayer of 'rtra, first in ran7,
The %ighty, ,ne who rings us wealth and crushes down the /a7sasas.
HYMN XVII. Indra.
1. 6/I=8 5oma, %ighty ,ne, for which, when lauded, thou rea7est through
the cattle)stall, , Indra:
Thou who, , -old ,ne, armed with thunder smotest 'rtra with might, and
every hostile eing.
2 6rin7 it thou God who art im!etuous victor, Lord of our hymns, with
eauteous9aws, the "ero,
/ender of 7ine)stalls, car)orne, thunder)wielding, so !ierce thy way to
wondrous strength, , Indra.
# 6rin7 as of old, and let the draught delight thee. hear thou our !rayer and
let our songs e$alt thee.
%a7e the 5un visile, ma7e food aundant, slaughter the foes, !ierce
through and free the cattle.
& These gladdening dro!s, , Indra, 5elf)sustainer, ?uaffed shall augment
thee in thy mighty s!lendour.
<ea, let the cheering dro!s delight thee greatly, great, !erfect, strong,
!owerful, all)suduing.
( Gladdened wherey, ursting the firm enclosures, thou gavest s!lendour
to the 5un and %orning.
The mighty roc7 that com!assed in the cattle, ne;er moved, thou shoo7est
from its seat, , Indra.
* Thou with thy wisdom, !ower, and wor7s of wonder, hast stored the ri!e
mil7 in the raw cows; udders
3narred the firm doors for the 7ine of %orning, and, with the Angirases,
set free the cattle.
+ Thou hast s!read out wide earth, a mighty marvel, and, high thyself,
!ro!!ed lofty heaven, , Indra.
-oth worlds, whose 5ons are Gods, thou hast su!!orted, young, %others
from old time ofholy ,rder.
. <ea, Indra, all the 6eities installed thee their one strong >ham!ion in the
van for attle.
What time the godless was the Gods; assailant, Indra they chose to win the
light of heaven.
0 <ea, e;en that heaven itself of old ent ac7ward efore thy olt, in terror
of its anger,
When Indra, life of every living creature, smote down within his lair the
assailing 6ragon.
1@ <ea, 5trong ,neA Tvastar turned for thee, the %ighty, the olt with
thousand s!i7es and hundred edges,
2ager and !rom!t at will, wherewith thou crushedst the oasting 6ragon, ,
im!etuous "ero.
11 "e dressed a hundred uffaloes, , Indra, for thee whom all accordant
%aruts strengthen.
"e, Pusan 'isnu, !oured forth three great vessels to him, the 9uice that
cheers, that slaughters 'rtra.
12 Thou settest free the rushing wave of waters, the floods; great swell
encom!assed and ostructed.
Along stee! slo!es their course thou tumedst, Indra, directed downward,
s!eeding to the ocean.
1# 5o may our new !rayer ring thee to !rotect us, thee well)armed "ero
with thy olt of thunder,
Indra, who made these worlds, the 5trong, the ty, who never groweth old,
the victory)giver.
1& 5o, Indra, form us rilliant holy singers for strength, for glory, and for
food and riches.
Give -haradva9a hero !atrons, Indra Indra, e ours u!on the day of trial.
1( With this may we otain strength God)a!!ointed, and rave sons gladden
us through a hundred winters.
HYMN XVIII. Indra.
1. GL,/I4< him whose might is all)sur!assing, Indra the much)invo7ed who
fights unin9ured.
%agnify with these songs the never)van?uished, the 5trong, the -ull of men,
the %ighty 'ictor.
2 "e, >ham!ion, "ero, Warrior, Lord of attles, im!etuous, loudly roaring,
great destroyer,
Who whirls the dust on high, alone, oerthrower, hath made all races of
man7ind his su9ects.
# Thou, thou alone, hast tamed the 6asyus: singly thou hast sudued the
!eo!le for the Arya.
In this, or is it not, thine hero e$!loit, IndraB 6eclare it at the !ro!er
season.
& 4or true, I deem, thy strength is, thine the %ighty, thine, , %ost Potent,
thine the >on?uering 'ictor:
5trong, of the strong, %ost %ighty, of the mighty, thine, driver of the churl
to acts of ounty.
( -e this our ancient ond of friendshi! with you and with Angirases here
who s!ea7 of 'ala.
Thou, Wondrous, 5ha7er of things firm, didst smite him in his fresh strength,
and force his doors and castles.
* With holy thoughts must he e called, the %ighty, showing his !ower in the
great fight with 'rtra.
"e must e called to give us seed and offs!ring, the Thunderer must he
moved and s!ed to attle.
+ "e in his might, with name that lives for ever, hath far sur!assed all
human generations.
"e, most heroic, hath his home with s!lendour, with glory and with riches
and with valour.
. 5tranger to guile, who ne;er was false or faithless, earing a name that
may e well rememered,
Indra crushed >umuri, 6huni, 5amara, Pi!ru, and 5usna, that their castles
fell in ruin.
0 With saving might that must e !raised and lauded, Indra, ascend thy car
to smite down 'rtra.
In thy right hand hold fast thy olt of thunder, and wea7en, -ounteous Lord,
his art and magic.
1@ As Agni, as the dart urns the dry forest, li7e the dread shaft urn down
the fiends, , Indra:
Thou who with high dee!)reaching s!ear hast ro7en, hast covered over
mischief and destroyed it.
11 With wealth, y thousand !aths come hither, Agni, !aths that ring am!le
strength, , thou %ost 5!lendid.
>ome, 5on of 5trength, o;er whom, Invo7ed of manyA the godless hath no
!ower to 7ee! thee distant.
12 4rom heaven, from earth is ruited forth the greatness of him the firm,
the fiery, the res!lendent.
=o foe hath he, no counter!art, no refuge is there from him the >on?ueror
full of wisdom
1# This day the deed that thou hast done is famous, when thou, for him,
with many thousand others
Laidest low 8utsa, Ayu, Atithigva, and oldly didst deliver Turvayana.
1& In thee, , God, the wisest of the 5ages, all Gods were 9oyful when thou
slewest Ahi.
When lauded for thyself, thou gavest freedom to sore)afflicted "eaven and
to the !eo!le.
1( This !ower of thine oth heaven and earth ac7nowledge, the deathless
Gods ac7nowledge it, , Indra.
6o what thou ne;er hast done, , %ighty Wor7er1 eget a new hymn at thy
sacrifices.
HYMN XIX. Indra.
1. G/2AT, hero)li7e controlling men is Indra, unwasting in his !owers,
douled in vastness.
"e, turned to us, hath grown to hero vigour1 road, wide, he hath een
dec7ed y those who serve him.
2 The owl made Indra swift to gather ooty, the "igh, the Lofty, <outhful,
3ndecaying,
"im who hath wa$ed y strength which none may con?uer, and even at once
grown to com!lete !erfection.
# 5tretch out those hands of thine, e$tend to us)ward thy wide ca!acious
arms, and grant us glory.
Li7e as the household herdsman guards the cattle, so move thou round
aout us in the comat.
& =ow, fain for strength, let us invite your Indra hither, who lieth hidden
with his "eroes,)
4ree from all lame, without re!roach, unin9ured, e;en as were those who
sang, of old, his !raises.
( With steadfast laws, wealth)giver, strong through 5oma, he hath much fair
and !recious food to feed us.
In him unite all !aths that lead to riches, li7e rivers that commingle with
the ocean.
* -ring unto us the mightiest might, , "ero, strong and most !otent force,
thou great 5uduerA
All s!lendid vigorous !owers of men vouchsafe us, Lord of -ay 5teeds, that
they may ma7e us 9oyful.
+ -ring us, grown mighty in its strength, , Indra, thy friendly ra!turous 9oy
that wins the attle,
Wherewith y thee assisted and trium!hant, we may laud thee in gaining
seed and offs!ring.
. Indra, estow on us the !ower heroic s7illed and e$ceeding strong, that
wins the ooty,
Wherewith, y thine assistance, we may con?uer our foes in attle, e they
7in or stranger.
0 Let thine heroic strength come from ehind us, efore us, from aove us
or elow us.
4rom every side may it a!!roach us, Indra. Give us the glory of the realm of
s!lendour.
1@ With most heroic aid from thee, li7e heroes Indra, may we win wealth y
deeds glory.
Thou, 8ing, art Lord of earthly, heavenly treasure1 vouchsafe us riches vast,
sulime, and lasting.
11 The -ull, whose strength hath wa$ed, whom %aruts follow, free)giving
Indra, the >elestial /uler,
%ighty, all)con?uering, the victory)giver, him let us call to grant us new
!rotection.
12 Give u! the !eo!le who are high and haughty to these men and to me, ,
Thunder)wielderA
Therefore u!on the earth do we invo7e thee, where heroes win, for sons
and 7ine and waters.
1# Through these thy friendshi!s, God invo7ed of manyA may we e victors
over every foeman.
5laying oth 7inds of foe, may we, , "ero, e ha!!y, hel!ed y thee, with
am!le riches.
HYMN XX. Indra.
1. GI'2 us wealth, Indra, that with might, as heaven o;erto!s the earth,
o;ercomes our foes in attle
Wealth that rings thousands and that wins the corn)lands, wealth, 5on of
5trengthA that van?uishes the foeman.
2 2ven as the !ower of 6yaus, to thee, , Indra, all Asura sway was y the
Gods entrusted,
When thou, Im!etuousA leagued with 'isnu, slewest 'rtra the 6ragon who
enclosed the waters.
# Indra, 5trong, 'ictor, %ightier than the mighty, addressed with !rayer and
!erfect in his s!lendour,
Lord of the olt that rea7eth forts in !ieces, ecame the 8ing of the sweet
9uice of 5oma..
& There, Indra, while the light was won, the Panis f1ed, ;neath a hundred
lows, for wise 6asoni,
And greedy 5usna;s magical devices nor left he any of their food remaining.
( What time the thunder fell and 5usna !erished, all life;s su!!ort from the
great 6ruh was ta7en.
Indra made room for his car)drivcr 8utsa who sate eside him, when he
gained the sunlight.
* As the "aw7 rent for him the stal7 that gladdens, he wrenched the head
from =amuci the 6asa.
"e guarded =am, 5ayya;s son, in slumer, and sated him with food, success,
and riches.
+ Thou, thunder)armed, with thy great might hast shattered Pi!ru;s strong
forts who 7new the wiles of ser!ents.
Thou gavest to thy worshi!!er /9isvan im!erishale Wealth, , -ounteous
Giver.
. The crafty 'etasu, the swift 6asni, and Tugra s!eedily with all his
servants,
"ath Indra, gladdening with strong assistance, forced near as ;twere to
glorify the %other.
0 /esistless, with the hosts he attles, earing in oth his arms the 'rtra)
slaying thunder.
"e mounts his -ays, as the car)seat an archer1 yo7ed at a word they ear
the lofty Indra.
1@ %ay we, , Indra, gain y thy new favour1 so Parus laud thee, with their
sacrifices,
That thou hast wrec7ed seven autumn forts, their shelter, slain 6asa tries
and aided Puru7utsa.
11 4avouring 3sana the son of 8avi, thou wast his ancient strengthener, ,
Indra.
Thou gavest =avavastva. as a !resent, to the great father gavest ac7 his
grandson.
12 Thou, roaring Indra, drovest on the waters that made a roaring sound li7e
rushing rivers,
What time, , "ero, o;er the sea thou roughtest, in safety roughtest
Turvasa and <adu.
1# This Indra, was thy wor7 in war1 thou sentest 6huni and >umuri to slee!
and slumer.
6ahiti lit the flame for thee, and worshi!!ed with fuel, hymns, !oured
5oma, dressed olations.
HYMN XXI. Indra. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"252 the most constant singer;s invocations call thee who art to e
invo7ed, , "ero:
"ymns call anew the chariot)orne, 2ternal1 y elo?uence men gain
aundant riches.
2 I !raise that Indra, 7nown to all men, honoured with songs, e$tolled with
hymns at sacrifices,
Whose ma9esty, rich in wondrous arts, sur!asseth the magnitude of earth,
and heaven in greatness.
# "e hath made !athways, with the 5un to aid him, throughout the dar7ness
that e$tended !athless.
%ortals who yearn to worshi! ne;er dishonour, , %ighty God, thy Law who
art Immortal.
& And he who did these things, where is that IndraB among what triesB what
!eo!le doth he visitB
What sacrifice contents thy mind , and wishesB What !riest among them allB
what hymn, , IndraB
( <ea, here were they who, orn of old, have served thee, thy friends of
ancient time, thou active Wor7er.
-ethin7 thee now of these, Invo7ed of manyA the midmost and the recent,
and the youngest.
* In?uiring after him, thy later servants, Indra, have gained thy former old
traditions.
"ero, to whom the !rayer is rought, we !raise thee as great for that
wherein we 7now thee mighty.
+ The demon;s strength is gathered fast against thee1 great as that strength
hath grown, go forth to meet it.
With thine own ancient friend and com!anion, the thunderolt, rave
>ham!ionA drive it ac7ward.
. "ear, too, the !rayer of this thy !resent eadsman, , Indra, "ero,
cherishing the singer.
4or thou wast aye our fathers; 4riend aforetime, still swift to listen to their
su!!lication.
0 -ring to our hel! this day, for our !rotection, 'aruna, %itra , Indra, and
the %aruts,
Pusan and 'isnu, Agni and Purandhi, 5avitar also, and the Plants and
%ountains.
1@ The singers here e$alt with hymns and !raises thee who art very %ighty
and %ost "oly.
"ear, when invo7ed, the invo7er;s invocation. -eside thee there is noneli7e
thee, ImmortalA
11 =ow to my words come ?uic7ly thou who 7nowest, , 5on of 5trength,
with all who claim our worshi!,
Who visit sacred rites, whose tongue is Agni, Gods who made %anu stronger
than the 6asyu.
12 ,n good and evil ways e thou our Leader, thou who art 7nown to all as
Path)!re!arer.
-ring !ower to us, , Indra, with thy "orses, 5teeds that are est to draw,
road)ac7ed, unwearied.
HYMN XXII. Indra.
1. WIT" these my hymns I glorify that Indra who is alone to e invo7ed y
mortals,
The Lord, the %ighty ,ne, of manly vigour, victorious, "ero, true, and full of
wisdom.
2 ,ur sires of old,. =avagvas, sages seven, while urging him to show his
might, e$tolled him,
6welling on heights, swift, smiting down o!!onents, guileless in word, and
in his thoughts most mighty.
# We see7 that Indra to otain his riches that ring much food, and men,
and store of heroes.
-ring us, Lord of -ay 5teeds, to ma7e us 9oyful, celestial wealth, aundant,
undecaying.
& Tell thou us this, if at thy hand aforetime the earlier singers have otained
good fortune,
What is thy share and !ortion, 5trong 5uduer, Asura)slayer, rich, invo7ed of
manyB
( "e who for car)orne Indra, armed with thunder, hath a hymn, craving,
dee!ly)!iercing, fluent,
Who sends a song effectual, firmly)gras!ing, and strength)estowing, he
comes near the mighty.
* 5trong of thyself, thou y this art hast shattered, with thought)swift
Parvata, him who wa$ed against thee,
And, %ightiestA roaringA oldly rent in !ieces things that were firmly fi$ed
and never sha7en.
+ "im will we fit for you with new devotion, the strongest Ancient ,ne, in
ancient manner.
5o may that Indra, oundless, faithful Leader, conduct us o;er all !laces hard
to traverse.
. Thou for the !eo!le who o!!ress hast 7indled the earthly firmament and
that of heaven.
With heat, , -ull, on every side consume them1 heat earth and flood for
him who hates devotion.
0 ,f all the "eavenly 4ol7, of earthly creatures thou art the 8ing, , God of
s!lendid as!ect.
In thy right hand, , Indra, gras! die thunder1 2ternalA thou destroyest all
enchantments.
1@ Give us confirmed !ros!erity, , Indra, vast and e$haustless for the foe;s
suduing.
5trengthen therewith the Arya;s hate and 6asa;s, and let the arms of =ahusas
e mighty.
11 >ome with thy team which rings all lessings hither, 6is!oser, much)
invo7ed, e$ceeding holy.
Thou whom no fiend, no God can stay or hinder, come swittly with these
5teeds in my direction.
HYMN XXIII. Indra.
1. T",3 art attached to !ressed)out 5oma, Indra, at laud, at !rayer, and
when the hymn is chanted:
,r when with yo7ed -ays, %aghavan, thou comest, , Indra, earing in thine
arms the thunder.
2 ,r when on that decisive day thou hol!est the !resser of the 9uice at
'rtra;s slaughter:
,r when thou, while the strong one feared, undaunted, gavest to death,
Indra, the daring 6asyus.
# Let Indra drin7 the !ressed)out 5oma, "el!er and mighty Guide of him
who sings his !raises.
"e gives the hero room who !ours olations, and treasure even to the lowly
singer.
& 2;en humle rites with his -ay steeds he visits1 he wields the olt, drin7s
5oma, gives us cattle.
"e ma7es the valiant rich in store of heroes, acce!ts our !raise and hears
the singer;s calling.
( What he hath longed for we have rought to Indra, who from the days of
old hath done us service.
While 5oma flows we will sing hymn, and laud him, so that our !rayer may
streng. then Indra;s vigour.
* Thou hast made !rayer the means of thine e$alting, therefore we wait on
thee with hymns, , Indra.
%ay we, y the !ressed 5oma, 5omadrin7erA ring thee, with sacrifice,
lissful sweet refreshment.
+ %ar7 well our sacrificial ca7e, delighted Indra, drin7 5oma and the mil7
commingled.
"ere on the sacrificer;s grass e seated1 give am!le room to thy devoted
servant.
. , %ighty ,ne, e 9oyful as thou willest. Let these our sacrifices reach and
find thee:
And may this hymn and these our invocations turn thee, whom many men
invo7e, to hel! us.
0 4riends, when the9uices flow, re!lenish duly your own, your ounteous
Indra with the 5oma.
Will it not aid him to su!!ort usB Indra. s!ares him who sheds the 9uice to
win his favour.
1@ While 5oma flowed, thus Indra hath een lauded, /uler of noles, mid
the -haradva9as,
That Indra may ecome the singer;s !atron and give him wealth in every
7ind of treasure.
HYMN XXIV. Indra.
1. 5T/,=G ra!turous 9oy, !raise, glory are with Indra1 im!etuous God, he
?uaffs the 9uice of 5oma1
That %aghavan whom men must laud with singing, "eaven)dweller, 8ing of
songs, whose hel! is lasting.
2 "e, 4riend of man, most wise, victorious "ero, hears, with far)reaching
aid, the singer call him.
2$cellent, Praise of %en, the ard;s 5u!!orter, 5trong, he gives strength,
e$tolled in holy synod.
# The lofty a$le of thy wheels, , "ero, is not sur!assed y heaven and earth
in greatness.
Li7e ranches of a tree, Invo7ed of many manifold aids s!ring forth from
thee, , Indra.
& 5trong Lord, thine energies, endowed with vigour, are li7e the !aths of
7ine converging homeward.
Li7e onds of cord, Indra, that ind the younglings, no onds are they, ,
thou of oundless ounty.
( ,ne act to)day, another act tomorrow oft Indra ma7es what is not yet
e$isteni.
"ere have we %itra, 'aruna, and Pusan to overcome the foeman;s
domination.
* -y song and sacrifice men rought the waters from thee, as from a
mountain;s ridge, , Indra.
3rging thy might, with these fair lauds they see7 thee, , theme of song, as
horses rush toattle.
+ That Indra whom nor months nor autumn seasons wither with age, nor
fleeting days enfeele,)
5till may his ody Wa$, e;en now so mighty, glorified y the lauds and hymns
that !raise him.
. 2$tolled, he ends not to the strong, the steadfast, nor to the old incited
y the 6asyu.
"igh mountains are as level !lains to Indra1 even in the dee! he finds firm
ground to rest on.
0 Im!etuous 5!eeder through all de!th and distance, give strengthening
food, thou drin7er of the 9uices.
5tand u! erect to hel! us, unreluctant, what time the gloom of night
rightens to morning.
1@ "asting to hel!, come hither and !rotect him, 7ee! him from harm when
he is here, , Indra.
At home, aroad, from in9ury !reserve him. %ay rave sons gladden us
through a hundred winters.
HYMN XXV. Indra.
1. WIT" thine assistance, , thou %ighty Indra, e it the least, the midmost,
or the highest,)
Great with those aids and y these !owers su!!ort us, 5trong GodA in attle
that sudues our foemen.
2 With these discomfit hosts that fight against us, and chec7 the o!!onent;s
wrath, thyself unin9ured.
With these chase all our foes to every ?uarter1 sudue the tries of 6asas to
the Arya.
# Those who array themselves as foes to smite us, , Indra, e they 7in or e
they strangers,)
5tri7e thou their manly strength that it e feele, and drive in headlong
flight our foemen ac7ward.
& With strength of lim the hero slays the hero, when right in arms they
range them for the comat.
When two o!!osing hosts contend in attle for seed and offs!ring, waters,
7ine, or corn)lands.
( <et no strong man hath con?uered thee, no hero, no rave, no warrior
trusting in his valour.
=ot one of these is match for thee, , Indra. Thou far sur!assest all these
living creatures.
* "e is the Lord of oth these armies; valour when the commanders call
them to the conflict1
When with their ran7s e$!anded they are fighting with a great foe or for a
home with heroes.
+ And when the !eo!le stir themselves for attle, e thou their saviour,
Indra, and !rotector,
And theirs, thy manliest of our friends, the !ious, the chiefs who have
installed us !riests, , Indra.
. To thee for high dominion hath een for evermore, for slaughtering the
'rtras,
All lordly !ower and might, , "oly Indra, given y Gods for victory in attle.
0 5o urge our hosts together in the comats1 yield u! the godless ands that
fight against us.
5inging, at morn may we find thee with favour, yea, Indra, and e;en now, we
-haradva9as.
HYMN XXVI. Indra.
1. , I=6/A, hear us. /aining down the 5oma, we call on thee to win us
mighty valour.
Give us strong succour on the day of trial, when the tries gather on the
field of attle.
2 The warrior, son of warrior sire, invo7es thee, to gain great strength that
may e won as ooty1
To thee, the rave man;s Lord, the fiends; suduer, he loo7s when fighting
hand to hand for cattle.
# Thou didst im!el the sage to win the daylight, didst ruin 5usna for the
!ious 8utsa.
The invulnerale demon;s head thou clavest when thou wouldst win the
!raise of Atithigva.
& The lofty attle)car thou roughtest forward: thou hol!est 6asadyu the
strong when fighting.
Along with 'etasu thou slewest Tugra, and madest Tu9i strong, who !raised
thee, Indra.
( Thou madest good the laud, what time thou rentest a hundred thousand
fighting foes, , "ero,
5lewest the 6asa 5amara of the mountain, and with strange aids didst
succour 6ivodasa.
* %ade glad with 5oma)draughts and faith, thou sentest >umuri to his slee!,
to !lease 6ahiti.
Thou, 7indly giving /a9i to Pithinas, slewest with might, at once, the si$ty
thousand.
+ %ay I too, with the lieral chiefs, , Indra, ac?uire thy lin su!reme and
domination,
When, %ightiestA "ero)girtA =ahusa heroes oast them in thee, the tri!ly)
strong 6efender.
. 5o may we he thy friends, thy est eloved, , Indra, at this holy
invocation.
-est e Pratardani, illustrious ruler, in slaying foemen and in gaining riches.
HYMN XXVII. Indra.
1 W"AT deed hath Indra done in the wild trans!ort, in ?uaffing or in
friendshi! with, the 5omaB
What 9oys have men of ancient times or recent otained within the chamer
of liationB
2 In its wild 9oy Indra hath !roved him faithful, faithful in ?uaffing, faithful
in its friendshi!.
"is truth is the delight that in this chamer the men of old and recent times
have tasted.
# All thy vast !ower, , %aghavan, we 7now not, 7now not the riches of thy
full aundance.
=o one hath seen that might of thine, !roductive of ounty every day
renewed, , Indra.
& This one great !ower of thine our eyes have witnessed, wherewith thou
slewest 'arasi7ha;s children,
When y the force of thy descending thunder, at the mere solund, their
oldest was demolished.
( In aid of Ahyavartin >ayamana, Indra destroyed the seed of 'arasi7ha.
At "ariyu!iya he smote the vanguard of the 'rcivans, and the rear fled
frighted.
* Three thousand, mailed, in ?uest of fame, together, on the <avyavati, ,
much)sought Indra,
'rcivan;s sons, falling efore the arrow, li7e ursting vessels went to their
destruction.
+ "e, whose two red 5teers, see7ing goodly !asture, !lying their tongues
move on ;twi$t earth and heaven,
Gave Turvasa to 5rn9aya, and, to aid him, gave the 'rcivans u! to 6aivavata.
. Two wagon)teams, with damsels, twenty o$en, , Agni, Ahydvartin
>ayamdna,
The lieral 5ovran, giveth me. This guerdon of Prthu;s seed is hard to win
from others.
HYMN XXVIII. ./-s.
I. T"2 8ine have come and rought good fortune1 let them rest in the cow)
!en and e ha!!y near us.
"ere let them stay !rolific, many)coloured, and yield through many morns
their mil7 for Indra.
2 Indra aids him who offers sacrifice and gifts1 he ta7es not what is his, and
gives him more thereto.
Increasing ever more and ever more his wealth, he ma7es the !ious dwell
within unro7en ounds.
# These are ne;er lost, no roer ever in9ures them1 no evil)minded foe
attem!ts to harass them.
The master of the 8ine lives many a year with these, the >ows wherey he
!ours his gifts and serves the Gods.
& The charger with his dusty row o;erta7es them not, and never to the
shamles do they ta7e their way.
These >ows, the cattle of the !ious worshi!!er, roam over wides!read
!asture where no danger is.
( To me the >ows seem -haga, they seem Indra, they seem a !ortion of the
first)!oured 5oma.
These !resent >ows, they, , ye Indra. I long for Indra with my heart and
s!irit.
* , >ows, ye fatten e;en the worn and wasted, and ma7e the unlovely
eautiful toloo7 on.
Pros!er my house, ye with aus!icious voices. <our !ower is glorified in our
assemlies.
+ >ro! goodly !asturage and e !rolific drin7 !ure sweet water at good
drin7ing !laces.
=ever e thief or sinful man your matter, and may the dart of /udra still
avoid you.
. =ow let this close admi$ture e close intermigled with these >ows,
%i$t with the 5teer;s !rolific flow, and, Indra, with thy hero might.
HYMN XXIX Indra.
1. <,3/ men have followed Indra for his friendshi!, and for his loving)
7indness glorified him.
4or he estows great wealth, the Thunder)wielder1 worshi! him, Great and
8ind, to win his favour.
2 "im to whose hand, men closely cling, and drivers stand on his golden
chariot firmly stationed.
With his firm arms he holds the reins: his "orses, the 5tallions, are yo7ed
ready for the 9ourney.
# Thy devotees emrace thy feet for glory. -old, thunder)armed, rich,
through thy strength, in guerdon,
/oed in a garment fair as heaven to loo7 on, thou hast dis!layed thee li7e
an active dancer.
& That 5oma when effused hath est consistence, for which the food is
dressed and grain is mingled:
-y which the men who !ray, e$tolling Indra chief favourites of Gods, recite
their !raises.
( =o limit of thy might hath een a!!ointed, which y its greatness
sundered earth and heaven.
These the Prince filleth full with strong endeavour, driving, as ;twere, with
hel! his floc7s to waters.
* 5o e the lofty Indra !rom!t to listen, "el!er unaided, golden)visored
"ero.
<ea, so may he, shown forth in might une?ualled, smite down the many
'rtras and the 6asyus.
HYMN XXX. Indra.
1. I=6/A hath wa$ed yet more for hero !rowess, alone, 2ternal, he
estoweth treasures.
Indra transcendeth oth the worlds in greatness1 one half of him e?ualleth
earth and heaven.
2 <ea, mighty I esteem his Godli7e nature1 none hindereth what he hath
once determined.
=ear and afar he s!read and set the regions, and every day the 5un ecame
a!!arent.
# 2;en now endures thine e$!loit of the /ivers, when, Indra, for their floods
thou clavest !assage.
Li7e men who sit at meat the mountains settled1 y thee, %ost WiseA the
regions were made steadfast.
& This is the truth, none else is li7e thee, Indra, no God su!erior to thee, no
mortal.
Thou slewest Ahi who esieged the waters, and lettest loose the streams to
hurry seaward.
( Indra, thou rea7est u! the floods and !ortals on all sides, and the
firmness of the mountain.
Thou art the 8ing of men, of all that liveth, engendering at once 5un,
"eaven, and %orning.
HYMN XXXI Indra.
1. 5,L2 Lord of wealth art thou, , Lord of riches1 thou in thine hands hast
held the !eo!le, IndraA
%en have invo7ed thee with contending voices for seed and waters, !rogeny
and sunlight.
2 Through fear of thee, , Indra, all the regions of earth, though naught may
move them, sha7e and tremle.
All that is firm is frightened at thy coming, )the earth, the heaven, the
mountain, and the forest.
# With 8utsa, IndraA thou didst con?uer 5usna, voracious, ane of cro!s, in
fight for cattle.
In the close fray thou rentest him1 thou stolest the 5un;s wheel and didst
drive away misfortunes.
& Thou smotest to the ground the hundred castles, im!regnale, of 5amara
the 6asyu,
When, 5trong, with might thou hol!est 6ivodasa who !oured liations out, ,
5oma)uyer, and madest -haradva9a rich who !raised thee.
( As such, true "ero, for great 9oy of attle mount thy terrific car, , -rave
and %anly.
>ome with thine hel! to me, thou distant /oamer, and, glorious God, s!read
among men my glory.
HYMN XXXII Indra.
1. I WIT" my li!s have fashioned for this "ero words never matched, most
!lentiful and aus!icious,
4or him the Ancient, Great, 5trong, 2nergetic, the very mighty Wielder of
the Thunder.
2 Amid the sages, with the 5un he rightened the Parents1 glorified, he urst
the mountain:
And, roaring with the holy)thoughted singers, he loosed the ond that held
the eams of %orning.
# 4amed for great deeds, with !riests who 7neel and laud him, he still hath
con?uered in the frays for cattle,
And ro7en down the forts, the 4ort)destroyer, a 4riend with friends, a 5age
among the sages.
& >ome with thy girthed mares, with aundant vigour and !lenteous
strength to him who sings thy !raises.
>ome hither, orne y mares with many heroes, Lover of songA 5teerA for
the !eo!le;s welfare.
( Indra with rush and might, s!ed y his >oursers, hath swiftly won the
waters from the southward.
Thus set at lierty the rivers daily flow to their goal, incessant and
e$haustless.
HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
1. GI'2 us the ra!ture that is mightiest, Indra, !rom!t to estow and swift
to aid, , "ero,
That wins with rave steeds where rave steeds encounter, and ?uells the
'rtras and the foes in attle.
2 4or with loud voice the tries invo7e thee, Indra, to aid them in the
attlefield of heroes.
Thou, with the singers, hast !ierced through the Panis1 the charger whom
thou aidest wins the ooty.
# -oth races, Indra, of o!!osing foemen, , "ero, oth the Arya and the
6asa,
"ast thou struc7 down li7e woods with well)shot lightnings1 thou rentest
them in fight, most manly >hieftainA
& Indra, efriend us with no scanty succour, !ros!er and aid us, Loved of all
that liveth,
When, fighting for the sunlight, we invo7e thee, , "ero, in the fray, in war;s
division.
( -e ours, , Indra, now and for the future, e graciously inclined and near
to hel! us.
Thus may we, singing, sheltered y the %ighty, win many cattle on the day
of trial.
HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
1. 43LL %any songs have met in thee, , Indra, and many a nole thought
from thee !roceedeth.
=ow and of old the eulogies of sages, their holy hymns and lauds, have
yearned for Indra.
2 "e, !raised of many, old, invo7ed of many, alone is glorified at sacrifices.
Li7e a car harnessed for some great achievement, Indra must e the cause
of our re9oicing.
# They ma7e their way to Indra and e$alt him, im whom no !rayers and no
laudations troule:
4or when a hundred or a thousand singers. laud him who loves the song their
!raise delights him.
& As rightness mingles with the %oon in heaven, the offered 5oma yearns to
mi$ with Indra.
Li7e water rought to men in desert !laces, our gifts at sacrifice have still
refreshed him.
( To him this mighty eulogy, to Indra hath this our laud een uttered y the
!oets,
That in the great encounter with the foemen, Loved of all life, Indra may
guard and hel! us.
HYMN XXXV. Indra.
1. W"2= shall our !rayers rest in thy car eside theeB When dost thou give
the singer food for thousandsB
When wilt thou clothe this !oet;s laud with !lenty, and when wilt thou
enrich our hymns with ootyB
2 When wilt thou gater men with men, , Indra, heroes with heroes, and
!revail in comatB
Thou shalt win tri!ly 7ine in frays for cattle, so, Indra, give thou us celestial
glory.
# <ea, when wilt thou, , Indra, thou %ost %ighty, ma7e the !rayer all)
sustaining for the singerB
When wilt thou yo7e, as we yo7e songs, thy "orses, and come to offerings
that ring wealth in cattleB
& Grant to the 5inger food with store of cattle, s!lendid with horses and the
fame of riches.
5end food to swell the milch)cow good at mil7ing1 right e its shine among
the -haradva9as.
( Lead otherwise this !resent foeman, 5a7raA "ence art thou !raised as
"ero, foe destroyer
"im who gives !ure gifts may I !raise unceasing. 5age, ?uic7en the Angirases
y devotion.
HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
1. T"< ra!tures ever were for all men;s !rofit1 so evermore have een thine
earthly riches.
Thou still hast een the dealer)forth of vigour, since among Gods thou hast
had !ower and Godhead.
2 %en have otained his strength y sacrificing, and ever urged him, on to
hero valour.
4or the rein)seiCing, the im!etuous >harger they furnished !ower even for
'rtra;s slaughter.
# Associate with him, as teams of horses, hel!, manly might, and vigour
follow Indra.
As rivers reach the sea, so, strong with !raises, our holy songs reach him the
>om!rehensive.
& Lauded y us, let flow the s!ring, , Indra, of e$cellent and rightly)
shining riches.
4or thou art Lord of men, without an e?ual1 of all the world thou art the
only 5ovran.
( "ear what thou mayst hear, thou who, fain for worshi!, as heaven girds
earth, guardest thy servant;s treasure:
Tlat thou mayst e our own, 9oying in !ower, famed through thy might in
every generation.
HYMN XXXVII Indra.
1. L2T thy -ay "orses, yo7ed, , mighty Indra, ring thy car hither fraught
with every lessing.
4or thee, the "eavenly, e;en the !oor invo7eth1 may we this day, thy feast)
com!anions, !ros!er.
2 4orth to the vat the rown dro!s flow for service, and !urified !roceed
directly forward.
%ay Indra drin7 of this, our guest aforetime, >elestial 8ing of the strong
draught of 5oma.
# -ringing us hitherward all)!otent Indra on well)wheeled chariot, may the
5teeds who ear him
>onvey him on the road direct to glory, and ne;er may 'ayu;s Amrta cease
and fail him.
& 5u!reme, he stirs this man to give the guerdon,)Indra, most efficacious of
the !rinces,)
Wherewith, , Thunderer, thou removest sorrow, and, -old ,neA !artest
wealth among the noles.
( Indra is hewho gives enduring vigour1 may our songs magnify the God %ost
%ighty.
-est 'rtra)slayer e the "ero Indra these things he gives as Prince, with
strong endeavour.
1. "2 hath drun7 hence, %ost %arvellous, and carried away our great and
s!lendid call on Indra.
The -ounteous, when we serve the Gods, acce!teth song yet more famous
and the gifts we ring him.
2 The s!ea7er filleth with a cry to Indra his ears who cometh nigh e;en from
a distance.
%ay this my call ring Indra to my !resence, this call to Gods com!osed in
sacred verses.
# "im have I sung with my est song and !raises, Indra of ancient irth and
2verlasting.
4or !rayer and songs in him are concentrated1 let laud wa$ mighty when
addressed to Indra1
& Indra, whom sacrifice shall strengthen, 5oma, and song and hymn, and
!raises and devotion,
Whom 6awns shall strengthen when the night de!arteth, Indra whom days
shall strengthen, months, and autumns.
( "im, orn for con?uering might in full !erfection, and wa$en strongfor
ounty and for glory,
Great, Powerful, will we to)day, , singer, invite to aid. us and to ?uell our
foemen.
HYMN XXXIX Indra.
1. ,4 this our charming, our celestial 5oma, elo?uent, wise, Priest, with
ins!ired devotion,
,f this thy close attendant, hast thou drun7en. God, send the singer food
with mil7 to grace it.
2 >raving the 7ine, rushing against the mountain led on y Law, with
holyminded comrades,
"e ro7e the never)ro7en ridge of 'ala. With words of might Indra sudued
the Panis.
# This Indu lighted dar7some nights, , Indra, throughout the years, at
morning and at evening.
"im have they stalished as the days; right ensign. "e made the %ornings
to e orn in s!lendour.
& "e shone and caused to shme the worlds that shone not. -y Law he lighted
u! the host of %ornings.
"e moves with 5teeds yo7ed y eternal ,rder, contenting men with nave
that finds the sunlight.
( =ow, !raised, , Ancient 8ingA fill thou the singer with !lenteous food that
he may deal forth treasures.
Give waters, hers that have no !oison, forests, and 7ine, and steeds, and
men, to him who lauds thee.
HYMN X*. Indra
1. 6/I=8, Indra: 9uice is shed to ma7e thee 9oyful1 loose thy -ay 5teeds and
give thy friends their freedom.
-egin the song, seated in our assemly. Give strength for sacrifice to him
who singeth.
2 6rin7 thou of this whereof at irth, , Indra, thou dran7est, %ighty ,ne for
!ower and ra!ture.
The men, the !ressing)stones, the cows, the waters have made this 5oma
ready for thy drin7ing.
# The fire is 7indled, 5oma !ressed, , Indra1 let thy -ays, est to draw,
convey thee hither.
With mind devoted, Indra, I invo7e thee. >ome, for our great !ros!erity
a!!roach us.
& Indra, come hither1 evermore thou camest through our great strong desire
to drin7 the 5oma.
Listen and hear the !rayers which now we offer, and let this sacrifice
increase thy vigour.
( %ayst thou, , Indra, on the day of trial, !resent or asent, wheresoe;er
thou dwellest,
Thence, with thy team, accordant with the %aruts, 5ong)loverA guard our
sacrifice, to hel! us.
HYMN X** Indra.
1. >,%2 gracious to our sacrifice, , Indra1 !ressed 5oma)dro!s are !urified
to !lease thee.
As cattle see7 their home, so Thunderwielder, come, Indra, first of those
who claim our worshi!.
2 With that well)formed most wide)e$tending !alate, wherewith thou ever
drin7est streams of sweetness,
6rin7 thou: the Adhvaryu standeth u! efore thee1 let thy s!oil)winning
thunderolt attend thee.
# This dro!, steer)strong and omniform, the 5oma, hath een made ready
for the -ull, for India.
6rin7 this, Lord of the -ays, thou 5trong 5u!!orter, this that is thine of old,
thy food for ever.
& 5oma when !ressed e$cels the un!ressed 5oma, etter, for one who
7nows, to give him !leasure.
>ome to this sacrifice of ours, , 'ictor re!lenish all thy !owers with this
liation.
( We call on thee, , Indra1 come thou hither1 sufficient e the 5oma for thy
ody.
/e9oice thee, 5ata7ratuA in the 9uices guard us in wars, guard us among our
!eo!le.
HYMN X*II- Indra.
1. -/I=G sacrificial gifts to him, ,mniscient, for he longs to drin7,
The Wanderer who comes with s!eed, the "ero ever in the van.
2 With 5oma go ye nigh to him chief drin7er of the 5oma;s 9uice1
With ea7ers to the Im!etuous God, to Indra with the dro!s effused.
# What time, with 5oma, with the 9uice effused, ye come efore the God,
4ull wise he 7nows the ho!e of each, and, -old ,ne, stri7es this foe and
that.
& To him, AdhvaryuA yea, to him give offerings of the 9uice e$!ressed.
Will he not 7ee! us safely from the s!iteful curse of each !resum!tuous
high)orn foeB
HYMN X*III. Indra
1. I= whose wild 9oy thou madest once 5amara 6ivodasa;s !rey,
This 5oma is !ressed out for thee, , Indra1 drin7A
2 Whose gladdening draught, shed from the !oints, thou guardest in the
midst and end,
This 5oma is !ressed out for thee, , Indra drin7A
# In whose wild 9oy thou settest free the 7ine held fast within the roc7,
This 5oma is !ressed out for thee, , Indra1 drin7A
& This, in whose 9uice delighting thou gainest the might of %aghavan,
This 5oma is !ressed out for thee, , Indra drin7A
HYMN X*IV. Indra.
1. T"AT which is wealthiest, Wealthy God in s!lendoursmost illustrious,
5oma is !ressed1 thy gladdening draught, IndraA liation;s LordA is this.
2 2ffectual, %ost 2ffectual ,neA thine, as estowing wealth of hymns,
# Wherewith thou art increased in strength, and con?uerest with thy !ro!er
aids,
& "im for your sa7e I glorify as Lord of 5trength who wrongeth none,
The "ero Indra, con?uering all, %ost -ounteous, God of all the tries.
( Those Goddesses, oth "eaven and 2arth, revere the !ower and might of
him,
"im whom our songs increase in strength, the Lord of ounty swift to come.
* To seat your Indra, I will s!read aroad with !ower this song of !raise.
The saving succours that aide in him, li7e songs, e$tend and grow.
+ A recent 4riend, he found the s7ilful !riest1 he dran7, and showed forth
treasure from the Gods.
"e con?uered, orne y strong all)sha7ing mares, and was with far)s!read
!ower his friends; Protector.
. In course of Law the sa!ient 9uice was ?uaffed1 the 6eities to glory turned
their mind.
Winning through hymns a lofty title, he, the Lovely, made his eauteous
form a!!arent.
0 -estow on us the most illustrious strength ward off men;s manifold
malignities.
Give with thy might aundant vital force, and aid us graciously in gaining
riches.
1@ We turn to thee as Giver, lieral Indra. Lord of the -ay 5teeds, e not
thou ungracious.
=o friend among man7ind have we to loo7to1 why have men called thee him
who s!urs the niggardB
11 Give us not u!, 5trong "eroA to the hungry1 unharmed e we whom thou,
so rich, efriendest.
4ull many a oon hast thou for men demolish those who !resent no gifts nor
!our olations.
12 As Indra thundering im!els the rain)clouds, so doth he send us store of
7ine and horses.
Thou art of old the >herisher of singers let not the rich who ring no gifts
deceive thee.
1# Adyaryu, hero, ring to mighty Indrafor he is 8ing thereof)the !ressed)
out 9uices:
To him e$alted y the hymns and !raises, ancient and modern, of the
singing /sis.
1& In the wild 9oy of this hath Indra, 7nowing full many a form, struc7 down
resistless 'rtras.
Proclaim aloud to him the savoury 5oma so that the "ero, strong of 9aw, may
drin7 it.
1( %ay Indra drin7 this 5oma !oured to !lease him, and cheered therewith
slay 'rtra with his thunder.
>ome to our sacrifice even from a distance, good lover of our songs, the
ard;s 5u!!orter.
1* The cu! whence Indra drin7s the draught is !resent1 the Amrta dear to
Indra hath een drun7en,
That it may cheer the God to gracious favour, and 7ee! far from us hatred
and affliction.
1+ Therewith enra!tured, "ero, slay our foemen, the unfriendly, %aghavan
e they 7in or strangers,
Those who still aim their hostile darts to smite us, turn them to flight, ,
Indra, crush and 7ill them.
1. , Indra %aghavan, in these our attles win easy !aths for us and am!le
freedom.
That we may gain waters and seed and offs!ring, set thou our !rinces on thy
side, , Indra.
10 Let thy -ay 5tallions, harnessed, ring thee hither, 5teeds with strong
chariot and strong reins to hold them,
5trong "orses, s!eeding hither, earing thunder, well)harnessed, for the
strong e$citing !otion.
2@ -eside the vat, 5trong GodA stand thy strong "orses, shining with holy oil,
li7e waves e$ulting.
Indra, they ring to thee, the 5trong and %ighty, 5oma of 9uices shed y
mighty !ress)stones.
21 Thou art the -ull of earth, the -ull of heaven, -ull of the rivers, -ull of
standing waters.
4or thee, the 5trong, , -ull, hath Indu swollen. 9uice !leasant, sweet to
drin7, for thine election.
22 This God, with might, when first he had his eing, with Indra for ally,
held fast the Pani.
This Indu stole away the warli7e wea!ons, and foiled the arts of his
malignant father.
2# The 6awns he wedded to a glorious >onsort, and set within the 5un the
light that lights him.
"e found in heaven, in the third lucid regions, the threefold Amrta in its
close concealment.
2& "e stayed and held the heaven and earth asunder1 the chariot with the
sevenfold reins he harnessed.
This 5oma 5et with !ower within the milch)7ine a s!ring whose ri!e contents
ten fingers em!ty.
HYMN X*V. Indra.
1. T"AT Indra is our youthful 4riend, who with his trusty guidance led
Turvasa, <adu from afar.
2 2ven to the dull and unins!ired Indra, gives vital !ower, and wins
2ven with slow steed the offered !riCe.
# Great are his ways of guiding us, andAnanilld are Ins eulogies1
"is 7ind !rotections never fail.
& 4riends, sing your !salm and offer !raise to him to whom the !rayer is
rought1
4or our great Providence is he.
( Thou, 5laughterer of 'rtra, art Guardian and 4riend of one and two,
<ea, of a man li7e one of us.
* -eyond men;s hate thou leadest us, and givest cause to sing thy !raise1
Good hero art thou called y men.
+ I call with hymns, as ;twere a cow to mil7, the 4riend who merits !raise,
The -rahman who acce!ts the !rayer.
. "im in whose hands they say are stored all treasures from the days of old,
The "ero, con?uering in the fight.
0 Lord of 5trength, >aster of the 5tone, destroy the firm forts uilt y men,
And foil their arts, unending GodA
1@ Thee, thee as such, , Lord of Power, , Indra, 5oma)drin7er, true,
We, fain for glory, have invo7ed.
11 5uch as thou wast of old, and art now to e called on when the !riCe
lies ready, listen to our call.
12 With hymns and coursers we will gain, Indra, through thee, oth steeds
and s!oil
%ost glorious, and the !roffered !riCe.
1# Thou, Indra, Lover of the 5ong, whom men must stir to hel!, hast een
Great in the contest for the !riCe.
1& 5layer of foes, whatever aid of thine im!arts the swiftest course,
With that im!el our car to s!eed.
1( As s7ilfullest of those who drive the chariot, with our art and aim,
, >on?ueror, win the !roffered !riCe.
1* Praise him who, %atchless and Alone, was orn the Lord of living men,
%ost active, with heroic soul.
1+ Thou who hast een the singers; 4riend, a 4riend aus!icious with thine
aid,
As such, , Indra, favour us.
1. Gras! in thine arms the thunderolt, , Thunder)armed, to slay the
fiends1
%ayst thou sudue the foemen;s host.
10 I call the ancient 4riend, allied with wealth, who s!eeds the lowly man,
"im to whom chiefly !rayer is rought.
2@ 4or he alone is Lord of all the treasures of the earth1 he s!eeds
"ither, chief Lover of the 5ong.
21 5o with thy yo7ed teams satisfy our wish with !ower and wealth in steeds
And cattle, oldly, Lord of 7ineA
22 5ing this, what time the ; 9uice is !ressed, to him your "ero, %uch)
invo7ed,
To !lease him as a mighty 5teer.
2# "e, 2$cellent, withholdeth not his gift of !ower and wealth in 7ine,
When he hath listened to our songs.
2& %ay he with might unclose for us the cow;s stall, whosesoe;er it e,
To which the 6asyu)slayer goes.
2( , Indra 5ata7ratu, these our songs have called aloud to thee,
Li7e mother cows to meet their calves.
2* "ard is thy love to win1 thou art a 5teer to him who longs for steers1
-e to one craving steeds a 5teed.
2+ 6elight thee with the 9uice we !our for thine own great munificence1
<ield not thy singer to re!roach.
2. These songs with every draught we !our come, Lover of the 5ong, to
thee,
As milch)7ine hasten to their young
20 To thee most oft invo7ed, amid the many singers; rivalry
Who eg with all their might for wealth.
#@ =earest and most attractive may our laud, , Indra come to thee.
3rge thou us on to am!le wealth.
#1 -ru hath set himself aove the Panis, o;er their highest head,
Li7e the wide ush on Ganga;s an7.
#2 "e whose good ounty, thousandfold, swift as the rushing of the wind,
5uddenly offers as a gift.
## 5o all our singers ever !raise the !ious -ru;s nole deed,
>hief, est to give his thousands, est to give a thousand lieral gifts.
HYMN X*VI. Indra.
1. T"AT we may win us wealth and !ower we !oets, verily, call on thee1
In war men call on thee, Indra, the hero;s Lord, in the steed;s race)course
call on thee.
2 As such, , Wonderful, whose hand holds thunder, !raised as mighty, >aster
of the 5toneA
Pour on us oldly, Indra, 7ine and chariotsteeds, ever to e the con?ueror;s
strength.
# We call u!on that Indra, who, most active, ever slays the foe1
Lord of the rave, %ost %anly, with a thousand !owers, hel! thou and
!ros!er us in fight.
& /cisama, thou forcest men as with a ull, with anger, in the furious fray.
-e thou our "el!er in the mighty attle fought for sunlight, water, and for
life.
( , Indra, ring us name and fame, enriching, mightiest, e$cellent,
Wherewith, , Wondrous God, fair)visored, thunder)armed, thou hast filled
full this earth and heaven.
* We call on thee, , 8ing, %ighty amid the Gods, /uler of men, to succour
us.
All that is wea7 in us, 2$cellent God, ma7e firm1 ma7e our foes easy to
sudue.
+ All strength and valour that is found, Indra, in tries of =ahusas, and all
the s!lendid fame that the 4ive Tries en9oy
-ring, yea, all manly !owers at once.
. ,r, %aghavan, what vigorous strength in Tr7si lay, in 6ruhyus or in Paru;s
fol7,
4ully estow on us, that, in the con?uering fray, we may sudue our foes in
fight.
0 , Indra, grant a ha!!y home, a tri!le refuge tri!ly strong.
-estow a dwelling)!lace on the rich lords and me, and 7ee! thy dart afar
from these.
1@ They who with minds intent on s!oil sudue the foe, oldly attac7 and
smite him down,)
4rom these, , Indra %aghavan who lovest song, e closest guardian of our
lives.
11 And now, , Indra, strengthen us1 come near and aid us in the fight,
What time the feathered shafts are flying in the air, the arrows with their
shar!ened !oints.
12 Give us, where heroes strain their odies in the fight, the shelter that
our fathers loved.
To us and to our sons give refuge1 7ee! afar all unoserved hostility.
1# When, Indra, in the mighty fray thou urgest chargers to their s!eed,
,n the uneven road and on a toilsome !ath, li7e falcons, eager for renown,
1& 5!eeding li7e rivers rushing down a stee! descent, res!onsive to the
urging call,
That come li7e irds attracted to the ait, held in y reins in oth the
driver;s hands.
HYMN X*VII. Indra' E&).
1. <2A, this is good to taste and full of. sweetness, verily it is strong and
rich in flavour.
=o one may con?uer Indra in the attle when he hath drun7en of the
draught we offer.
2 This sweet 9uice here had mightiest !ower to gladden1 it oldened Indra
when he siaughtered 'rtra,
When he defeated 5amara;s many onslaughts, and attered down his
nineand ninety ram!arts.
# This stirreth u! my voice when I have drun7 it1 this hath aroused from
slee! my yearning s!irit.
This 5age hath measured out the si$ e$!anses from which no single creature
is e$cluded.
& This, even this, is he who hath created the readth of earth, the lofty
height of heaven.
"e formed the nectar in three headlong rivers. 5oma su!!orts the wide mid)
air aove us.
( "e found the wavy sea of rilliant colours in forefront of the 6awns who
dwell in rightness.
This %ighty ,ne, the 5teer egirt y %aruts, hath !ro!!ed the heavens u!
with a mighty !illar.
* 6rin7 5oma oldly from the ea7er, Indra, in war for treasures, "ero,
'rtra)slayerA
4ill thyself full at the mid)day liation, and give us wealth, thou Treasury of
riches.
+ Loo7 out for us, , Indra, as our Leader, and guide us on to gain yet
goodlier treasure.
2$cellent Guardian, ear us well through !eril, and lead us on to wealth
with careful guidance.
. Lead us to am!le room, , thou who 7nowest, to ha!!iness, security, and
sunlight.
"igh, Indra, are the arms of thee the %ighty1 may we eta7e. us to their
lofty shelter.
0 5et us on widest chariot)seat, , Indra, with two steeds est to draw, ,
Lord of "undredsA
-ring us the est among all sorts of viands1 let not the foe;s wealth,
%aghavan, sudue us.
1@ -e gracious, Indra, let my days e lengthened1 shar!en my thought as
;twere a lade of iron
A!!rove whatever words I s!ea7, de!endent on thee, and grant me thy
divine !rotection.
11 Indra the /escuer, Indra the "el!er, "ero who listens at each invocation,
5a7ra I call, Indra invo7ed of many. %ay Indra %aghavan !ros!er and less
us.
12 %ay hel!ful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us
with succour,
-affle our foes, and give us rest and safety, and may we e the lords of hero
vigour.
1# %ay we en9oy the grace of him the "oly, yea, may we dwell in his
aus!icious favour.
%ay hel!ful Indra as our good Preserver drive from us, even from afar, our
foemen.
1& Li7e rivers rushing down a slo!e, , Indra, to thee haste songs and !rayers
and lin7ed verses.
Thou gatherest, ThundererA li7e wides!read ounty, 7ine, water, dro!s, and
manifold liations.
1( Who lauds him, satisfies him, !ays him worshi!B 2;en the rich nole still
hath found him mighty.
With !ower, as when one moves his feet alternate, he ma7es the last
!recede, the foremost follow.
1* 4amed is the "ero as each strong man;s tamer, ever advancing one and
then another.
8ing of oth worlds, hating the high and haughty, Indra !rotects the men
who are his !eo!le.
1+ "e loves no more the men he loved aforetime1 he turns and moves away
allied with others.
/e9ecting those who disregard his worshi!, Indra victorious lives through
many autumns.
1. In every figure he hath een the mode1 this is his only form for us to loo7
on.
Indra moves multiform y his illusions: for his -ay 5teeds are yo7ed, ten
times a hundred.
10 "ere Tvastar, yo7ing to the car the -ay 5teeds, hath e$tended sway.
Who will for ever stand u!on the foeman;s side, even when our !rinces sit at
easeB
2@ Gods, we have reached a country void of !asture the land, though
s!acious, was too small to hold us.
-rhas!ati, !rovide in war for cattle: find a !ath, Indra, for this faithful
singer.
21 6ay after day far from their seat he drove them, ali7e, from !lace to
!lace, those dar7some creatures.
The "ero slew the meanly)huc7stering 6asas, 'arcin and 5amara, where
the waters gather.
22 ,ut of thy ounty, Indra, hath Prasto7a estowed ten coffers and ten
mettled horses.
We have received in turn from 6ivodasa 5amara;s wealth, the gift of
Atithigva.
2# Ten horses and ten treasure)chests, ten garments as an added gift,
These and ten lum!s of gold have I received from 6ivodasa;s hand.
2& Ten cars with e$tra steed to each, for the Atharvans hundred cows,
"ath Asvatha to Payu given.
2( Thus 5rn9aya;s son honoured the -haradva9as, reci!ients of all nole gifts
and ounty.
2* Lord of the wood, e firm and strong in ody1 e, earing us, a rave
victorious hero
5how forth thy strength, com!act with stra!s of leather, and let thy rider
win all s!oils of attle.
2+ Its mighty strength was orrowed from the heaven and earth1 its
con?uering force was rought from sovrans of the wood.
"onour with holy gifts the >ar li7e Indra;s olt, the >ar ound round with
stra!s, the vigour of the floods.
2. Thou -olt of Indra, 'anguard of the %aruts, close 7nit to 'aruna and >hild
of %itra,)
As such, acce!ting gifts which here we offer, receive, , Godli7e >hariot,
these olations.
20 5end forth thy voice aloud through earth and heaven, and let the world
in all its readth regard thee:
, 6rum, accordant with the Gods and Indra, drive thou afar, yea, very far,
our foemen.
#@ Thunder out strength and fill us full of vigour1 yea, thunder forth and
drive away all dangers.
6rive hence, , War)drum, drive away misfortune1 thou art the 4ist of Indra1
show thy firmness.
#1 6rive hither those, and these again ring hither1 the War)drum s!ea7s
aloud as attle;s signal.
,ur heroes, winged with horses, come together. Let our car)warriors, Indra,
e trium!hant.
HYMN X*VIII. Agni and O&#!rs.
1. 5I=G to your Agni with each song, at every sacrifice, for strength.
>ome, let us !raise the Wise and 2verlasting God, even as a well)eloved
4riend,
2 The 5on of 5trength: for is he not our gracious LordB Let us serve him who
ears our gifts.
In attle may he e our hel! and strengthener, yea, e the saviour of our
lives.
# Agni, thou eamest forth with light, great "ero, never changed y time.
5hining, !ure AgniA with a light that never fades, eam with thy fair eams
rilliantly.
& Thou worshi!!est great Gods1 ring them without delay y wisdom and thy
wondrous !ower.
, Agni, ma7e them turn hither to succour us. Give strength, and win it for
thyself.
( "e whom floods, stones, and trees su!!ort, the offs!ring of eternal Law:
"e who when rued with force is rought to life y men u!on the lofty
height of earth:
* "e who hath filled oth worlds fult with his rilliant shine, who hastens
with his smo7e to heaven:
"e made himself a!!arent through the gloom y night, the /ed -ull in the
dar7some nights, the /ed -ull in the dar7some nights.
+ , Agni, with thy lofty eams, with thy !ure rilliancy, , God,
8indled, %ost <outhful ,neA y -haradva9a;s hand, shine on us, , !ure God,
with wealth, shine, PurifierA s!lendidly.
. Thou art the Lord of house and home of all the tries, , Agni, of all tries
of men.
Guard with a hundred forts thy 7indler from distress, through hundred
winters, <oungest GodA and those who ma7e thy singers rich.
0 Wonderful, with thy favouring hel!, send us thy ounties, gracious Lord.
Thou art the >harioteer, Agni, of earthly wealth1 find rest and safety for our
seed.
1@ With guards unfailing never negligent s!eed thou our children and our
!rogeny.
8ee! far from us, , Agni, all celestial wrath and wic7edness of godless men.
11 "ither, , friends, with newest song drive her who freely !ours her mil7:
Loose her who never turns away:
12 Who, for the host of %aruts right with native sheen, hath shed immortal
fame li7e mil7:
Whom the im!etuous %aruts loo7 u!on with love, who moves in s!lendour
on their ways.
1# 4or -haradva9a she !oured down in days of old
The milch)cow yielding mil7 for all, and food that gives all nourishment.
1& <our friend li7e Indra !assing wise, with magic !ower li7e 'aruna.
Li7e Aryaman 9oy)giving, ringing !lenteous food li7e 'i5n$u for my wish, I
!raise,
1( -right as the host of %aruts mighty in their roar. %ay they ring Pusan
free from foes:
%ay they ring hither hundreds, thousands for our men1 may they ring
hidden stores to light, and ma7e wealth easy to e found.
1* "aste to me, Pusan, in thine car, right 6eity1 I fain would s!ea71
%ost sinful is our foeman;s hate.
1+ Tear not u! y the roots the 8a7amira tree1 destroy thou all malignity.
Let them not snare y day the nec7 of that >elestial -ird the 5un.
1. 3nin9ured let thy friendshi! e, li7e the smooth surface of a s7in,
A flawless s7in, containing curds, full to the mouth, containing curds.
10 4or thou art high aove man7ind, in glory e?ual to the Gods.
Therefore, , Pusan, loo7 u!on us in the fight1 now hel! us as in days of old.
2@ %ay the 7ind e$cellence of him the 8ind, loud /oarersA e our guide,
-e it the God;s, , %aruts, or a mortal man;s who worshi!s, ye im!etuous
,nesA
21 They whose high glory in a moment li7e the God, the 5un, goes round the
s!ace of heaven,
The %aruts have otained right strength, a sacred name, strength that
destroys the 'rtras, strength 'rtra)destroying e$cellent.
22 ,nce, only once, the heaven was made, once only once, the earth was
formed)
,nce, only Prsni;s mil7 was shed1 no second, after this, is orn.
HYMN X*IX. Visv!d!vas.
1. I LA36 with newest songs the /ighteous Peo!le, %itra and 'aruna who
ma7e us ha!!y.
Let them a!!roach, here let them listen,Agni, 'aruna, %itra, Lords of fair
dominion.
2 "im, to e !raised at each trie;s sacrifices, the Two young %atrons; soer)
minded "erald,
The 5on of 5trength, the >hild of "eaven, the signal of sacrifice, red Agni
will I worshi!.
# 3nli7e in form are the /ed God;s two 6aughters1 one is the 5un;s, and stars
edec7 the other.
A!art, the 5anctifiers, in succession, come to the famed hymn, !raised in
holy verses.
& I with a lofty song call hither 'ayu, all)ounteous, filler of his car, most
wealthy.
Thou, 5age, with right !ath, Lord of harnessed horses, im!etuous,
!rom!tly honourest the !rudent.
( That chariot of the Asvins, fair to loo7 on, !leaseth me well, yo7ed with a
thought, refulgent,
Wherewith, =asatyas, >hiefs, ye see7 our dwelling, to give new strength to
us and to our children.
* -ulls of the 2arth, , 'ata and Par9anya, stir u! for us the regions of the
water.
"earers of truth, ye, 5ages, World)5u!!orters, increase his living wealth
whose songs delight you.
+ 5o may 5arasvati, the "ero;s >onsort, ris7 with rare life, the lightning;s
>hild, ins!ire us,
And, with the 6ames accordant, give the singer a refuge unassailale and
flawless.
. I !raise with elo?uence him who guards all !athways. "e, when his love
im!elled him, went to Ar7a.
%ay he vouchsafe us gear with gold to grace it1 may Pusan ma7e each !rayer
of ours efective.
0 %ay "erald Agni, fulgent, ring for worshi! Tvastar adored, in homes and
swift to listen,
Glorious, first to share, the life)estower, the ever active God, fair)armed,
fair)handed.
1@ /udra y day, /udra at night we honour with these our songs, the
3niverse;s 4ather.
"im great and lofty, lissful, undecaying let us call s!ecially as the 5age
im!els us.
11 <e who are youthful, wise, and meet for worshi!, come, %artits, to the
longing of the singer.
>oming, as erst to Angiras, , "eroes, ye animate and ?uic7en e;en the
desert.
12 2ven as the herdsman driveth home his cattle, I urge my songs to him the
strong swift "ero
%ay he, the glorious, lay u!on his ody the singer;s hymns, as stars edec7
the heaven.
1# "e who for man;s ehoof in his afiliction thrice measured out the earthly
regions, 'isnu)
When one so great as thou affordeth shelter, may we with wealth and with
ourselves e ha!!y.
1& 5weet e this song of mine to Ahiudhnya, Parvata, 5avitar, with 4loods
and Lightnings:
5weet, with the Plants, to Gods who see7 olations. %ay lieral -haga s!eed
us on to riches.
1( Give riches orne on cars, with many heroes, contenting men, the guard
of mighty ,rder.
Give us a lasting home that we may attle with godless ands of men who
fight against us, and meet with tries to whom the Gods are gracious.
HYMN *. Visv!d!vas.
1. I >ALL with !rayers on Aditi your Goddess, on Agni, %itra, 'aruna for
favour,
,n Aryaman who gives unas7ed, the gracious, on Gods who save, on 5avitar
and -haga.
2 'isit, to !rove us free from sin, , 5urya Lord of great might, the right
Gods s!rung from 6a7sa,
Twice)orn and true, oserving sacred duties, "oly and full of light, whose
tongue is Agni.
# And, , ye "eaven and 2arth, a wide dominion, , ye most lissful Worlds,
our lofty shelter,
Give am!le room and freedom for our dwelling, a home, ye "emis!heres,
which none may rival.
& This day invited may the 5ons of /udra, resistless, e$cellent, stoo! down
to meet us:
4or, when eset with slight or sore affliction, we ever call u!on the Gods,
the %aruts:
( To whom the Goddess /odasi clings closely, whom Pusan follows ringing
am!le ounty.
What time ye hear our call and come, , %aruts, u!on your se!arate !ath all
creatures tremle.
* With a new hymn e$tol, , thou who singest, the Lover of the 5ong, the
"ero Indra.
%ay he, e$alted, hear our invocation, and grant us mighty wealth and
strength when lauded.
+ Give full !rotection, 4riends of man, ye Waters, in !eace and troule, to
our sons and grandsons.
4or ye are our most motherly !hysicians, !arents of all that standeth, all
that moveth.
. %ay 5avitar come hither and a!!roach us, the God who rescues, "oly,
goldenhanded,
The God who, ounteous as the face of %orning, discloses !recious gifts for
him who worshi!s.
0 And thou, , 5on of 5trength, do thou turn hither the Gods to)day to this
our holy service.
%ay I for evermore en9oy thy ounty and, Agni, y thy grace e rich in
heroes.
1@ >ome also to my call, , ye =asatyas, yea, verily, through my !rayers, ye
"oly 5ages.
As from great dar7ness ye delivered Atri, !rotect us, >hiefs, from danger in
the conflict.
11 , Gods, estow u!on us riches, s!lendid with strength and heroes,
ringing food in !lenty.
-e gracious, hel!ful Gods of earth, of heaven, orn of the >ow, and dwellers
in the waters.
12 %ay /udra and 5arasvati, accordant, 'isnu and 'ayu, !our down gifts and
less us:
/hu7san, 'a9a, and divine 'idhatar, Par9anya, 'ata ma7e our food
aundant.
1# %ay this God 5avitar, the Lord, the ,ffs!ring of Waters, !ouring down his
dew e gracious,
And, with the Gods and 6ames accordant, Tvastar: 6yaus with the Gods and
Prthivi with oceans.
1& %ay A9a)27a!ad and Ahiudhnya, and 2arth and ,cean hear our
invocation:
All Gods who strengthen Law, invo7ed and lauded, and holy te$ts uttered y
sages, hel! us.
1( 5o with my thoughts and hymns of !raise the children of -haradva9a sing
aloud to !lease you.
The 6ames invo7ed, and the resistless 'asus, and all ye "oly ,nes have een
e$alted.
HYMN *I. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"AT mighty eye of 'aruna and %itra, infallile and dear, is moving
u!ward.
The !ure and lovely face of holy ,rder hath shone li7e gold of heaven in its
arising.
2 The 5age who 7nows these Gods; three ran7s and orders, and all their
generations near and distant,
-eholding good and evil acts of mortals, 5ura mar7s well the doing of the
!ious.
# I !raise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, %itra, 'aruna, the nole,
Aryaman, -haga, all whose thoughts are faithful1 hither I call the -right who
share in common.
& Lords of the rave, infallile, foe)destroyers, great 8ings, estowers of
fair homes to dwell in,
<oung, "eroes, ruling heaven with strong dominion, Adityas, Aditi I see7 with
worshi!.
( , "eaven our 4ather, 2arth our guileless %other, , -rother Agni, and ye
'asus, less us.
Grant us, , Aditi and ye Adityas, all of one mind, your manifold !rotection.
* Give us not u! to any evil creature, as s!oil to wolf or she)wolf, , ye "oly.
4or ye are they who guide aright our odies, ye are the rulers of our s!eech
and vigour.
+ Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, , 'asus,
!unish.
<e, 3niversal GodsA are all)controllers1 may he do harm unto himself who
hates %e.
. %ighty is homage1 I ado!t and use it. "omage hath held in !lace the earth
and heaven.
"omage to GodsA "omage commands and rules them. I anish even
committed sin y homage
0 <ou 4urtherers of Law, !ure in your s!irit, infallile, dwellers in the home
of ,rder,
To you all "eroes mighty and far)seeing I ow me down, , "oly ,nes, with
homage.
1@ 4or these are they who shine with nolest s!lendour: through all our
troules these conduct us safely)
'aruna, %itra, Agni, mighty /ulers, trueminded, faithful to the hymn;s
controllers.
11 %ay they, 2arth, Aditi, Indra, -haga, Pusan increase our laud, increase
the 4ivefold !eo!le.
Giving good hel!, good refuge, goodly guidance, e they our good
deliverers, good !rotectors.
12 >ome now, , Gods, to your celestial station1 the -haradva9as; !riest
entreats your favour.
"e, sacrificing, fain for wealth, hath honoured the Gods vath those who sit
and share olations.
1# Agni, drive thou the wic7ed foe, the evil)hearted thief away,
4ar, far, Lord of the rave I and give us easy !aths.
1& 5oma, these !ressing)stones have called aloud to win thee for our 4riend.
6estroy the greedy Pani, for a wolf is he.
1( <e, , most ountiful, are they who, led y Indra, see7 the s7y.
Give us good !aths for travel1 guard us ivell at home.
1* =ow have we entered on the road that leads to liss, without a foe,
The road whereon a man esca!es all enemies and gathers wealth.
HYMN *I* Visv!d!vas.
1. T"I5 I allow not in the earth or heaven, at sacrifice or in these holy
duties.
%ay the huge mountains crush him down1 degraded e Atiya9a;s sacrificing
!atron.
2 ,r he who holds us in contem!t, , %aruts, or see7s to lame the !rayer
that we are ma7ing,
%ay agonies of urning e his !ortion. %ay the s7y scorch the man who
hates devotion.
# Why then, , 5oma, do they call thee 7ee!er of !rayerB Why then our
guardian from re!roachesB
Why then eholdest thou how men revile usB >ast thy hot dart at him who
hates devotion.
& %ay %ornings as they s!ring to life, !rotect me, and may the /ivers as
they swell !reserve me.
%y guardians e the firmly)seated mountains1 the 4athers, when I call on
Gods, defend meA
( Through all our days may we e healthy. minded, and loo7 u!on the 5un
when he arises.
Grant this the Treasure)Lord of treasures, coming, oservant, oftenest of
Gods, with succourA
* %ost near, most oft comes Indra with !rotection, and she 5arasvati, who
swells with rivers )
Par9anya, ringing health with hers, and Agni, well lauded swift to listen,
li7e a father.
+ "ear this mine invocation: come hither, , 3niversal Gods,
-e seated on this holy grass.
. To him who comes to meet you, Gods, with offerings athed in holy oil)
A!!roach ye, one and all, to him.
0 All 5ons of Immortality shall listen to the songs we sing,
And e e$ceeding good to us.
1@ %ay all the Gods who strengthen Law, with /tus, listening to our call,
-e !leased with theit a!!ro!riate draught.
11 %ay 1ndra, with the %arut host, with Tvastar, %itra, Aryaman,
Acce!t the laud and these our gifts.
12 , Agni, Priest, as rules ordain, offer this sacrifice of ours,
/ememering the "eavenly 4ol7.
1# Listen, All)Gods, to this mine invocation, <e who inhait heaven, and air;s
midregions,
All ye, , "oly ,nes, whose tongue is Agni, seated u!on this sacred grass, e
9oyful.
1& %ay the All)Gods who claim our worshi! hear my thought: may the two
World)halves hear it, and the Waters; >hild.
Let me not utter words that ye may disregard. >losely allied with you may
we re9oice in liss.
1( And those who, %ighty, with the wiles of ser!ents, were orn on earth, in
heaven, where waters gather)
%ay they vouchsafe us life of full duration. %ay the Gods 7indly give us
nights and mornings.
1* At this my call, , Agni and Par9anya, hel!, swift to hear, my thought and
our laudation.
,ne generates holy food, the other offs!ring, so grant us food enough with
store of children.
1+ When holy grass is strewn and fire en7indled, with hymn and lowly
homage I invite you.
All)Gods, to day in this our great assemly re9oice, ye "oly, in the gifts we
offer.
HYMN *III. +usan.
1. L,/6 of the !ath, , Pusan, we have yo7ed and ound thee to our hymn,
2ven as a car, to win the !riCe.
2 -ring us the wealth that men re?uire, a manly master of a house,
4ree)handed with the lieral meed.
# 2ven him who would not give, do thou,
, glowing Pusan, urge to give,
And ma7e the niggard;s soul grow soft.
& >lear !aths that we may win the !riCe: scatter our enemies afar.
5trong God, e all our thoughts fulfilled.
( Penetrate with an awl, , 5age, the hearts of avaricious churls,
And ma7e them su9ect to our will.
* Thrust with thine awl, , Pusan1 see7 that which the niggard;s heart holds
dear,
And ma7e him su9ect to our will.
+ Tear u! and read in !ieces, 5age, the hearts of avaricious churls,
And ma7e them su9ect to our will.
. Thou, glowing Pusan, carriest an awl that urges men to !rayer:
Therewith do thou tear u! and rend to shreds the heart of every one.
0 Thou earest, glowing LordA a goad with horny !oint that guides the cows
Thence do we see7 thy gift of liss.
1@ And ma7e this hymn of ours !roduce 7ine, horses, and a store of wealth
4or our delight and use as men.
HYMN *IV. +usan.
1. , P35A=, ring us to the man who 7nows, who shall direct us straight,
And say unto us, It is here.
2 %ay we go forth with Pusan who shall !oint the houses out to us,
And say to us, These same are they.
# 3nharmed is Pusan;s chariot wheel: the o$ ne;er falleth to the ground,
=or doth the loosened felIy sha7e.
& Pusan forgetteth not the man who serveth him with offered gift1
That man is first to gather wealth.
( %ay Pusan follow near our 7ine: may Pusan 7ee! our horses safe1
%ay Pusan gather gear for us.
* 4ollow the 7ine of him who !ours liations out and worshi!s thee:
And ours who sing thee songs of !raise.
+ Let none e lost, none in9ured, none sin7 in a !it and rea7 a lim.
/eturn with these all safe and sound.
. Pusan who listens to our !rayers, the 5trong whose wealth is never lost,
The Lord of riches, we im!lore.
0 5ecure in thy !rotecting care, , Pusan, never may we fail.
We here are they who sing thy !raise.
1@ 4rom out the distance, far and wide, may Pusan stretch his right hand
forth,
And drive our lost again to us.
HYMN *V. +usan.
1. 5,= of 6eliverance, come, right GodA
Let us twain go together1 e our charioteer of sacrifice.
2 We !ray for wealth to thee most s7illed of charioteers, with raided hair,
Lord of great riches, and our 4riend.
# -right God whose steeds are goats, thou art a stream of wealth, a
treasure)hea!,
The 4riend of every !ious man.
& Pusan, who driveth goats for steeds, the strong and %ighty, who is called
"is 5ister;s lover, will we laud.
( "is %other;s suitor I address. %ay he who loves his 5ister hear,
-rother of Indra, and my 4riend.
* %ay the sure)footed goats come nigh, conveying Pusan on his car,
The God who visiteth man7ind.
HYMN *VI' +usan.
1. W",5, rememers Pusan as cater of mingled curd and meal
=eed thin7 no more u!on the God.
2 And he is est of charioteers. Indra, the hero;s Lord, allied
With him as 4riend, destroys the foes.
# And there the est of charioteers hath guided through the s!ec7led cloud
The golden wheel of 5ura;s car.
& Whate;er we s!ea7 this day to thee, Wise, Wondrous God whom many
!raise,
Give thou fulfilment of our thought.
( Lead on this com!any of ours, that longs for 7ine, to win the s!oil1
Thou, Pusan, art renowned afar.
* Pros!erity we crave from thee, afar from sin and near to wealth,
Tending to !erfect ha!!iness oth for to. morrow and to)day.
HYMN *VII. Indra and +usan.
1. I=6/A and Pusan will we call for friend shi! and !ros!erity
And for the winning of the s!oil.
2 ,ne y the 5oma sits to drin7 9uice which the mortar hath e$!ressed1
The other longs for curd and meal.
# Goats are the team that draws the one1 the other hath -ay 5teeds at
hand:
With oth of these he slays the fiends.
& When Indra, wondrous strong, rought down the streams, the mighty
waterfloods,
Pusan was standing y his side.
( To this, to Pusan;s favouring love, and Indra;s, may we closely cling,
As to a tree;s e$tended ough.
* As one who drives a car draws in his reins, may we draw Pusan near,
And Indra, for our great success.
HYMN *VIII. +usan.
1. LI82 heaven art thou1 one form is right, one holy, li7e 6ay and =ight
dissimilar in colour.
All magic !owers thou aidest, self)de!en. dentA Aus!icious e thy ounty
here, , Pusan.
2 Goat)orne, the guard of cattle, he whose home is strength, ins!irer of
the hymn, set over all the world:
-randishing here and there his lightly. moving goad, eholding every
creature, Pusan, God, goes forth.
# , Pusan, with thy golden shi!s that travel across the ocean, in the air;s
mid)region,
Thou goest on an emassy to 5urya, sudued y love, desirous of the glory.
& =ear 7insman of the heaven and earth is Pusan, lieral, Lord of food, of
wondrous iustre,
Whom strong and vigorous and swiftlymoving, sudued y love, the 6eities
gave to 5urya.
HYMN *IX. Indra-Agni.
1. I WILL declare, while 9uices flow, the manly deeds that ye have done1
<our 4athers, enemies of Gods, were smitten down, and, Indra)Agni, ye
survive.
2 Thus, Indra)Agni! verily your greatness merits loftiest !raise,
5!rung from one common 4ather, rothers, twins are ye: your %other is in
every !lace.
# These who delight in flowing 9uice, li7e fellow horses at their food,
Indra and Agni, Gods armed with the thunderolt, we call this day to come
with hel!.
& Indra and Agni, 4riends of Law, served with rich gifts, your s!eech is 7ind
To him who !raises you while these liations flow1 that man, , Gods, ye
ne;er consume.
( What mortal understands, , Gods, Indra and Agni, this your wayB
,ne of you, yo7ing 5teeds that move to every side, advances in your
common car.
* 4irst, Indra)Agni, hath this %aid come footless unto those with feet.
5tretching her head and s!ea7ing loudly with her tongue, she hath gone
downward thirty ste!s.
+ 2;en now, , Indra)Agni, men hold in their arms and stretch their ows.
6esert us not in this great fray, in attles for the sa7e of 7ine.
. The foeman;s sinful enmities, Indra and Agni, ve$ me sore.
6rive those who hate me far away, and 7ee! them distant from the 5un.
0 Indra and Agni, yours are all the treasures of the heavens and earth.
"ere give ye us the o!ulence that !ros!ers every living man.
1@ , Indra)Agni, who acce!t the laud, and hear us for our !raise,
>ome near us, drawn y all our songs, to drin7 of this our 5oma 9uice.
HYMN *X. Indra-Agni.
1. "2 slays the foe and wins the s!oil who worshi!s Indra and Agni, strong
and mighty "eroes,
Who rule as 5ovrans over am!le riches, victorious, showing forth their !ower
in con?uest.
2 5o attle now, , Indra and thou, Agni, for cows and waters, sunlight,
stolen %ornings.
Team)orne, thou ma7est 7ine thine own, , Agni1 thou, Indra, light, 6awns,
regions, wondrous waters.
# With 'rtra)slaying might, Indra and Agni, come, drawn y homage, , ye
'rtra)slayers.
Indra and Agni, show yourselves among us with your su!reme and
unrestricted ounties.
& I call the Twain whose deeds of old have all een famed in ancient days
, Indra)Agni, harm us not.
( The 5trong, the scatterers of the foe, Indra and Agni, we invo7e:
%ay they e 7ind to one li7e me.
* They slay our Arya foes, these Lords of heroes, slay our 6asyu foes
And drive our enemies away.
+ Indra and Agni, these our songs of !raise have sounded forth to you1
<e who ring lessingsA drin7 the 9uice.
. >ome, Indra)Agni, with those teams, desired of many, which ye have,
, "eroes, for the worshi!!er.
0 With those to this liation !oured, ye "eroes, Indra)Agni, come1
>ome ye to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
1@ Glorify him who com!asses all forests with his glowing flame,
And leaves them lac7ened with his tongue.
11 "e who gains Indra;s liss with fire en7indled finds an easy way
,ver the floods to ha!!iness.
12 Give us fleet coursers to convey Indra and Agni, and estow
Aundant strengthening food on us.
1# Indra and Agni, I will call you hither and ma7e you 9oyful with the gifts I
offer.
<e Twain are givers oth of food and riches1 to win me strength and vigour I
invo7e you.
1& >ome unto us with riches, come with wealth in horses and in 7ine.
Indra and Agni, we invo7e you oth, the Gods, as 4riends for friendshi!,
ringing liss.
1( Indra and Agni, hear his call who worshi!s. with liations !oured.
>ome and en9oy the offerings, drin7 the sweetly)flavoured 5oma 9uice.
HYMN *XI. Sarasva&i.
1. To 'adhryasva when. e worshi!!ed her with gifts she gave fierce
6ivodasa, canceller of dets.
>onsumer of the churlish niggard, one and all, thine, , 5arasvati, are these
effectual oons.
2 5he with her might, li7e one who digs for lotus)stems, hath urst with her
strong waves the ridges of the hills.
Let us invite with songs and holy hymns for hel! 5arasvati who slayeth the
Paravatas.
# Thou castest down, 5arasvati, those who scorned the Gods, the rood of
every -rsaya s7illed in magic arts.
Thou hast discovered rivers for the tries of men, and, rich in wealthA made
!oison flow away from them.
& %ay the divine 5arasvati, rich in her wealth, !rotect us well,
4urthering all our thoughts with might
( Whoso, divine 5arasvati, invo7es thee where the !riCe is set,
Li7e Indra when he smites the foe.
* Aid us, divine 5arasvad, thou who art strong in wealth and !ower
Li7e Pusan, give us o!ulence.
+ <ea, this divine 5arasvati, terrile with her golden !ath,
4oe)slayer, claims our eulogy.
. Whose limitless unro7en flood, swift)moving with a ra!id rush,
>omes onward with tem!estuous roar.
0 5he hath s!read us eyond all foes, eyond her 5isters, "oly ,ne,
As 5urya s!readeth out the days.
1@ <ea, she most dear amid dear stream, 5even)sistered, graciously inclined,
5arasvati hath earned our !raise.
11 Guard us from hate 5arasvati, she who hath filled the realms of earth,
And that wide tract, the firmamentA
12 5even)sistered, s!rung from threefold source, the 4ive Tries; !ros!erer,
she must e
Invo7ed in every deed of might.
1# %ar7ed out y ma9esty among the %ighty ,nes, in glory swifter than the
other ra!id 5treams,
>reated vast for victory li7e a chariot, 5arasvati must e e$tolled y every
sage.
1& Guide us, 5arasvati, to glorious treasure1 refuse us not thy mil7, nor
s!urn us from thee.
Gladly acce!t our friendshi! and oedience1 let us not go from thee to
distant countries.

HYMN *XII. Asvins.
1. I LA36 the "eroes Twain, this heaven;s >ontrollers1 singing with songs of
!raise I call the Asvins,
4ain in a moment, when the morns are rea7ing, to !art the earth;s ends
and the s!acious regions.
2 %oving to sacrifice through realms of lustre they light the radiance of the
car that ears them.
Traversing many wide unmeasured s!aces, over the wastes ye !ass, and
fields, and waters.
# <e to that ounteous !ath of yours, ye mighty, have ever orne away our
thoughts with horses,
%ind)swift and full of vigour, that the troule of man who offers gifts might
cease and slumer.
& 5o ye, when ye have yo7ed your chariothorses, come to the hymn of the
most recent singer.
,ur true and ancient "erald Priest shall ring you, the <outhful, earing
s!lendour, food, and vigour.
( With newest hymn I call those Wonder)Wor7ers, ancient and rilliant, and
e$ceeding mighty,
-ringers of liss to him who lauds and !raises, estowing varied ounties on
the singer.
* 5o ye, with irds, out of the sea and waters ore -hu9yu, son of Tugra,
through the regions.
5!eeding with winged steeds through dustless s!aces, out of the osom of
the flood they ore him.
+ 'ictors, car)orne, ye rent the roc7 asunder1 -ulls, heard the calling of
the eunuch;s consort.
-ounteous, ye filled the cow with mil7 for 5ayu1 thus, swift and Cealous
,nes, ye showed your favour.
. Whate;er from olden time, "eaven, 2arthA e$isteth great o9ect of the
wrath of Gods and mortals,
%a7e that, Adityas, 'asus, sons of /udra, an evil rand to one allied with
demons.
0 %ay he who 7nows, as 'aruna and %itra, air;s realm, a!!ointing oth the
8ings in season,
Against the secret fiend cast forth his wea!on, against the lying words that
strangers utter.
1@ >ome to our home with friendly wheels, for offi!ring: come on your
radiant chariot rich in heroes.
5tri7e off, ye Twain, the heads of our assailants who with man;s treacherous
attac7 a!!roach us.
11 >ome hitherward to us with teams of horses, the highest and the
midmost and the lowest.
-ountiful Lords, throw o!en to the singer doors e;en of the firm)closed stall
of cattle.
HYMN *XIII. Asvins.
1. W"2/2 hath the hymn with reverence, li7e an envoy, found oth fair
Gods to)day, invo7ed of many)
"ymn that hath rought the two =asatyas hitherB To this man;s thought e
ye, oth Gods, most friendly.
2 >ome readily to this mine invocation, lauded with songs, that ye may
drin7 the 9uices.
>om!ass this house to 7ee! it from the foeman, that none may force it,
either near or distant.
# Duice in wide room hath een !re!ared to feast you1 for you the grass is
strewn, most soft to tread on.
With lifted hands your servant hath adored you. <earningfor you the !ress)
stones shed the li?uid.
& Agni u!lifts him at your sacrifices1 forth goes the olation dro!!ing oil and
glowing.
3! stands the grateful)minded !riest, elected, a!!ointed to invo7e the two
=asatyas.
( Lords of great wealthA for glory, 5urya;s 6aughter mounted your car that
rings a hundred succours.
4amed for your magic arts were ye, magiciansA amid the race of Gods, ye
dancing "eroesA
* <e Twain, with these your glories fair to loo7 on, rought, to win victory,
rich gifts for 5urya.
After you flew your irds, marvels of eauty1 dear to our heartsA the song,
well lauded, reached you.
+ %ay your winged coursers, est to draw. =asatyasA convey you to the
o9ect of your wishes.
5wift as the thought, your car hath een sent onward to food of many a sort
and dainty viands.
. Lords of great wealth, manifold is your ounty1 ye filled our cow with food
that never faileth.
Lovers of sweetnessA yours are !raise and singers, and !oured liations
which have sought your favour.
0 %ine were two mares of Puraya, rown, swift)footed: a hundred with
5umidha, food with Peru7
5anda gave ten gold)dec7ed and well)trained horses, tame and oedient and
of lofty stature.
1@ =asatyasA Puru!anthas offered hundreds, thousands of steeds to him who
sang your !raises,
Gave, "eroesA to the singer -haradva9a. <e)Wonder)Wor7ers, let the fiends
e slaughtered.
11 %ay I with !rinces share your liss in freedom.
HYMN *XIV. Da-n.
1. T"2 radiant 6awns have risen u! for glory, in their white s!lendour li7e
the waves of waters.
5he ma7eth !aths all easy, fair to travel, and, rich, hath shown herself
enign and friendly.
2 We see that thou art good1 far shines thy lustre: thy eams, thy s!lendours
have flown u! to heaven.
6ec7ing thyself, thou ma7est are thy osom, shining in ma9esty, thou
Goddess %orning.
# /ed are the 7ine and luminous that ear her the -lessed ,ne who
s!readeth through the distance.
The foes she chaseth li7e a valiant archer, li7e a swift warrior she re!elleth
dar7ness.
& Thy ways are easy on the hills1 thou !assest InvincileA 5e1f)luminousA
through waters.
5o lofty Goddess with thine am!le !athway, 6aughter of "eaven, ring
wealth to give us comfort.
( 6awn, ring me wealth1 untrouled, with thine o$en thou earest riches
at thy will and !leasure:
Thou who, a Goddess, >hild of "eaven, hast shown thee lovely through
ounty when we called thee early.
* As the irds fly forth from their resting!laces, so men with store of food
rise at thy dawning.
<ea, to the lieral mortal who rernaineth at home, , Goddess 6awn, much
good thou ringest.
HYMN *XV. Da-n.
1. 5"266I=G her light on human haitations this >hild of "eaven hath called
us from our slumer:
5he who at night)time with her argent lustre hath shown herself e;en
through the shades of dar7ness.
2 All this with red)rayed steeds have they divided1 the 6awns on right cars
shine in wondrous fashion.
They, ringing near the stately rite;s commencement, drive far away the
night;s surrounding shadows.
# 6awns, ringing hither, to the man who worshi!s, glory and !ower and
might and food and vigour,
,!ulent, with im!erial sway li7e heroes, favour your servant and this day
enrich him.
& =ow is there treasure for the man who serves you, now for the hero,
6awnsA who rings olation:
=ow for the singer when he sings the !raise)song. 2ven to one li7e me ye
rought aforetime.
( , 6awn who standest on the mountain ridges, Angirases now !raise thy
stalls of cattle.
With !rayer and holy hymn they urst them o!en1 the heroes; calling on the
Gods was fruitful.
* 5hine on us as of old, thou >hild of "eaven,on him, rich %aidA who serves
li7e -haradva9a.
Give to the singer wealth with nole heroes, and u!on us estow wide)
s!reading glory.
HYMN *XVI. Maru&s.
1. 2;2= to the wise let that e still a wonder to which the general name of
>ow is given.
The one hath swelled among man7ind for mil7ing1 Prsni hath drained ut
once her fair right udder.
2 They who li7e 7indled flames of fire are glowing,. the %aruts, twice and
thrice have wa$en mighty.
Golden and dustless were their cars, invested with their great strength and
their heroic vigour.
# They who are 5ons of the rain)!ouring /udra, whom the long)lasting ,ne
had !ower to foster1
The %ighty ,nes whose germ great %other Prsni is 7nown to have received
for man;s advantage.
& They shrin7 not from the irth: in this same manner still resting there they
!urge away re!roaches.
When they have streamed forth, rilliant, at their !leasure, with their own
s!lendour they edew their odies.
( 2ven those who ear the rave old name of %aruts, whom not the active
?uic7ly wins for mil7ing.
2ven the lieral wards not off those fierce ones, those who are light and
agile in their greatness.
* When, strong in strength and armed with !otent wea!ons, they had united
wellformed earth and heaven,
/odasl stood among these furious "eroes li7e s!lendour shining with her
native rightness.
+ =o team of goats shall draw your car, , %aruts, no horse no charioteer e
he who drives it.
"alting not, reinless, through the air it travels, s!eeding alone its !aths
through earth and heaven.
. =one may ostruct, none overta7e, , %aruts, him whom ye succour in the
strife of attle
4or sons and !rogeny, for 7ine and waters1 he ursts the cow)stall on the
day of trial.
0 -ring a right hymn to !raise the and of %aruts, the 5ingers, ra!id,
strong in native vigour,
Who con?uer mighty strength with strength more mighty1 earth sha7es in
terror at their wars, , Agni.
1@ -right li7e the flashing flames of sacrifices, li7e tongues of fire
im!etuous in their onset,
>hanting their !salm, singing aloud, li7e heroes, s!lendid from irth,
invincile, the %aruts.
11 That swelling and I call with invocation, the rood of /udra, armed with
glittering lances.
Pure hymns are meet for that celestial army1 li7e floods and mountains have
the 5trong ,nes attled.
HYMN *XVI* Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. =,W %itra)'aruna shall e e$alted high y your songs, nolest of all
e$isting:
They who, as ;twere with reins are est >ontrollers, une?ualled with their
arms to chec7 the !eo!le.
2 To you Two Gods is this my thought e$tended, turned to the sacred grass
with loving homage.
Give us, , %itra)'aruna, a dwelling safe from attac7, which ye shall guard,
-oon)GiversA
# >ome hither, %itra)'aruna, invited with eulogies and loving adoration,
<e who with your might, as Wor7)>ontrollers, urge even men who ?uic7ly
hear to laour.
& Whom, of !ure origin, li7e two strong horses, Aditi ore as aes in !ro!er
season,
Whom, %ighty at your irth, the %ighty Goddess rought forth as terrors to
the mortal foeman.
( As all the Gods in their great 9oy and gladness gave you with one accord
your high dominion,
As ye surround oth worlds, though wide and s!acious your s!ies are ever
true and never ewildered.
* 5o, through the days maintaining !rincely !ower. ye !ro! the height as
;twere from loftiest heaven.
The 5tar of all the Gods, estalished, filleth the heaven and earth with food
of man who liveth.
+ Ta7e the strong drin7, to ?uaff till ye are sated, when he and his
attendants fill the chamer.
The young %aids roo7 not that none see7s to win them, when, Euic7eners
of allA they scatter moisture.
. 5o with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful and very wise,
attends our worshi!.
=ourished y holy oilA he this yGur glory1 annihilate the sacrificer;s troule.
0 When, %itra)'aruna, they strive against you and rea7 tlie friendly laws ye
have estalished,
They, neither Gods nor men in estimation, li7e A!i;s sons have godless
sacrifices.
1@ When singers in their song u!lift their voices, some chant the =ivid te$ts
with steady !ur!ose.
Then may we sing you lauds that shall e fruitful1 d! ye not rival all the
Gods in greatnessB
11 , %itra)'aruna, may your large ounty come to us hither, near to this our
dwelling,
When the 7ine haste to us, and when they harness the fleet)foot mettled
stallion for the attle.
HYMN *XVIII. Indra-Varuna.
1. "I5 honouring rite whose grass is trimmed is offered swiftly to you, in
%anu;s wise, accordant,
The rite which Indra)'aruna shall carry this day to high success and glorious
issue.
2 4or at Gods; worshi! they are est through vigour: they have ecome the
strongest of the "eroes:
With mighty strength, most lieral of the Princes, >hiefs of the host, y Law
made 'rtra;s slayers.
# Praise those Twain Gods for !owers that merit worshi!, Indra and 'aruna,
for liss, the 9oyous.
,ne with his might and thunderolt slays 'rtra: the other as a 5age stands
near in troules.
& Though dames and men have wa$en strong and mighty, and all the Gods
self!raised among the "eroes,
<e, Indra)'aruna, have in might sur!assed them, and thus were ye s!read
wide, , 2arth and "eaven.
( /ighteous is he, and lieral and hel!ful who, Indra)'aruna, rings you gifts
with gladness.
That ounteous man through food shall con?uer faemen, and win him
o!ulence and wealthy !eo!le.
* %ay wealth which ye estow in food and treasure on him who rings you
gifts and sacrifices,
Wealth, GodsA which rea7s the curse of those who ve$ us, e, Indra)
'aruna, e;en our own !ossession.
+ 5o also, Indra)'aruna, may our !rinces have riches swift to save, with Gods
to guard them)
They whose great might gives victory in attles, and their trium!hant glory
s!reads with swiftness.
. Indra. and 'aruna, Gods whom we are lauding, mingle ye wealth with our
heroic glory.
%ay we, who !raise the strength of what is mighty, !ass dangers, as with
oats we cross the waters.
0 =ow will I sing a dear and far)e$tending hymn to 'aruna the God, sulime,
im!erial Lord,
Who, mighty Governor, 2ternal, as with flame, illumines oth wide worlds
with ma9esty and !ower.
1@ True to Law, Indra)'aruna, drin7ers of the 9uice, drin7 this !ressed 5oma
which shall give you ra!turous 9oy.
<our chariot cometh to the an?uet of the Gods, to sacrifice, as it were
home, that ye may drin7.
11 Indra and 'aruna, drin7 your fill, ye "eroes, of this invigorating sweetest
5oma.
This 9uice is shed y us that ye may ?uaff it1 on this trimmed grass e
seated, and re9oice you
HYMN *XIX. Indra-Visnu
1. I=6/A and 'isnu, at my tas7;s com!letion I urge you on with food and
sacred service.
Acce!t the sacrifice and grant us riches, leading us on y unostructed
!athways.
2 <e who ins!ire all hymns, Indra and 'isnu, ye vessels who contain the
5oma 9uices,
%ay hymns of !raise that now are sung address you, the lauds that are
recited y the singers.
# Lords of 9oy)giving draughts, Indra and 'isnu, come, giving gifts of
treasure, to the 5oma.
With rilliant rays of hymns let chanted !raises, re!eated with the lauds,
adorn and dec7 you.
& %ay your foe)con?uering horses ring you hither, Indra and 'isnu, sharers
of the an?uet.
,f all our hymns acce!t the invocations list to my !rayers and hear the
songs I sing you.
( This your deed, Indra)'isnu, must e lauded1 widely ye strode in the wild
9oy of 5oma.
<e made the firmament of larger com!ass, and made the regions road for
our e$istence.
* 5trengthened with sacred offerings, Indra'isnu, first eaters, served with
worshi! ana olation,
4ed with the holy oil, vouchsafe us riches ye are the la7e, the vat that holds
the 5oma.
+ 6rin7 of this meath, , Indra, thou, and 'isnu: drin7 ye your fill of 5oma,
Wonder)Wor7ers.
The sweet e$hilarating 9uice hath reached you. "ear ye my !rayers, give ear
unto my calling.
. <e Twain have con?uered, ne;er have yc een con?uered1 never hath
either of the Twain een van?uished.
<e, Indra)'isnu, when ye fought the attle, !roduced this infinite with three
divisions.
HYMN *XX. H!av!n and Ear&#.
1. 4ILL26 full of fatness, com!assing all things that e, wide, s!acious,
dro!!ing meath, eautiful in their form,
The "eaven and the 2arth y 'aruna;s decree, unwasting, rich in germs,
stand !arted each from each.
2 The 2verlasting Pair, with full streams, rich in mil7, in their !ure rule !our
fatness for the !ious man.
<e who are /egents of this world, , 2arth and "eaven, !our into us the
genial flow that !ros!ers meit.
# Whoso, for righteous life, !ours offerings to you, , "eaven and 2arth, ye
"emis!heres, that man succeeds.
"e in his seed is orn again and s!reads y Law1 from you flow things
diverse in form, ut ruled ali7e.
& 2nclosed in fatness, "eaven and 2arth are right therewith1 they mingle
with the fatness which they still increase.
Wide, road, set foremost at election of the !riest, to them the singers !ray
for liss to further them.
( %ay "eaven and 2arth !our down the almy rain for us, alm)dro!!ing,
yielding alm, with alm u!on your !ath,
-estowing y your Godhead sacrifice and wealth, great fame and strength
for us and good heroic might.
* %ay "eaven and 2arth ma7e food swell !lenteously for us, all)7nowing
4ather, 9other, wondrous in their wor7s.
Pouring out ounties, may, in union, oth the Worlds, all eneficial, send us
gain, and !ower, and wealth.
HYMN *XXI. Savi&ar.
1. 43LL of effectual wisdom 5avitar the God hath stretched out golden arms
that he may ring forth life.
<oung and most s7ilful, while he holds the region u!, the Warrior s!rin7les
fatness over oth his hands.
2 %ay we en9oy the nolest vivifying force of 5avitar the God, that he may
give us wealth1
4or thou art mighty to !roduce and lull to rest the world of life that moves
on two feet and on four.
# Protect our haitation, 5avitar, this day, with guardian aids around,
aus!icious, firm and true.
God of the golden tongue, 7ee! us for newest liss1 let not the evil)wisher
have us in his !ower.
& This 5avitar the God, the golden)handed, 4riend of the home, hath risen
to meet the twilight.
With chee7s of rass, with !leasant tongue, the "oly, he sends the
worshi!!er rich gifts in !lenty.
( Li7e a 6irector, 5avitar hath e$tended his golden arms, e$ceeding fair to
loo7 on.
"e hath gone u! the heights of earth and heaven, and made each monster
fall and cease from trouling.
* 4air wealth, , 5avitar, to)day, to)morrow, fair wealth !roduce for us each
day that !asses.
%ay we through this our song e ha!!y gainers, God, of a fair and s!acious
haitation.
HYMN *XXII. Indra-S/$a.
1. G/2AT is this might of yours, Indra and 5oma1 the first high e$!loits were
your own achievements.
<e found the 5un ye found the light of heaven1 ye 7illed all dar7ness and the
Gods; las!hemers.
2 <e, Indra)5oma, gave her light to %orning, and led the 5un on high with all
his s!lendour.
<e stayed the heaven with a su!!orting !illar, and s!read aroad a!art, the
2arth, the %other.
# <e slew the flood )ostructing ser!ent 'rtra, Indra and 5oma1 "eaven
a!!roved your e$!loit.
<e urged to s!eed the currents of the rivers, and many seas have ye filled
full with waters.
& <e in the unri!e udders of the milch)7ine have set the ri!e mil7, Indra,
thou, and 5oma.
<e have held fast the unim!eded whiteness within these many)coloured
moving creatures.
( 'erily ye estow, Indra and 5oma, wealth, famed, victorious, !assing to
our children.
<e have invested men, ye %ighty -eings, with manly strength that con?uers
in the attle.
HYMN *XXIII. Br#as%a&i.
1. 52/'26 with olations, first)orn, mountain)render, Angiras; son,
-rhas!ati, the "oly,
With twice)firm !ath, dwelling in light, our 4ather, roars loudly, as a ull, to
2arth and "eaven.
2 -rhas!ati, who made for such a !eo!le wide room and verge when Gods
were invocated,
5laying his enemies, rea7s down their castles, ?uelling his foes and
con?uering those who hate him.
# -rhas!ati in war hath won rich treasures, hath won, this God, the great
stalls filled with cattle.
5triving to win waters and light, resistless, -rhas!ati with lightning smites
the foeman.
HYMN *XXIV. S/$a-Rudra.
1. ",L6 fast your Godli7e sway, , 5oma)/udra1 let these our sacrifices
?uic7ly reach you.
Placing in every house your seven great treasures, ring lessing to our
?uadru!eds and i!eds.
2 5oma and /udra, chase to every ?uarter the sic7ness that hath visited our
dwelling.
6rive =irrti away into the distance, and give us e$cellent and ha!!y glories.
# Provide, , 5oma)/udra, for our odies all needful medicines to heal and
cure us.
5et free and draw away the sin committed which we have still inherent in
our !ersons.
& Armed with 7een shafts and wea!ons, 7ind and loving, e gracious unto us,
5oma and /udra.
/elease us from the noose of 'aruna: 7ee! us from sorrow, in your tender
loving)7indness.
HYMN *XXV. 1!a%/ns /0 1ar.
1. T"2 warrior;s loo7 is li7e a thunderous rain)cloud;s, when, armed with
mail, he see7s the la! of attle.
-e thou victorious with unwounded ody1 so let the thic7ness of thy mail
!rotect thee.
2 With -ow let us win 7ine, with -ow the attle, with -ow e victors in our
hot encounters.
The -ow rings grief and sorrow to the foeman1 armed with the -ow may we
sudue all regions.
# >lose to his car, as fain to s!ea7, 5he !resses, holding her well)loved
4riend in her emraces.
5trained on the -ow, 5he whis!ers li7e a woman)this -owstring that
!reserves us in the comat.
& These, meeting li7e a woman and her lover, ear, mother)li7e, their child
u!on their osom.
%ay the two -ow)ends, starting swift asunder, scatter, in unison, the foes
who hate us.
( With many a son, father of many daughters, "e clangs and clashes as he
goes to attle.
5lung on the ac7, !ouring his rood, the Euiver van?uishes all o!!osing
ands and armies.
* 3!standing in the >ar the s7ilful >harioteer guides his strong "orses on
whithersoe;er he will.
5ee and admire the strength of those controlling /eins which from ehind
declare the will of him who drives.
+ "orses whose hoofs rain dust are neighing loudly, yo7ed to the >hariots,
showing forth their vigour,
With their forefeet descending on the foemen, they, never flinching,
tram!le and destroy them.
. >ar)earer is the name of his olation, whercon are laid his Wea!ons and
his Armour.
5o let us here, each day that !asses, honour the hel!ful >ar with hearts
e$ceeding 9oyful.
0 In sweet association lived the fathers who gave us life, !rofound and
strong in troule,
3nwearied, armed with shafts and wondrous wea!ons, free, real heroes,
con?uerors of armies.
1@ The -rahmans, and the 4athers meet for 5oma)draughts, and, graciously
inclined, une?ualled "eaven and 2arth.
Guard us trom evil, Pusan, guard us strengtheners of Law1 let not the evil)
wisher master us.
11 "er tooth a deer, dressed in an eagle;s feathers, ound with cow)hide,
launched forth, 5he flieth onward.
There where the heroes s!eed hither and thither, there may the Arrows
shelter and !rotect us.
12 Avoid us thou whose flight is straight, and let our odies e as stone.
%ay 5oma 7indly s!ea7 to us, and Aditi !rotect us well.
1# "e lays his lows u!on their ac7s, he deals his lows u!on their thighs.
Thou, Whi!, who urgest horses, drive sagacious horses in the fray.
1& It com!asses the arm with ser!ent windings, fending away the friction of
the owstring1
5o may the -race, well)s7illed in all its duties, guard manfully the man from
every ?uarter.
1( =ow to the 5haft with venom smeared, ti!!ed with deer)horn, with iron
mouth,
>elestial, of Par9anya;s seed, e this great adoration !aid.
1* Loosed from the -owstring fly away, thou Arrow, shar!ened y our !rayer.
Go to the foemen, stri7e them home, and let not one e left alive.
1+ There where the flights of Arrows fall li7e oys whose loc7s are yet
unshorn.
2ven there may -rahmanas!ati, and Aditi !rotect us well, !rotect us well
through all our days.
1. Thy vital !arts I cover with thine Armour1 with immortality 8ing 5oma
clothe thee.
'aruna give tliee what is more than am!le, and in thy trium!h may the Gods
e 9oyful.
10 Whoso would 7ill us, whether he e a strange foe or one of us,
%ay all the Gods discomfit him. %y nearest, closest %ail is !rayer.
RIG VEDA - THE SEVENTH BOOK
HYMN I. Agni.
1. T"2 men from fire)stic7s, with their hands; swift movement, have, in
dee! thought, engendered glorious Agni,
4ar)seen, with !ointed flame, Lord of the homestead.
2 The 'asus set that Agni in the dwelling, fair to ehold, for hel! from every
?uarter1
Who, in the home for ever, must e honoured.
# 5hine thou efore us, Agni, well)en7indled, with flame, %ost <outhful God,
that never fadeth.
To thee come all our sacrificial viands.
& Among all fires these fires have shone most rightly, s!lendid with light,
egirt y nole heroes,
Where men of lofty irth sit down together.
( 'ictorious Agni, grant us wealth with wisdom, wealth with rave sons,
famous and inde!endent,
Which not a foe who deals in magic con?uers.
* To whom, the 5trong, at morn and eve comes, maid)li7e, the ladle
dro!!ing oil, with its olation.
Wealth)see7ing comes to him his own devotion.
+ -urn u! all malice with those flames, , Agni, wherewith of old thou
urntest u! Darutha,
And drive away in silence !ain and sic7ness.
. With him who lighteth u! thy s!lendour, Agni, e$cellent, !ure, refulgent,
Purifier,
-e !resent, and with us through these our !raises.
0 Agni, the !atriarchal men, the mortals who have in many !laces s!read
thy lustre,)
-e gracious to us here for their sa7e also.
1@ Let these men, heroes in the fight with foemen, !revail against all
godless arts of &magic,)
These who i!!rove the nole song I sing thee.
11 Let us not sit in want of men, , Agni, without descendants, heroleu,
aout thee1
-ut, , "ouse)4riend, in houses full of children.
12 -y sacrifice which the 5teeds; Lord ever visits, there ma7e our dwelling
rich in seed and offs!ring,
Increasing still with lineal successors.
1# Guard us, , Agni, from the hated demon, guard us from malice of the
churlish sinner1
Allied with thee may I sudue assailants.
1& %ay this same fire of mine sur!ass all others, this fire where offs!ring,
vigorous and firm)handed,
Wins, on a thousand !aths, what ne;er shall !erish.
1( This is that Agni, saviour from the foeman, who guards the 7indler of the
flame from sorrow1
"eroes of nole lineage serve and tend him.
1* This is that Agni, served in many !laces, whom the rich lord who rings
olation 7indles,
And round him goes the !riest at sacrifices.
1+ Agni, may we with riches in !ossession ring thee continual ofierings in
aundance,
3sing oth means to draw thee to our worshi!.
1. Agni, ear thou, 2ternal, these most welcome olations to the 6eities;
assemly1
Let them en9oy our very fragrant !resents.
10 Give us not u!, Agni, to want of heroes, to wretched clothes, to need, to
destitution.
<ield us not, "oly ,ne, to fiend or hunger: in9ure us not at home or in the
forest.
2@ Give strength and !ower to these my !rayers, , Agni: , God, !our
lessings on our chiefs and noles.
Grant that oth we and they may share thy ounty. <e Gods, !rotect us
evermore with lessings.
21 Thou Agni, swift to hear, art fair of as!ect1 eam forth, , 5on of
5trength, in full effulgence.
Let me not want, with thee, a son for ever1 let not a manly hero ever fail
us.
22 >ondemn us not to indigence, , Agni, eside these flaming fires which
Gods have 7indled:
=or, even after fault, let thy dis!leasure, thine as a God, , 5on of 5trength,
o;erta7e us.
2# , Agni, fair of face, the wealthy mortal who to the Immortal offers his
olation.
"ath him who wins him treasure y his Godhead, to whom the !rince, in
need, goes su!!licating.
2& 8nowing our chief felicity, , Agni, ring hither am!le riches to our
noles,
Wherewith we may en9oy ourselves, , 'ictor, with undiminished life and
hero children.
2( Give strength and !ower to these my !rayers, , Agni: , God, !our
lessings on ur chiefs and noles.
Grant that oth we and they may share thy ounty. <e Gods, !rotect us
HYMN II. A%ris.
1. GLA6L< acce!t, this day, our fuel, Agni1 send u! thy sacred smo7e and
shine sulimely.
Touch the celestial summits with thy columns, and overs!read thee with the
rays of 5urya.
2 With sacrifice to these we men will honour the ma9esty of holy =arasamsa)
To these the !ure, most wise, the thought. ins!irers, Gods who en9oy oth
sorts of our olations.
# We will e$tol at sacrifice for ever, as men may do, Agni whom %anu
7indled,
<our very s7ilful Asura, meet for worshi!, envoy etween oth worlds, the
truthful s!ea7er.
& -earing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it with reverence,
on their 7nees, y Agni.
>alling him to the s!otted grass, oil)s!rin7led, adorn him, ye Adhvaryus,
with olation.
( With holy thoughts the !ious have thrown o!en 6oors fain for chariots in
the Gods; assemly.
Li7e two full mother cows who lic7 their youngling, li7e maidens for the
gathering, they adorn them.
* And let the two e$alted "eavenly Ladies, %orning and =ight, li7e a cow
good at mil7ing,
>ome, much)invo7ed, and on our grass e seated ; wealthy, deserving
worshi!, for our welfare.
+ <ou, -ards and 5ingers at men;s sacrifices, oth filled with wisdom, I
incline to worshi!.
5end u! our offerings when we call u!on you, and so among the Gods otain
us treasures.
. %ay -harati with all her 5isters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortals
Agni,
5arasvati with all her 7indred /ivers, come to this grass, Three Goddesses,
and seat them.
0 Well !leased with us do thou, , God, , Tvastar, give ready issue to our
!rocreant vigour,
Whence s!rings the hero, !owerful, s7illed in action, lover of Gods, ad9uster
of the !ress)stones.
1@ 5end to the Gods the olation, Lord of 4orests, and let the Immolator,
Agni, dress it.
"e as the truer Priest shall offer worshi!, for the God;sgenerations well he
7noweth.
11 >ome thou to us, , Agni, duly 7indled, together with the !otent Gods
and Indra.
,n this our grass sit Aditi, ha!!y %other, and let our "ailA delight the Gods
Immortal.
HYMN III. Agni.
1. A55,>IAT2 with fires, ma7e your God Agni envoy at sacrifice, est s7illed
in worshi!,
2stalished firm among man7ind, the "oly, flame)crowned and fed with oil,
the Purifier.
2 Li7e a steed neighing eager for the !asture, when he hath ste!!ed forth
from the great enclosure1
Then the wind following lows u!on his s!lendour, and, straight, the !ath is
lac7 which thou hast travelled.
# 4rom thee a -ull ut newly orn, , Agni, the 7indled everlasting flames
rise u!ward.
Aloft to heaven thy ruddy smo7e ascendeth1 Agni, thou s!eedest to the Gods
as envoy.
& Thou whose fresh lustre o;er the earth advanceth when greedily with thy
9aws thy food thou eatest.
Li7e a host hurried onward comes thy lasso1 fierce, with thy tongue thou
!iercest, as ;twere arley.
( The men have dec7ed him oth at eve and morning, %ost <outhful Agni, as
they tend a courser.
They 7indle him, a guest within his dwelling1 right shines the s!lendour of
the worshi!!ed "ero.
* , fair of face, eautiful is thine as!ect when, very near at hand, li7e gold
thou gleamest,
Li7e "eaven;s thundering roar thy might a!!roaches, and li7e the wondrous
5un thy light thou showest.
+ That we may worshi!, with your "ail to AgniA with sacrificial ca7es and fat
olations,
Guard us, , Agni, with those oundless glories as with a hundred fortresses
of iron.
. Thine are resistless songs for him who offers, and hero)giving hymns
wherewith thou savest:
With these, , 5on of 5trength, , Datavedas, guard us, !reserve these
!rinces and the singers.
0 When forth he cometh, li7e an a$e new)shar!ened, !ure in his form,
res!lendent in his ody,
5!rung, sought with eager longing, from his Parents, for the Gods; worshi!,
5age and Purifier1
1@ 5hine this felicity on us, , Agni1 may we attain to !erfect understanding.
All ha!!iness e theirs who sing and !raise thee. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN IV. Agni.
1. -/I=G forth your gifts to his refulgent s!lendour, your hymn as !urest
offering to Agni,
To him who goes as messenger with 7nowledge etween all songs of men
and Gods in heaven.
2 Wise must this Agni e, though young and tender, since he was orn, %ost
<outhful, of his %other:
"e who with right teeth seiCeth fast the forests, and eats his food, though
!lenteous, in a moment.
# -efore his !resence must we all assemle, this God;s whom men have
seiCed in his white s!lendour.
This Agni who hath roo7ed that men should seiCe him hath shone for man
with glow insufferale.
& 4ar)seeing hath this Agni een estalished, deathless mid mortals, wise
among the foolish.
"ere, , victorious God, forear to harm us1 may weforever share thy
gracious favour.
( "e who hath occu!ied his God)made dwelling, Agni, in wisdom hath
sur!assed Immortals.
A -ae unorn, the !lants and trees su!!ort him, and the earth eareth him
the All)sustainer.
* Agni is Lord of Amrta. in aundance, Lord of the gift of wealth and hero
valour,
'ictorious God, let us not sit aout thee li7e men devoid of strength,
eauty, and worshi!.
+ The foeman;s treasure may e won with laour1 may we e masters of our
own !ossessions.
Agni, no son is he who s!rings from others1 lengthen not out the !athways of
the foolish.
. 3nwelcome for ado!tion is the stranger, one to e thought of as another;s
offi!ring,
Though grown familiar y continual !resence. %ay our strong hero come,
freshly trium!hant.
0 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni: !reserve us , thou 'ictor,
from dishonour.
"ere let the !lace of dar7ening come u!on thee1 may wealth e ours,
desirale, in thousands.
1@ 5hine this felicity on us, , Agni1 may we attain to !erfect understanding.
All ha!!iness e theirs who sing and !raise thee. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN V. Agni.
1. -/I=G forth your song of !raise to mighty Agni, the s!eedy messenger of
earth and heaven,
'aisvanara, who, with those who wa7e, hath wa$en great in the la! of all
the Gods Immortal.
2 5ought in the heavens, on earth is Agni stalished, leader of rivers, -ull of
standing waters.
'aisvanara when he hath grown in glory, shines on the tries of men with
light and treasure.
# 4or fear of thee forth fled the dar7)hued races, scattered aroad,
deserting their !ossessions,
When, glowing, , 'aisvanara, for Puru, thou Agni didst light u! and rend
their castles.
& Agni 'aisvanara, oth 2arth and "eaven sumit them to thy threefold
9urisdiction.
/efulgent in thine undecaying lustre thou hast invested oth the worlds with
s!lendour.
( Agni, the tawny horses, loudly neighing our resonant hymns that dro! with
oil, attend thee:
Lord of the tries, our >harioteer of riches, 2nsign of days, 'aisvanara of
mornings.
* In thee, , right as %itra, 'asus seated the might of Aduras, for they loved
thy s!irit.
Thou dravest 6asyus from their home, , Agni, and roughtest forth road
light to light the Arya.
+ -orn in the loftiest heaven thou in a moment reachest, li7e wind, the
!lace where Gods inhait.
Thou, favouring thine offs!ring, roaredst loudly when giving life to
creatures, Datavedas.
. 5end us that strength, 'aisvanara, send it, Agni, that strength, ,
Datavedas, full of s!lendour,
Wherewith, all)ounteous God, thou !ourest riches, as fame wide)
s!reading, on the man who offers.
0 Agni, estow u!on our chiefs and noles that famous !ower, that wealth
which feedeth many.
Accordant with the 'asus and the /udras, Agni, 'aisvanara, give us sure
!rotection.
HYMN VI. Agni.
1. P/AI52 of the Asura, high im!erial /uler, the %anly ,ne in whom the fol7
shall trium!h)
I laud his deeds who is as strong as Indra, and lauding celerate the 4ort)
destroyer.
2 5age, 5ing, 4ood, Light,)they ring him from the mountain, the lessed
5ovran of the earth and heaven.
I decorate with songs the mighty actions which Agni, 4ort)destroyer, did
aforetime.
# The foolish, faithless, rudely)s!ea7ing niggards, without elief or sacrifice
or worshi!,)
4ar far sway hath Agni chased those 6asytis, and, in the cast, hath turned
the godless westward.
& "im who rought eastward, manliest with his !rowess, the %aids re9oicing
in the western dar7ness,
That Agni I e$tol, the Lord of riches, unyielding tamer of assailing foemen.
( "im who ra7e down the walls with deadly wea!ons, and gave the
%ornings to anole "usand,
<oung Agni, who with con?uering strength suduing the tries of =ahus
made them ring their triute.
* In whose !rotection all men rest y nature, desiring to en9oy his gracious
favour)
Agni 'aisvanara in his Parents, osom hath found the choicest seat in earth
and heaven.
+ 'aisvanara the God, at the sun;s setting, hath ta7en to himself dee!)
hidden treasures1
Agni hath ta7en them from earth and heaven, from the sea under and the
sea aove us.
HYMN VII. Agni.
1. I 52=6 forth even your God, victorious Agni, li7e a strong courser, with
mine adoration.
"erald of sacrifice e he who 7noweth he hath reached Gods, himself, with
measured motion.
2 -y !aths that are thine own come hither, Agni, 9oyous, delighting in the
Gods; alliance,
%a7ing the heights of earth roar with thy fury, urning with eager teeth the
woods and forests.
# The grass is strewn: the sacrifice advances adored as Priest, Agni is made
!ro!itious,
Invo7ing oth All)oon)estowing %others of whom, %ost <outhfulA thou
wast orn to hel! us.
& 4orthwith the men, the est of these for wisdom, have made him leader in
the solemn worshi!.
As Lord in homes of men is Agni stalished, the "oly ,ne, the 9oyous,
sweetly s!ea7ing.
( "e hath come, chosen earer, and is seated in man;s home, -rahman,
Agni, the 5u!!orter,
"e whom oth "eaven anct 2arth e$alt and strengthenwhom, Giver of all
oons, the "otar worshi!s.
* These have !assed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought with s7ill the
hymn of adoration:
Who, listening, have advanced the !eo!le;s welfare, and set their thoughts
on this my holy statute.
+ We, the 'asisthas, now im!lore thee, Agni, , 5on of 5trength, the Lord of
wealth and treasure.
Thou hast rought food to singers and to noles. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN VIII. Agni
1. T"2 8ing whose face is dec7ed with oil is 7indled with homage offered y
his faithful servant.
The men, the !riests adore him with olations. Agni hath shone forth when
the dawn is rea7ing.
2 <ea, he hath een ac7nowledged as most mighty, the 9oyous Priest of men,
the youthful Agni.
"e, s!reading o;er the earth, made light around him, and grew among the
!lants with lac7ened fellies..
# "ow dost thou decorate our hymn, , AgniB What !ower dost thou e$ert
when thou art laudedB
When, -ounteous God, may we e lords of riches, winners of !recious
wealth which none may con?uerB
& 4ar famed is this the -harata;s own Agni he shineth li7e the 5un with lofty
s!lendour.
"e who hath van?uished Puru in the attle, the heavenly guest hath glowed
in full refulgence.
( 4ull many olations are in thee collected1 with all thine as!ects thou hast
wa$en gracious.
Thou art already famed as !raised and lauded, yet still, , noly orn,
increase thy ody.
* -e this my song, that winneth countless treasure, engendered with
redouled force for Agni,
That, s!lendid, chasing sic7ness, slaying demons, it may delight our friend
and less the singers.
+ We, the 'asisthas, now im!lore thee, Agni, , 5on of 5trength, the Lord of
wealth and riches.
Thou hast rought food to singers and to noles. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN IX. Agni.
1. /,3526 from their osom is the 6awns; eloved, the 9oyous Priest, most
sa!ient, Purifier.
"e gives a signal oth to Gods and mortals, to Gods olations, riches to the
!ious.
2 %ost wise is he who, forcing doors of Panis, rought the right 5un to us
who feedeth many.
The cheerful Priest, men;s 4riend and home)com!anion, through still night;s
dar7ness he is made a!!arent.
# Wise, ne.;er deceived, uncircumscried, refulgent, our gracious guest, a
4riend with good attendants,
5hines forth with wondrous light efore the %ornings: the young !lants hath
he entered, >hild of Waters.
& 5ee7ing our gatherings, he, your Datavedas, hath shone adorale through
human ages,
Who gleams refulgent with his lovely lustre1 the 7ine have wa7ed to meet
him when en7indled.
( Go on thy message to the Gods, and fail not, , Agni, with their and who
!ray and worshi!.
-ring all the Gods that they may give us riches, 5arasvati, the %aruts,
Asvins, Waters.
* 'asistha, when en7indling thee, , Agni, hath slain 9arutha. Give us wealth
in !lenty.
5ing !raise in choral song, , Datavedas. <e Gods, !reserve us evermore with
lessings.
HYMN X. Agni.
1. "2 hath sent forth, right, radiant, and refulgent, li7e the 6awn;s Lover,
his far)s!reading lustre.
Pure in his s!lendour shines the golden "ero1 our longing thoughts hath he
aroused and wa7ened.
2 "e, li7e the 5un, hath shone while %orn is rea7ing, and !riests who
weave the sacrifice sing !raises,
Agni, the God, who 7nows their generations and visits Gods, most
ounteous, ra!id envoy.
# ,ur songs and holy hymns go forth to Agni, see7ing the God and as7ing him
for riches,
"im fair to see, of goodly as!ect, mighty, men;s messenger who carries their
olations.
& 9oined with the 'asus, Agni, ring thou Indra ring hither mighty /udra
with the /udras,
Aditi good to all men with Adityas, -rhas!ati All)ounteous, with the
5ingers.
( %en eagerly im!lore at sacrifices Agni, %ost <outhful God, the 9oyous
"erald.
4or he is Lord and /uler over riches, and for Gods; worshi! an unwearied
envoy.
HYMN XI. Agni.
1. G/2AT art thou, Agni, sacrifice;s "erald1 not without thee are deathless
Gods made 9oyful.
>ome hither with all 6eities aout thee here ta7e thy seat, the first, as
Priest, , Agni.
2 %en with olations evermore entreat thee, the swift, to underta7e an
envoy;s duty.
"e on whose sacred grass with Gods thou sittest, to him, , Agni, are the
days !ro!itious.
# Three times a day in thee are shown the treasures sent for the mortal who
!resents olation.
-ring the Gods hither li7e a man, , Agni1 e thou our envoy, guarding us
from curses.
& Lord of the lofty sacrifice is Agni, Agni is Lord of every gift !resented.
The 'asus were contented with his wisdom, so the Gods made him their
olationearer.
( , Agni, ring the Gods to taste our !resents1 with Indra leading, here let
them e 9oyful.
>onvey this sacrifice to Gods in heaven. <e Gods, !reserve us evermore with
lessings.
HYMN XII. Agni.
1. W2 with great reverence have a!!roached The <oungest who hath shone
forth well)7indled in his dwelling,
With wondrous light etween wide earth and heaven, well)worshi!!ed,
loo7ing forth in all directions.
2 Through his great might o;ercoming all misfortunes, !raised in the house is
Agni Datavedas.
%ay he !rotect us from disgrace and troule, oth us who laud him and our
nole !atrons.
# , Agni, thou art 'aruna and %itra1 'asisthas with their holy hymns e$alt
thee.
With thee e most aundant gain of treasure. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN XIII. Agni.
1. -/I=G song and hymn to Agni, Asura)slayer, enlightener of all and
thought)estower.
Li7e an olation on the grass, to !lease him, I ring this to 'aisvanara,
hymn)ins!irer.
2 Thou with thy flame, , Agni, rightly glowing, hast at thy irth filled full
TI,3 with thy might, 'aisvanara Datavedas, settest the Gods free frodi the
curse that ound them.
# Agni, when, orn thou loo7edst on all creatures, li7e a ris7 herdsman
moving round his cattle.
The !ath to !rayer, 'aisvanara, thou foundest. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN XIV Agni.
1. WIT" reverence and with offered gifts serve we the God whose flame is
right1
Let us ring Datavedas fuel, and adore Agni when we invo7e the Gods.
2 Agni, may we !erform thy rites with fuel, and honour thee, , "oly one,
with !raises1
"onour thee, Priest of sacrificeA with utter, thee, God of lessed lightA with
our olation.
# >ome, Agni, with the Gods to our invo7ing, come, !leased, to offerings
sanctified with 'asat.
%ay we e his who !ays thee, God, due honour. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN XV. Agni.
1. ,442/ olations in his mouth, the ounteous God;s whom we must serve.
"is who is nearest 7in to us1
2 Who for the 4ivefold Peo!le;s ta7e hath seated him in every home
Wise, <outhful, %aster of the house.
# ,n all sides may that Agni guard our household fol7 and !ro!erty:
%ay he deliver us from woe.
& I have egotten this new hymn for Agni, 4alcon of the s7y1
Will he not give us of his wealthB
( Whose lories when he glows in front of sacrite are fair to see,
Li7e wealth of one with hero sons.
* %ay he en9oy this hallowed gift, Agni acce!t our songs, who ears
,lations, est of worshi!!ers.
+ Lord of the house, whom men must see7, we set thee down, , Worshi!!ed
,nel
-right, rich in heroes, AgniA God
. 5hine forth at night and morn1 through thee with fires are we !rovided
well.
Thou, rich in heroes, art our 4riend.
0 The men come near thee for their gain, the singers with their songs of
!raise1
5!eech, thousandfold, comes near to thee.
1@ -right, Purifier, meet for !raise, Immortal with refulgent glow,
Agni drives /a7sasas away.
11 As such, ring us aundant wealth, young >hild of 5trength, for this thou
canst
%ay -haga give us what is choice.
12 Thou, Agni, givest hero fame1 -haga and 5avitar the God,
And 6id give us what is good.
1# Agni, !reserve us from distress1 consume our enemies, , God,
2ternal, with the hottest flames.
1& And, irresistile, e thou a mighty iron fort to us,
With hundred walls for man;s defence.
1( 6o thou !reserve us, eve and morn, from sorrow, from the wic7ed men,
InfallileA y day and night.
HYMN XVI. Agni.
1. WIT" this my reverent hymn I call Agni for you, the 5on of 5trength,
6ear, wisest envoy, served with nole sacrifice, immortal messenger of all.
2 "is two red horses, all)su!!orting, let him yo7e1 let him, well)worshi!!ed,
urge them fast.
Then hath the sacrifice good !rayers and ha!!y end, and heavenly gift of
wealth to men.
# The flame of him the -ountiful, the %uch)invo7ed, hath mounted u!,
And his red)coloured smo7e)clouds reach and touch the s7y1 the men are
7indling Agni well.
& Thee, thee %ost Glorious ,ne we ma7e our messenger. -ring the Gods
hither to the feast.
Give us, , 5on of 5trength, all food that fcedeth man1 give that for which
we !ray to thee.
( Thou, Agni, art the homestead;s Lord, our "erald at the sacrifice.
Lord of all oons, thou art the >leanser and a 5age. Pay worshi!, and en9oy
the good.
* Give riches to the sacrificer, , %ost Wise, for thou art he who granteth
wealth.
Ins!ire with Ceal each !riest at this our solemn rite: all who are s7illed in
singing !raise.
+ , Agni who art worshi!!ed well, dear let our !rinces he to thee,
,ur wealthy !atrons who are governors of men, who !art, as gifts, their
stalls of 7ine.
. They in whose home, her hand earing the sacred oil, Ila sits down well)
satisfied)
Guard them, 'ictorious God, from slander and from harm. give us a refuge
famed afar.
0 6o thou, a Priest with !leasant tongue, most wise, and very near to us,
Agni, ring riches hither to our lieral chiefs, and s!eed the oflering of our
gifts.
1@ They who estow as ounty !lenteous wealth of steeds, moved y desire
of great renown)
6o thou with saving hel! !reserve them from distress, %ost <outhfulA with a
hundred forts.
11 The God who gives your wealth demands a full liation !oured to him.
Pour ye it forth, then fill the vessel full again1 then doth the God !ay heed
to you.
12 "im have the Gods a!!ointed Priest of sacrifice, olation)earer, !assing
wise.
Agni gives wealth and valour to the worshi!!er, to fol7 who offer u! their
gifts.
HYMN XVII. Agni.
1. AG=I, e 7indled well with !ro!er fuel, and let the grass e scattered
wide aout thee.
2 Let the im!atient Portals e thrown o!en ring thou the Gods im!atient to
come hither.
# Taste, Agni1 serve the Gods with our olation. ,ffer good sacrifices,
DatavedasA
& Let Datavedas !ay fair sacrifices, worshi! andgratify the Gods Immortal.
( Wise God, win for us things that are all)goodly, and let the !rayers, we
!ray today e fruitful.
* Thee, even thee, the 5on of 5trength, , Agni, those Gods have made the
earer of olations.
+ To thee the God may we !erform our worshi!1 do thou, esought, grant us
aundant riches.
HYMN XVIII. Indra.
1. ALL is with thee, , Indra, all the treasures which erst our fathers won
who sang thy !raises.
With thee are milch)7ine good to mil7, and horses1 est winner thou of
riches for the !ious.
2 4or li7e a 8ing among his wives thou dwellest1 with glories, as a 5age,
surround and hel! us.
%a7e us, thy servants, strong for wealth, and honour our songs wirth 7ine
and steeds and decoration.
# "ere these our holy hymns with 9oy and gladness in !ious emulation have
a!!roached thee.
"itherward come thy !ath that leads to riches1 may we find shelter in thy
favour, Indra.
& 'asistha hath !oured forth his !rayers, desiring to mil7 thee li7e a cow in
goodly !asture.
All these my !eo!le call thee Lord of cattle1 may Indra. come unto the
!rayer we offer.
( What though the floods s!read widely, Indra made them shallow and easy
for 5udas to traverse.
"e, worthy of our !raises, caused the 5imyu, foe of our hymn, to curse the
rivers; fury.
* 2ager for s!oil was Turvasa Purodas, fain to win wealth, li7e fishes urged
y hunger.
The -hrgus and the 6ruhyus ?uic7ly listened1 friend rescued friend mid the
two distant !eo!les.
+ Together came the Pa7thas, the -halanas, the Alinas, the 5ivas, the
'isanins.
<et to the Trtsus came the Arya;s >omrade, through love of s!oil and heroes;
war, to lead them.
. 4ools, in their folly fain to waste her waters, they !arted ine$haustile
Parusni.
Lord of the 2arth, he with his might re!ressed them1 still lay the herd and
the affrighted herdsman.
0 As to their goal they s!ed to their destruetion1 they sought Parusni: e;en
the swift returned not.
Indra aandoned, to 5udas the manly, the swiftly flying foes, unmanly
alers.
1@ They went li7e 7ine unherded from the !asture, each clinging to a friend
as chance directed.
They who drive s!otted steeds, sent down y Prsni, gave ear, the Warriors
and the harnessed horses.
11 The 8ing who scattered one)and)twenty !eo!le of oth 'ai7arna tries
through lust of glory)
As the s7illed !riest cli!s grass within the chamer, so hath the "ero Indra,
wrought their downfall.
12 Thou, thunder)armed, o;erwhelmedst in the waters famed ancient 8avasa
and then the 6ruhyu.
,thers here claiming friendshi! to their friendshi!, devoted unto thee, in
thee were 9oyful.
1# Indra at once with con?uering might demolished all their strong !laces
and their seven castles.
The goods of Anu;s son he gave to Trtsu. %ay we in sacrifice con?uer scorned
Puru.
1& The Anavas and 6ruhyus, see7ing ooty, have sle!t, the si$ty hundred,
yea, si$ thousand,
And si$)and)si$ty heroes. 4or the !ious were all these mighty e$!loits done
y Indra.
1( These Trtsus under Indra;s careful guidance came s!eeding li7e loosed
waters rushing downward.
The foemen, measuring e$ceeding closely, aandoned to 5udas all their
!rovisions.
1* The hero;s side who dran7 the dressed olation, Indra;s denier, far o;er
earth he scattered.
Indra rought down the fierce destroyer;s fury. "e gave them various roads,
the !ath;s >ontroller.
1+ 2;en with the wea7 he wrought this matchless e$!loit1 e;en with a goat he
did to death a lion.
"e !ared the !illar;s angles with a needle. Thus to 5udas Indra gave all
!rovisions.
1. To thee have all thine enemies sumitted1 e;en the fierce -heda hast
thou made thy su9ect.
>ast down thy shar!ened thunderolt, , Indra, on him who harms the men
who sing thy !raises.
10 <amuna and the Trtsus aided Indra. There he stri!!ed -heda are of all
his treasures.
The A9as and the 5igrus and the <a7sus rought in to him as triute heads of
horses.
2@ =ot to e scorned, ut li7e 6awns !ast and recent, , Indra, are thy
favours and thy riches.
6eva7a, %anyamana;s son, thou slewest, and smotest 5amara from the
lofty mountain.
21 They who, from home, have gladdened thee, thy servants Parasara,
'asistha, 5atayatu,
Will not forget thy friendshi!, lieral Giver. 5o shall the days dawn
!ros!erous for the !rinces.
22 Priest)li7e, with !raise, I move around the altar, earning Pai9avana;s
reward, , Agni,
Two hundred cows from 6evavan;s descendant, two chariots from 5udas with
mares to draw them.
2# Gift of Pai9avana, four horses ear me in foremost !lace, trained steeds
with !earl to dec7 them.
5udas;s rown steeds, firmly)ste!!ing, carry me and my son for !rogeny and
glory.
2& "im whose fame s!reads etween wide earth and heaven, who, as
dis!enser, gives each chief his !ortion,
5even flowing /ivers glorify li7e Indra. "e slew <udhyamadhi in close
encounter.
2( Attend on him , ye heroic %aruts as on 5udas;s father 6ivodasa.
4urther Pai9avana;s desire with favour. Guard faithfully his lasting firm
dominion.
HYMN XIX. Indra.
1. "2 li7e a ull with shar!ened horns, terrific, singly e$cites and agitates
all the !eo!le1
Thou givest him who largely !ours liations his goods who !ours not, for his
own !ossession.
2 Thou, verily, Indra, gavest hel! to 8utsa, willingly giving car to him in
attle,
When, aiding Ar9uneya, thou suduedst to him oth 8uyava and the 6asa
5usna.
# , -old ,ne, thou with all thine aids hast oldly hol!en 5udas whose
offerings were acce!ted,
Puru in winning land and slaying foemen, and Trasadasyu son of Puru7utsa.
& At the Gods; an?uet, hero)souledA with "eroes, Lord of -ay 5teeds, thou
slewest many foemen.
Thou sentest in swift death to slee! the 6asyu, oth >umuri and 6huni, for
6ahiti.
( These were thy mighty !owers that, Thunder)wielder, thou swiftly
crushedst nine)and)ninety castles1
Thou ca!turedst the hundredth in thine onslaught: thou slewest =amuci,
thou slewest 'rtra.
* ,ld are the lessings, Indra, which thou gavest 5udas the worshi!!er who
rought olations.
4or thee, the 5trong, I yo7e thy strong -ay "orses1 may our !rayers reach
thee and win strength, %ost %ightyA
+ Give us not u!, Lord of -ay "orses, 'ictor, in this thine own assemly, to
the wic7ed.
6eliver us with true and faithful succours1 dear may we e to thee among
the !rinces.
. %ay we men, %aghavan, the friends thou lovest, near thee e 9oyful under
thy !rotection.
4ain to fulfil the wish of Atithigva humle. the !ride of Turvasa and <adva.
0 5wiftly, in truth, , %aghavan, aout thee men s7illed in hymning sing their
songs and !raises. ;
2lect us also into their assemly who y their calls on thee des!oiled the
niggards.
1@ Thine are these lauds, , manliest of heroes, lauds which revert to us and
give us riches.
4avour these, Indra, when they fight with faemen, as 4riend and "ero and
the heroes; "el!er.
11 =ow, lauded for thine aid, "eroic Indra, s!ed y our !rayer, wa$ mighty
in thy ody.
A!!ortion to us strength and haitations. <e Gods, !rotect us evermore with
lessings.
HYMN XX. Indra.
1. 5T/,=G, Godly)natured, orn for hero e$!loit, man;s 4riend, hedoth
whatever deed he willeth.
5aving us e;en from great transgression, Indra, the <outhful, visiteth man;s
home with favour.
2 Wa$ing greatness Indra slayeth 'rtra1 the "ero with his aid hath hel!ed
the singer.
"e gave 5udas wide room and s!ace, and often hath granted wealth to him
who rought olations.
# 5oldier unchec7ed, war)rousing, attling "ero, uncon?uered from of old,
victorious ever,
Indra the very strong hath scattered armies: yea, he hath slain each foe who
fought against him.
& Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, , Indra, even oth the worlds with
might, , thou %ost %ighty.
Lord of -ays, Indra, randishing his thunder, is gratified with 5oma at the
an?uet.
( A -ull egat the -ull for 9oy of attle, and a strong %other rought forth
him the manly.
"e who is >hief of men, their armies; Leader, is strong "ero, old, and fain
for ooty.
* The !eo!le falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God;s
terrific s!irit.
"e who with sacrifices worshi!s Indra is lord of wealth, law)orn and law;s
!rotector.
+ Whene;er the elder fain would hel! the younger the greater cometh to the
lesser;s !resent.
5hall the Immortal sit aloof; inactiveB , Wondrous Indra, ring us wondrous
riches.
. Thy dear fol7, Indra, who !resent olations, are, in chief !lace, thy
friends, , Thunder)wielder.
%ay we e est content in this thy favour, sheltered y ,ne who slays not,
ut !reserves us.
0 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, %aghavan, the
elo?uent hath esought thee.
6esire of wealth hath come u!on thy singer1 hel! us then, ga7ra, to our
share of riches.
1@ Place us y food which thou hast given, , Indra, us and the wealthy
!atrons who command us.
Let thy great !ower ring good to him who lauds thee. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN XXI. Indra.
1. P/25526 is the 9uice divine with mil7 commingled1 thereto hath Indra
ever een accustomed.
We wa7e thee, Lord of -ays, with sacrifices1 mar7 this our laud in the wild
9oy of 5oma.
2 ,n to the rite they move, the grass they scatter, these 5oma)drin7ers
elo?uent in synod.
"ither, for men to gras!, are rought the !ress)stones, far)thundering,
famous, strong, that wait on heroes.
# Indra, thou settest free the many waters that were encom!assed, "ero, y
the 6ragon.
6own rolled, as if on chariots orne, the rivers1 through fear of thee all
things created tremle.
& 57illed in all manly deeds the God terrific hath with his wea!ons mastered
these o!!onents.
Indra in ra!turous 9oy shoo7 down their castles he slew them in his might,
the Thunder)wielder.
( =o evil s!irits have im!elled us, Indra, nor fiends, , %ightiest God, with
their devices.
Let our true God sudue the hostile rale1 let not the lewd a!!roach our
holy worshi!.
* Thou in thy strength sur!assest 2arth and "eaven1 the regions com!rehend
not all thy greatness.
With thine own !ower and might thou slewest 'rtra1 no foe hath found the
end of thee in attle.
+ 2ven the earlier 6eities sumitted their !owers to thy su!reme divine
dominion.
Indra wins wealth and deals it out to other;s1 men in the strife for ooty call
on Indra.
. The humle hath invo7ed thee for !rotection, thee, Lord of great felicity,
, Indra.
Thou with a hundred aids hast een our "el!er1 one who rings gifts li7e
thee hath his defender.
0 %ay we, , Indra, e thy friends for ever, eagerly, >on?ueror, yielding
greater homage.
%ay, through thy grace, the strength of us who attle ?uell in the shoc7 the
onset of the foeman.
1@ Place us y food which thou hast given, , Indra, us and the wealthy
!atrons who command us.
Let thy great !ower ring good to him who lauds thee. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN XXII Indra.
1. 6/I=8 5oma, Lord of -ays, and let it cheer thee1 Indra, the stone, li7e a
well guided courser,
6irected y the !resser;s arms hath !ressed it.
2 5o let the draught of 9oy, thy dear com!anion, y which, , Lord of -ays,
thou slayest foemen,
6elight thee, Indra, Lord of !rincely treasures.
# %ar7 closely, %aghavan, the words I utter, this eulogy recited y 'asistha1
Acce!t the !rayers I offer at thy an?uet.
& "ear thou the call of the 9uice)drin7ing !ress)stone1 hear thou the
-rahman;s hymn who sings and lauds thee.
Ta7e to thine inmost self these adorations.
( I 7now and ne;er forget the hymns and !raises of thee, the >on?ueror, and
thy strength immortal.
Thy name I ever utter. 5elf)/efulgent
* Among man7ind many are thy liations, and many a time the !ious
sageinvo7es thee.
, %aghavan, e not long distant from us.
+ All these liations are for thee, , "ero1 to thee I offer these my !rayers.
that strengthen.
2ver, in every !lace, must men invo7e thee.
. =ever do men attain, , Wonder)Wor7er, thy greatness, %ighty ,ne, who
must e lauded,
=or, Indra, thine heroic !ower and ounty.
0 Among all /sis, Indra, old and recent, who have engendered hymns as
sacred singers,
2ven with us e thine aus!icious friendshi!s. <e Gods, !reserve us evermore
with lessings.
HYMN XXIII. Indra.
1. P/A<2/5 have een offered u! through love of glory1 'asistha, honour
Indra in the attle.
"e who with might e$tends through all e$istence hears words which I, his
faithful servant, utter.
2 A cry was raised which reached the Gods, , Indra, a cry to them to send us
strength in comat.
=one among men 7nows his own life;s duration1 ear us in safety over these
our troules.
# The -ays, the ooty)see7ing car I harness1 my !rayers have reached him
who acce!ts them gladly.
Indra, when he had slain resistless foemen, forced with his might the two
world)halves asunder.
& Li7e arren cows, moreover, swelled the waters1 the singen sought thy
holy rite, , Indra.
>ome unto us as with his team comes 'ayu1 thou, through our solemn hymns
estowest ooty.
( 5o may these gladdening draughts re9oice thee, Indra, the %ighty, very
ounteous to the singer.
Alone among the Gods thou !itiest mortals1 , "ero, ma7e thee glad at this
liation.
* Thus the 'asisthas glorify with !raises Indra, the Powerful whose arm
wields thunder.
Praised, may he guard our wealth in 7ine and heroes. <e Gods, !reserve us
HYMN XXIV. Indra.
1. A ",%2 is made for thee to dwell in, Indra1 , %uch)invo7ed, go
thitherwith the heroes.
That thou, to !ros!er us, mayst e our "el!er, vouchsafe us wealth, re9oice
with draughts of 5oma.
2 Indra, thy wish, twice)strong, is com!rehended1 !ressed is the 5oma,
!oured are !leasant 9uices.
This hymn of !raise, from loosened tongue, made !erfect, draws Indra to
itself with loud invo7ing.
# >ome, thou Im!etuous: God, from earth or heaven: come to our holy grass
to drin7 the 5oma.
"ither to me let thy -ay "orses ring thee to listen to our hymns and ma7e
thee 9oyful.
& >ome unto us with all thine aids, accordant, Lord of -ay 5teeds, acce!ting
our devotions,
4air)helmeted, o;ercoming with the mighty, and lending us the strength of
ulls, , Indra.
( As to the chariot !ole a vigorous courser, this laud is rought to the great
strong 3!holder.
This hymn solicits wealth of thee1 in heaven, as ;twere aove the s7y, set
thou our glory.
* With !recious things. , Indra, thus content us1 may we attain to thine
e$alted favour.
5end our chiefs !lenteous food with hero children. Preserve us evermore, ye
Gods, with lessings.
HYMN XXV. Indra.
W"2= with thy mighty hel!, , !otent Indra, the armies rush together in
their fury.
When from the strong man;s arm the lightning flieth, let not the mind go
forth to side with others.
2 , Indra, where the ground is hard to traverse, smite down our foes, the
mortals who assail us,
8ee! far from us the curse of the reviler1 ring us accumulated store of
treasures.
# God of the fair helm, give 5udas a hundred succours, a thousand lessings,
and thy ounty.
5tri7e down the wea!on of our mortal foeman1 estow u!on us s!lendid
fame and riches.
& I wait the !ower of one li7e thee, , Indra, gifts of a "el!er such as thou
art, "ero.
5trong, %ighty God, dwell with me now and ever1 Lord of -ay "orses, do not
thou desert us.
( "ere are the 8utsas su!!licating Indra for might, the Lord of -ays for God)
sent con?uest.
%a7e our foes ever easy to e van?uished1 may we, victorious, win the
s!oil, , "ero.
* With !recious things, , Indra, thus content us1 may we attain to thine
e$alted favour.
5end our chiefs !lenteous food with hero children. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN XXVI. Indra.
1. 5,%A un!ressed ne;er gladdened lieral Indra, no 9uices !ressed without a
!rayer have !leased him.
I generate a laud that shall delight him, new and heroic, so that he may
hear us.
2 At every laud the 5oma gladdens Indra1 !ressed 9uices !lease him as each
!salm is chanted,
What time the !riests with one united effort call him to aid, as sons invo7e
their father.
# These deeds he did: let him achieve new e$!loits, such as the !riests
declare at their liations.
Indra hath ta7en and !ossessed all castles, li7e as one common husand
doth his s!ouses.
& 2ven thus have they declared him. 4amed is Indra as >on?ueror, sole
distriuter of treasures:
Whose many succours come in close succession. %ay dear delightful enefits
attend us.
( Thus, to ring hel! to men, 'asistha laudeth Indra, the !eo!les; "ero, at
liation.
-estow u!on us strength and wealth in thousands. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN XXVII. Indra.
1. %2= call on Indra in the armed encounter that he may ma7e the hymns
they sing decisive.
"ero, re9oicing in thy might, in comat give us a !ortion of the stall of
cattle,
2 Grant, Indra %aghavan, invo7ed of many, to these my friends the strength
which thou !ossessest.
Thou, %aghavan, hast rent strong !laces o!en1 unclose for us, Wise God, thy
hidden ounty.
# 8ing of the living world, of men, is Indra, of all in varied form that earth
containeth.
Thence to the worshi!!er he giveth riches1 may he enrich us also when we
laud him.
& %aghavan Indra, when we all invo7e him, ountiful ever sendeth strength
to aid us1
Whose !erfect guerdon, never failing, ringeth wealth to the men, to
friends the thing they covet.
( Euic7, Indra, give us room and way to riches, and let us ring thy mind to
grant us treasures,
That we may win us cars and 5teeds and cattle. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN XXVIII. Indra.
1. >,%2 to our !rayers, , Indra, thou who 7nowest1 let thy -ay 5teeds e
yo7ed and guided hither.
Though mortal men on every side invo7e thee, still give thine ear to us, ,
All)im!eller.
2 Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation, the sages; !rayer which, Potent
God, thou guardest.
What time thy hand, , %ighty, holds the thunder, awful in strength thou
hast ecome resistless.
# What time thou drewest oth world)halves together, li7e heroes led y
thee who call each other)
4or thou wast orn for strength and high dominion)then e;en the active
overthrew the sluggish.
& "onour us in these !resent days, , Indra, for hostile men are ma7ing
e$!iation.
,ur sin that sinless 'aruna discovered, the Wondrous)Wise hath long ago
forgiven.
( We will address this lieral Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of
am!le riches,
-est favourer of the singer;s !rayer and !raises. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN XXIX Indra.
1. T"I5 5oma hath een !ressed for thee, , Indra1 come hither, Lord of
-ays, for this thou lovest.
6rin7 of this fair, this well)effused liation1 %aghavan, give us wealth when
we im!lore thee.
2 >ome to us ?uic7ly with thy -ay 5teeds, "ero, come to our !rayer,
acce!ting our devotion.
2n9oy thyself aright at this liation, and listen thou unto the !rayers we
offer.
# What satisfaction do our hymns afford theeB When, %aghavanB =ow let us
do thee service.
"ymns, only hymns, with love for thee, I weave thee1 then hear, , Indra,
these mine invocations.
& They, verily, were also human eings whom thou wast wont to hear, those
earlier sages.
"ence I, , Indra %aghavan, invo7e thee1 thou art our Providence, even as a
4ather.
( We will address this lieral Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of
am!le riches,
HYMN XXX. Indra.
1. WIT" !ower and strength, , %ighty God, a!!roach us1 e the augmenter,
Indra, of these riches:
5trong Thunderer, Lord of men, for !otent valour, for manly e$!loit and for
high dominion.
2 Thee, worth invo7ing, in the din of attle, heroes invo7e in fray for life
and sunlight.
Among all !eo!le thou art foremost fighter1 give u! our enemies to easy
slaughter.
# When fair right days shall dawn on us, , Indra, and thou shalt ring thy
anner near in attle,
Agni the Asura shall sit as "erald, calling Gods hither for our great good
fortune.
& Thine are we, Indra, thine, oth these who !raise thee, and those who
give rich gifts, , God and "ero.
Grant to our !rinces e$cellent !rotection, may they wa$ old and still e
strong and ha!!y.
( We will address this lieral Lord, this Indra that he may grant us gifts of
am!le riches1
HYMN XXXI. Indra.
1. 5I=G ye a song, to ma7e him glad, to Indra, Lord of Tawny 5teeds,
The 5oma)drin7er, , my friends.
2 To him the -ounteous say the laud, and let us glorify, as men %ay do, the
Giver of true gifts.
# , Indra, Lord of oundless might, for us thou winnest strength and 7ine,
Thou winnest gold for us, Good Lord.
& 4aithful to thee we loudly sing, heroic Indra, songs to thee1 %ar7, , Good
Lord, this act of ours.
( Give us not u! to man;s re!roach, to foeman;s hateful calumny1 In thee
alone is all my strength.
* Thou art mine am!le coat of mail, my >ham!ion, 'rtra)5layer, thou1
With thee for 4riend I rave the foe.
+ <ea, great art thou whose con?uering might two inde!endent Powers
confess.
The "eaven, , India, and the 2arth.
. 5o let the voice surround thee, which attends the %aruts on their way,
/eaching thee with the rays of light.
0 Let the ascending dro!s attain to thee, the Wondrous God, in heaven1
Let all the fol7 ow down to thee.
1@ -ring to the Wise, the Great, who wa$eth mighty, your offerings, and
ma7e ready your devotion:
To many clans he goeth, man;s controller.
11 4or Indra, the sulime, the far)!ervading, have singers generated !rayer
and !raises1
The sages never violate his statutes.
12 The choirs have stalished Indra 8ing for ever, for victory, him whose
anger is resistless1
And, for the -ays; Lord, strengthened those he loveth.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1. L2T none, no, not thy worshi!!ers, delay thee far away from us.
2ven from far away come thou unto our feast, or listen if already here.
2 4or here, li7e flies on honey, these who !ray to thee sit y the 9uice that
they have !oured.
Wealth)craving singers have on Indra set their ho!e, as men set foot u!on a
car.
# Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the strong right hand,
As a son calleth on his sire.
& These 5oma 9uices, mi$ed with curd, have een e$!ressed for Indra here.
>ome with thy -ay 5teeds, Thunder)wielder, to our home, to drin7 them till
they ma7e thee glad.
( %ay he whose ear is o!en hear us. "e is as7ed for wealth1 will he des!ise
our !rayerB
"im who estows at once a hundred thousand gifts none shall restrain when
he would give.
* The hero never chec7ed y men hath gained his strength through Indra, he
Who !resses out and !ours his dee! liations forth, , 'rtra)slayer, unto
thee.
+ When thou dost drive the fighting men together e, thou %ighty ,ne, the
mighty;s shield.
%ay we divide the wealth of him whom thou hast slain1 ring us,
3nreachale, his goods.
. 4or Indra, 5oma)drin7er, armed with thunder, !ress the 5oma 9uice.
%a7e ready your dressed meats1 cause him to favour us. The Giver lesses
him who gives.
0 Grudge not, ye 5oma !ourers: stir you, !ay the rites, for wealth, to the
great >on?ueror.
,nly the active con?uers dwells in !eace, and thrives1 not for the niggard
are the Gods.
1@ =o one hath overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives.
The man whom Indra and the %arut host defend comes to a stale full of
7ine.
11 Indra, that man when fighting shall otain the s!oil, whose strong
defender thou wilt e.
-e thou the gracious hel!er, "ero I of our cars, e thou the hel!er of our
men.
12 "is !ortion is e$ceeding great li7e a victorious soldier;s s!oil.
"im who is Indra, Lord of -ays, no foes sudue. "e gives the 5oma)!ourer
strength.
1# %a7e for the "oly Gods a hymn that is not mean, ut well)arranged and
fair of form.
2ven many snares and onds sudue not him who dwells with Indra through
his sacrifice.
1& Indra, what mortal will attac7 the man who hath his wealth in theeB
The strong will win the s!oil on the decisive day through faith in thee, ,
%aghavan.
1( In attles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the treasures
dear to thee,
And may we with our !rinces, Lord of Tawny 5teedsA !ass through all !eril,
led y thee.
1* Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou cherishest the mid)most wealth,
Thou ever rulest all the highest1 in the fray for cattle none resisteth thee.
1+ Thou art renowned as giving wealth to every one in all the attles that
are fought.
>raving !rotection, all these !eo!le of the earth, , %uch)invo7ed, im!lore
thy name.
1. If I, , Indra, were the Lord of riches am!le as thine own,
I should su!!ort the singer, God. who givest wealthA and not aandon him to
woe.
10 2ach day would I enrich the man who sang my !raise, in whatsoever
!lace he were.
=o 7inshi! is there etter, %aghavan, than thine1 a father even is no more.
2@ With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the s!oil.
<our Indra, %uch)invo7ed, I end with song, as ends a wright his wheel of
solid wood.
21 A moral wins no riches y unworthy !raise1 wealth comes not to the
niggard churl.
Light is the tas7 to give, , %aghavan, to one li7e me on the decisive day.
22 Li7e 7ine unmil7ed we call aloud, "ero, to thee, and sing thy !raise,
Loo7er on heavenly light, Lord of this moving world, Lord, Indra, of what
moveth not.
2# =one other li7e to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath een or ever
will e orn.
6esiring horses, Indra %aghavanA and 7ine, as men of might we call on thee.
2& -ring, Indra, the 'ictorious ,nes: ring, elder thou, the younger host.
4or, %aghavan, thou art rich in treasures from of old, and must e called in
every fight.
2( 6rive thou away our enemies, , %aghavan1 ma7e riches easy to e won.
-e thou our good Protector in the strife for s!oil1 >herisher of our friends e
thou.
2* , Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons.
Guide us, , %uch)invo7ed, in this our way may we still live and loo7 u!on
the light.
2+ Grant that no mighty foes, un7nown, malevolent, unhallowed, tread us
to the ground.
With thine assistance, "ero, may we ass through all the waters that are
rulOng down.
HYMN XXXIII Vasis&#a.
1. T"252 who wear hair)7nots on the right, the movers of holy thought,
white)roed, have won me over.
I warned the men, when from the grass I raised me, =ot from afar can my
'asisthas hel! you.
2 With soma they rought Indra from a distance, ,ver 'aisanta, from the
strong liation.
Indra !referred 'asisthas to the 5oma !ressed y the son of 'ayata,
Pasadyumna.
# 5o, verily, with these he crossed the river, in com!any with these he
slaughtered -heda.
5o in the fight with the Ten 8ings, 'asisthasA did Indra hel! 5udas through
your devotions.
& I gladly, men I with !rayer !rayed y our fathers have fi$ed your a$le1 ye
shall not e in9ured1
5ince, when ye sang aloud the 5a7vari verses, 'asisthasA ye invigorated
Indra.
( Li7e thirsty men they loo7ed to heaven, in attle with the Ten 8ings,
surrounded and im!loring.
Then Indra heard 'asistha as he !raised him, and gave the Trtsus am!le
room and freedom.
* Li7e stic7s and staves wherewith they drive the cattle, 5tri!!ed are, the
-haratas were found defenceless1
'asistha then ecame their chief and leader1 then widely. were the Trtsus;
clans e$tended.
+ Three fertiliCe the worlds with genial moisture1 three nole >reatures cast
a light efore them.
Three that give warmth to all attend the morning. All these have they
discovered, these 'asisthas.
. Li7e the 5un;s growing glory is their s!lendour, and li7e the sea;s is their
unflathomed greatness.
Their course is li7e the wind;s. <our laud, 'asisthas, can never e attained
y any other.
0 They with !erce!tions of the heart in secret resort to that which s!reads a
thousand ranches.
The A!saras rought hither the 'asisthas wearing the vesture s!un for them
y <ama.
1@ A form of lustre s!ringing from the lightning wast thou, when 'aruna and
%itra saw thee.
Tliy one and only irth was then, 'asistha, when from thy stoc7 Agastya
rought thee hither.
11 -orn of their love for 3rvasi, 'asistha thou, !riest, art son of 'aruna and
%itra:
And as a fallen dro!, in heavenly fervour, all the Gods laid thee on a lotus)
lossorn.
12 "e thin7er, 7nower oth of earth and heaven, endowed with many a gift,
estowing thousands,
6estined to wear the vesture s!un y <ama, s!rang from the A!saras to life,
'asistha.
1# -orn at the sacrifice, urged y adorations, oth with a common flow
edewed the !itcher.
Then from the midst thereof there rose u! %ana, and thence they say was
orn the sage 'asistha.
1& "e rings the earer of the laud and 5aman1 first shall he s!ea7 ringing
the stone for !ressing.
With grateful hearts in reverence a!!roach him1 to you, , Pratrdas, 'asistha
cometh.
HYMN XXXIV Visv!d!vas.
1. %A< our divine and rilliant hymn go forth, li7e a swift chariot wrought
and fashioned well.
2 The waters listen as they flow along1 they 7now the origin of heaven and
earth.
# <ea, the road waters swell their flood ior him1 of him strong heroes thin7
amid their foes.
& 5et ye for him the coursers to the !ole1 li7e Indra Thunderer is the
Golden)armed.
( Arouse you, li7e the days, to sacrifice s!eed gladly li7e a traveller on the
way.
* Go swift to attles, to the sacrifice1 set u! a flag, a hero for the fol7.
+ 3! from his strength hath risen as ;twere a light1 it ears the load as earth
ears living things.
. Agni, no demon I invo7e the Gods1 y law com!leting it, I form a hymn.
0 >losely alout you lay your heavenly song, and send your voice to where
the Gods aide.
1@ 'aruna, %ighty, with a thousand eyes, eholds the !aths wherein these
rivers run.
11 "e, 8ing of 7ings, the glory of the floods, o;er all that liveth hath
resistless sway.
12 %ay he assist us among all the tries, and ma7e the envier;s !raise devoid
of light.
1# %ay the foes; threatening arrow !ass us y1 may he !ut far from us our
odies; sin.
1& Agni, olation)cater, through our !rayers aid us1 to him our dearest laud
is rought.
1( Accordant with the Gods choose for our 4riend the Waters; >hild1 may he
e good to us.
1* With lauds I sing the 6ragon orn of floods1 he sits eneath the streams
in middle air.
1+ =e;er may the 6ragon of the 6ee! harm us1 ne;er fail this faithful
servant;s sacrifice.
1. To these our heroes may they grant renown1 may !ious men march oldly
on to wealth.
10 Leading great hosts, with fierce attac7s of these, they urn their foes as
the 5un urns the earth.
2@ What time our wives draw near to us, may he, left)handed Tvastar, give
us hero sons.
21 %ay Tvastar find our hymn acce!tale, and may Aramati, see7ing wealth,
e ours.
22 %ay they who lavish gifts estow those treasures1 may /odasi and
'arunani listen.
%ay he, with the 'arutris, e our refuge, may ountiful Tvastar give us store
of riches.
2# 5o may rich %ountains and the lieral Waters, so may all "ers that grow
on ground, and "eaven,
And 2arth accordant with the 4orest)5ovrans, and oth the World)halves
round aout !rotect us.
2& To this may oth the wide Worlds lend a!!roval, and 'aruna in heaven,
whose 4riend is Indra.
%ay all the %aruts give consent, the 'ictors, that we may hold great wealth
in firm !ossession.
2( %ay Indra, 'aruna, %itra, and Agni, Waters, "ers, Trees acce!t the
!raise we offer.
%ay we find refuge in the %arut;s osom. Protect us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN XXXV. Visv!d!vas.
1. -24/I2=6 us with their aids Indra and Agni, Indra and 'aruna who receive
olationsA
Indra and 5oma give health, strength and comfort, Indra and Pusan e our
hel! in attle.
2 Aus!icious 4riends to us e -haga, 5athsa, aus!icious e Purandhi aid all
/iches:
The lessing of the true and well)conducted, and Aryaman in many forms
a!!arent.
# 8ind unto us he %a7er and 5ustainer, and the far)reaching Pair with God)
li7e natures.
Aus!icious unto us e 2arth and "eaven, the %ountain, and the Gods; fair
invocations.
& 4avour us Agni with his face of s!lendour, and 'aruva and %itra and the
Asvins.
4avour us nole actions of the !ious, im!etuous vita low on us with favour.
( 2arly invo7ed, may "eaven and 2arth e friendly, and Air;s mid)region good
for us to loo7 on.
To us may "ers and 4orest)Trees e gracious, gracious the Lord 'ictorious
of the region.
* -e the God Indra with the 'asus friendly, and, with Adityas, 'aruna who
lesseth.
8ind, with the /udras, e the "ealer /udra, and, with the 6ames, may
Tvastar 7indly listen.
+ -lest unto us e 5oma, and devotions, lest e the 5acrifice, the 5tones
for !ressing.
-lest e the fi$ing of the sacred Pillars, lest e the tender Grass and lest
the Altar.
. %ay the far)seeing 5un rise u! to less us1 e the four Euarters of the s7y
aus!icious.
Aus!icious e the firmly)seated %ountains, aus!icious e the /ivers and the
Waters.
0 %ay Adid through holy wor7s e gracioas, and may the %aruts, loud in
song, e friendly.
%ay 'isnu give felicity, and Pusan, the Air that cherisheth our life, and 'ayu.
1@ Pros!er us 5avitar, the God who rescues, and let the radiant %ornings e
!ro!itious.
Aus!icious to all creatures e Par9anya, aus!icious e the field;s enign
Protector.
11 %ay all the fellowshi! of Gods efriend us, 5arasvati, with "oly Thoughts,
e gracious.
4riendly e they, the Lieral ,nes who see7 us, yea, those who dwell in
heaven, on earth, in waters.
12 %ay the great Lords of Truth !rotect and aid us1 lest to us e our horses
and our cattle.
8ind e the !ious s7ilful)handed /hus, 7ind e the 4athers at our
invocations.
1# %ay A9a)27a!ad, the God, e gracious, gracious the 6ragon of the 6ee!,
and ,cean.
Gracious e he the swelling >hild of Waters, gracious e Prsni who hath
Gods to guard her.
1& 5o may the /udras, 'asus, and Adityas acce!t the new hymn which we
now are ma7ing.
%ay all the "oly ,nes of earth and heaven, and the >ow;s offi!ring hear our
invocation.
1( They who of "oly Gods are very holy, Immortal, 7nowing Law, whom man
must worshi!,)
%ay these to)day give us road !aths to travel. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN XXXVI. Visv!d!vas
1. L2T the !rayer issue from the seat of ,rder, for 5urya with his eams hath
loosed the cattle.
With lofty ridges earth is far e$tended, and Agni;s flame hath lit the s!acious
surface.
2 , Asuras, , 'aruna and %itra, this hymn to you, li7e food, anew I offer.
,ne of you is a strong unerring Leader, and %itra, s!ea7ing, stirreth men to
laour.
# The movements of the gliding wind come hither1 li7e cows, the s!rings are
filled to overflowing.
-orn in the station e;en of lofty heaven the -ull hath loudly ellowed in this
region.
& %ay I ring hither with my song, , Indra, wise Aryaman who yo7es thy
dear -ay "orses,
'oracious, with thy nole car, , "ero, him who defeats the wrath of the
malicious.
( In their own !lace of sacrifice adorers worshi! to gain long life and win his
friendshi!.
"e hath !oured food on men when they have !raised him: e this, the
dearest reverence, !aid to /udra.
* >oming together, glorious, loudly roaring ) 5arasvati, %other of 4loods, the
seventh)
With co!ious mil7, with fair streams, strongly flowing, full swelling with the
volume of their water:
+. And may the mighty %aruts, too, re9oicing, aid our devotion and !rotect
our offs!ring.
Let not swift)moving A7sara neglect us1 they have increased our own
a!!ro!riate riches,
. -ring ye the great Aramati efore you, and Pusan as the "ero of the
synod,
-haga who loo7s u!on this hymn with favour, and, as our strength, the
ountiful Purandi.
0 %ay this our song of !raise reach you, , %aruts, and 'isnu guardian of the
future infant.
%ay they vouchsafe the singer strength for offs!ring. Preserve us evermore,
ye Gods, with lessings.
HYMN XXXVII. Visv!d!vas.
1. L2T your est)earing car that must e lauded, ne;er in9ured, ring you
'a9as and /hu7sans.
4ill you, fair)helmetedA with mighty 5oma, thrice)mi$ed, at our liations to
delight you.
2 <e who ehold the light of heaven, /hu7sans, give our rich !atrons
unmolested riches.
6rin7, heavenly)natured. at our sacrifices, and give us ounties for the
hymns we sing you.
# 4or thou, , -ounteous ,ne, art used to giving, at !arting treasure whether
small or am!le.
4illed full are oth thine arms with great !ossessions1 thy goodness 7ee!s
thee not from granting riches.
& Indra, high)famed, as 'a9a and /hu7sans, thou goest wor7ing, singing to
the dwelling.
Lord of -ay 5teeds, this day may we 'asisthas offer our !rayers to thee and
ring olations.
( Thou winnest swift advancement for thy servant, through hymns, Lord of
-ay 5teeds, which thou hast favoured.
4or thee with friendly succour have we attled, and when, , Indra, wilt
thou grant us richesB
* To us thy !riests a home, as ;twere, thou givest1 when, Indra wilt thou
recogniCe our !raisesB
%ay thy strong 5teed, through our ancestral worshi!, ring food and wealth
with heroes to our dwelling.
+ Though =irrti the Goddess reigneth round him, Autumns with food in
!lenty come to Indra.
With three close 4riends to length of days he cometh, he whom men let not
rest at home in ?uiet.
. Promise us gifts, , 5avitar1 may riches come unto us in Parvata;s full
ounty.
%ay the >elestial Guardian still attend us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN XXXVIII. Savi&ar.
1. ,= high hath 5avitar, this God, e$tended the golden lustre which he
s!reads around him.
=ow, now must -haga e invo7ed y mortals, Lord of great riches who
distriutes treasures.
2 /ise u!, , 5avitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man while
sacrifice is offered,
5!reading afar thy road and wide effulgence, and ringing mortal men the
food that feeds them.
# Let 5avitar the God he hymned with !raises, to whom the 'asus, even, all
sing glory.
5weet e our lauds to him whose due is worshi!1 may he with all !rotection
guard our !rinces.
& 2ven he whom Aditi the Goddess !raises, re9oicing in God 5avitar;s
incitement1
2ven he who !raise the high im!erial /ulers, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman, sing in
concert.
( They who come emulous to our olation, dis!ensing ounty, from the
earth and heaven.
%ay they and Ahiudhnya hear our calling1 guard us 'arutri with the
27adhenus.
* This may the Lord of Life, entreated, grant us,)the wealth which 5avitar
the God !ossesses.
The mighty calls on -haga for !rotection, on -haga calls the wea7 to give
him riches.
+ -less us the 'a9ins when we call, while slowly they move, strong 5ingers,
to the Gods; assemly.
>rushing the wolf, the ser!ent, and the demons, may they com!letely
anish all affliction.
. 6ee!)s7illed in Law eternal, deathless, 5ingers, , 'a9ins, hel! us in each
fray for ooty.
6rin7 of this meath, he satisfied, e 9oyful1 then go on !aths which Gods are
wont to travel.
HYMN XXXIX Visv!d!vas.
1. AG=I, erect, hath shown enriching favour1 the flame goes forward to the
Gods; assemly.
Li7e car)orne men the stones their !ath have chosen1 let the !riest,
?uic7ened, celerate our worshi!.
2 5oft to the tread, their sacred grass is scattered1 these go li7e 8ings amid
the and around them,
At the fol7s early call on =ight and %orning,)'ayu, and Pusan with his team,
to less us.
# "ere on their !ath the nole Gods !roceeded1 in the wide firmament the
-eauteous dec7ed them.
-end your way hither, ye who travel widely1 hear this our envoy who hath
gone to meet you.
& 4or they are holy aids at sacrifices1 all Gods a!!roach the !lace of
congregation.
-ring these, desirous, to our worshi!, Agni, swift the =isatyas, -haga, and
Purandhi.
( Agni, to these men;s hymns, from earth, from heaven, ring %itra, 'aruna,
Indra, and Agni,
And Aryaman, and Aditi, and 'isnu. 5arasvati e 9oyful, and the %aruts.
* 2ven as the holy wish, the gift is offered1 may he, unsated, come when
men desire him.
Give never)failing ever)con?uering riches1 with Gods for our allies may we
e victors.
+ =ow have oth worlds een !raised y the 'asisthas: and holy %itra,
'aruna, and Agni.
%ay they, right 6eities, ma7e our song su!remest. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN X*. Visv!d!vas.
1. -2 gathered all the audience of the synod1 let us egin their !raise whose
course is ra!id.
Whate;er God 5avitar this day !roduces, may we e where the Wealthy ,ne
distriutes.
2 This, dealt from heaven ; may oth the Worlds vouchsafe us, and 'aruna,
Indra, Aryaman, and %itra.
%ay Goddess Aditi assign us riches, 'ayu and -haga ma7e them ours for ever.
# 5trong e the man and full of !ower, , %aruts, whom ye, orne on y
s!otted coursers, favour.
"im, too, 5arasvati and Agni further, and there is none to ro him of his
riches.
& This 'aruna is guide of Law, he, %itra, and Aryaman, the 8ings, our wor7
have finished.
6ivine and foeless Aditi ?uic7ly listens. %ay these deliver us unharmed from
troule.
( With offerings I !ro!itiate the ranches of this swift)moving God, the
ounteous 'isnu.
"ence /udra gained his /udra)strength1 , Asvins, ye sought the house that
hath celestial viands.
* -e not thou angry here, , glowing Pusan, for what 'arutri and the
-ounteous gave us.
%ay the swift)moving Gods !rotect and less us, and 'ata send us rain, wha
wanders round us.
+ =ow have oth worlds een !raised y the 'asisthas, and holy %itra,
'aruna, and Agni.
%ay they, right 6eities, ma7e our song su!remest. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN X*I. B#aga.
1. AG=I at dawn, and Indra we invo7e at dawn, and 'aruna and %itra, and
the Asvins twain.
-haga at dawn, Pusan, and -rahmanas!ati, 5oma at dawn, /udra we will
invo7e at dawn.
2 We will invo7e strong, early)con?uering -haga, the 5on of Aditi, the great
su!!orter1
Thin7ing of whom, the !oor, yea, even the mighty, even the 8ing himself
says, Give me -haga.
# -haga our guide, -haga whose gifts are faithful, favour this song, and give
us wealth, , -haga.
-haga, augment our store of 7ine and horses, -haga, may we e rich in men
and heroes.
& 5o may felicity e ours at !resent, and when the day a!!roaches, and at
noontide:
And may we still, , -ounteous ,ne, at sunset e ha!!y in the 6eities;
loving)7indness.
( %ay -haga verily e liss)estower, and through him, GodsA may ha!!iness
attend us.
As such, , -haga, all with might invo7e thee1 as such e thou our >ham!ion
here, , -haga.
* To this our worshi! may all 6awns incline them, and come to the !ure
!lace li7e 6adhi7ravan.
As strong steeds draw a chariot may they ring us hitherward -haga who
discovers treasure.
+ %ay lessed %ornings dawn on us for ever, with wealth of 7ine, of horses,
and of heroes,
5treaming with all aundance, !ouring fatness. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN X*II Visv!d!vas.
1. L2T -rahmans and Angirases come forward, and let the roar of cloudy
heaven surround us.
Loud low the %ilch)7ine swimming in the waters1 set e the stones that
grace our holy service.
2 4air, Agni, is thy long)7nown !ath to travel1 yo7e for the 9uice tfiy ay, thy
ruddy horses,
,r red steeds, "ero)earing, for the chamer. 5eated, I call the 6eities;
generations.
# They glorify your sacrifice with worshi!, yet the glad Priest near them is
left une?ualled.
-ring the Gods hither, thou of many as!ects1 turn hitherward Aramati the
"oly.
& What time the Guest hath made himself a!!arent, at ease reclining in the
rich man;s dwelling,
Agni, well)!leased, well)!laced within the chamer gives to a house li7e this
wealth worth the choosing.
( Acce!t this sacrifice of ours, , Agni: glorify it with Indra and the %aruts.
"ere on our grass let =ight and 6awn e seated1 ring longing 'aruna and
%itra hither.
* Thus hath 'asistha !raised victorious Agni, yearning for wealth that giveth
all susistence.
%ay he estow on us food, strength, and riches. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN X*III Visv!d!vas.
1. 5I=G out the !ious at your sacrifices to move with adorations 2arth and
"eaven)
The "oly 5ingers, whose unmatched devotions, li7e a tree;s ranches, !art in
all directions.
2 Let sacrifice !roceed li7e some fleet courser1 with one accord lift ye on
high the ladles.
5trew sacred grass meet for the solenm service1 right flames that love the
Gods have mounted u!ward.
# Li7e aes in arms re!osing on their mother, let the Gods sit u!on the
grass;s summit.
Let general fire ma7e right the flame of worshi!1 scorn us not, Agni, in the
Gods; assemly.
& Gladly the Gods have let themselves e honoured, mil7ing the co!ious
streams of holy ,rder.
The highest might to)day is yours, the 'asits;1 come ye, as many as ye are,
one)minded.
( 5o, Agni, send us wealth among the !eo!le1 may we e closely 7nit to
thee, , 'ictor,
3nharmed, and rich, and ta7ing 9oy together. Preserve us evermore, ye ods,
with lessings.
HYMN X*IV. Dad#i3ras.
1. I >ALL on 6adhi7ras, the first, to give you aid, the Asvins, -haga, 6awn,
and Agni 7indled well,
Indra, and 'isnu, Pusan, -rahmanas!ati, Adityas, "eaven and 2arth, the
Waters, and the Light.
2 When, rising, to the sacrifice we hasten, awa7ing 6adhi7ras with
adorations.
5eating on sacred grass the Goddess Ila. let us invo7e the sage swift)hearing
Asvins.
# While I am thus arousing 6adhi7ravan I s!ea7 to Agni, 2arth, and 6awn,
and 5urya,
The red, the rown of 'aruna ever mindful1 may they ward off from us all
grief and troule.
& 4oremost is 6adhi7ravan, vigorous courser: in forefront of the cars, his
way he 7noweth,
>losely allied with 5urya and with %orning, Adityas, and Angirases, and
'asus.
( %ay 6adhi7ras !re!are the way we travel that we may !ass along the !ath
of ,rder.
%ay Agni ear us, and the "eavenly Army1 hear us all %ighty ,nes whom
none deceiveth.
HYMN X*V. Savi&ar.
1. %A< the God 5avitar, rich in goodly treasures, filling the region, orne y
steeds, come hither,
In his hand holding much that ma7es men ha!!y, lulling to slumer and
arousing creatures.
2 Golden, sulime, and easy in their motion, his arms e$tend unto the
ounds of heaven.
=ow shall that mightiness of his he lauded1 even 5urya yields to him in
active vigour.
# %ay this God 5avitar, the 5trong and %ighty, the Lord of !recious wealth,
vouchsafe us treasures.
%ay he, advancing his far)s!reading lustre, estow on us the food that
feedeth mortals.
& These songs !raise 5avitar whose tongue is !leasant, !raise him whose
arms are full, whose hands are lovely.
"igh vital strength, and manifold, may he grant us. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN X*VI. Rudra.
1. To /udra ring these songs, whose ow is firm and strong, the self)
de!endent God with swiftly)flying shafts,
The Wise, the >on?ueror whom none may overcome, armed with shar!)
!ointed wea!ons1 may he hear our call.
2 "e through his lordshi! thin7s on eings of the earth, on heavenly eings
through his high im!erial sway.
>ome willingly to our doors that gladly welcome thee, and heal all sic7ness,
/udra., in our families.
# %ay thy right arrow which, shot down y thee from heaven, flieth u!on
the earth, !ass us unin9ured y.
Thou, very gracious God, ast thousand medicines1 inflict no evil on our sons
or !rogeny.
& 5lay us not, nor aandon us, , /udra let not thy noose, when thou art
angry, seiCe us.
Give us trimmed grass and fame among the living. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN X*VII. 1a&!rs.
1. %A< we otain this day from you, , Waters, that wave of !ure
refreshment, which the !ious
%ade erst the s!ecial everage of Indra, right, stainless, rich in sweets and
dro!!ing fatness.
2 %ay the 4loods; ,ffs!ring, he whose course is ra!id, !rotect that wave
most rich in sweets, , Waters,
That shall ma7e Indra and the 'asus 9oyful. This may we gain from you to)
day, we !ious.
# All)!urifying, 9oying in their nature, to !aths of Gods the Goddesses move
onward.
They never violate the laws of Indra. Present the oil)rich offering to the
/ivers.
& Whom 5urya with his right eams hath attracted, and Indra dug the !ath
for them to travel,
%ay these 5treams give us am!le room and freedom. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN X*VIII. R(#us.
1. <2 lieral "eroes, 'a9as and /hu7sans, come and delight you with our
flowing 5oma.
%ay your strength, 'ihus, as ye come to meet us, turn hitherward your car
that rings men !rofit.
2 %ay we as /hu with your /hus con?uer strength with our strength, as
'ihus with the 'ihus.
%ay 'a9a aid us in the fight for ooty, and hel!ed y Indra may we ?uell the
foeman.
# 4or they rule many tries with high dominion, and con?uer all their foes in
close encounter.
%ay Indra, 'ihvan, 'a9a, and /hu7san destroy y turns the wic7ed
foeman;s valour.
& =ow, 6eities, give us am!le room and freedom1 e all of you, one)minded,
our !rotection.
5o let the 'asus grant us strength and vigour. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN X*IX. 1a&!rs.
1. 4,/T" from the middle of the flood the Waters)their chief the 5ea)flow
cleansing, never slee!ing.
Indra, the -ull, the Thunderer, dug their channels1 here let those Waters,
Goddesses, !rotect me.
2 Waters which come from heaven, or those that wander dug from the
earth, or flowing free y nature,
-right, !urifying, s!eeding to the ,cean, here let those Waters. Goddesses,
!rotect me.
# Those amid whom goes 'aruna the 5ovran, he who discriminates men;s
truth and falsehood)
6istilling meath, the right, the !urifying, here let those Waters,
Goddesses, !rotect me.
& They from whom 'aruna the 8ing, and 5oma, and all the 6eities drin7
strength and vigour,
They into whom 'aisvanara Agni entered, here let those Waters, Goddesses,
!rotect %e.
HYMN *. Vari/us D!i&i!s.
1. , %IT/A)'A/3=A, guard and !rotect me here1 let not that come to me
which nests within and swells.
I drive afar the scor!ion hateful to the sight1 let not the winding worm
touch me and wound my foot.
2 2ru!tion that a!!ears u!on the twofold 9oints, and that which overs!reads
the an7les and the 7nees,
%ay the refulgent Agni anish far away let not the winding worm touch me
and wound my foot.
# The !oison that is formed u!on the 5almali, that which is found in
streams, that which the !lants !roduce,
All this may all the Gods anish and drive away1 let not the winding worm
touch me and wound my foot.
& The stee! declivities, the valleys, and the heights, the channels full of
water, and the waterless)
%ay those who swell with water, gracious Goddesses, never afflict us with
the 5i!ada disease, may all the rivers 7ee! us free from 5imida.
HYMN *I. Adi&yas.
1 T"/,3G" the Adityas; most aus!icious shelter, through their most recent
succour may we con?uer.
%ay they, the %ighty, giving ear, estalish this sacrifice, to ma7e us free and
sinless.
2 Let Aditi re9oice and the Adityas, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman, most righteous.
%ay they, the Guardians of the world, !rotect us, and, to show favour, drin7
this day our 5oma.
# All 3niversal 6eities, the %aruts, all the Adityas, yea, and all the /hus,
Indra, and Agni, and the Asvins, lauded. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *II. Adi&yas.
1. %A< we e free from every ond, AdityasA a castle among Gods and men,
ye 'asus.
Winning, may we win 'aruna and %itra, and, eing, may we e, , 2arth and
"eaven.
2 %ay 'aruna and %itra grant this lessing, our Guardians, shelter to our
seed and offs!ring.
Let us not suffer for another;s tres!ass. nor do the thing that ye, , 'asus,
!unish.
# The ever)!rom!t Angirases, im!loring riches from 5avitar the God,
otained them.
5o may our 4ather who is great and holy, and all the Gods, accordant, grant
this favour.
HYMN *III. H!av!n and Ear&#.
1. A5 !riest with solemn rites and adorations I worshi! "eaven and 2arth,
the "igh and "oly.
To them, great Parents of the Gods, have sages of ancient time, singing,
assigned !recedence.
2 With newest hymns set in the seat of ,rder, those the Two Parents, orn
efore all others,
>ome, "eaven and 2arth, with the >elestial Peo!le, hither to us, for strong
is your !rotection.
# <ea, "eaven and 2arth, ye hold in your !ossession full many a treasure for
the lieral giver.
Grant us that wealth which comes in free aundance. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN *IV. Vas&/s%a&i.
1. A>8=,WL26G2 us, , Guardian of the "omestead1 ring no disease, and
give us ha!!y entrance.
Whate;er we as7 of thee, e !leased to grant it, and !ros!er thou
2 Protector of the "ome, e our !romoter1 increase our wealth in 7ine and
steeds, , Indu.
%ay we e ever)youthful in thy friendshi!1 e !leased in us as in his sons a
father.
# Through thy dear fellowshi! that ringeth welfare, may we e victors,
Guardian of the 6wellingA
Protect our ha!!iness in rest and laour. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *V. Vas&/s%a&i.
1. 'A5T,5PATI, who 7illest all disease and wearest every form,
-e an aus!icious 4riend to us.
2 When, , right 5on of 5arama, thou showest, tawny)huedA thy teeth,
They gleam li7e lances; !oints within thy mouth when thou wouldst ite: go
thou to stee!.
# 5arama;s 5on, retrace thy way1 ar7 at the roer and the thief.
At Indra;s singers ar7est thouB Why dust thou see7 to terrify usB Go to
slee!.
& -e on thy guard against the oar, and let the oar eware of thee.
At Indra;s singers ar7est thouB Why dost thou see7 to terrify usB Go to
slee!.
( 5lee! mother, let the father slee!, slee! dog and master of the house.
Let all the 7insmen slee!, slee! all the !eo!le who are round aout.
* The man who sits, the man who wal7s, and whosoever loo7s on us,
,f these we closely shut the eyes, even as we closely shut this house.
+ The -ull who hath a thousand horns, who rises u! from out the sea,)
-y him the 5trong and %ighty ,ne we lull and ma7e the !eo!le slee!.
. The women slee!ing in the court, lying without, or stretched on eds,
The matrons with their odorous sweetsthese, one and all, we lull to slee!.
HYMN *VI. Maru&s.
1. Wno are these radiant men in serried ran7, /udra;s young heroes orne y
nole steedsB
2 'erily no one 7noweth whence they s!rang1 they, and they only, 7now each
other;s irth.
# They strew each other with their lasts, these "aw7s1 they strove
together, roaring li7e the wind.
& A sage was he who 7new these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Prsni
ore.
( 2ver victorious, through the %aruts, e this and of "eroes, nursing manly
strength,
* %ost right in s!lendour, flectest on their way, close)7nit to glory, strong
with varied !ower.
+ <ea, mighty is your !ower and firm your strength1 so, !otent, with the
%aruts, e the and.
. -right is your s!irit, wrathful are your minds1 your old troo!;s minstrel is
li7e one ins!ired.
0 2ver avert your laCing shaft from us, and let not your dis!leasure reach
us here
1@ <our dear names, con?uering %aruts, we invo7e, calling aloud till we are
satisfied.
11 Well)armed, im!etuous in their haste, they dec7 themselves, their forms,
with olations1 to you, the !ure, ornaments made of gold.
12 Pure, %aruts, !ure yourselves, are your olations1 to you, the !ure, !ure
sacrifice I offer.
-y Law they came to truth, the Law;s oservers, right y their irth, and
!ure, and sanctifying.
1# <our rings, , %aruts, rest u!on your shoulders, and chains of gold are
twined u!on your osoms.
Gleaming with dro!s of rain, li7e lightning)flashes, after your wont ye whirl
aout your wea!ons.
1& Wide in the de!th of air s!read forth your glories, far, most adorale, ye
ear your titles.
%aruts, acce!t this thousandfold allotment of household sacrifice and
household treasure.
1( If, %aruts, ye regard the !raise recited here at this mighty singer
invocation,
'ouchsafe us ?uic7ly wealth with nole heroes, wealth which no man uho
hateth us may in9ure.
1* The %aruts, fleet as coursers, while they dec7 them li7e youths
s!ectators of a festal meeting,
Linger, li7e eauteous colts, aout the dwelling, li7e fris7ing calves, these
who !our down the water.
1+ 5o may the %aruts hel! us and e gracious, ringing free room to lovely
2arth and "eaven.
4ar e your olt that slayeth men and cattle. <e 'asus, turn yourselves to us
with lessings.
1. The !riest, when seated, loudly calls you, %aruts, !raising in song your
universal ounty.
"e, -ullsA who hath so much in his !ossession, free from du!licity, with
hymns invo7es you.
10 These %aruts ring the swift man to a stand)still, and strength with
mightier strength they rea7 and humle
These guard the singer from the man who hates him and lay their sore
dis!leasure on the wic7ed.
2@ These %aruts rouse even the !oor and needy1 the 'asus love him as an
active cham!ion.
6rive to a distance, , ye -ulls, the dar7ness1 give us full store of children
and descendants.
21 =ever, , %aruts, may we lose your ounty, nor, car)orne LordsA e
hitidmost when ye deal it.
Give us a share in that delightful treasure, the genuine wealth that, -ullsA is
your !ossession.
22 What time the men in fury rush together for running streams, for
!astures, and for houses.
Then, , ye %aruts, ye who s!ring from /udra, e our !rotectors in the strife
with foemen.
2# 4ull many a deed ye did for our forefathers worthy of lauds which, even
of old, they sang you.
lle strong man, with the %aruts, wins in attle, the charger, with the
%aruts, gains the ooty.
2& ,urs, , ye %aruts, e the vigorous "ero, the Lord 6ivine of men, the
strong 5ustainer,
With whom to fair lands we may cross the waters, and dwell in our own
home with you eside us.
2( %ay Indra, %itra, 'aruna and Agni, Waters, and Plants, and Trees acce!t
our !raises.
%ay we find shelter in the %arut;s osom. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *VII. Maru&s.
1. <2A, through the !ower of your sweet 9uice, ye "olyA the %arut host is
glad at sacrifices.
They cause even s!acious heaven and earth to tremle, they ma7e the
s!ring flow when they come, the %ighty.
2 The %aruts watch the man who sings their !raises, !romoters of the
thought of him who worshi!s.
5eat you on sacred grass in our assemly, this day, with friendly minds, to
share the an?uet.
# =o others gleam so rightly as these %aruts with their own forms, their
golden gauds, their wea!ons.
With all adornments, dec7ing earth and heaven, they heighten, for right
show, their common s!lendour.
& 4ar from us e your laCing dart, , %aruts, when we, through human
frailty, sin against you.
Let us not he e$!osed to that, ye "olyA %ay your most loving favour still
attend us.
( %ay even what we have done delight the %aruts, the lameless ,nes, the
right, the !urifying.
4urther us, , ye "oly, with your 7indness1 advance us mightily that we may
!ros!er.
* And may the %aruts, !raised y all their titles, "eroes, en9oy the taste of
our olations.
Give us of Amrta for the sa7e of offs!ring1 awa7e the e$cellent fair stores of
riches.
+ "ither, ye %aruts, !raised, with all your succours, with all felicity come to
our !rinces,
Who, of themselves, a hundredfold increase us. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *VIII. Maru&s.
1. 5I=G to the troo! that !ours down rain in common, the %ighty >om!any
of celestial nature.
They ma7e the world)halves tremle with their greatness1 from de!ths of
earth and s7y they reach to heaven.
2 <ea, your irth, %aruts, was with wild commotion, ye who move swiftly,
fierce in wrath, terrific.
<e all)sur!assing in your might and vigour, each loo7er on the light fears at
your coming.
# Give am!le vital !ower unto our !rinces let our fair !raises gratify the
%aruts.
As the way travelled hel!eth !eo!le onward, so further us with your
delightful succours.
& <our favoured singer counts his wealth y hundreds1 the strong steed
whom ye favour wins a thousand.
The 5ovran whom ye aid destroys the foeman. %ay this your gift, ye
5ha7ers, e distinguished.
( I call, as such, the 5ons of ounteous /udra1 will not the %aruts turn again
to us)wardB
What secret sin or o!en stirs their anger, that we im!lore the 5wift ,nes to
forgive us.
* This eulogy of the -ounteous hath een s!o7en1 acce!t, ye %aruts, this
our hymn of !raises.
<e -ulls, 7ee! those who hate us at a distance. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *IX. Maru&s.
1. W",%5, ye rescue here and there, whomso ye guide, , 6eities,
To him give shelter, Agni, %itra, 'aruna, ye %aruts, and thou Aryaman.
2 Through your 7ind favour, Gods, on some aus!icious day, the worshi!!er
sudues his foes.
That man increases home and strengthening am!le food who rings you
offerings as ye list.
# 'asistha will not overloo7 the lowliest one among you all.
, %aruts, of our 5oma 9uice effused to)day drin7 all of you with eager haste.
& <our succour in the attle in9ures not the man to whom ye, "eroes, grant
your gifts.
%ay your most recent favour turn to us again. >ome ?uic7ly, ye who fain
would drin7.
( >ome hitherward to drin7 the 9uice, , ye whose ounties give you 9oy.
These offerings are for you, these, %aruts, I !resent. Go not to any !lace
ut this.
* 5it on our sacred grass, e graciously inclined to give the wealth for which
we long,
To ta7e delight, ye %aruts, 4riends of all, with 5vaha, in sweet 5oma 9uice.
+ 6ec7ing the eauty of their forms in secret the 5wans with !ur!le ac7s
have flown down hither.
Around me all the >om!any hath settled, li7e 9oyous "eroes glad in our
liation.
. %aruts, the man whose wrath is hard to master, he who would slay us ere
we thin7, , 'asus,
%ay he e tangled in the toils of mischief: smite ye him down with your
most flaming wea!on.
0 , %aruts, ye consuming Gods, en9oy this offering rought for you,
To hel! us, ye who slay the foe.
1@ 5harers of household sacrifice, come, %aruts, stay not far away,
That ye may hel! us, -ounteous ,nes.
11 "ere, 5elf)strong %aruts, yea, even here. ye 5ages with your sunright
s7ins
I dedicate your sacrifice.
12 Tryama7a we worshi!, sweet augmenter of !ros!erity.
As from its stem the cucumer, so may I e released from death, not reft of
immortality.
HYMN *X. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. W"2= thou, , 5un, this day, arising sinless, shalt s!ea7 the truth to
'aruna and %itra,
, Aditi, may all the 6eities love us, and thou, , Aryaman, while we are
singing.
2 Loo7ing on man, , 'aruna and %itra, this 5un ascendeth u! y oth the
!athways,
Guardian of all things fi$t, of all that moveth, eholding good and evil acts
of mortals.
# "e from their home hath yo7ed the 5even gold >oursers who, dro!!ing oil
and fatness, carry 5urya.
<ours, 'aruna and %itra, he surveyeth the worlds and living creatures li7e a
herdsman.
& <our coursers rich in store of sweets have mounted1 to the right ocean
5urya hath ascended,
4or whom the Adityas ma7e his !athway ready, Aryaman, %itra, 'aruna,
accordant.
( 4or these, even Aryaman, 'aruna and %itra, are the chastisers of all guile
and falsehood.
These, Aditi;s 5ons, infallile and mighty, have wa$en in the home of law
2ternal.
* These, %itra, 'aruna whom none deceiveth, with great !ower ?uic7en
even the fool to wisdom,
And, wa7ening, moreover, thoughtful insight, lead it y easy !aths o;er grief
and troule.
+ They ever vigilant, with eyes that close not, caring for heaven and earth,
lead on the thoughtless.
2ven in the river;s ed there is a shallow. across this road e$!anse may
they conduct us.
. When Aditi and 'aruna and %itra, li7e guardians, give 5udas their friendly
shelter,
Granting him sons and lineal succession, let us not, old onesA move the
Gods to anger.
0 %ay he with ofierings !urify the altar from any stains of 'aruna;s reviler.
Aryaman save us us all those who hate us1 give room and freedom to 5udas,
ye %ighty.
1@ "id from our eyes is their res!lendent meeting1 y their mysterious might
they hold dominion.
"eroesA we cry tremling in fear efore you, even in the greatness of your
!ower have mercy.
11 "e who wins favour for his !rayer y worshi!, that he may gain him
strength and highest riches,
That good man;s mind the %ighty ,nes will follow1 they have rought
comfort to his s!acious dwelling.
12 This !riestly tas7, GodsA 'aruna and %itraA hath een !erformed for you
at sacrifices.
>onvey us safely over every !eril. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with
lessings.
HYMN *XI. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. , 'A/3=A and %itra, 5urya s!reading the eauteous light of you Twain
Gods ariseth.
"e who eholdet all e$isting creatures oservet well the Ceal that is in
mortals.
2 The holy sage, renowned afar, directeth his hymns to you, , 'aruna and
%itra,)
"e whose devotions, sa!ient Gods, ye favour so that ye fill, as ;twere, with
!ower his autumns.
# 4rom the wide earth, , 'aruna and %itra from the great lofty heaven, ye,
-ounteous Givers, )
"ave in the fields and houses set your warder), who visit every s!ot and
watch unceasing.
& I !raise the strength of 'aruna and %itra that strength, y mightiness,
7ee!s oth worlds asunder.
"eroless !ass the months of the ungodly he who loves sacrifice ma7es his
home enduring.
( 5teers, all infallile are these your !eo!le in whom no wondrous thing is
seen, no worshi!.
Guile follows close the men who are untruthful1 no secrets may e hidden
from your 7nowledge.
* I will e$alt your sacrifice with homage1 as !riest, I, %itra)'aruna, invo7e
you.
%ay these new hymns and !rayers that I have fashioned delight you to the
!rofit of the singer.
+ This !riestly tas7, GodsA 'aruna and %itraA hath een !erformed for you at
sacrifices.
>onvey us safely over every !eril. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with
lessings.
HYMN *XII. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. 53/<A hath sent aloft his eams of s!lendour o;er all the tries of men in
countless !laces.
Together with the heaven he shines a!!arent, formed y his %a7ers well
with !ower and wisdom.
2 5o hast thou mounted u! efore us, 5urya, through these our !raises, with
fleet da!!led horses.
6eclare us free from all offence to %itra, and 'aruna, and Aryaman, and
Agni.
# %ay holy Agni, 'aruna, and %itra send down their riches u!on us in
thousands.
%ay they, the -right ,nes, ma7e our !raise)song !erfect, and, when we laud
them, grant us all our wishes.
& , undivided "eaven and 2arth, !reserve us, us, Lofty ,nesA your noIy)
orn descendants.
Let us not anger 'aruna, nor 'ayu, nor him, the dearest 4riend of mortals,
%itra.
( 5tretch forth your arms and let our lives e lengthened1 with fatness dew
the !astures of our cattle.
<e <outhful, ma7e us famed among the !eo!le1 hear, %itra)'aruna, these
mine invocations.
* =ow %itra, 'aruna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, for us and
for our children.
%ay we find !aths all fair and good to travel. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XIII. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. >,%%,= to all man7ind, aus!icious 5urya, he who eholdeth all, is
mounting u!ward:
The God, the eye of 'aruna and %itra, who rolled u! dar7ness li7e a !iece of
leather.
2 5urya;s great ensign, restless as the illow, that urgeth men to action, is
advancing1
,nward he still would roll the wheel well)rounded, which 2tasa, harnessed
to the car)!ole, moveth.
# /efulgent from the osom of the %ornings, he in Whom singers ta7e
delight ascendeth.
This 5avitar, God, is my chief 9oy and !leasure, who rea7eth not the
universal statute.
& Golden, far)seeing, from the heaven he riseth1 far is his goal, he hasteth
on res!lendent.
%en, verily, ins!irited y 5urya s!eed to their aims and do the wor7 assigned
them.
( Where the irrunortals have !re!ared his !athway he flieth through the
region li7e a falcon.
With homage and olations will we serve you, , %itra)'aruna, when the 5un
hath risen.
* =ow %itra, 'aruna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, for us and
for our children.
%ay we find !aths all fair and good to travel. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XIV. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. <2 Twain who rule, in heaven and earth, the region, clothed e your
clouds in roes of oil and fatness.
%ay the im!erial 'aruna, and %itra, and high)orn Aryaman acce!t our
!resents.
2 8ings, guards of rrtighty everlasting ,rder, come hitherward, ye Princes,
Lords of /ivers.
5end us from heaven, , 'aruna and %itra, rain and sweet food, ye who !our
down your ounties.
# %ay the dear God, and 'aruna and %itra conduct us y the most effective
!athways,
That foes may say unto 5udas our chieftain, %ay, we, too, 9oy in food with
Gods to guard us.
& "im who hath wrought for you this car in s!irit, who ma7es the song rise
u!ward and sustains it,
-edew with fatness, 'aruna nd %itra ye 8ings, ma7e glad the !leasant
dwelling)!laces.
( To you this laud, , 'aruna and %itra is offered li7e right 5oma 9uice to
'ayu.
4avour our songs of !raise, wa7e thought and s!irit. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN *XV. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. WIT" hymns I call you, when the 5un hath risen, %itra, and 'aruna whose
thoughts are holy,
Whose Power 6ivine, su!reme and everlasting, comes with good heed at
each man;s su!!lication.
2 4or they are Asuras of Gods, the friendly ma7e, oth of you, our lands
e$ceeding fruitful.
%ay we otain you, 'aruna and %itra, wherever "eaven and 2arth and days
may less us.
# -onds of the sinner, they ear many nooses1 the wic7ed mortal hardly may
esca!e them.
'aruna)%itra, may your !ath of ,rder ear us o;er troule as a oat o;er
waters.
& >ome, taste our offering, 'aruna and %itra1 edew our !asture wil sweet
food and fatness.
Pour down in !lenty here u!on the !eo!le the choicest of your fair celestial
water.
( To you this laud, , 'aruna and %itra, is offered, li7e right 5oma 9uice to
'ayu.
4avour our songs of !raise, wa7e thought and s!irit. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN *XVI Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. L2T our strong hymn of !raise go forth, the laud of %itra)'aruna,
With homage to that high)orn Pair:
2 The Two e$ceeding wise, the 5ons of 6a7sa, whom the gods ordained
4or lordshi!, e$cellently great.
# 5uch, Guardians of our homes and us, , %itra)'aruna, fulfil
The thoughts of those who sing your !raise.
& 5o when the 5un hath risen to)day, may sinless %itra, Aryaman,
-haga, and 5avitar sendus forth.
( %ay this our home e guarded well forward, ye -ounteous, on the way,
Who ear us safely o;er distress.
*. And those 5elf)reigning, Aditi, whose statute is inviolate,
The 8ings who rule a vast domain.
+ 5oon as the 5un hath risen, to you, to %itra)'aruna, I sing,
And Aryarnan who slays the foe.
. With wealth of gold may this my song ring unmolested !ower and might,
And, -rahmans, gain the sacrifice.
0 %ay we e thine, God 'aruna, and with our !rinces, %itra, thine.
4ood and "eaven;s light will we otain.
1@ %any are they who strengthen Law, 5un)eyed, with Agni for their tongue,
They who direct the three great gatherings with their thoughts, yea, all
things with sur!assing might.
11 They who have stalished year and month and then the day, night,
sacrifice and holy verse,
'aruna, %itra, Aryarnan, the 8ings, have won dominion which none else may
gain.
12 5o at the rising of the 5un we thin7 of you with hymns to)day,
2ven as 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman deserve1 ye are the charioteers of Law.
1# True to Law, orn in Law the strengtheners of Law, terrile, haters of the
false,
In their felicity which gives the est defence may we men and our !rinces
dwell.
1& 3!rises, on the slo!e of heaven, that marvel that attracts die sight
As swift celestial 2tasa ears it away, !re!ared for every eye to see.
1( Lord of each single head, of fi$t and moving things, e?ually through the
whole e$!anse,
The 5even sister -ays ear 5urya on his car, to ring us wealth and
ha!!iness.
1* A hundred autumns may we see that right 2ye, God)ordained, arise
A hundred autumns may we live.
1+ Infallile through your wisdom, come hither, res!lendent 'aruna,
And %itra, to the 5oma draught.
1. >ome as the laws of "eaven ordain, 'aruna, %itra, void of guile1
Press near and drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
10 >ome, %itra, 'aruna, acce!t, "eroes, our sacrificial gift1
6rin7 5oma, ye who strengthen Law.
HYMN *XVII. Asvins.
1. I WIT" a holy heart that rings olation will sing forth !raise to meet your
car, ye Princes,
Which, %uch)desiredA hath wa7ened as your envoy. I call you hither as a son
his !arents.
2 -rightly hath Agni shone y us en7indled1 the limits even of dar7ness were
a!!arent.
2astward is seen the -anner of the %orning, the -anner orn to give
"eaven;s 6aughter glory.
# With hymns the deft !riest is aout you, Asvins, the elo?uent !riest
attends you now, =asatyas.
>ome y the !aths that ye are wont to travel, on car that finds the light,
laden with treasure.
& When, su!!liant for your hel!, Lovers of 5weetnessA I see7ing wealth call
you to our liation,
"itherward let your vigorous horses ear you1 drin7 ye with us the well)
!ressed 5oma 9uices.
( -ring forward, Asvins, Gods, to its fulfilment my never)wearied !rayer
that as7s for riches.
'ouchsafe us all high s!irit in the comat, and with your !owers, , Lords of
Power, assist us.
* 4avour us in these !rayers of ours, , Asvins. %ay we have genial vigour,
ne;er to fail us.
5o may we, strong in children and descendants, go, wealthy, to the an?uet
that awaits you.
+ Lovers of 5weetness, we have rought this treasure to you as ;twere an
envoy sent for friendshi!.
>ome unto us with s!irits free from anger, in homes of men en9oying our
olation.
. With one, the same, intention, ye swift movers, o;er the 5even /ivers hath
your chariot travelled.
<o7ed y the Gods, your strong steeds never weary while s!eeding forward
at the !ole they ear you.
0 2$haustless e your ounty to our !rinces who with their wealth incite the
gift of riches,
Who further friendshi! with their nole natures, comining wealth in 7ine
with wealth in herses.
1@ =ow hear, , <outhful Twain, mine invocation1 come, Asvins, to the home
where food aoundeth.
'ouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our noles. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XVIII. Asvins.
1. >,%2, radiant Asvins, with your nole horses1 acce!t your servant;s
hymns, ye Wonder)Wor7ers1
2n9oy olations which we ring to greet you.
2 The gladdening 9uices stand !re!ared efore you1 come ?uic7ly and
!arta7e of mine olation.
Pass y the calling of our foe and ear us.
# <our chariot with a hundred aids, , Asvins, eareth you swift as thought
across the regions,
5!eeding to us, , ye whose wealth is 5urya.
& What time this stone of yours, the Gods; adorer, u!raised, sounds forth for
you as 5oma)!resser,
Let the !riest ring you, 4air ,nes, through olations.
( The nourishment ye have is, truly, wondrous1 ye gave thereof a ?uic7ening
store to Atri,
Who eing dear to you, receives your favour.
* That gift, which all may gain, ye gave >yavana, when he grew old, who
offered you olations,
When ye estowed on him enduring eauty.
+ What time his wic7ed friends aandoned -hu9yu, , Asvins, in the middle
of the ocean,
<our horse delivered him, your faithful servant.
. <e lent your aid to 'r7a when e$hausted, and listened when invo7ed to
5ayu;s calling.
<e made the cow !our forth her mil7 li7e water, and, Asvins, strengthened
with your strength the arren.
0 With his fair hymns this singer, too, e$tols you, wa7ing with glad thoughts
at the rea7 of morning.
%ay the cow nourish him with mil7 to feed llim. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XIX. Asvins.
1. %A< your gold chariot, drawn y vigorous horses, come to us, loc7ing u!
the earth
and heaven,
-right with its fellies while its way dro!s fatness, food)laden, rich in
coursers, man;s !rotector.
2 Let it a!!roach, yo7ed y thewill, three)seated, e$tending far and wide
o;er fivefold eings,
Whereon ye visit God)adoring races, ending your course whither ye will, ,
Asvins.
# /enowned, with nole horses, come ye hither1 drin7, Wondrous Pair, the
cu! that holds sweet 9uices.
<our car whereon your 5!ouse is wont to travel mar7s with its trac7 the
farthest ends of heaven.
& When night was turning to the grey of morning the %aiden, 5urya;s
6aughter, chose your s!lendour.
When with your !ower and might ye aid the !ious he comes through heat to
life y your assistance.
( , >hariot)orne, this car of yours invested with rays of light comes
harnessed to our dwelling.
"erewith, , Asvins, while the dawn is rea7ing, to this our sacrifice ring
!eace and lessing.
* Li7e the wild cattle thirsty for the lightning, "eroes, come nigh this day to
our liations.
%en call on you with hymns in many !laces, ut let not other worshi!!ers
detain you.
+ -hu9yu, aandoned in the midst of ocean, ye raised from out the water
with your horses,
3nin9ured, winged, flagging not, undaunted, with deeds of wonder saving
him, , Asvins.
. =ow hear, , <outhful Twain, mine invocation1 come, Asvins, to the home
where food aoundeth.
'ouchsafe us wealth, do honour to our noles. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XX. Asvins.
1. /I>" in all lessings, Asvins come ye hither1 this !lace on earth is called
your own !ossession,
Li7e a strong horse with a fair ac7 it standeth, whereon, as in a la!, ye
seat you firmly.
2 This most delightful eulogy awaits you in the man;s house drin7)offering
hath een heated,
Which ringeth you over the seas and rivers, yo7ing as;twere two well)
matched shining horses.
# Whatever dwellings ye !ossess, , Asvins, in fields of men or in the streams
of heaven,
/esting u!on the summit of the mountain, or ringing food to him who gives
olation,
& 6elight yourselves, ye Gods, in !lants and waters when /sis give them and
ye find they suit <ou.
2nriching us with treasures in aundance ye have loo7ed ac7 to former
generations.
( Asvins, though ye have heard them oft aforetime, regard the many !rayers
which /sis offer.
>ome to the man even as his heart desireth1 may we en9oy your most
delightful favour.
* >ome to the sacrifice offered you, =asatyas, with men, olations, and
!rayer duly uttered.
>ome to 'asistha as his heart desireth, for unto you these holy hymns are
chanted.
+ This is the thought, this is the song, , Asvins1 acce!t this hymn of ours, ye
5teers, with favour.
%ay these our !rayers addressed to you come nigh you. Preserve us
evermore, ye Gods, with lessings.
HYMN *XXI. Asvins.
1. T"2 =ight retireth from the 6awn her 5ister: the 6ar7 one yieldeth to the
/ed her !athway.
Let us invo7e you rich in steeds and cattle ) y day and night 7ee! far from
us the arrow.
2 -earing rich treasure in your car, , Asvins, come to the mortal who
!resents olation.
8ee! at a distance !enury and sic7ness: Lovers of 5weetness, day and night
!reserve us.
# %ay your strong horses, see7ing liss, ring hither your chariot at the
earliest flush of morning.
With coursers yo7ed y Law drive hither, Asvins, your car whose reins are
light, laden with treasure.
& The chariot, Princes, that conveys you, moving at daylight, tri!le)seated,
fraught with riches,
2ven with this come unto us, =asatyas, that laden with all food it may
a!!roach us.
( <e freed >yavana from old age and wea7ness1 ye rought the courser fleet
of food to Pedu.
<e rescued Atri from distress and dar7ness, and loosed for Dahusa the onds
that ound him.
* This is the thought, this is the song, , Asvins1 acce!t this hymn of ours, ye
5teers, With favour.
%ay these our !rayers addressed to you come nigh you. Preserve us
HYMN *XXII. Asvins.
1. >,%2, , =asatyas, on your car res!lendent, rich in aundant wealth of
7ine and horses.
As harnessed steeds, all our laudations follow you whose forms shine with
most delightful eauty.
2 >ome with the Gods associate, come ye hither to us, =asatyas, with your
car accordant.
;Twi$t you and us there is ancestral friendshi! and common 7in1 rememer
and regard it.
# Awa7ened are the songs that !raise the Asvins, the 7indred !rayers and
the >elestial %ornings.
Inviting those we long for, 2arth and "eaven, the singer calleth these
=asatyas hither.
& What time the 6awns rea7 forth in light, , Asvins, to you the !oets offer
their devotions.
God 5avitar hath sent aloft his s!lendour, and fires sing !raises with the
7indled fuel.
( >ome from the west, come from the cast, =asatyas, come, Asvins, from
elow and from aove us.
-ring wealth from all sides for the 4ivefold Peo!le. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XXIII. Asvins.
1. W2 have o;er!assed the limit of this dar7ness while, worshi!!ing the
Gods, we sang their !raises.
The song invo7eth oth Immortal Asvins far)reaching, orn of old, great
WonderWor7ers.
2 And, , =asatyas, man;s dear Priest is seated, who rings to sacrifice and
offers worshi!,
-e near and taste the !leasant 9uice, , Asvins1 with food, I call you to the
sacrifices.
# We choosing you, have let our worshi! follow its course1 ye 5teers, acce!t
this hymn with favour.
,eying you as your a!!ointed servant, 'asistha singing hath with lauds
aroused you.
& And these Two Priests come nigh unto our !eo!le, united, demon)slayers,
mighty)handed.
The 9uices that e$hilarate are mingled. In9ure us not, ut come with ha!!y
fortune.
( >ome from the west, come from the cast, =asatyas, come, Asvins, from
elow and from aove us.
-ring wealth from all sides for the 4ivefold Peo!le. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN I.XXIV. Asvins.
1. T"252 morning sacrifices call you, Asvins, at the rea7 of day.
4or hel! have I invo7ed you rich in !ower and might1 for, house y house ye
visit all.
2 , "eroes, ye estow wonderful nourishment. send it to him whose songs
are sweet
Accordant, oth of you, drive your car down to us, and drin7 the savoury
5oma 9uice.
# A!!roach ye and e near to us. drin7, , ye Asvins, of the meath.
6raw forth the mil7, ye %ighty, rich in genuine wealth1 in9ure us not, and
come to us.
& The horses that convey you in their ra!id flight down to the worshi!!er;s
aode,
With these your s!eedy coursers, "eroes, Asvins, come, ye Gods, come well)
inclined to us.
( <ea, verily, our !rinces see7 the Asvins in !ursuit of food.
These shall give lasting glory to our lieral lords, and, oth =asatyas, shelter
us.
* Those who have led the way, li7e cars, offending none, those who are
guardians of the men)
Also through their own might the heroes have grown strong, and dwell in
safe and ha!!y homes.
HYMN *XXV. Da-n.
1. -,/= in the heavens the 6awn hath flushed, and showing her ma9esty is
come as Law ordaineth.
5he hath uncovered fiends and hateful dar7ness: est of Angirases, hath
wa7ed the !athways.
2 /ouse us this day to high and ha!!y fortune1 to great felicity, , 6awn,
!romote us.
'ouchsafe us manifold and s!lendid riches, famed among mortals, man)
efriending GoddessA
# 5ee, lovely %orning;s everlasting s!lendours, right with their varied
colours, have a!!roached us.
4illing the region of mid)air, !roducing the rites of holy worshi!, they have
mounted.
& 5he yo7es her chariot far away, and swiftly visits the lands where the 4ive
Tries are settled,
Loo7ing u!on the wor7s and ways of mortals, 6aughter of "eaven, the
world;s Im!erial Lady.
( 5he who is rich in s!oil, the 5!ouse of 5urya, wondrously o!ulent, rules all
wealth and treasures.
>onsumer of our youth, the seers e$tol her1 lauded y !riests rich 6awn
shines out refulgent.
* A!!arent are the steeds of varied colour, the red steeds carrying
res!lendent %orning.
,n her all)lovely car she comes, the 4air ,ne, and rings rich treasure for
her faithful servant.
+ True with the True and %ighty with the %ighty, with Gods a Goddess, "oly
with the "oly,
5he ra7e strong fences down and gave the cattle1 the 7ine were lowing as
they greeted %orning.
. , 6awn, now give us wealth in 7ine and heroes, and horses, fraught with
manifold en9oyment.
Protect our sacred grass from man;s re!roaches. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XXVI. Da-n.
1. 5A'ITA/ God of all men hath sent u!ward his light, designed for all
man7ind, immortal.
Through the Gods; !ower that 2ye was first created. 6awn hath made all the
universe a!!arent.
2 I see the !aths which Gods are wont to travel, innocuous !aths made
ready y the 'asus.
2astward the flag of 6awn hath een u!lifted: she hath come hither o;er the
to!s of houses.
# Great is, in truth, the numer of the %ornings which were aforetime at
the 5un;s u!rising.
5ince thou, , 6awn, hast een eheld re!airing as to thy love, as one no
more to leave him.
& They were the Gods; com!anions at the an?uet, the ancient sages true to
Law 2ternal.
The 4athers found the light that lay in dar7ness, and with effectual words
egat the %orning.
( %eeting together in the same enclosure, they strive not, ofone mind, one
with another.
They never rea7 the Gods; eternal statutes, and in9ure none, in rivalry with
'asus.
* 2$tolling thee, -lest Goddess, the 'asisthas, awa7e at early mom, with
lauds im!lore thee.
Leader of 7ine and Eueen of all that strengthens, shine, come as first to us,
, high)orn %orning.
+ 5he ringeth ounty and sweet charm of voices. The flushing 6awn is sung
y the 'asisthas,
Giving us riches famed to distant !laces. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *XXVIT. Da-n.
1. 5"2 hath shone rightly li7e a youthful woman, stirring to motion every
living creature.
Agni hath come to feed on mortalB fuel. 5he hath made light and chased
away the dar7ness.
2 Turned to this All, far)s!reading, she hath risen and shone in rightness
with white roes aout her.
5he hath eamed forth lovely with golden colours, %other of 7ine, Guide of
the days she ringeth.
# -earing the Gods; own 2ye, aus!icious Lady, leading her >ourser white and
fair to loo7 on,
6istinguished y her ean)is 6awn shines a!!arent, come forth to all the
world with wondrous treasure.
& 6raw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman1 !re!are for us wide
!asture free from danger.
6rive away those who hate us, ring us riches1 !our ounty, o!ulent Lady, on
the singer.
( 5end thy most e$cellent eams to shine and light us, giving us lengthened
days, , 6awn, , Goddess,
Granting us food, thou who hast all things !recious, and ounty rich in
chariots, 7ine, and horses.
* , 3sas, noly)orn, 6aughter of "eaven, whom the 'asisthas with their
hymns ma7e mighty,
-estow thou on us vast and glorious riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *XXVIII. Da-n.
1. W2 have eheld her earliest lights a!!roaching1 her many glories !art, on
high, asunder.
,n car sulime, refulgent, wending hither, , 3sas, ring the Wealth that
ma7es us ha!!y.
2 The fire well)7indIed sings aloud to greet her, and with their hymns the
!riests are chaming welcome.
3sas a!!roaches in her s!lendour, driving all evil dar7ness far away, the
Goddess.
# A!!arent eastward are those lights of %orning, sending out lustre, as they
rise, around them.
5he hath rought forth 5un, sacrifice, and Agni, and far away hath fled
detested dar7ness.
& /ich 6aughter of the 57y, we all ehold her, yea, all men loo7 on 6awn as
she is rea7ing.
fler car that moves self)harnessed hath she mounted, the car drawn onward
y her well)yo7ed horses.
( Ins!ired with loving thoughts this day to greet thee, we and our wealthy
noles have awa7ened.
5how yourselves fruitful, 6awns, as ye are rising. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XXIX. Da-n.
1. /,35I=G the lands where men;s 4ive Tries are settled, 6awn hath
disclosed the !athways of the !eo!le.
5he hath sent out her sheen with eauteous o$en. The 5un with light hath
o!ened earth and heaven.
2 They !aint their right rays on the s7y;s far limits. the 6awns come on li7e
tries arrayed for attle.
Thy cattle, closely shutting u! the dar7ness, as 5avitar s!reads his arms,
give forth their lustre.
# Wealthy, most li7e to Indra, 6awn hath risen, and rought forth lauds that
shall !romote our welfare.
6aughter of "eaven, a Goddess, she distriutes, est of Angirases, treasures
to the !ious.
& -estow on us, , 6awn, that am!le ounty which thou didst send to those
who sang thy !raises:
Thou whom with ellowings of a ull they ?uic7ened1 thou didst unar the
firm)set mountain;s !ortals.
( Im!elling every God to grant his ounty sending to us the charm of
!leasant voices,
'ouchsafe us thoughts, for !rofit, as thou rea7est. Preserve us evermore,
HYMN *XXX. Da-n.
1 T"2 !riests, 'asisthas, are the first awa7ened to welcome 3sas with their
songs and !raises,
Who ma7es surrounding regions !art asunder,and shows a!!arent all e$isting
creatures.
2 Giving fresh life when she hath hid the dar7ness, this 6awn hath wa7ened
there with new)orn lustre.
<outhful and unrestrained she cometh forward1 she hath turned thoughts to
5un and fire and worshi!.
# %ay lessed %ornings shine on us for ever, with wealth of 7ine, of horses,
and of heroes,
5treaming with all aundance, !ouring fatness. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN *XXXI. Da-n.
1. A6'A=>I=G, sending forth her rays, the 6aughter of the 57y is seen.
3ncovering, that we may see, the mighty gloom, the friendly Lady ma7es
the light.
2 The 5un ascending, the refulgent 5tar, !ours down his eams together with
the 6awn.
, 6awn, at thine arising, and the 5un;s, may we attain the share allotted us.
# Prom!tly we wo7e to welcome thee, , 3sas, 6aughter of the 57y,
Thee, -ounteous ,ne, who ringest all we long to have, and to the offerer
health and wealth.
& Thou, dawning, wor7est fain to light the great world, yea, heaven,
GoddessA that it may e seen.
We yearn to e thine own, 6ealer of Wealth1 may we e to this %other li7e
her sons.
( -ring us that wondrous ounty, 6awn, that shall e famed most far away.
What, >hild of "eaven, thou hast of nourishment for man, estow thou on
us to en9oy.
* Give to our !rinces o!ulence and immortal fame, and strength in herds of
7ine to us.
%ay she who !rom!ts the wealthy, Lady of sweet strains, may 3sas dawn our
foes away.
HYMN *XXXIT. Indra-Varuna
1. G/A=T us your strong !rotection, Indra'aruna, our !eo!le, and our
family, for sacrifice.
%ay we sudue in fight our evil)hearted foes, him who attac7s the man
steadfast in lengthened rites.
2 , Indra)'aruna, mighty and very rich ,ne of you is called %onarch and ,ne
Autocrat.
All Gods in the most lofty region of the air have, , ye 5teers, comined all
!ower and might in you.
# <e with your strength have !ierced the fountains of the floods1 the 5un
have ye rought forward as the Lord in heaven.
>heered y this magic draught ye, Indra)'aruna, made the dry !laces
stream, made songs of !raise flow forth.
& In attels and in frays we ministering !riests, 7neeling u!on our 7nees for
furtherance of our weal,
Invo7e you, only you, the Lords of twofold wealth, you !rom!t to hear, we
ards, , Indra)'aruna.
( , Indra)'aruna, as ye created all these creatures of the world y your
sur!assing might,
In !eace and ?uiet %itra waits on 'aruna, the ,ther, awful, with the %aruis
see7s renown.
* That 'aruna;s high worth may shine !reeminent, these Twain have
measured each his !ro!er !ower and might.
The ,ne sudueth the destructive enemy: the ,ther with a few furthereth
many a man.
+ =o troule, no misfortune, Indra)'aruna, no woe from any side assails the
mortal man
Whose sacrifice, , Gods, ye visit and en9oy1 ne;er doth the crafty guile of
mortal in9ure him.
. With your divine !rotection, "eroes, come to us1 mine invncation hear, if
ye e !leased therewith.
-estow ye u!on us, , Indra)'aruna, your friendshi! and your 7inshi! and
your favouring grace.
0 In attle after attle, Indra)'aruna, e ye our >ham!ions, ye who are the
!eo!les; strength,
When oth o!!osing ands invo7e you for the fight, and men that they may
gain offs!ring and !rogeny.
1@ %ay Indra, 'aruna, %itra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great
shelter s!reading far.
We thin7 of the eneficent light of Aditi, and 5avitar;s song of !raise, the
God who strengthens Law.
HYMN *XXXIII. Indra-Varuna.
1. L,,8I=G to you and your alliance, , ye %en, armed with road a$es they
went forward, fain for s!oil.
<e smote and slew his 6asa and his Aryan enemies, and hel!ed 5udas with
favour, Indra)'aruna.
2 Where heroes come together with their anners raised, in the encounter
where is naught for us to love,
Where all things that ehold the light are terrified, there did ye comfort us,
, Indra)'aruna.
# The oundaries of earth were seen all dar7 with dust1 , Indra)'aruna, the
shout went u! to heaven.
The enmities of the !eo!le com!assed me aout. <e heard my calling and ye
came to me with hel!.
& With your resistless wea!ons, Indra)'aruna, ye con?uered -heda and ye
gave 5udas your aid.
<e heard the !rayers of these amid the cries of war1 effectual was the
service of the Trtsus; !riest.
( , Indra)'aruna, the wic7edness of foes and mine assailants; hatred sorely
troule me.
<e Twain are Lords of riches oth of earth and heaven1 so grant to us your
aid on the decisive day.
* The men of oth the hosts invo7ed you in the fight, Indra and 'aruna, that
they might win the wealth,
What time ye hel!ed 5udas, with all the Trtsu fol7, when the Ten 8ings had
!ressed him down in their attac7.
+ Ten 8ings who worshi!!ed not, , Indra)'aruna, confederate, in war
!revailed not o;er 5udas.
True was the oast of heroes sitting at the feast1 so at their invocations
Gods were on their side.
. , Indra)'aruna, ye gave 5udas your aid when the Ten 8ings in attle
com!assed him aout,
There where the white)roed Trtsus with their raided hair, s7illed in song
worshi!!ed you with homage and with hymn.
0 ,ne of you Twain destroys the 'rtras in the fight, the ,ther evermore
maintains his holy Laws.
We call on you, ye %ighty, with our hymns of !raise. 'ouchsafe us your
!rotection, Indra)'aruna.
1@ %ay Indra, 'aruna, %itra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great
shelter s!reading far.
We thin7 of the eneficent light of Aditi, and 5avitar;s song of !raise, the
God who strengthens Law.
HYMN *XXXIV. Indra-Varuna.
1. 8I=G5, Indra)'aruna, I would turn you hither to this our sacrifice with
gifts and homage.
"eld in oth arms the ladle, dro!!ing fatness, goes of itself to you whose
forms are varied.
2 6yaus ?uic7ens and !romotes your high dominion who ind with onds not
wrought of ro!e or cordage.
4ar from us still e 'aruna;s dis!leasure may Indra give us s!acious room to
dwell in.
# %a7e ye our sacrifice fair amid the assemlies1 ma7e ye our !rayers
a!!roved among our !rinces.
%ay God)sent riches come for our !ossession1 further ye us with your
delightful succours.
& , Indra)'aruna, vouchsafe us riches with store of treasure, food, and
every lessing:
4or the Aditya, anisher of falsehood, the "ero, dealeth wealth in oundless
!lenty.
( %ay this my song reach 'aruna and Indra, and, strongly urging, win me
sons and offs!ring.
To the Gods; an?uet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *XXXV. Indra-Varuna.
1. 4,/ you I dec7 a harmless hymn, !resenting the 5oma 9uice to 'aruna and
Indra)
A hymn that shines li7e heavenly 6awn with fatness. %ay they e near us on
the march and guard us.
2 "ere where the arrows fall amid the anners oth hosts invo7e the Gods in
emulation.
, Indra)'aruna, smite ac7 those)our foemen,yea, smite them withyour
shaft to every ?uarter.
# 5elf)lucid in their seats, e;en heavenly Waters endowed with Godhead
'aruna and Indra.
,ne of these holds the fol7 distinct and sundered, the ,ther smites and
slays resistless foemen.
& Wise e the !riest and s7illed in Law 2ternal, who with his sacred gifts and
oration.
-rings you to aid us with your might, Adityas1 let him have viands to
!romote his welfare.
( %ay this my song reach 'aruna and Indra, and, strongly urging, win me
sons and offs!ring.
To the Gods; an?uet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods
with lessings.
HYMN *XXXVI. Varuna.
1. WI52, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed ever,
s!acious heaven and earth asunder:
Who urged the high and mighty s7y to motion, the 5tar of old, and s!read
the earth efore him.
2 With mine own heart I commune on the ?uestion how 'aruna and I may e
united.
What gift of mine will he acce!t unangeredB When may I calmly loo7 and
find him graciousB
# 4ain to 7now this in in I ?uestion others1 I see7 the wise, , 'aruna, and
as7 them.
This one same answer even the sages gave me, K5urely this 'aruna is angry
with thee.K
& What, 'aruna, hath een my chief transgression, ihat thou wouldst slay
the friend who sings thy !raisesB
Tell me, 3ncon?uerale Lord, and ?uic7ly sinless will I a!!roach thee with
mine homage.
( 4ree us from sins committed y our fathers, from those wherein we have
ourselves offended.
, 8ing, loose, li7e a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set
free 'asistha.
* =ot our own will etrayed us, ut seduction, thoughtlessness, 'aruna
wine, dice, or anger.
The old is near to lead astray the younger1 even slee! removeth not all evil)
doing.
+ 5laveli7e may I do service to the -ounteous, serve, free from sin, the God
inclined to anger.
This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the sim!le1 the wiser God leads on the
wise to riches.
. , Lord, , 'aruna, may this laudation come close to thed and lie within thy
s!irit.
%ay it e well with us in rest and laour. Preserve us ever)more, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *XXXVII. Varuna.
1. 'A/3=A cut a !athway out for 5urya, and led the watery floods of rivers
onward.
The %ares, as in a race, s!eed on in order. "e made great channels for the
days to follow.
2 The wind, thy reath, hath sounded through the region li7e a wild east
that see7s his food in !astures.
Within these two, e$alted 2arth and "eaven, , 'aruna, are all the forms
thou lovest.
# 'aruna;s s!ies, sent forth u!on their errand, survey the two world)halves
well formed and fashioned.
Wise are they, holy, s7illed in sacrifices, the furtherers of the !raise)songs of
the !rudent.
& To me who understand hath 'aruna s!o7en, the names orne y the >ow
are three times seven.
The sa!ient God, 7nowing the !lace;s secret, shall s!ea7 as ;twere to teach
the race that cometh.
( ,n him three heavens rest and are su!!orted, and the three earths are
there in si$fold order.
The wise 8ing 'aruna hath made in heaven that Golden 5wing to cover it
with glory.
* Li7e 'aruna from heaven he sin7s in 5indhu, li7e a white)shining s!ar7, a
strong wild creature.
/uling in de!ths and meting out the region, great saving !ower hath he, this
world;s >ontroller.
+ -efore this 'aruna may we e sinless him who shows mercy even to the
sinner)
While we are 7ee!ing Aditi;s ordinances. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *XXXVIII. Varuna.
1. P/252=T to 'aruna thine hymn, 'asistha, right, most delightful to the
-ounteous Giver,
Who ringeth on to us the -ull, the lofty, the "oly, laden with a thousand
treasures.
2 And now, as I am come efore his !resence, I ta7e the face of 'aruna for
Agni;s.
5o might he ring)Lord also of the dar7ness)the light in heaven that I may
see its eautyA
# When 'aruna and I emar7 together and urge our oat into the midst of
ocean,
We, when we ride o;er ridges of the waters, will swing within that swing and
there e ha!!y.
& 'aruna !laced 'asistha in the vessel, and deftly with his niight made him a
/si.
When days shone right the 5age made him a singer, while the heavens
roadened and the 6awns were lengthened.
( What hath ecome of those our ancient friendshi!s, when without enmity
we wal7ed togetherB
I, 'aruna, thou glorious Lord, have entered thy lofty home, thine house with
thousand !ortals.
* If he, thy true ally, hath sinned against thee, still, 'aruna, he is the friend
thou lovedst.
Let us not, Living ,ne, as sinners I 7now thee1 give shelter, as a 5age, to him
who lauds thee.
+ While we aide in these fi$ed haitations, and from the la! of Aditi win
favour,
%ay 'aruna untie the ond that inds us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN *XXXIX Varuna.
1. L2T me not yet, 8ing 'aruna, enter into the house of clay1
"ave mercy, s!are me, %ighty Lord.
2 When, ThundererA I move along tremulous li7e a wind)lown s7in,
# , -right and Powerful God, through want of strength I erred and went
astray
& Thirst found thy worshi!!er though he stood in the midst of water)fi9ods1
( , 'aruna, whatever the offence may e which we as men commit against
the heavenly host,
When through our want of thought we violate thy laws, !unish us not, ,
God, for that ini?uity.
HYMN X.. Vayu.
1. To you !ure 9uice, rich in meath, are offered y !riest1 through longing
for the Pair of "eroes.
6rive, 'ayu, ring thine harnessed horses hither1 drin7 the !ressed 5oma till
it ma7e thee 9oyful.
2 Whoso to thee, the %ighty, rings olation, !ure 5oma unto thee, !ure)
drin7ing 'ayu,
That man thou ma7est famous among mortals1 to him strong sons are orn in
?uic7 succession.
# The God whom oth these worlds rought forth for riches, whom heavenly
6hisana for our wealth a!!ointeth,
"is team of harnessed horses waits on 'ayu, and, foremost, on the radiant
Treasure)earer.
& The s!otless 6awns with fair right days have ro7en: they found the
s!acious light when they were shining.
2agerly they disclosed the stall of cattle1 floods streamed for them as in the
days aforetime.
( These with their truthful s!irit, shining rightly, move on !rovided with
their natural insight.
'iands attend the car that eareth "eroes, your car, ye 5ovran Pair, Indra
and 'ayu.
* %ay these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts of 7ine and
horses, gold and treasures.
These !rinces, through full life, Indra and 'ayuA o;ercome in attle with
their steeds and heroes.
+ Li7e coursers see7ing fame will we 'asisthas, , Indra)'ayu, with our fair
laudations.
2$erting all our !ower call you to aid us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN X.I. Vayu.
1. W2/2 not in sooth, the Gods aforetime lameless, whose !leasure was
increased y adorationB
4or 'ayu and for man in his affliction they caused the %orning to arise with
5urya.
2 Guardians infallile, eager as envoys; !reserve us safe through many
months and autumns.
Addressed to you, our fair !raise, Indra)'ayu, im!lores your favour and
renewed well)eing.
# Wise, right, arranger of his teams, he. see7eth men with rich food whose
treasures are aundant.
They have arranged them of one mind with 'ayu1 the men have wrought all
nole o!erations.
& 5o far as native !ower and strength !ermit you, so far as men ehold
whose eyes have vision,
, ye !ure)drin7ers, drin7 with us !ure 5oma1 sit on this sacred grass, Indra
and 'ayu.
( 6riving down teams that ear the lovely "eroes, hitherward, Indra)'ayu,
come together.
To you this !rime of savoury 9uice is offered1 here loose your horses and e
friendly)minded.
* <our hundred and your thousand teams, , Indra and 'ayu, all)munificent,
which attend you,
With these most gracious)minded come ye hither, and drin7, , "eroes of the
meath we offer.
+ Li7e coursers see7ing fame will we 'asisthas, , Indra)'ayu, with our fair
laudations,
2$erting all our !owe),, call you to aid us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN X.II. Vayu
1. , 'A<3, drin7er of the !ure, e near us1 a thousand teams are thine,
Allounteous Giver.
To thee the ra!ture)ringing 9uice is offered, whose first draught, God, thou
ta7est as thy !ortion.
2 Prom!t at the holy rites forth came the !resser with 5oma)draughts for
Indra and for 'ayu,
When ministering !riests with strong devotion ring to you Twain the first
taste of the 5oma.
# The teams wherewith thou see7est him who offers, within his home, ,
'iyu, to direct him,
Therewith send wealth1 to us with full en9oyment, a hero son and gifts of
7ine and horses.
& =ear to the Gods and ma7ing Indra 9oyful, devout and of4ering !recious
gifts to 'ayu,
Allied with !rinces, smiting down the hostile, may we with heroes con?uer
foes in attle.
( With thy yo7ed teams in hundreds and in thousands come to our sacrifice
and solemn worshi!.
>ome, 'ayu, ma7e thee glad at this liation. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN X.III. Indra-Agni.
1. 5LA<2/5 of enemies, Indra and Agni, acce!t this day our new)orn !ure
laudation.
Again, again I call you !rom!t to listen, est to give ?uic7ly strength to him
who craves it.
2 4or ye were strong to gain, e$ceeding mighty, growing together, wa$ing in
your vigour.
Lords of the !asture filled with am!le riches, estow u!on us strength oth
fresh and lasting.
# <ea when the strong have entered our assemly, and singers see7ing with
their hymns your favour,
They are li7e steeds who come into the race)course, those men who call
aloud on Indra)Agni.
& The singer, see7ing with his hymns your favour, egs s!lendid riches of
their first !ossessor.
4urther us with new ounties, Indra)Agni, armed with strong thunder,
slayers of the foeman.
( When two great hosts, arrayed against each other, meet clothed with
rightness, in the fierce encounter
5tand ye eside the godly, smite the godless: and still assist the men who
!ress the 5oma.
* To this our 5oma)!ressing, Indra)Agni, come ye !re!ared to show your
loving)7indness,
4or not at any time have ye des!ised us. 5o may I draw you with all
strengthenings hither.
+ 5o Agni, 7indled mid this adoration, invite thou %itra, 'aruna, and Indra.
4orgive whatever sin we have committed may Aryaman and Aditi remove it.
. While we accelerate these our sacrifices, may we win strength from oth
of you, , Agni1
=e;er may the %aruts, Indra, 'isnu slight us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN X.IV. Indra-Agni.
1. As rain from out the cloud, for you, Indra and Agni, from my soul
This nolest !raise hath een !roduced.
2 6o ye, , Indra)Agni, hear the singer;s call1 acce!t his songs.
<e /ulers, grant his heart;s desire.
# Give us not u! to !overty, ye "eroes, Indra)Agni, nor
To slander and re!roach of men.
& To Indra and to Agni we ring reverence, high and holy hymn,
And, craving hel!, softwords with !rayer.
( 4or all these holy singers here im!lore these Twain to succour them,
And !riests that they may win them strength.
* 2ager to laudyou, we with songs invo7e you, earing sacred food,
4ain for success in sacrifice.
+ Indra and Agni, come to us with favour, ye who con?uer men1
Let not the wic7ed master us.
. At no time let the in9urious low of hostile mortal fall on us1
, Indra)Agni, shelter us.
0 Whatever wealth we crave of you, in gold, in cattle, or in steeds,
That, Indra)Agni, let us gain:
1@ When heroes !rom!t in worshi! call Indra and Agni, Lords of steeds,
-eside the 5oma 9uice effused.
11 >all hither with the song and lauds those who est slay the foemen,
those
Who ta7e delight in hymns of !raise.
12 5lay ye the wic7ed man whose thought is evil of the demon 7ind.
5lay him who stays the waters, slay the 5er!ent with your deadly dart.
HYMN X.V. Sarasva&i.
1. T"I5 stream 5arasvati with fostering current comes forth, our sure
defence, our fort of iron.
As on a car, the flood flows on, sur!assing in ma9esty and might all other
waters.
2 Pure in her course from mountains to the ocean, alone of streams
5arasvati hath listened.
Thin7ing of wealth and the great world of creatures, she !oured for =ahusa
her mil7 and fatness.
# 4riendly to man he grew among the women, a strong young 5teer amid the
"oly Ladies.
"e gives the fleet steed to our wealthy !rinces, and dec7s their odies for
success in attle.
& %ay this 5arasvati e !leased and listen at this our sacrifice, aus!icious
Lady,
When we with reverence, on our 7nees, im!lore her close)7nit to wealth,
most 7ind to those she loveth.
( These offerings have ye made with adoration1 say this, 5arasvati, and
acce!t our !raises:
And, !lacing us under thy dear !rotection, may we a!!roach thee, as a tree,
for shelter.
* 4or thee, , -lest 5arasvati, 'asistha hath here unarred the doors d
sacred ,rder.
Wa$, -right ,ne, and give strength to him who lauds thee. Preserve us
HYMN X.VI. Sarasva&i.
1. I 5I=G a lofty song, for she is mightiest, most divine of 5treams.
5arasvati will I e$alt with hymns and lauds, and, , 'asistha, "eaven and
2arth.
2 When in the fulness of their strength the Purus dwell, -eauteous ,ne, on
thy two grassy an7s,
4avour us thou who hast the %aruts for thy friends1 stir u! the ounty of our
chiefs.
# 5o may 5arasvati aus!icious send good luc7: she, rich in s!oil, is never
niggardly in thought,
When !raised in 9amadagni;s way and lauded as 'asistha lauds.
& We call u!on 5arasvan, as unmarried men who long for wives,
As lieral men who yearn for sons.
( -e thou our 7ind !rotector, , 5arasvan, with those waves of thine
Laden with sweets and dro!!ing oil.
* %ay we en9oy 5arasvan;s reast, all)eautiful, that swells with streams,
%ay we gain food and !rogeny.
HYMN X.VI* Br#as%a&i.
1. W"2/2 "eaven and 2arth comine in men;s assemly, and ttose who love
the Gods delight in worshi!,
Where the liations are effused for Indra, may he come first to drin7 and
ma7e him stronger.
2 We crave the heavenly grace of Gods to guard us)so may -rhas!ati, ,
friends, e$alt us)
That he, the -ounteous God, may find us sintess, who giveth from a distance
li7e a father.
# That -rahmanas!ati, most "igh and Gracious, I glorify with offerings and
with homage.
%ay the great song of !raise divine, reach Indra who is the 8ing of !rayer
the Gods; creation.
& %ay that -rhas!ati who rings all lessings, most dearly loved, e seated
y our altar.
"eroes and wealth we crave: may he estow them, and ear us safe eyond
the men who ve$ us.
( To us these 6eathless ,nes, erst orn, have granted this laud of ours which
gives the Immortal !leasure.
Let us invo7e -rhas!ati, the foeless, the clear)voiced God, the "oly ,ne of
households
* "im, this -rhas!ati, his red)hued horses, drawing together, full of
strength, ring hither.
/oed in red colour li7e the cloud, they carry the Lord of %ight whose
friendshi! gives a dwelling.
+ 4or he is !ure, with hundred wings, refulgent, with sword of gold,
im!etuous, winning sunlight.
5ulime -rhas!ati, easy of access granteth his friends most ountiful
refreshment.
. -oth "eaven and 2arth, divine, the 6eity;s Parents, have made -rhas!ati
increase in grandeur.
Glorify him, , friends, who merits glory1 may he give !rayer fair way and
easy !assage.
0 This, -rahmanas!ati, is your laudation !rayer hath een made to
thunderwielding Indra.
4avour our songs, wa7e u! our thought and s!irit1 destroy the godless and
our foemen;s malice.
1@ <e Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, , -rhas!ati, and
thou, , Indra.
%ean though he e, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us
HYMN X.VIII. Indra.
1. P/I25T5, offer to the Lord of all the !eo!le the mil7ed)out stal7 of 5oma,
radiant)coloured.
=o wild)ull 7nows his drin7ing)!lace li7e Indra who ever see7s him who
hath !ressed the 5oma,
2 Thou dost desire to drin7, each day that !asses, the !leasant food which
thou hast had aforetime,
, Indra, gratified in heart and s!irit, drin7 eagerly the 5oma set efore
thee.
# Thou, newly)orn, for strength didst drin7 the 5oma: the %other told thee
of thy future greatness.
, Indra, thou hast filled mid)air;s wide region, and given the Gods y attle
room and freedom.
& When thou hast urged the arrocrant to comat, !roud in their strength of
arm, we will sudue them.
,r, Indra, when thou fightest girt y heroes, we in the glorious fray with
thee will con?uer.
( I will declare the earliest deeds of Indra, and recent acts which %aghavan
hath accom!lished.
When he had con?uered godless wiles and magic, 5oma ecame his own
entire !ossession.
* Thine is this world of floc7s and herds around thee, which with the eye of
5urya thou eholdest.
Thou, Indra, art alone the Lord of cattle: may we en9oy the treasure which
thou givest.
+ <e Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, , -rhas!ati, and
thou, , Indra.
%ean though he e, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us
HYMN X.IX. Visnu.
1. %2= come not nigh thy ma9esty who growest eyond all ound and
measure with thy ody.
-oth thy two regions of the earth, , 'isnu, we 7now1 thou God, 7nowest the
highest also.
2 =one who is orn or eing orn, God 'isnu, hath reached the utmost limit
of thy grandeur.
The vast high vault of heaven hast thou su!!orted, and fi$ed earth;s eastern
!innacle securely.
# /ich in sweet food e ye, and rich in milch)7ine, with fertile !astures, fain
to do men service.
-oth these worlds, 'isnu, hast thou stayed asunder, and firmly fi$ed the
earth with !egs around it.
& <e have made s!acious room for sacrificing y generating 5urya, 6awn,
and Agni.
, "eroes, ye have con?uered in your attles even the ull)9awed 6asa;s
wiles and magic.
( <e have destroyed, thou, Indra, and thou 'isnu, 5amara;s nine)and)ninety
fenced castles.
<e Twain smote down a hundred times a thousand resistless heroes of the
royal 'arcin.
* This is the lofty hymn of !raise, e$alting the Lords of %ighty 5tride, the
strong and lofty.
I laud you in the solemn synods, 'isnu1 !our ye food on us in our cam!s, ,
Indra.
+ , 'isnu, unto thee my li!s cry 'asatA Let this mine offering, 5i!ivista,
!lease thee.
%ay these my songs of eulogy e$alt thee. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN .. Visnu.
1 =2;2/ doth the man re!ent, who, see7ing !rofit, ringeth his gift to the
far)striding 'isnu.
"e who adoreth him with all his s!irit winneth himself so great a enefactor.
2 Thou, 'isnu, constant in thy courses, gavest good)will to all men, and a
hymn that lasteth,
That thou mightst move us to aundant comfort of very s!lendid wealth
with store of horses.
# Three times strode forth this God in all his grandeur over this earth right
with a hundred s!lendours.
4oremost e 'isnu, stronger than the strongest1 for glorious is his name who
lives for ever.
& ,ver this earth with mighty ste! strode 'isnu, ready to give it for a home
to %anu.
In him the humle !eo!le trust for safety1 he, noly orn, hath made them
s!acious dwellings.
( To)day I laud this name, , gi!ivista, I, s7illed in rules, the name of thee
the =ole.
<ea, I the !oor and wea7 !raise thee the %ighty who dwellest in the realm
eyond this region.
* What was there to e lamed in thee, , 'isnu, when thou declaredst, I am
5i!ivistaB
"ide not this form from us, nor 7ee! it secret, since thou didst wear another
sha!e in attle.
+ , 'isnu, unto thee my li!s cry 'asatA Let this mine offering, 5i!ivista,
!lease thee.
%ay these my songs of eulogy e$alt thee. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods,
with lessings.
HYMN .I. +ar2anya.
1 5P2A8 forth three words, the words which light !recedeth, which mil7 this
udder that !roduceth nectar.
Euic7ly made manifest, the -ull hath ellowed, engendering the germ of
!lants, the Infant.
2 Giver of growth to !lants, the God who ruleth over the waters and all
moving creatures,
'ouchsafe us tri!le shelter for our refuge, and threefold light to succour and
efriend us.
# =ow he is sterile, now egetteth offs!ring, even as he willeth doth he
change his figure.
The 4ather;s genial flow edews the %other: therewith the 5ire, therewith
the son is nourished.
& In him all living creatures have their eing, and the three heavens with
tri!lyflowing waters.
Three reservoirs that s!rin7le down their treasure shed their sweet streams
around him with a murmur.
( %ay this my song to 5ovran Lord Par9anya come near unto his heart and
give him !leasure.
%ay we otain the showers that ring en9oyment, and God)!rotected !lants
with goodly fruitage.
* "e is the -ull of all, and their im!regner lie holds the life of all things
fi$ed and moving.
%ay this rite save me till my hundredth autumn. Preserve us evermore, ye
HYMN .II +ar2anya.
1 5I=G forth and laud Par9anya, son of "eaven, who sends the gift of rain
%ay he !rovide our !asturage.
2 Par9anya is the God who forms in 7ine, in mares, in !lants of earth,
And woman7ind, the germ of life.
# ,ffer and !our into his mouth olation rich in savoury 9uice1
%ay he for ever give us food.
HYMN .III. Fr/gs.
1. T"2< who lay ?uiet for a year, the -rahmans who fulfil their vows,
The 4rogs have lifted u! their voice, the voice Par9anya hath ins!ired.
2 What time on these, as on a dry s7in lying in the !ool;s ed, the floods of
heaven descended,
The music of the 4rogs comes forth in concert li7e the cows lowing with
their calves eside them.
# When at the coming of the /ains the water has !oured u!on them as they
yearned and thirsted,
,ne see7s another as he tal7s and greets him with cries of !leasure as a son
his father.
& 2ach of these twain receives the other 7indly, while they are revelling in
the flow of waters,
When the 4rog moistened y the rain s!rings forward, and Green and 5!otty
oth comine their voices.
( When one of these re!eats the other;s language, as he who learns the
lesson of the teacher,
<our every lim seems to e growing larger as ye converse with elo?uence
on the waters.
* ,nc is >ow)ellow and Goat)leat the other, one 4rog is Green and one of
them is 5!otty.
They ear one common name, and yet they vary, and, tal7ing, modulate the
voice diversely.
+ As -rahmans, sitting round the rimful vessel, tal7 at the 5oma)rite of
Atiratra,
5o, 4rogs, ye gather round the !ool to honour this day of all the year, the
first of /ain)time.
. These -rahmans with the 5oma 9uice, !erforming their year)long rite,
have lifted u! their voices:
And these Adhvaryus, sweating with their 7ettles, come forth and show
themselves, and none are hidden.
0 They 7ee! the twelve month;s God)a!!ointed order, and never do the men
neglect the season.
5oon as the /ain)time in the year returneth, these who were heated 7ettles
gain their freedom.
1@ >ow)ellow and Goat)leat have granted riches, and Green and 5!otty
have vouchsafed us treasure.
The 4rogs who give us cows in hundreds lengthen our lives in this most
fertiliCing season.
HYMN .IV. Indra-S/$a.
1. I=6/A and 5oma, urn, destroy the demon foe, send downward, , ye
-ulls, those who add gloom to gloom.
Annihilate the fools, slay them and urn them u!1 chase them away from us,
!ierce the voracious ones.
2 Indra and 5oma, let sin round the wic7ed oil li7e as a caldron set amid
the flames of fire.
Against the foe of !rayer, devourer of raw flesh, the vile fiend fierce of eye,
7ee! ye !er!etual hate.
# Indra and 5oma, !lunge the wic7ed in the de!th, yea, cast them into
dar7ness that hath no su!!ort,
5o that not one of them may ever thence return1 so may your wrathful
might !revail and con?uer them.
& Indra and 5oma, hurl your deadly crushing olt down on the wic7ed fiend
from heaven and from the earth.
<ea, forge out of the mountains your celestial dart wherewith ye urn to
death the wa$ing demon race.
( Indra and 5oma, cast ye downward out of heaven your deadly darts of
stone urning with fiery flame,
2ternal, scorching darts: !lunge the voracious ones within the de!th, and
let them sin7 without a sound.
* Indra and 5oma, let this hymn control you oth, even as the girth
encom!asses two vigorous steeds)
The song of !raise which I with wisdom offer you1 do ye, as Lords of men,
animate these my !rayers.
+ In your im!etuous manner thin7 ye oth thereon1 destroy these evil
eings, slay the treacherous fiends.
Indra and 5oma, let the wic7ed have no liss who evermore assails us with
malignity.
. Whoso accuses me with words of falsehood when I !ursue my way with
guileless s!irit,
%ay he, the s!ea7er of untruth, e, Indra, li7e water which the hollowed
hand com!resses.
0 Those who destroy, as is their wont, the sim!le, and with their evil
natures arm the righteous,
%ay 5oma give them over to the ser!ent, or to the la! of =irrti consign
them.
1@ The fiend, , Agni, who designs to in9ure the essence of our food, 7ine,
steeds, or odies,
%ay he, the adversary, thief, and roer, sin7 to destruction, oth himself
and offi!ring.
11 %ay he e swe!t away, himself and children1 may all the three earths
!ress him down eneath them.
%ay his fair glory, , ye Gods, e lighted, who in the day or night would fain
destroy us.
12 The !rudent finds it easy to distinguish the true and false1 their words
o!!ose each other.
,f these two that which is the true and honest, 5oma !rotects, and rings
the false to nothing.
1# =ever doth 5oma aid and guide the wic7ed or him who falsely claims the
Warrior;s title.
"e slays the fiend and him who s!ea7s untruly1 oth lie entangled in the
noose of Indra.
1& As if I worshi!!ed deities of falsehood, or thought vain thoughts aout
the Gods, , Agni.
Why art thou angry with us, DatavedasB 6estruction fall on those who lie
against theeA
1( 5o may I die this day if I have harassed any man;s life or if I e a demon.
<ea, may he lose all his ten sons together who with false tongue hath called
me <atudhana.
1* %ay Indra slay him with a mi wea!on, and let the vilest ofghty
all creatures !erish,
The fiend who says that he is !ure, who calls me a demon though devoid of
demon nature.
1+ 5he too who wanders li7e an owl at night)time, hiding her ody in her
guile and malice,
%ay she fall downward into endless caverns. %ay !ress)stones with loud ring
destroy the demons.
1. 5!read out, ye %aruts, search among the !eo!le1 seiCe ye and grind the
/a7sasas to !ieces,
Who fly aroad, transformed to irds, at night)time, or sully and !ollute our
holy worshi!.
10 "url down from heaven thy olt of stone, , Indra1 shar!en it, %aghavan,
made 7een y 5oma.
4orward, ehind, and from aove and under, smite down the demons with
thy roc7y wea!on.
2@ They fly, the demon dogs, and, ent on mischief, fain would they harm
indomitale Indra.
5a7ra ma7es shar! his wea!on for the wic7ed1 now, let him cast his olt at
fiendish wiCards.
21 Indra hath ever een the fiends; destroyer who s!oil olations of the
Gods; invo7ers1
<ea, 5a7ra, li7e an a$e that s!ilts the timer, attac7s and smashes them li7e
earthen vessels.
22 6estroy the fiend sha!ed li7e an owl or owlet, destroy him in the form of
dog or cuc7oo.
6estroy him sha!ed as eagle or as vulture as with a stone, , Indra, crush the
demon.
2# Let not the fiend of witchcraft)wor7ers reach us1 may 6awn drive off the
cou!les of 8imidins.
2arth 7ee! us safe from earthly woe and troule1 from grief that comes
from heaven mid)air !reserve us.
2& 5lay the male demon, IndraA slay the female, 9oying and trium!hing in
arts of magic.
Let the fools; gods with ent nec7s fall and !erish, and see no more the 5un
when he arises.
2( Loo7 each one hither, loo7 around Indra and 5oma, watch ye well.
>ast forth your wea!on at the fiends against the sorcerers hurt your olt.
RIG VEDA - THE EIGHTH BOOK
HYMN I. Indra.
1. GL,/I4< naught esides, , friends: so shall no sorrow troule you.
Praise only mighty Indra when the 9uice is shed, and say your lauds
re!eatedly1
2 2ven him, eternal, li7e a ull who rushes down, men;s >on?ueror,
ounteous li7e a cow:
"im who is cause of oth, of enmity and !eace, to oth sides most
munificent.
# Although these men in sundry ways invo7e thee to otain thine aid,
-e this our !rayer, addressed, , Indra, unto thee, thine e$altation every
day.
& Those s7illed in song, , %aghavan among these men o;ercome with might
the foeman;s songs.
>ome hither, ring us strength in many a varied form most near that it may
succour us.
( , >aster of the 5tone, I would not sell thee for a mighty !rice,
=ot for a thousand, ThundererA nor ten thousand, nor a hundred, Lord of
countless wealthA
* , Indra, thou art more to me than sire or niggard rother is.
Thou and my mother, , Good Lord, a!!ear ali7e, to give me wealth
aundantly.
+ Where art thouB Whither art thou goneB 4or many a !lace attracts thy
mind.
"aste, Warrior, 4ort)destroyer, Lord of attle;s din, haste, holy songs have
sounded forth.
. 5ing out the !salm to him who rea7s down castles for his faithful friend,
'erses to ring the Thunderer to destroy the forts and sit on 8anva;s sacred
grass.
0 The "orses which are thine in tens, in hundreds, yea, in thousands thine,
2ven those vigorous 5teeds, fleet)footed in the course, with those come
?uic7ly near to us.
1@ This day I call 5aardugiha who animates the holy song,
Indra the richly)yielding %ilch)cow who !rovides unfailing food in am!le
stream.
11 When 5ura wounded 2tasa, with 'ata;s rolling winged car.
Indra ore 8utsa Ar9uneya off, and moc7ed Gandharva. the uncon?uered
,ne.
12 "e without ligature, efore ma7ing incision in the nec7,
>losed u! the wound again, most wealthy %aghavan, who ma7eth whole the
in9ured !art.
1# %ay we e never cast aside, and strangers, as it were, to thee.
We, Thunder)wielding Indra, count ourselves as trees re9ected and unfit to
um.
1& , 'rtra)slayer, we were thought slow and unready for the fray.
<et once in thy great ounty may we have delight, , "ero, after !raising
thee.
1( If he will listen to my laud, then may out 5oma)dro!s that flow
/a!idly through the strainer gladden Indra, dro!s due to the Tugryas;
5trengthener.
1* >ome now unto the common laud of thee and of thy faithful friend.
5o may our wealthy noles; !raise give 9oy to thee. 4ain would I sing thine
eulogy.
1+ Press out the 5oma with the stones, and in the waters wash it clean.
The men investing it with raiment made of mil7 shall mil7 it forth from out
the stems.
1. Whether thou come from earth or from the lustre of the lofty heaven,
Wa$ stronger in thy ody through my song of !raise1 fill full all creatures, ,
most Wise.
10 4or India !ress the 5oma out, most gladdening and most e$cellent.
%ay 5a7ra ma7e it swell sent forth with every !rayer and as7ing, as it were,
for strength.
2@ Let me not, still eseeching thee with earnest song at 5oma rites,
Anger thee li7e soma wild east. Who would not eseech him who hath
!ower to grant his !rayerB
21 The draught made swift with ra!turous 9oy, effectual with its mighty
strength,
All)con?uering, distilling trans!ort, let him drin71 for he in ecstasy gives us
gifts.
22 Where liss is not, may he, All)!raised, God whom the !ious glorify,
-estow great wealth u!on the mortal worshi!!er who sheds the 9uice and
!raises him.
2# >ome, Indra, and re9oice thyself, , God, in manifold affluence.
Thou fillest li7e a la7e thy vast ca!acious ul7 with 5oma and with draughts
esides.
2& A thousand and a hundred 5teeds are harnessed to thy golden car.
5o may the long)mancd -ays, yo7ed y devotion, ring Indra to drin7 the
5oma 9uice.
2( <o7ed to thy chariot wrought of gold, may thy two -ays with !eacoc7
tails,
>onvey thee hither, 5teeds with their white ac7s, to ?uaff sweet 9uice that
ma7es us elo?uent.
2* 5o drin7, thou Lover of the 5ong, as the first drin7er, of this 9uice.
This the out!ouring of the savoury sa! !re!ared is good and meet to
gladden thee.
2+ "e who alone y wondrous deed is %ighty, 5trong y holy wor7s,
%ay he come, fair of chee7: may he not stay afar, ut come and turn not
from our call.
2. 5usna;s ?uic7 moving castle thou hast crushed to !ieces with thy olts.
Thou, Indra, from of old, hast followed after light, since we have had thee
to invo7e.
20 %y !raises when the 5un hath risen, my !raises at the time of noon,
%y !raises at the coming of the gloom of night, , 'asu, have gone forth to
thee.
#@ Praise yea, !raise him. ,f !rinces these are the most lieral of their
gifts,
These, Parama9ya, =inditasva, Pra!athi, most ounteous, , %edhyatithi.
#1 When to the car, y faith, I yo7ed the horses longing for the way)
4or s7illed is <adu;s son in dealing !recious wealth, he who is rich in herds of
7ine.
#2 %ay he who gave me two rown steeds together with their cloths of gold,
%ay he, Asanga;s son 5vanadratha, otain all 9oy and high felicities.
## Playoga;s son Asanga, y ten thousand, , Agni, hath sur!assed the rest in
giving.
4or me ten right)hued o$en have come forward li7e lotus)stal7s from out a
la7e u!standing.
#& What time her husand;s !erfect restoration to his lost strength and
manhood was a!!arent,
"is consort 5asvati with 9oy addressed him, =ow art thou well, my lord, and
shalt e ha!!y.
HYMN II. Indra.
1. "2/2 is the 5oma 9uice e$!ressed: , 'asu, drin7 till thou art full1
3ndaunted God, we give it thee.
2 Washed y the men, !ressed out with stones, strained through the filter
made of wool,
;Tis li7e a courser athed in stream.
# This 9uice have we made sweet for thee li7e arley, lending it with mil7.
Indra, I call thee to our feast.
& -eloved of all, Indra alone drin7s u! the flowing 5oma 9uice
Among the Gods andmortal men.
( The 4riend, whom not the rilliant)hued, the adly)mi$t or itter draught,
/e!els, the far)e$tending God:
* While other men than we with mil7 chase him as hunters chase a deer,
And with their 7ine inveigle him.
+ 4or him, for Indra, for the God, e !ressed three draughts of 5oma 9uice
In the 9uice)drin7er;s own aode.
. Three reservoirs e$ude their dro!s, filled are three ea7ers to the rim,
All for one offering to the God.
0 Pure art thou, set in many a !lace, and lended in the midst with mil7
And curd, to cheer the "ero est.
1@ "ere, Indra, are thy 5oma)draughts !ressed out y us, the strong, the
!ure1
They crave admi$ture of the mil7.
11 , Indra, !our in mil7, !re!are the ca7e, and mi$ the 5oma)draught.
I hear them say that thou art rich.
12 Euaffed 9uices fight within the reast. The drun7en !raise not y their
wine,
The na7ed !raise not when it rains.
1# /ich e the !raiser of one rich, munificent and famed li7e thee1
"igh ran7 e his, , Lord of -ays.
1& 4oe of the man who adds no mil7, he heeds not any chanted hymn
,r holy !salm that may he sung.
1( Give us not, Indra, as a !rey unto the scornful or the !roud1
"el!, %ighty ,ne, with !ower and might.
1* This, even this, , Indra, we im!lore. as thy devoted friends,
The 8anvas !raise thee with their hymns.
1+ =aught else, , Thunderer, have I !raised in the s7illed singer;s eulogy1
,n thy land only have I thought.
1. The Gods see7 him who !resses out the 5oma: they desire not slee!
They !unish sloth unweariedly.
10 >ome hither swift with gifts of wealth ) e not thou angry with us)li7e
A great man with a youthful ride.
2@ Let him not, wrathful with us, s!end the evening far from us to)day,
Li7e some un!leasant son)in)law.
21 4or well we 7now this "ero;s love, most lieral of the oons he gives,
"is !lans whom the three worlds dis!lay.
22 Pour forth the gift which 8anvas ring, for none more glorious do we
7now
Than the 5trong Lord with countless aids.
2# , !resser, offer 5oma first to Indra, "ero, 5a7ra, him
The 4riend of man, that he may drin7:
2& Who, in untrouled ways, is est !rovider, for his worshi!!ers.
,f strength in horses and in 7ine.
2( Pressers, for him lend 5oma 9uice, each draught most e$cellent, for him
The -rave, the "ero, for his 9oy.
2* The 'rtra)slayer drin7s the 9uice. %ay he who gives a hundred aids
A!!roach, nor stay afar from us.
2+ %ay the strong -ay 5teeds, yo7ed y !rayer, ring hither unto us our
4riend,
Lover of 5ong, renowned y songs.
2. 5weet are the 5oma 9uices, comeA -lent are the 5oma 9uices, comeA
/si)li7e, mighty, fair of chee7, come hither ?uic7ly to the feast.
20 And lauds which strengthen thee for great ounty and valour, and e$alt
Indra who doeth glorious deeds,
#@ And songs to thee who lovest song, and all those hymns addressed to
thee)
These evermore confirm thy might.
#1 Thus he, sole doer of great deeds whose hand holds thunder, gives us
strength,
"e who hath never een sudued.
#2 'rtra he slays with his right hand, even Indra, great with mighty !ower,
And much)invo7ed in many a !lace.
## "e u!on whom all men de!end, all regions, all achievements, he
Ta7es !leasure in our wealthy chiefs.
#& All this hath he accom!lished, yea, Indra, most gloriously renowned,
Who gives our wealthy !rinces strength.
#( Who drives his chariot see7ing s!oil, from afar, to him he loves1
4or swift is he to ring men wealth.
#* The 5age who, winning s!oil with steeds, slays 'rtra, "ero with the men,
"is servant;s faithful succourer.
#+ , Priyamedhas, worshi! with collected mind this Indra whom
The 5oma hath full well ins!ired.
#. <e 8anvas, sing the %ighty ,ne, Lord of the -rave, who loves renown,
All)!resent, glorified y song.
#0 5trong 4riend, who, with no trace of feet, restores the cattle to the men,
Who rest their wish and ho!e on him.
&@ 5ha!ed as a /am, 5tone)hurler I once thou camest hither to the son
,f 8anva, wise %edhyatithi.
&1 'ihindu, thou hast hel!ed this man, giving him thousands four times
ten,
And afterward eight thousand more.
&2 And these twain !ouring streams of mil7, creative, daughters of delight,
4or wedloc7 sa7e I glorify.
HYMN III. Indra.
1. 6/I=8, Indra, of the savoury 9uice, and cheer thee with our mil7y
draught.
-e, for our weal, our 4riend and sharer of the feast, and let thy wisdom
guard us well.
2 In thy 7ind grace and favour may we still e strong1 e$!ose us not to foe;s
attac7.
With manifold assistance guard and succour us, and ring us to felicity.
# %ay these my songs of !raise e$alt thee, Lord, who hast aundant wealth.
%en s7illed in holy hymns, !ure, with the hues of fire, have sung them with
their lauds to thee.
& "e, with his might enhanced y /sis thousandfold, hath li7e an ocean
s!read himself.
"is ma9esty is !raised as true at solemn rites, his !ower where holy singers
rule.
( Indra for worshi! of the Gods, Indra while sacrifice !roceeds,
Indra, as worshi!!ers in attle)shoc7, we call, Indra that we may win the
s!oil.
* With might hath Indra s!read out heaven and earth, with !ower hath Indra
lighted u! the 5un.
In Indra are all creatures closely held: in him meet the distilling 5oma)
dro!s.
+ %en with their lauds are urging thee, Indra, to drin7 the 5oma first.
The /hus in accord have lifted u! their voice, and /udras sung thee as the
first.
. Indra increased his manly strength at sacrifice, in the wild ra!ture of this
9uice.
And living men to)day, even as of old, sing forth their !raises to his ma9esty.
0 I crave of thee that hero strength, that thou mayst first regard this !rayer,
Wherewith thou hol!est -hrgu and the <atis and Pras7anva when the !riCe
was sta7ed.
1@ Wherewith thou sentest mighty waters to the sea, that, Indra, is thy
manly strength.
4or ever unattainale is this !ower of him to whom the worlds have cried
aloud.
11 "el! us, , Indra, when we !ray to thee for wealth and hero might.
4irst hel! thou on to strength the man who strives to win, and aid our laud,
, Ancient ,ne.
12 "el! for us, Indra, as thou hol!est Paura once, this man;s devotions ent
on gain.
"el!, as thou gavest /ugama and 5yava7a and 5varnara and 8r!a aid.
1# What newest of im!loring !rayers shall, then, the Cealous mortal singB
4or have not they who laud his might, and Indra)!ower won for themselves
the light of heavenB
1& When shall they 7ee! the Law and !raise thee mid the GodsB Who counts
as /si and as sageB
When ever wilt thou, Indra %aghavan, come nigh to !resser;s or to !raiser;s
callB
1( These songs of ours e$ceeding sweet, these hymns of !raise ascend to
thee,
Li7e ever)con?uering chariots that dis!lay their strength, gain wealth, and
give unfailing aid.
1* The -hrgus are li7e 5uns, li7e 8anvas, and have gained all that their
thoughts were ent u!on.
The living men of Priyamedha;s race have sung e$alting Indra with their
lauds.
1+ -est slayer of the 'rtras, yo7e thy -ay 5teeds, Indra, from afar.
>ome with the "igh ,nes hither, %aghavan, to us, %ighty, to drin7 the 5oma
9uice.
1. 4or these, the ards and singers, have cried out to thee with !rayer, to
gain the sacrifice.
As such, , %aghavan, Indra, who lovest song, even as a lover ear my call.
10 Thou from the lofty !lains aove, , Indra, hurledst 'rtra down.
Thou dravest forth the 7ine of guileful %rgaya and Aruda from the
mountain;s hold.
2@ -right were the flaming fires, the 5un gave forth his shine, and 5oma,
Indra;s 9uice, shone clear.
Indra, thou lewest the great 6ragon from the air ). men must regard that
valorous deed.
21 The fairest courser of them all, who runneth on as ;twere to heaven.
Which Indra and the %aruts gave, and Pa7asthaman 8aurayan.
22 To me hath Pa7asthaman given, a ruddy horse,good at the !ole,
4illing is girth and rousing wealth:
2# >om!ared with whom no other ten strong coursers, harnessed to the
!ole,
-ear Tugrya to his dwelling !lace.
2& /aiment is ody, food is life, and healing ointment giveth strength.
As the free)handed giver of the ruddy steed, I have named Pa7asthaman
fourth.
HYMN IV. Indra.
1. T",3G", Indra, thou art called y men eastward and westward, north
and south,
Thou chiefly art with Anava and Turvasa, rave >ham!ion I urged y men to
>ome.
2 ,r, Indra, when with /uma, /usama, 5yava7a, and 8r!a thou re9oicest
thee,
5till do the 8anvas, ringing !raises, with their !rayers, , Indra, draw thee
hither1 come.
# 2ven as the wild)ull, when he thirsts, goes to the desert;s watery !ool,
>ome hither ?uic7ly oth at morning and at eve, and with the 8anvas drin7
thy fill.
& %ay the dro!s gladden thee, rich Indra, and otain ounty for him who
!ours the 9uice.
5oma !ressed in the mortar didst thou ta7e and drin7, and hence hast won
sur!assing might.
( With mightier strength he con?uered strength, with energy he crushed
their wrath.
, Indra, 5trong in youth, all those who sought the fray ent and owed
down to thee li7e trees.
* "e who wins !romise of thine aid goes girt as with a thousand mighty men
of war.
"e ma7es his son !reeminent in hero might ) he serves with reverential
!rayer.
+ With thee, the %ighty, for our 4riend, we will riot fear or feel fatigue.
%ay we see Turvasa and <adu1 thy great deed, , "ero, must e glorified.
. ,n his left hi! the "ero hath reclined himself1 the !roffered feast offends
him not.
The mil7 is lended with the honey of the ee1 ?uic7ly come hither, aste,
and drin7.
0 Indra, thy friend is fair of form and rich in horses, cars, and 7ine.
"e evermore hath food accom!anied y wealth, and radiant 9oins the
com!any.
1@ >ome li7e a thirsty antelo!e to the drin7ing)!lace1 drin7 5oma to thy
heart;s desire.
/aining it down, , %aghavan, day after day, thou gainest thy sur!assing
might.
11 Priest, let the 5oma 9uice flow forth, for Indra longs to drin7 thereof.
"e even now hath yo7ed his vigorous -ay 5teeds1 the 'rtra)slayer hath come
near.
12 The man with whom thou fillcst thee with 5oma deems himself a !ious
worshi!!er.
This thine a!!ro!riate food is here !oured out for thee1 come, hasten
forward. drin7 of it,
1# Press out the 5oma 9uice, ye !riests, for Indra orne u!on his car.
The !ressing)stones s!ea7 loud of Indra, while they shed the 9uice which,
offered, honours him.
1& To the rown 9uice may his dear vigorous -ay 5teeds ring Indra, to our
holy tas7.
"ither let thy >ar)steeds who see7 the sacrifice ring thee to our drin7)
offerings.
1( Pusan, the Lord of am!le wealth, for firm alliance we elect.
%ay he with wisdom, 5a7raA LooserA %uch)invo7edA aid us to riches and to
seed.
1* 5har!en us li7e a raCor in the arer;s hands1 send riches thou who
settest free.
2asy to find with thee are treasures of the 6awn for mortal man whom thou
dost s!eed.
1+ Pusan, I long to win thy love, I long to !raise thee, /adiant God.
2$cellent Lord, ;tis strange tome, no wish have I to sing the !salm that Pa9ra
sings.
1. %y 7ine, , /adiant God, see7 !asture where they will, my during wealth,
Immortal ,ne.
-e our !rotector, PusanA e, most lieral Lord, !ro!itious to our gathering
strength.
10 /ich was the gift 8urunga gave, a hundred steeds at morning rites.
Among the gifts of Turvasas we thought of him, the o!ulent, the s!lendid
8ing.
2@ What y his morning songs 8anva, the !owerful, hath, with the
Priyamedhas, gained)
+1 The herds of si$ty thousand !ure and s!otless 7ine, have I, the /si, driven
away.
21 The very trees were 9oyful at my coming1 7ine they otained in !lenty,
steeds in !lenty.
HYMN V. Asvins.
1. W"2=, even as she were !resent here, red 6awn hath shone from far
away,
5he s!readeth light on every side.
2 Li7e "eroes on your will)yo7ed car farshining, Wonder)Wor7ersA ye
Attend, , Asvins, on the 6awn.
# -y you, , Lords of am!le wealth our songs of !raise have een oserved1
As envoy have I rought the !rayer.
& 8anvas must !raise the Asvins dear to many, ma7ing many glad,
%ost rich, that they may succour us.
( %ost lieral, est at winning strength, inciters, Lords of s!lendour who
'isit the worshi!!er;s aode.
* 5o for devout 5udeva dew with fatness his unfailing mead,
And ma7e it rich for sacrifice.
+ "itherward running s!eedily with horses, as with ra!id haw7s,
>ome, Asvins, to our song of !raise
. Wherewith the three wide distances, and all the lights that are in heaven.
<e traverse, and three times of night.
0 , 4inders of the 6ay, that we may win us food of 7ine and wealth,
,!en the !aths for us to tread.
1@ , Asvins, ring us wealth in 7ine, in nole heroes, and in cars1
-ring us the strength that horses give.
11 <e Lords of s!lendour, glorified, ye Wonder)Wor7ers orne on !aths
,f gold, drin7 sweets with 5oma9uice.
12 To us, ye Lords of am!le wealth, and to our wealth chiefs e$tend
Wide shelter, ne;er to e assailed.
1# >ome ?uic7ly downward to the !rayer of !eo!le whom ye favour most1
A!!roach not unto other fol7.
1& <e Asvins whom our minds !erceive, drin7 of this lovely gladdening
draught,
The mcath which we !resent to you.
1( -ring riches hither unto us in hundreds and in thousands, source
,f !lenteous food, sustaining all.
1* 'erily sages call on you, ye "eroes, in full many a !lace.
%oved y the !riests, , Asvins, conic.
1+ %en who have trimmed the sacred grass, ringing olations and
!re!ared,
, Asvins, are invo7ing you.
1. %ay this our hymn of !raise to)day, most !owerful to ring you, e,
, Asvins, nearest to your hearts.
10 The s7in filled full of savoury meath, laid in the !athway of your car)
, Asvins, drin7 ye oth therefrom.
2@ 4or this, ye Lords of am!le wealth, ring lessing for our herd, our 7ine,
,ur !rogeny, and !lenteous food.
21 <e too unclose to us li7e doors the strengthening waters of the s7y,
And rivers, ye who find the day.
22 When did the son of; Tugra serve you, %enB Aandoned in the sea,
That with winged steeds your car might fly.
2# <e, , =asatyas, ministered to 8anva with re!eated aid,
When cast into the heated !it.
2& >ome near with those most recent aids of yours which merit eulogy,
When I invo7e you, Wealthy Gods.
2( As ye !rotected 8anva erst, Priyamedha and 3!astuta,
Atri, 5in9ara, Asvins Twain
2* And Amsu in decisive fight, Agastya in the fray for 7ine.
And, in his attles, 5ohari.
2+ 4or so much liss, or even more, , Asvins, Wealthy Gods, than this,
We !ray white singing hymns to you.
2. Ascend your car with golden seat, , Asvins, and with reins of gold,
That reaches even to the s7y.
20 Golden is its su!!orting shaft, the a$le also is of gold,
And oth the wheels are made of gold.
#@ Thereon, ye Lords of am!le wealth, come to us even from afar,
>ome ye to this mine eulogy.
#1 4rom far away ye come to us, Asvins, en9oying !lenteous food
,f 6asas, , Immortal ,nes.
#2 With s!lendour, riches, and renown, , Asvins, hither come to us,
=asatyas, shining rilliantly.
## %ay da!!led horses, steeds who fly with !inions, ring you hitherward
To !eo!le s7illed in sacrifice.
#& The whcel delayeth not that car of yours accom!anied y song,
That cometh with a store of food.
#( -orne on that chariot wrought of gold, with coursers very fleet of foot,
>ome, , =asatyas, swift as thought.
#* , Wealthy Gods, ye taste and find the ris7 and watchful wild east
good.
Associate wealth with food for us.
#+ As such, , Asvins, find for me my share of new)!resented gifts,
As 8asu, >edi;s son, gave me a hundred head of uffaloes, and ten thousand
7ine.
#. "e who hath given me for mine own ten 8ings li7e gold to loo7 u!on.
At >aidya;s feet are all the !eo!le round aout, all those who thin7 u!on the
shield.
#0 =o man, not any, goes u!on the !ath on which the >edis wal7.
=o other !rince, no fol7 is held more lieral of gifts than they.
HYMN VI Indra
1. I=6/A, great in his !ower and might, and li7e Par9anya rich in rain,
Is magnified y 'atsa;s lauds.
2 When the !riests, strengthening the 5on of "oly Law, !resent their gifts,
5ingers with ,rder;s hymn of !raiser.
# 5ince 8anvas with their lauds have made Indra com!lete the sacrifice.
Words are their own a!!ro!riate arms.
& -efore his hot dis!leasure all the !eo!les, all the men, ow down,
As rivers ow them to the sea.
( This !ower of his shone rightly forth when Indra rought together, li7e
A s7in, the worlds of heaven and earth.
* The fiercely)moving 'rtra;s head he severed with his thunderolt,
"is mighty hundred)7notted olt.
+ "ere are)we sing them loudly forth)our thoughts among)the est of songs.
2ven lightnings li7e the laCe of fire.
. When idden thoughts, s!ontaneously advancing, glow, and with the
stream
,f sacrifice the 8anvas shine.
0 Indra, may we otain that wealth in horses and in herds of cows,
And !rayer that may e noticed first.
1@ I from my 4ather have received dee! 7nowledge of the "oly Law
I was orn li7e unto the 5un.
11 After the lore of ancient time I ma7e, li7e 8anva, eauteous songs,
And Indra;s selfgains strength therey.
12 Whatever /sis have not !raised thee, Indra, or have lauded thee,
-y me e$alted wa$ thou strong.
1# When his wrath thundered, when he rent 'rtra to !ieces, lim y lim,
"e sent the waters to the sea.
1& Against the 6asyu gusna thou, Indra, didst hurl thy during olt1
Thou, 6read one, hast a hero;s fame.
1( =either the heavens nor firmaments nor regions of the earth contain
Indra, the Thunderer with his might.
1* , Indra him who lay at length staying thy co!ious waters thou,
In his own footste!s, smotest down
1+ Thou hiddest dee! in dar7ness itim, , Indra, who had set his gras!
,n s!acious heaven and earth con9oined.
1. Indra, whatever <atis and -hrgus have offered !raise to thee,
Listen, thou %ighty, to my call.
10 Indra, these s!otted cows yield thee their utter and the mil7y draught:
Aiders, therey, of sacrifice:
2@ Which, teeming, have received thee as a life)germ, Indra, with their
mouth,
Li7e 5urya who sustaineth all.
21 , Lord of %ight, with hymns of !raise the 8anvas have increased thy
!ower,
The dro!s !oured forth have strengthened thee.
22 3nder thy guidance, Indra, mid thy !raises, Lord of Thunder, shall
The sacrifice e soon !erformed.
2# Indra, disclose much food for us, li7e a stronghold with store of 7ine1
Give !rogeny and heroic strength.
2& And, Indra, grant us all that wealth of fleet steeds which shone right of
old
Among the tries of =ahusas.
2( "ither thou seemest to attract heaven;s fold which shines efore our
eyes,
When, Indra, thou art 7ind to us.
2* <ea, when thou !uttest forth thy !ower, Indra, thou governest the fol7.
%ighty, unlimited in strength.
2+ The tries who ring olations call to thee, to thee to give them hel!,
With dro!s to thee who s!readest far.
2. There where the mountains downward slo!e, there y the meeting of the
streams
The 5age was manifest with song.
20 Thence, mar7ing, from his lofty !lace downward he loo7s u!on the sea,
And thence with ra!id stir he moves.
#@ Then, verify, they see the light refulgent of !rimeval seed,
8indled on yonder side of heaven.
#1 Indra, the 8anvas all e$alt thy wisdom and thy manly !ower,
And, %ightiestA thine heroic strength.
#2 Acce!t this eulogy of mine, Indra, and guard me carefully1
5trengthen my thought and !ros!er it.
## 4or thee, , %ighty, Thunder)armed, we singers through devotionhave
4ashioned the hymn that we may live.
#& To Indra have the 8anvas sung, li7e waters s!eeding down a slo!e1
The song is fain to go to him.
#( As rivers swell the ocean, so our hymns of !raise ma7e Indra strong,
2ternal, of resistIess wrath.
#* >ome with thy lovely -ay 5teeds, come to us from regions far away
, Indra, drin7 this 5oma 9uice.
#+ -est slayer of 'rtras, men whose sacred grass is ready trimmed
Invo7e thee for the gain of s!oil.
#. The heavens and earth come after thee as the wheel follows 2tasa1
To thee flow 5orna)dro!s effused.
#0 /e9oice, , Indra, in the light, re9oice in 5aryandyan, e Glad in the
sacrificer;s hymn.
&@ Grown strong in heaven, the Thunder)armed hath ellowed, 'rtra)slayer,
-ull,
>hief drin7er of the 5oma 9uice.
&1 Thou art a /si orn of old, sole /uler over all y might1
Thou, Indra, guardest well our wealth.
&2 %ay thy -ay 5teeds with eauteous ac7s, a hundred, ring thee to the
feast,
-ring thee to these our 5oma)draughts.
&# The 8anvas with their hymns of !raise have magnified this ancient
thought
That swells with streams of meath and oil.
&& %id mightiest Gods let mortal man choose Indra at the sacrifice,
Indra, whoe;er would win, for hel!.
&( Thy steeds, y Priyamedhas !raised, shall ring thee, God whom all
invo7e,
"ither to drin7 the 5oma9uice.
&* A hundred thousand have I gained from Parsu, from Tirindira,
And !resents of the <adavas.
&+ Ten thousand head of 7ine, and steeds three times a hundred they
estowed
,n Pa9ra for the 5ama)song.
&. 8a7uha hath reached u! to heaven, estowing uffaloes yo7ed in fours,
And matched in fame the <adavas.
HYMN VII. Maru&s.
1. , %A/3T5, when the sage hath !oured the Trstu! forth as food for you,
<e shine amid the mountain)clouds.
2 When, -right ,nes, fain to show your might ye have determined on your
course,
The mountain)clouds have ent them down.
# Loud roaring with the winds the 5ons of Prsni have u!raised themselves1
They have !oured out the streaming food.
& The %aruts s!read the mist aroad and ma7e mountains roc7 and reel,
When with the winds they go their way
( What time the rivers and the hills efore your coming owed them down,
5o to sustain your mighty force.
* We call on you for aid y night, on you for succour in the day,
,n you while sacrifice !roceeds.
+ These, verily, wondrous, red of hue, s!eed on their courses with a roar
,ver the ridges of the s7y.
. With might they dro! the loosened rein so that the 5un may run his
course,
And s!read themselves with eams of light.
0 Acce!t, ye %aruts, this my song, acce!t ye this mine hymn of !raise,
Acce!t, /hu7sans, this my call.
1@ The da!!led >ows have !oured three la7es, meath for the Thunder)
wielding God,
4rom the great cas7, the watery cloud.
11 , %aruts, ?uic7ly come to us when, longing for felicity,
We call you hither from the s7y.
12 4or, /udras and /hu7sans, ye, %ost -ountiful, are in the house,
Wise when the gladdening draught is drun7.
1# , %aruts, send us down from heaven riches distilling ra!turous 9oy,
With !lenteous food, sustaining all.
1& When, -right ,nes, hither from the hills ye have resolved to ta7e your
way,
<e revel in the dro!s effused.
1( %an should solicit with his lauds ha!!iness which elongs to them,
5o great a and invincile.
1* They who li7e fiery s!ar7s with showers of rain low through the heaven
and earth,
%il7ing the s!ring that never fails.
1+ With chariots and tumultuous roar, with tem!ests and with hymns of
!raise
The 5ons of Prsni hurry forth.
1. 4or wealth, we thin7 of that wherey ye aided <adu, Turvasa,
And 8an'a who otained the s!oil.
10 %ay these our viands -ounteous ,nes I that flow in streams li7e holy oil,
With 8anva;s hymns, increase your might.
2@ Where, -ounteous Lords for whom the grass is trimmed, are ye re9oicing
nowB
What -rahman is adoring youB
21 Is it not there where ye of old, su!!lied with sacred grass, for lauds
Ins!ired the strong in sacrificeB
22 They rought together oth the worlds, the mighty waters, and the 5un,
And, 9oint y 9oint, the thunderolt.
2# They sundered 'rtra lim from lim and s!lit the gloomy mountain)
clouds,
Performing a heroic deed.
2& They reinforced the !ower and strength of Trita as he fought, and hel!ed
Indra in attle with the foe.
2( They dec7 themselves for glory, right, celestial, lightning in their hands,
And helms of gold u!on their heads.
2* When eagerly ye from far away came to the cavern of the -ull,
"e ellowed in his fear li7e "eaven.
2+ -orne y your golden)footed steeds, , Gods, come hither to receive
The sacrifice we offer you.
2. When the red leader draws along their s!otted deer yo7ed to the car.
The -right ,nes come, and shed the rain.
20 5usoma, 5arya7iavan, and Ar9i7a full of homes, have they.
These "eroes, sought with downward car.
#@ When, %aruts, ye come to him, the singer who invo7es you thus,
With favours to your su!!liantB
#1 What nowB where have ye still a friend since ye left Indra all aloneB
Who counteth on your friendshi! nowB
#2 The 8anvas sing forth Agni;s !raise together with our %aruts; who
Wield thunder and wear swords of gold.
## "ither for new felicity may I attract the Im!etuous ,nes,
The "eroes with their wondrous strength
#& -efore them sin7 the very hills deerning themseives aysses1 yea,
2ven the mountains end them down.
#( 5teeds flying on their tortuous !ath through mid)air carry them, and give
The man who lauds them strength and life.
#* Agni was orn the first of all, li7e 5urya lovely with his light1
With lustre these have s!read aroad.
HYMN VIII. Asvins.
1. WIT" all the succours that are yours, , Asvins, hither come to us1
Wonderful, orne on !aths of gold, drin7 ye the meath with 5oma 9uice.
2 >ome now, ye Asvins, on your car dec7ed with a sun)right cano!y,
-ountiful, with your golden forms, 5ages with de!th of intellect.
# >ome hither from the =ahusas, come, drawn y !ure hymns, from mid)air.
, Asvins, drin7 the savoury 9uice shed in the 8anvas; sacrifice.
& >ome to us hither from the heavens, come from mid)air, well)loved y us1
"ere 8anva;s son hath !ressed for you the !leasant meath of 5oma 9uice.
( >ome, Asvins, to give car to us, to drin7 the 5oma, Asvins, come.
"ail, 5trengtheners of the !raise)song s!eed onward, ye "eroes, with your
thoughts.
* As, "eroes, in the olden time the /sis called you to their aid,
5o now, , Asvins, come to us, come near to this mine eulogy.
+ 2ven from the luminous s!here of heaven come to us, ye who find the
light,
>arers for 'atsa, through our !rayers and lauds, , yewho hearour call.
. 6o others more than we adore the Asvins with their hymns of !raiseB
The /si 'atsa, 8anva;s son, hath magnified you with his songs.
0 The holy singer with his hymns hath called you, Asvins, hither)ward:
-est 'rtra)slayers, free from stain, as such ring us felicity.
1@ What time, ye Lords of am!le wealth, the Lady mounted on your car,
Then, , ye Asvins, ye attained all wishes that your hearts desired.
11 >ome thence, , Asvins, on your car that hath a thousand ornaments1
'atsa the sage, the sage;s son, hath sung a song of sweets to you.
12 >heerers of many, rich in goods, discoverers of o!ulence,
The Asvins, /iders through the s7y, have welcomed this my song of !raise.
1# , Asvins, grant us all rich gifts wherewith no man mav interfere.
%a7e us oserve the stated times1 give us not over to re!roach.
1& Whether, =asatyas, ye e nigh, or whether ye e far away,
>ome thence, , Asvins, on your car that hath a thousand ornaments.
1( 'atsa the /si with his songs, =asatyas, hath e$alted you1
Grant him rich food distilling oil, graced with a thousand ornaments.
1* -estow on him, , Asvins, food that strengthens, and that dro!s with oil,
,n him who !raises you for liss, and, Lords of ounty, !rays for wealth.
1+ >ome to us, ye who slay the foe, Lords of rich treasure, to this hymn.
, "eroes, give us high renown and these good things of earth for hel!.
1. The Priyamedhas have invo7ed you with all succours that are yours,
<ou, Asvins, Lords of solemn rites, with calls entreating you to come.
10 >ome to us, Asvins, ye Who ring felicity, aus!icious ,nes,
To 'atsa who with !rayer and hymn, lovers of song, hath honoured you.
2@ Aid us, , "eroes, for those hymns for which ye hel!ed Go5arya erst,
Gave 'asa, 6asavra9a aid, and 8anva and %edhatithi1
21 And favoured Trasadasyu, ye "eroes, in s!oil)deciding fray1
4or these, , Asvins, graciously assist us in ac?uiring strength.
22 , Asvins, may !ure hymns of ours, and songs and !raises, honour you1
-est slayers everywhere of foes, as such we fondly yearn for you.
2# Three !laces of the Asvins, erst concealed, are made a!!arent now.
-oth 5ages, with the flight of Law come hither unto those who live.
HYMN IX. Asvins.
1. To hel! and favour 'atsa now, , Asvins, come ye hitherward.
-estow on him a dwelling s!acious and secure, and 7ee! malignities away.
2 All manliness that is in heaven, with the 4ive Tries, or in mid)air,
-estow, ye Asvins, u!on us.
# /ememer 8anva first of all among the singers, Asvins, who
"ave thought u!on your wondrous deeds.
& Asvins, for you with song of !raise this hot olation is effused,
This your sweet 5oma 9uice, ye Lords of am!le wealth, through which ye
thin7 u!on the foe.
( Whatever ye have done in floods, in the tree, Wonder)Wor7ers, and in
growing !lants,
Therewith, , Asvins, succour me.
* What force, =asatyas, ye e$ert, whatever, Gods, ye tend and heal,
This your own 'atsa gains not y his hymns alone1 ye visit him who offers
gifts.
+ =ow hath the /si s!lendidly thought out the Asvins; hymn of !raise.
Let the Atharvan !our the warm olation forth, and 5oma very rich in
sweets.
. <e Asvins, now ascend your car that lightly rolls u!on its way.
%ay these my !raises ma7e you s!eed hitherward li7e a cloud of heaven.
0 When, , =asatyas, we this day ma7e you s!eed hither with our hymns,
,r, Asvins, with our songs of !raise, rememer 8anya s!ecially.
1@ As erst 8a7sivan and the /si 'yasva, as erst 6irghatamas invo7ed your
!resence,
,r, in the sacrificial chamers, 'ainya Prthi, so e ye mindful of us here, ,
Asvins.
11 >ome as home)guardians, saving us from foemen, guarding our living
creatures and our odies,
>ome to the house to give us seed and offs!ring,
12 Whether with Indra ye e faring, Asvins, or resting in one dwelling)!lace
with 'ayu,
In concord with the /hus or Adityas, or standing still in 'isnu;s striding)
!laces.
1# When I, , Asvins, call on you to)day that I may gather strength,
,r as all)con?uering might in war, e that the Asvins; nolest grace.
1& =ow come, ye Asvins, hitherward1 here are olations set for you:
These 5oma)draughts to aid <adu and
Turvasa, these offered you mid 8aniva;s 5ons.
1( Whatever healing alm is yours, =isatyas, near or far away,
Therewith, great 5ages, grant a home to 'atsa and to 'imada.
1* Together with the Goddess, with the Asvins; 5!eech have I awo7e.
Thou, Goddess, hast disclosed the hymn, and holy gift from mortal men.
1+ Awa7e the Asvins, Goddess 6awnA 3! %ighty Lady of sweet strainsA
/ise, straightway, !riest of sacrificeA "igh glory to the gladdening draughtA
1. Thou, 6awn, a!!roaching with thy light shinest together with the 5un,
And to this man)!rotecting home the chariot ofthe Asvins comes.
10 When yellow stal7s give forth the 9uice, as cows from udders !our their
mil7,
And voices sound the song of !raise, the Asvins; worshi!!ers show first.
2@ 4orward for glory and for strength, !rotection that shall con?uer men,
And !ower and s7ill, most sa!ient ,nesA
21 When Asvins, worthy of our lauds, ye seat you in the father;s house.
With wisdom or the liss ye ring.
HYMN X. Asvins.
1. W"2T"2/ ye travel far away or dwell in yonder light of heaven,
,r in a mansion that is uilt aove the sea, come thence, ye Asvins,
hitherward.
2 ,r if for %anu.ye !re!ared the sacrifice, rememer also 8anva;s son.
I call -rhas!ati, Indra, 'isnu, all the gods, the Asvins orne y ra!id steeds.
# Those Asvins I invo7e who wor7 marvels, rought hither to receive,
With whom our friendshi! is most famed, and 7inshi! !assing that of Gods.
& ,n whom the solemn rites de!end, whose worshi!!ers rise without the
5un1
These who fore7now the holy wor7 of sacrifice, and y their Godhead drin7
the sweets of 5oma 9uice.
( Whether ye, Lords of am!le wealth, now linger in the cast or west,
With 6ruhyu, or with Anu, <adu, Turvaga, I call you hither: come to me.
* Lords of great riches, whether through the firmament ye fly or s!eed
through heaven and earth,
,r with your Godli7e natures stand u!on your cars, come thence, , Asvins,
hitherward.
HYMN XI. Agni.
1. T",3 Agni, God mid mortal men, art guard of sacred rites, thou art
To e adored at sacrifice.
2 , %ighty Agni, thou must e glorified at our festivals,
-earing our offerings to the Gods.
# , Datavedas Agni, fight and drive our foes afar from us,
Themand their godless enmities.
& Thou, Datavedas, see7est not the worshi! of a hostile man,
"owever nigh ite to thee.
( We sages, mortals as we are, adore the mighty name oof thee,
Immortal Datavedas; name.
* 5ages, we call the 5age to hel!, mortals, we call the God to aid1
We call on Agni with our songs.
+ %ay 'atsa draw) thy mind away even from thy loftiest dwelling)!lace,
Agni, with song that yearns for thee.
. Thou art the same in many a !lace1 mid all the !eo!le thou art Lord.
In fray and fightt we call on thee.
0 When we are see7ing strength we call Agni to hel! us in the strife,
The giver of rich gifts in war.
1@ Ancient, adoralie at sacrifices, Priest from of old, meet for our !raise,
thou sittest.
4ill full and satisfy thy ody, Agni, and win us ha!!iness y offering worshi!.
HYMN XII. Indra.
1. D,<, %ightiest Indra, 7nown and mar7ed, s!rung most from 5oma)
draughts, wherewith
Thou smitest down the greedy fiend, for that we long.
2 Wherewith thou ol!est Adhrigu, the great 6asagva, and the God
Who stirs the sunlight, and the sea, for that we long.
# Wherewith thou dravest forth li7e cars 5indhu and all the mighty floods
To go the way ordained y Law, for that we long.
& Acce!t this laud for aid, made !ure li7e oil, thou >aster of the 5tone,
Wherey even in a moment thou hast wa$en great.
( -e !leased, 5ong)lover, with this song it flows aundant li7e the sea.
Indra, with all thy succours thou hast wa$en great.
* The God who from afar hath sent gifts to maintain our friendshi!;s ond,
Thou. s!reading them li7e rain from heaven, hast wa$en great.
+ The eams that mar7 him have grown strong, the thunder rests etween
his arms,
When, li7e the 5un, he hath increased oth "eaven and 2arth.
. When, %ighty Lord of "eroes, thou didst cat a thousand uffaloes,
Then grew and wa$ed e$ceeding great thine Indra)!ower.
0 Indra consumeth with the rays of 5urya the malicious man1
Li7e Agni con?uering the woods, he hath grown strong.
1@ This newest thought of ours that suits the time a!!roaches unto thee1
5erving, eloved in many a !lace it metes and mar7s.
11 The !ious germ of sacrifice directly !urifies the soul.
-y Indra;s lauds it wa$es great, it metes and mar7s.
12 Indra who wins the friend hath s!read himself to drin7 the 5oma)draught1
Li7e worshi!!er;s dilating !raise: it metes and mar7s.
1# "e whom the sages, living men, have gladdened, offering u! their hymns,
"ath swelled li7e oil of sacrifice in Agni;s mouth.
1& Aditi also hath rought forth a hymn for Indra, 5ovran Lord1
The wor7 of sacrifice for hel! is glorified.
1( The ministering !riests have sung their songs for aid and eulogy1
God, thy -ays turn not from the rite which Law ordains.
1* If, Indra, thou drin7 5oma y 'isnu;s or Trta A!tya;s side,
,r with the %aruts ta7e delight in flowing dro!s:
1+ ,r, 5a7ra, if thou gladden thee afar or in the sea of air,
/e9oice thee in this 9uice of ours, in flowing dro!s.
1. ,r, Lord of "eroes if thou aid the worshi!!er who shed: the, 9uice,
,r him whose laud delights thee, and his flowing dro!s.
10 To magnify the God, the God, Indra, yea, Indra for your hel!,
And !rom!tly end the sacrifice)this have they gained.
2@ With worshi!, him whom men adore, with 5oma, him who drin7s it most,
Indra with lauds have they increasedthis have they gained.
21 "is leadings are with !ower and might and his instructions manifold1
"e gives the worshi!!er all wealth1 this have they gained.
22 4or slaying 'rtra have the Gods set Indra in the foremost !lace.
Indra the choral ands have sung, for vigorous strength.
2# We to the %ighty with our might, with lauds to him who hears our call,
With holy hymns have sung aloud, for vigorous strength.
2& =ot earth, nor heaven, nor firmaments contain the Thunder)wielding
God1
They sha7e efore his violent rush and vigorous strength.
2( What time the Gods, , Indra, get thee foremost in the furious fight,
Then thy two eautiful -ay 5teeds carried thee on.
2* When 'rtra, stayer of the floods, thou siKest, Thundeicr with might,
2+ When 'isnu, through thine energy, strode wide those three great ste!s of
his,
2. When thy two eautiful -ay 5teeds grew great and greater day y day,
2ven then all creatures that had life owed down to thee.
20 When, Indra, all the %arut fol7 humly sumitted them to thee,
#@ When yonder 5un, that rilliant light, thou settest in the heaven aove,
#1 To thee, , Indra, with this thought the sage lifts u! this eulogy,
A7in and leading as on foot to sacrifice.
#2 When in thine own dear dwelling all gathered have lifted u! the voice
%il7)streams at worshi!;s central s!ot, for sacrifice,
## As Priest, , Indra, give us wealth in rave men and good steeds ana 7ine
That we may first rememer thee for sacrifice.
HYMN XIII. Indra.
1. I=6/A, when 5oma 9uices flow, ma7es his mind !ure and meet for lauds.
"e gains the !ower that rings success, for great is he.
2 In heaven;s first region, in the seat of Gods, is he who rings success,
%ost glorious, !rom!t to save, who wins the water)floods.
# "im, to win strength, have I invo7ed, even Indra mighty for the fray.
-e thou most near to us for liss, a 4riend to aid.
& Indra, 5ong )lover, here for thee the worshi!!er;s liation flows.
/e9oicing in this sacred grass thou shinest forth.
( 2ven now, , Indra, give us that which, !ressing 9uice, we crave of thee.
-ring us wealth manifold which finds the light of heaven.
* What time the Cealous worshi!!er hath oldly sung his songs to thee,
Li7e ranches of a tree u!)grows what they desire.
+ Generate songs even as of old, give car unto the singer;s call.
Thou for the !ious hast grown great at each carouse.
. 5weet strains that glorify him !lay li7e waters s!eeding down a slo!e,
<ea, him who in this song is called the Lord of "eaven:
0 <ea, who alone is called the Lord, the single /uler of the fol7,
-y worshi!!ers see7ing aid1 may he 9oy in the draught.
1@ Praise him, the Glorious, s7illed in song, Lord of the two victorious -ays1
They see7 the worshi!!er;s aode who ows in !rayer.
11 Put forth thy strength1 with da!!led 5teeds come, thou of mighty
intellect,
With swift 5teeds to the sacrifice, for ;tis thy 9oy.
12 Grant wealth to those who !raise thee, Lord of "eroes, %ightiest Indra1
give
,ur !rinces everlasting fame and o!ulence.
1# I call thee when the 5un is risen, I call thee at the noon of day1
With thy car)horses, Indra, come well!leased to us.
1& 5!eed forward hither, come to us, re9oice thee in the mil7y draught1
5!in out the thread of ancient time, as well is 7nown.
1( If, 5a7ra, 'rtra)slayer, thou e far away or near to us.
,r in the sea, thou art the guard of 5oma 9uice.
1* Let songs we sing and 5oma)dro!s e$!ressed y us ma7e Indra strong1
The tries who ring olations find delight in him.
1+ "im sages longing for his aid, with offerings rought in eager haste,
"im. even as ranches, all man7ind have made to grow.
1. At the Tr7adru7as the Gods s!an sacrifice that stirred the mind1
%ay our songs strengthen him who still hath strengthened us.
10 When, true to duty, at due times the worshi!!er offers lauds to thee,
They call him Purifier, Pure, and Wonderful.
2@ That mind of /udra, fresh and strong, moves conscious in the ancient
ways,
With reference whereto the wise have ordered this.
21 If thou elect to e my 4riend drin7 of this sacrificial 9uice,
-y hel! whereof we may sudue all enemies.
22 , Indra, Lover of the song, when shall thy !raiser e most lestB
When wilt thou grant us wealth in herds of 7ine and steedsB
2# And thy two highIy)lauded -ays, strong stallions, draw thy car who art
3ntouched y age, most gladdening car for which we !ray.
2& With ancient offerings we im!lore the <oung and 5trong whom many
!raise.
"e from of old hath sat u!on dear sacred grass.
2( Wa$ miglity, thou whom many laud for aids which /sis have e$tolled.
Pour down for us aundant food and guard us well.
2* , Indra, >aster of the 5tone, thou hel!est him who !raises thee1
4rom sacrifice I send to thee a mindyo7ed hymn.
2+ "ere, yo7ing for the 5oma)draught these "orses, sharers of thy feast,
Thy -ay 5teeds, Indra, fraught with weal t, consent to come.
2. Attendants on thy glory, let the /udras roar assent to thee,
And all the %arut com!anies come tothe feast.
20 These his victorious followers old in the heavens the !lace they love,
Leagued in the heart of sacrifice, as well we 7now.
#@ That we may long ehold the light, what time the ordered rite !roceeds,
"e duly measures, as he views, the sacrifice.
#1 , Indra, strong is this thy car, and strong are these -ay 5teeds of thine1
, 5ata7ratu, thou art strong, strong is our call.
#2 5trong is the !ress)stone, strong thy 9oy, strong is the flowing 5oma 9uice1
5trong is the rite thou furtherest, strong is our call.
## As strong I call on thee the 5trong, , Thunderer with thy thousand aids1
4or thou hast won the hymn of !raise. 5trong is our call.
HYMN XIV. Indra.
1. I4 I, , Indra, were, li7e thee, the single 5ovran of all wealth,
%y worshi!!er should e rich in 7ine.
2 I should e fain, , Lord of Power, to strengthen and enrich the sage,
Were I the Lord of herds of 7ine.
# To worshi!!ers who !ress the 9uice thy goodness, Indra, is a cow
<ielding in !lenty 7ine and steeds.
& =one is there, Indra, God or man, to hinder thy munificence,
The wealth which, lauded, thou wilt give.
( The sacrifice made Indra strong when he unrolled the earth, and made
"imself a diadem in heaven.
* Thine aid we claim, , Indra, thine who after thou hast wa$en great
"ast won all treasures for thine own.
+ In 5oma;s ecstasy Indra s!read the firmament and realms of light,
When he cleft 'ala lim from lim.
. 5howing the hidden he drave forth the cows for the Angirases,
And 'ala he cast headlong down.
0 -y Indra were the lumirious realms of heaven estalished and secured,
4irm and immovale from their !lace.
1@ Indra, thy laud moves ?uic7ly li7e a 9oyous wave of water)floods1
-right shine the dro!s that gladden thee.
11 4or thou, , Indra, art the God whom hymns and !raises magnify1
Thou lessest those who worshi! thee.
12 Let the two long)maned -ay 5teeds ring Indra to drin7 the 5oma 9uice,
The -ountiful to our sacrifice.
1# With waters; foam thou torest off, Indra, the head of =amuci,
5uduing all contending hosts.
1& The 6asyus, when they fain would clim
y magic arts and mount to heaven,
Thou, Indra, castest down to earth.
1( As 5oma)drin7er con?uering all, thou scatteredst to every side
Their settlement who !oured no gifts.
HYMN XV. Indra.
1. 5I=G forth to him whom many men invo7e, to him whom many laud.
Invite the !owerful Indra with your songs of !raise.
2 Whose lofty might)for douly strong is he)su!!orts the heavens and earth,
And hills and !lains and floods and light with manly !ower.
# 5uch, Praised y manyA thou art 8ing alone thou smitest 'rtras dead,
To gain, , Indra, s!oils of war and high renown.
& We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which con?uers in the fray,
Which, >aster of the 5toneA gives room and shines li7e gold.
( Wherewith thou also foundest lights for Ayu and for %anu;s sa7e1
=ow 9oying in this sacred grass thou eamest forth.
* This day too singers of the hymn !raise, as of old, this might of thine1
Win thou the waters day y day, thralls of the strong.
+ That lofty Indra)!ower of thine, thy strength and thine intelligence,
Thy thunderolt for which we long, the wish ma7es 7een.
. , Indra, "eaven and 2arth augment thy manly !ower and thy renown:
The waters and thy mountains stir and urge thee on.
0 'isnu the lofty ruling Power, 'aruna, %itra sing thy !raise1
In thee the %arut#; com!any have great delight.
1@ , Indra, thou wast orn the Lord of men, most lieral of thy gifts1
2$cellent deeds for evermore are all thine own.
11 2ver, alone, , highly)!raised, thou sendest 'rtras to their rest1
=one else than Indra e$ecutes the mighty deed.
12 Though here and there, in varied hymns, Indra, men call on thee for aid,
5till with our heroes fight and win the light of heaven.
1# Already have all forms of him entered our s!acious dwelling)!lace1
4or victory stir thou Indra, u!, the Lord of %ight.
HYMN XVI. Indra.
1. P/AI52 Indra whom our songs must laud, sole 5ovran of man7ind, the
>hief
%ost lieral who controlleth men.
2 In whom the hymns of !raise delight, and all the glory)giving songs.
Li7e the floods; longing for the sea.
# "im I invite with eulogy, est 8ing, effective in the fight,
5trong for the gain of mighty s!oil.
& Whose !erfect ecstasies are wide, !rofound, victorious, and give
9oy in the field where heroes win.
( "im, when the s!oils of war are sta7ed, men call to e their advocate1
They who have Indra win the day.
* %en honour him with stirring songs and magnify with solemn rites1
Indra is he who giveth case.
+ 1ndra is !riest and /si, he is much invo7ed y many men,
And mighty y his mighty !owers.
. %eet to e lauded and invo7ed, true "ero with his deeds of might,
'ictorious even when alone.
0 The men, the !eo!le magnify that Indra with their 5lina. songs,
With hymns and sacred eulogies
1@ "im who advances them to wealth, sends light to lead them in the war,
And ?uells their foemen in the fray.
11 %ay he, the saviour much)invo7ed, may Indra ear us in a shi!
5afely eyond all enemies.
12 As such, , Indra, honour us with gifts of ooty, further us,
And lead us to felicity.
HYMN XVII Indra.
1. >,%2, we have !ressed the 9uice for thee: , Indra, drin7 this 5oma here
5it thou on this my sacred grass.
2 , Indra, let thy long)maned -ays, yo7ed y !rayer, ring thee hitherward
Give car and listen to our !rayers.
# We 5oma)earing -rahmans call thee 5oma)drin7er with thy friend,
We, Indra, ringing 5oma 9uice.
& >ome unto us who ring the 9uice, come unto this our eulogy,
4air)visoredA drin7 thou of the 9uice.
( I !our it down within thee, so through all thy memers let it s!read1
Ta7e with. thy tongue the !leasant drin7.
* 5weet to thy ody let it e, delicious e the savoury 9uice1
5weet e the 5oma to thine heart.
+ Li7e women, let this 5oma)draught, invested with its roe, a!!roach,
, active Indra, close to thee.
. Indra, trans!orted with the 9uice, vast in his ul7, strong in his nec7
And stout arms, smites the 'rtras down.
0 , Indra, go thou forward, thou who rulest over all y might1
Thou 'rtra)slayer slay the fiends,
1@ Long e thy gras!ing)hoo7 wherewith thou givest am!le wealth to him
Who sheds the 9uice and worshi!s thee.
11 "ere, Indra, is thy 5oma)draught, made !ure u!on the sacred grass1
/un hither, come and drin7 thereof.
12 4amed for thy radiance, worshi!!ed well this 9uice is shed for thy delight
Thou art invo7ed, A7handalaA
1# To 8unda!ayya, grandson;s son, grandson of 5rngavrsA to thee,
To him have I addressed my thought.
1& 5trong !illar thou, Lord of the home armour of 5oma)offerers1
The dro! of 5oma rea7eth all the strongholds down, and Indra is the /sis;
4riend.
1( "oly Prdi7usanu, winner of the s!oil, one eminent o;er many men,
Lead on the wild horse Indra with his vigorous gras! forward to drin7 the
5oma 9uice.
HYMN XVIII. Adi&yas.
1. =ow let the mortal offer !rayer to win the une$am!led grace
,f these Adityas and their aid to cherish life.
2 4or not an enemy molests the !aths which these Adityas tread1
Infallile guards, they strengthen us in ha!!iness.
# =ow soon may -haga, 5avitar, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman
Give us the shelter widely s!read which we im!lore.
& With Gods come thou whose fostering care none chec7s, , Goddesss Aditi1
>ome, dear to many, with the Lords who guard us well.
( 4or well these 5ons of Aditi 7now to 7ee! enmities aloof,
3nrivalled, giving am!le room, they save from woe.
* Aditi guard our herd y day, Aditi, free from guile, y night,
Aditi, ever strengthening, save us from griefA
+ And in the day our hymn is this1 %ay Aditi come nigh to hel!,
With loving)7indness ring us weal and chase our foes.
. And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us health1
%ay they remove ini?uity and chase our foes.
0 %ay Agni less us with his fires, and 5urya warm us !leasantly1
%ay the !ure Wind reathe sweet on us, and chase our foes.
1@ 6rive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity1
Adityas, 7ee! us ever far from sore distress.
11 /emove from us the arrow, 7ee! famine, AdityasA far away1
8ee! enmities afar from us, Lords of all wealthA
12 =ow, , Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free,
<ea, even the sinner from his sin, ye -ounteous Gods 1
1# Whatever mortal with the !owe r of demons fain would in9ure us,
%ay he, im!etuous, suffer harm y his own deeds.
1& %ay sin o;erta7e our human foe, the man who s!ea7eth evil thing,
"im who would cause our misery, whose heart is false.
1( Gods, ye are with the sim!le ones, ye 7now each mortal in your hearts:
<e, 'asus, well discriminate the false and true.
1* 4ain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of water)floods1
8ee! far from us ini?uity, , "eaven and 2arth.
1+ 5o with aus!icious sheltering aid do ye, , 'asus, carry us
-eyond all troule and distress, orne in your shi!.
1. Adityas, ye %ost %ighty ,nes, grant to our children and their seed
2$tended term of life that they may live long days.
10 5acrifice, , Adityas, is your inward monitor1 e 7ind,
4or in the ond of 7indred we are ound to you.
2@ The %aruts; high !rotecting aid, the Asvins, and the God who saves,
%itra and 'aruna for weal we su!!licate.
21 Grant us a home with tri!le guard, Aryaman, %itra, 'arunaA
3nthreatened, %arutsA meet for !raise, and filled with men.
22 And as we human eings, , Adityas, are a7in to death,
Graciously lengthen ye our lives that we may live.
HYMN XIX. Agni.
1. 5I=G !raise to hiin, the Lord of Light. The Gods have made the God to e
their messenger,
And sent olation to Gods.
2 Agni, the -ounteous Giver, right with varied flames, laud thou, , singer
5ohari)
"im who controls this sacred food with 5oma lent, who hath first claim to
sacrifice.
# Thee have we chosen s7ilftillest in sacrifice, Immortal Priest among the
Gods,
Wise finisher of this holy rite1
& The 5on of 5trength, the lessed, rightly shining ,ne, Agni whose light is
e$cellent.
%ay e y sacrifice win us in heaven the grace of %itra, 'aruna, and the
4loods.
( The mortal who hath ministered to Agni with olation, fuel, ritual lore,
And reverence, s7illed in sacrifice.
* 'erily swift to run are his fleet)footed steeds, and most res!lendent fame
is his.
=o troule caused y Gods or wrought y mortal man from any side
o;erta7eth him.
+ %ay we y thine own fires e well su!!lied with fire, , 5on of 5trength, ,
Lord of %ight1
Thou as our 4riend hast worthy men.
. Agni, who !raises li7e a guest of friendly mind, is as a car that rings us
gear.
Also in thee is found !erfect security thou art the 5ovran Lord of wealth.
0 That man, moreover, merits !raise who rings, aus!icious Agni, sacrificial
gifts
%ay he win riches y his thoughts.
1@ "e for whose sacrifice thou standest u! erect is !ros!erous and rules o;er
men.
"e wins with coursers and with singers 7illed in song1 with heroes he otains
the !riCe.
11 "e in whose dwelling Agni is chief ornament, and, all)desired, loves his
laud well,
And Cealously tends his offerings)
12 "is, or the lauding sage;s word, his, 5on of 5trengthA who Is most !rom!t
with sacred gifts,
5et thou eneath the Gods, 'asu, aove man7ind, the s!eech of the
intelligent.
1# "e who with sacrificial gifts or homage ringeth very s7ilful Agni nigh,
,r him who flashes fast with song,
1& The mortal who with laCing fuel, as his laws command, adores the
Perfect God,
-lest with his thoughts in s!lendour shall e$ceed all men, as though he
over!assed the floods.
1( Give us the s!lendour, Agni, which may overcome each greedy fiend in
our aode,
The wrath of evil)hearted fol7.
1* That, wherewith %itra, 'aruna, and Aryaman, the Asvins, -haga give us
light,
That may we, y thy !ower finding est furtherance, worshi!, , Indra,
hel!ed y thee.
1+ , Agni, most devout are they, the sages who have set thee 5age
e$ceeding wise,
, God, for men to loo7 u!on1
1. Who have arranged thine altar -lessed God, at morn rought thine
olation, !ressed the 9uice.
They y their deeds of strength have won diem, mighty wealth, who have
set all their ho!e in thee.
10 )%ay Agni worshi!!ed ring us liss, may the gift, -lessed ,ne, and
sacrifice ring liss:
<ea, may our !raises ring us liss.
2@ 5how forth the mind that rings success in war with fiends, wherewith
thou con?uerest in fight.
-ring down the many firm ho!es of our enemies, and let us van?uish with
thine aid.
21 I !raise with song the 4riend of man, whom Gods sent down to e herald
and messenger,
-est worshi!!er, earer of our gifts.
22 Thou unto shar!)toothed Agni, <oung and /adiant God, !roclaimest with
thy song the feast)
Agni, who for our sweet strains moulds heroic strength when sacred oil is
offered him,
2# While, served with sacrificial oil, now u!ward and now downward Agni
moves his sword,
As doth the Asura his roe.
2& The God, the 4riend of man, who ears our gifts to heaven, the God with
his sweet)smelling mouth,
6istriutes, s7illed in sacrifice, his !recious things, Invo7ing Priest, Immortal
God.
2( 5on of 5trength, Agni, if thou wert the mortal, right as %itra, I
worshi!!ed with our giftsA
And I were the Immortal God
2* I would not give thee u!, 'asu, to calumny, or misery, , -ounteous ,ne.
%y worshi!!er should feel no hunger or distress, nor, Agni, should he live in
sin.
2+ Li7e a son cherished in his father;s houiMe, let our olation rise unto the
Gods.
2. With thine immediate aid may I, e$cellent Agni, ever gain my wish
A mortal with a God to hel!.
20 , Agni, y thy wisdom, y thy ounties, y thy leading may I gather
wealth.
2$cellent Agni, thou art called my Providence1 delight thou to e lieral.
#@ Agni, he con?uers y thine aid that rings him store of nole heroes and
great strength,
Whose ond of friendshi! is thy choice.
#1 Thy s!ar7 is lac7 and crac7ling, 7indled in due time, , -ounteous, it is
ta7en u!.
Thou art the dear 4riend of the mighty %ornings1 thou shinest in
glimmerings of the night.
#2 We 5oharis have come to him, for succour, who is good to hel! with
thousand !owers,
The 5ovran, Trasadasyu;s 4riend.
## , Agni, thou on whom all other fires de!end, as ranches on the !arent
stem,
I ma7e the treasures of the fol7, li7e songs, mine own, while I e$alt thy
sovran might.
#& The mortal whom, Adityas, ye, Guilelew, lead to the farther an7
,f all the !rinces, -ounteous ,nes
#( Whoe;er he e, %an)ruling 8ingsA the /egent of the race of men)
%ay we, , %itra, 'aruna, and Aryaman, li7e him e furtherers of your law.
#* A gift of fifty female slaves hath Trasadasyu given me, Puru7utsa;s son,
%ost lieral, 7ind, lord of the rave.
#+ And 5yava too for me led forth a strong steed at 5uvastu;s ford1
A herd of three times seventy 7ine, good lord of gifts, he gave to me.
HYMN XX Maru&s.
1. L2T none, 5wift TravellersA chec7 you1 come hither, li7e)s!irited, stay not
far away,
<e enders even of what is firm.
2 %aruts, /hu7sans, /udras come ye with your cars strong)fellied and
e$ceeding right.
>ome, ye for whom we long, with food, to sacrifice, come ye with love to
5oari.
# 4or well we 7now the vigorous might of /udra;s 5ons, the %artits, who are
!assing strong,
5wift 'isnu;s and, who send the rain.,
& Islands are ursting forth and misery is stayed1 the heaven and earth are
9oined in one.
6ec7ed with right rings, ye s!read the road e$!anses out, when ye, 5elf.
luminous, stirred yourselves.
( 2ven things immovale sha7e and reel, the mountains and the forest trees
at your a!!roach,
And the earth tremles as ye come.
* To lend free course, , %aruts, to your furious rush, heaven high and higher
still gives way,
Where they, the "eroes mighty with their arms, dis!lay their gleaming
omaments on their forms.
+ After their Godli7e nature they, the ull. li7e "eroes, daCCling and
im!etuous, wear
Great s!lendour as they show erect.
. The !ivot of the 5oharis; chariot within the golden o$ is almed with
mil7.
%ay they the Well)orn, %ighty, 7indred of the >ow, aid us to food and to
delight.
0 -ring, ye who s!rin7le almy dro!s. olations to your vigorous %arut
com!any,
To those whose leader is the -ull.
1@ >ome hither, , ye %ares, on your stronghorsed car, solid in loo7, with
solid naves.
Lightly li7e winged falcons, , ye "eroes, come, come to en9oy our ofrerings.
11 Their decoration is the same1 their omaments of gold are right u!on
their arms:
Their lances glitter s!lendidly.
12 They toil not to defend their odies from attac7, strong "eroes with their
mighty arms.
5trong are your ows and strong the wea!ons in your cars, and glory sits on
every face.
1# Whose name e$tendeth li7e a sea, alone, res!lendent, so that all have
9oy in it,
And life)!ower li7e ancestral might.
1& Pay honour to these %aruts and sing !raise to them, for of the wheel)
s!o7es of the car
,f these loud roarers none is last1 this is their !ower, this moves them to
give mighty gifts.
1( -lest y your favouring hel! was he, , %aruts, at the earlier flushings of
the morn,
And even now shall he e lest.
1* The strong man to whose sacrifice, , "eroes, ye a!!roach that ye may
taste thereof,
With glories and with war that winneth s!oil shall gain great liss, ye
5ha7ers of the world.
1+ 2ven as /udra;s 5ons, the rood of the >reator 6yaus, the Asura, desire,
, <outhful ,nes, so shall it e1
1. And these the ounteous, worthy of the %aruts who move onward !ouring
down the rain)
2ven for their sa7e, , <outhful ,nes, with 7indest heart ta7e us to you to e
your own.
10 , 5ohari, with newest song sing out unto the youthful !urifying -ulls,
2ven as a !lougher to his steers.
2@ Who, li7e a celerated o$er, overcome the challengers in every fight1
They who, li7e shining ulls, are most illustrious)honour those %aruts with
thy song.
21 Allied y common ancestry, ye %aruts, even the >ows, ali7e in energy,
Lic7, all y turns, each other;s head.
22 2ven mortal man, ye 6ancers reast adorned with gold, attains to
rotherhood with you.
%ar7 ye and notice us, , %aruts: evermore your friendshi! is secured to us.
2# , %aruts, rich in nole gifts, ring us a !ortion of the %aruts; medicine,
<e >oursers who are 4riends to us.
2& "aters of those who serve you not, liss)ringers, ring us liss with
those aus!icious aids
Wherewith ye are victorious and guard 5indhu well, and succour 8rvi in his
need.
2( %aruts, who rest on fair trimmed grass, what alm soever 5indhu or
Asi7ni hath,
,r mountains or the seas contain.
2* <e carry on your odies, ye who see it all1 so less us graciously
therewith.
>ast, %aruts, to the ground our sic7 man;s malady1 re!lace the dislocated
lim.
HYMN XXI. Indra.
1. W2 call on thee, , %atchless ,neA We see7ing hel!, !ossessing nothing
firm ourselves,
>all on thee wonderful in fight
2 ,n thee for aid in sacrifice. This youth of ours, the old, the mighty, hath
gonse forth.
We therefore, we thy friends, Indra, havie chosen thee, free)giver, as our
Guardian God.
# >ome hither, for the dro!s are here, , Lord of corn)lands. Lord of horses,
Lord of 7ine1
6rin7 thou the 5oma, 5oma;s LordA
& 4or we the 7inless singers have drawn hither thee, , Indra, who hast
numerous 7in.
With all the forms thou hast, comic thou of ull)li7e strength, come near to
drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
( 5itting li7e irds eside thy meath., mingled with mil7, that gladdeneth
and e$alteth thee,
Indra, to thee we sing aloud.
* We s!ea7 to thee with this our reverential !rayer. Why art thou !ondering
yet awhileB
"ere are our wishes: thou art lieral, Lord of -ays1 we and our hymns are
!resent here.
+ 4or not in recent times alone, , Indra, Thunder)armed, have we otained
thine aid.
,f old we 7new thy !lenteous wealth.
. "ero, we 7new thy friendshi! and thy rich rewards1 these, Thunderer, now
we crave of thee.
, 'asu, for all wealth that cometh of the 7ine, shar!en our !owers, fair)
visored God.
0 "im who of old hath rought to us this and that lessing, him I magnify for
you,
2ven Indra, , my friends, for hel!
1@ -orne y -ay 5teeds, the Lord of heroes, ruling men, for it is he who
ta7es: delight.
%ay %aghavan estow on us his worshi!!ers hundreds of cattle and of
steeds.
11 "ero, may we, with thee for 4riend, withstand the man who !ants
against us in his wrath,
In fight with !eo!le rich in 7ine.
12 %ay we e victors in the singer;s attlesong, and meet the wic7ed, %uch
invo7edA
With heroes smite the foeman and show forth our strength. , Indra, further
thou our thoughts.
1# , Indra, from all ancient time rivalless ever and com!anionless art thou1
Thou see7est comradeshi! in war.
1& Thou findest not the wealthy man to e thy friend1 those scorn thee who
are flown with wine.
What time thou thunderest and gatherest, then thou, even as a 4ather, art
invo7ed.
1( , Indra, let us not, li7e fools who waste their lives at home, with
friendshi! such as thine
5it idly y the !oured)out 9uice.
1* Giver of 7ine, may we not miss thy gracious gifts1 let us not ro thee of
thine own.
5tri! even the strong !laces of the foe, and ring1 thy gifts can never e
made vain.
1+ Indra or lest 5arasvati alone estows such wealth, treasure so great, or
thou,
, >itra, on the worshi!!er.
1. >itra is 8ing, and only 7inglings are the rest who dwell eside 5arasvati.
"e, li7e Par9anya with his rain, hath s!read himself with thousand, yea, with
myriad gifts.
HYMN XXII. Asvins.
1. "IT"2/WA/6 have I called to)day, for succour, that most wondrous car
Which ye ascended, Asvins, ye whose !aths are red, swift to give >ar, for
5urya;s sa7e.
2 >ar ever young, much longed)for, easily invo7ed, soon guided, first in
deeds of might,
Which waits and serves, , 5ohari, with enevolence, without a rival or a
foe.
# These Asvins with our homage, these Two ,mni!resent 6eities
"itherward will we ring for 7ind hel!, these who see7 the dwelling of the
worshi!!er.
& ,ne of your chariot wheels is moving swiftly round, one s!eeds for you its
onward course.
Li7e a milch)cow, , Lords of s!lendour, and with haste let your enevolence
come to us.
( That chariot of yours which hath a tri!le seat and reins of gold,
The famous car that traverseth the heaven and earth, thereon =asatyas,
Asvins, come.
* <e with your !lough, when favouring %anu with your hel!, !loughed the
first harvest in the s7y.
As such will we e$alt you, Lords of s!lendour, now, , Asvins, with our !rayer
and !raise.
+ >ome to us, Lords of am!le wealth, y !aths of everlasting Law,
Wherey to high dominion ye with mighty strength raised Tr7si, Trasadasyu;s
son.
. This 5oma !ressed with stones is yours, ye "eroes, Lords of !lenteous
wealth.
A!!roach to drin7 the 5oma, come, drin7 in the worshi!!er;s aode.
0 , Asvins, mount the chariot, mount the golden seat, ye who are Lords of
!lenteous wealth,
And ring to us aundant food.
1@ The aids wherewith ye hel!ed Pa7tha and Adhrigt:, and -ahru severed
from his friends,)
With those, , Asvins, come hither with s!eed and soon, and heal whatever
is diseased.
11 When we continually invo7e the Asvins, the resistless, at this time of day,
We lovers of the song, with songs.
12 Through these, ye %ighty ,nes, come hither to my call which rings all
lessings, wears all forms,)
Tlirough which, All)!resent "eroes, lavishest of food ye strengthened 8rvi,
come through these.
1# I s!ea7 to oth of these as such, these Asvins whom I reverence at this
time of day1
With homage we entreat them oth.
1& <e who are Lords of s!lendour, ye whose !aths are red, at eve, at mom,
at sacrifice,
Give us not utterly as !rey to mortal foe, ye /udras, Lords of am!le wealth.
1( 4or liss I call. the lissful car, at morn the inse!arale Asvins with their
car
I call, li7e 5ohari our sire.
1* /a!id as thought, and strong, and s!eeding to the9oy, ringing.your
swiftly)coming hel!,
-e to us a !rotection even from far away Lords of great wealth, with many
aids.;
1+ >ome, Wonder)Wor7ers, to our home, our home, , Asvins, rich in cattle,
steeds, and gold,
>hief drin7ers of the 5oma;s 9uice
1. >hoice)worthy strength, heroic, firm and e$cellent, unin9ured y the
/a7sas foe,
At this your coming nigh, ye Lords of am!le wealth and all good things, may
we otain.
HYMN XXIII. Agni.
1. W,/5"IP thou Datavedas, !ray to him who willingly acce!ts,
Whose smo7e wanders at will, and none may gras! his flame.
2 Thou, all men;s friend, 'isvamanas, e$altest Agni with thy song,
The Giver, and his flames with which no cars contend.
# Whose resolute assault, to win vigour and food, deserves our !raise,)
Through whose discovering !ower the !riest otaineth wealth.
& 3! s!rings the im!erishale flame, the flame of the /efulgent ,ne
%ost right, with glowing 9aws and glory in his train.
( 57illed in fair sacrifice, e$tolled, arise in Godli7e loveliness,
5hining with lofty s!lendour, with effulgent light.
* >alled straight to our olations, come, , Agni, through our eulogies,
As thou hast een our envoy earing u! our gifts.
+ I call your Agni, from of old Invo7ing Priest of living men1
"im with this song I laud and magnify for you.
. Whom, wondrous wise, they animate with solemn rites and his fair form,
8ind as a friend to men who 7ee! the holy Law.
0 "im, true to Law, who !erfecteth the sacrifice,. Law)loving onesA
<e with your song have gratified in the !lace of !rayer.
1@ %ay all our sacrifices go to him the truest Angiras,
Who is among man7ind the most illustrious Priest.
11 Im!erishale Agni, thine are all these high en7indled lights,
Li7e horses and li7e stallions showing forth their strength.
12 5o give us, Lord of Power and %ight, riches comined with hero strength,
And guard us with our sons and grand. sons in our frays.
1# 5oon as the eager Lord of men is friendly unto %anti;s race,
Agni averteth from us all the demon host.
1& , "ero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine,
-urn down the /a7sasas, enchanters, with thy flame.
1( =o mortal foe can e;er !revail y arts of magic over him
Who serveth Agni well with sacrificial gifts.
1* 'yasva the sage, who sought the -ull, hath won thee, finder of good
things1
As such may we en7indle thee for am!le wealth.
1+ 3sana 8avya stalished thee, , Agni, as Invo7ing Priest1
Thee, Datavedas, 5acrificing Priest for man.
1. All 6eities of one accord a!!ointed thee their messenger1
Thou, God, through hearing, hadst first claim to sacrifice.
10 "im may the mortal hero ma7e his own immortal messenger.
4ar)s!reading, Purifier, him whose !ath is lac7.
2@ With lifted ladles let us call him s!lendid with his rilliant flame,
%en;s ancient Agni, wasting not, adorale.
21 The man who !ays the worshi! due to him with sacrificial gifts
,tains oth !lenteous nourishment and hero fame.
22 To Datavedas Agni, chief in sacrifices, first of all
With homage goes the ladle rich with sacred gifts.
2# 2ven as 'yatya did, may we with these most high and lieral hymns
Pay worshi! unto Agni of the s!lendid flame.
2& =ow sing, as 5thurayu!a sang, with lands to him who s!readeth far,
To Agni of the home, , /si, 'yasva;s son.
2( As welcome guest of human 7ind, as offs!ring of the forest 7ings,
The sages worshi! ancient Agni for his aid.
2* 4or men;s olations rought to him who is the mighty Lord of all,
5it, Agni, mid our homage, on the sacred grass.
2+ Grant us aundant. treasures, grant the o!ulence which many crave,
With store of heroes, !rogeny, and high renown.
2. Agni, %ost <outhful of the Gods, send evermore the gift of wealth
3nto 'arosusaman and to all his fol7.
20 A mighty >on?ueror art thou, , Agni, so disclose to us
4ood in our herds of 7ine and gain of am!le wealth.
#@ Thou, Agni, art a glorious God1 ring hither %itra, 'aruna,
Im!erial 5ovrans, holy)minded, true to Law.
HYMN XXIV. Indra.
1. >,%PA=I,=5, let us learn a !rayer to Indra. whom the thunder arms,
To glorify your old and most heroic 4riend.
2 4or thou y slaying 'rtra art the 'rtra)slayer, famed for might.
Thou, "ero, in rich gifts sur!assest wealthy chiefs.
# As such, when glorified, ring us riches of very wondrous fame,
5et in the highest ran7, Wealth)giver, Lord of -aysA
& <ea, Indra, thou disclosest that !reeminent dear wealth of men1
-oldly, , -old ,ne, glorified, ring it to us.
( The wor7ers of destruction stay neither thy right hand nor thy left1
=or hosts that !ress aout thee, Lord of -ays, in fight.
* , Thunder)armed, I come with songs to thee as to a stall with 7ine1
4ulfil the wish and thought of him who sings thy !raise.
+ >hief 'rtra)slayer, through the hymn of 'isvamanas thin7 of all,
All that concerneth us, 2$cellent, %ighty Guide.
. %ay we, , 'rtra)slayer, , "ero, find this thy newest oon, Longed)for, and
e$cellent, thou who art much invo7edA
0 , Indra, 6ancer, %uch)invo7edA as thy great !ower is unsur!assed,
5o e thy ounty to the worshi!!er unchec7ed.
1@ %ost %ighty, most heroic ,ne, for mighty ounty fill thee full.
Though strong, strengthen thyself to win wealth, %aghavanA
11 , Thunderer, never have our !rayers gone forth to any God ut thee1
5o hel! us, %aghavan, with thine assistance now.
12 4or, 6ancer, verily I find none else for ounty, saving thee,
4or s!lendid wealth and !ower, thou Lover of the 5ong.
1# 4or Indra !our ye out the dro!s meath lent with 5oma let him drin7
With ounty and with ma9esty will he further us.
1& I s!a7e to the -ay >oursers; Lord, to him who gives aility1
=ow hear the son of Asva as he !raises thee.
1( =ever was any "ero orn efore thee mightier than thou1
=one certairdy li7e thee in goodness and in wealth.
1* , ministering !riest, !our out of the sweet 9uice what gladdens most1
5o is the "ero !raised who ever !ros!ers us.
1+ Indra, whom Tawny >oursers ear, !raise such as thine, !reeminent,
=one y his !ower or y his goodness hath attained.
1. We, see7ing glory, have invo7ed this %aster of all !ower and might
Who must e glorified y constant sacri fice.
10 >ome, sing we !raise to Indra, friends, the "ero who deserves the laud,
"im who with none to aid o;ercomes all tries of men.
2@ To him who wins the 7ine, who 7ee!s no cattle ac7, >elestial God,
5!ea7 wondrous s!eech more sweet than utter and than meath.
21 Whose hero !owers are measureless, whose ounty ne;er may e
sur!assed,
Whose lierality, li7e light, is over all.
22 As 'yasva did, !raise Indra, !raise the 5trong unfluctuating Guide,
Who gives the foe;s !ossessions to the worshi!!er.
2# =ow, son of 'yasva, !raise thou him who to the tenth time still is new,
The very Wise, whom living men must glorify
2& Thou 7nowest, Indra, Thunder)armed, how to avoid destructive !owers,
As one secure from !itfalls each returning day.
2( , Indra, ring that aid wherewith of old, %ost WondrousA thou didst slay
"is foes for active 8utsa1 send it down to us.
2* 5o now we see7 thee fresh in might, %ost Wonderful in actA for gain1
4or thou art he who con?uers all our foes for us.
2+ Who will set free from ruinous woe, or Arya on the 5even 5treams1
, valiant "ero, end the 6asa;s wea!on down.
2. As to 'arosusaman thou roughtest great riches, for their gain,
To 'yasva;s sons, -lest Lady, rich in am!le wealthA
20 Let =arya;s sacrificial meed reach 'yasva;s 5oma)earing sons1
In hundreds and in thousands e the great reward.
#@ If one should as7 thee, Where is he who sacrificedB Whither loo7est thouB
Li7e 'ala he hath !assed away and dwelleth now on Gomati.
HYMN XXV. Mi&ra-Varuna.
1. I W,/5"IP you who guard this All, Gods, holiest among the Gods,
<ou, faithful to the Law, whose !ower is sanctified.
2 5o, too, li7e charioteers are they, %itra and sa!ient 'aruna,
5ons high)orn from of old, whose holy laws stand fast.
# These Twain, !ossessors of all wealth, most glorious, for su!remest sway
Aditi, %ighty %other, true to Law, rought forth.
& Great 'aruna and %itra, Gods, Asuras and im!erial Lords,
True to 2ternal Law !roclaim the high decree.
( The offs!ring of a lofty Power, 6a7sa;s Two 5ons e$ceeding strong,
Who, Lords of flowing rain, dwell in the !lace of food.
* <e who have gathered u! your gifts, celestial and terrestrial food,
Let your rain come to us fraught with the mist of heaven.
+ The Twain, who from the lofty s7y seem to loo7 down on herds elow,
"oly, im!erial Lords, are set to e revered.
. They, true to Law, e$ceeding strong, have sat them down for savran rule1
Princes whose laws stand fast, they have otained their sway.
0 Pathfinders even etter than the eye, with unostructed sight,
2ven when they close their lids, oservant, they !erceive.
1@ 5o may the Goddess Aditi, may the =asatyas guard us well,
The %artits guard us well,.endowed with mighty strength.
11 6o ye, , -ounteous Gods, !rotect our dwelling lace y day and night1
With you for our defenders may we go unharmed.
12 %ay we, unharmed, serve ountiful 'isnu, the God who slayeth none1
5elf)moving 5indhu hear and e the first to mar7.
1# This sure !rotection we elect, desirale and reaching far,
Which %itra, 'aruna, and Aryaman afford.
1& And may the 5indhu of the floods, the %aruts, and the A5vin Pair,
-oon Indra, and oon 'isnu have one mind with us.
1( -ecause these warring "eroes stay the enmity of every foe,
As the fierce water)flood re!els the furious ones.
1* "ere this one God, the Lord of men, loo7s forth e$ceeding far and wide1
And we, for your advantage, 7ee! his holy laws.
1+ We 7ee! the old accustomed laws, the statutes of su!remacy,
The Iong)7nown laws of %itra and of 'aruna.
1. "e who hath measured with his ray the oundaries of heaven and earth,
And with his ma9esty hath filled the two worlds full,
10 5urya hath s!read his light aloft u! to the region of the s7y,
Li7e Agni all aflame when gifts are offered him.
2@ With him who sits afar the word is lord of food that comes from 7ine,
>ontroller of the gift of unem!oisoned food.
21 5o unto 5urya, "eaven, and 2arth at morning and at eve I s!ea7.
-ringing en9oyments ever rise thou u! for us.
22 4rom 37sanyayana a ay, from "arayana a white steed,
And from 5usaman we otained a hamessed car.
2# These two shall ring me further gain of troo!s of tawny)coloured steeds,
The carriers shall they e of active men of war.
2& And the two sages have I gained who hold the reins and ear the whi!,
And the two great strong coursers, with my newest song.
HYMN XXVI. Asvins.
1. I >ALL your chariot to receive united !raise mid !rincely men,
5trong Gods who !our down wealth, of never van?uished mightA
2 <e to 'arosusaman come, =asatyas, for this glorious rite.
With your !rotecting aid. 5trong Gods, who !our down wealth.
# 5o with olations we invo7e you, rich in am!le wealth, to)day,
When night hath !assed, , ye who send us !lenteous food.
, Asvins, "eroes, let your car, famed, est to travel, come to us,
And, for his glory, mar7 your Cealous servant;s lauds.
( Asvins, who send us !recious gifts, even when offended, thin7 of him1
4or ye, , /udras, lead us safe eyond our foes.
* 4or, Wonder)Wor7ers, with fleet steeds ye fly com!letely round this All,
5tirring our thoughts, ye Lords of s!lendour, honey)hued.
+ With all)sustaining o!ulence, Asvins, come hitherward to us,
<e rich and nole "eroes, ne;er to e o;erthrown.
. To welcome this mine offering, , ye Indra)li7e =asatyas, come
As Gods of est accord this day with other Gods.
0 4or we, li7e 'yasva, lifting u! our voice li7e o$en, call on you1
With all your loving 7indness, 5ages, come to us.
1@ , /si, laud the Asvins well. Will they not listen to thy callB
Will they not um the Panis who are nearer themB
11 , "eroes, listen to the son of 'yasva, and regard me here,
'aruna, %itra, Aryaman, of one accord.
12 Gods whom we yearn for, of your gifts, of what ye ring to us, estow
-y !rinces; hands on me, ye %ighty, day y day.
1# "im whom your sacrifices clothe, even as a woman with her roe,
The Asvins hel! to glory honouring him well.
1& Whoso regards your care of men as succour widest in its reach,
Aout his dwelling go, ye Asvins, loving us.
1( >ome to us ye who !our down wealth, come to the home which men
must guard1
Li7e shafts, ye are made meet for sacrifice y song.
1* %ost fetching of all calls, the laud, as envoy, "eroes, called to you
-e it your own, , Asvin Pair.
1+ -e ye in yonder sea of heaven, or 9oying in the home of food,
Listen to me, Immortal ,nes.
1. This river with his lucid flow attracts you, more than all the streams,)
2ven 5indhu with his !ath of gold.
10 , Asvins, with that glorious fame come hither, through our rilliant song,
>ome ye whose ways are mar7ed with light.
2@ "arness the steeds who draw the car, , 'asu, ring the well)fed !air.
, 'ayu, drin7 thou of our meath1 come unto our drin7)offerings.
21 Wonderful 'ayu, Lord of /ight, thou who art Tvastar;s son)in)law,
Thy saving succour we elect.
22 To Tvastar;s son)in)law we !ray for wealth whereof he hath control1
4or glory we see7 vayu, men with 9uice effused.
2# 4rom heaven, aus!icious 'ayu, come drive hither with thy nole steeds1
>ome on thy mighty car with wide)e$tending seat.
2& We call thee to the homes of men, thee wealthiest in nole food,
And lieral as a !ress)stone with a horse;s ac7.
2( 5o, glad and 9oyful in thine heart, do thou, God, 'ayu, first of all
'ouchsafe us water, strength, and thought.
HYMN XXVII. Visv!d!vas.
1. >"2I4 Priest is Agni at the laud, as stones and grass at sacrifice1
With song I see7 the %aruts, -rahmanas!ati, Gods for hel! much to e
desired.
2 I sing to cattle and to 2arth, to trees, to 6awns, to =ight, to !lants.
, all ye 'asus, ye !ossessors of all wealth, e ye the furtherers of our
thoughts.
# 4orth go, with Agni, to the Gods our sacrifice of ancient use,
To the Adityas, 'aruna whose Law stands fast, and the all)lightening %arut
troo!.
& Lords of all wealth, may they e strengtheners of man, destroyers of his
enemies.
Lords of all wealth, do ye, with guards which none may harm, !reserve our
dwelling free from foes.
( >ome to us with one mind to)day, come to us all with one accord,
%aruts with holy song, and, Goddess Aditi, %ighty ,ne, to our house and
home.
* 5end us delightful things, ye %aruts, on your steeds1 come ye, , %itra, to
our gifts.
Let Indra, 'aruna, and the Adityas sit, swift "eroes, on our sacred grass.
+ We who have trimmed the grass for you, and set the an?uet in array,
And !ressed the 5oma, call you, 'aruina, li7e men, with sacrificial fires
aflame.
. , %aruts, 'isinu, Asvins, Pusan, haste away with minds turned hitherward
to %e.
Let the 5trong Indra, famed as 'rtra;s slayer, come first with the winners of
the s!oil.
0 <e Guileless Gods, estow on us a refuge strong on every side,
A sure !rotection, 'asus, unassailale from near at hand or from afar.
1@ 8inshi! have I with you, and close alliance , ye Gods, destroyers of our
foes.
>all us to our !ros!erity of former days, and soon to new 7licity.
11 4or now have I sent forth to you, that I may win a fair reward,
Lords of all wealth, with homage, this my song of !raise. li7e a milch)cow
that faileth not.
12 2$cellent 5avitar hath mounted u! on high for you, ye sure and careful
Guides.
-i!eds and ?uadru!eds, with several ho!es and aims, and irds have settled
to their tas7s.
1# 5inging their !raise with God)li7e thought let us invo7e each God for
grace,
2ach God to ring you hel!, each God to strengthen you.
1& 4or of one s!irit are the Gods with mortal man, co)sharers all of gracious
gifts.
%ay they increase our strength hereafter and to)day, !roviding case and
am!le room.
1( I laud you, , ye Guileless Gods, here where we meet to render !raise.
=one, 'aruna and %itra, harins the mortal, man who honours and oeys your
laws.
1* "e ma7es his house endure, he gathers !lenteous food who !ays
oedience to your will.
-orn in his sons anew he s!reads as Law commands, and !ros!ers every way
unharmed.
1+ 2;en without war he gathers wealth, and goes hisway on !leasant !aths,
Whom %itra, 'aruna and Aryaman !rotect, sharing the gift,of one accord.
1. 2;en on the !lain for him ye ma7e a slo!ing !ath, an easy way where road
is none1
And far away from him the ineffectual shaft must vanish, shot at him in
vain.
10 If ye a!!oint the rite to)day, 7ind /ulers, when the 5un ascends,
Lords of all wealth, at sunset or at wa7ingtime, or e it at the noon of day,
2@ ,r, Asuras, when ye have sheltered the worshi!!er who goes to sacrifice,
at eve
may we, , 'asus, ye !ossessors of all wealth, come then into the midst of
<ou.
21 If ye to)day at sunrise, or at noon, or in the gloom of eve,
Lords of all riches, give fair treasure to the man, the wise man who hath
sacrificed,
22 Then we, im!erial /ulers, claim of you this oon, your wide !rotection,
as a son.
%ay we, Adityas, offering holy gifts, otain that which shall ring us greater
liss.
HYMN XXVIII. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"2 Thirty Gods and Three esides, whose seat hath een the sacred
grass,
4rom time of old have found and gained.
2 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman, Agnis, with >onsorts, sending oons,
To whom our 'asatA is addressed1
# These are our guardians in the west, and northward here, and in the
south,
And on the cast, with all the trie.
& 2ven as the Gods desire so verily shall it e. =one minisheth this !ower of
theirs,
=o demon, and no mortal
( The 5even carry seven s!ears: seven are the s!lendours they !ossess,
And seven the glories they assume.
HYMN XXIX Visv!d!vas.
1. ,=2 is a youth rown, active, manifold he dec7s the golden one with
ornament.
2 Another, luminous, occu!ies the !lace of sacritice, 5age, among the Gods.
# ,ne randishes in his hand an iron 7nife, firm, in his seat amid the 6eities.
& Another holds the thunderolt, wherewith he slays the 'rtras, resting in
his hand.
( Another ears a !ointed wea!on1 right is he, and strong, with healing
medicines.
* Another, thief)li7e, watches well the ways, and 7nows the !laces where
the treasures lie.
+ Another with his mighty stride hath made his three ste!s thither where the
Gods re9oice.
. Two with one 6ame ride on with winged steeds, and 9ourney forth li7e
travellers on their way.
0 Two, highest, in the heavens have set their seat, worshi!!ed with holy oil,
im!erial 8ings.
1@ 5ome, singing lauds, conceived the 5ama)hymn, great hymn wherey
they caused the 5un to shine.
HYMN XXX. Visv!d!vas.
1. =,T one of you, ye Gods, is small, none of you is a feele child1
All of you, verily, are great.
2 Thus e ye lauded, ye destroyers of the foe, ye Three)and)Thirty 6eities,
The Gods of man, the "oly ,nes.
# As such defend and succour us, with enedictions s!ea7 to us1
Lead us not from our fathers; and from %anu;s !ath into the distance far
away.
& <e 6eities who stay with us, and all ye Gods of all man7ind,
Give us your wide !rotection, give shelter for cattle and for steed.
HYMN XXXI. Vari/us D!i&i!s.
1. T"AT -rahman !leases Indra well, who worshi!s, sacrifices, !ours
Liation, and !re!ares the meal.
2 5a7ra !rotects from woe the man who gives him sacrificial ca7e.
And offers 5oma lent with mil7.
# "is chariot shall e glorious, s!ed y Gods, and mighty shall he e,
5uduing all hostilities.
& 2ach day that !asses, in his house flows his liation, rich in mil7,
2$haustless, ringing !rogeny.
( , Gods, with constant draught of mil7, husand and wife with one accord
Press out and wash the 5oma 9uice.
* They gain sufficient food1 they come united to the sacred grass,
And never do they fail in strength.
+ =ever do they deny or see7 to hide the favour of the Gods1
They win high glory for themselves.
. With sons and daughters y their side they reach their full e$tent of life,
-oth dec7ed with ornaments of gold.
0 5erving the Immortal ,ne with gifts of sacrificial meal and wealth,
They satisfy the claims of love and !ay due honour to the Gods.
1@ We claim !rotection from the "ills, we claim !rotection of the 4loods,
,f him who stands y 'isnu;s side.
11 %ay Pusan come, and -haga, Lord of wealth, All)ounteous, for our weal
-road e the !ath that leads to liss1
12 Aramati, and, free from foes, 'isva with s!irit of a God,
And the Adityas; !eerless might.
1# 5eeing that %itra, Aryaman, and 'aruna are guarding us,
The !aths of Law are fair to tread.
1& I glorify with song, for wealth, Agni the God, the first of you.
We honour as a well)loved 4riend the God who !ros!ereth our fields.
1( As in all frays the hero, so swift moves his car whom Gods attend.
The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of 6eities will con?uer
those who worshi! not.
1* =e;er are ye in9ured, worshi!!er, !resser of 9uice, or !ious man.
1+ =one in his action e?uals him, none holds him far or 7ee!s him off.
1. 5uch strength of heroes shall e his, such mastery of fleet)foot steeds.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1. 8A='A5, tell forth with song the deeds of Indra, the Im!etuous,
Wrought in the 5oma;s wild delight.
2 5trong God, he slew Anarsani, 5rinda, Pi!ru, and the fiend,
Ahisuva, and loosed the floods.
#. Thou roughtest down the dwelling)!lace, the height of lofty Aruda.
That e$!loit, Indra, must e famed.
& -old, to your famous 5oma I call the fair)visored God for aid,
6own li7e a torrent from the hill.
( /e9oicing in the 5oma)draughts, "ero, urst o!en, li7e a fort,
The stall of horses and of 7ine.
* If my liation gladdens, if thou ta7est !leasure in my laud,
>ome with thy Godhead from afar.
+ , Indra, Lover of the 5ong, the singers of thy !raise are we1
, 5oma)drin7er, ?uic7en us.
. And, ta7ing thy delight with us ring us still undiminished food1
Great is thy wealth, , %aghavan.
0 %a7e thou us rich in herds of 7ine, in steeds, in gold1 let us e$ert
,ur strength in sacrificial gifts.
1@ Let us call him to aid whose hands stretch far, to whom high laud is due.
Who wor7eth well to succour us.
11 "e, 5ata7ratu, even in fight acts as a 'rtra)slayer s,till1
"e gives his worshi!!ers much wealth.
12 %ay he, this A:a7ra, strengthen us, -oon God who satisfies our needs,
Indra, with all lhis saving hel!s.
1# To him, the mighty stream of wealth, the 5oma)!resser;s rescuing 4riend,
To Indra sing your song of !raise:
1& Who ringeth what is great and firm, who winneth glory in his wars,
Lord of vast wealth through !ower and might.
1( There liveth none to chee7 or stay his energies and gracious deeds1
=one who can say, "e giveth not.
1* =o det is due y -rahmans now, y active men who !ress the 9uice1
Well hath each 5oma)draught een !aid.
1+ 5ing ye to him who must e !raised, say lauds to him who must e
!raised,
-ring !rayer to him who must e !raised.
1. %ay e, unchec7ed, strong, meet for !raise, ring hundreds, thousands
forth to light,
Indra who aids the worshi!!er.
10 Go with thy God)li7e nature forth, go where the fol7 are calling thee1
6rin7, Indra, of the dro!s we !our.
2@ 6rin7 mil7y draughts which are thine own, this too which was with Tugrya
once,
This is it, Indra, that is thine.
21 Pass him who !sours liations out in angry mood or after sin1
"ere drin7 the 9uice we offer thee.
22 ,ver the three great distances, !ast the 4ive Peo!les go thy way,
, Indra, noticing our voice.
2# 5end forth thy ray li7e 5urya1 let my songs attract thee hitherward,
Li7e waters gathering to the vale.
2& =ow to the "ero fair of chee7, Adhvaryu, !our the 5oma forth1
-ring of the 9uice that he may drin7
2( Who cleft the water)cloud in twain, loosed rivers for their downward
flow,
And set the ri!e mil7 in the 7ine.
2* "e, meet for !raise, slew 'rtra, slew Ahisuva, 3rnavaha;s son,
And !ierced th1rough Aruda with frost.
2+ To him your matchless %ighty ,ne, uncon?uerale >on?ueror,
5ing forth the !rayer which Gods have given1
2. Indra, who in the wild delight of 5oma 9uice considers here
All holy Laws among the Gods.
20 "ither let these thy -ays who share thy an?uet, 5teeds with golden
manes,
>onvey thee to the feast !re!ared.
#@ "ither, , thou whom many laud, the -ays whom Priyamedha !raised,
5hall ring thee to the 5oma)draught.
HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
1. W2 com!ass thee li7e waters, we whose grass is trimmed and 5oma
!ressed.
"ere where the filter !ours its stream, thy worshi!!ers round thee, , 'rtra)
slayer, sit.
2 %en, 'asuA y the 5oma, with lauds call thee to the foremost !lace1
When comest thou athirst unto the 9uice as home, , Indra, li7e a ellowing
ullB
# -oldly, -old "ero, ring us s!oil in thousands for the 8anvas; sa7e.
, active %aghavan, with eager !rayer we crave the yellow)hued with store
ol 7ine.
& %edhyatithi, to Indra sing, drin7 of the 9uice to ma7e thee glad.
>lose)7nit to his -ay 5teeds, olt)armed, eside the 9uice is he1 his chariot
is of gold.
( "e Who is !raised as strong of hand oth right and left, most wise and
hold1
Indra who, rich in hundreds, gathers thousands u!, honoured as rea7er)
down of forts.
* The old of heart whom none !rovo7es, who stands in earded
confidence:
%uch)lauded, very glorious, overthrowing foes, strong "el!er, li7e a ull
with might.
+ Who 7nows what vital ower he wins, drin7ing eside the flowing 9uiceB
This is the fair)chec7ed God who, 9oying in the draught, rea7s down the
castles in his strength.
. As a wild ele!hant rushes on this way and that way, mad with heat,;
=one may com!el thee, yet come hither to the draught1 thou movest mighty
in thy !ower.
0 When he, the %ighty, ne;er o;erthrown, steadfast, made ready for the
fight,
When Indra %aghavan lists to his !raiser;s call, he will not stand aloof, ut
come.
1@ <ea, verily, thou art a -ull, with a ull;s rush. whom none may stay1
Thou %ighty ,ne, art celerated as a -ull, famed as a -ull oth near and
far.
11 Thy reins are very ulls in strength, ulls; strength is in thy golden whi!.
Thy car, , %aghavan, thy -ays are strong as ulls1 thou, 5ata7ratu, art a
-ull.
12 Let the strong !resser !ress for thee. -ring hither, thou straight)rushing
-ull.
The mighty ma7es the mighty run in flowing streams for thee whom thy -ay
"orses ear.
1# >ome, thou most !otent Indra, come to drin7 the savoury 5oma 9uice.
%aghavan, very wise, will ?uic7ly come to hear the songs, the !rayer, the
hymns of !raise.
1& When thou hast mounted on thy car let thy yo7ed -ay 5teeds carry thee,
Past other men;s liations, Lord of "undred Powers, thee, 'rtra)slayer, thee
our 4riend.
1( , thou %ost Lofty ,ne, acce!t our laud as nearest to thine heart.
%ay our liations e most sweet to ma7e thee glad, , 5oma)drin7er,
"eavenly Lord.
1* =either in thy decree nor mine, ut in another;s he delights,)
The man who rought us unto this.
1+ Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman roo7s not disci!line,
"er intellect hath little weight.
1. "is !air of horses, rushing on in their wild trans!ort, draw his car1
"igh)lifted is the stallion;s yo7e.
10 >ast down thine eyes and loo7 not u!. %ore closely set thy feet. Let none
5ee what thy garment veils, for thou, a -rahman, hast ecome a dame.
HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
1. >ome hither, Indra, with thy -ays, come thou to 8anva;s eulogy.
<e y command of yonder 6yaus, God right y dayA have gone to heaven.
2 %ay the stone draw thee as it s!ea7s, the 5oma)stone with ringing voice.
# The stones; rim sha7es the 5oma here li7e a wolf worrying a shee!.
& The 8anvas call thee hitherward for succour and to win the s!oil.
( I set for thee, as for the 5trong, the first draught of the 9uices shed.
* >ome with aundant lessings, come with !erfect care to succour us.
+ >ome, Lord of lofty thought, who hast infinite wealth and countless aids.
. Adorale mid Gods, the Priest good to man7ind shall ring thee near.
0 As wings the falcon, so thy -ays rushing in 9oy shall carry thee.
1@ >ome from the enemy to us, to svaha and the 5oma)draught.
11 >ome hither with thine car inclined to hear, ta7e !leasure in our lauds.
12 Lord of well)nourished "orses, come with well)fed 5teeds ali7e in hue.
1# >ome hither from the mountains, come from regions of the sea of air.
1& 6isclose to us , "ero, wealth in thousands oth of 7ine and steeds.
1( -ring riches hitherward to us in hundreds, thousands, myriads.
1* The thousand steeds, the mightiest troo!, which we and Indra have
received
4rom 'asurocis as a gift,
1+ The rown that match the wind in s!eed, and right ay coursers fleet of
foot,
Li7e 5uns, res!lendent are they all.
1. %id the Pargvata;s rich gifts, swift steeds whose wheels run ra!idly,
I seemed to stand amid a wood.
HYMN XXXV. Asvins.
1. WIT" Agni and with Indra, 'isnu. 'aruna, with the Adityas, /udras, 'asus,
closely leagued:
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, , Asvins, drin7 the 5oma
9uice.
2 With all the "oly Thoughts, all eing %ighty ,nesA in close alliance wil the
%ountains, "eaven, and 2arth:
Accordant. of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, , Asvins, drin7 the 5oma
9uice.
# With all the 6eities, three times eleven, here, in close alliance with the
%aruts, -hrgus, 4loods:
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, , Asvins, drin7 the 5oma
9uice.
& Acce!t the sacrifice, attend to this my call1 come nigh, , ye Twain Gods,
to all liations here.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, , Asvins, ring us
strengthening food.
( Acce!t our !raise)song as a youth acce!ts a maid. >ome nigh, , ye Twain
Gods, to all liations here.
Accordant, of one mind with 5arya and with 6awn , Asvins, ring us
strengthening food.
* Acce!t the songs we sing, acce!t the solemn rite. >onie nigh, , ye Twain
Gods, to all liations here.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, , Asvins, ring us
strengthening food.
+ <e fly as starlings fly unto the forest trees: li7e uffaloes ye see7 the 5oma
we have shed.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, come thrice, , Asvins, to
our home.
. <e fly li7e swans, li7e those who travel on their way: li7e uffaloes ye see7
the 5oma we have shed.
our home.
0 <e fly to our olation li7e a !air of haw7s: li7e uffaloes ye see7 the 5oma
we have shed.
our home.
1@ >ome hitherward and drin7 and satisfy yourselves, estow u!on us
!rogeny and affluence.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, , Asvins, grant us
vigorous strength.
11 >on?uer your foes, !rotect us, !raise your worshi!!ers: estow u!on us
!rogeny and affluence.
vigolms strength.
12 5lay enemies, animate men whom ye efriend: estow u!on us !rogeny
and aff luence.
vigorous strength.
1# With %itra, 'aruna, 6harma, and the %aruts in your com!any a!!roach
unto your !raiser;s call.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, and with the Adityas,
AsvinsA come.
1& With 'isnu and the Angirases attending you, and with the %aruts come
unto your !raiser;s call.
AsvinsA come.
1( With /hus and With 'a9as. , ye %ighty ,nes, leagued with the %aruts
come ye to your !raiser;s call.
AsvinsA come.
1* Give s!irit to our !rayer and animate our thoughts: slay ye the /a7sasas
and drive away disease.
Accordant, of ,ne mind with 5urya and with 6awn, )the !resser;s 5oma,
Asvins drin7.
1+ 5trengthen the /uling Power, strengthen the men of war: slay ye the
/a7sasas and drive away disease.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, the !resser;s 5oma,
Asvins drin7.
1. Give strength unto the milch)7ine, give the !eo!le strength, slay ye the
/a7sasas and drive away disease.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, the !resser;s 5oma,
Asvins drin7.
10 As ye heard Atri;s earliest eulogy, so hear 5yavasva, 5oma)!resser, ye who
reel in 9oy.
Accordant, of one mind with 5urya and with 6awn, drin7 9uice, , Asvins,
three days old.
2@ 4urther li7e running streams 5yavasva;s eulogies who !resses out the
5oma, ye who reel in 9oy.
three days old.
21 5eiCe, as ye gras! the reins, 5yavasva;s solemn rites who !resses out the
5oma, ye who reel in 9oy.
three days old.
22 6rive down your chariot hitherward drin7 ye the 5oma;s savoury 9uice.
A!!roach, ye Asvins, come to us1 I call you, eager for your aid. Grant
treasures to the worshi!!er.
2# When sacrifice which tells our reverence hath egun. "eroesA to drin7
the gushing 9uice,
2& 5ate you with consecrated drin7, with 9uice effused, ye 6eities.
HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
1. T",3 hel!est him whose grass is trimmed, who sheds the 9uice, ,
5ata7ratu, drin7 5oma to ma7e thee glad.
The share which they have fi$ed for thee, thou, Indra, 'ictor o;er all hosts
and s!ace, egirt with %aruts, Lord of "eroes, winner of the floods.
2 %aghavan, hel! thy worshi!!er1 let him hel! thee. , 5ata7ratu, drin7
5oma to ma7e thee glad.
The share which they have fi$ed for thee, etc.
# Thou aidest Gods with food, and that with might aidg thee,
, 5ata7ratu, drin7 5oma to ma7e thee glad.
& >reator of the heaven, creator of the earth, , 5ata7ratu, drin7 5oma to
ma7e thee glad.
( 4ather of cattle, father of all steeds art thou. , 5ata7ratu, drin7 5oma to
ma7e thee glad.
* 5tone)hurler, glorify the Atris; hymn of !raise. , 5ata7ratu, drin7 5oma to
ma7e thee glad.
+ "ear thou 5yavagva while he !ours to thee, as erst thou heardest Atri
when he wrought his holy rites.
Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in the fierce fight with heroes,
strengthening his !rayers.
HYMN XXXVI* Indra.
1. T"I5 !rayer, and those who shed the 9uice, in wars with 'rtra thou
hol!est, Indra, Lord of 5trength, with all thy succours.
, 'rtra)slayer, from liation !oured at noon, drin7 of the 5oma 9uice, thou
lameless Thunderer.
2 Thou mighty >on?ueror of hostile armaments, , Indra, Lord of 5trength,
with all thy saving hel!.
# 5ole /uler, thou art 5ovran of this world of life, , Indra, Lord of 5trength,
& Thou only sunderest these two consistent worlds, , Indra, Lord of
5trength, with all thy saving hel!.
( Thou art the Lord su!reme o;er rest and energy, , Indra, Lord of 5trength,
* Thou hel!est one to !ower, and one thou hast not hel!ed, , Indra, Lord of
5trength, with all thy saving aid.
+ "ear thou 5yavasva while he sings to thee, as erst thou heardest Atri when
he wrought his holy rites.
Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in the fierce fight with heroes,
strengthening his !owers.
HYMN XXXVIII. Indra-Angi.
I. <2 Twain are Priests of sacrifice, wmners in war and holy wor7s1
Indra and Agni, mar7 this well.
2 <e ounteous riders on the car, ye 'rtra)slayers unsudued1
Indra and Agni, mar7 this well.
# The men with !ressing)stones have !ressed this meath of yours which
gives delight1
Indra, and Agni, mar7 this well.
& Acce!t our sacrifice for weal, sharers of !raiseA the 5oma shed1
Indra and Agni, "eroes, come.
( -e !leased with these liations which attract you to our sacred gifts
Indra and Agni, "eroes, come.
* Acce!t this eulogy of mine whose model is the Gayatri1
Indra and Agni, "eroes, >ome.
+ >ome with the early)faring Gods, ye who are Lords of genuine wealth1
Indra)Agni, to the 5oma)draught
. "ear ye the call of Atris, hear 5yavasva as he sheds the 9uice1
Indra)Agni to the 5oma)draught
0 Thus have I called you to our aid as sages called on you of old1
Indra)Agni to the 5oma draughtA
1@ Indra;s and Agni;s grace I claim, 5arasvati;s associates
To whom this !salm of !raise is sung.
HYMN XXXIX. Agni.
1. T"2 glorious Agni have I !raised, and worshi!!ed with. the sacred food.
%ay Agni dec7 the Gods for us. -etween oth gathering)!laces he goes on
his emassy, the 5age. %ay all the others die away.
2 Agni, urn down the word within their odies through our newest s!eech,
All hatreds of the godless, all the wic7ed man;s malignities. Away let the
destroyers go. %ay all the others die away.
# Agni, I offer hymns to thee, li7e holy oil within thy moutlh.
Ac7nowledge them. among the Gods, for thou art the rmost e$cellent, the
worshi!!er;s lissful messenger. Let all the others die away.
& Agni estows all vital !ower even as each man su!!licates.
"e rings the 'asus strengthening gifts, and grants deliglht, in rest and stir,
for every calling on the Gods. Let all the others die away.
( Agni hath made himself renowned y wonderful victorious act.
"e is the Priest of all the tries, chosen with sacrificial meeds. "e urges
6eities to receive. Let all the others die away.
* Agni 7nows all that s!rings from Gods, he 7nows the mystery of men.
Giver of wealth is Agni, he uncloses oth the doors to us when worshi!!ed
with our newest gift. Let all the others die away.
+ Agni inhaiteth with Gods and men who offer sacrifice.
"e cherisheth with great delight much wisdom, as all things that e, God
among Gods adorale. %ay all the others die away.
. Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the 5evenfold /ace of men,
"im dweller in three homes we see7, est slayer of the 6asytis for
%andhatar, first in sacrifice. Let all the others die away.
0 Agni the Wise inhaiteth three gathering)!laces, tri!ly formed.
6ec7ed as our envoy let the 5age ring hither and conciliate the Thrice
2leven 6eities. Let all the others die away.
1@ ,ur Agni, thou art first among the Gods, and first mid living men.
Thou only rulest over wealth. /ound aout thee, as natural dams,
circumfluous the waters run. Let all the others die away.
HYMN X*. Indra-Agni.
1. I=6/A and Agni, surely ye as >on?uerors will give us wealth,
Wherey in fight we may o;ercome that which is strong and firmly fi$ed, as
Agni urns the woods with wind. Let all the others die away.
2 We set no snares to tangle you: Indra we worshi! and adore, "ero of
heroes mightiest.
,nce may he come unto us with his 5teed, come unto us to win us strength,
and to com!lete the sacrifice.
# 4or, famous Indra)Agni, ye are dwellers in the midst of frays.
5ages in wisdom, ye are 7nit to him who see7eth you as friends. "eroes,
estow on him his wish.
& =aha7a)li7e, with sacred song Indra;s and Agni;s !raise I sing,
Theirs to whom all this world elongs, this heaven and this mighty earth
which ear rich treasure in their la!.
( To Indra and to Agni send your !rayers, as was =aha7a;s wont,)
Who o!ed with sideway o!ening the sea with its foundations seven)Indra all
!owerful in his might.
* Tear thou asunder, as of old, li7e tangles of a cree!ing !lant,
6emolish thou the 6asa;s might. %ay we with Indra;s hel! divide the treasure
he hath gathered u!.
+ What time with this same song these men call Indra)Agni sundry ways,
%ay we with our own heroes ?uell those who !rovo7e us to the fight, and
con?uer those who strive with us.
. The Two refulgent with their eams rise and come downward from the s7y.
-y Indra;s and y Agni;s hest, flowing away, the rivers, run which they
released from their restraint.
0 , Indra, many are thine aids, many thy ways of guiding us,
Lord of the -ay 5teeds, "inva;s 5on. To a Good "ero come our !rayers, which
soon shall have accom!lishment.
1@ Ins!ire him with your holy hymns, the "ero right and glorious,
"im who with might demoliseth even the rood of 5usna, and winneth for
us the heavenly streams.
11 Ins!ire him worshi!!ed with fair rites, the glorious "ero truly rave.
"e ra7e in !ieces 5usna;s rood who still e$!ected not the stro7e, and won
for us the heavenly streams. Let all the others die away.
12 Thus have we sung anew to Indra)Agni, as sang our sires, Angirases, and
%andhatar.
Guard us with tri!le shelter and !reserve us1 may we e masters of a store
of riches.
HYMN X*I. Varuna.
1. To ma7e this 'aruna come forth sing thou a song unto the and of %aruts
wiser than thyself,)
This 'aruna who guardeth well the thoughts of men li7e herds of 7ine.
Let all the others die away.
2 "im altogether !raise I with the song and hymns our fathers sang, and
with =aha7a;s eulogies,)
"im dwelling at the rivers; source, surrounded y his 5isters 5even.
# The nights he hath encom!assed, and stalished the morns with magic art
visile over all is he.
"is dear ,nes, following his Law, have !ros!ered the Three 6awns for him.
& "e, visile o;er all the earth, stalished the ?uarters of the s7y1
"e measured out the eastern !lace, that is the fold of 'aruna1 li7e a strong
herdsman is the God.
( "e who su!!orts the worlds of life, he who well 7nows the hidden names
mysterious of the morning eams,
"e cherishes much wisdom, 5age, as heaven rings forth each varied form.
* In whom all wisdom centres, as the nave is set within the wheel.
"aste ye to honour Trita, as 7ine haste to gather in the fold, even as they
muster steeds to yo7e.
+ "e wra!s these regions as a roe: he contem!lates the tries of Gods and
all the wor7s of mortal men.
-efore the home of 'aruna all the Gods follow his decree.
. "e is an ,cean far)removed, yet through the heaven to him ascends the
worshi! which these realms !ossess.
With his right foot he overthrew their magic, and went u! to heaven.
0 /uler, whose right far)seeing rays, !ervading all three earths, have filled
the three su!erior realms of heaven.
4irm is the seat of 'aruna1 over the 5even he rules as 8ing.
1@ Who, after his decree, o;ers!read the 6ar7 ,nes with a roe of light:
Who measured out the ancient seat, who !illared oth the worlds a!art as
the 3norn su!!orted heaven. Let all the others die away.
HYMN X*II Varuna.
1. L,/6 of all wealth, the Asura !ro!!ed the heavens, and measured out
the road earth;s wide e$!anses.
"e, 8ing su!reme, a!!roached all living creatures. All these are 'aruna;s
holy o!erations.
2 5o humly worshi! 'aruna the %ighty revere the wise Guard of World
Immortal.
%ay he vouchsafe us tri!ly)arred !rotection. , 2arth and "eaven, within
your la! !reserve us.
# 5har!en this song of him who strives his utmost, shar!en, God 'aruna, his
strength and insight:
%ay we ascend the shi! that ears us safely, wherey we may !ass over all
misfortune.
& Asvins, with songs the singer stones have made you hasten hitherward,
=asatyas, to the 5oma)draught. Let all the others die away.
( As the sage Atri with his hymns, , Asvins, called you eagerly,
* 5o have I called you to our aid, even as the wise have called of old,
HYMN X*III. Agni.
1. T"252 songs of mine go forth as lauds of Agni, the dis!osing 5age,
Whose worshi!!er is ne;er o;erthrawn.
2 Wise Agni Datavedas, I eget a song of !raise for thee.
Who willingly receivest it.
# Thy shar!ened flames, , Agni, li7e the gleams of light that glitter through,
6evour the forests with their teeth.
& Gold)coloured, annered with the smo7e, urged y the wind, aloft to
heaven
/ise, lightly orne, the flames of fire.
( These lightly 7indled fiery flames are all around made visile,
2ven as the glearaings of the 6awns.
* As Datavedas s!eeds along, the dust is lac7 eneath his feet,
When Agni s!reads u!on the earth.
+ %a7ing the !lants his nourishment, Agni devours and wearies not,
5ee7ing the tender shrus again.
. -ending him down with all his tongues, he flic7ers with his fiery glow
5!lendid is Agni in the woods.
0 Agni, thine home is in the floods1 into the !lants thou forcest way,
And as their >hild art orn anew.
1@ Worshi!!ed with offerings shines thy flame, , Agni, from the sacred oil,
With 7isses on the ladle;s mouth.
11 Let us serve Agni with our hymns, 6is!oser, fed on o$ and cow,
Who ears the 5oma on his ac7.
12 <ea, thee, , Agni, do we see7 with homage and with fuel, Priest
Whose wisdom is most e$cellent.
1# , worshi!!ed with olations, !ure Agni, we call on thee as erst,
6id -hrgu, %anus, Angiras.
1& 4or thou, , Agni, y the fire, 5age y the 5age, Good y the Good,
4riend y the 4riend, art lighted u!.
1( 5o wealth in thousands, food with store of heroes give thou to the sage,
, Agni, to the worshi!!er.
1* , Agni, -rother, made y strength, Lord of red steeds and rilliant sway,
Ta7e !leasure in this laud of mine.
1+ %y !raises, Agni, go to thee, as the cows see7 the stall to meet,
The lowing calf that longs for mil7.
1. Agni, est Angiras, to thee all !eo!le who have !leasant homes,
A!art, have turned as to their wish.
10 The sages s7illed in holy song and thin. 7ers with their thoughts have
urged
Agni to share the sacred feast.
2@ 5o, Agni, unto thee the Priest, Invo7er, strong in forays, !ray
;nose who s!in out the sacrifice.
21 In many a !lace, the same in loo7 art thou, a Prince o;er all the tries
In attles we invo7e thine aid.
22 Pray thou to Agni, !ray to him who laCes served with sacred oil1
Let him give ear to this our call.
2# We call on thee as such, as one who hears, as Datavedas, one,
AgniA who eats away our foes.
2& I !ray to Agni, 8ing of men, the Wonderful, the President
,f holy Laws1 may he give ear.
2( "im li7e a ridegroom, him who stirs all !eo!le, li7e a nole horse,
Li7e a fleet steed, we instigate.
2* 5laying things deadly, urning u! foes, /i7sasas, on every side,
5hine, Agni, with thy shar!ened flame.
2+ Thou whom the !eo!le 7indle even as %anus did, est AngirasA
, Agni, mar7 thou this my s!eech.
2. , Agni, made y strengthA e thou orn in the heavens or orn in floods,
As such we call on thee with songs.
20 <ea, all the !eo!le, all the fol7 who have good dwellings, each a!art,
5end food for thee to eat thereof.
#@ , Agni, so may we, devout, gaCed at y men, throughout our days,
Pass lightly over all distress.
#1 We venerate with cheerful hearts the cheerful Agni, dear to all,
-urning, with !urifying flame.
#2 5o thou, , Agni rich in light, eaming li7e 5urya with thy rays
-oldly demolishest the gloom,
## We !ray to thee for this thy gift, 'ictor the gift that faileth not,
, Agni, choicest wealth from thee.
HYMN X*IV. Agni.
1. PA< service unto Agni with your fuel, rouse your Guest with oil1
In him !resent your offerings.
2 Agni, do thou acce!t my laud, e magnified y this my song1
Welcome my sweedy)s!o7en words.
# Agni, envoy, I !lace in front: the olation)earer I address1
"ere let him seat the 6eities.
& Agni, the lofty flames of; thee en7indled have gone u! on high,
Thy right flames, thou /efulgent ,ne.
( -elovedA let my ladles full of sacred oil come near to thee1
Agni, acce!t our offerings.
* I worshi! Agni)may he hearA)the cheerful, the Invo7er, Priest,
,f varied s!lendour, rich in light.
+ Ancient Invo7er, meet for !raise, eloved Agni, wise and strong,
The visitant of solemn rites.
. Agni, est Angiras, acce!t straightway these offerings, and guide
The seasonale sacrifice.
0 2$cellent God, with rilliant flames, en7indled ring thou hitherward,
8nowing the way, the "eavenly "ost.
1@ "im, 5age and "erald, void of guile, ensign of sacrifices, him
5mo7e)annered, rich in light, we see7.
11 , Agni, e our Guardian thou, God, against those who in9ure us1
6estroy our foes, thou 5on of 5trength.
12 %a7ing his ody eautiful, Agni the 5age hath wa$en y
The singer and his ancient hymn.
1# I invocate the >hild of 5trength, Agni with !urifying flame,
At this well)ordered sacrifice.
1& 5o Agni, rich in many friends, with fiery s!lendour, seat thyself
With Gods u!on our sacred grass.
1( The mortal man who serves the God Agni within his own aode,
4or him he causes wealth to shine.
1* Agni is head and height of heaven, the %aster of the earth is he1
"e ?uic7eneth the watere seed.
1+ 3!ward, , Agni, rise thy flames, !ure and res!lendent, laCing high,
Thy lustres, fair effulgences.
1. 4or, Agni, thou as Lord of Light rulest o;er choicest gifts1 may I,
Thy singer, find defence in thee.
10 , Agni, they who understand stir thee to action with their thoughts1
5o let our songs enhance thy might.
2@ We ever claim the friendshi! of Agni, the singing messenger,
,f God)li7e nature, void of guile.
21 Agni who ears most holy sway, the holy 5inger, holy 5age,
5hines holy when we worshi! him.
22 <ea, let my meditations, let my songs e$alt thee evermore.
Thin7, Agni, of our friendly ond,
2# If I were thou and thou wert I, , Agni, every !rayer of thine
5hould have its due fulfilment here.
2& 4or 2$cellent and Lord of wealth. art thou , Agni, rich in light1
%ay we en9oy thy favouring grace.
2( Agni, to thee whose laws stand fast our resonant songs of !raise s!eed
forth,
As rivers hasten to the sea.
2* Agni, the <outhful Lord of men, who stirreth much and eateth all,
The 5age, I glorify with hymns.
2+ To Agni let us haste with lauds, the Guide of sacrificial rites,
Armed with shar! teeth, the %ighty ,ne.
2. And let this man, good Agni, e with thee the singer of thy !raise1
-e gracious, "oly ,ne, to him.
20 4or thou art sharer of our feast, wise, ever watchful as a 5age1
Agni, thou shinest in the s7y.
#@ , Agni, 5age, efore our foes, efore misfortunes fall on us,
2$cellent Lord, !rolong our lives.
HYMN X*V. Indra
1. "IT"2/WA/6A they who light flame and straightway trim the sacred grass.
Whose 4riend is Indra ever young.
2 "igh is their fuel, great their laud, wide is their s!linter from the sta7e,
# 3ne?uelled in fight the hero leads his army with the warrior chiefs.
& The new)orn 'rtra)slayer as7ed his %other, as he seiCed his shaft,
Who are the fierceB Who are renownedB
( 5avasi answered, "e who see7s thine enmity will attle li7e
A stately ele!hant on a hill.
* And hear, , %aghavan: to him who craves of thee thou grantest all
Whate;er thou ma7est firm is firm.
+ What time the Warrior Indra goes to attle, orne y nole steeds,
-est of all charioteers is he.
. /e!el, , Thunder)armed, in all directions all attac7s on us1
And e our own most glorious God.
0 %ay Indra set our car in front, in foremost Place to win the s!oil,
"e whom the wic7ed in9ure not.
1@ Thine enmity may we esca!e, and, ga7ra, for thy ounty, rich
In 7ine, may we come near to thee
11 5oftly a!!roaching, Thunder)armed wealthy y hundreds, rich in steeds,
3nrivalled, readywith our gifts.
12 4or thine e$alted e$cellence gives to thy worshi!!ers each day
"undreds and thousands of thy oons.
1# Indra, we 7now thee rea7er)down even of trong forts, winner of s!oil,
A1one who con?uers wealth for us.
1& Though thou art highest, 5age and -old let the dro!s cheer thee when we
come
To thee as to a traffic7er.
1( -ring unto us the treasure of the o!ulent man who, loth to give,
"ath slighted thee for gain of wealth.
1* Indra, these friends of ours, su!!lied with 5oma, wait and loo7 to thee,
As men with fodder to the herd.
1+ And thee who art not deaf, whose cars are ?uic7 to listen, for our aid,
We call to us from far away.
1. When thou hast listened, ma7e our call one which thou never wilt forget,
And e our very nearest 4riend.
10 When even now, when we have een in troule, we have thought of thee,
, Indra, give us gifts of 7ine.
2@ , Lord of 5trength, we rest on thee, as old men rest u!on a staff1
We long to have. thee dwell with us.
21 To Indra sing a song of !raise, "ero of mighty valour, him
Whom no one challenges to war.
22 "ero, the 5oma eing shed, I !our the 9uice for thee to drin71
5ate thee and finish thy carouse.
2# Let not the fools, or those who moc7 eguile thee when they see7 thine
aid
Love not the enemies of !rayer.
2& "ere let them with rich mil7y draught cheer thee to great munificence1
6rin7 as the wild)ull drin7s the la7e.
2( Proclaim in our assemlies what deeds, new and ancient, far away,
The 'rtra)slayer hath achieved.
2* In attle of a thousand arms Indra dran7 8adru;s 5oma 9uice1
There he dis!layed his manly might.
2+ True undeniaIc strength he found in <adu and in Turvasa,
And con?uered through the sacrifice.
2. "im have I magnified, our Lord in, common, Guardian of your fol7,
6iscloser of great wealth in 7ine:
20 /hu7san, not to e restrained, who strengthened Tugra;s son in lauds,
Indra eside the flowing9uice:
#@ Who for Triso7a clave the hill that formed a wide rece!tacle,
5o that the cows might issue forth.
#1 Whate;er thy !lan or !ur!ose e, whate;er, in trans!ort, thou wouldst do,
6o it not, Indra, ut e 7ind.
#2 -ut little hath een heard of done u!on the earth y one li7e thee i
Let thine heart, Indra, turn to us.
## Thine then shall e this high renown, thine shall these lofty !raises e,
When, Indra, thou art 7ind to us.
#& =ot for one tres!ass, not for two, , "ero, slay us, nor for three,
=or yet for many tres!asses.
#( I fear one !owerful li7e thee, the crusherdown of enemies,
%ighty, re!elling all attac7s.
#* , wealthy God, ne;er may I live to see my friend or son in needF1
"itherward let thy heart e turned.
#+ What friend, , !eo!le, un!rovo7ed, hath ever said unto a friend,
"e turns and leaves us in distressB
#. "ero, insatiate en9oy this 5oma 9uice so near to thee,
2ven as a hunter rushing down.
#0 "ither I draw those -ays of thine yo7ed
y our hymn, with s!lendid car,
That thou mayst give unto the !riests.
&@ 6rive all our enemies away, smite down the foes who !ress around,
And ring the wealth for which we long1
&1 , Tndra, that which is concealed in strong firm !lace !reci!itous1
-ring us the wealth for which we long
&2 Great riches which the world of men shall recogniCe as sent y the1
-ring us the wealth for which we long.
HYMN X*VI. Indra.
1. W2, Indra, Lord of am!le wealth, our Guide, de!end on one li7e thee,
Thou driver of the Tawny 5teeds.
2 4or, "urler of the -olt, we 7now thee true, the giver of our food,
We 7now the giver of our wealth.
# , thou whose ma9esty the ards celerate with their songs, thou Lord,
,f hundred !owers and hundred aids.
& 4air guidance hath the mortal man whom Aryaman, the %arut host,
And %itra, void of guile, !rotect.
( 8ine, steeds, and hero strength he gains, and !ros!ers, y the Adityas
s!ed,
2ver in wealth which all desire.
* We !ray to Indra for his gift, to him the 4earless and the 5trong,
We !ray to him the Lord of wealth.
+ 4or verily comined in him are all the fearless !owers of aid.
"im, rich in wealth, let swift 5teeds ring to us, his -ays, to 5oma 9uice for
his carouse1
. <ea, that most e$cellent carouse, Indra, which slays most enemies,
With "eroes wins the light of heaven, and is invincile in war1
0 Which merits fame, all)ountifulA and, unsudued, hath victory in deeds of
might.
5o come to our liations, 5trongestA 2$cellentA %ay we otain a stall of 7ine.
1@ /es!onding to our wish for cows, for steeds, and chariots, as of old,
-e gracious, Greatest of the Great
11 4or, "ero, nowhere can I find the ounds of thy munificence.
5till do thou favour us, , -olt)armed %aghavan1 with strength hast thou
rewarded hymns.
12 "igh, glorifier of his friend, he 7nows all generations, he whom many
!raise.
All races of man7ind with ladies lifted u! invo7e that %ighty Indra;s aid.
1# -e he our >ham!ion and Protector in great deeds, rich in all wealth, the
'rtra)slayer, %aghavan.
1& In the wild ra!tures of the 9uice sing to your "ero with high laud, to him
the Wise,
To Indra, glorious in his name, the %ighty ,ne, even as the hymn alloweth
it.
1( Thou givest wealth to me myself, thou givest treasure, 2$cellentA and the
strong steed,
, %uch)invo7ed, in deeds of might, yea, even now.
1* "im, 5ovran /uler of all !recious things, who even hath !ower o;er this
fair form of his,
As now it ta7eth sha!e, and afterward,
1+ We !raise, so that the %ighty ,ne may s!eed to you, Pourer of oun ies,
Traveller, !re!ared to go.
Thou favourest the %aruts 7nown to all, y song and sacrifice.
With song and !raise I sing to thee.
1. We in the sacrifice !erform their will whose voice is lifted high,
The worshi! of those Thundering ,ries who o;er the ridges of these
mountains fly in troo!s.
10 , Indra, %ightiest, ring us that which crushes men of evil minds,
Wealth suited to our needs, , 5tirrer of the thought, est wealth, , thou
who stirrest thought.
2@ , Winner, nole winner, strong, wondrous, most s!lendid, e$cellent,
5ole Lord of victory, ring all)ovcr!owering wealth, 9oy)giving, chief in
deeds of might.
21 =ow let the godless man a!!roach who hath received reward so great
As 'asa, Asvya, when this light of morning dawned, received from
Prthusravas, from 8anita;s son.
22 5teeds si$ty thousand and ten thousand 7ine, and twenty hundred camels
I otained:
Ten hundred rown in hue, and other ten red in three s!ots1 in all, ten
thousand 7ine.
2# Ten rowns that ma7e my wealth increase, fleet steeds whose tails are
long and fair,
Turn with swift whirl my chariot wheel:
2& The gifts which Prthusravas gave, 8anita;s son munificent.
"e gave a chariot wrought of gold1 the !rince was !assing ountiful, and
won himself most lofty fame.
2( >ome thou to this great rite of ours, 'ayuA to give us vigorous light.
We have served thee that thou mightest give much to us, yea, mightest
?uic7ly give great wealth.
2* Who with thrice seven times seventy horses comes to us, invested with
the rays of morn,
Through these our 5oma)draughts and those who !ress, to give, drin7er of
!ure right 5oma Duice.
2+ Who hath inclined this glorious one, uunteous himself, to give me gifts.
-orne on firm chariot with the !ros!erous =ahu!, wise, to a man yet more
devout.
2. 5ole Lord in eauty meet for !raise, , 'ayu, dro!!ing fatness down,
"urried along y steeds, y camels, and y hounds, s!reads forth thy train1
even this it is.
20 5o, as a !riCe dear to the strong, the si$ty thousand have I gained,
-ulls that resemle vigorous steeds.
#@ To me come o$en li7e a herd, yea, unto me the o$en come.
#1 And in the graCing herd he made a hundred camels leat for me,
And twenty hundred mid the white.
#2 A hundred has the sage received, 6asa -alutha;s and Taru7sa;s gifts.
These are thy !eo!le, 'ayu, who re9oice with Indra for their guard, re9oice
with Gods for guards.
## And now to 'asa Asvya here this stately woman is led forth,
Adorned with ornaments of gold.
HYMN X*VII. Adi&yas.
1. G/2AT hel! ye give the worshi!!er, 'aruna, %itra, %ighty ,nesA =o sorrow
ever reaches him whom ye, Adityas, 7ee! from harm. <ours are
incom!arale aids, and good the succour they afford.
2 , Gods, Adityas, well ye 7now the way to 7ee! all woes afar.
As the irds s!read their sheltering wings, s!read your !rotection over us.
# As the irds s!read their sheltering wings let your !rotection cover us.
We mean all shelter and defence, ye who have all things for your own.
& To whomsoever they, %ost Wise, have given a home and means of life,
,;er the whole riches of this man they, the Adityas, have control.
( As drivers of the car avoid ill roads, let sorrows !ass us y.
%ay we e under Indra;s guard, in the Adityas; favouring grace.
* 4or verily men sin7 and faint through loss of wealth which ye have given.
%uch hath he gained from you, , Gods, whom ye, Adityas, have a!!roached.
+ ,n him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall visit him,
To whom, Adityas, ye have lent your shelter that e$tendeth far.
. /esting in you, , Gods, we are li7e men who fight in coats of mail.
<e guard us from each great offence, ye guard us from each lighter fault.
0 %ay Aditi defend us, may Aditi guard and shelter us,
%other of wealthy %itra and of Aryaman and 'aruna.
1@ The shelter, Gods, that is secure, aus!icious, free from malady,
A sure !rotection, tri!ly strong, even that do ye e$tend to us.
11 Loo7 down on us, Adityas, as a guide e$!loring from the an7.
Lead us to !leasant ways as men lead horses to an easy ford.
12 Ill e it for the demons; friend to find us or come near to us.
-ut for the milch)cow e it well, and for the man who strives for fame.
1# 2ach evil deed made manifest, and that which is concealed, , Gods,
The whole thereof remove from us to Trita A!tya far away.
1& 6aughter of "eaven, the dream that odes evil to us or to our 7ine,
/emove, , Lady of the Light, to Trita A!tya far away.
1( 2ven if, , >hild of "eaven, it ma7e a garland or a chain of gold,
The whole ad dream, whate;cr it e, to Trita A!tya we consign.
1* To him whose food and wor7 is this, who comes to ta7e his share therein,
To Trita, and to 6vita, 6awnA ear thou the evil dream away.
1+ As we collect the utmost det, even the eighth and si$teenth !art,
5o unto A!tya we transfer together all the evil dream.
1. =ow have we con?uered and otained, and from our tres!asses are free.
5hine thou away the evil dream, , 6awn, whereof we are afraid. <ours are
incom!arale aids, and good the succour they afford.
HYMN X*VIII. S/$a.
1. WI52L< have I en9oyed the savoury viand, religious)thoughted, est to find
out treasure,
The food to which all 6eities and mortals, calling it meath, gather
themselves together.
2 Tlou shalt e Aditi as thou hast entered within, a!!easer of celestial
anger.
Indu, en9oying Indra;s friendshi!, ring us ) as a swift steed the car ) forward
to riches.
# We have drun7 5oma and ecome immortal: we have attained the light,
the Gods discovered.
=ow what may foeman;s malice do to harm usB What, , Immortal, mortal
man;s dece!tionB
& Asored into the heart, e sweet, , Indu, as a 7ind father to his son, ,
5oma,
As a wise 4riend to friend1 do thou, wide)ruler, , 5oma, lengthen out our
days for living.
( These glorious dro!s that give me freedom have I drun7. >losely they 7nit
my 9oints as stra!s secure a car.
Let them !rotect my foot from sli!!ing on the way1 yea, let the dro!s I
drin7 !reserve me from disease.
* %a7e me shine right li7e fire !roduced y friction1 give us a clearer sight
and ma7e us etter.
4or in carouse I thin7 of thee, , 5oma, 5hall I, as a rich man, attain to
comfortB
+ %ay we en9oy with an enlivened s!irit the 9uice thou givest, li7e ancestral
riches.
, 5oma, 8ing, !rolong thou our e$istence as 5urya ma7es the shining days
grow longer.
. 8ing 5oma, favour us and ma7e us !ros!er1 we are thy devotees: of this e
mindful.
5!irit and !ower are fresh in us, , Indu give us not u! unto our foeman;s
!leasure.
0 4or thou hast settled in each 9oint, , 5oma, aim of men;s eyes and
guardian of our odies.
When we offend against thine holy statutes, as a 7ind 4riend, God, est of
all, e gracious.
1@ %ay I e with the 4riend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of -aysA when
?uaffed will never harm me)
This 5oma now de!osited within me. 4or this, I !ray for longer life to Indra.
11 ,ur maladies have lost their strength and vanished1 they feared, and
!assed away into the dar7ness.
5oma hath risen in us, e$ceeding mighty, and we are come where men
!rolong e$istence.
12, 4athers, that Indu which our hearts have drun7en, Immortal in himself,
hath entered mortals.
5o let us serve this 5oma with olation, and rest securely in his grace and
favour.
1# Associate with the 4athers thou, , 5oma, hast s!read thyself aroad
through earth and heaven.
5o with olation let us serve thee, Indu, and so let us ecome the lords of
riches,
1& Give us your lessing, , ye Gods; !reservers. =ever may slee! or idle tal7
control us.
-ut evermore may we, as friends of 5oma, s!ea7 to the synod with rave
sons around us.
1( ,n all sides,. 5oma, thou art our life)giver1 aim of all eyes, light)finder,
come within us.
Indu, of one accord with thy !rotections oth from ehind and from efore
!reserve us.
HYMN X*IX. Agni.
1. AG=I, come hither with thy fires: we choose thee as Invo7ing Priest.
Let the e$tended ladle full of oil alm thee, est Priest, to sit on sacred
grass.
2 4or unto thee, , Angiras, , 5on of 5trength, move ladles in the sacrifice.
To Agni, >hild of 4orce, whose loc7s dro! oil, we see7, foremost in sacrificial
rites.
# Agni, thou art 6is!oser, 5age, "erald, right GodA and worshi!ful,
-est offercr, cheerful, to e !raised in holy rites, !ure LordA y singers with
their hymns.
& %ost <outhful and 2ternal, ring the longing Gods to me, the guileless, for
the feast.
>ome, 'asu, to the an?uet that is well)!re!ared1 re9oice thee, gracious,
with our songs.
( 4amed art thou, Agni, far and wide, Preserver, righteous, and a 5age.
The holy singers, , refulgent 7indled GodA arrangers, call on thee to come )
* 5hine, %ost /es!lendentA laCe, send liss unto the fol7, and to thy
worshi!!er
Great art thou.
5o may my !rinces, with good fires, suduing foes, rest in the 7ee!ing of the
Gods.
+ , Agni, as thou urnest down to earth even high)grown underwood,
5o, right as %itra is, urn him who in9ures us, him who !lots ill against thy
friend.
. Give us not as a !rey to mortal enemy, nor to the wic7ed friend of fiends.
With con?uering guards, aus!icious, unassailale, !rotect us, , %ost
<outhful God.
0 Protect us, Agni, through the first, !rotect us through the second hymn,
Protect us through three hymns, , Lord of Power and %ight, through four
hymns, 'asu, guard thou us.
1@ Preserve us from each fiend who rings the Gods no gift, !reserve thou us
in deeds of strength1
4or we !ossess in thee the nearest 4riend of all, for service of the Gods and
weal.
11 , "oly Agni, give us wealth renowned with men and strengthening life.
-estow on us, , "el!er, that which many crave, more glorious still y
righteousness:
12 Wherewith we may o;ercome our rivals in the war, o;er!owering the foe;s
designs.
5o wa$ thou y our food, , 2$cellent in strength. Euic7en our thoughts that
find out wealth.
1# Agni is even as a ull who whets and randishes his horns.
Well)shar!ened are his 9aws which may not e withstood1 the >hild of
5trength hath !owerful teeth.
1& =ot to e stayed, , -ull, , Agni, are thy teeth when thou art s!reading
far and wide.
%a7e our ohlations duly offired u!, , Priest, and give us store of !recious
things.
1( Thou liest in the wood1 from oth thy %others mortals 7indle thee.
3nweariedly thou earest u! the offerer;s gifts, then shinest right among
the Gods.
1* And so the seven !riests, , Agni, worshi! thee, 4ree)giver, 2verlasting
,ne.
Thou cIeavest through the roc7 with heat and fervent glow. Agni, rise u!
aove the men.
1+ 4or you let us whose grass is trimmed call Agni, Agni, restless God.
Let us whose food is offered call to all the tries Agni the Invo7ing Priest of
men.
1. Agni, with nole !salm that tells his wish he dwells, thin7ing on thee who
guardest him.
5!eedily ring us strength of many varied sorts to e most near to succour
us.
10 Agni, Praise)singerA Lord of men, God urner)u! of /a7sasas,
%ighty art thou, the ever)!resent "ousehold)Lord, "ome)friend and
Guardian from the s7y.
2@ Let no fiend come among us, , thou rich in light, no s!ell of those who
deal in s!ells.
To distant !astures drive faint hunger1 far away, , Agni, chase the demons;
friends.
HYMN *. Indra.
1. -,T" oons,)may Indra, hitherward turned, listen to this !rayer of ours,
And mightiest %aghavan with thought inclined to us come near to drin7 the
5oma 9uice.
2 4or him, strong, inde!endent /uler, "eaven and 2arth have fashioned
forth for !ower and might.
Thou seatest thee as first among thy !eers in !lace, for thy soul longs for
5oma 9uice.
# 4ill thyself full, , Lord of wealth, , Indra, with the 9uice we shed.
We 7now thee, Lord of -ay 5teeds victor in the fight, van?uishing e;en the
invincile.
& >hangeless in truth, , %aghavan Indra, let it e as thou in wisdom willest
it.
%ay we, , fair of chec7, win ooty with thine aid, , Thunderer, swiftly
see7ing it.
( Indra, with all thy saving hel!s give us assistance, Lord of !ower.
4or after thee we follow even as glorious liss, thee, "ero, finder)out of
wealth.
* Increaser of our steeds and multi!lying 7ine, a golden well, , God, art
thou,
4or no one may im!air the gifts laid u! in thee. -ring me whatever thing I
as7.
+ 4or thou,)come to the worshi!!erA)wilt find great wealth to ma7e us rich.
4ill thyself full, , %aghavan, for gain of 7ine, full, Indra, for the gain of
steeds.
. Thou as thy gift estowest many hundred herds, yea, many thousands dost
thou give.
With singers; hymns have we rought the 4ort)render near, singing to Indra
for his grace.
0 Whether the sim!le or the sage, Indra, have offered !raise to thee,
"e 5ata7ratuA y his love hath gladdened thee, amitiousA ever !ressing onA
1@ If he the 5trong of arm, the rea7er)down of forts, the great 6estroyer,
hear my call,
We, see7ing riches cry to Indra, Lord of wealth, to 5ata7ratu with our lauds.
11 We count not then as sinners, nor as niggardly or foolish men,
When with the 5oma 9uice which we have shed we ma7e Indra, the %ighty
,ne, our 4riend.
12 "im have we yo7ed in fight, the !owerful >on?ueror, det)claimer, not to
e deceived.
-est charioteer, the 'ictor mar7s each fault, he 7nows the strong to whom
he will come near.
1# Indra, give us security from that whereof we are afraid.
"el! us, , %aghavan, let thy succour give us this1 drive away foes and
enemies.
1& 4or thou, , lieral Lord of ounty, strengthenest his am!le home who
worshi!s thee.
5o Indra, %aghavan, thou Lover of the 5ong, we with !ressed 5oma call on
thee,
1( Indra is 'rtra)slayer, guard, our est defender from the foe.
%ay he !reserve our last and middlemost, and 7ee! watch from ehind us
and efore.
1* 6efend us from ehind, elow, aove, in front, on all sides, Indra, shield
us well.
8ee! far away from us the terror sent from heaven1 7ee! im!ious wea!ons
far away.
1+ Protect us, Indra, each to)day, each morrow, and each following day.
,ur singers, through all days, shalt thou, Lord of the rave, 7ee! safely oth
y day and night.
1. A crushing Warrior, !assing rich is %aghavan, endowed with all heroic
might.
Thine arms, , 5ata7ratu, are e$ceeding strong, arms which have gras!ed
the thunderolt.
HYMN *I. Indra.
1. ,442/ ye u! as !raise to him that wherein Indra ta7es delight.
The 5oma)ringers magnify Indra;s great energy with hymns. Good are the
gifts that Indra gives.
2 5ole among chiefs, com!anionless, im!etuous, and !eerless, he
"ath wa$en great o;er many fol7, yea., over all things orn, in might.
# Lord of swift ounty, he will win e;en with a steed of worthless sort.
This, Indra, must e told of thee who wilt !erform heroic deeds.
& >ome to us.hither1 let us !ay devotions that enhance thy might,
4or which, %ost PotentA thou wouldst fain less the man here who strives for
fame.
( 4or thou, , Indra, ma7est yet more old the s!irit of the old
Who with strong 5oma serveth thee, still ready with his reverent !rayers.
* Worthy of song, he loo7eth down as a man loo7eth into wells.
Pleased with the 5oma)ringer;s s7ill he ma7eth him his mate and friend.
+ In strength and wisdom all the Gods, Indra, have yielded unto thee.
-e thou the Guard of all, , thou whom many !raise.
. Praised, Indra, is this might of thine, est for the service of the Gods,
That thou with !ower dost slay 'rtra, , Lord of 5trength.
0 "e ma7es the races of man7ind li7e synods of the -eauteous ,ne.
Indra 7nows this his manifest deed, and is renowned.
1@ Thy might, , Indra, at its irth, thee also, and thy mental !ower,
In thy care, %aghavan rich in 7ineA they have increased e$ceedingly.
11 , 'rtra)slayer, thou and I will oth comine for winning s!oil.
2ven malignity will consent, , -olt)armed "ero, unto us.
12 Let us e$tol this Indra as truthful and never as untrue.
6ire is his death who !ours no gifts great light hath he who offers them.
Good are the gifts that Indra gives.
HYMN *II. Indra.
1. WIT" !owers of %ighty ,nes hath he, Ancient, -eloved, een e?ui!!ed,
Through whom the 4ather %anu made !rayers cfficacious with the Gods.
2 "im, %a7er of the s7y, let stones wet with the 5oma ne;er forsa7e,
=or hymns and !rayer that must e said.
# Indra who 7new full well disclosed the 7ine to the Angirases.
This his great deed must e e$tolled.
& Indra, !romoter of the song, the sage;s 5trengthener as of old,
5hall come to less and succour us at !resentation of this laud.
( =ow after their desire;s intent the !ious singers with the cry
,f "ailA have sung loud hymns to thee, Indra, to gain a stall of 7ine.
* With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to e !erformed,
Whom singers 7now devoid of guile.
+ When the 4ive Tries with all their men to Indra have sent out their voice,
And when the !riest hath strewn much grass, this is the 4riend;s own
dwelling!iace.
. This !raise is verily thine own1 thou hast !erformed these manly deeds,
And s!ed the wheel u!on its way.
0 At the o;erflowing of this 5teer, oldly he strode for life, and too7
5oma as cattle ta7e their corn.
1@ /eceiving this and craving hel!, we, who with you are 6a7sa;s sons,
Would fain e$alt the %aruts; Lord.
11 <ea, "ero, with the singers we sing.to the duly)coming -and.
Allied with tee may we !revail.
12 With us are raining /udras, clouds accordant in call to attle, at the
death of 'rtra,
The strong assigned to him who sings and !raises. %ay Gods
with Indra at their head !rotect us.
HYMN *III. Andra.
1. %A< our hymns give thee great delight. 6is!lay thy ounty, Thunderer.
6rive off the enemies of !rayer.
2 >rush with thy foot the niggard churls who ring no gifts. %ighty art thou
There is not one to e?ual thee.
# Thou art the Lord of 5oma !ressed, 5oma im!ressed is also thine.
Thou art the 5ovran of the fol7.
& >ome, go thou forth, dwelling in heaven and listening to the !rayers of
men1
Thou fillest oth the heavens and earth.
( 2ven that hill with roc7y heights, with hundreds, thousands, held within.
Thou for thy worshi!!ers ra7est through.
* We call on thee oth night and day to taste the flowing 5oma 9uice1
6o thou fulfil our heart;s desire.
+ Where is that ever)youthful 5teer, strong. nec7ed and never yet ent
downB
What -rahman ministers to himB
. To whose liation doth the 5teer, eta7e him with delight thereinB
Who ta7es delight in Indra nowB
0 Whom, 'rtra)slayer, have thy gift and hero !owers accom!aniedB
Who is thy dearest in the laudB
1@ 4or thee among man7ind, among the Purus is this 5oma shed.
"asten thou hither1 drin7 thereof.
11 This, growing y 5oma and y 5aryanavan, dear to thee,
In Ar9i7iya, cheers thee est.
12 "asten thou hitherward, and drin7 this for munificence to)day,
6elightful for thine eager draught.
HYMN *IV. Indra.
1. T",3G", Indra, thou art called y men from east and west, from north
and sout,
>ome hither ?uic7ly with fleet steeds
2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou ta7est 9oy,
,r in the sea in 5oma 9uice.
# With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to !rofit us,
Indra, to drin7 the 5oma)draught.
& "ither, , Indra, let thy -ays ear u! and, ring u!on thy car
Thy glory, GodA and ma9esty.
( Thou, Indra, wouldst e sung and !raised as great, strong, lordly in thy
deeds
>ome hither, drin7 our 5oma 9uice.
* We who have shed the 5oma and !re!ared the feast are calling thee.
To sit on this our sacred grass.
+ As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all ali7e,
As such we invocate thee now.
. The men with stones have mil7ed for thee this nectar of the 5oma 9uice1
Indra, e !leased with it, and drin7.
0 =eglect all !ious men with s7ill in sacred song1 come hitherward,
With s!eed, and give us high renown.
1@ Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the 8ing who gives me s!otted
7ine,
8ine dec7ed with golden ornaments.
11 -eside a thousand s!otted 7ine I have received a gift of gold,
Pure, rilliant, and e$ceeding great.
12 6urgaha;s grandsons, giving me a thousand 7ine, munificent,
"ave won renown among the Gods.
HYMN *V. Indra.
1. L,36 singing at the sacred rite where 5oma flows we !riests invo7e
With haste, that he may hel!, as the ard;s >herisher, Indra who findeth
wealth for you.
2. Whom with fair helm, in ra!ture of the 9uice, the firm resistless slayers
hinder not1
Giver of glorious wealth to him who sing a his !raise, honouring him who
toils and !ours1
# 5a7ra, who li7e a curry)com for horses or a golden goad,
Indra, the 'rtra)slayer, urges eagerly the o!ening of the stall of 7ine1
& Who for the worshi!!er scatters forth am!le wealth, even though uried,
!iled in hea!s1
%ay Indra, Lord of -ay 5teeds, fair)helmed Thunderer, act at his !leasure, as
he lists.
( "ero whom many !raise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from
men.
All that we offer unto thee, , Indra, now, sacrifice, laud, effectual s!eech.
* To 5oma, %uch)invo7ed, -olt)armedA for thy carouse, >elestial, 5oma)
drin7er come.
Thou to the man who) !rays and !ours the 9uice hast een est giver of
delightful wealth.
+ "ere, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder)wielder drin7 his fill.
5o in li7e manner offer him the 9ifice today. =ow range you y the Glorious
,ne.
. 2ven the wolf, the savage east that rends the shee!, follows the !ath of
his decrees.
5o graciously acce!ting, Indra, this our !raise, with wondrous thought come
forth to us.
0 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not doneB
Who hath not heard his glorious title and his fame, the 'rtra)slayer from his
irthB
1@ ;"ow great his !ower resistlessA how invincile the 'rtra)slayer;s
matchless mightA
Indra e$cels all usurers who see the day, e$cels all traffic7ers in strength.
11 , Indra, 'rtra)slayer, we, thy very constant worshi!!ers,
-ring !rayers ne;er heard efore to thee, , %uch)invo7ed, , Thunder)
armed, to e thy meed.
12 , thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an
eager ho!e.
Past the drin7)offerings, 'asu, even of the good, hear my call, 5trongest
God, and come.
1# 'erily, Indra, we are thine, we worshi!!ers de!end on thee.
4or there is none ut only thou to show us race, , %aghavan, thou much
invo7ed.
1& 4rom this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver
us.
5uccour us with thine hel! and with ty wondrous thought. %ost %ighty,
finder of the way.
1( =ow let your 5oma 9uice e !oured: e not afraid, , 8ali;s sons.
This dar7ening sorrow goes away: yea, of itself it vanishes.
HYMN *VI. Adi&yas.
1. =ow !ray we to these 8satriyas, to the Adityas for their aid,
These who are gracious to assist.
2 %ay %itra ear us oer distress, and 'aruna and Aryaman,
<ea, the Adityas, as they 7now.
# 4or wonderful and meet for !raise is these Adityas; saving hel!
To him who offers and !re!ares.
& The mighty aid of you, the Great, 'aruna, %itra, Aryarnan,
We claim to e our sure defence.
( Guard us, Adityas, still alive, efore the deadly wea!on stri7e1
Are yc not they who hear our callB
* What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in !ouring gifts,
Graciously less ye us therewith.
+ Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom: for the sinless, wealth,
, ye in whom no fault is seen.
. Let not this fetter ind us fast1 may he release us for success:
4or strong is Indra and renowned.
0 , Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy
<our enemies who go astray.
1@ And thee too, , Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address,
Thee very gracious to assist.
11 5ave us in de!th and shallow from the foe, thu %other of 5trong 5ons
Let no one of our seed e harmed.
12 4ar)s!readA wide)rulingA grant that we, unharmed y envy, may e$!and
Grant that our !rogeny may live.
1# Those who, the Princes of the fol7, in native glory, neer deceived,
%aintain their statutes, void of guilt)
1& As such, from mouth of ravening wolves, , ye Adityas, rescue us,
Li7e a ound thief, , Aditi.
1( Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this mali. gnity de!art
4rom us or eer it stri7e us dead.
1* 4ori -ountiful Adityas, we have evermore en9oyed your hel!,
-oth now and in die days of old.
1+ To every one, , ye %ost Wise, who turneth even from sin to you,
<e Gods vouchsafe that he may live.
1. %ay this new mercy !rofit us, which, ye Adityas, frees li7e one,
-ound from his onds, , Aditi.
10 , ye Adityas, this your might is not to e des!ised y us1
5o e ye graciously inclined.
2@ Let not 'ivasvan;s wea!on nor the shaft, Adityas, wrought with s7ill,
6estroy us ere old age e nigh.
21 ,n every side dis!el all sin, Adityas, all hostility,
Indigence, and comined attac7.
HYMN *VII. Indra.
1. 2'2= as a car to give us aid, we draw thee hither for our liss,
5trong in thy deeds, chec7ing assault, Lord, %ightiest Indra, of the raveA
2 Great in ty !ower and wisdom, 5trong, with thought that com!rehendeth
all
Thou hast filled full with ma9esty.
# Thou very %ighty ,ne, whose hands y virtue of thy greatness gras!,
The golden olt that rea7s its way.
& <our Lord of might that ne;er hath ent, that ruleth over all man7ind,
I call, that he, as he is wont, may aid the chariots and the men.
( Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in oth the hosts
%en call to succour and to hel!.
* Indra, the 5trong, the measureless, worthy of !raise, %ost -ountiful,
5ole /uler even over wealth.
+ "im, for his am!le ounty, him, this Indra do I urge to drin7,
Who, as his !raise was sung of old, the 6ancer, is the Lord of men.
. Thou %ighty ,ne, whose friendshi! none of mortals ever hath otained
=one will attain unto thy might.
0 Aided y thee, with thee allied, in frays for water and for sun,
-olt)armedA may we win am!le s!oil.
1@ 5o see7 we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the 5ong,
As, in our attles Indra, thou to Purumayya gavest hel!.
11 , Thunderer, thou whose friendshi! and whose onward guidance oth are
sweet,
Thy sacrifice must e !re!ared.
12 To us, ourselves, give am!le room, give for our dwelling am!le room
Give am!le room to us to live.
1# We count the an?uet of the Gods a s!acious !athway for the men,
And for the cattle, and the car.
1& 5i$ men, yea, two and two, made glad with 5oma 9uice, come near to me
With offerings !leasant to the taste.
1( Two rown)hued steeds, Indrota;s gift, two ays from /7sa;s son were
mine,
4rom Asvamedha;s son two red.
1* 4rom Atithigva good car)steeds: from Ar7sa rein)oeying steeds,
4rom Asvamedha eauteous ones.
1+ Indrota, Atithigva;s son, gave me si$ horses matched with mares
And Pata7ratu gave esides.
1. %ar7ed aove all, amid the rown, is the red mare 'rsanvati,
,edient to the rein and whi!.
10 , ound to me y deeds of might, not even the man who loves to lame.
"ath found a single fault in you.
HYMN *VIII. Indra.
1. I 52=6 you forth the song of !raise for Indu, hero)gladdener.
With hymn and !lenty he invites you to com!lete the sacrifice.
2 Thou wishest for thy 7ine a ull, for those who long for his a!!roach,
4or those who turn away from him, lord of thy cows whom none may 7ill.
# The da!!led 7ine who stream with mil7 !re!are his draught of 5oma 9uice1
>lans in the irth)!lace of the Gods, in the three luminous realms of
heaven.
& Praise, even as he is 7nown, with song Indra the guardian of the 7ine,
The 5on of Truth, Lord of the rave.
( "ither his -ay 5teeds have een sent, red 5teeds are on the sacred grass,,
Where we in concert sing our songs.
* 4or Indra Thunder)armed the 7ine have yielded mingled mil7 and meath,
What time he found them in the vault.
+ When I and Indra mount on high u! to the -right ,ne;s !lace and home,
We, having drun7 of meath, will reach his seat whose 4riends are three
times seven.
. 5ing, sing ye forth your songs of !raise, ye -riyamedhas, sing your songs1
<ea, let young children sing their lauds as a strong castle !raise ye him.
0 =ow loudly let the viol sound, the lute send out its voice with might,
5hrill e, the music of the string. To Indra. is the hymn u!)raised.
1@ When ither s!eed the da!!led cows, unflinching, easy to e mil7ed,
5eiCe ?uic7ly, as it ursts away, the 5oma 9uice for Indra;s drin7.
11 Indra hath drun7, Agni hath drun7. all 6eities have drun7 their fill.
"ere 'aruna shall have his home, to whom the floods have sung aloud as
mother7ine unto their calves.
12 Thou, 'aruna, to whom elong 5even /ivers, art a glorious God.
The waters flow into thy throat as ;twere a !i!e with am!le mouth.
1# "e who hath made the fleet steeds s!ring, well)harnessed, to the
worshi!!er,
"e, the swift Guide, is that fair form that loosed the horses near at hand.
1& Indra, the very %ighty, holds his enemies in utter scorn.
"e, far away, and yet a child, cleft the cloud smitten y his voice.
1( "e, yet a oy e$ceeding small, mounted his newly)fashioned car.
"e for his %other and his 5ire coo7ed the wild mighty uffalo.
1* Lord of the home, fair)helmeted, ascend thy chariot wrought of gold.
We will attend the "eavenly ,ne, the thousand)footed, red of hue,
matchless, who lesses where he goes.
1+ With reverence they come hitherward to him as to. a 5ovran lord,
That they may ring him near for this man;s good success, to !ros!er and
estow his gifts.
1. The Priyamedhas have oserved the offering of the men of old,
,f ancient custom, while they strewed the sacred grass, and s!read their
sacrificial food.
HYMN *IX. Indra.
1. "2 who, as 5ovran Lord of men, moves with his chariots unrestrained,
The 'rtra)slayer van?uisher, of fighting hosts, !reeminent, is !raised with
song.
2 "onour that Indra, PuruhanmanA for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of
old,
The s!lendid olt of thunder was de!osited, as the great 5un was set in
heaven.
# =o one y deed attains to him who wor7s and strengthens evermore1
=o, not y sacrifice, to Indra. !raised o all, resistless, daring, old in might.
& The !otent >on?ueror, invincile in war, him at whose irth the %ighty
,nes,
The 8ine who s!read aftar, sent their loud voices out, heavens, earths seat
their loud voices out,
( , Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine)
=o, not a thousand 5uns could match thee at thy irth, not oth the worlds,
, Thunderer.
* Thou, "ero, hast !erformed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with
strength, , 5trongest ,ne.
%aghavan, hel! us to a stale full of 7ine, , Thunderer, with wondrous aids.
+ Let not a godless mortal gain this food, , thou whose life is longA
-ut one who yo7es the right)hued steeds, the 2tasas, even Indra yo7er of
the -ays.
. 3rge ye the >on?ueror to give, your Indra greatly to e !raised,
To e invo7ed in shallow waters and in de!ths, to e invo7ed in deeds of
might.
0 , 'asu, , thou "ero, raise us u! to am!le o!ulence.
/aise us to gain of mighty wealth, , %aghavan, , Indra, to sulime renown.
1@ Indra, thou 9ustifiest us, and tram!lest down thy slanderers.
Guard thyself, valiant "ero, in thy vital !arts1 stri7e down the 6asa with thy
lows.
11 The man who rings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel,
"im let his friend the mountain cast to ra!id death, the mountain cast the
6asyu down.
12 , %ightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou u!, as grains of corn,
Within thine hand, of these their 7ine, to give away, yea, gather twice as
loving us.
1# , my com!anions, wish for !ower. "ow may we !erfect 5ara;s !raise,
The lieral !rincely !atron, never to e harmedB
1& -y many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually !raised,
That thou, , 5ara, hast estowed here one and here another;calf.
1( The nole, 5uradeva;s son, hath rought a calf, led y the car to three of
us.
As a chief rings a goat to mil7.
HYMN *X. Agni.
1. , AG=I, with thy mighty wealth guard us from all malignity,
<ea, from all hate of mortal man.
2 4or over thee, , 4riend from irih, the wrath of man hath no control1
=ay, Guardian of the earth art thou.
# As such, with all the Gods, , 5on of 5trength, aus!icious in thy flame.
Give us wealth ringing all things good.
& %alignities stay not from wealth the mortal man whom, Agni, thou
Protectest while he offers gifts.
( 5age Agni, e whom thou dost urge, in worshi! of the Gods, to wealth,
With thine assistance winneth 7ine.
* /iches with many heroes thou hast for the man who offers gifts1
Lead thou us on to higher liss.
+ 5ave us, , Datavedas, nor aandon us to him who sins,
3nto the evil)hearted man.
. , Agni, let no godless man avert thy ounty as a God1
,ver all treasures thou art Lord.
0 5o, 5on of 5trength, tou aidest us to what is great and e$cellent.
Those, 'asuA 4riendA who sing thy !raise.
1@ Let our songs come anear to him eauteous and right with !iercing
flame
,ur offerings, with our homage, to the
Lord of wealth, to him whom many !raise, for hel!1
11 To Agni Datavedas, to the 5on of 5trength, that he may give us !recious
gifts,
Immortal, from of old Priest among mortal men, the most delightful in the
house.
12 Agni, made yours y sacrifice, Agni, while holy rites advance:
Agni, the first in songs, first with the warrior steed: Agril to win the land for
us.
1# %ay Agni who is Lord of wealth vouchsafe us food for friendshi! sa7e.
Agni we ever see7 for seed and !rogeny, the 'asu who !rotects our lives.
1& 5olicit with your chants, for hel!, Agni the God with !iercing flame,
4or riches famous Agni, Purumilha and ye menA Agni to light our dwelling
well.
1( Agni we laud that he may 7ee! our foes afar, Agni to give us health and
strength.
Let him as Guardian e invo7ed in all the tries, the lighter)u! of glowing
rands.
HYMN *XI. Agni.
1. P/2PA/2 olation1 let him come: and let the minister serve again
Who 7nows the ordering thereof,
2 /e9oicing in his friendshi!, let the !riest e seated over man,
-eside the shoot of active !ower.
# "im, glowing right eyond all thought, they see7 among the race of man:
With him for tougue they seiCe the food.
& "e hath inflamed the twofold !lain1 lifegiving, he hath climed the wood,
And with his tongue hath struc7 the roc7.
( Wandering here the radiant >alf finds none to fetter him, and see7s
The %other to declare his !raise.
* And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his,
And traces of his car, are seen.
+ The seven mil7 a single cow: the two set other five to wor7,
,n the stream;s loud)resounding an7.
. 2ntreated y 'ivasvan;s ten, Indra cast down the water)9ar
With threefold hammer from the s7y.
0 Three times the newIy)7indled flame !roceeds around the sacrifice1
The !riests anoint it with the meath.
1@ With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel aove,
2$haustless, with the mouth elow.
11 The !ressing)stones are set at wor71 the meath is !oured into the tan7,
At the out)shedding of the fount.
12 <e cows, !rotect the fount1 the two %ighty ,nes less the sacrifice.
The handles twain are wrought of gold.
1# Pour on the 9uice the ornament which reaches oth the heaven and earth
5u!!ly the li?uid to the -ull.
1& These 7now their own aiding)!lace1 li7e calves eside the mother cows
They meet together with their 7in.
1( 6evouring in their greedy 9aws, they ma7e sustaining food in heaven,
To Indra, Agni light and !rayer.
1* The Pious ,ne mil7ed out rich food, sustenance dealt in !ortions seven,
Together with the 5un;s seven rays.
1+ I too7 some 5oma when the 5un rose u!, , %itra, 'aruna.
That is the sic7 man;s medicine.
1. 4rom where olations must e laid, which is the Well)eloved;s home,
"e with his tongue hath com!assed heaven.
HYMN *XII. Asvins.
1. /,352 ye for him who 7ee!s the Law, yo7e your steeds, Aiyins, to your
car
Let your !rotecting hel! e near.
2 >ome, Asvins, with your car more swift than is the twin7ling of an eye
# Asvins, ye overlaid with cold the fiery !it for Atri;s sa7e1
& Where are yeB whither are ye goneB whither, li7e falcons, have ye flownB
( If ye at any time this day are listening to this my call,
* The Asvins, fust to hear our !rayer, for closest 7inshi! I a!!roach1
+ 4or Atri ye, , Asvins, made a dwelling!lace to shield him well,
. <e warded off the fervent heat for Atri when he sweetly s!a7e1
0 2rst 5a!tavadri y his !rayer otained the trenchant edge of fire1
1@ >ome hither, , ye Lords of wealth, and listen to this call of mine1
11 What is this !raise told forth of you as 2lders in the ancient wayB
12 ,ne common rotherhood is yours, Asvins your 7indred is the same1
1# This is your chariot, Asvins, which s!eeds through the regions, earth and
heaven
Let your !rotecting aid e near.
1& A!!roach ye hitherward to us with thousands oth of steeds and 7ine1
1( Pass us not y, rememer us with thousands oth of 7ine aud steeds1
1* The !ur!le)tinted 6awn hath risen, and true to Law hath made the light
1+ "e loo7ed u!on the Asvins, as an a$earmed man u!on a tree1
1. -y the lac7 and encom!assed round, rea7 it down, old one, li7e a
fort.
HYMN *XIII. Agni.
1. 2P2/TI=G all our strength with thoughts of !ower we glorify in s!eech
Agni your dear familiar 4riend, the darling Guest in every home.
2 Whom, served with sacrificial oil li7e %itra, men !resenting gifts
2ulogiCe with their songs of !raise
# %uch)lauded Datavedas, him who ears olations u! to heaven
Pre!ared in service of the Gods.
& To nolest Agni, 4riend of man, est 'rtra)slayer, are we come,
"im in whose !resence /7sa;s son, mighty 5rutarvan, wa$es great:
( To deathless Datavedas, meet for !raise, adored, with sacred oil,
'isile through the gloom o1f night
* 2ven Agni whom these !riestly men worshi! with sacrificial gifts,
With lifted ladles offering them.
+ , Agni, this our newest hymn hath een addressed from us to thee,
, cheerful Guest, well)orn, most wise, wor7er of wonders, ne;er deceived.
. Agni, may it e dear to thee, most grateful, and e$ceeding sweet1
Grow mightier, eulogiCed therewith.
0 5!lendid with s!lendours may it e, and in the attle with the foe
Add loftier glory to thy fame.
1@ 5teed, cow, a lord of heroes, right li7e Indra, who shall fill the car.
Whose high renown ye celerate, and !eo!le !raise each glorious deed.
11 Thou whom Go!avana made glad with song, , Agni Angiras,
"ear this my call, thou "oly ,ne.
12 Thou whom the !riestly fol7 im!lore to aid the gathering of the s!oil,
5uch e thou in the fight with foes.
1# I, called to him who reels with 9oy, 5rutarvan, /7sa;s son, shall stro7e
The heads of four !resented steeds, li7e the long wool of fleecy rams.
1& 4our coursers with a s!lendid car, 5avistha;s horses, fleet of foot,
5hall ring me to the sacred feast, as flying steeds rought Tugra;s son.
1( The very truth do I declare to thee, Parusni, mighty flood.
WatersA no man is there who gives more horses than 5avistha gives.
HYMN *XIV. Agni.
1. <,82, Agni, as a charioteer, thy steeds who est invite the Gods1 As
ancient "erald seat thyself.
2 And, God, as s7ilfullest of all, call for us itherward the Gods1
Give all our wishes sure effect.
# 4or thou, %ost <outhful, 5on of 5trength, thou to whom sacrifice is !aid,
Art holy, faithful to the Law.
& This Agni, Lord of wealth and s!oil hundredfold, thousandfold, is head
And chief of riches and a 5age.
( As craftsmen end the felly, so end at our general call1 come nigh,
Angiras, to the sacrifice.
* =ow, , 'iru!a, rouse for him, 5trong God who shines at early morn,
4air !raise with voice that ceases not.
+ With missile of this Agni, his who loo7s afar, will we lay low
The thief in comat for the 7ine.
. Let not the >om!anies of Gods fail us, li7e 6awns that float away,
Li7e cows who leave the niggardly.
0 Let not the sinful tyranny of any fiercely hating foe
5mite us, as illows smite a shi!.
1@ , Agni, God, the !eo!le sing reverent !raise to thee for strength1
With terrors troule thou the foe.
11 Wilt thou not, Agni, lend us aid in winning cattle, winning wealthB
%a7er of room, ma7e room for us.
12 In this great attle cast us not aside as one who ears a load1
5natch u! the wealih and win it all.
1# , Agni, let this !lague !ursue and fright another and not us1
%a7e our im!etuous strength more strong.
1& The reverent or unwearied man whose holy laour he acce!ts,
"im Agni favours with success.
1( Aandoning the foeman;s host !ass hither to this com!any1
Assist the men with whom I stand.
1* As we have 7nown thy gracious hel!, as of a 4ather, long ago,
5o now we !ray to thee for liss.
HYMN *XV. Indra.
I. =,T to forsa7e me, I invo7e this Indra girt y %aruts,
Lord ,f magic !ower who rules with might.
2 This Indra with his %arut 4riends clave into !ieces 'rtra;s ead
With hundred)7notted thunderolt.
# Indra, with %arut 4riends grown strong, hath rent asunder 'rtra, and
/eleased the waters of the sea.
& This is that Indra who, egirt y %aruts, won the light of heaven
That he might drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
( %ighty, im!etuous, egirt y %aruts, him who loudly roars,
Indra we invocate with songs.
* Indra egirt y %aruts we invo7e after the ancient !lan,
That he may drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
+ , lieral Indra, %arut)girt, much)lauded 5ata7ratu, drin7
The 5oma at this sacrifice.
. To thee, , Indra, %arut)girt, these 5oma 9uices, ThundererA
Are offered from the heart with lauds.
0 6rin7, Indra, with thy %arut 4riends, !ressed 5oma at the morning rites,
Whetting thy thunderolt with strength.
1@ Arising in thy might, thy 9aws thou shoo7est, Indra, having ?uaffed
The 5oma which the mortar !ressed.
11 Indra, oth worlds com!lained to thee when uttering thy fearful roar,
What time thou smotest 6asyus dead.
12 4rom Indra have I measured out a song eight)footed with nine !arts,
6elicate, faithful. to the Law.
HYMN *XVI. Indra.
1. 5>A/>2L< was 5ata7ratu, orn when of his %other he in?uired,
Who are the mightyB Who are famedB
2. Then 5avassi declared to him Aurnavaha, Ahisuva1
5on, these e they thou must o;erthrow
# The 'rtra)slayer smote them all as s!o7es are hammered into naves1
The 6asyu)7iller wa$ed in might.
& Then Indra at a single draught dran7 the contents of thirty !ails,
Pails that were filled with 5oma 9uice.
( Indra in groundless realms of s!ace !ierced the Gandharva through, that
he
%ight ma7e -rahmans; strength increase.
* 6own from the mountains Indra shot hither his well)directed shaft1
"e gained the ready rew of rice.
+ ,ne only is that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hundred ars,
Which, Indra, thou hast made thy friend.
. 5trong as the ghus at thy irth, therewith to those who !raise thee, men,
And women, ring thou food to eat.
0 -y thee these e$!loits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, aundantly1
4irm in thy heart thou settest them.
1@ All these things 'isnu rought, the Lord of am!le stride whom thou hadst
sent)
A hundred uffaloes, a rew of rice and mil71 and Indra, slew the ravening
oar
11 %ost deadly is thy ow, successful, fashioned well1 good is thine arrow,
dec7ed with gold.
Warli7e and well e?ui!!ed thine arms are, which increase sweetness for him
who drin7s the sweet.
HYMN *XVII. Indra.
1. -/I=G us a thousand, Indra, as our guerdon for the 5oma 9uice1
"undreds of 7ine, , "ero, ring.
2 -ring cattle, ring us ornament, ring us emellishment and steeds,
Give us, esides, two rings of gold.
# And, -old ,ne, ring in am!le store rich 9ewels to adorn thi: ear,
4or thou, Good Lord, art far renowned.
& =one other is there for the !riest, "eroA ut thou, to give him gifts,
To win much s!oil and !ros!er him.
( Indra can never e rought low, 5a7ra can never e sudued1
"e heareth and eholdeth all.
* "e s!ieth out the wrath of man, he who can never e deceived1
2re lame can come he mar7eth it.
+ "e hath his stomach full of might, the 'rtra)slayer, >on?ueror,
The 5oma)drin7er, ordering all.
. In thee all treasures are comined, 5oma all lessed things in thee,
3nin9ured, easy to estow.
0 To thee s!eeds forth my ho!e that craves the gift of corn, and 7ine and
gold,
<ea, craving horses, s!eeds to thee.
1@ Indra, through ho!e in thee alone even this sic7le do I gras!.
4ill my hand, %aghavan, with all that it can hold of arley cut or gathered
u!.
HYMN *XVIII. S/$a.
1. T"I5 here is 5oma, ne;er restrained, active, all)con?uering ursting forth,
/si and 5age y sa!ience,
2 All that is are he covers o;er, all that is sic7 he medicines:
The lind man sees, the cri!!le wal7s.
# Thou, 5oma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men,
"atreds that waste and wea7en us.
& Thou y thine insight and thy s7ill, Im!etuous ,ne, from heaven and earth
6rivest the sinner;s enmity.
( When to their tas7 they come with Ceal, may they otain the Giver;s
grace,
And satisfy his wish who thirsts.
* 5o may he find what erst was lost, so may e s!eed the !ious man,
And lengthen his remaining life.
+ Gracious, dis!laying tender love, uncon?uered, gentle in thy thoughts,
-e sweet, , 5oma, to our heart.
. , 5oma, terrify us not: stri7e us not with alarm, , 8ing1
Wound not our heart with daCCling flame.
0 When in my dwelling)!lace I see the wic7ed enemies of Gods,
8ing, chase their hatred far away, thou -ounteous ,ne, dis!el our foes.
HYMN *XIX. Indra
1. , 5ara7ratuA truely I have made none else my >omforter.
Indra: e gracious unto us.
2 Thou who hast ever aided us 7indly of old to win the s!oil,
As such, , Indra, favour us.
# What nowB As !rom!ter of the !oor thou hel!est him who sheds the 9uice.
Wilt thou not, Indra, strengthen usB
& , Indra, hel! our chariot on, yea, Thunderer, though it lag ehind1
Give this my car the foremost !lace.
( "o thereA why sittest thou at caseB %a7e thou my chariot to e first
And ring the fame of victory near.
* Assist our car that see7s the !riCe. What can e easier for theeB
5o ma7e thou us victorious.
+ Indra, e firm1 a fort art thou. To thine a!!ointed !lace !roceeds
The aus!icious hymn in season due.
. Let not our !ortion e disgrace. -road is the course, the !riCe is set,
The arriers are o!ened wide.
0 This thing we wish. that thou mayst ta7e thy fourth, thy sacrificial name.
5o art thou held to e our Lord.
1@ 27adyu hath e$alted you, Immortals1 oth Goddesses and Gods hath he
delighted.
-estow u!on him ounty meet for !raises. %ay he, enriched with !rayer,
HYMN *XX. Indra.
1. I=6/A, God of the mighty arm, gather for us with thy right hand
%anifold and nutritious s!oil.
2 We 7now thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty ounty, mighty wealth,
%ighty in measure, !rom!t to aid.
# "ero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men
/estrain thee li7e a fearful -ull.
& >ome, let us glorify Indra, Lord su!reme of wealth, 5elf)ruling 8ing1
In ounty may he harm us not.
( Let !relude sound and following chant so let him hear the 5aman sung,
And with his ounty answer us.
* , Indra, with thy right hand ring, and with thy left rememer us.
Let us not lose our share of wealth.
+ >ome nigh, , -old ,ne, oldly ring hither the riches of the churl
Who giveth least of all the fol7.
. Indra, the ooty which thou hast with holy singers to receive,
2ven that ooty win with us.
0 Indra, thy swiftly)coming s!oil, the ooty which re9oices all,
5ounds ?uic7 in concert with our ho!es.
HYMN *XXI. Indra.
1. "A5T2 forward to us from afar, or, 'rtra)slayer, from anear,
To meet the offering to the meath.
2 5trong are the 5oma)draughts: come nigh1 the 9uices fill thee with delight1
6rin7 oldly even as thou art wont;.
# Doy, Indra, in the strengthening food et it content thy wish and thought,
And e delightful to thine heart.
& >ome to us thou who hast no foe1 we call thee down to hymns of !raise,
In heaven;s sulimest realm of light.
( This 5oma here e$!ressed with stones and dressed with mil7 for thy
carouse,
Indra, is offered u! to thee.
* Graciously, Indra, hear my call. >ome and otain the draught, and sate
Thyself with 9uices lent with mil7.
+ The 5oma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee,
6rin7 thou, for thou art Lord thereof.
. The 5oma seen within themats, as in the flood the %oon is seen,
0 That which the "aw7 rought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to
thee,
HYMN *XXII. Visv!d!vas.
1. W2 choose unto ourselves that high !rotection of the %ighty Gods
That it may hel! and succour us.
2 %ay they e ever our allies, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman,
4ar)seeing Gods who !ros!er us.
# <e furtherers of holy Law, trans!ort us safe o;er many woes,
As over water)floods in shi!s.
& 6ear wealth e Aryaman to us, 'aruna dear wealth meet for !raise1
6ear wealth we choose unto ourselves.
( 4or 5ovrans of dear wealth are ye, Adityas, not of sinner;s wealth,
<e sa!ient Gods who slay the foe.
* We in our homes, ye -aunteous ,nes, and while we 9ourney on the road,
Invo7e you, Gods, to !ros!er us.
+ /egard us, Indra, 'isnu, here, ye Asvins and the %arut host,
3s who are 7ith and 7in to you.
. <e -ounteous ,nes, from time of old we here set forth our rotherhood,
,ur 7inshi! in. the %other;s wom.
0 Then come with Indra for your chief, as early day, ye -ounteous Gods
<ea, 1 address you now for this.
HYMN *XXIII. Agni.
1. AG=I, your dearest Guest, I laud, him who is loving as a friend,
Who rings us riches li7e a car.
2 Whom as a far)foreseeing 5age the Gods have, from the olden time,
2stalished among mortal men.
# 6o thou, %ost <outhful God, !rotect the men who offer, hear their songs,
And of thyself !reserve their seed.
& What is the !raise wherewith, , God, Afigiras, Agni, 5on of 5trength,
We, after thine own wish and thought,
( %ay serve thee, , thou >hild of Power, and with what sacrifice;s !lanB
What !rayer shall I now s!ea7 to theeB
* ,ur God, ma7e all of us to dwell in ha!!y haitations, and
/eward our songs with s!oil and wealth.
+ Lord of the house, what !lenty fills the songs which thou ins!irest now,
Thou whose hymn hel!s to win the 7ineB
. "irn Wise and 5trong they glorify, the foremost >ham!ion in the fray,
And mighty in his dwelling)!lace.
0 Agni, he dwells in rest and !eace who smites and no one smites again1
With hero sons he !ros!ers well
HYMN *XXIV. Asvins.
1. To this mine invocation, , ye Asvins, ye =asatyas, come,
To drin7 the savoury 5oma 9uice.
2 This laud of mine, ye Asvins Twain, and this mine invitation hear,
# "ere 8rsna is invo7ing you, , Asvins, Lords of am!le wealth.
& List, "eroes, to the singer;s call, the call of 8rsna lauding you,
( >hiefs, to the sage who sings your !raise grant an inviolale home,
* >ome to the worshi!!er;s aode, Asvins, who here is lauding you,
+ <o7e to the firmly 9ointed car the ass which draws you, Lords of wealth.
. >ome hither, Asvins, on your car of tri!le form with tri!le seat,
0 , Asvins, , =asatyas, now acce!t with favouring grace my songs,
HYMN *XXV. Asvins.
1. <2 Twain are wondrous strong, well)s7illed in arts that heal, oth ringers
of delight, ye oth won 6a7sa;s !raise.
'isva7a calls on you as such to save his life. -rea7 ye not off our friendshi!,
come and set me free.
2 "ow shall he !raise you now who is distraught in mindB <e Twain give
wisdom for the gainof what is good.
# Already have ye Twain, !ossessors of great wealth, !ros!ered 'isna!u thus
for gain of what is good.
& And that Im!etuous "ero, winner of the s!oil, though he is far away, we
call to succour us,
Whose gracious favour, li7e a father;s, is most sweet. -rea7 ye not off our
friendshi!, come and set me free.
( Aout the holy Law toils 5avitar the God the horn of holy Law hath he
s!read far and wide.
The holy Law hath ?uelled even mighty men of war. -rea7 ye not off our
ftiendshi!, come and act me free.
HYMN *XXVI. Asvins.
1. 5PL2=6I6, , Asvins, is your !raise. >ome fountain)li7e, to !our the
stream.
,f the sweet 9uice effused)dear is it, >hiefs, in heaven)drin7 li7e two wild
ulls at a !ool.
2 6rin7 the liation rich in sweets, , Asvins Twain1 sit. "eroes, on the sacred
grass.
6o ye with 9oyful heart in the aode of man !reserve his life y means of
wealth.
# The Priyamedhas id you come with all the succours that are yours.
>ome to his house whose holy grass is trimmed, to dear sacrifice at the
morning rites.
& 6rin7 ye the 5oma rich in meath, ye Asvins Twain1 sit gladly on the sacred
grass.
5o, wa$en mighty, to our eulogy from heaven come ye as wild)ulls to the
!ool.
( >ome to us, , ye Asvins, now with steeds of many a varied hue,
<e Lords of s!lendour, wondrous, orne on !aths of gold, drin7 5oma, ye who
strengthen Law.
* 4or we the !riestly singers, fain tohymn your !raise, invo7e you for the
gain of strength.
5o, wondrous, fair, and famed for great deeds come to us, through our
hymn, Asvins, when ye hear.
HYMN *XXVII. Indra.
1. As cows low to their calves in stalls, so with our songs we glorify
This Indra, even your Wondrous God who chec7s attac7, who 9oys in the
delicious 9uice.
2 >elestial, ounteous Giver, girt aout with might, rich, mountain)li7e, in
!recious things,
"im swift we see7. for foodful ooty rich in 7ine, rought hundredfold and
thousandfold.
# Indra, the strong and lofty hills are !owerless to ar thy way.
=one stay that act of thine when thou wouldst fain give wealth to one li7e
me who sings thy !raise.
& A Warrior thou y strength, wisdom, and wondrous deed, in might
e$cellest all that is.
"ither may this our hymn attract thee to our hel!, the hymn which Gotamas
have made.
( 4or in thy might thou stretchest out eyond the oundaries of heaven.
The earthly region, Indra, com!rehends thee not. After thy Godhead hast
thou wa$ed.
* When, %aghavan, thou honourest the worshi!!er, no one is there to stay
thy wealth.
%ost lieral Giver thou, do thou ins!ire our song of !raise, that we may win
the s!oil.
HYMN *XXVIII. Indra.
1. To Indra sing the lofty hymn, %aruts that slays the 'rtras est.
Wherey the "oly ,nes created for the God the light divine that ever
wa7es.
2 Indra who ?uells the curse lew curses far away, and then in s!lendour
came to us.
Indra, refulgent with thy %arut hostA the Gods strove eagerly to win thy
love.
# 5ing to your lofty Indra, sing, %aruts, a holy hymn of !raise.
Let 5ata7ratu, 'rtra)slayer, 7ill the foe with hundred)7notted thunderolt.
& Aim and fetch oldly forth, , thou whose heart is old1 great glory will e
thine therey.
In ra!id torrent let the mother waters s!read. 5lay 'rtra, win the light of
heaven.
( When thou, une?ualled %aghavan, wast orn to smite the 'rtras dead,
Thou s!readest out the s!acious earth and didst su!!ort and !ro! the
heavens.
* Theri was the sacrifice !roduced for thee, the laud, and song of 9oy,
Thou in thy might sur!assest all, all that now is and yet shall e.
+ /aw 7ine thou filledst with ri!e mil7. Thou madest 5urya rise to heaven.,
"eat him as mil7 is heated with !ure 5ama hymns, great 9oy to him who
loves the song.
HYMN *XXIX. Indra.
1. %A< Indra, who in every fight must e invo7ed, e near to us.
%ay the most mighty 'rtra)slayer, meet for !raise, come to liations and to
hymns.
2 Thou art the est of all in sending ounteous gifts, true art thou, lordly in
thine act.
We claim alliance with the very Glorious ,ne, yea, with the %ighty 5on of
5trength.
# Prayers unsur!assed are offered u! to thee the Lover of the 5ong.
Indra, Lord of -ay 5teeds, acce!t these fitting hymns, hymns which we have
thought out for thee.
& 4or thou, , %aghavan, art truthful, ne;er sudued and ringest many a
'rtra low.
As such, , %ightiest Lord, Wielder of Thunder, send wealth hither to the
worshi!!er.
( , Indra, thou art far)renowned, im!etuous, , Lord of 5trength.
Alone thou slayest with the guardian of man7ind resistless never)con?uered
foes.
* As such we see7 thee now, , Asura, thee most wise, craving thy ounty as
our share.
Thy sheltering defence is li7e a mighty cloa7. 5o may thy glories reach to us.
HYMN *XXX. Indra.
1. 6,W= to the stream a maiden came, and found the 5oma y the way.
-earing it to her home she said, 4or Indra will I !ress thee out, for 5a7ra will
I !ress thee out.
2 Thou roaming yonder, little man, eholding every house in turn,
6rin7 thou this 5oma !ressed with teeth, accom!anied with grain and curds,
with ca7e of meal and song of !raise.
# 4ain would we learn to 7now thee well, nor yet can we attain to thee.
5till slowly and in gradual dro!s, , Indu, unto Indra flow.
& Will he not hel! and wor7 for usB Will he not ma7e us wealthierB
5hall we not, hostile to our lord, unite ourselves to Indra nowB
( , Indra, cause to s!rout again three !laces, these which I declare,)
%y father;s head, his cultured field, and this the !art elow my waist.
* %a7e all of these grow cro!s of hair, you cultivated field of ours,
%y ody, and my father;s head.
+ >leansing A!ala, IndraA thrice, thou gavest sunli7e s7in to her,
6rawn, 5ata7ratuA through the hole of car, of wagon, and of yo7e.
HYMN *XXXI. Indra
1. I='IT2 ye Indra with a song to drin7 your draught of 5oma 9uice,
All)con?uering 5ata7ratu, most munificent of all who live.
2 Lauded y many, much)invo7ed, leader of song, renowned of old1
"is name is Indra, tell it forth.
# Indra the 6ancer e to us the giver of aundant strength1
%ay he, the mighty, ring it near.
& Indra whose 9aws are strong hath drun7 of worshi!!ing 5uda7sa;s draught,
The 5oma 9uice with arley mi$t.
( >all Indra loudly with your songs of !raise to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
4or this is what augments his stiength.
* When he hath dr?n7 its gladdening dro!s, the God with vigour of a God
"ath far sur!assed all things that are.
+ Thou s!eedest down to succour us this ever)con?uering God of yours,
"im who is drawn to all our songs
. The Warrior not to he restrained, the 5oma)drin7er ne;er o;erthrown,
The >hieftain of resistless might.
0 , Indra, send us riches, thou ,mniscient, worthy of our !raise1
"el! us in the decisive fray.
1@ 2ven thence, , 1ndra, come to us with food that gives a hundred !owers,
With food that gives a thousand !owers.
11 We sought the wisdom of the wise. 5a7ra, 8ine)giver, Thunder)armedA
%ay we with steeds o;ercome in fight.
12 We ma7e thee, 5ata7ratu, find en9oyment in the songs we sing.
Li7e cattle in the !asture lands.
1# 4or, 5ata7ratu, Thunder)armed, all that we craved, as men are wont,
All that we ho!ed, have we attained.
1& Those, 5on of 5trength, are come to thee who cherish wishes in their
hearts
, Indra, none e$celleth thee.
1( 5o, "ero, guard us with thy care, with thy most lieral !rovidence,
5!eedy, and terrile to foes.
1* , 5ata7ratu Indra, now re9oice with that carouse of thine
Which is most s!lendid of them all
1+ 2ven, Indra, that carouse which slays the 'rtras est, most widely famed,
-est giver of thy !ower and might.
1. 4or that which is thy gift we 7now, true 5oma)drin7er, Thunder)armed,
%ighty ,ne, amid all the fol7.
10 4or Indra, Lover of >arouse, loud e our songs aout the 9uice1
Let !oets sing the song of !raise.
2@ We summon Indra to the draught, irl whom all glories rest, in whom
The seven communities re9oice.
21 At the Tri7adru7as the Gods s!an sacrifice that stirs the mind1
Let our songs aid and !ros!er it.
22 Let the dro!s !ass within thee as the rivers flow into the sea1
, fndra, naught e$celleth thee.
2# Thou, wa7eful "ero, y thy might hast ta7en food of 5oma 9uice,
Which, Indra, is within thee now.
2& , Indra, 'rtra)slayer, let 5oma e ready for thy maw,
The dro!s e ready for thy forms.
2( =ow 5ruta7a7sa sings his song that cattle and the steed may come,
That Indra;s very self may come.
2* "ere, Indra, thou art ready y our 5oma 9uices shed for thee,
5a7ra, at hand that thou mayst give.
2+ 2ven from far away our songs reach thee, , >aster of the 5tone1
%ay we come very close to thee.
2. 4or so thou art the hero;s 4riend, a "ero, too, art thou, and strong1
5o may thine heart e won to us.
20 5o hath the offering, wealthiest Lord, een !aid y all the worshi!!ers1
5o dwell thou, Indra, even with me.
#@ -e not thou li7e a slothfid !riest, , Lord of s!oil and wealth1 re9oice
In the !ressed 5oma lent with mil7.
#1 , Indra, let not ill designs surround us in the suneams; light1
This may we gain with thee for 4riend.
#2 With thee to hel! us, Indra, let us answer all our enemies1
4or thou art ours and we are thine.
## Indra, the !oets and thy friends, faithful to thee, shall loudly sing
Thy !raises as they follow thee.
HYMN *XXXII. Indra.
1. 53/<A, thou mountest u! to meet the "ero famous for his wealth,
Who hurls the olt and wor7s for man
2 "im who with might of oth his arms ra7e nine)and)ninety castles down,
5lew 'rtra and smote Ahi dead.
# This Indra is our gracious 4riend. "e sends us in a full road stream
/iches in horses, 7ine, and corn.
& Whatever, 'rtra)slayerA thou, 5urya, hast risen u!on to)day,
Tat, Indra, all is in thy !ower.
( When, %ighty ,ne, Lord of the rave, thou thin7est thus, I shall not die,
That thought of thine is true indeed.
* Thou, Indra, goest unto all 5oma liations shed for thee,
-oth far away and near at hand.
+ We ma7e this Indra very strong to stri7e the mighty 'rtra dead1
A vigorous "ero shall he e.
. Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o;er the 9oyous draught.
-right, meet for 5oma, famed in song.
0 -y song as ;twere, the !owerful olt which none may !arry was !re!ared
Lofty, invincile he grew.
1@ Indra, 5ong)lover, lauded, ma7e even in the wilds fair ways for us,
Whenever, %aghavan, thou wilt.
11 Thou whose commandment and ehest of sovran sway none disregards,
=either audacious man nor God.
12 And oth these Goddesses, 2arth, "eaven, Lord of the eauteous helmA
revere
Thy might which no one may resist.
1# Thou in the lac7 cows and the red and in the cows with s!otted s7in
This white mil7 hast de!osited.
1& When in their terror all the Gods shran7 from the 6ragon;s furious might,
4ear of the monster fell on them.
1( Then he was my 6efender, then, Invincile, whose foe is not,
The 'rtra)slayer showed his might.
1* "im your est 'rtra)slayer, him the famous >ham!ion of man7ind
I urge to great munificence,
1+ To come, %uch)laudedA %any)named with this same thought that longs
for mil7,
Whene;er the 5oma 9uice is shed.
1. %uch)honoured y liations, may the 'rtra)slayer wa7e for us1
%ay 5a7ra listen to our !rayers.
10 , "ero, with that aid dost thou delight us, with what succour ring
/iches to those who worshi! theeB
2@ With whose liation 9oys the 5trong, the "ero with his team who ?uells
The foe, to drin7 the 5oma 9uiceB
21 /e9oicing in thy s!irit ring thousandfold o!ulence to us1
2nrich thy votary with gifts.
22 These 9uices with their wedded wives flow to en9oyment lovingly1
To waters s!eeds the restless one.
2# Presented strengthening gifts have sent Indra away at sacrifice,
With might, onto the cleansing ath.
2& These two who share his feast, -ay 5teeds with golden manes, shall ring
him to
The an?uet that is laid for him.
2( 4or thee, , Lord of Light, are shed these 5oma)dro!s, and grass is strewn
-ring Indra to his worshi!!ers.
2* %ay Indra give thee s7ill, and lights of heaven, wealth to his votary
And !riests who !raise him1 laud ye him.
2+ , 5ata7ratu, wondrous strength and all our lauds I ring to thee1
-e gracious to thy worshi!!ers.
2. -ring to us all things e$cellent, , 5ata7ratu, food and strength1
4or, Indra, thou art 7ind to us.
2M , 5ata7ratu, ring to us all lessings, all felicity1
4r, Indra, thou art 7ind to us.
#@ -earing the 5oma 9uice we call, est 'rtra)slayer, unto thee1
4or, Indra, thou art 7ind to us.
#1 >ome, Lord of ra!turous, 9oys, to our liation with thy -ay 5teeds, come
To our liation with thy 5teeds.
#2 8nown as est 'rtra)slayer erst, as Indra 5ata7ratu, come
With -ay 5teeds to the 9uice we shed.
## , 'rtra)slayer, thou art he who drin7s these dro!s of 5oma1 come
With -ay 5teeds to the 9uice we shed.
#& %ay Indra give, to aid us, wealth handy that rules the 57ilful ,nes1
<ea, may the 5trong give !otent wealth.
HYMN *XXXIII. Maru&s.
1. T"2 >ow, the famous %other of the wealthy %aruts, !ours her mil71
-oth horses of the cars are yo7ed,)
2 5he in whose osom all the Gods, and 5un and %oon for men to see,
%aintain their everlasting Laws.
# This all the !ious sing to us, and sacred !oets evermore1
The %aruts to the 5oma)draught
& "ere is the 5oma ready !ressed of this the %aruts drin7, of this
5elf)luminous the Asvins drin7.
( ,f this, moreover, !urified, set in three !laces, !rocreant,
6rin7 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman.
* And Indra, li7e the "erald Priest, desirous of the mil7y 9uice,
At early morn will ?uaff thereof.
+ When have the Princes gleamed and shone through waters as through
troo!s of foes;B
When hasten they whose might is!ureB
. What favour do I claim this day of you
great 6eities, you who are
Wondrously s!lendid in yourselvesB
0 1 call, to drin7 the 5oma, those %aruts who s!read all realms of earth
And luminous regions of the s7y.
1@ <ou, even such, !ure in your might, you, , ye %aruts, I invo7e
4rom heaven to drin7 this 5oma9uice.
11 The %aruts, those who have sustained and !ro!!ed the heavens and
earth a!art,
I call to drin7 this 5oma 9uice.
12 That vigorous and of %aruts that aidet in the mountains, I
Invo7e to drin7 this 5oma 9uice.
HYMN *XXXIV. Indra.
1. 5,=G)L,'2/A li7e a charioteer come songs to thee when 5oma flows.
, Indra, they have called to thee as mother)7ine unto their calves.
2 -right 9uices itherward have s!ed thee, Indra, Lover of the 5ong.
6rin7, Indra, of this flowing sa!1 in every house ;tis set for thee.
# 6rin7 5oma to ins!irit thee, 9uice, Indra, which the 4alcon rought1
4or thou art 8ing and 5ovran Lord of all the families of men.
& , Indra, hear Tirasci;s call, the call of him who serveth thee.
5atisfy him with wealth of 7ine and valiant offs!ring1 Great art thou.
( 4or he, , Indra, hath !roduced for thee the newest gladdening song,
A hymn that s!rings from careful thought, ancient, and full of sacred truth.
* That Indra will we laud whom songs and hymns of !raise have magnified.
5triving to win, we celerate his many deeds of hero might.
+ >ome now and let us glorify !ure Indra with !ure 5ama hymns.
Let the !ure mil7y draught delight him strengthened y !ure songs of
!raise.
. , Indra, come thou !ure to us, with !ure assistance, !ure thyself.
Pure, send thou riches down to us, and, meet for 5oma, !ure, e glad.
0 , Indra, !ure, vouchsafe us wealth, and, !ure, enrich the worshi!!er.
Pure, thou dost stri7e the 'rtras dead, and strivest, !ure, to win the s!oil.
HYMN *XXXV. Indra.
1. 4,/ him the %ornings made their courses longer, and =ights with !leasant
voices s!a7e to Indra.
4or him the 4loods stood still, the 5even %others, 5treams easy for the
heroes to !ass over.
2 The 6arter !enetrated, though in troule, thrice)seven close)!ressed
ridges of the mountains.
=either might God nor mortal man accom!lish what the 5trong "ero
wrought in full)grown vigour.
# The mightiest force is Indra;s olt of iron when firmly gras!ed in oth the
arms of Indra.
"is head and mouth have !owers that !ass all others, and all his !eo!le
hasten near to listen.
& 1 count thee as the "oliest of the "oly, the caster)down of what hath ne;er
een sha7en.
I count thee as the -anner of the heroes, I count thee as the >hief of all
men living.
( What time, , Indra, in thine arms thou too7est thy wildly rushing olt to
5lay the 6ragon,
The mountains roared, the cattle loudly ellowed, the -rahmans with their
hymns drew nigh to Indra.
* Let us !raise him who made these worlds and creatures, all things that
after him s!rang into eing.
%ay we win %itra with our songs, and Indra, and. wait u!on our Lord with
adoration.
+ 4lying in terror from the snort of 'rtra, all 6eities who were thy friends
forsoo7 thee.
5o, Indra, e thy friendshi! with the %aruts1 in all these attles thou shalt
e the victor.
. Thrice)si$ty %aruts, wa$ing strong, were with thee, li7e !iles of eaming
light, worthy of worshi!.
We come to thee1 grant us a ha!!y !ortion. Let us adore thy might with this
olation.
0 A shar!ened wea!on is the host of %aruts. Who, Indra, dares withstand thy
olt of thunderB
Wea!onless are the Asuras, the godless1 scatter them with thy wheel,
Im!etuous "ero.
1@ To him the 5trong and %ighty, most aus!icious, send u! the eAuteous
hymn for sa7e of cattle.
Lay oa his ody many songs for Indra invo7ed with song, for will not he
regard. themB
11 To him, the %ighty, who acce!ts laudation, send forth thy thought as y a
oat o;er rivers,
5tir with thy hymn the ody of the 4amous and 6earest ,ne, for will not he
regard itB
12 5erve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes1 !raise with fair
!raise, invite him with thine homage.
6raw near, , singer, and refrain from outcry. %a7e thy voice heard, for will
not he regard itB
1# The -lac7 6ro! san7 in Amsumati;s osom, advancing with ten thousand
round aout it.
Indra with might longed for it as it !anted1 the hero)hearted laid aside his
wea!ons.
1& 1 saw the 6ro! in the far distance moving, on the slo!e an7 of
Amsumati;s river,
Li7e a lac7 cloud that san7 into the water. "eroes, I send you forth. Go,
fight in attle.
1( And then the 6ro! in Amsumati;s osom, s!lendid with light, assumed its
!ro!er ody:
And Indra, with -rhas!ati to aid him, con?uered the godless tries that
came against him.
1* Then, at thy irth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who
ne;er had met a rival.
The hidden Pair, the "eaven and 2arth, thou foundest, and to the mighty
worlds thou gavest !leasure.
1+ 5o, Thunder)armedA thou with thy olt of thunder didst oldly smite that
!ower which none might e?ual:
With wea!ons roughtest low the migt of 5usna, and, Indra, foundest y
thy strength the cattle.
1. Then wast thou, >hieftain of all living mortals, the very mighty slayer of
the 'rtras.
Then didst thou set the ostructed rivers flowing, and win the floods that
were enthralled y 6asas.
10 %ost wise is he, re9oicing in liations, s!lendid as day, resistless in his
anger.
"e only doth great deeds, the only "ero, sole 'rtra)slayer he, with none
eside him.
2@ Indra is 'rtra;s slayer, man;s sustainer1 he must e called: with fair !raise
let us call him.
%aghavan is our "el!er, our Protector, giver of s!oil and wealth to ma7e us
famous.
21 This Indra, 'rtra)slayer, this /hu7san, even at his irth, was meet for
invocation.
6oer of many deeds for man;s advantage, li7e 5oma ?uaffed, for friends we
must invo7e him.
HYMN *XXXVI. Indra.
1. , I=6/A, Lord of Light, what 9oys thou roughtest from the Asuras,
Pros!er therewith, , %aghavan, him who lauds that deed, and those whose
grass is trimmed for thee.
2 The unwasting share of steeds and 7ine which, Indra, thou hast fast
secured,
Grant to the worshi!!er who !resses 5oma and gives guerdon, not unto the
churl.
# The riteless, godless man who slee!s, , Indra, his unro7en stee!,)
%ay he y following his own devices die. "ide from him wealth that
nourishes.
& Whether, , 5a7ra, thou e far, or, 'rtra)slayer, near at hand,
Thence y heaven)reaching songs he who hath !ressed the 9uice invites thee
with thy long)maned 5teeds.
( Whether thou art in heaven;s right s!here, or in the asin of the sea:
Whether, chief 'rtra)slayer, in some !lace on earth, or in the firmament,
a!!roach.
* Thou 5oma)drin7er, Lord of 5trength, eside our flowing 5oma 9uice
6elight us with thy ounty rich in !leasantness, , Indra, with aundant
wealth.
+ , Indra, turn us not away1 e the com!anion of our feast.
4or thou art our !rotection, yea, thou art our 7in1 , Indra, turn us not away.
. 5it down with us, , Indra, sit eside the 9uice to drin7 the meath.
5how forth great favour to the 5inger, %aghavan: Indra, with us, eside the
9uice.
0 , >aster of the 5tone, nor Gods nor mortals have attained to thee.
Thou in thy might sur!assest all that hath een made1 the Gods have not
attained to thee.
1@ ,f one accord they made and formed for 7ingshi! Indra, the "ero who in
all encounters overcometh,
%ost eminent for !ower, destroyer in the conflict, fierce and e$ceeding
strong, stalwart and full of vigour.
11 -ards 9oined in song to Indra so that he might drin7 the 5oma 9uice,
The Lord of Light, that he whose laws stand fast might aid with !ower and
with the hel! he gives.
12 Tle holy sages form a ring, loo7ing and singing to the /am.
Inciters, full of vigour, not to he deceived, are with the chanters, nigh to
ear.
1# Loudly I call that Indra, %aghavan the %ighty, who evermore !ossesses
!ower, ever resistless.
"oly, most lieral, may he lead us on to riches, and, Thunder)armed, ma7e
all our !athways !leasant for us.
1& Thou 7nowest well, , 5a7ra, thou %ost Potent, with thy strength, Indra,
to destroy these castles.
-efore thee, Thunder)armedA all eings tremle1 the heavens and earth
efore thee sha7e with terror,
1( %ay thy truth, Indra, Wondrous "ero e my guard1 ear me o;er much
woe, ThundererA as over floods.
When, Indra, wilt thou honour us with o!ulence, all)nourishing and much)to)
e. desired, , 8ingB
HYMN *XXXVII. Indra.
1. To Indra sing a 5ama hymn, a lofty song to Lofty 5age,
To him who guards the Law, ins!ired, and fain for !raise.
2 Thou, Indra, art the >on?ueror1 thou gavest s!lendour to the 5un.
%a7er of all things, thou art %ighty and All)God.
# /adiant with light thou wentest to the s7y, the luminous realm of heaven.
ne 6eities, Indra strove to win thee for their 4riend.
& >ome unto us, , Indra, dear, still con?uering, unconcealale,
'ast as a mountain s!read on all sides, Lord of "eaven.
( , truthful 5oma)drin7er, thou art mightier than oth the worlds.
Thou strengthenest him who !ours liation, Lord of "eaven.
* 4or thou art he, , Indra, wiio stormeth all castles of the foe,
5layer of 6asyus, man;s 5u!!orter, Lord of "eaven.
+ =ow have we, Indra, 4riend of 5ong, sent our great wishes forth to thee,
>oming li7e floods that follow floods.
. As rivers swell the ocean, so, "ero, our !rayers increase thy might,
Though of thyself, , Thunderer, wa$ing day y day.
0 With holy song mey ind to the road wide)yo7ed car the -ay 5teeds of
the ra!id God,
-earers of Indra, yo7ed y word.
1@ , Indra, ring great strength to us, ring valour, 5ata7ratu, thou most
active, ring
A hero con?uering in war.
11 4or, gracious 5ata7ratu, thou hast ever een a %other and a 5ire to us,
5o now for liss we !ray to thee.
12 To thee, 5trong, %uch)invo7ed, who showest forth thy strength, ,
5ata7ratu, do I s!ea71
5o grant thou us heroic strength.
HYMN *XXXVIII. Indra.
1. , T"3=62/2/, Cealous worshi!!ers gave thee drin7 this time yesterday.
5o, Indra, listen here to those who ring the laud1 come near unto our
dwelling!lace.
2 Lord of -ay 5teeds, fair)helmed, re9oice thee1 this we crave. "ere the
dis!osers wait on thee.
Thy loftiest glories claim our lauds eside the 9uice, , Indra, Lover of the
5ong.
# Turning, as ;twere, to meet the 5un, en9oy from Indra all good things.
When he who will e orn is orn with !ower we loo7 to treasures as our
heritage.
& Praise him who sends us wealth, whose ounties in9ure none1 good are the
gifts which Indra. grants.
"e is not worth with one who satisfies his wish1 he turns his mind to giving
oons.
( Thou in thy attles, Indra, art suduer of all hostile ands.
4ather art thou, aIl)con?uering, cancelling the curse, thou victor of the
van?uisher.
* The 2arth and "eaven clung close to thy victorious might as to their calf
two mother)cows.
When thou attac7est 'rtra all the hostile ands shrin7 and faint, Indra, at
thy wrath.
+ -ring to your aid the 2ternal ,ne, who shoots and none may shoot at him,
Inciter, swift, victorious, est of >harioteers. Tugrya;s unvan?uished
5trengthener:
. Arranger of things unarranged, e;en 5ata7ratu, source of might,
Indra, the 4riend of all, for succour we invo7e, Guardian of treasure,
send9ng wealth.
HYMN *XXXIX Indra. Va3.
1. I %,'2 efore thee here !resent in !erson, and all the 6eities follow
ehind me.
When, Indra, thou securest me my !ortion, with me thou shalt !erform
heroic actions.
2 The food of meath in foremost !lace I give thee, thy 5oma shall e
!ressed, thy share a!!ointed.
Thou on my right shalt e my friend and comrade1 then shall we two smite
dead full many a foeman.
# 5triving for strength ring forth a laud to Indra, a truthful hymn if he in
truth e$isteth.
,ne and another say, There is no Indra. Who hath eheld himB Whom then
shall we honourB
& "ere am I, loo7 u!on me here, , singer. All that e$isteth 1 sur!ass in
greatness.
The "oly Law;s commandments ma7e me mighty. /ending with strength I
rend the worlds asunder.
( When the Law;s lovers mounted and a!. !roached me as 1 sate lone u!on
the dear s7y;s summit.
Then s!a7e my s!irit to the heart within me, %y friends have cried unto me
with their children.
* All these thy deeds must e declared at 5oma)feasts, wrought, Indra,
-ounteous Lord, for him who sheds the 9uice,
When thou didst o!en wealth hea!ed u! y many, rought from far away to
5aralia, the /si;s 7in.
+ =ow run ye forth your several ways1 he is not here who 7e!t you ac7.
4or hath not Indra sun7 his olt dee! down in 'rtra;s vital !artB
. ,n)rushing with the s!eed of thought within the iron fort he !ressed1
The 4alcon went to heaven and rought the 5oma to the Thunderer.
0 6ee! in the ocean lies the olt with waters com!assed round aout,
And in continuous onward flow the floods their triute ring to it.
1@ When, uttering words which no one com!rehended, 'a7, Eueen of Gods,
the Gladdener, was seated,
The heaven;s four regions drew forth drin7 and vigour1 now whither hath her
nolest !ortion vanishedB
11 The 6eities generated 'a7 the Goddess, and animals of every figure s!ea7
her.
%ay she, the Gladdener, yielding food and vigour, the %ilch)cow 'a7,
a!!roach us meetly lauded.
12 5te! forth with wider stride, my comrade 'isnu: ma7e room, 6yaus, for
the lea!ing of the lightning.
Let us slay 'rtra, let us free the rivers let them flow loosed at the command
of Indra.
HYMN X.. Vari/us.
1. <2A, s!ecially that mortal man hath toiled for service of the Gods,
Who ?uic7ly hath rought near %itra and 'aruna. to share his sacrificial
gifts.
2 5u!reme in sovran !ower, far)sighted, >hiefs and 8ings, most swift to hear
from far away,
-oth, wondrously, set them in motion as with arms, in com!any with 5urya;s
eams.
# The ra!id messenger who runs efore you, %itra)'aruna, with iron head,
swift to the draught,
& "e whom no man may ?uestion, none may summon ac7, who stands not
still for collo?uy,)
4rom hostile clash with him 7ee! ye us safe this day1 7ee! us in safety with
your arms.
( To Aryaman and %itra sing a reverent song, , !ious one,
A !leasant hymn that shall !rotect to 'aruna1 sing forth a laud unto the
8ings.
* The true, /ed Treasure they have sent, one only 5on orn of the Three.
They, the Immortal ,nes, never deceived, survey the families of mortal
men.
+ %y songs are lifted u!, and acts most s!lendid are to e !erformed.
>ome hither, ye =asatyas, with accordant mind, to meet and to en9oy my
gifts.
. Lords of great wealth, when we invo7e your ounty which no demon
chec7s,
-oth of you, furthering our eastward)offcred !raise, come, >hiefs whom
Damadagni laudsA
0 >ome, 'ayu, drawn y fair hymns, to our sacrifice that reaches heaven.
Poured on the middle of the strainingcloth, and coo7ed, this right drin7
hath een offered ilice.
1@ "e comes y straightest !aths, as ministering Priest, to taste the
sacrificial gifts.
Then, Lord of harnessed teams I drin7 of the twofold draught, right 5oma
mingled with the mil7.
11 'erily, 5urya, thou art great: truly, Aditya, thou art great.
As thou art great indeed, thy greatness is admired1 yea, verily, thou, God,
art great.
12 <ea, 5urya, thou art great in fame thou evermore, , God, art great.
Thou y thy greatness art the Gods; "igh Priest, divine, far)s!read
uncon?uerale light.
1# 5he yonder, ending lowly down, clothed in red hues and rich in rays,
Is seen, advancing as it were with various tints, amid the ten surrounding
arms.
1& Past and gone are three mortal generations1 the fourth and last into the
5un hath entered.
"e mid the worlds his lofty !lace hath ta7en. Into green !lants is gone the
Purifying.
1( The /udras; %other, 6aughter of the 'asus, centre of nectar, the Adityas;
5ister)
To fol7 who understand will 1 !roclaim it)in9ure not Aditi, the >ow, the
sinless.
1* Wea7)minded men have as a cow ado!ted me who came hither from the
Gods, a Goddess,
Who, s7illed in elo?uence, her voice u!lifteth, who standeth near at hand
with all devotions.
HYMN X.I. Agni.
1. L,/6 of the house, 5age, ever young, high !ower of life, , Agni, God,
Thou givest to thy worshi!!er.
2 5o with our song that !rays and serves, attentive, Lord of s!reading light,
Agni, ring hitherward the Gods.
# 4or, 2ver)<outhful ,ne, with thee, est 4urtherer, as our ally,
We overcome, to win the s!oil.
& As Aurva -hrgu used, as A!navana used, I call the !ure
Agni who clothes him with the sea.
( 1 call the 5age who sounds li7e wind, the %ight that li7e Par9anya roars,
* As 5avitar;s !roductive Power, as him who sends down liss, I call
+ "ither, for !owerful 7irshi!, I call Agni, him Who !ros!ers you,
%ost fre?uent at our solemn rites
. That through this famed ,ne;s !ower, he may stand y us even as Tvastar
comes
3nto the forms that must he sha!ed.
0 This Agni is the Lord su!reme aove all glories mid the Gods1
%ay he come nigh to us with strength.
1@ "ere !raise ye him the most renowned of all the ministering Priests,
Agni, the >hief at sacrifice:
11 Piercing, with !urifying flame, en7indled in our homes, most high,
5wiftest to hear from far away.
12 5age, laud the %ighty ,ne who wins the s!oil of victory li7e a steed,
And, %itra li7e, unites the fol7.
1# 5till turning to their aim in thee, the olation)earer;s sister hymns
"ave come to thee efore the wind.
1& The waters find their !lace in him, for whom the threefold sacred grass
Is s!read unound, unlimited.
1( The station of the -ounteous God hath, through his aid which none
im!air,
A !leasant as!ect li7e the 5un.
1* -laCing with s!lendour, Agni, God, through !ious gifts of sacred oil,
-ring thou the Gods and worshi! them.
1+ The Gods as mothers rought thee forth, the Immortal 5age, , Afigiras,
The earer of our gifts to heaven.
1. Wise Agni, Gods estalished thee, the 5eer, nolest messenger,
As earer of our sacred gifts.
10 =o cow have I to call mine own, no a$e at hand wherewith to wor7,
<et what is here I ring to thee.
2@ , Agni, whatsoever e the fuel that we lay for thee,
-e !leased therewith, %ost <outhful God
21 That which the white)ant cats away, that over which the emmet crawls)
%ay all of this e oil to thee.
22 When he en7indles Agni, man should with his heart attend the song1
I with the !riests have 7indled him.
HYMN X.II. Agni
1. T"AT nolest 4urtherer hath a!!eared, to whom men ring their holy
wor7s.
,ur songs of !raise have risen aloft to Agni who was arn to give the Arya
strength.
2 Agni of 6ivodasa turned, as ;twere in ma9esty, to the Gods.
,nward he s!ed along the mother earth, and too7 his station in the height
of heaven.
# "im efore whom the !eo!le shrin7 when he !erforms his glorious deeds,
"im who wins thousands at the worshi! of the Gods, himself, that Agni,
serve with son s.
& The mortal man whom thou wouldst lead to o!ulence, , 'asu, he who
rings thee gifts.
"e, Agni, wins himself a hero singing lauds, yea, one who feeds a thousand
men.
( "e with the steed wins s!oil even in the fenced fort, and gains
im!erishale fame.
In thee, , Lord of wealth, continually we lay all !recious offerings to the
Gods.
* To him who dealeth out all wealth, who is the cheerful Priest of men,
To him, li7e the first vessels filled with savoury 9uice, to Agni go the songs of
!raise.
+ 'otaries, richly)gifted, dec7 him with their songs, even as the steed who
draws the car.
,n oth, 5trong Lord of menA on child and grandson !our the ounties which
our noles give.
. 5ing forth to him, the "oly, most munificent, sulime with his refulgent
glow,
To Agni, ye 3!astutas.
0 Worshi!!ed with gifts, en7indled, s!lendid, %aghavan shall win himself
heroic fame.
And will not his most newly shown enevolence come to us with aundant
strengthB
1@ Priest, !resser of the 9uiceA !raise now the dearest Guest of all our
friends,
Agni, the driver of the cars.
11 Who, finder)out of treasures o!en and concealed, ringeth them hither,
"oly ,ne:
Whose waves, as in a cataract, are hard to !ass, when he, through song,
would win him strength.
12 Let not the nole Guest, Agni, e wroth with us1 y many a man his
!raise is sung,
Good "erald, s7illed in sacrifice.
1# , 'asu, Agni, let not them e harmed who come in any way with lauds to
thee.
2ven the lowly, s7illed in rites, with offered gifts, see7eth thee for the
envoy;s tas7.
1& 4riend of the %aruts, Agni, come with /udras to the 5oma)draught,
To 5ohar;s fair song of !raise, and e thou 9oyful in the light.
'ALA8"IL<A
APP2=6IP1 G-oo7 'III. "ymns &0)(0. %. %Qller.H
HYMN I. Indra.
1. T, you will I sing Indra;s !raise who gives good gifts as well we 7now:
The !raise of %aghavan who, rich in treasure, aids his singers with wealth
thousandfold.
2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes oldly on, and for the offerer slays his
foes.
As from a mountain flow the water)roo7s, thus flow his gifts who feedeth
many a one.
# The dro!s effused, the gladdening draughts, , Indra, Lover of the 5on
As waters see7 the la7e where they are wont to rest, fill thee, for ounty,
Thunderer.
& The matchless draught that strengthens and gives elo?uence, the sweetest
of the meath drin7 thou,
That in thy 9oy thou maysi scatter thy gifts o;er us, !lenteously, even as the
dust.
( >ome ?uic7ly to our laud, urged on y 5oma)!ressers li7e a horse)
Laud, Godli7e Indra, which milch)7ine ma7e sweet for thee1 with 8anva;s
sons are gifts for thee.
* With homage have we sought thee as a "ero, strong, !reeminent, with
unfailing wealth.
, Thunderer, as a !lenteous s!ring !ours forth its stream, so, Indra, flow our
songs to thee.
+ If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art u!on the earth,
>ome thence, high)thoughtedA to our sacrifice with the 5wift, come, %ighty
with the %ighty ,nes.
. The active, fleet)foot, tawny >oursers that are thine are swift to victory,
li7e the Wind,
Wherewith thou goest round to visit %anus; seed, wherewith all heaven is
visile.
0 Indra, from thee so great we crave !ros!erity in wealth of 7ine,
As, %aghavan, thou favouredst %edhyatithi, and, in the fight, =i!atithi.
1@ As, %aghavan, to 8anva, Trasadasyu, and to Pa7tha and 6asavra9a:
As, Indra, to Gosarya and /9isvan, thou vouchsafedst wealth in 7ine and
gold.
HYMN II. Indra.
1. 5A8/A I !raise, to win his aid, far)famed, e$ceeding ountiful,
Who gives, as ;twere in thousands, !recious wealth to him who sheds the
9uice and worshi!s him.
2 Arrows with hundred !oints, uncon?uerale, are this Indra;s n)dghty arms
in war.
"e streams on lieral worshi!!ers li7e a hill with s!rings, when 9uices
!oured have gladdened him.
# What time the flowing 5oma)dro!s have gladdened with their taste the
4riend,
Li7e water, gracious LordA were my liations made, li7e milch)7ine to the
worshi!!er.
& To him the !eerless, who is calling you to give you aid, forth flow the
dro!s of !leasant meath.
The 5oloa)dro!s which call on thee, , gracious Lord, have rought thee to
our hymn of !raise.
( "e rushes hurrying li7e a steed to 5oma that adorns our rite,
Which hymns ma7e sweet to thee, lover of !leasant food. The call to Paura
thou dost love.
* Praise the strong, gras!ing "ero, winner of the s!oil, ruling su!reme oer
mighty wealth.
Li7e a full s!ring, , Thunderer, from thy store hast thou !oured on the
worshi!!er evermore.
+ =ow whether thou e far away, or in the heavens, or on the earth,
, Indra, mighty) thoughted, harnessing thy -ays, come Lofty with the Lofty
,nes.
. The -ays who draw thy chariot, 5teeds who in9ure none, sur!ass the wind;s
im!etuous strength)
With whom thou silencest the enemy of man, with whon: thou goest round
the s7y.
0 , gracious "ero, may we learn anew to 7now thee as thou art1
As in decisive fight thou hol!est 2tasa, or 'asa ;gainst 6asavra9a,
1@ As, %aghavan, to 8anva at the sacred feast, to 6irghanitha thine home)
friend,
As to Gosarya thou, 5tone)darter, gavest wealth, give me a gold)right stall
of 7ine.
HYMN III. Indra.
1. As with %anu 5amvarani, Indra, thou dran7est 5oma 9uice,
And, %aghavan, with =i!atithi, %edyatithi, with Pustigu and 5rustigu,)
2 T;he son of Prsadvana was Pras7aniva;s host, who lay decre!it and forlorn.
Aided y thee the /si 6asyave)vr7a strove to otain thousands of 7ine.
# >all hither with thy newest song Indra who lac7s not hymns of !raise,
"im who oserves and 7nows, ins!irer of the sage, him who seems eager to
en9oy.
& "e unto whom they sang the seven)headed hymn, three)!arted, in the
loftiest !lace,
"e sent his thunder down on all these living things, and so dis!layed heroic
might.
( We invocate that Indra who estoweth !recious things on us.
=ow do we 7now his newest favour: may we gain a stale that is full of 7ine.
* "e whom thou aidest, gracious Lord, to give again, otains great wealth to
nourish him.
We with our 5oma ready, Lover of the 5ongA call, Indra %aghavan, on thee.
+ =e;er art thou fruitless, Indra ne;er dost thou desert the worshi!!er
-ut now, , %aghavan, thy ounty as a God is !oured forth ever more and
more.
. "e who hath. overta7en 8rvi with his might, and silenced 5usna with
deatholts,)
When he su!!orted yonder heaven and s!read it out, then first the son of
earth was orn.
0 Good Lord of wealth is he to whom all Aryas, 6asas here elong.
6irectly unto thee, the !ious /usama Paviru, is that wealth rought nigh.
1@ In Cealous haste the singers have sung forth a song distilling oil and rich
in sweets.
/iches have s!read among us and heroic strength, with us are flowing 5oma)
dro!s.
HYMN IV. Indra.
1. As, 5a7ra, thou with %anu called 'ivasvan dran7est 5oma 9uice,
As, Indra, thou didst love the hymn y Trita;s side, so dost thou 9oy with Ayu
now.
2 As thou with %atarisvan, %edhya, Prsadhra, hast cheered thee Indra, with
!ressed 9uice,
6run7 5oma with /9unas, 5yumarasmi, y 6asonya;s 6asasi!ra;s side.
# ;Tis he who made the lauds his own and oldly dran7 the 5oma 9uice,
"e to whom 'isnu came striding his three wide ste!s, as %itra;s statutes
ordered it.
& In whose laud thou didst 9oy, Indra, at the great deed, , 5ata7ratu, %ighty
,neA
5ee7ing renown we call thee as the mil7ers call the cow who yields
aundant mil7.
( "e is our 5ire who gives to us, Great, %ighty, ruling as he wills.
3nsought, may he the 5trong, /ich, Lord of am!le wealth, give us of horses
and of 7ine.
* "e to whom thou, Good Lord, givest that he may give increases wealth
that nourishes.
2ager for wealth we call on Indra, Lord of wealth, on 5ata7ratu with our
lauds.
+ =ever art thou neglectful1 thou guardest oth races with thy care.
The call on Indra, fourth AdityaA is thine own. Amrta is stalished in the
heavens.
. The offercr whom thou, Indra, Lover of the 5ong, lieral %aghavan,
favourest,)
As at the call of 8anva so, , gracious Lord, hear, thou our songs and eulogy.
0 5ung is the song of ancient time1 to Indra have ye said the !rayer.
They have sung many a -rhati of sacrifice, !oured forth the worshi!!er;s
many thoughts.
1@ Indra hath tossed together mighty stores of wealth, and oth the worlds,
yea, and the 5un.
Pure, rightly)shining, mingled with the mil7, the draughts of 5oma have
made Indra glad.
HYMN V. Indra.
1. As highest of the %aghavans, !reeminent among the -ulls,
-est rea7er)down of forts, 7ine)winner, Lord of wealth, we see7 thee,
Indra %aghavan.
2 Thou who suduedst Ayu, 8utsa, Atithigva, wa$ing daily in thy might,
As such, rousing thy !ower, we invocate thee now, thee 5ata7ratu, Lord of
-ays.
# The !ressing)stones shall !our for us the essence of the meath of all,
6ro!s that have een !ressed out afar among the fol7, and those that have
een !ressed near us.
& /e!el all enmities and 7ee! thern far away1 let all win treasure for their
own.
2ven among 5istas are the stal7s that ma7e thee glad, where thou with
5oma satest thee.
( >ome, Indra, very near to us with aids of firmly)ased resolve:
>ome, most aus!icious, with thy most aus!icious hel!, good 8insman, with
good 7insmen, comeA
* -less thou with !rogeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, victor in the
fray.
Aid with thy !owers the men who sing thee lauds and 7ee! their s!irits ever
!ure and right.
+ %ay we e such in attle as are surest to otain thy grace1
With holy offerings and invocations of the Gods, we mean, that we may win
the s!oil.
. Thine, Lord of -ays, am I. Prayer longeth for the s!oil. 5till with thy hel! I
see7 the fight.
5o, at the raiders; head, I, craving steeds and 7ine, unite myself with thee
alone.
HYMN VI. Indra.
1. I=6/A, the !oets with. their hymns e$tol this hero might of thine1
They strengthened, loud in song, thy !ower that dro!!eth oil. With hymns
the Pauras came to thee.
2 Through !iety they came to Indra for his aid, they whose liations give
thee9oy.
As thou with, 8rsa and 5amvarta hast re9oiced, so, Indra, e thou glad with
us.
# Agreeing in your s!irit, all ye 6eities, come nigh to us.
'asus and /udras shall come near to give us aid, and %aruts listen to our
call.
& %ay Pusan, 'isnu, and 5arasvati efriend, and the 5even 5treams, this call
of mine1
%ay Waters, Wind, the %ountains, and the 4orest)Lord, and 2arth give ear
unto my cry.
( Indra, with thine own ounteous gift, most lieral of the %ighty ,nes,
-e our oon enefactor, 'rtra)slayer, e our feast)com!anion for our weal.
* Leader of heroes, Lord of attle, lead thou us to comat, thou %ost
5a!ient ,ne.
"igh fame is theirs who win y invocations, feasts and entertainment of the
Gods.
+ ,ur ho!es rest on the 4aithful ,ne1 in Indra is the !eo!le;s life.
, %aghavan, come nigh that thou mayst give us aid1 ma7e !lenteous food
stream forth for us.
. Thee would we worshi!, Indra, with our songs of !raise1 , 5ata7ratu, e
thou ours.
Pour down u!on Pras7anva ounty vast and firm, e$uerant, that shall never
fail.
HYMN VII. +ras3anva4s Gi0&.
1. G/2AT, verily, is Indra;s might. I have eheld, and hither comes
Thy ounty, 6asyave)vr7aA
2 A hundred o$en white of hue are shining li7e the stars in heaven,
5o tall, they seem to !ro! the s7y.
# -amoos a hundred, a hundred dogs, a hundred s7ins of easts well)
tanned,
A hundred tufts of -ala9a, four hundred red)hued mares are mine.
& -lest y the Gods, 8invayanasA e ye who s!read through life on life1
Li7e horses have ye stridden forth.
( Then men e$tolled the team of seven not yet full)grown, its fame is great.
The dar7 mares rushed along the !aths, so that no eye could follow them.
HYMN VIII +ras3anva4s G/.
1. T"< ounty, 6asyave)vr7a, e$haustless hath dis!layed itself1
Its fulness is as road as heaven.
2 Ten thousand 6asyave)vr7a, the son of Puta7rata, hath
4rom his own wealth estowed on me.
# A hundred asses hath he given, a hundred head of fleecy shee!,
A hundred slaves, and wreaths esides.
& There also was a mare led forth, !ic7ed out for Puta7rata;s sa7e,
=ot of the horses of the herd.
( ,servant Agni hath a!!eared, olation)earer with his car.
Agni with his res!lendent flame hath shone on high as shines the 5un, hath
shone li7e 5urya in theheavens.
HYMN IX. Asvins.
1. 2=6,W26, , Gods, with your !rimeval wisdom, come ?uic7ly with your
chariot, , ye "oly.
>ome with your mighty !owers, , ye =asatyas: come hither, drin7 ye this
the third liation.
2 The truthful 6eities, the Three)and)Thirty, saw you a!!roach efore the
2ver)Truthful.
Acce!ting this our worshi! and liation, , Asvins right with fire, drin7 ye
the 5oma.
# Asvins, that wor7 of yours deserves our wonder,)the -ull of heaven and
earth and air;s mid region:
<ea, and your thousand !romises in attle, )to all of these come near and
drin7 eside us.
& "ere is your !ortion laid for you, ye "oly1 come to these songs of ours, ,
ye =asatyas.
6rin7 among us the 5oma full of sweetness, and with your !owers assist the
man who worshi!s.
HYMN X. Visv!d!vas.
1. "2 whom the !riests in sundry ways arranging the sacrifice, of one
accord, ring hither,
Who was a!!ointed as a learned -rahman, )what is the sacrificer;s
7nowledge of himB
2 8indled in many a s!ot, still ,ne is Agni: 5ilrya is ,ne though high o;er all
he shineth.
Illumining this All, still ,ne is usas. That which is ,ne hath into All
develo!ed.
# The chariot right and radiant, treasure)laden, three)wheeled, with easy
seat, and lightly rolling,
Which 5he of Wondrous Wealth was orn to harness,)this car of yours I call.
6rin7 what remaineth.
HYMN XI. Indra-Varuna.
1. I= offerings !oured to you, , Indra)'aruna, these shares of yours stream
forth to glorify your state.
<e haste to the liations at each sacrifice when ye assist the worshi!!er who
sheds the 9uice.
2 The waters and the !lants, , Indra)'aruna, had efficacious vigour, and
attained to might1
<e who have gone eyond the !ath of middle air,)no godless man is worthy
to e called your foe.
# True is your 8rsa;s word, Indra and 'aruna1 The seven holy voices !our a
wave of meath.
4or their sa7e, Lords of s!lendourA aid the !ious man who, unewildered,
7ee!s you ever in his thoughts.
& 6ro!!ing oil, sweet with 5oma, !ouring forth their stream, are the 5even
5isters in the seat of sacrifice.
These, dro!!ing oil, are yours, , Indra)'aruna1 with these enrich with gifts
and hel! the worshi!!er.
( To our great ha!!iness have we ascried to these Two -right ,nes
truthfulness, great strength, and ma9esty.
, Lords of s!lendour, aid us through the Three)times)5even, as we !our holy
oil, , Indra)'aruna.
* What ye in time of old Indra and 'aruna, gave /sis revelation, thought,
and !ower of song,
And !laces which the wise made, weaving sacrifice,)these through my
s!irit;s fervid glow have I eheld.,
+ , Indra)'aruna, grant to the worshi!!ers cheerfulness void of !ride, and
wealth to nourish them.
'ouchsafe us food, !ros!erity, and !rogeny, and lengthen out our days that
we may see long life.
RIG VEDA - THE NINTH BOOK
HYMN I. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. In sweetest and most gladdening stream
flow !ure, , 5oma, on thy way,
Pressed out for Indra, for his drin7.
2 4iend)?ueller, 4riend of all men, he hath with the wood attained unto
"is !lace, his iron)fashioned home.
# -e thou est 'rtra)slayer, est granter of liss, most lieral1
Promote our wealthy !rinces; gifts.
& 4low onward with thy 9uice unto the an?uet of the %ighty Gods1
4low ither for our strength and fame.
( , Indu, we draw nigh to thee, with this one o9ect day y day1
To thee alone our !rayers are said
* -y means of this eternal fleece may 5urya;s 6aughter !urify
Thy 5oma that is foaming forth.
+ Ten sister maids of slender form seiCe him within the !ress and hold
"im firmly on the final day.
. The virgins send him forth1 they low the the s7in musician)li7e and fuse
The tri!le foe)re!elling meath.
0 Inviolale milch)7ine round aout him lend for Indra;s drin7,
The fresh young 5oma with their mil7.
1@ In the wild ra!tures of this draught, Indra slays all the 'rtras1 he,
The "ero, !ours his wealth on us.
HYMN II. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5oma, flow on, inviting Gods, s!eed to the !urifying cloth1
Pass into Indra, as a -ull.
2 As mighty food s!eed hitherward, Indu, as a most s!lendid 5teer1
5it in thy !lace as one with strength.
# The well)loved meath was made to flow, the stream of the creative 9uice
ne 5age drew waters to himself.
& The mighty waters, yea, the floods accom!any thee %ighty ,ne,
When thou wilt clothe thee with the mil7.
( The la7e is rightened in the floods. 5oma, our 4riend, heaven;s !ro! and
stay,
4alls on the !urifying cloth.
* The tawny -ull hath ellowed, fair as mighty %itra to ehold1
"e shines together with the 5un.
+ 5ongs, Indu, active in their might are eautified for thee, wherewith
Thou dec7est thee for our delight.
. To thee who givest am!le room we !ray, to win the 9oyous draught1
Great are the !raiseR due to thee.
0 Indu as, Indra;s 4riend, on us !our with a stream of sweetness, li7e
Par9anya sender of the rain.
1@ Winner of 7ine, Indu, art thou, winner of heroes, steeds, and strength
Primeval 5oul of sacrifice.
HYMN III. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. "2/2 !resent this Immortal God flies, li7e a ird u!on her wings,
To settle in the vats of wood.
2 This God, made ready with the hymn, runs swiftly through the winding
ways,
Inviolale as he flows.
# This God while flowing is adorned, li7e a ay steed for war, y men
6evout and s7illed in holy songs.
& "e, li7e a warrior going forth with heroes, as he flows along
Is fain to win all !recious oons.
( This God, as he is flowing on, s!eeds li7e a car and gives his gifts1
"e lets his voice e heard of all
* Praised y the sacred ards, this God dives into waters, and estows
/ich gifts u!on the worshi!!er.
+ Away he rushes with his stream, across the regions, into heaven,
And roars as he is flowing on.
. While flowing, meet for sacrifice, he hath gone u! to heaven across
The regions, irresistile.
0 After the ;way of ancient time, this God, !ressed out for 6eities,
4lows tawny to the straining)cloth.
1@ This Lord of many "oly Laws, even at his irth engendering strength,
2ffused, flows onward in a stream.
HYMN IV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. , 5oma flowing on thy way, win thou and con?uer high renown:
And ma7e us etter than we are.
2 Win thou the light, win heavenly light, and, 5oma, all felicities:
# Win s7ilful strength and mental !ower. , 5oma, drive away our foes:
& <e !urifiers, !urify 5oma for Indra, for his drin71
%a7e thou us etter than we are.
( Give us our !ortion in the 5un through thine own mental !ower and aids:
* Through thine own mental !ower and aid long may we loo7 u!on the 5un:
+ Well)wea!oned 5oma, !our to usa stream of riches douly great:
. As one victorious unsudued in attle !our forth wealth to us:
0 -y worshi!, PavamanaA men have strengthened thee to !ro! the Law1
1@ , Indu, ring us wealth in steeds, manifold. ?uic7ening all life:
And mate us etter than we are.
HYMN V A%ris.
1. 2=8I=6L26, Pavamana, Lord, sends forth his light on, every side
In friendly show, the ellowing -ull.
2 "e, Pavamana, 5elf)!roduced, s!eeds onward shar!ening his horns1
"e glitters through the firmament.
# -rilliant li7e wealth, adorale, with s!lendour Pavamana shines,
%ightily with the streams of meath.
& The tawny Pavamana, who strews from of old the grass with might,
Is worshi!!ed, God amid the Gods.
( The golden, the >elestial 6oors are lifted with their frames on high,
-y Pavamana glorified.
* With !assion Pavamana longs for the great lofty !air, well)formed
Li7e eauteous maidens, =ight and 6awn
+ -oth Gods who loo7 on men I call, >elestial "eralds1 Indra;s 5elf
Is Pavamana, yea, the -ull.
. This, Pavamana;s sacrifice, shall the three eauteous Goddesses,
5arasvati and -harati and Ila, %ighty ,ne, attend.
0 1 summon Tvastar hither, our !rotector, cham!ion, earliest)orn,
Indu is Indra, tawny 5teer: Pavamana is Pra9a!ati.
1@ , Pavamana, with the meath in streams anoint 'anas!ati,
The ever)green. the golden)hued, refulgent, with a thousand oughs.
11 >ome to the consecrating rite of Pavamana, all ye Gods,)
'ayu, 5urya, -rhas!ati, Indra, and Agni, in accord.
HYMN VI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5,%A, flow on with !leasant stream, a -ull devoted to the Gods,
,ur 4riend, unto the woollen sieve.
2 Pour hitherward, as Indra;s 5elf, Indu, that gladdening stream of thine,
And send us coursers full of strength.
# 4low to the filter hitherward, !ouring that ancient gladdening 9uice,
5treaming forth !ower and high renown.
& "ither the s!ar7ling dro!s have flowed, li7e waters down a stee! descent
They have reached Indra !urified.
( Whom, having !assed the filter, ten dames cleanse, as ;twere a vigorous
steed,
While he dis!orts him in the wood,)
* The steer)strong 9uice with mil7 !our forth, for feast and service of the
Gods,
To him who ears away the draught.
+. 2ffused, the God flows onward with his stream to Indra, to the God,
5o that his mil7 may strengthen him.
. 5oul of the sacrifice, the 9uice effused flows ?uic7ly on1 he 7ee!s
"is ancient wisdom of a 5age.
0 5o !ouring forth, as Indra;s 4riend, strong drin7, est GladdenerA for the
feast,
Thou, even in secret, storest hymns.
HYMN VII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4,/T" on their way the glorious dro!s have flowed for maintenance of
Law,
8nowing this sacrifice;s course.
2 6own in the mighty waters sin7s the stream of meath, most e$cellent,
,lation est of all in worth.
# Aout the holy !lace, the 5teer true, guileless, nolest, hath sent forth
>ontinuous voices in the wood.
& When, clothed in manly strength, the 5age flows in celestial wisdom
round,
The 5trong would win the light of heaven.
( When !urified, he sits as 8ing aove the hosts, among his fol7,
What time the sages ring him nigh.
* 6ear, golden)coloured, in the fleece he sin7s and settles in the wood1
The 5inger shows his Ceal in hymns.
+ "e goes to Indra, 'ayu, to the Asvins, as his custom is,
With gladdening 9uice which gives them 9oy.
. Tle streams of !leasant 5oma flow to -haga, %itra)'aruna,)
Well)7nowing through his mighty !owers.
"eaven and 2arth, riches of meath to win us wealth1
Gain for us treasures and renown.
HYMN VIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. ,-2<I=G Indra;s dear desire these 5oma 9uices have flowed forth,
Increasing his heroic might.
2 Laid in the owl, !ure)flowing on to 'ayu and the Asvins, may
These give us great heroic strength.
# 5oma, as thou art !urified, incite to ounty Indra;s heart,
To sit in !lace of sacrifice.
& The ten swift fingers dec7 thee forth, seven ministers im!el thee on1
The sages have re9oiced in thee.
( When through the filter thou art !oured, we clothe thee with a roe of
mil7
To e a gladdening draught for Gods.
* When !urified within the 9ars, 5oma, rightred and golden)hued,
"ath clothed him with a roe of mil7.
+ 4low on to us and ma7e us rich. 6rive all our enemies away.
, Indu, flow into thy 4riend.
5end down the rain from heaven, a stream of o!ulence from earth. Give us,
, 5oma, victory in war.
0 %ay we otain thee, Indra;s drin7, who viewest men and findest light,
Gain thee, and !rogeny and food.
HYMN IX. S/$a +ava$ana.
I. T"2 5age of "eaven whose heart is wise, when laid etween oth hands
and !ressed,
5ends us delightful !owers of life.
2 ,n, onward to a glorious home: dear to the !eo!le void of guile,
With e$cellent en9oyment, flow.
# "e, the right 5on, when orn illumed his Parents who had s!rung to life,
Great 5on great 5trengtheners of Law.
& 3rged y the seven devotions he hath stirred the guileless rivers which
"ave magnified the 5ingle 2ye.
( These hel!ed to might the<outhful ,ne, high over all, invincile,
2ven Indu, IndraA in thy law.
* The immortal >ourser, good to draw, loo7s down u!on the 5even1 the fount
"ath satisfied the Goddesses
+ Aid us in holy rites, , %an1 , Pavamana, drive away
6ar7 shades that must e met in fight.
. %a7e the !aths ready for a hymn newer and newer evermore1
%a7e the lights shine as erst they shone.
0 Give, Pavamana, high renown, give 7ine and steeds and hero sons1
Win for us wisdom, win the light.
HYMN X. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. LI82 cars that thunder on their way, li7e coursers eager for renown,
"ave 5oma)dro!s flowed forth for wealth.
2 4orth have they rushed from holding hands, li7e chariots that are urged to
s!eed,
Li7e 9oyful songs of singing)men.
# The 5omas dec7 themselves with mil7, as 8ings are graced with eulogies,
And, with seven !riests, the sacrifice.
& Pressed for the gladdening draught, the dro!s flow forth aundantly with
song,
The 5oma 9uices in a stream.
( Winning 'ivasvan;s glory and !roducing %orning;s light, the 5uns
Pass through the o!enings of the cloth.
* The singing)men of ancient time o!en the doors of sacred songs,)
%en, for the mighty to acce!t.
+ >omined in close society sit the seven !riests, the rother)hood,
4illing the station of the ,ne.
. "e gives us 7inshi! with the Gods, and with the 5un unites our eye1
The 5age;s ofrs!ring hath a!!eared.
0 The 5un with his dear eye eholds that ?uarter of the heavens which
!riests
"ave !laced within the sacred cell.
HYMN X* S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5I=G forth to Indu, , ye men, to him who is !urified,
4ain to !ay worshi! to the Gods.
2 Together with thy !leasant 9uice the Atharvans have commingled mil7,
6ivine, devoted to the God.
# -ring, y thy flowing, weal to 7ine, weal to the !eo!le, weal to steeds.
Weal, , thou 8ing, to growing !lants
& 5ing a !raise)song to 5oma rown of hue, of inde!endent might.
The /ed, who reaches u! to heaven.
( Purify 5oma when effused with stones which ands move ra!idly,
And !our the sweet mil7 in the meath.
* With humle homage draw ye nigh: lend the liation with the curds1
To Indra offer Indu u!.
+ 5oma, foe)?ue chief o;er men, doing the will of !our forth
Pros!erity u!on our 7ine.
. "eart)7nower, 5ovran of the heart, thou art effused, , 5oma, that Indra
may drin7 thee and re9oice.
0 , 5oma Pavamana, give us riches and heroic strength,)
InduA with. Indra for ally.
HYMN XII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. To Indra have the 5oma dro!s, e$ceeding rich in sweets, een !oured,
5hed in the seat of sacrifice.
2 As mother 7ine low to their calves, to Indra have the sages called,
>alled him to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
# In the stream;s wave wise 5oma dwells, distilling ra!ture, in his seat,
/esting u!on a wiId)cow;s hide.
& 4ar)sighted 5oma, 5age and 5eer, is worshi!!ed in the central !oint
,f heaven, the straining)cloth of wool.
( In close emraces Indu holds 5oma when
!oured within the 9ars.
And on the. !urifying sieve.
* Indu sends forth a voice on high to regions of the sea of air,
5ha7ing the vase that dro!s with meath.
+ The Tree whose !raises never fail yields heavenly mil7 among our hymns,
3rging men;s generations on.
. The Wise ,ne, with the 5age;s stream, the 5oma urged to s!eed, flows on
To the dear !laces of the s7y.
0 , Pavamana, ring us wealth right with a thousand s!lendours. <ea.
, Indu, give us ready hel!.
HYMN XIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. PA5526 through, the fleece in thousand streams the 5oma, !urified, flows
on
To Indra;s, 'iyu;s s!ecial !lace.
2 5ing forth, ye men who long for hel!, to Pavamana, to the 5age,
2ffused to entertain the Gods.
# The 5oma)dro!s with thousand !owers are !urified for victory,
"ymned to ecome the feast of Gods.
& <ea, as thou flowest ring great store of food that we may win the s!oil
Indu, ring s!lendid manly might.
( %ay they in flowing give us wealth in thousands, and heroic !ower,)
These Godli7e 5oma)dro!s effused.
* Li7e coursers y their drivers urged, they were !oured forth, for victory,
5wift through the woollen straining)cloth.
+ =oisily flow the 5oma)dro!s, li7e milch)7ine lowing to their calves1
They have run forth from oth the hands.
. As Gladdener whom Indra loves, , Pavamana, with a roar
6rive all our enemies away.
0 , Pavamamas, driving off the godless, loo7ing on the light,
5it in the !lace of sacrifice.
HYMN XIV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. /2P,5I=G on the river;s wave the 5age hath widely flowed around,
-earing the hymn which many love.
2 When the 4ive 7indred >om!anies, active in duty, with the song
2stalish him, the Powerful,
# Then in his 9uice whose strength is great, have all the Gods re9oiced
themselves,
When he hath clothed him in the mil7.
& 4reeing himself he flows away, leaving his ody;s severed lims,
And meets his own >om!anion here.
( "e y the daughters of the !riest, li7e a fair youth, hath een adorned,
%a7ing the mil7, as ;twere, his roe.
* ,;er the fine fingers, through desire of mil7, in winding course he goes,
And utters voice which he hath found.
+ The nimle fingers have a!!roached, adorning him the Lord of 5trength1
They gras! the vigorous >ourser;s ac7.
. >om!rising all the treasures that are in the heavens and on the earth,
>ome, 5oma, as our faithful 4riend.
HYMN XV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"/,3G" the fine fingers, with the song, this "ero comes with ra!id
ears,
Going to Indra;s s!ecial !lace.
2 In holy thought he !onders much for the great worshi! of the Gods.
Where the Immortals have their seat.
# Li7e a good horse is he led out, when on the !ath that shines with light
The mettled steeds e$ert their strength.
& "e randishes his horns on high, and whets them -ull who leads the herd,
6oing with might heroic deeds.
( "e moves, a vigorous 5teed, adorned with eauteous rays of shining gold,
-ecoming 5ovran of the streams.
* "e, over !laces rough to !ass, ringing rich treasures closely !ac7ed.
6escends into the reservoirs.
+ %en eautify him in the vats, him worthy to e eautified,
"im who rings forth aundant food.
. "im, even him, the fingers ten and the seven songs ma7e eautiful,
Well)wea!oned, est of gladdeners.
HYMN XVI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 !ressers from the 5oma)!ress send forth thy 9uice for ra!turous 9oy
The s!ec7led sa! runs li7e a flood.
2 With strength we follow through the sieve him who rings might and wins
the 7ine,
2nroed in water with his 9uice.
# Pour on the sieve the 5oma, ne;er sudued in waters, waterless,
And ma7e it !ure for Indra;s drin7.
& %oved y the !urifier;s thought, the 5oma flows into the sieve1
-y wisdom it hath gained its home.
( With humle homage, Indra, have the 5oma)dro!s flowed forth to thee,
>ontending for the glorious !riCe.
* Purified in his fleecy gar, attaining every eauty, he
5tands, hero)li7e, amid the 7ine.
+ 5welling, as ;twere, to heights of heaven, the stream of the creative 9uice
4alls lightly on the cleansing sieve.
. Thus, 5oma, !urifying himwho 7noweth song mid living men,
Thou wanderest through the cloth of wool.
HYMN XVII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. LI82 rivers down a stee! descent, slaying the 'rtras, full of Ceal,
The ra!id 5oma)streams have flowed.
2 The dro!s of 5oma 9uice effused fall li7e the rain u!on the earth1
To Indra flow the 5oma)streams.
# With swelling wave the gladdening drin7, the 5oma, flows into.the sieve,
Loving the Gods and slaying fiends.
& It hastens to the !itchers, !oured u!on the sieve it wa$es strong
At sacrifices through the lauds.
( 5oma, thou shinest mounting heaven as ;twere aove light;s tri!le realm,
And moving secm;st to s!eed the 5un.
* To him, the head of sacnfice, singers and ards have sung their songs,
,ffering what he loves to see.
+ The men, the sages with their hymns, eager for hel!, dec7 thee strong
Rteed,
6ec7 thee for service of the Gods.
. 4low onward to the stream of meath rest efficacious in thy home,
4air, to e drun7 at sacrifice.
HYMN XVIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T",3, 5oma, dweller on the hills, effused, hast flowed into the sieve,1
All)ounteous art thou in carouse.
2 Thou art a sacred -ard, a 5age: the meath is offi!ring of thy sa!1
All)ountcous art thou in carouse.
# All 6eities of one accord have come that they may drin7 of thee1
& "e who containeth in his hands all treasures much to e desired1
( Who mil7eth out this mighty Pair, the 2arth and "eaven, li7e mother 7ine
* Who in a moment mightily floweth around these two world)halvcs1
+ The 5trong ,ne, eing !urified, hath in the !itchers cried aloud1
HYMN XIX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. , 5,%A, eing !urified ring us the wondrous treasure, meet
4or lauds, that is in earth and heaven.
2 4or ye Twain, Indra, 5oma, are Lords of the light, Lords of the 7ine1
Great /ulers, !ros!er ye our songs.
# The tawny 5teer, while cleansed among the living, ellowing on the grass,
"ath sun7 and settled in his home.
& ,ver the 5teer;s !roductive flow the sacred songs were resonant,
The mothers of the darling 5on.
( "ath he not, !urified, im!regned the 7ine wh long to meet their Lord,
The 7ine who yield the shining mil7B
* -ring near us those who stand aloof stri7e fear into our enemies1
, Pavamana, find us wealth.
+ 5oma, ring down the foeman;s might, his vigorous strength and vital
!owe;r,
Whether he e afar or near.
HYMN XX S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4,/T" through the straining)cloth the 5age flows to the an?uet of the
Gods,
5uduing all our enemies.
2 4or he, as Pavamana, sends thousandfold treasure in the sha!e
,f cattle to the singing)men.
# Thou gras!est all things with thy mind, and !urifiest thee with thoughts
As such, , 5oma, find us fame.
& Pour lofty glory on us, send sure riches to our lieral lords,
( As thou art cleansed, , Wondrous 5teed, , 5oma, thou hast entered, li7e
A !ious 8ing, into the songs.
* "e, 5oma, li7e a courser in the floods invincile, made clean
With hands, is resting in the 9ars.
+ 6is!orting, li7e a lieral chief, thou goest, 5oma, to the sieve,
Lending the laud a "ero;s strength.
HYMN XXI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. To Indra flow these running dro!s, these 5omas frolicsome in mood.
2$hilarating, finding light:
2 6riving off foes, estowing room u!on the !resser, willingly
-ringing their !raiser vitalforce.
# Lightly dis!orting them, the dro!s flow to one common reservoir,
And fall into the river;s wave.
& These Pavamanas have otained all lessings much to e desired,
Li7e coursers harnessed to a car.
( With view to us, , 5oma)dro!s, estow his manifold desire
,n him who yet hath given us naught.
* -ring us our wish with this design, as a wright rings his new)wrought
wheel1
4low !ure and shining with the stream.
+ These dro!s have cried with resonant voice1 li7e swift steeds they have
run the course,
And roused the good man;s hymn to life.
HYMN XXII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"252 ra!id 5oma)streams have stirred themselves to motion li7e strong
steeds,
Li7e cars, li7e armies hurried forth.
2 5wift as wide winds they lightly move, li7e rain)storms of Par9anya, li7e
The flic7ering flames of urning fire.
# These 5oma 9uices, lent with curds, !urified, s7illed in sacred hymns,
"ave gained y song their hearts;desire.
& Immortal, cleansed, these dro!s, since first they flowed, have never
wearied, fain
To reach the regions and their !aths.
( Advancing they have travelled o;er the ridges of the earth and heaven,
And this the highest realm of all.
* ,ver the heights have they attained the highest thread that is s!un out,
And this which must e deemed most high.
+ Thou, 5oma, oldest wealth in 7ine which thou hast seiCed from niggard
churls1
Thou calledst forth the outs!un thread.
HYMN XXIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5WI4T 5oma dro!s have een effused in streams of meath, the gladdening
drin7,
4or sacred lore of every 7ind.
2 "ither to newer. resting)!lace the ancient Living ,nes are come.
They made the 5un that he might shine.
# , Pavamana, ring to us the unsacrificing foeman;s wealth,
And give us food with !rogeny.
& The living 5omas eing cleansed diffuse e$hilarating drin7,
Turned to the vat which dri!s with meath.
( 5oma gows on intelligent, !ossessing sa! and mighty strength,
-rave "ero who re!els the curse.
* 4or Indra, 5omaA thou art cleansed, a feast)com!anion for the Gods1
1ndu, thou fain wilt win us strength
+ When he had drun7en draughts of this, Indra smote down resistless foes1
<ea, smote them, and shall smite them still.
HYMN XXIV.S/$a +ava$ana.
1. "IT"2/WA/6 have the 5oma streamed,
the dro!s while they are !urified1
When Ient, in waters they are rinsed.
2 The mil7 hath run to meet them li7e floods rushing down a !reci!ice1
They come to Indra, eing cleansed.
# , 5oma Pavamana, thou art flowing to e Indra;s drin71
The men have seiCed and lead thee forth.
& 'ictorious, to e hailed with 9oy, , 5oma, flow, delighting men,
To him who ruleth o;er man7ind.
( Thou, Indu, when, effused y stones, thou runnest to the filter, art,
/eady for Indra;s high decree.
* 4low on, est 'rtra)slayer: flow meet to e hailed with 9oyful lauds.
Pure, !urifying, wonderful.
+ Pure, !urifying is he called the 5oma of the meath eflused,
5layer of sinners, dear to Gods.
HYMN XXV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. G/22=)"326A as one who giveth strength flow on for Gods to drin7, a
draught
4or 'ayu and the %arut host.
2 , Pavamana, sent y song, roaring aout thy dwelling)!lace,
Pass into 'ayu as Law ids.
# The 5teer shines with the 6eities, dear 5age in his a!!ointed home,
4oe)5layer, most eloved y Gods.
& Ta7ing each eauteous form, he goes, desirale, while !urified,
Thither where) the Immortals sit.
( To Indra 5oma flows, the /ed, engendering song, e$ceeding wise,
The visitor of living men.
* 4low, est e$hilarator, 5age, flow to the filter in a stream
To seat thee in the !lace of song.
HYMN XXVI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 sages with the fingers; art have dressed and dec7ed that vigorous
5teed
3!on the la! of Aditi,
2 The 7ine have called aloud to him e$haustless with a thousand streams,
To Indu who su!!orteth heaven.
# "im, nourisher of many, 5age, creative Pavamana, they
"ave sent, y wisdom, to the s7y.
& "im, dweller with 'ivasvan, they with use of oth arms have sent forth,
The Lord of 5!eech infallile.
( "im, green, eloved, many eyed, the 5isters with !rosing stones
5end down to ridges of the sieve.
* , Pavamana, Indu, !riests hurry thee on to Indra, thee
Who aidest song and cheerest him.
HYMN XXVII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"I5 5age, e$alted y our lauds, flows to the !urifying cloth,
5cattering foes as he is cleansed.
2 As giving !ower and winning light, for Indra and for 'ayu he
Is !oured u!on the filtering)cloth.
# The men conduct him, 5oma, 5teer, ,mniscient, and the "ead of "eaven,
2ffused into the vats of wood.
& Longing for 7ine, longing for gold hath Indu Pavamana lowed,
5till >on?ueror, never overcome.
( This Pavamana, gladdening draught, dro!s on the filtering cloth, and then
%ounts u! with 5urya to the s7y.
* To Indra in the firmament this mighty tawny 5teer hath flowed,
This Indu, eing !urified.
HYMN XXVIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 3/G26 y the men, this vigorous 5teed, Lord of the mind, ,mniscient,
/uns to the woollen straining)cloth.
2 Within the filter hath he flowed, this 5oma for the Gods effused,
2ntering all their essences.
# "e shines in eauty there, this God Immortal in his dwelling)!lace,
4oe)slayer, dearest to the Gods.
& 6irected y the 5isters ten, ellowing on his way this 5teer
/uns onward to the wooden vats.
( This Pavamana, swiftand strong, ,mniscient, gave s!leudour to
The 5un and all his forms of light.
* This 5oma eing !urified, flows mighty and infallile,
5layer of sinners, dear toGods.
HYMN XXIX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4,/WA/6 with mighty force have flowed the currents of this 5teer
effused,
,f him who sets him y the Gods.
2 The singers !raise him with their song, and learned !riests adorn the
5teed,
-rought forth as light that merits laud.
# These things thou winnest lightly while !urified, 5oma, Lord of wealth1
4ill full the sea that claims our !raise.
& Winning all !recious things at once, flow on, , 5oma, with thy stream
6rive to one !lace our enemies.
( Preserve us from the godless, from ill)omened voice of one and all,
That so we may e freed from lame.
* , Indu, as thou flowest on ring us the wealth of earth and heaven,
And s!lendid vigour, in thy stream.
HYMN XXX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5T/2A%5 of this Potent ,ne have flowed easily to the straining)cloth1
While he is cleansed he lifts his voice.
2 Indu, y !ressers urged to s!eed, ellowing out while eautified.
5ends forth a very mighty sound.
# Pour on us, 5oma, with thy stream mancon?uering might which many
crave,
Accom!anied with hero sons.
& "ither hath Pavamana flowed, 5oma flowed hither in a stream,
To settle in the vats of wood.
( To waters with the stones they drive thee tawny)hued, most rich in
sweets,
, Indu, to e Indra;s drin7.
* 4or Indra, for the Thunderer !ress the 5oma very rich in sweets,
Lovely, ins!iriting, for strength.
HYMN XXXI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2, 5oma)dro!s, enevolent, come forth as they are !urified,
-estowing wealth which all may see.
2 , Indu, high o;er heaven and earth e thou, increaser of our might1
The %aster of all strength e thou.
# The winds are gracious in their love to thee, the rivers flow to thee
5oma, they multi!ly thy !ower.
& 5oma, wa$ great. 4rom every side may vigorous !owers unite in thee1
-e in the gathering)Place of strength.
( 4or thee, rown)huedA the 7ine have !oured im!erishale oil and mil7.
Aloft on the sulimest height.
* 4riendshi!, , Indu, we desire with thee who earest nole arms,
With thee, , Lord of all that is.
HYMN XXXII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 ra!ture)shedding 5oma)dro!s, effused in our assemly, have
4lowed forth to glorify our !rince.
2 Then Trita;s %aidens onward urge the Tawny)coloured with the stones,
Indu for Indra, for his drin7.
# =ow li7e a swan he ma7eth all the com!any sing each his hymn1
"e, li7e a steed, is athed in mil7.
& , 5oma, viewing heaven and earth, thou runncst li7e a darting deer
5et in the !lace of sacrifice.
( The cows have sung with 9oy to him, even as a woman to her love
"e came as to a settled race.
* -estow illustrious fame on us, oth on our lieral lords and me,
Glory, intelligence, and wealth.
HYMN XXXIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. LI82 waves of waters, s7illed in song the 9uices of the 5oma s!eed
,nward, as uffaloes to woods.
2 With stream of sacrifice the rown right dro!s have flowed with strength
in store
,f 7ine into the wooden vats.
# To Indra, 'ayu, 'aruna, to 'isnu, and the %aruts, flow
The dro!s of 5oma 9uice effused.
& Three several words are uttered1 7ine are Jowing, cows who give their
mil71
The Tawny)hued goes ellowing on.
( The young and sacred mothers of the holy rite have uttered !raise1
They decorate the >hild of "eaven.
* 4rom every side, , 5oma, for our !rofit, !our thou forth four seas
4illed full of riches thousandfold.
HYMN XXXIV. S/$! +ava$ana.
1. T"2 dro! of 5oma 9uice effused flows onward with this stream im!elled.
/ending strong !laces with its might.
2 Poured forth to Indra, 'aruna, to 'ayu and the %arut hosts,
To 'isnu, flows the 5oma 9uice.
# With stones they !ress the 5oma forth, the 5trong conducted y the
strong1
They mil7 the li?uor out with s7ill.
& ;Tis he whom Trita must refine, ;tis he who shall ma7e Indra glad1
The Tawny ,ne is dec7ed with tints.
( "im do the 5ons of Prsni mil7, the dwelling)!lace of sacrifice,
,lation lovely and most dear.
* To him in one unitcd stream th),se songs flow on straight forward. he,
Loud voiced, hath made the milch)7ine low.
HYMN XXXV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. Pour forth on us aundant wealth, , Pavamana, with thy stream.
Wherewith thou mayest find us light
2 , Indu, swayer of the sea, sha7er of all things, flow thou on,
-earer of wealth to us with might.
# With thee for "ero, 'aliant ,neA may we sudue our enemies1
Let what is !recious flow to us.
& Indu arouses strength the 5age who strives for victory, winning !ower,
6iscovering holy wor7s and means.
( %over of s!eech, we roe him with our songs as he is !urified
5oma, the Guardian of the fol7:
* ,n whose way, Lord of "oly Law, most richi as he is !urified.
The !eo!le all have set their hearts.
HYMN XXXVI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4,/T" from the mortar is the 9uice sent, li7e a car)horse, to the sieve1
The 5teed ste!s forward to the goal.
2 Thus, 5oma, watchful, earing well, cheering the Gods, flow !ast the
sieve,
Turned to the vat that dro!s with meath.
# 2$cellent Pavamana, ma7e the lights shine rightly out for us.
5!eed us to mental !ower and s7ill.
& "e, eautified y !ious men, and coming from their hands adorned,
4lows through the fleecy straining)cloth.
( %ay 5oma !our all treasures of the heavens, the earth, the firmament
3!on the lieral worshi!!er.
* Thou mountest to the height of heaven, , 5oma, see7ing steeds and 7ine,
And see7ing heroes, Lord of 5trengthA
HYMN XXXVII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5,%A, the 5teer, effused for draught, flows to the !urifying sieve,
5laying the fiends, loving the Gods.
2 4ar)sighted, tawny)coloured, he flows to the sieve, intelligent,
-ellowing, to his !lace of rest.
# This vigorous Pavamana runs forth to the luminous realm of heaven,
4iend)slayer, through the fleecy sieve.
& This Payamana u! aove Trita;s high ridge hath made the 5un,
Together with the 5isters, shine.
( This 'rtra)slaying 5teer, effused, 5oma room)giver, ne;er deceived,
"ath gone, as ;twere, to win the s!oil.
* 3rged onward y the sage, the God s!eeds forward to the cas7s of wood,
Indu to Indra willingly.
HYMN XXXVIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"I5 5teer, this >hariot, rushes through the woollen filter, as he goes
To war that wins a thousand s!oils.
2 The 6ames of Trita with the stones onward im!el this Tawny ,ne
Indu to Indra for his drin7.
# Ten active fingers carefully adorn him here: they ma7e him right
And eauteous for the gladdening draught.
& "e li7e a falcon settles down amid the families of men.
5!eeding li7e lover to his love.
( This young e$hilarating 9uice loo7s downward from its !lace in heaven,
This 5oma)dro! that !ierced the sieve.
* Poured for the draught, this tawny 9uice
flows forth, intelligent, crying out,
3nto the well)eloved !lace.
HYMN XXXIX S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4L,W ,n, , thou of lofty thought, flow swift in thy eloved form,
5aying, I go where dwell the Gods.
2 Pre!aring what is un!re!ared, and ringing store of food to man,
%a7e thou the rain descend from heaven.
# With might, estowing !ower, the9uice enters the !urifying sieve,
4ar)seeing, sending forth its light.
& This is it which in ra!id course hath with the river;s wave flowed down
4rom heaven u!on the straining cloth.
( Inviting him frorh far away, and even from near at hand, the 9uice
4or Indra is !oured forth as meath.
* In union they have sung the hymn1 with stones they urge the Tawny ,ne.
5it in the !lace of sacrifice.
HYMN X*. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 'ery Active hath assailed, while !urified, all enemies1
They dec7 the 5age with holy songs.
2 The /ed hath mounted to his !lace: to India, goes the mighty 9uice1
"e settles in his firm aode.
# , Indu, 5oma, send us now great o!ulence from every side, Pour on us
treasures thousandfold.
& , 5oma Pavamana, ring, Indu, all s!lcndours hitherward1
4ind for us food in oundless store.
( As thou art cleansed, ring hero strength and riches to thy worshi!!er,
And !ros!er thou the singer;s hymns.
* , Indu, 5oma, eing cleansed, ring hither riches douly!iled,
Wealth, mighty Indu, meet for lauds.
HYMN X*I. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. A>TI'2 and right have they come forth, im!etuous in s!eed li7e ulls,
6riving the lac7 s7in far away.
2 Euelling the riteless 6asyu, may we thin7 u!on the ridge of liss,
Leaving the ridge of woe ehind.
# The mighty Pavamana;s roar is heard as ;twere the rush of rain
Lightnings are flashing to the s7y.
& Pour out on us aundant food, when thou art !ressed, , Indu wealth
In 7ine and gold and steeds and s!oil.
( 4low on thy way, %ost Active, thou. fill full the mighty heavens and earth,
As 6awn, as 5urya with his eams.
* ,n every side, , 5oma, flow round us with thy !rotecting stream,
As /asa flows around the world.
HYMN X*II. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 2=G2=62/I=G the 5un in floods, engendering heaven;s lights, green)hued,
/oed in the waters and the mil7,
2 According to !rimeval !lan this 5oma, with his stream, effused
4lows !urely on, a God for Gods.
# 4or him victorious, wa$en great, the 9uices with a thousand !owers
Are !urified for winning s!oil.
& 5hedding the ancient fluid he is !oured into the cleansing sieve1
"e, thundering, hath !roduced the Gods.
( 5oma, while !urifying, sends hither all things to e desired,
"e sends the Gods who strengthen Law.
* 5oma, effused, !our on us wealth in 7ine, in heroes, steeds, and s!oil,
5end us aundant store of food.
HYMN X*III. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. W2 will enroe with sacred song the Lovely ,ne who, as a 5teed,
Is dec7ed with mil7 for ra!turous 9oy.
2 All songs of ours desiring grace adorn him in the ancient way,
# 5oma flows on when !urified, eloved and adorned with songs,
5ongs of the sage %edhyatithi.
& , 5oma Pavamana, find e$ceeding glorious wealth for us,
Wealth, Indu, fraught with oundless might.
( Li7e courser racing to the !riCe Indu, the lover of the Gods,
/oars, as he !asses, in the sieve.
* 4low on thy way to win us strength, to s!eed the sage who !raises thee1
5oma, estow heroic !ower.
HYMN X*IV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. I=63, to us for this great rite, earing as ;twere thy wave to Gods,
3nwearied, thou art flowing forEh.
2 Pleased with the hymn, im!elled y !rayer, 5oma is hurried far away,
The Wise ,ne in the 5inger;s stream.,
# Watchful among the. gods, this 9uice advances to the cleansing sieve
5oma, most active, travels on.
& 4low onward, see7ing strength for us, emellishing the sacrifice1
The !riest with trimmed grass calleth thee.
( %ay 5oma, ever ringing !ower to -haga and to 'ayu, 5age
And "ero, lead us to the Gods.
* 5o, to increase our wealth to)day, Ins!irer, est of 4urtherers,
Win for us strength and high renown.
HYMN X*V. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4L,W, thou who viewest men, to give delight, to entertain the Gods,
Indu, to Indra for his drin7.
2 5tream to thine emassy for us1 thou hastenest, for Indra, to
The Gods, , etter than our friends.
# We alm thee, red of hue, with mil7 to fit thee for the ra!turous 9oy1
3nar for us the doors of wealth.
& "e through the sieve hath !assed, as comes a courser to the !ole, to run
Indu elongs unto the Gods.
( All friends have lauded him as he s!orts in the wood, eyond the fleece1
5ingers have chanted Indu;s !raise.
* 4low, Indu, with that stream wherein stee!ed thou announcest to the man
Who worshi!s thee heroic strength.
HYMN X*VI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. LI82 ale coursers they have een sent forth to e the feast of Gods,
9oying in mountains, flowing on.
2 To 'ayu flow the 5oma)streams, the dro!s of 9uice made eautiful
Li7e a ride dowered y her sire.
# Pressed in the mortar, these, the dro!s of
9uice, the 5omas rich in food,
Give strength to Indra with their wor7.
& 6eft)handed men, run hither, seiCe the rilliant 9uices lent with meal,
And coo7 with mil7 the gladdening draught.
( Thus, 5oma, >on?ueror of wealthA flow, finding furtherance for us,
Giver o4 am!le o!ulence.
* This Pavamana, meet to e adorned, the fingers ten adorn,
The draught that shall ma7e Indra glad.
HYMN X*VII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. G/2AT as he was, 5oma hath gained strength y this high solemnity1
9oyous he riseth li7e a ull.
2 "is tas7 is done1 his crushings of the 6asyus are made manifest1
"e sternly rec7oneth their dets.
# 5oon as his song of !raise is orn, the 5oma, Indra;s 9uice, ecomes
A thousand)winning thunderolt.
& 5eer and 5ustainer, he himself desireth riches for the sage
When he emellisheth his songs.
( 4ain would they oth win riches as in races of the steeds. In war
Thou art u!on the con?uerors; side.
HYMN X*VIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. WIT" sacrifice we see7 to thee 7ind >herisher of manly might
In mansions of the lofty heavens:
2 Gladdening crusher of the old, ruling with very mighty sway,
6estroyer of a hundred forts.
# "ence, 5a!ient ,neA the 4alcon, strong of wing, unwearied, rought thee
down,
Lord over riches, from the s7y.
& That each may see the light, the -ird rought us the guard of Law, the
4riend
,f all, the s!eeder through the air.
( And now, sent forth, it hath attained to mighty !ower and ma9esty,
%ost active, ready to assist.
HYMN X*IX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. Poust down the rain u!on us, !our a wave of waters from the s7y,
And !lenteous store of wholesome fod.
2 4low onward with that stream of thine, wherey the cows have come to
us,
The 7ine of strangers to our home.
# >hief 4riend of Gods in sacred rites, !our on us fatness with thy stream,
P!ur down on us a flood of rain.
& To give us vigour, with thy stream run through the fleecy straining)cloth
4or verily the Gods will ear.
( ,nward hath Pavamana flowed and eaten off the /a7sasas,
4lashing out s!lendour as of old.
HYMN *. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. L,36 as a river;s roaring wave thy !owers have lifted u! themselves1
3rge on thine arrow;s shar!ened !oint.
2 At thine effusion u!ward rise three voices full of 9oy, when thou
4lowest u!on the fleecy ridge.
# ,n to the fleece they urge with stone the tawny well)eloved ,ne,
2ven Pavamana, dro!!ing meath.
& 4low with thy current to the sieve, , 5age most !owerful to cheer,
To seat thee in the !lace of song.
( 4low, %ost 2$hilaratingA flow anointed with the mil7 for alm,
Indu, for Indra, for his drin7.
HYMN *I. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. A6"'A/<3, on the filter !our the 5oma 9uice e$!ressed with stones,
And ma7e it !ure for Indra;s drin7.
2 Pour out for Indra, Thunder)armed, the mil7 of heaven,, the 5oma;s 9uice,
%ost e$cellent, most rich in sweets.
# These Gods and all the %arut host, Indu en9oy this 9uice of thine,
This Pavamana;s flowing meath.
& 4or, 5oma, thou hast een effused, strengthening for the wild carouse,
, 5teer, the singer, for our hel!.
( 4low with thy stream, 4ar)sighted ,ne, effused, into the cleansing sieve1
4low on to give us strength and fame.
HYMN *II. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. W2ALT")WI==2/, dwelling in the s7y, ringing us vigour with the 9uice,
4low to the filter when effused.
2 5o, in thine ancient ways, may he, eloved, with a thousand streams
/un o;er the fleecy straining)cloth.
# "im who is li7e a caldron sha7e1 , Indu, sha7e thy gift to us
5ha7e it, armed WarriorA with thine arms.
& Indu, invo7ed with many a !rayer, ring down the vigour of these men,
,f him who threatens us with war.
( Indu, Wealth)giver, with thine hel! !our out for us a hundred, yea,
A thousand of thy !ure right streams.
HYMN *III. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. , T",3 with stones for arms, thy !owers, crushing the fiends, have
raised themselves1
>hase thou the foes who com!ass us.
2 Thou con?uerest thus with might when car meets car, and when the !riCe
is sta7ed1
With fearless heart will I sing !raise.
# =o one with evil thought assails this Pavamana;s holy laws1
>rush him who fain would fight with thee.
& 4or Indra to the streams they drive the tawny ra!ture)dro!!ing 5teed,
Indu the ringer of delight.
HYMN *IV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. A4T2/ his ancient s!lendour, they, the old, have drawn the right mil7
from
The 5age who wins a thousand gifts.
2 In as!ect he is li7e the 5un: he runneth forward to the la7es,
5even currents flowing through the s7y.
# "e, shining in his s!lendour, stands high over all things that e$ist)
5oma, a God as 5urya is.
& Thou, Indu, in thy rilliancy, !ourest on us, as Indra;s 4riend,
Wealth from the 7ine to feast the Gods.
HYMN *V. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. P,3/ on us with thy 9uice all 7inds of corn, each sort of nourishment,
And, 5oma, all felicities.
2 As thine, , Indu, is the !raise, and thine what s!ringeth from the 9uice,
5eat thee on the dear sacred grass.
# And, finding for us 7ine and steeds, , 5oma, with thy 9uice flow on
Through days that fly most ra!idly.
& As one who con?uers, ne;er sudued, attac7s and stays the enemy,
Thus, 'an?uisher of thousandsA flow.
HYMN *VI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5WI4T to the !urifying sieve flows 5oma as e$alted Law,
5laying the fiends, loving the Gods.
2 When 5oma !ours the strengthening food a hundred ever)active streams
To Indra;s friendshi! win theirway.
# Ten 6ames have sung to welcome thee, even as a maiden greets her love1
, 5oma, thou art dec7ed to win.
& 4low hitherward, , Indu, sweet to Indra and to 'isnu1 guard
The men, the singers, from distress.
HYMN *VII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"< streams that never fail or waste flow forth li7e showers of rain from
heaven,
To ring a thousand stores of strength.
2 "e flows eholding on his way all welleloved sacred lore,
Green)tinted, randishing his, arms.
# "e, when the !eo!le dec7 him li7e a docile 7ing of ele!hants.
5its as a falcon in the, wood.
& 5o ring thou hitherward to us, Indu, while thou art !urified,
All treasures oth of heaven and earth.
HYMN *VIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5WI4T runs this giver of delight, even the stream of flowing 9uice1
5wift runs this giver of delight.
2 The %orning 7nows all !recious things, the Goddess 7nows her grace to
man1
# We have acce!ted thousands from 6hvasra;s and Purusanti;s hands1
& 4rom whom we have acce!ted thus thousands and three times ten eside1
HYMN *IX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4L,W onward, 5oma, winning 7ine, and steeds, and all that gives delight1
-ring hither wealth with !rogeny.
2 4low onward from the waters, flow, inviolale, from the !lants1
4low onward from the !ressing)oards.
# 5oma, as Pavamana, !ass over all troule and distress1
5it on the sacred grass, a 5age.
& Thou, Pavamana, foundest light: thou at thy irth ecamest great1
, Indu, thou art over all.
HYMN *X. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5I=G forth and laud with sacred song most active Pavamana, laud
Indu who sees with thousand eyes.
2 Thee who hast thousand eyes to see, earer of thousand urthens, they
"ave filtered through the fleecy cloth.
# "e, Pavamana, hath streamed through the fleece then1 he runs into the
9ars,
4inding his way to Indra;s heart.
& That Indra may e ounteous, flow, most active 5oma, for our weal1
-ring genial seed with !rogeny.
HYMN *XI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4L,W onward, Indu, with this food for him who in thy wild delight
-attered the nine)and)ninety down,
2 5mote swiftly forts, and gamara, then <adu and that Turvaga,
4or !ious 6ivodasa;s sa7e.
# 4inder of horses, !our on us horses and
wealth in 7ine and gold,
And, Indu, food in oundless store.
& We see7 to win thy friendly love, even Pavamana;s flowing o;er
The limit of the cleansing sieve.
( With those same waves which in their stream oyerflow the !urifying sieve,
5oma: e gracious unto us.
* , 5oma, eing !urified, ring us from all sides,)for thou canst,)
/iches and food with hero sons.
+ "im here, the >hild whom streams have orne, the ten swift fingers
eautify
With the Adityas is he seen.
. With Indra and with 'ayu he, effused, flows onward with,the eams
,f 5urya to the cleansing sieve.
0 4low rich in sweets and lovely for our -haga, 'ayu, Pusan flow
4or %itra and for 'aruna.
1@ "igh is thy 9uice;s irth1 though set in heaven, on earth it hath otained
5trong sheltering !ower and great renown.
11 5triving to win, with him we gain all wealth from the ungodly man,
<ea, all the glories of man7ind.
12 4inder of room and freedom, flow for Indra whom we must adore,
4or 'aruna and the %arut host.
1# The Gods have come to Indu well)descended, eautified with mil7,
The active crusher of the foe.
1& 2ven as mother cows their calf, so let our !raise)songs strengthen him,
<ea, him who winneth Indra;s heart.
1( 5oma, !our lessings on our 7ine, !our forth the food that streams with
mil7
Increase the sea that merits laud.
1* 4rom heaven hath Pavamana made, as ;twere, the marvellous thunder,
and
The lofty light of all man7ind.
1+ The gladdening and aus!icious 9uice of thee, of Pavamana, 8ingA
4lows o;er the woollen straining)cloth.
1. Thy 9uice, , Pavamana, sends its rays aroad li7e s!lendid s7ill,
Li7e lustre, all heaven;s light, to see.
10 4low onward with that 9uice of thine most e$cellent, that rings delight,
5laying the wic7ed, dear to Gods.
2@ 8illing the foeman and his hate, and winning ooty every day,
Gainer art thou of steeds and 7ine.
21 /ed)hued, e lended with the mil7 that seems to yield its lovely reast,
4alcon)li7e resting in thine home.
22 4low onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter 'rtra who
>om!assed and stayed the mighty floods.
2# 5oma who rainest gifts, may we win riches with our hero sons1
5trengthen, as thou art cleansed, our hymns.
2& Aided y thee, and through thy grace, may we e slayers when we war1
Watch, 5oma, at our solemn rites.
2( >hasing our foemen, driving off the godless, 5oma flowcth on,
Going to Indra;s s!ecial !lace.
2* , Pavamana, hither ring great riches, and destroy our foes1
, Indu, grant heroic fame.
2+ A hundred ostacles have ne;er chec7ed
thee when fain to give thy oons,
When, eing cleansed, thou comatest.
2. Indu, flow on, a mighty 9uice: glorify us among the fol71
6rive all our enemies away.
20 Indu, in this thy friendshi! most lofty and glorious may we
5udue all those who war with us.
#@ Those awful wea!ons that thou hast, shar!ened at !oint to stri7e men
down)
Guard us therewith from every foe.
HYMN *XII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"252 ra!id 5oma)dro!s have een !oured through the !urifying sieve
To ring us all felicities.
2 6is!elling manifold misha!, giving the courser;s !rogeny,
<ea, and the warrior steed, success.
# -ringing !ros!erity to 7ine, they ma7e !er!etual Ila flow
To us for nole eulogy.
& 5trong, mountain)orn, the stal7 hath een
!ressed in the streams for ra!turous 9oy1
"aw7)li7e he settles in his home.
( 4air is the God)loved 9uice: the !lant is washed in waters, !ressed y men
The milch)7ine sweeten it with mil7.
* As drivers dec7 a courser, so have they adorned the meath;s 9uice for
Amrosia, for the festival.
+ Thou, Indu, with thy streams that dro! sweet 9uices, which were !oured
for
hel!,
"ast settled in the cleansing sieve.
. 5o flow thou onward through the fleece, for Indra flow, to e his drin7,
4inding thine home in vats of wood.
0 As giving room and freedom, as most sweet, !our utter forth and mil7,
, Indu, for the Angirases.
1@ %ost active and enevolent, this Pavamana, sent to us
4or lofty friendshi!, meditates.
11 Eueller of curses, mighty, with strong sway, this Pavamana shall
-ring treasures to the worshi!!er.
12 Pour thou u!on us thousandfold !ossessions, oth of 7ine and steeds,
2$ceeding glorious, much)desired.
1# Wandering far, with wise designs, the 9uice here !resent is effused,
%ade eautiful y living men.
1& 4or Indra flows the gladdening drin7, the measurer of the region, 5age,
With countless wealth and endless hel!.
1( -orn on the inountain, lauded here, Indu for Indra is set down,
As in her sheltering nest a ird.
1* Pressed y the men, as ;twere to war hath 5oma Pavamana s!ed,
To test with might within the vats.
1+ That he may move, they yo7e him to the three)ac7ed tri!le)seated car
-y the 5even /sis; holy songs.
1. 6rive ye that Tawny >ourser, , ye !ressers, on his way to war,
5wift 5teed who carries off the s!oil.
10 Pouring all glories hither, he, effused and entering the 9ar,
5tands li7e a hero mid the 7ine.
2@ Indu, the living men mil7 out the 9uice to ma7e the ra!turous draught1
Gods for the Gods mil7 out the meath.
21 Pour for the Gods into the sieve our 5oma very rich in sweets,
"im whom the Gods most gladly hear.
22 Into his stream who gladdens est these 5oma 9uices have een !oured,
Lauded with songs for lofty fame.
2# Thou flowest to en9oy the mil7, and ringest valour, eing cleansed1
Winning the s!oil flow hitherward.
2& And, hymned y Damadagnis, let all nourishment that 7ine su!!ly,
And general !raises, flow to us.
2( 5oma, as leader of the song flow onward with thy wondrous aids,
4or holy lore of every 7ind.
2* 6o thou as leader of the song, stirring the waters of the sea,
4low onward, thou who movest all.
2+ , 5oma, , thou 5age, these worlds stand ready to attest thy might1
4or thy ehoof the rivers flow.
2. Li7e showers of rain that fall from heaven thy streams !er!etually flow
To the right fleece s!read under them.
20 4or !otent Indra !urify Indu effectual and strong,
2n9oyment)giver, %ighty Lord.
#@ 5oma, true, Pavamana, 5age, is seated in the cleansing sieve,
Giving his !raiser hero strength.
HYMN *XIII. S/$a +avanana.
1. P,3/ hitherward, , 5oma, wealth in thousands and heroic strength,
And 7ee! renown secure for us.
2 Thou ma7est food and vigour swell for Indra, est of gladdenersA
Within the cu!s thou seatest thee.
# 4or Indra and for 'isnu !oured, 5oma hath flowed into the 9ar1
%ay 'ayu find it rich in sweets.
& These 5omas swift and rown of hue, in stream of solemn sacrifice
"ave flowed through twisted ostacles,
( Performing every nole wor7, active, augmenting Indra;s strength,
6riving away the godless ones.
* -rown 5oma)dro!s, effused that see7 Indra, to their a!!ro!riate !lace
4low through the region hitherward.
+ 4low onward with that stream of thine wherewith thou gavest 5urya light,
3rging on waters good to men.
. "e, Pavamana, high o;er man yo7ed the 5un;s courser 2tasa
To travel through the realm of air.
0 And those ten >oursers, tawny)hued, he harnessed that the 5un might
come
Indu, he said, is Indra;s self.
1@ "ence, singers, !our the gladdening9uice to 'ayu and to Indra, !our
The dro!s u!on the fleecy cloth.
11 , 5oma Pavamana, find wealth for us not to e assailed,
Wealth which the foeman may not win.
12 5end riches hither with thy stream in thousands, oth of steeds and 7ine,
5end s!oil of war and high renown.
1# 5oma the God, e$!ressed with stones, li7e 5urya, floweth on his way,
Pouring the 9uice within the 9ar.
1& These rilliant dro!s have !oured for us, in stream of solemn sacrifice,
Worshi!ful laws and strength in 7ine.
1( ,ver the cleansing sieve have flowed the 5omas, lent with curdled mil7,
2ffused for Indra Thunder)armed.
1* 5oma, do thou most rich in sweets, a gladdening drin7 most dear to Gods,
4low to the sieve to ring us wealth.
1+ 4or Indra, living men adorn the Tawny >ourser in the streams, Indu, the
giver of delight.
1. Pour for us, 5oma, wealth in gold, in horses and heroic sons,
-ring hither strength in herds of 7ine.
10 4or Indra !our ye on the fleece him very sweet to taste, who longs.
4or attle as it were in war.
2@ The singers, see7ing hel!, adorn the 5age who must e dec7ed with
songs1
Loud ellowing the 5teer comes on,
21 The singers with their thoughts and hymns have, in the stream of
sacrifice,
>aused 5oma, active 5teer, to roar.
22 God, wor7ing with man7ind, flow on: to Indra go thy gladdening 9uice1
To 'ayu mount as Law commands
2# , 5oma, Pavamana, thou !ourest out wealth that rings renown1
2nter the la7e, as one we love.
2& 5oma thou flowest chasing foes and ringing wisdom and delight1
6rive off the fol7 who love not Gods.
2( The Pavamanas have een !oured, the rilliant dro!s of 5oma 9uice,
4or holy lore of every 7ind.
2* The Pavamanas have een shed, the eautiful swift 5oma)dro!s,
6riving all enemies afar.
2+ 4rom, heaven, from out the firmament, hath Pavamana een effused
3!on the summit of the earth.
2. , 5oma, Indu, very wise, drive, eing !urified, with thy stream
All foes, all /a7sasas away.
20 6riving the /a7sasas afar, , 5oma, ellowing, !our for us
%ost e$cellent and s!lendid strength.
#@ 5oma, do thou secure for us the treasures of the earih and heaven,
Indu, all oons to e desired.
HYMN *XIV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5oma, thou art a s!lendid 5teer, a 5teer, , God, with steerli7e sway1
Thou as a 5teer ordainest laws.
2 5teer)strong thy might is as a steer;s, steerstrong thywood, steer)li7e thy
drin7
A 5teer indeed, , 5teer, art thou.
# Thou, Indu, as a vigorous horse, hast neighed together steeds and 7ine1
3nar for us the doors to wealth.
& ,ut of desire of cows and steeds and horses. !otent 5oma)dro!s,
-rilliant and swift, have een effused.
( They !urified in oth the hands, made eautiful y holy men,
4low onward to the fleecy cloth.
* These 5oma 9uices shall !our forth all treasures for the worshi!!er
4rom heaven and earth and firmament.
+ The streams of Pavamana, thine, 4inder of all, have een effused,
2ven as 5urya;s rays of light.
. %a7ing the light that shines from heaven thou flowest on to every form
5oma, thou swellest li7e a sea.
0 3rged on thou sendest out thy voice, , Pavamana: thou hast moved,
Li7e the God 5urya, to the sieve.
1@ Indu, 2nlightener, 4riend, hath een !urified y the sages; hymns1
5o starts the charioteer his steed)
11 Thy God)delighting wave which hath flowed to !urifying seive,
Alighting in the home of Law.
12 4low to our sieve, a gladdening draught that hath most intercourse with
Gods,
Indu, to Indra for his drin7.
1# 4low onward with a stream for food, made eautiful y sa!ient men1
Indu with sheen a!!roach the mil7.
1& While thou art cleansed, 5ong)Lover, ring comfort and vigour to the
fol7,
Poured, Tawny ,neA on mil7 and curds.
1( Purified for the feast of Gods, go thou to Indra;s s!ecial !lace,
/es!lendent, guided y the strong.
1* Accelerated y the hymn, the ra!id dro!s of 5oma 9uice
"ave flowed, urged onward, to the la7e.
1+ 2asily have the living dro!s, made eautiful, a!!roached the la7e,
<ea, to the !lace of sacrifice.
1. >om!ass aout, our faithful 4riend, all our !ossessions with thy might1
Guard, hero li7e, our sheltering home.
10 Loud neighs the >ourser 2tasa, with singers, harnessed for the !lace,
Guided for travel to the la7e.
2@ What time the 5wift ,ne resteth in the golden !lace of sacrifice,
"e leaves the foolish far away.
21 The friends have sung in unison, the !rudent wish to sacrifice1
6own sin7 the unintelligent.
22 4or Indra girt y %aruts, flow, thou Indu, very rich in sweets,
To sit in !lace of sacrifice.
2# >ontrolling !riests and sages s7illed in holy song adorn thee well1
The living ma7e thee eautiful.
2& Aryaman, %itra, 'aruna drin7 Pavamana;s 9uice, yea, thine1
, 5age, the %aruts drin7 thereof.
2( , 5oma, Indu, thou while thou art !urified urgest onward s!eech.
Thousandfold, with the lore of hymns.
2* <ea, 5oma, Indu, while thou art !urified do thou ring to us
5!eech thousandfold that longs for war.
2+ , Indu, %uch)invo7ed, while thou art !urifying, as the 4riend.
,f these men enter thou the la7e.
2. -right are these 5omas lent with mil7, with light that flashes rilliantly.
And form that utters loud acclaim.
20 Led y his drivers, and sent forth, the 5trong 5teed hath come nigh for
s!oil,
Li7e warriors when they stand arrayed.
#@ 5!ecially, 5oma, coming as a 5age from heaven to !ros!er us,
4low li7e the 5un for us to see.
HYMN *XV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2, glittering maids send 5ura forth, the glorious sisters, close)allied,
5end Indu forth, their mighty Lord.
2 Pervade, , Pavamana, all our treasures with re!eated light,
God, coming hither from the Gods.
# Pour on us, Pavamana, rain, as service and rain !raise for Gods1
Pour all to e our nourishment.
& Thou art a 5teer y lustre1 we, , Pavamana, faithfully
>all u!on thee the 5!lendid ,ne.
( 6o thou, re9oicing, noly)armedA !our u!on us heroic strength1
, Indu, come thou itherward.
* When thou art cleansed with oth the hands and di!!ed in waters, with
the wood.
Thou comest to the gathering)!lace.
+ 5ing forth your songs, as 'yasva sang, to 5oma Pavamana, to,
The %ighty ,ne with thousand eyes:
. Whose coloured sa! they drive with stones, the yellow meath)distilling
9uice,
0 We see7 to gain the friendly love of thee that 5trong and %ighty ,ne,
,f thee the winner of all wealth.
1@ 4low onward with thy stream, a 5teer, ins!iriting the %aruts; Lord,
Winning all riches y thy might.
11 I send thee forth to attle from the !ress, , Pavamana, 5trong,
5ustainer, loo7er on the light.
12 Ac7nowledged y this song of mine, flow, tawny)coloured, with thy
stream
Incite to attle thine ally.
1# , Indu, visile to all !our out for us aundant food1
5oma, e thou our !ros!erer.
1& The !itchers, Indu, with thy streams have sung aloud in vigorous might
2nter them, and let Indra drin7.
1( , thou whose !otent gladdening 9uice they mil7 out with the stones, flow
on,
6estroyer of our enemies.
1* 8ing Pavamana is im!lored with holy songs, on man;s ehalf,
To travel through the firmament.
1+ -ring us, , Indu, hundredfold increase of 7ine, and nole steeds,
The gift of fortune for our hel!.
1. Pressed for the an?uet of the Gods, , 5oma, ring us might, and s!eed,
Li7e eauty for a rilliant show.
10 5oma, flow on e$ceeding right with loud roar to the wooden vats,
4alcon)li7e resting in thine home.
2@ 5oma, the Water)winner flows to Indra, 'ayu, 'aruna,
To 'isnu and the %arut host.
21 5oma , estowing food u!on our !rogeny, from every sides,
Pour on us riches thousandfold
22 The 5oma 9uices which have een e$!ressed afar or near at hand,
,r there on 5aryanavan;s an7,
2# Those !ressed among Ar9i7as, !ressed among the active, in men;s homes,
,r !ressed among the /aces 4ive)
2& %ay these celestial dro!s, e$!ressed, !our forth u!on us, as they flow,
/ain from the heavens a!d hero strength.
2( 3rged forward o;er the o$)hide flows the Lovely ,ne of tawny hue,
Lauded y Damadagni;s song.
2* Li7e horses urged to s!eed, the dro!s, right, stirring vital !ower, when
lent
With mil7, are eautified in streams.
2+ 5o they who toil with 9uices send thee forward for the Gods; re!ast1
5o with this s!lendour flow thou on.
2. We choose to)day that chariot)steed of thine, the 5trong, that rings us
liss,
The Guardian, the desire of all,
20 The 2$cellent, the Gladdener, the 5age with heart that understands,
The Guardian, the desire of all:
#@ Who for ourselves, , thou %ost Wise, is wealth and fair intelligence,
The Guardian, the desire of all.
HYMN *XVI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4,/ holy lore of every sort, flow onward thou whom all men love.
A 4riend to e esought y friends.
2 ,;er all thou rulest with these Two which, 5oma Pavamana, stand,
Turned, as thy stations, hitherward.
# Wise 5oma Pavamana, thou encom!assest on every side
Thy stations as the seasons come.
& 4low onward, generating food, for !recious oons of every 7ind,
A 4riend for friends, to e our hel!.
( 3!on the lofty ridge of heaven thy right rays with their essences,
5oma, s!read !urifying !ower.
* , 5oma, these 5even /ivers flow, as eing thine, to give command1
The 5treams of mil7 run forth to thee.
+ 4low onward, 5oma in a stream, effused to gladden Indra;s heart,
-ringing im!erishale fame.
. 6riving thee in 'ivasvan;s course, the 5even 5isters with their hymns
%ade melody round thee the 5age.
0 The virgins dec7 thee o;er fresh streams to drive thee to the sieve when
thou,
A singer, athest in the wood.
1@ The streams of Pavamana, thine, 5age, %ighty ,ne, have !ouredthem
forth.
Li7e coursers eager for renown.
11 They have een !oured u!on the fleece towards the meath)distilling vat1
The holy songs have sounded forth.
12 Li7e milch)7ine coming home, the dro!s of 5oma 9uice have reached the
la7e,
"ave reached the !lace of sacrifice.
1# , Indu, to our great delight the running waters flow to us,
When thou wilt roe thyself in mil7.
1& In this thy friendshi!, and with thee to hel! us, fain to sacrifice,
Indu, we crave thy friendly love.
1( 4low on, , 5oma, for the great 'iewer of men, for gain of Idne
2nter thou into Indra;s throat.
1* -est art thou, 5oma, of the great, 5trongest of strong ones, Indu1 thou
As Warrior ever hast !revailed.
1+ %ightier even than the strong, more valiant even than the rave,
%ore li!ral than the ountiful,
1. 5oma, as 5ura, ring us food, win offs!ring of our odies1 we
2lect thee for our friendshi!, we elect thee for com!anionshi!.
10 Agni, thou !ourest life: send down u!on us food and vigorous strength:
6rive thou misfortune far away,
2@ Agni is Pavamana, 5age, >hief Priest of all the /aces 4ive1
To him whose wealth is great we !ray.
21 57illed in thy tas7, , Agni, !our s!lendour with hero strength on us,
Granting me wealth that nourishes.
22 -eyond his enemies away to sweet !raise Pavamana flows,
Li7e 5urya visile to all.
2# Adorned y living men, set forth for entertainment, rich in food,
4ar)sighted Indu is a 5teed.
2& "e, Pavamana, hath !roduced the lofty Law, the rilliant light,
6estroying dar7ness lac7 of hue.
2( 4rom tawny Pavamana, the 6estroyer, radiant streams have s!rung,
Euic7 streams from him whose gleams are swift.
2* -est rider of the chariot, !raised with fairest !raise mid eauteous ones,
Gold)gleaming with the %arut host,
2+ %ay Pavamana, est to win the ooty, !enetrate with rays,
Giving the singer hero strength.
2. ,ver the fleecy sieve hath flowed the dro! effused1 to Indra comes
Indu while he is !urified
20 This 5oma, through the !ressing)stones, is s!orting on the o$hide, and
5ummoning Indra to the draught.
#@ , Pavamana, less us, so that we may live, with that right mil7
,f thine which hath een rought from heaven.
HYMN *XVII. S/$a and O&#!rs.
1. T",3, 5oma, hast a running stream, 9oyous, most strong at sacrifice1
4low ounteously estowing wealth.
2 2ffused as cheerer of the men, flowing est gladdener, thou art
A Prince to Indra with thy 9uice.
# Poured forth y !ressing)stones, do thou with loud roar send us in a
stream
%ost e$cellent illustrious might.
& Indu, urged forward, floweth through the fleecy cloth1 the Tawny ,ne
With his loud roar hath rought as strength.
( Indu, thou flowest through the fleece, ringing felicities and fame,
And, 5oma, s!oil and wealth in 7ine.
* "ither, , Indu, ring us wealth in steeds and cattle hundredfold1
-ring wealth, , 5oma, thousandfold.
+ In !urifying, through the sieve the ra!id dro!s of;5oma 9uice
>ome nigh to Indra in their course.
. 4or Indra floweth e$cellent Indu, the nolest 5oma 9uice
The Living for the Living ,ne.
0 The glittering maids send 5ura forth they with their song have sung aloud
To Pavamana dro!!ing meath.
1@ %ay Pusan, drawn y goats, e our !rotector, and on all his !aths
-estow on us our share of maids.
11 This 5oma flows li7e gladdening oil for him who wears the raided loc7s1
"e shall give us our share of maids.
12 This 5oma 9uice, , glowing God, flows li7e !ure oil, effused for thee1
"e shall give us our share of maids.
1# 4low onward, 5oma, in thy stream, egetter of the sages; s!eech1
Wealth)giver among Gods art thou.
1& The 4alcon di!s within the 9ars1 he wra!.him in his roe and goes
Loud roaring to the vats of wood.
1( 5oma, thy 9uice hath een effused and !oured into the !itcher1 li7e
A ra!id haw7 it rushes on.
1* 4or Indra flow most rich in sweets, , 5oma, ringing him delight.
1+ They were sent forth to feast the Gods, li7e chariots that dis!lay their
strength.
1. -rilliant, est givers of delight, these 9uices have sent 'ayu forth.
10 -ruised y the !ress)stones and e$tolled, 5oma, thou goest to the sieve,
Giving the worshi!!er hero strength.
2@ This 9uice ruised y the !ressing)stones and lauded !asses through the
sieve,
5layer of demons, through the fleece.
21 , Pavamana, drive away the danger, whether near at hand
,r far remote, that finds me here.
22 This day may Pavamana cleanse us with his !urifying !ower,
%ost active !urifying Priest.
2# , Agni, with the cleansing light diffused through all thy fiery glow,
Purify thou this !rayer of ours.
2& >leanse us with thine own cleansing !ower, , Agni, that is right with
flame,
And y liations !oured to thee.
2( 5avitar, God, y oth of these, liation, !urifying !ower,
Purify me on every side.
2* >leanse us, God 5avitar, with Three, , 5oma, with sulimest forms,
Agni, with forms of !ower and might.
2+ %ay the Gods; com!any ma7e me clean, and 'asus ma7e rue !ure y
song.
Purify me, ye General Gods: , Datavedas, ma7e me !ure.
2. 4ill thyself full of 9uice, flow forth, , 5oma, thou with all thy stal7s,
The est olation to the Gods.
20 We with our homage have a!!roached the 4riend who see7s our
wondering !raise,
<oung, strengthener of the solemn rite.
#@ Lost is Alayya;s a$e. , 5oma, God do thou send it ac7 hither in thy flow
2ven, 5oma, God, if ;twere a mole.
#1 The man who reads the essence stored y saints, the Pavamani hymns,
Tastes food com!letely !urified, made sweet y %atarisvan;s touch.
#2 Whoever reads the essence stored y saints, the Pavamani hymns,
5arasvati draws forth for him water and utter, mil7 and meath.
HYMN *XVIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 dro!s of 5oma 9uice li7e cows who yield their mil7 have flowed forth,
rich in meath, unto the 5hining ,ne,
And, seated on the grass, raising their voice, assumed the mil7, the covering
roe wherewith the udders stream.
2 "e ellows with a roar arourd the highest twigs1 the Tawny ,ne is
sweetened as he rea7s them u!.
Then !assing through the sieve into the am!le room, the God throws off the
dregs according to his wish.
# The gladdening drin7 that measured out the meeting Twins fills full with
mil7 the 2ternal 2ver)wa$ing Pair.
-ringing to light the Two great /egions limitless, moving aove them he
gained sheen that never fades.
& Wandering through, the Parents, strengthening the floods, the 5age ma7es
his !lace swell with his own native might.
The stal7 is mi$ed with grain1 he comes led y the men together with the
sisters, and !reserves the "ead.
( With energetic intellect the 5age is orn, de!osited as germ of Law, far
from the Twins.
They eing young at first showed visily distinct the >reature that is half)
concealed and half)e$!osed.
* The sages 7new the form of him the Gladdener, what time the 4alcon
rought the !lant from far away.
"im who assures success they eautified in streams, the stal7 who yearned
therefor, mighty and meet for !raise.
+ Together with the /sis, with their !rayers and hymns ten women dec7
thee, 5oma, friendly when effused.
Led y the men, with invocations of the Gods, through the fleece, thou hast
given us strength to win the s!oil.
. 5ongs resonant with !raise have celerated him. 5oma, 4riend, s!ringing
forth with his fair com!any.
2ven him who rich in meath, with undulating stream, Winnner of Wealth,
Immortal, sends his voice from heaven,
0 "e sends it into all the region forth from heaven. 5oma, while he is
filtcred, settles in the 9ars.
With mil7 and waters is he dec7ed when !ressed with stones1 Indu, when
!urified, shall find sweet rest and room.
1@ 2ven thus !oured forth "ow on thy way, , 5oma, vouchsafing us most
manifold lively vigour.
We will invo7e enevolent 2arth and "eaven. Give us, ye Gods, riches with
nole heroes.
HYMN *XIX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. LAI6 li7e an arrow on the ow the hymn hath een loosed li7e a young
calf to the udder of its dam.
As one who cometh first with full stream she is mil7ed the 5oma is im!elled
to this man;s holy rites.
2 The thought is dee!ly fi$ed: the savoury 9uice is shed: the tongue with
9oyous sound is stirring in the mouth:
And Pavamana, li7e the shout of comatants, the dro! rising in sweet 9uice,
is flowing through the fleece.
# "e flows aout the shee!)s7in, longing for a ride1 he looses Aditi;s
6aughters for the worshi!!er.
The sacred drin7 hath come, gold)tinted, well)restrained1 li7e a strong -ull
he shines, whetting his manly might.
& The -ull is ellowing: the >ows are coming nigh1 the Goddesses a!!roach
the God;s own resting)!lace.
,nward hath 5oma !assed through the shee!;s fair right fleece, and hath,
as ;twere, endued a garment newly washed.
( The golden)hued, Immortal, newly athed, !uts on a rightly shining
vesture that is never harmed.
"e made the ridge of heaven to e his radiant roe, y s!rin7ling of the
owls from moisture of the s7y.
* 2ven as the eams of 5urya, urging men to s!eed, that cheer and send to
slee!, together rush they forth,
These swift out!ourings in long course of holy rites1 no form save only Indra
shows itself so !ure.
+ As down the stee! slo!e of a river to the vale, drawn from the 5teer the
swift strong draughts have found a way.
Well e it with the men and cattle in our home. %ay !owers, , 5oma, may
the !eo!le stay with us.
. Pour out u!on us wealth in goods, in gold, in steeds, in cattle and in corn,
and great heroic strength.
<e, 5oma, are my 4athers, lifted u! on high as heads of heaven and ma7ers
of the strength of life.
0 These Pavamanas here, these dro!s of 5oma, to Indra have s!ed forth li7e
cars to ooty.
2ffused, they !ass the cleansing fleece, while, gold)hued, they cast their
covering off to !our the rain down.
1@ , Indu, flow thou on for lofty Indra, flow lameless, very gracious, foe)
destroyer.
-ring s!lendid treasures to the man who lauds thee. , "eaven and 2arth,
with all the Gods !rotect. us.
HYMN *XX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 three times seven %ilch)7ine in the eastern heaven have for this
5oma !oured the genuine mil7y draught.
4our other eauteous >reatures hath he made for his adornment, when he
wa$ed in strength through holy rites.
2 Longing for lovely Amrta, y his wisdom he divided, each a!art from other,
earth and heaven.
"e gladly wra!!ed himself in the most lucid floods, when through their glory
they found the God;s resting)!lace.
# %ay those his rilliant rays he ever free from death, inviolate, for oth
classes of created things,)
/ays wherewith !owers of men and Gods are !urified. <ea, even for this
have sageswelcomed him as 8ing.
& "e, while he is adorned y the ten s7ilful ones, that he too in the %idmost
%others may create,
While he is watching o;er the lovely Amrta;s ways, loo7s on oth races as
-eholder of man7ind.
( "e, while he is adorned to stream forth mighty strength, re9oices in his
!lace etween the earth and heaven.
The 5teer dis!els the evil)hearted with his might, aiming at offerings as an
archer at the game.
* -eholding, as it were, Two %other >ows, the 5teer goes roaring on his way
even as the %aruts roar.
8nowing 2ternal Law, the earliest light of heaven, he, !assing wise, was
chosen out to tell it forth.
+ The fearful -ull is ellowing with violent might, far)sighted, shar!ening his
yellowcoloured horns.
5oma assumes his seat in the well)fashioned !lace1 the cowhide and the
shee!s7in are his ornament.
. -right, ma7ing !ure his ody free from s!ot and stain, on the shee!;s ac7
the Golden)coloured hath flowed down.
Acce!tale to %itra, 'ayu, 'aruna, he is !re!ared as threefold meal y
s7ilful men.
0 4low on for the God;s an?uet, 5oma, as a 5teer, and enter Indra;s heart,
the 5oma;s reservoir.
-ear us eyond misfortune ere we e o!!res. sed. the man who 7nows the
land directs the man who as7s.
1@ 3rged li7e a car)steed flow to strength, , 5oma1 Indu, flow onward to
the throat of Indra.
57illed, ear us !ast, as in a oat o;er water1 as attling "ero save us from
the foeman.
HYMN *XXI. S/$a +ava$ana'
1. T"2 guerdon is estowed1 the %ighty ta7es his 5eat, and, ever)Watchful,
guards from fiend and evil s!rite.
Gold)hued, he ma7es the cloud his diadem, the mil7 his car!et in oth
worlds, and !rayer his roe of state.
2 5trong, ellowing, he goes, li7e one who slays the fol7: he lets this hue of
Asuras flow off from him,
Throws off his covering, see7s his father;s meeting)!lace, and thus ma7es for
himself the right roe he assumes.
# ,nward he flows, from oth the hands, !ressed out with stones1 e$cited
y the !rayer, the water ma7es him wild.
"e frolics and draws near, com!letes his wor7 with song, and athes in
streams to satisfy the worshi!!er.
& They !our out meath around the %aster of the house, >elestial
5trengthener of the mountain that gives might:
In whom, through his great !owers, olation)eating cows in their u!lifted
udder mi$ their choicest mil7.
( They, the ten sisters, on the la! of Aditi, have sent him forward li7e a car
from oth the arms.
"e wanders and comes near the >ow;s mysterious !lace, even the !lace
which his inventions have !roduced.
* Li7e as a falcon to his home, so s!eeds the God to his own golden wisely)
tashioned !lace to rest.
With song they urge the darling to the sacred grass1 the "oly ,ne goes li7e a
courser to the Gods.
+ 4rom far away, from heaven, the redhued noted 5age, 5teer of the tri!le
height, hath sung unto the 7ine.
With thousand guidings he, leading this way and that, shines, as a singer,
s!lendidly through many a morn.
. "is covering assumes a radiant hue: where;er he comes into the fight he
drives the foe afar.
The Winner of the 4loods, with food he see7s the host of heaven, he comes
to !raises glorified with mil7.
0 Li7e a ull roaming round the herds he ellows1 he hath assumed the
rilliancy of 5urya.
6own to the earth hath loo7ed the heavenly 4alcon1 5oma with wisdom
views all living creatures.
HYMN *XXII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2< cleanse the Gold)hued1 li7e a red 5teed is he yo7ed, and 5oma in
the 9ar is mingled with the mil7.
"e sendeth out his voice, and many loving friends of him the highly lauded
hasten with their songs.
2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra;s throat they !our
the 5oma 9uice,
When, with the ten that dwell together closely 9oined, the men whose
hands are s7ilful cleanse the lovely meath.
# "e goes u!on his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring sound
which 5arya;s 6aughter loves.
The 4alcon rought it to him for his own delight1 now with the twofold
7indred sisters is his home.
& Washed y the men, stone)!ressed, dear on the holy grass, faithful to
seasons, Lord of cattle from of old,
%ost lieral, com!leting sacrifice for men, , Indra, !ure right 5oma, Indu,
flows for thee.
( , Indra, urged y arms of men and !oured in streams, 5oma flows on for
thee after.his Godli7e 7ind.
Plans thou fulfillest, gatherest thoughts for sacrifice1 in the owls sits the
Gold)hued li7e a roosting ird.
* 5ages well)s7illed in wor7, intelligent, drain out the stal7 that roars, the
5age, the 2verlasting ,ne.
The mil7, the hymns unite them with him in the !lace of sacrifice, his seat
who is !roduced anew.
+ 2arth;s central !oint, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distilled into the
streams, into the waters; wave,
As Indra;s thunderolt, 5teer with fars!reading wealth, 5oma is flowing on to
ma7e the heart re9oice.
. ,ver the earthly region flow thou on thy way, hel!ing the !raiser and the
!ourer, thou %ost Wise.
Let us not lac7 rich treasure reaching to our home, and may we clothe
ourselves in manifold right wealth.
0 "ither, , Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand gifts of cattle
and of gold,
%easure thou forth, yea, s!lendid am!le strengthening food do thou, ,
Pavamana, heed this laud of ours.
HYMN *XXIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2< from the s!outing dro! have sounded at the rim1 naves s!eed
together to the !lace of sacrifice.
That Asura hath formed, to seiCe, three lofty heights. The shi!s of truth
have orne the !ious man across.
2 The strong 5teers, gathering, have duly stirred themselves,and over the
stream;s wave the friends sent forth the song.
2ngendering the hymn, with flowing streams of meath, Indra;s dear ody
have they caused to wa$ in strength.
# With sanctifying gear they sit around the song1 their ancient 4ather guards
their holy wor7 from harm.
'aruna hath o;ers!read the mighty sea of air. 5ages had !ower to hold him in
sustaining floods.
& 5weet)tongued, e$haustless, they have sent their voices down togetlier, in
heaven;s vault that !ours a thousand streams.
"is wildly)restless warders never close an eye1 in every !lace are found the
onds that ind man last.
( ,;er 5ire and %other they have roared in unison right with the verse of
!raise, urning u! riteless men,
-lowing away with su!ernatural might from earth and from the heavens the
swarthy s7in which Indra hates.
* Those which, as guides of song and counsellors of s!eed, were manifested
from their ancient dwelling !lace,)
4rom these the eyeless and the deaf have turned aside1 the wic7ed travel
not the !athway of the Law.
+ What time the filter with a thousand streams is stretched, the thoughtful
sages !urify their song therein.
-right)coloured are their s!ies, vigorous, void of guile, e$cellent, fair to
see, eholders of man7ind.
. Guardian of Law, most wise, he may not e deceived1 three Purifiers hath
he set within his heart.
With wisdom he eholds all creatures that e$ist1 he drives into the !it the
hated riteliess ones.
0 The thread of sacrifice s!un in the cleansing sieve, on 'aruna;s tongue)ti!,
y su!ernatural might,)
This, y their striving, have the !rudent ones attained1 he who hath not this
!ower shall sin7 into the !it.
HYMN *XXIV. S/$a +ava$ana
1. -,/= li7e a youngling he hath clamoured in the wood, when he, the /ed,
the 5trong, would win the light of heaven.
"e comes with heavenly seed that ma7es the water swell1 him for wide)
s!reading shelter we im!lore with !rayer.
2 A far)e$tended !illar that su!!orts the s7y the 5oma)stal7, filled full,
moves itself every way.
"e shall ring oth these great worlds while the rite !roceeds1 the 5age
holds these who moveA together and all food.
# Wide s!ace hath he who follows Aditi;s right !ath, and mighty, well)made
food, meath lent with 5oma 9uice:
"e who from hence commands the rain, 5teer of the 7ine, Leader of floods,
who hel!s us hence, who claims our laud.
& -utter and mil7 are drawn from animated cloud: thence Amrta is
!roduced, centre of sacrifice.
"ini the %ost -ounteous ,nes, ever united, love: him as ouir 4riend the %en
who ma7e all swell rain down.
( The 5oma)stal7 hath roared, following with the wave1 he swells with sa!
for man the s7in which Gods en9oy.
3!on the la! of Aditi he lays the germ, y means whereof we gain children
and !rogeny.
* In the third region which distils a thousand streams, may the 2$haustless
,nes descend with !rocreant !ower.
The 7indred 4our have een sent downward from the heavens1 dro!!ing
with oil they ring Amrta and sacred gifts.
+ 5oma assumes white colour when he strives to gain1 the ounteous Asura
7nows full many a !recious oon.
6own the stee! slo!e, through song, he comes to sacrifice, and he will urst
the water)holding cas7 of heaven,
. <ea, to the shining mil7)anointed ea7er, as to his goal, hath ste!!ed the
con?uering >ourser.
Pious)souled men have sent their giffi of cattle unto 8a7sivan of the hundred
winters.
0 5oma, thy 9uice when thou art lended with the streams, flows,
Pavamana, through the long wool of the shee!.
5o, cleansed y sages. , est giver of delight, grow sweet for Indra,
PavamanaA for his drin7.
HYMN *XXV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. G/A>I,35L<)%I=626 he is flowing on his way to win dear names o;er
which the <outhful ,ne grows great.
The %ighty and 4ar)seeing ,ne hath mounted now the mighty 5urya;s car
which moves to every side.
2 The 5!ea7er, unassailale %aster of this hymn, the Tongue of sacrifice
!ours forth the !leasant meath.
Within the lustrous region of the heavens the 5on ma7es the third secret
name of %other and of 5ire.
# 5ending forth flashes he hath ellowed to the 9ars, led y the men into the
golden reservoir.
The mil7y streams of sacrifice have sung to him1 he of the tri!le height
shines rightly through the morns.
& Pressed y the stones, with hymns, and graciously inclined, illuminating
oth the Parents, "eaven and 2arth,
"e flows in ordered season onward through the flee, a current of sweet
9uice still swelling day y day.
( 4low onward, 5oma, flow to ring !ros!erity1 cleansed y the men, invest
thee with the mil7y draught.
What gladdening drin7s thou hast, foaming, e$ceeding strong, even with
these incite Indra to give us wealth.
HYMN *XXVI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. ,= flows the !otent 9uice, sustainer of the heavens, the strength of
Gods, whom men must hail with shouts of 9oy.
The Gold)hued, started li7e a courser y rave men, im!etuously winneth
s!lendour in the streams.
2 "e ta7es his wea!ons, li7e a hero, in his hands, fain to win light, car)
orne, in forays for the 7ine.
Indu, while stimulating India;s might, is urged forward and almed y sages
s7ilful in their tas7.
# 5oma, as thou art !urified with flowing wave, e$hiiting thy strength
enter thou Indra;s throat.
%a7e oth worlds stream for us, as lightning doth the clouds1 mete out
e$haustless !owers for us, as ;twere through song.
& ,nward he flows, the 8ing of all that sees the light1 the /sis; Lord hath
raised the song of sacrifice:
2ven he who is adorned with 5urya;s arrowy eam, 4ather of hymns, whose
wisdom is eyond our reach.
( Li7e as a ull to herds, thou flowest to the !ail, ellowing as a steer u!on
the water;s la!.
5o, est of >heerers, thou for Indra flowest on that we, with thy !rotection,
may o;ercome in fight.
HYMN *XXVII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. %,/2 eauteous than the eautiful, as Indra;s olt, this 5oma, rich in
sweets, hath clamoured in the vat.
6ro!!ing with oil, aundant, streams of sacrifice flow unto him li7e milch)
7ine, lowing, with their mil7.
2 ,n flows that Ancient ,ne whom, hitherward, from heaven, s!ed through
the region of the air, the 4alcon snatched.
"e, ?uivering with alarm and terrified in heart efore ow)armed 8rsanu,
holdeth fast the sweet.
# %ay those first freshest dro!s of 5oma 9uice effused flow on, their way to
ring us mighty strength in 7ine.
-eauteous as ser!ents, worthy to e loo7ed u!on, they whom each sacred
gift and all our !rayers have !leased.
& %ay that much)lauded Indu, with a heart inclined to us, well)7nowing,
fight against our enemies.
"e who hath rought the germ eside the 5trong ,ne;s seat moves onward
to the widely)o!cned stall of 7ine.
( The active !otent 9uice of heaven is flowing on, great 'aruna whom the
forward man can ne;er deceive.
%itra, the "oly, hath een !ressed for trouled times, neighing li7e an
im!atient horse amid the herd,
HYMN *XXVIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. /AI5I=G his voice the 8ing hath flowed u!on his way1 invested with the
waters he would win the 7ine.
The fleece retains his solid !arts as though im!ure, and right and cleansed
he see7s the s!ecial !lace of Gods.
2 Thou, 5oma, art effused for Indra y the men, almed in the wood as
wave, 5age, 'iewer of man7ind.
4ull many are the !aths whereon thou mayest go1 a thousand ay steeds
hast thou resting in the owls.
# A!sarases who dwell in waters of the sea, sitting within, have flowed to
5oma wise of heart.
They urge the %aster of the house u!on his way, and to the 2ternal
Pavamana !ray for liss.
& 5oma flows on for u;s as winner of the 7ine, winner of thousands, cars,
water, and light, and gold:
"e whom the Gods have made a gladdening draught to drin7, the dro! most
sweet to taste, weal)ringing, red of hue.
( 5oma, as Pavamana thou, our faithful 4riend, ma7ing for us these real
treasures, flowest on.
5lay thou the enemy oth near and,far away1 grant us security and am!le
!asturage.
HYMN *XXIX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5P,=TA=2,35 let our dro!s of 5oma 9uice flow on, !ressed, golden)hued,
among the Gods of lofty heaven.
Perish among us they who give no gifts of foodA !erish the godlessA %ay our
!rayers otain success.
2 4orward to us the dro!s, distilling meath, shall flow, li7e riches for whose
sa7e we urge the horses on.
-eyond the crafty hindering of all mortal men may we continually ear
!recious wealth away.
# <ea, yerily, foe of hate shown to himself is he, yea, verity, destroyer too of
other hate.
As thirst sudueth in the desert, con?uer thou, , 5oma Pavarnana, men of
evil thoughts.
& =ear 7in to thee is he, raised loftiest in the heavens1 u!on the earth;s high
ridge thy scions have grown forth.
The !ress)stones chew and crunch thee on the o$;s hide1 sages have mil7ed
thee with their hands into the streams.
( 5o do they hurry on thy strong and eauteous 9uice, , Indu, as the first
ingredient of the draught.
-ring low, thou Pavamana, every single foe, and e thy might shown forth as
sweet and gladdening drin7.
HYMN *XXX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. ,= flows the stream of 5oma who eholds man7ind1 y everlasting Law he
calls the Gods from heaven.
"e lightens with the roaring of -r as!ati1 h the la7es have not contained the
!ourings of 9uice.
2 Thou, !owerful 5oma, thou to whom the cows have )lowed, ascendest
right with sheen, thine iron)fashioned home.
Thou, lengthening our !rinces; life and high renown, flowest for Indra as his
might to gladdening drin7.
# -est giver of delight, he flows to Indra;s throat, roing himself in might,
Aus!icious ,ne, for fame.
"e s!reads himself aroad to meet all things that e1 the vigorous Tawny
5teed flows s!orting on his way.
& The men, the ten swift fingers, mil7 thee out for Gods, even thee most
rich in meath, with thousand flowing streams.
5oma who winnest thousands, driven y the men, e$!ressed with stones,
ring, as thou flowest, all the Gods.
( 6eft)handed men with stones, the ten swift fingers, drain thee into
waters, thee, the 5teer enriched with sweets.
Thou, 5oma, gladdening Indra, and the "eavenly "ost, flowest as Pavamana
li7e a river;s wave.
HYMN *XXXI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. ,=WA/6 to Indra;s throat move, eauteously adorned, the waves of 5oma
as he !urifies himself,
When they, rought forward with the lovely curd of 7ine, effused, have
cheered the "ero to estow his gifts.
2 "ither hath 5oma flowed unto the ea7ers, li7e a chariot)horse, a stallion
swift u!on his way.
Thus, 7nowing oth the generations, he otains the rights and dues of Gods
from yonder and from hence.
# While thou art cleansed, , 5oma, scatter wealth on us: Indu, estow great
ounty as a lieral Prince.
Giver of life, with wisdom hel! to o!ulence: strew not our home !ossessions
far away from us.
& "ither let Pusan Pavamana come to us, 'aruna, %itra, ountiful, of one
accord,
The %aruts, Asvins, 'ayu, and -rhas!ati, 5avitar, Tvastar, tractale
5arasvati.
( -oth "eaven and 2arth, the all)invigorating Pair, 'idhatar, Aditi, and
Aryaman the God,
-haga who lesses men, the s!acious 4irmament,)let all the Gods in
Pavamana ta7e delight.
HYMN *XXXII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 2'2= as a 8ing hath 5oma, red and tawny -ull, een !ressed1 the
Wondrous ,ne hath ellowed to the 7ine.
While !urified he !asses through the filtering fleece to seat him haw7)li7e
on the !lace that dro!s with oil.
2. To glory goest thou, 5age with dis!osing s7ill, li7e a groomed steed thou
rusest forward to the !riCe.
, 5oma, e thou gracious, driving off distress1 thou goest, clothed in utter,
to a roe of state.
# Par9anya is the 4ather of the %ighty -ird1 on mountains, in earth;s centre
hath he made his home.
The waters too have flowed, the 5isters, to the 7ine1 he meets the !ressing)
stones at the eloved rite.
& Thou givest !leasure as a wife delights her lord. Listen, , >hild of Pa9ri,
for to thee I s!ea7.
Amid the holy songs go on that we may live1 in time of troule, 5oma, watch
thou free from lame.
( As to the men of old thou camest, Indu unharmed, to strengthen, winning
hundreds, thousands,
5o now for new felicity flow onward1 the waters follow as thy law ordaineth.
HYMN *XXXIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5P/2A6 is thy cleansing filter, -rahmanas!ati1 as Prince, thou enterest its
lims from every side.
The raw, whose mass hath not een heated gains not this1 they only which
are dressed, which ear, attain to it.
2 "igh in the seat of heaven is s!read the 5corcher;s sieve1 its threads are
standing se!arate, glittering with light.
The 5wift ,nes favour him who !urifieth this1 with consciousness they stand
u!on the height of heaven.
# The foremost s!otted 5teer hath made the %ornings shine, and yearning
after strength sustains all things that e.
-y his high wisdom have the mighty 5ages wrought1 the 4athers who ehold
man7ind laid down the germ,
& Gandharva verily !rotects his dwelling!lace: Wondrous, he guards the
generations of the Gods.
Lord of the snare, he ta7es the foeman with the snare1 those who are most
devout have gained a share of meath.
( /ich in olationsA roed in cloud, thou cora!assest olation, sacrifice, the
mighty seat of Gods.
8ing, on thy chariot)sieve thou goest u! to war, and with a thousand
wea!ons winnest lofty fame.
HYMN *XXXIV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4L,W, cheering Gods, most active, winner of the flood, for Indra, and for
'ayu, and for 'aruna.
-estow on us to)day wide room with ha!!iness, and in tine am!le dwelling
laud the "ost of "eaven.
2 "e who hath come anear to creatures that have life, Immortal 5oma flows
onward to all of them.
2ffecting, for our aid, oth union and release, Indu, li7e 5urya, follows
closely after 6awn.
# "e who is !oured with mil7, he who within the !lants hastes ringing
treasure for the ha!!iness of Gods,
"e, !oured forth in a stream flows with the lightning;s flash, 5oma who
gladdens Indra and the "ost of "eaven.
& Winner of thousands, he, this 5oma, flows along, raising a vigorous voice
that wa7ens with the dawn.
Indu with winds drives on the ocean of the air, he sin7s within the 9ars, he
rests in Indra;s heart.
( The 7ine with mil7 dress him who ma7es the mil7 increase, 5oma, amid
the songs, who finds the light of heaven.
Winner of wealth, the effectual 9uice is flowing on, 5inger and 5age y
wisdom, dear as heaven itself.
HYMN *XXXV. S/$a +ava$ana.
I. 4L,W on to Indra, 5oma, carefully effused1 let sic7ness stay afar together
with the fiends.
Let not the doule)tongued delight them with thy 9uice. here e thy flowing
dro!s laden with o!ulence.
2 , Pavamana, urge us forward in the fight thou art the vigour of the Gods,
the well)loved drin7.
5mite thou our enemies who raise the shout of 9oy1 Indra, drin7 5oma 9uice,
and drive away our foes.
# 3nharmed, est >heerer, thou, , Indu, flowest on1 thou, even thou
thyself, art Indra;s nolest food.
4ull many a wise man lifts to thee the song of !raise, and hails thee with a
7iss as 5ovran of this world.
& Wondrous, with hundred streams, hymned in a thousand songs, Indu !ours
out for Indra his delightrul meath.
Winning us land and waters, flow thou hitherward1 /ainer of ounties,
5oma, ma7e road way for us.
( /oaring within the ea7er thou art almed with mil71 thou !assest through
the fleecy filter all at once.
>arefully cleansed and dec7ed li7e a !riCewinning steed, , 5oma, thou hast
flowed down within Indra;s throat.
* 4low onward sweet of flavour for the "eavenly /ace, for Indra sweet,
whose name is easily invo7ed1
4low sweet for %itra, 'aruna, and 'ayu, rich in meath, inviolale for
-rhas!ati.
+ Ten ra!id fingers dec7 the >ourser in the 9ar1 with hymns the holy singers
send their voices forth.
The filtering 9uices hasten to their eulogy, the dro!s that gladden find their
way to Indra;s heart.
. While thou art !urified !our on us hero strength, great, far)e$tended
shelter, s!acious !asturage.
Let no o!!ression master this our holy wor71 may we, , Indu, gain all
o!ulence through thee.
0 The 5teer who sees afar hath risen aove the s7y1 the 5age hath caused
the lights of heaven to give their shine.
The. 8ing is !assing through the filter with a roar1 they drain the mil7 of
heaven from him who loo7s on men.
1@ "igh in the vault of heaven, unceasing, honey)tongued, the Loving ,nes
drain out the mountain)haunting 5teer,)
The dro! that hath grown great in waters, in the la7e meath)rich, in the
stream;s wave and in the cleansing sieve.
11 The Loving ,nes esought with many voices the 2agle who had flown
away to heaven.
"ymns 7iss the <oungling worthy of laudation, resting on earth, the -ird of
golden colour.
12 "igh to heaven;s vault hath the Gandharva risen, eholding all his varied
forms and figures.
"is ray hath shone aroad with gleaming s!lendour1 !ure, he hath lighted
oth the worlds, the Parents.
HYMN *XXXVI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"< gladdening draughts, , Pavamana, urged y song flow swiftly of
themselves li7e sons of fleet)foot mares.
The dro!s of 5oma 9uice, those eagles of the heavens, most cheering, rich in
meath, rest in the reservoir.
2 As ra!id chariot)steeds, so turned in several ways have thine e$hilarating
9uices darted forth,
5oma)dro!s rich in meath, waves, to the Thunder)armed, to Indra, li7e
milch)7ine who see7 their calf with mil7.
# Li7e a steed urged to attle, finder of the light: s!eed onward to the
cloud)orn reservoir of heaven,
A 5teer that o;er the woolly surface see7s the sieve, 5oma while !urified for
Indra;s nourishment.
& 4leet as swift steeds, thy dro!s, divine, thought)swift, have een, ,
Pavamana, !oured with mil7 into the vat.
The /sis have !oured in continuous 5oma dro!s, ordainers who adorn thee,
4riend whom /sis love.
( , thou who seest all things, 5ovran as thou art and !assing strong, thy rays
encom!ass all aodes.
Pervading with thy natural !owers thou flowest on, and as the whole world;s
Lord, , 5oma, thou art 8ing.
* The eams of Pavamana, sent from earth and heaven, his ensigns who is
ever steadfast, travel round.
When on the sieve the Golden)hued is cleansed, he rests within the vats as
one who seats him in his !lace.
+ 5erved with fair rites he flows, ensign of sacrifice1 5oma advances to the
s!ecial !lace of Gods.
"e s!eeds with thousand currents to the reservoir, and !asses through the
filter ellowing as a ull.
. The 5ovran di!s him in the seain and the streams, and set in rivers with
the waters; wave moves on.
"igh heaven;s 5ustainer at the central !oint of earth, raised on the fleecy
surface Pavamana stands.
0 "e on whose high decree the heavens and earth de!end nath roared and
thundered li7e the summit of the s7y.
5oma flows on otaining Indra;s friendly love, and, as they !urify him,
settles in the 9ars.
1@ "e, light of sacrifice distils delicious meath, most wealthy, 4ather and
egetter of the Gods.
"e, gladdening, est of >heerers, 9uiceAhat Indra loves, enriches with
mysterious treasure earth and heaven.
11 The vigorous and far)seeing one, the Lord of heaven, flows, shouting to
the ea7er, with his thousand streams.
>oloured li7e gold he rests in seats where %itra dwells, the 5teer made
eautiful y rivers and y shee!.
12 In forefront of the rivers Pavamana s!eeds, in forefront of the hymn,
foremost among the 7ine.
"e shares the mighty ooty in the van of war1 the well)armed 5teer is
!urified y worshi!!ers.
1# This heedful Pavamana, li7e a ird sent forth, hath with his wave flowed
onward to the fleecy sieve.
, Indra, through thy wisdom, thy thought, , 5age, 5oma flows right and
!ure etween the earth and heaven.
1& "e, clad in mail that reaches heaven, the "oly ,ne, filling the firmament
stationed amid the worlds,
8nowing. the realm of light, hath come to us in rain1 he summons to himself
his own !rimeval 5ire.
1( "e who was first of all to !enetrate his form estowed u!on his race
wide shelter and defence.
4rom that high station which he hath in loftiest heaven he comes victorious
to all encounters here.
1* Indu hath started for Indra;s s!ecial !lace and slights not as a 4riend the
!romise of his 4riend.
5oma s!eeds onward li7e a youth to youtlitial maids, and gains the ea7er
y a course of undred !aths.
1+ <our songs, e$hilarating, tuneful, uttering !raise, are come into the
!lacns where the !eo!le meet.
Worshi!!ers have e$alted 5oma with their hymns, and milch 7ine have come
near to meet him with their mil7.
1. , 5oma, Indu, while they cleanse thee, !our on us accumulateds
Plentiful, nutritious food,
Which, ceaseless, thrice a day shall yield us hero !ower enriched with store
of nourishment, and strength, and %eath.
10 4ar)seeing 5oma flows, the 5teer, the Lord of hymns, the 4urtherer of
day, of morning, and of heaven.
%i$t with the streams he caused the ea7ers to resound, and with the
singers; aid they entered Indra;s heart.
2@ ,n, with the !rudent singers, flows the ancient 5age and guided y the
men hath roared aout the vats.
Producing Trita;s name, may he !our forth the meath, that 'ayu and that
Indra may ecome his 4riends.
21 "e, eing !urified, hath made the %ornings shine1 this, even this is he
who gave the rivers room.
"e made the Three Times 5even !our out the mil7y flow1 5oma, the >heerer,
yields whate;er the heart finds sweet.
22 4low, onward, 5oma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, Indu, !oured
within the ea7er and the sieve.
5in7ing into the throat of Indra with a roar, led y the men thou madest
5urya mount to heaven.
2# Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, , Indu,
entering the de!ths of Indra;s throat.
4ar)sighted 5oma, now thou loo7est on man7ind1 thou didst unar the
cowstall for the Angirases.
2& In thee, , 5oma, while thou !urifitedst thee, high)thoughted sages,
see7ing favour, have re9oiced.
6own from the heavens the 4alcon rought thee hitherward, even thee, ,
Indu, thee whom all our hymns adorn.
2( 5even %ilch)7ine glorify the Tawny)coloured ,ne while with his wave in
wool he !urifies himself.
The living men, the mighty, have im!elled the 5age into the waters; la!, the
!lace of sacrifice.
2* Indu, attaining !urity, !lunges through the foe, ma7ing Ilis ways all easy
for the !ious man.
%a7ing the 7ine his mantle, he, the lovely 5age, runs li7e a s!orting courser
onward through the fleece.
2+ The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams sing, as they
hasten near, to him the Golden)hued
"im, clad in roes of mil7, swift fingers eautify on the third height and in
the luminous realm of heaven.
2. These are thy generations of celestial seed thou art the 5ovran Lord of all
the world of life.
This universe, , Pavamana, owns thy sway: thou, Indu, art the first
estalisher of Law.
20 Thou art the sea, , 5age who ringest alf to light1 under thy Law are
these five regions of the world.
Tlou reachest out eyond the earth, eyond the heavens1 thine are the
lights, , Pavamana, thine the 5un.
#@ Thou in the filter, 5oma Pavamana, art !urified to su!!ort the region for
the Gods.
The chief, the longing ones have sought to hold thee fast, and all these
living creatures have een turned to thee.
#1 ,nward the 5inger travels o;er the fleecy sieve. the Tawny 5teer hath
ellowed in the wooden vats.
"ymns have een sung aloud in resonant harmony, and holy songs 7iss him,
the >hild who claims our !raise.
#2 "e hath assumed the rays of 5urya for his roe, s!inning, as he 7nows
ow, the tri!ly)twisted thread.
"e, guiding to the newest rules of "oly Law, comes as the Women;s >onsort
to the s!ecial !lace.
## ,n flows the 8ing of rivers and the Lord of heaven1 he follows with a
shout the !aths of "oly Law.
The Golden)hued is !oured forth, with his hundred streams, Wealth)ringer,
lifting u! his voice while !urified.
#& 4ain to e cleansed, thou, Pavamana, !ourest out, li7e wondrous 5urya,
through the fleece, an am!le sea.
Purified with the hands, !ressed y the men with stones, thou s!eedest on
to mighty ooty)ringing war.
#( Thou, Pavamana, sendest food and !ower in streams. thou sittest in the
ea7ers as a haw7 on trees,
4or Indra !oured as cheering 9uice to ma7e him glad, as nearest and
farseeing earer)u! of heaven.
#* The 5isters 5even, the %others, stand around the -ae, the nole, new)
orn Infant, s7illed in holy song,
Gandharva of the floods, divine, eholding men, 5oma, that he may reign as
8ing of all the world.
#+ As 5ovran Lord thereof thou Passest through these worlds, , Indu,
harnessing thy tawny well)winged %ares.
%ay they !our forth for thee mil7 and oil rich in sweets1 , 5oma, let the fol7
aide in thy decree.
#. , 5oma, thou eholdest men from every side1 , Pavamana, 5teer, thou
wanderest through these.
Pour out u!on us wealth in treasure and in gold1 may we have strength to
live among the things that e.
#0 Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as im!regner, Indu,
mid the worlds of life.
/ich in rave men art thou, 5oma, who winnest all1 these holy singers wait
u!on thee with the song.
&@ The wave of flowing meath hath wa7ened u! desires1 the 5teer enroed
in mil7 !lunges into the streams.
-orne on his chariot)sieve the 8ing hath risen to war, and with a thousand
rays hath won him high renown.
&1 6ear to all life, he sends trium!hant !raises forth, aundant, ringing
offs!ring, each succeeding day.
4rom Indra crave for us, Indu, when thou art ?uaffed, the lessing that gives
children, wealth that harours steeds.
&2 When days egin, the strong 9uice, lovely, golden)hued, is recogniCed y
wisdom more and more each day,
"e, stirring oth the /aces, goes etween the two, the earer of the word
of men and word of Gods.
&# They alm him, alm him over alm him thoroughly, caress the mighty
strength and alm it with the meath.
They seiCe the flying 5teer at the stream;s reathing)!lace1 cleansing with
gold they gras! the Animal herein.
&& 5ing forth to Pavamana s7illed in holy song1 the 9uice is flowing onward
li7e a mighty stream.
"e.glideth li7e a ser!ent from his ancient s7in, and li7e a !layful horse the
Tawny 5teer hath run.
&( 6weller in floods, 8ing, foremost, he dis!lays his might, set among living
things as measurer of days.
6istilling oil he flows, fair, illowy, golden)hued, orne on a car of light,
sharing one hom)e with wealth.
&* Loosed is the heavensA su!!ort, the u!lifted cheering 9uice1 the tri!ly)
mingled draught flows round into the worlds.
The holy hymns caress the stal7 that claims our !raise, when singers have
a!!roached his eauteous roe with song.
&+ Thy strearns that flow forth ra!idly collected run over the fine fleece of
the shee! as thou art cleansed.
When, Indu, thou art. almed with mil7 within the owl, thou sin7est in the
9ars, , 5oma, when e$!ressed.
&. Winner of; !ower, flow, 5oma, worthy of our laud1 run onward to the
fleece as well)eloved meath.
6estroy, , Indu, all voracious /a7sasas. With rave sons in the assemly let
our s!eech e old.
HYMN *XXXVII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. /3= onward to the reservoir and seat thee1 cleansed y the men s!eed
forward to the attle.
%a7ing thee eauteous li7e an ale courser, forth to the sacred grass with
reins they lead thee.
2 Indu, the well)armed God, is flowing onward, who ?uells the curse and
guards from treacherous onslaught,
4ather, egetter of the Gods, most s7ilful, the uttress of the heavens and
earth;s su!!orter.
#. /si and 5age, the >ham!ion of the !eo!le, cleft and sagacious, 3sana in
wisdom,
"e hath discovered even their hidden nature, the >ows; concealed and most
mysterious title.
& This thine own 5oma rich in meath, , Indra, 5teer for the 5teer, hath
flowed into the filter.
The strong 4ree)giver, winning hundreds, thousands, hath reached the holy
grass that never fails him.
( These 5omas are for wealth of countless cattle, renown therefor, and
mighty strength immortal.
These have een sent forth, urified y strainers, li7e steeds who rusg to
attle fain for glory.
* "e, while he cleanses him, invo7ed of many, hath flowed to give the
!eo!le all en9oyment.
Thou whom the 4alcon rought, ring, dainty viands, estir thyself and send
us wealth and ooty.
+ This 5oma, !ressed into the cleansing filter, hath run as ;twere a host let
loose, the >ourser:
Li7e a strong ull who whets his horns 7!en)!ointed, li7e a rave warrior in
the fray for cattle.
. "e issued forth from out the loftiest mountain, and found 7ine hidden
somewhere in a stale.
5oma;s stream clears itself for thee, , Indra, li7e lightning thundering
through the clouds of heaven,
0 >leansing thyselr, and orne along with Indra, 5oma, thou goest round the
herd of cattle.
%ay thy !raise hel! us, %ighty ,ne, !rom!t Giver, to the full am!le food
which thou estowest.
HYMN *XXXVIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4,/ thee this 5oma is effused, , Indra1 drin7 of this 9uice: for thee the
stream is flowing)
5oma, which thou thyself hast made and chosen, even Indu, for thy s!ecial
drin7 to cheer thee.
2 Li7e a ca!acious car hath it een harnessed, the %ighty: to ac?uire
aundant treasures.
Then in the sacrifice they celerated all trium!hs won y =ahus )n the
attle.
# Li7e 'ayu with his team, moving at !leasure, most gracious when invo7ed
li7e oth =asatyas,
Thou art thyself li7e the Wealth)Giver, 5omaA who grants all oons, li7e
song)ins!iring Pusan.
& Li7e Indra who hath done great deeds, thou, 5oma, art slayer of the
'rtras, 4ort)destroyer.
Li7e Pedu;s horse who 7illed the rood of ser!ents, thus thou, , 5oma,
slayest every 6asyu.
( Li7e Agni loosed amid the forest, fiercely he winneth s!lendour in the
running waters.
Li7e one who fights, the roaring of the mighty, thus 5oma Pavamana sends
his current.
* These 5omas !assing through the fleecy filter, li7e rain descending from
the clouds of heaven,
"ave een effused and !oured into the ea7ers, swiftly li7e rivers running
lowly seaward.
+ 4low onward li7e the !otent and of %aruts, li7e that >elestial "ost whom
none revileth.
Euic7ly e gracious unto us li7e waters, li7e sacrifice victorious, thousand)
fashioned.
. Thine are 8ing 'aruna;s eternal statutes, lofty and dee!, , 5oma, is thy
glory.
All)!ure art thou li7e %itra the eloved, adorale, li7e Aryaman, , 5oma.
HYMN *XXXIX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"I5 >hariot)horse hath moved along the !athways, and Pavamana flowed
li7e rain from heaven.
With us hath 5oma with a thousand currents sun7 in the wood, u!on his
%other;s osom.
2. 8ing, he hath clothed him in the roe of rivers, mounted the straightest)
going shi! of ,rder.
5!ed y the "aw7 the dro! hath wa$ed in waters1 the father drains it,
drains the 4ather;s offs!ring.
# They come to him, red, tawny, Lord of "eaven, the watchful Guardian of
the meath, the Lion.
4irst, "ero in the fight, he see7s the cattle, and with his eye the 5teer is our
!rotector.
& They harness to the road)wheeled car the mighty >ourser whose ac7
ears meath, unwearied, awful.
The twins, the sisters righten him, and strengthen)these children of one
damethe vigorous /acer.
( 4our !ouring out the holy oil attend him, sitting together in the same
container.
To him they flow, when !urified, with homage, and still, from every side,
are first aout him.
* "e is the uttress of the heavens, su!!orter of earth, and in his hand are
all the !eo!le.
-e the team;s Lord a well to thee the singer1 cleansed is the sweet !lant;s
stal7 for deed of glory.
+ 4ighting, unin9ured come where Gods are feasted: 5oma, as 'itra)slayer
flow for Indra.
'ouchsafe us am!le riches very s!lendid may we e masters of heroic vigour.
HYMN X.. S/$a +ava$ana'
1. 3/G26 ,n, the 4ather of the 2arth and "eaven hath gone forth li7e a car
to gather ooty,
Going to Indra, shar!ening his wea!ons, and in his hand containing every
treasure.
2 To him the tones of sacred song have sounded, 5teer of the tri!le height,
the Life)estower.
6welling in wood as 'aruna in rivers, lavishing treasure he distriutes
lessings
# Great >on?ueror, warnor)girt, Lord of all heroes, flow on thy way as he
who winneth riches:
With shar!ened. arms, with swift ow, never van?uished in attle,
van?uishing in fight the foemen.
& Giving security, Lord of wide dominion, send us oth earth and heaven
with all their fulness.
5triving to win the 6awns, the light, the waters, and cattle, call to us
aundant vigour.
( , 5oma, gladden 'aruna and %itra: cheer, Indu PavamanaA Indra, 'isnu.
>heer thou the Gods, the >om!any of %aruts1 Indu, cheer mighty Indra to
re9oicing.
* Thus li7e a wise and !otent 8ing flow onward, destroying with thy vigour
all misfortunes.
4or our well)s!o7en hymn give life, , Indu. 6o ye !reserve us evermore with
lessings.
HYMN X.I. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. As for a chariot)race, the s7ilful 5!ea7er, >hief, 5age, Inventor, hath, with
song, een started.
The sisters ten u!on the fleecy summit drive on the >ar)horse to the resting
!laces.
2 The dro! of 5oma, !ressed y wise =ahusyas, ecomes the an?uet of the
"eavenly Peo!le)
Indu, y hands of mortal men made eauteous, immortal, with the shee!
and cows and waters.
# 5teer roaring unto 5teer, this Pavamana, this 9uice runs to the white mil7
of the milch)cow.
Through thousand fine hairs goes the tuneful 5inger, li7e 5ura y his fair and
o!en !athways.
& -rea7 down the, strong seats even of the demons1 cleansing thee, Indu,
rod thyself in vigour.
/end with thy swift olt, coming from aove them, those who are near and
those who yet are distant.
( Pre!are the forward !aths in ancient manner for the new ymn, thou
Giver of all ounties.
Those which are high and hard for foes to con?uer may we gain from thee,
ActiveA 4ood)estowerA
* 5o !urifying thee vouchsafe us waters, heaven;s light, and cows, offi!ring
and many children.
Give us health, am!le land, and lights, , 5oma, and grant us long to loo7
u!on the sunshine.
HYMN X.II. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 gold)hued 9uice, !oured out u!on the filter, is started li7e a car sent
forth to con?uer.
"e hath gained song and vigour while they cleansed him, and hath re9oiced
the Gods with entertainments.
2 "e who eholdeth man hath reached the filter1 earing his name, the 5age
hath sought his dwelling.
The /sis came to him, seven holy singers, when in the owls he settled as
Invo7er.
# 5hared y all Gods, mot wise, !ro!itious, 5oma goes, while they cleanse
him, to his constant station.
Let him re9oice in all his lofty wisdom to the 4ive Tries the 5age attains
with laour.
& In thy mysterious !lace, , Pavamana 5oma, are all the Gods, the Thrice)
2leven.
Ten on the fleecy height, themselves, self)!rom!ted, and seven fresh rivers,
righten and adorn thee.
( =ow let this e the truth of Pavamana, there where all singers gather
them together,
That he hath given us room and made the daylight, hath hol!en %anu and
re!elled the 6asyu.
* As the !riest see7s the station rich in cattle, li7e a true 8ing who goes to
great assemlies,
5oma hath sought the ea7ers while they cleansed him, and li7e a wild ull,
in the wood hath settled.
HYMN X.III. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T2= sisters, !ouring out the rain together, swift)moving thin7ers of the
sage, adorn him.
"ither hath run the gold)hued >hild of 5urya and reached the vat li7e a fleet
vigorous courser.
2 2ven as a youngling crying to his mothers, the ounteous 5teer hath
flowed along to waters.
As youth to damsel, so with mil7 he hastens on to the. chose meeting)!lace,
the ea7er.
# <ea, swollen is the udder of the milch)cow1 thither in streams goes very
sa!ient Indu.
The 7ine ma7e ready, as with new)washed treasures, the "ead and >hief
with mil7 within the vessels.
& With all the Gods, , Indu Pavamana, while thou art roaring send us wealth
in horses.
"ither u!on her car come willing Plenty, inclined to us, to give us of her
treasures.
( =ow unto us mete riches, while they cleansethee, all)glorious, swelling
wealth, with store of heroes.
Long e his life who worshi!s, thee, , Indu. %ay he, enriched with !rayer,
HYMN X.IV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. W"2= eauties strive for him as for a charger, then strive the songs li7e
soldiers for the sunlight.
Acting the 5age, he flows enroed in waters and song as ;twere a stall that
7ine may !ros!er.
2 The worlds e$!and to hirn who from aforetime found light to s!read the
law of life eternal.
The swelling songs, li7e 7ine within the stale, in dee! devotion call aloud
on Indu.
# When the sage ears his holy wisdom round him, li7e a car visiting all
worlds, the "ero,
-ecoming fame, mid Gods, unto the mortal, wealth to the s7illed, worth
!raise mid the 2ver)!resent,
& 4or glory orn e hath come forth to glory1 he giveth life and glory to the
singers.
They, clothed in glory, have ecome immortal. "e, measured in his course,
ma7es frays successful.
( 5tream to us food and vigour, 7ine and horses1 give us road lights and fill
thGods with ra!ture.
All ther are easy things for thee to master thou, Pavamana 5oma, ?uellest
foemen.
HYMN X.V S/$a +ava$ana.
1. Loud neighs the Tawny 5teed when started, settling dee! in the wooden
vessel while they cleanse him.
Led y the men he ta7es the mil7 for raiment1 then shall he, through his
!owers, engender !raise)songs.
2 As one who rows drives on his oat, he, Gold)hued, sends forth his voice,
loosed on the !ath of ,rder.
As God, the secret names of Gods he utters, to e declared on sacred grass
more widely.
# "astening onward li7e the waves of waters, our holy hymns are !ressing
nigh to 5oma.
To him they come with lowly adoration, and, longing, enter him who longs
to meet them.
& They drain the stal7, the 5teer who dwells on mountains, even as a -ull
who dec7s him on the u!land.
"ymns follow and attend him as he ellows1 Trita ears 'aruna aloft in
ocean.
( 5ending thy voice out as 6irector, loosen the Invo7er;s thought, , Indu, as
they cleanse thee.
While thou and Indra rule for our advantage, may we e masters of heroic
vigour.
HYMN X.VI. S/$a +ava$ana
1. I= forefront of the cars forth goes the "ero, the Leader, winning s!oil1 his
host re9oices.
5oma endues his roes of lasting colours, and lesses, for his friends, their
calls on Indra.
2 %en dec7ed with gold adorn his golden tendril, incessantly with steed)
im!elling homage.
The 4riend of Indra mounts his car well)7nowing, he comes thereon to meet
the !rayer we offer.
# , God, for service of the Gods flow onward, for food sulime, as Indra;s
drin7, , 5oma.
%a7ing the floods, edewing earth and heaven, come from the vast, comfort
us while we cleanse thee
& 4low for !ros!erity and constant 'igour, flow on for ha!!iness and high
!erfection.
This is the wish of these friends assemled1 this is my wish, , 5oma
Pavamana.
( 4ather of holy hymns, 5oma flows onward the 4ather of the earth, 4ather
of heaven1
4ather of Agni, 5urya;s generator, the 4ather who egat Indra and 'isnu.
* -rahman of Gods, the Leader of the !oets, /si of sages, -ull of savage
creatures,
4alcon amid the vultures, A$e of forests, over the cleansing sieve goes 5oma
singing.
+ "e, 5oma Pavamana, li7e a river, hath stirred the wave of voice, our songs
and !raises.
-eholding these inferior !owers in cattle, he rests among them as a 5teer
well)7nowing.
. As Gladdener, Warrior never harmed in attle, with thousand genial
streams, !our strength and vigour.
As thoughtful Pavamana, urge , Indu, s!eeding the 7ine, the !lant;s wave on
to Indra.
0 6ear, grateful to the Gods, on to the ea7er moves 5oma, sweet to Indra,
to delight him.
With hundred !owers, with thousand currents, Indu, li7e a strong car)horse,
goes to the assemly.
1@ -orn in old time as finder)out of treasures, drained with the stone,
dec7ing himself in waters,
Warding off curses, 8ing of all e$istence, he shall find way for !rayer the
while they cleanse him.
11 4or our sage fathers, 5oma Pavamana, of old !erformed, y thee, their
sacred duties.
4ighting unvan?uished, o!en the enclosures1 enrich us with large gifts of
steeds and heroes.
12 As thou didst flow for %anu Life)estowing, 4oe)?ueller, >omforter, rich
in olations,
2ven thus flow onward now conferring riches1 comine with Indra, and ring
forth thy wea!ons.
1# 4low onward, 5oma, rich in sweets and holy,. enroed in waters on the
fleecy summit.
5ettle in vessels that are full of fatness, as cheering and most gladdening
drin7 for Indra.
1& Pour, hundred)streamed, winner of thousands, mighty at the Gods;
an?uet, Pour the rain of heaven,
While thou with rivers roarest in the ea7er, and lent with mil7 !rolongest
our e$istence.
1( Purified with our holy hymns, this 5oma o;erta7es malignities li7e some
strong charger,
Li7e fresh mil7 !oured y Aditi, li7e !assage in am!le room, or li7e a docile
car)horse.
1* >leansed y the !ressers, armed with nole wea!ons, stream to us the
fair secret name thou earest.
Pour ooty, li7e a horse, for love of glory God, 5oma, send us 7ine, and send
us 'ayu.
1+ They dec7 him at his irth, the lovely Infant, the %aruts with their troo!
adorn the >ar)horse.
-y songs a Poet and a 5age y wisdom, 5oma 9oes singing through the
cleansing filter.
1. Light)winner, /si)mindcd, /si)ma7er, hymned in a thousand hymns,
Leader of sages,
A 5teer who strives to gain his third form, 5oma is, li7e 'ira9, res!lendent as
a 5inger.
10 "aw7 seated in the owls, -ird wide)e$tended, the -anner see7ing 7ine
and wielding wea!ons,
4ollowing close the sea, the wave of waters, the great -ull tells his fourth
form and declares it.
2@ Li7e a fair youth who decorates his ody, a courser rushing to the gain of
riches,
A steer to herds, so, flowing to the !itcher, he with a roar hath !assed into
the ea7ers.
21 4low on with might as Pavamana, Indu flow loudly roaring through the
fleecy filter.
2nter the ea7ers s!orting, as they cleanse thee, and let thy gladdening
9uice ma7e Indra 9oyful.
22 "is streams have een effused in all their fulness, and he hath entered,
almed with mil7, the golets.
5inging his !salm, well)s7illed in song, a >hanter, e comes as ;twere to his
friend;s sister roaring.
2# >hasing our foes thou comest, Pavamana Indu, esting, as lover to his
darling.
As a ird flies and settles in the forest, thus 5oma settles, !urified, in
golets.
2& With full stream and aundant mil7, , 5oma, thy eams come, li7e a
woman, as they cleanse thee.
"e, gold)hued, rich in oons, rought to the waters, hath roared within the
golet of the !ious.
HYMN X.VII. S/$a +ava$ana
1. %A62 !ure y this man;s urgent Ceal and im!ulse the God hath to the
Gods his 9uice im!arted.
"e goes, effused and singing, to the filter, li7e !riest to measured seats
su!!lied with cattle.
2 /oed in fair raiment meet to wear in attle, a mighty 5age !ronouncing
invocations.
/oll onward to the ea7ers as they cleanse thee, far)seeing at the feast of
Gods, and watchful.
# 6ear, he is rightened on the fleecy summit, a Prince among us, noler
than the nole.
/oar out as thou art !urified, run forward. 6o ye !reserve us evermore with
lessings.
& Let us sing !raises to the Gods1 sing loudly, send ye the 5oma forth for
mighty riches.
Let him flow, sweetly)flavoured, through the filter, and let our !ious one
rest in the !itcher.
( Winning the friendshi! of the 6eities, Indu flows in a thousand streams to
ma7e them 9oyful.
Praised y the men after the ancient statute, he hath come nigh, for our
great liss, to Indra.
* 4low, Gold)hued, cleansing thee, to enrich the singer1 let thy 9uice go to
Indra to su!!ort him.
>ome nigh, together with the Gods, for ounty. 6o ye !reserve us evermore
with lessings.
+ The God declares the 6eities; generations, li7e 3sana, !roclaiming lofty
wisdom.
With rilliant 7in, far)ruling, sanctifying, the -oar advances, singing, to the
!laces.
. The 5wans, the 'rsaganas from anear us have rought their restless s!irit
to our dwelling.
4riends come to Pavamana meet for !raises, and sound in concert their
resistless music.
0 "e follows the Wide)strider;s ra!id movement1 cows low, as ;twere, to him
who s!orts at !leasure.
"e with the shar!ened horns rings forth aundance1 the 5ilvery shines y
night, y day the Golden.
1@ 5trong Indu, athed in mil7, flows on for Indra, 5oma e$citing strength,
to ma7e him 9oyful.
"e ?uells malignities and slays the demons, the 8ing of mighty !ower who
rings us comfort.
11 Then in a stream he flows, mil7ed out with !ress)stones, mingled with
sweetness, through the fleecy filter)
Indu re9oicing in the love of Indra, the God who gladdens, for the God;s
en9oyment.
12 As he is !urified he !ours out treasures, a God edewing Gods with his
own 9uices.
Indu hath, wearing ?ualities y seasons, on the raised fleece engaged, the
ten swift fingers.
1# The /ed -ull ellowing to the 7ine advances, causing the heavens and
earth to roar and tunder.
Well is he eard li7e Indra;s shout in attle1 letting this voice e 7nown he
hastens hither.
1& 5welling with mil7, aounding in sweet flavours, urging the meath)rich
!lant thou goest onward.
/aising a shout thou flowest as they cleanse thee, when thou, , 5oma, art
effused for Indra.
1( 5o flow thou on ins!iriting, for ra!ture, aiming deat)shafts at him who
stays the waters,
4low to us wearing thy res!lendent colour, effused and eager for the 7ine, ,
5oma.
1* Pleased with us, Indu, send us as thou flowest good easy !aths in am!le
s!ace and comforts.
6is!elling, as ;twere with a clu, misfortunes, run o;er the height, run o;er
the fleecy summit.
1+ Pour on us rain celestial, ?uic7ly streaming, refreshing, fraught with
health and ready ounty.
4low, Indu, send these Winds thy lower 7insmen, setting them free li7e loc7s
of hair unraided.
1. Part, li7e a 7notted tangle, while they cleanse thee, , 5oma, righteous
and unrighteous conduct.
=eigh li7e a tawny courser who is loosened, come li7e a youth, , God, a
house)!ossessor.
10 4or the God;s service, for delight, , Indu, run o;er the height, run o;ver
the fleecy summit.
With thousand streams, inviolate, sweet)scented, flow on for gain of
strength that con?uers heroes.
2@ Without a car, without a rein to guide them, unyo7ed, li7e coursers
started in the contest,
These rilliant dro!s of 5oma 9uice run forward. 6o ye, , 6eities, come nigh
to drin7 them.
21 5o for our an?uet of the Gods, , Indu, !our down the rain of heaven
into the vessels.
%ay 5oma grant us riches sought with longing, mighty, e$ceeding strong,
with store of heroes.
22 What time the loving s!irit;s word had formed him >hief of all food, y
statute of the "ighest,
Then loudly lowing came the cows to Indu, the chosen, well)loved %aster in
the ea7er.
2# The 5age, >elestial, lieral, raining ounties, !ours as he flows the
Genuine for the Truthful.
The 8ing shall e effectual strength;s u!holder1 he y the ten right reins is
mostly guided.
2& "e who eholds man7ind, made !ure with filters, the 8ing su!reme of
6eities and mortals,
4rom days of old is Treasure)Lord of riches1 he, Indu, cherishes fair well)
7e!t ,rder.
2( "aste, li7e a steed, to vittory for glory, to Indra;s and to 'ayu;s
entertainment.
Give us food am!le, thousandfold1 e, 5oma, the finder)out of riches when
they cleanse thee.
2* 2ffused y us let God)delighting 5omas ring as they flow a home with
nole heroes.
/ich in all oons li7e !riests ac?uiring favour, the worshi!!ers of heaven,
the est of >heerers.
2+ 5o, God, for service of the Gods flow onward, flow, drin7 of Gods, for
am!le food, , 5oma.
4or we go forth to war against the mighty ma7e heaven and earth well
stalished y thy cleansing.
2. Thou, yo7ed y strong men, neighest li7e a courser, swifter than thought
is, li7e an awful lion.
-y !aths directed hitherward, the straightest, send thou us ha!!iness, Indu,
while they cleanse thee.
20 5!rung from the Gods, a hundred streams, a thousand, have een
effused1 sages !re!are and !urge them.
-ring us from heaven the means of winnning, Indu: thou art)forerunnner of
aundant riches.
#@ The streams of days, were !oured as ;twere from heaven1 the wise 8ing
doth not treat his friend un7indly.
Li7e a son following his father;s wishes, grant to this family success and
safety.
#1 =ow are thy streams !oured forth with all their sweetness, when,
!urified. thou goest through the filter.
The race of 7ine is thy gift, Pavarridna1 when orn thou madest 5urya rich
with rightness.
#2 -right, ellowing aiong the !ath of ,rder, thou shinest as the form of life
eternal.
Thou flowest on as gladdening drin7 for Indra, sending thy voice out with
the hymns of sages.
## Pouring out streams at the Gods; feast with service, thou, 5oma, loo7est
down, a heavenly 2agle.
2nter the 5oma)holding ea7er, Indu, and with a roar a!!roach the ray of
5arya.
#& Three are the voices that the >ourser utters1 he s!ea7s the thought of
!rayer, the law of ,rder.
To the >ow;s %aster come the >ows in?uiring1 the hymns with eager longing
come to 5oma.
#( To 5oma come the >ows, the %ilch)7ine longing, to 5oma sages with their
hvmns in?uiring.
5oma, effused, is !urified and lended our hymns and Trstu! songs unite in
5oma.
#* Thus, 5oma, as we !our thee into vessels, while thou art !urified flow for
our welfare.
Pass into Indra with a mighty roaring ma7e the voice swell, and generate
aundance.
#+ 5inger of true songs, ever)watchful, 5oma hath settled in the ladles when
they cleanse him.
"im the Adhvaryus, !aired and eager, follow, leaders of sacrifice and s7ilful)
handed.
#. >leansed near the 5un as ;twere he as >reator hath filled full heaven and
earth, and hath disclosed them.
"e y whose dear hel! men gain all their wishes shall yield the !recious
meed as to a victor.
#0 "e, eing cleansed, the 5trengthener and Increaser, 5oma the -ounteous,
hel!ed us with his lustre,
Wherewith our sires of old who 7new the footste!s found light and stole the
cattle from the mountain.
&@ In the first vault of heaven loud roared the ,cean, 8ing of all eing,
generating creatures.
5teer, in the filter, on the fleecy summit, 5oma, the 6ro! effused, hath
wa$en mighty.
&1 5oma the 5teer, in that as >hild of Waters he chose the Gods, !erformed
that great achievement.
"e, Pavamana, granted strength to Indra: he, Indu, generated light in 5urya.
&2 %a7e 'ayu glad,, for furtherance and ounty1 cheer 'aruna and %itra, as
they cleanse thee.
Gladden the Gods, gladden the host of %aruts1 ma7e "eaven and 2arth
re9oice, , God, , 5oma.
&# 4low onward righteous slayer of the wic7ed, driving away our enemies
and sic7ness,
-lending thy mil7 with mil7 which cows afford us. We are thy friends, thou
art the 4riend of Indra.
&& Pour us a fount of meath, a s!ring of treasure: send us a hero son and
ha!!y fortune.
-e sweet to India when they cleanse thee, Indu, and !our down riches on us
from the ocean.
&( 5trong 5oma, !ressed, li7e an im!etuous courser, hath flowed in stream
as a flood s!eeding downward.
>leansed, he hath settled in his wooden dwelling1 Indu hath flowed with
mil7 and with the waters.
&* 5trong, wise, for thee who longest for his coming this 5oma here flows to
the owls, , Indra.
"e, chariot)orne, sun)right, and truly !otent, was !oured forth li7e the
longing of the !ious.
&+ "e, !urified with ancient vital vigour, !ervading all his 6aughter;s forms
and figures,
4inding his threefold refuge in the waters, goes singing, as a !riest, to the
assemlies.
&. =ow, chariot)orne, flow unto us, God 5oma, as thou art !urified flow to
the saucers,
5weetest in waters, rich in meath, and holy, as 5avitar the God is,
truthfulminded.
&0 To feast him, flow mid song and hymn, to 'ayu, flow !urified to 'aruna
and %itra.
4low to the song)ins!iring car)orne "ero, to mighty Indra, him who wields
the thunder.
(@ Pour on us garments that shall clothe us meetly, send, !urified, miIch)
7ine, aundant yielders.
God 5oma, send us chariot)drawing horses that they may ring us treasures
right and golden.
(1 5end to us in a stream celestial riches, send us, when thou art cleansed,
what earth containeth,
5o that therey we may ac?uire !ossessions and /sihood in Damadagni;s
manner.
(2 Pour forth this wealth with this !urification1 flow onward to the yellow
la7e, , Indu.
"ere, too, the /uddy, wind)swift, full of wisdom, 5hall give a son to him who
cometh ?uic7ly.
(# 4low on for us with this !urification to the famed ford of thee whose due
is glory.
%ay the 4oe)?ueller sha7e us down, for trium!h, li7e a tree;s ri!e fruit, si$ty
thousand treasures.
(& 2agerly do we !ray for those two e$!loits, at the lue la7e and Prsana,
wrought in attle.
"e sent our enemies to slee! and slew thern, and turned away the foolish
and unfriendly.
(( Thou comest unto three e$tended filters, and hasteriest through each
one as they cleanse thee.
Thou art the giver of the gift, a -haga, a %aghavan for lieral lords, , Indu.
(* This 5oma here, the Wise, the All)otainer, flows on his way as 8ing of all
e$istence.
6riving the dro!s at our assemlies, Indu com!letely traverses the fleecy
filter.
(+ The Great Inviolate are 7issing Indu, and singing in his !lace li7e eager
sages.
The wise men send him forth with ten swift fingers, and alm his form with
essence of the waters.
(. 5oma, may we, with thee as Pavamana, !ile u! together all our s!oil in
attle.
This oon vouchsafe us 'aruna and %itra, and Aditi and 5indhu, 2arth and
"eaven.
HYMN X.VIII. S/$a +ava$ana
1. 5T/2A% on us riches that are sought y many, est at winning strength
/iches, , Indu, thousandfold, glorious, con?uering the great.
2 2ffused, he hath, as on a car, invested him in fleecy mail1
,nward hath Indu flowed in streams, im!elled, surrounded y the wood.
# 2ffused, this Indu hath flowed on, distilling ra!ture, to the fleece1
"e goes erect, as see7ing 7ine in stream, with light, to sacrifice.
& 4or thou thyself, , Indu, God, to every mortal worshi!!er
Attractest riches thousandfold, made manifest in hundred forms.
( Good 'rtra)slayer, may we e still nearest to this wealth of thine
Which many crave, nearest to food and ha!!iness, /esistless ,neA
* Whom, right with native s!lendour, crushed etween the !air of
!ressingstones)
The wavy 4riend whom Indra loves)the twice)five sisters di! and athe,
+ "im with the fleece they !urify, rown, golden)hued, eloved of all,
Who with e$hilarating 9uice goes forth to all the 6eities.
. Through longing for this sa! of yours ye drin7 what rings aility,
2ven him who, dear as heaven;s own light, gives to our !rinces high renown.
0 Indu at holy rites !roduced you, "eaven and 2arth, the 4riends of men,
"ill)haunting God the Goddesses. They ruised him where the roar was loud.
1@ 4or 'rtra)slaying Indra, thou, 5oma, art !oured that he may drin7,
Poured for the guerdon)giving man, !oured for the God who sitteth there.
11 These ancient 5omas, at the rea7 of day, have flowed into the sieve,
5norting away at early morn these foolish evil)hearted ones.
12 4riends, may the !rinces, ye and we, otain this %ost /es!lendent ,ne.
Gain him who hath the smell of strength, win him whose home is very
strength.
HYMN X.IX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2< for the -old and Lovely ,ne !ly manly vigour li7e a ow1
9oyous, in front of songs they weave right raiment for the Lord 6ivine.
2 And he, made eautiful y night, di!s forward into strengthening food;,
What time the sacrificer;s thoughts s!eed on his way the Golden)hued.
# We cleanse this gladdening drin7 of his the 9uice which Indra chiefly
drin7s)))
That which 7ine too7 into their mouths, of old, and !rinces ta7e it now.
& To him, while !urifying, they have raised the ancient !salm of !raise1
And sacred songs which ear the names of Gods have su!!licated him.
( They !urify him as he dro!s, courageous, in the fleecy sieve.
"im they instruct as messenger to ear the sage;s morning !rayer.
* 5oma, est >heerer, ta7es his seat, the while they cleanse him in the
owls.
"e as it were im!regns the cow, and ales on, the Lord of 5ong.
+ "e is effused and eautified, a God for Gods, y s7ilful men.
"e !enetrates the mighty floods collecting all he 7nows therein.
. Pressed, Indu, guided y the men, thou art led to the cleaning sieve.
Thou, yielding Indra highest 9oy, ta7est thy seat within the owls.
HYMN .. S/$a +ava$ana.
I. T"2 Guileless ,nes are singing !raise to Indra;s well eloved 4riend,
As, in the morning of its life, the mothers lic7 the new)orn calf.
2 , Indu, while they cleanse thee ring, , 5oma, douly)wa$ing wealth
Thou in the worshi!!er;s aode causest all treasures to increase.
# 5et free the. song which mind hath yo7ed, even as thunder frees the rain1
All treasures of the earth and heaven, , 5oma, thou dost multi!ly.
& Thy stream when thou art !ressed runs on li7e some victorious warrior;s
steed
"astening onward through the fleece li7e a fierce horse who wins the !riCe.
( 4low on, 5age 5oma, with thy stream to give us mental !ower and
strength,
2ffused for Indra, for his drin7, for %itra and for 'aruna.
* 4low to the filter with thy stream, effused, est winner, thou, of s!oil,
, 5oma, as most rich in sweets for Indra, 'isnu, and the Gods.
+ The mothers, void of guiles, caress thee Golden)coloured, in the sieve,
As cows, , Pavamana, lic7 the new)orn calf, as Law commands.
. Thou, Pavamana, movest on with wondrous rays to great renown.
5triving within the votary;s house thou drivest all the glooms away.
0 Lord of great sway, thou liftest thee aove the heavens, aove the earth.
Thou, Pavamana hast assumed thy coat of mail in ma9esty.
HYMN .I. S/$a +ava$ana
1. 4,/ first !ossession of your 9uice, for the e$hilarating drin7,
6rive ye away the dog, my friends, drive ye the long)tongued dog away.
2 "e who with !urifying stream, effused, comes flowing hitherward,
Indu, is li7e an ale steed.
# The men with all)!ervading song send unassailale 5oma forth,
-y !ressing)stones, to sacrifice.
& The 5omas, very rich in sweets, for which the sieve is destined, flow,
2ffused, the source of Indra;s 9oy1 may your strong 9uices reach the Gods.
( Indu flows on for Indra;s sa7e1 thus have the 6eities declared.
The Lord of 5!eech e$erts himself, /uler of all, ecause of might.
* Inciter of the voice of song, with thousand streams the ocean flows,
2ven 5oma, Lord of o!ulence, the 4riend of Indra, day y day.
+ As Pusan, 4ortune, -haga, comes this 5oma while they ma7e him !ure.
"e, Lord of the multitude, hath loo7ed u!on the earth and heaven.
. The dear cows lowed in 9oyful mood together to the gladdening drin7.
The dro!s as they were !urified, the 5oma 9uices, made then !aths.
0 , Pavamana, ring the 9uice, the mightiest, worthy to e famed,
Which the 4ive Tries have over them, wherey we may win o!ulence.
1@ 4or us the 5oma 9uices flow, the dro!s est furtherers of our weal,
2ffused as friends without a s!ot, enevolent, finders of the light.
11 2ffused y means of !ressing)stones, u!on the o$)hide visile,
They, treasure)finders, have announced food unto us from every side.
12 Tlese 5oma 9uices, s7illed in song, !urified, lent with mil7 and curd,
When moving and when firmly laid in oil, resemle lovely 5uns.
1# Let not the !ower of men restrain the voice of the out!ouring 9uice1
As -hrgu;s sons chased %a7ha, so drive ye the greedy hound away.
1& The 4riend hath wra!!ed him in his roe, as in his !arents arms, a son.
"e went, as lover to a dame, to ta7e his station suitor)li7e.
1( That "ero who !roduces strength, he who hath !ro!!ed oth worlds
a!art,
Gold)hued, hath wra!!ed him in the sieve, to settle, !riest)li7e, in his
!lace.
1* 5oma u!on the o$;s s7in through the shee!;s wool flows !urified.
-ellowing out, the Tawny 5teer goes on to Indra;s s!ecial !lace.
HYMN .I* S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 >hild, when lended with the streams, s!eeding the !lan of
sacrifice,
5ur!asses all things that are dear, yea, from of old.
2 The !lace, near the two !ressing)stones of Trita, hath he occu!ied,
5ecret and dear through seven lights of sacrifice.
# 3rge to three courses, on the heights of Trita, riches in a stream.
"e who is !assing wise measures his courses out.
& 2ven at his irth the %others 5even taught him, for glory, li7e a sage,
5o that he, firm and sure, hath set his mind on wealth.
( 3nder his sway, of one accord, are all the guileless 6eities1
Warriors to e envied, they, when they are !leased.
* The -ae whom they who strengthen Law have generated fair to see,
%uch longed for at the sacrifice, most lieral 5age,)
+ To him, united, of themselves, come the young Parents of the rite,
When they adorn him, duly weaving sacrifice.
. With wisdom and with radiant eyes unar to us the stall of heaven,
5!eeding at solemn rite the !lan of "oly Law.
HYMN .III. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. To 5oma who is !urified as ordering Priest the song is raised1
-ring meed, as ;twere, to one who ma7es thee glad with hymns.
2 -lended with mil7 and curds he flows on through the long wool of the
shee!.
The Gold)hued, !urified, ma7es him three seats for rest.
# ,n through the long wool of the shee! to the meath)dro!!ing vat he
flows1
The /sis; sevenfold ?uire hath sung aloud to him.
& 5hared y all Gods, Infallile, the Leader of our holy hymns,
Golden)hued 5oma, eing cleansed, hath reached the owls.
( After thy Godli7e ?ualities, associate with Indra, go,
As a Priest !urified y !riests, Immortal ,ne.
* Li7e a car)horse who shows his strength, a God effused for 6eities.
The !enetrating Pavamana flows along.
HYMN .IV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 5IT down, , friends, and sing aloud to him who !urifies himself1
6ec7 him for glory, li7e a child, with holy rites.
2 3nite him ringing household wealth, even as a calf, with mother 7ine,
"im who hath doule strength, the God, delighting 9uice.
# Purify him who gives us !ower, that he, most -lessed ,ne, may e
A an?uet for the Troo!, %itra, and 'aruna.
& 'oices have sung aloud to thee as finderout of wealth for us1
We clothe the hue thou wearest with a roe of mil7.
( Thou, Indu, art the food of Gods, , 5ovran of all gladdening drin7s1
As 4riend for friend, e thou est finder of success.
* 6rive utterly away from us each demon, each voracious fiend,
The godless and the false1 7ee! sorrow far away.
HYMN .V. S/$a +ava$ana
1. 5I=G: ye aloud, , friends, to him who ma7es him !ure for gladdening
drin71
They shall ma7e sweet the >hild with sacrifice and laud.
2 Li7e as a calf with mother cows, so Indu is urged forth and sent,
Glorified y our hymns, the God)delighting 9uice.
# 2ffectual means of !ower is he, he is a an?uet for the Troo!,
"e who hath een effused, most rich in meath, for Gods.
& 4low to us, Indu, !assing, strong, effused, with wealth of 7ine and steeds1
I will s!read forth aove the mil7 thy radiant hue.
( Lord of the tawny, Indu thou who art the God;s most s!ecial food,
As 4riend to friend, for s!lendour e thou good to men.
* 6rive utterly, far away from us each godless, each voracious foe.
, Indu, overcome and drive the false afar.
HYMN .VI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. To Indra, to the %ighty 5teer, may these gold)coloured 9uices go,
6ro!s ra!idly !roduced, that find the light of heaven.
2 2ffused, this 9uice victorious flows for Indra, for his maintenance.
5oma ethin7s him of the >on?ueror, as he 7nows.
# %ay Indra in his ra!tures gain from him the gras! that gathers s!oil,
And, winning waters, wield the steerstrong thunderolt.
& 4low vigilant for Indra, thou 5oma, yea, Indu, run thou on1
-ring hither s!lendid strength that finds the light of heaven.
( 6o thou, all)eautiful, !urify for Indra;s sa7e the mighty 9uice,
Path)ma7er thou, far seeing, with a thousand ways.
* -est finder of !ros!erity for us, most rich in sweets for Gods,
Proceed thou loudly roaring on a thousand !aths.
+ , Indu, with thy streams, in might, flow for the an?uet of the Gods1
/ich in meath, 5oma, in our ea7er ta7e thy !lace.
. Thy dro!s that swim in water have e$alted Indra to delight1
The Gods have drun7 thee u! for immortality.
0 5tream o!ulence to us, ye dro!s of 5oma, !ressed and !urified,
Pouring down rain from heaven in hoods, and finding light.
1@ 5oma, while filtered, with his wave flows through the long wool of the
shee!,
5houting while !urified efore the voice of song.
11 With songs they send the %ighty forth, s!orting in wood, aove the
fleece1
,ur !salms have glorified him of the tri!le height.
12 Into the 9ars hath he een loosed, li7e an im!etuous steed for war,
And lifting u! his voice, while filtered, glided on.
1# Gold)hued and lovely in his course, throug tangles of the wool he flows,
And !ours heroic fame u!on the worshi!!ers.
1& 4low thus, a faithful votary1 the streams of meath have een effused.
Thou comest to the filter, singing, from each side.
HYMN .VII. S/$a +ava$ana.
I., "2=>2 s!rin7le forth the 9uice effused,. 5oma, the est of sacred gifts,
Who, friend of man, hath run amid the water)streams. "e hath !ressed
5oma out with stones.
2 =ow, eing !urified, flow hither through the fleece inviolate and most
odorous.
We ladden thee in waters when thou art effused, lending thee still with
9uice and mil7.
# Pressed out for all to see, delighting Gods, Indu, 4ar)sighted ,ne, is
mental !ower.
& >leansing thee, 5oma, in thy stream, thou flowest in a watery roe1
Giver of wealth, thou sittest in the !lace of Law, , God, a fountain made of
gold.
( %il7ing the heavenly udder for dear meath, he hath sat in the ancient
gathering!lace.
Washed y the men, the 5trong 4arseeing ,ne streams forth nutriti us food
that all desire.
* , 5oma, while they cleanse thee, dear and watchful in the shee!;s long
wool,
Thou hast ecome a 5inger most li7e Angiras1 thou madest 5urya mount to
heaven.
+ -ountiful, est of furtherers, 5oma floweth on, /si and 5inger, 7een of
sight.
Thou hast ecome a 5age most welcome to the Gods1 thou madest 5urya
mount to heaven.
. Pressed out y !ressers, 5oma goes over the fleecy ac7s of shee!,
Goes, even as with a mare, in tawnycoloured stream, goes in e$hilarating
stream.
0 6own to the water)5oma, rich in 7ine hath flowed with cows, with cows
that have een mil7ed.
They have a!!roached the mi$ing)vessel as a sea1 the cheerer streams for
the carouse.
1@ 2ffused y stones, , 5oma, and urged through the long wool of the
shee!,
Thou, entering the saucers as a man the fort, gold)hued hast settled in the
wood.
11 "e eautifies himself through the shee!;s long fine wool, li7e an
im!etuous steed in war,
2ven 5oma Pavamana who shall e the 9oy of sages and of holy ards.
12 , 5oma,)for the feast of Gods, river)li7e he hath swelled with surge,
With the stal7;s 9uice, e$hilarating, resting not, into the vat that dro!s with
meath.
1# Li7e a dear son who must e dec7ed, the Lovely ,ne hath clad him in a
shining roe.
%en s7ilful at their wor7 drive him forth, li7e a car, into the rivers from
their ands.
1& The living dro!s of 5oma 9uice !our, as they flow, the gladdening drin7,
Intelligent dro!s aove the asin of the sea, e$hilarating, finding light.
1( %ay Pavamana, 8ing and God, s!eed with his wave over the sea the lofty
rite1
%ay he y %itra;s and y 'aruna;s decree flow furthering the lofty rite.
1* 4ar)seeing, lovely, guided y the men, the God whose home is in the sea)
1+ 5oma, the gladdening 9uice, flows !ressed for Indra with his %arut host1
"e hastens o;er the fleece with all his thousand streams1 men ma7e him
right and eautiful.
1. Purified in the owl and gendering the hymn, wise 5oma 9oys among the
Gods.
/oed in the flood, the %ighty ,ne hath clad himself with mil7 and settled
in the vats.
10 , 5oma, Indu, every day thy friendshi! hath een my delight.
%any fiends follow me: hel! me, thou Tawny)hued: !ass on eyond these
arriers.
2@ >lose to thy osom am I, 5oma, day and night. , Tawny)hued, for
friendshi! sa7e.
5urya himself refulgent with his glow have we o;erta7en in his course li7e
irds.
21 6eft)handcdA thou when !urified liftest thy voice amid the sea.
Thou, Pavamana, ma7est riches flow to us, yellow, aundant, much)desifed.
22 %a7ing thee !ure and right in the shee!;s long wool, tou hast
ellowed, steerli7e, in the wood.
Thou flowest, 5oma Pavamana, almed with mil7 unto the s!ecial !lace of
Gods.
2# 4low on to win us strength, flow on to lofty lore of every 7ind.
Thou, 5oma, as 2$hilarator wast the first to s!read the sea aroad for Gods.
2& 4low to the realm of earth, flow to the realm of heaven, , 5oma, in thy
righteous ways.
4air art thou whom the sages, , 4ar)seeing ,ne, urge onward with their
songs and hymns.
2( ,ver the cleansing sieve have flowed the Pavamanas in a stream,
Girt y the %aruts, gladdening, 5teeds with Indra;s stiength, for wisdom and
for dainty food.
2* 3rged onward y the !ressers, clad in watery roes, Indu is s!eeding to
the vat.
"e gendering light, hath made the glad >ows low, while he ta7es them as his
gar of state.
HYMN .VIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. 4,/ Indra, flow thou 5oma on, as gladdening 9uice most sweet,
intelligent,
Great, cheering, dwelling most in heaven.
2 Thou, of whom having drun7 the 5teer acts li7e a steer. drin7ing of this
that finds the light,
"e, 2$cellently Wise, is come to strengthening food, to s!oil and wealth li7e
2tasa.
# 4or, verily, Pavamana, thou ast, s!lendidest, called all the generations of
The Gods to immortality.
& -y whom 6adhyac =avagva o!ens fastened doors, y whom the sages
gained their wish,
-y whom they won the fame of lovely Amrta in the felicity of Gods.
( 2ffused, he floweth in a stream, est ra!ture)giver, in the long wool of the
shee!,
5!orting, as ;twere the waters; wave.
* "e who from out the roc7y cavern too7 with might the redmrefulgent
watery >ows,
Thou masterest the stale full of 7ine and steeds1 urst it, rave Lord, li7e
one in mail.
+ Press ye and !our him, li7e a steed, laudworthy, s!eeding through the
region and the flood,
Who swims in water, roan in wood:
. Increaser of the water, 5teer with thousand streams, dear to the race of
6eities:
Who orn in Law hath wa$en mighty y the Law, 8ing, God, and lofty
,rdinance.
0 %a7e s!lendid glory shine on us, thou Lord of strengthening food, God, as
the 4riend of Gods1
3nclose the fount of middle air.
1@ /oll onward to the owls, , %ighty ,ne, effused, as Prince su!!orter of
the tries.
Pour on us rain from heaven, send us the waters; flow1 incite our thoughts to
win the s!oil.
11 They have drained him the 5teer of heaven, him with a thousand
streams, distilling ra!turous 9oy,
"im who rings all things e$cellent.
12 The %ighty ,ne was orn Immortal, giving life, lightening dar7ness with
his shine.
Wcll)!raised y. sages he hath. y his wondrous !ower assumed the
Threefold as his roe.
1# 2ffused is he who rings good things, who rings us ounteous gifts and
sweet refreshing food,
5oma who rings us ?uiet homes1
1& "e whom our Indra and the %arut host shall drin7, -haga shall drin7 with
Aryarnan,
-y whom we ring to us %itra and 'aruna and Indra for our great defence.
1( 5oma, for Indra;s drin7 do thou, led y the men, well)wca!oncd and most
gladdening,
4low on with greatest store of sweets.
1* 2nter the 5oma)holder, even Indra;s heart, as rivers !ass into the sea,
Acce!tale to %itra, 'ayu, 'aruna, the nolest Pillar of the heavens.
HYMN .IX. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. PL2A5A=T to Indra;s %itra;s, Pusan;s -haga;s taste, s!ed onward, 5oma,
with thy flowing stream.
2 Let Indra drin7, , 5oma, of thy 9uice for wisdom, and all 6eities for
strength.
# 5o flow thou on as right celestial 9uice, flow to the vast, immortal
dwelling)!lace.
& 4low onward, 5oma, as a mighty sea, as 4ather of the Gods to every form.
( 4low on, , 5oma, radiant for the Gods and "eaven and 2arth and less our
!rogeny.
* Thou, right Duice, art 5ustainer of the s7y1 flow, mighty, in accordance
with true Law.
+ 5oma, flow s!lendid with thy co!ious stream through the great fleece as in
the olden time.
. -om, led y men, 9oyous, and !urified, let the Light)finder ma7e all
lessings flow1
0 Indu, while cleansed, 7ee!ing the !eo!le safe, shall give us all !ossessions
for our own.
1@ 4low on for wisdom, 5oma, and for !ower, as a strong courser athed, to
win the !riCe.
11 The !ressers !urify this 9uice of thine, the 5oma, for delight, and lofty
fame
12 They dec7 the Gold)hued Infant, newlyorn, even 5oma, Indu, in the
sieve for Gods.
1# 4air Indu hath flowed on for ra!turous 9oy, 5age for good fortune in the
waters; la!.
1& "e ears the eauteous name of Indra, that wherewith he overcame all
demon foes.
1( All 6eities are wont to drin7 of him, !ressed y the men and lent with
mil7 and curds.
1* "e hath flowed forth with thousand streams effused, flowed ihsough the
filter and the shee!;s long wool.
1+ With endless genial flow the 5trong hath run, !urified y the waters,
lent with mil7.
1. Pressed out with stones, directed y the men, go fortli, , 5oma, into
Indra;s throat.
10 The mighty 5oma with a thousand streams is !oured to Indra through the
cleansing sieve.
2@ Indu they alm with !leasant mil7y 9uice for Indra, for the 5teer, for his
delight.
21 Lightly, for sheen, they cleanse thee for the Gods, gold)coloured,
wearing water as thy roe.
22 Indu to Indra streams, yea, downward streams, 5trong, flowing to the
floods, and mingling )there.
HYMN .X. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. ,;2/P,W2/I=G 'rtras, forward run to win great strength1
Thou s!eedest to sudue li7e one e$acting dets.
2 In thee, effused, , 5oma, we re9oice ourselves for great su!remacy in
fight.
Thou, Pavamana, enterest into mighty deeds,
# , Pavamana, thou didst generate the 5un, and s!read the moisture out
with !ower,
"asting to us with !lenty vivified with mil7.
& Thou didst !roduce him, 6eathless God mid mortal men for maintenance
of Law and lovely Amrta1
Thou evermore hast moved ma7ing strength flow to us.
( All round aout hast thou with glory !ierced for us as ;twere a never)
failing well for men to drin7,
-orne on thy way in fragments from the !resser;s arms.
* Then, eautifully radiant, certain "eavenly ,nes, have sung to him their
7inshi! as they loo7ed thereon,
And 5avitar the God o!ens as ;twere a stall.
+ 5oma, the men of old whose grass was trimmed addressed the hymn to
thee for mighty strength and for renown1
5o, "ero, urge us onward to heroic !ower.
. They have drained forth from out the great de!th of the s7y the old
!rimeval mil7 of heaven that claims the laud1
They lifted u! their voice to Indra athis irth.
0 As long as thou, , Pavamana, art aove this earth and heaven and all
e$istence in thy might,
Thou standest li7e a -ull the chief amid the herd.
1@ In the shee!;s wool hath 5oma Pavamana flowed, while they cleanse him,
li7e a !layful infant,
Indu with hundred !owers and hundred currents.
11 "oly and sweet, while !urified, this Indu flows on, a wave of !leasant
taste, to Indra,)
5trength)winner, Treasure)finder, Life. estower.
12 5o flow thou on, suduing our assailants, chasing the demons hard to
eencountered,
Well)armed and con?uering our foes, , 5oma.
HYMN .XI. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. WIT" this his golden s!lendour !urifying him, he with his own allies
sudues all enemies, as 5ara with his own allies.
>leansing himself with stream of 9uice he shines forth yellow)hued and red,
when with the !raisers he encom!asses all forms, with !raisers having seven
mouths.
2 That treasure of the Panis thou discoveredst: thou with thy mothers
dec7est thee in thine aode, with songs of worshi! in thine home.
As ;twere from far, the hymn is heard, where holy songs resound in 9oy. "e
with the ruddy)hued, threefold hath won life)!ower, he, glittering, hath
won life)!ower.
# "e moves intelligent, directed to the 2ast. The very eauteous car rivals
the eams of light, the eautiful celestial car.
"ymns, lauding manly valour, came, inciting Indra to success, that ye may
e uncon?uered, oth thy olt and thou, oth e uncon?uered in the war.
HYMN .XII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. W2 all have various thoughts and !lans, and diverse are the ways of men.
The -rahman see7s the worshi!!er, wright see7s the crac7ed, and leech the
maimed. 4low, Indu, flow for Indra;s sa7e.
2 The smith with ri!e and seasoned !lants, with feathers of the irds of air,
With stones, and with en7indled flames, see7s him who hath a store of gold.
4low, Indu, flow for Indra;s sa7e.
# A ard am I, my dad;s a leech, mammy lays corn u!on the stones.
5triving for wealth, with varied !lans, we follow our desires li7e 7ine. 4low,
Indu, flow for Indra;s sa7e.
& The horse would draw an easy car, gay hosts attract the laugh and 9est.
The male desires his mate;s a!!roach, the frog is eager for the flood, 4low,
HYMN .XIII. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. L2T 'rtra)slaying Indra drin7 5oma y 5aryanavan;s side,
5toring u! vigour in his heart, !re!ared to do heroic deeds. 4low, Indu, flow
for Indra;s sa7e.
2 Lord of the Euarters, flow thou on, oon 5oma, from Ar9i7a land,
2ffused with ardour and with faith, and the true hymn of sacrifice. 4low,
# "ither hath 5urya;s 6aughter rought the wild 5teer whom Par9anya
nursed.
Gandharvas have seiCed old of him, and in the 5oma laid the 9uice. 4low,
& 5!lendid y LawA declaring Law, truths!ea7ing, truthful in thy wor7s,
2nouncing faith, 8ing 5omaA thou, , 5oma, whom thy ma7er dec7s. 4low,
( Together flow the meeting streams of him the Great and truly 5trong.
The 9uices of the 9uicy meet. %ade !ure y !rayer, , Golden)hued, flow,
* , Pavamana, where the !riest, as he recites the rhythmic !rayer,
Lords it o;er 5oma with the stone, with 5oma ringing forth delight, flow,
+ , Pavarnana, !lace me in that deathless, undecaying world
Wherein the light of heaven is set, and everlasting lustre shines. 4low, Indu,
flow for Indra;s sa7e.
. %a7e me immortal in that realm where dwells the 8ing, 'ivasvan;s 5on,
Where is the secret shrine of heaven, where are those waters young and
fresh. 4low, Indu, flow for Indra;s sa7e.
0 %a7e me immortal in that realm where they move even as they list,
In the third s!here of inmost heaven where lucid worlds are full of light.
4low, Indu, flow for Indra;s sa7e.
1@ %a7e me immortal in that realm of eager wish and strong desire,
The region of the radiant %oon, where food and full delight are found. 4low,
Indu, flow for Indra;s sa7e1
11 %a7e me immortal in that realm where ha!!iness and trans!orts, where
Doys and felicities comine, and longing wishes are fulfilled. 4low, Indu,
HYMN .XIV. S/$a +ava$ana.
1. T"2 man who waI7eth as the Laws of Indu Pavamana id,)
%en call him rich in children, him, , 5oma, who hath met thy thought. 4low,
2 8asya!a, /si, lifting u! thy voice with hymn)com!osers; lauds,
Pav reverence to 8ing 5oma orn the 5ovran /uler of the !lants. 4low, Indu,
# 5even regions have their several 5uns: the ministering !riests are seven:
5even are the Aditya 6eities,)with these, , 5oma, guard thou us. 4low, Indu,
& Guard us with this olation which, 8ing 5oma, hath een dressed for thee.
Let not malignity con?uer us, let nothing evil do us harm. 4low, Indu, flow
for Indra;s sa7e.
RIG VEDA - THE TENTH BOOK
HYMN I. Agni.
1. "IG" hath the %ighty risen efore the dawning, and come to us with light
4air)sha!en Agni with white)shining s!lendour hath filled at irth all human
haitations.
2 Thou, eing orn, art >hild of 2arth and "eaven, !arted among the !lants
in eauty, AgniA
The glooms of night thou, -rilliant -ae, suduest, and art come forth, loud
roaring, from thy %others.
# "ere, eing manifested, lofty 'isnu, full wise, !rotects his own su!remest
station.
When they have offered in his mouth their sweet mil7, to him with one
accord they sing forth !raises.
& Thence earing food the %others come to meet thee, with food for thee
who givest food its increase.
These in their altered form again thou meetest. Thou art Invo7ing Priest in
homes of mortals.
( Priest of the holy rite, with car that glitters, refulgent -anner of each act
of worshi!,
5haringing every God through might and glory, even Agni Guest of men I
summon hither.
* 5o Agni stands on earth;s most central station, invested in well)decorated
garments.
-orn, red of hue, where men !our out liations, , 8ing, as great "igh Priest
ring the Gods hither.
+ ,ver the earth and over heaven, , Agni, thou, 5on, hast ever s!read aove
thy Parents.
>ome, <outhfullestA to those who long to meet thee, and hither ring the
Gods, , %ighty 'ictor.
HYMN II. Agni.
1. GLA662= the yearning Gods, , thou %ost <outhful1 ring them, , Lord of
5easons, 7nowing seasons,
With all the Priests >elestial, , Agni. -est worshi!!er art thou of all
Invo7ers.
2 Thine is the "erald;s, thine the >leanser;s office, thin7er art thou, wealth)
giver, true to ,rder.
Let us with 5vaha offer u! olations, and Agni, worthy God, !ay the Gods
worshi!.
# To the Gods; !athway have we travelled, ready to e$ecute what wor7 we
may accom!lish.
Let Agni, for he 7nows, com!lete the worshi!. "e is the Priest1 let him fi$
rites and seasons.
& When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, , 6eities with whom
is 7nowledge,
Wise Agni shall correct our faults and failings, s7illed to assign each God his
fitting season.
( When, wea7 in mind, of feele understanding, mortals ethin7 them not
of sacrificing,
Then shall the !rudent and discerning Agni worshi! the Gods, est
worshi!!er, in season.
* -ecause the 4ather hath !roduced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites,
their rilliant -anner1
5o win y worshi! !leasant homes aounding in heroes, and rich food to
nourish all men.
+ Thou whom the "eaven and 2arth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvastar,
ma7er of fair things, created,
Well 7nowing, all along the 4athers; !athway, shine with res!lendent light,
en7indled, Agni.
HYMN III. Agni.
1. , 8I=G, the !otent and terrific envoy, 7indled for strength, is manifest in
eauty.
"e shines, all)7nowing, with his lotty s!lendour1 chasing lac7 =ight he
comes with white)rayed %orning.
2 "aving o;ercome the glimmering -lac7 with eauty, and ringing forth the
dame the Great 5ire;s 6aughter,
"olding aloft the radiant light of 5urya, as messenger of heaven he shines
with treasures.
# Attendant on the -lessed 6ame the -lessed hath come1 the Lover
followeth his 5ister.
Agni, far)s!reading with cons!icuous lustre, hath com!assed =ight with
whitelyshining garments.
& "is goings)forth 7indle as ;twere high voices the goings of the aus!icious
4riend of Agni.
The rays, the right eams of the strong)9awed, mighty, adorale 5teer are
visile as he cometh.
( Whose radiant s!lendours flow, li7e sounds, aout us, his who is lofty,
rilliant, and effulgent,
Who reaches heaven with est and rightest lustres, s!ortive and !iercing
even to the summit.
* "is !owers, whose chariot fellies gleam and glitter have loudly roared
while, as with teams, he hasted.
"e, the most Godli7e, far)e$tending envoy, shines with flames ancient,
resonant, whitely)shining.
+ 5o ring us am!le wealth1 seat thee as envoy of the two youthful %atrons,
2arth and "eaven.
Let Agni ra!id with his ra!id, horses, im!etuous with im!etuous 5teeds,
come hither.
HYMN IV. Agni.
1. To thee will send !raise and ring olation, as thou hast merited lauds
when we invo7ed thee.
A fountain in the desert art thou, Agni, , Ancient 8ing, to man who fain
would worshi!,
2 Thou unto whom resort the gathered !eo!le, as the 7ine see7 the warm
stall, , %ost <outhful.
Thou art the messenger of Gods and mortals, and goest glorious with thy
light etween them.
# %a7ing thee grow as ;twere some nole infant, thy %other nurtures thee
with sweet affection.
,ver the desert slo!es thou !assest longing, and see7est, li7e some east
set free, thy fodder.
& 4oolish are we, , Wise and free from error1 verily, Agni, thou dost 7now
thy grandeur.
There lies the form1 he moves and lic7s, and swallows, and, as "ouse)Lord,
7isses the <outhful %aiden.
( "e rises ever fresh in ancient fuel1 smo7e)annered, gray, he ma7es the
wood his dwelling.
=o swimmer, 5teer, he !resses through the waters, and to his !lace
accordant mortals ear him.
* Li7e thieves who ris7 their lives and haunt the forest, the twain with their
ten girdles have secured him.
This is a new hymn meant for thee, , Agni1 yo7e as it were thy car with
!arts that glitter.
+ "omage and !rayer are thine, , Datavedas, and this my song shall
evermore e$alt thee.
Agni, !rotect our children and descendants, and guard with ever)watcliful
care our odies.
HYMN V. Agni.
1. "2 only is the 5ea, holder of treasures1 orn many a time he views the
hearts within us.
"e hides him in the secret cou!le;s osom. The -ird dwells in the middle of
the fountain.
2 Inhaiting one dwelling)!lace in common, strong 5tallions and the %ares
have come together.
The sages guard the seat of "oly ,rder, and 7ee! the highest names
concealed within them.
# The "oly Pair, of wondrous !ower, have cou!led1 they formed the Infant,
they who red !roduced him.
The central !oint of all that moves and moves not, the while they wove the
5age;s thread with insight
& 4or trac7s of ,rder and refreshing viands attend from ancient times the
goodly Infant.
Wearing him as a mantle, 2arth and "eaven grow strong y food of !leasant
drin7 and fatness.
( "e, calling loudly to the 5even red 5isters, hath, s7illed in sweet drin7,
rought them to e loo7ed on.
"e, orn of old, in middle air hath halted, and sought and found the
covering roe of Pusan.
* 5even are the !athways which the wise have fashioned: to one of these
may come the trouled mortal.
"e standeth in the dwelling of the "ighest, a Pillar, on sure ground where
!aths are !arted.
+ =ot -eing, -eing in the highest heaven, in Aditi;s osom and in 6a7sa;s
irth!lace,
Is Agni, our first)orn of "oly ,rder, the %ilch)cow and the -ull in life;s
eginning.
HYMN VI Agni
1. T"I5 is that Agni, he y whose !rotection, favour, and hel!. the singer is
successful:
Who with the nolest flames of glowing fuel comes forth encom!assed with
far)s!reading lustre.
2 Agni, the "oly ,ne, the everlasting, who shines far eaming with celestial
s!lendours:
"e who hath come unto his friends with friendshi!, li7e a fleet steed who
never tri!s or stumles.
# "e who is Lord of all divine olation, shared y all living men at rea7 of
morning,
Agni to whom our offerings are devoted, in whom rests he whose car,
through might, is scatheless.
& Increasing y his strength. while lauds content him, with easy flight unto
the Gods he travels.
Agni the cheerful Priest, est 5acrificer, alms with his tongue the Gods with
whom he mingles.
( With songs and adorations ring ye hither Agni who stirs himself at dawn
li7e Indra,
Whom sages laud with hymns as Datavedas of those who wield the sacrificial
ladle.
* In whom all goodly treasures meet together, even as steeds and riders for
the ooty.
Inclining hither ring us hel!, , Agni, even assistance most desired y Indra.
+ <ea, at thy irth, when thou hadst sat in glory, thou, Agni, wast the aim of
invocations.
The Gods came near, oedient to thy sunimons, and thus attained their ran7
as chief Protectors.
HYMN VII. Agni.
1. , AG=I, shared y all men living ring us good luc7 for sacrifice from
earth and heaven.
With us e thine intelligence, WonderWor7erA Protect us, God, with thy far)
reaching lessings.
2 These hymns rought forth for thee, , Agni, laud thee for ounteous gifts,
with cattle and with horses.
Good Lord, when man from thee hath gained en9oyment, y hymns, ,
nolyorn, hath he otained it.
# Agni I deem my 8insman and my 4ather, count him my -rother and my
4riend for ever.
I honour as the face of lofty Agni in heaven the right and holy light of
5urya.
& 2ffectual, Agni, are our !rayers for !rofit. "e whom, at home thou, Priest
for ever, guardest
Is rich in food, drawn y red steeds, and holy1 y day and night to him shall
all e !leasant.
( %en with their arms have generated Agni, hel!ful as some 7ind friend,
adorned with s!lendours,
And stalished as Invo7er mid the !eo!le the ancient Priest the sacrifice;s
lover.
* Worshi!, thyself, , God, the Gods in heaven1 what, void of 7nowledge,
shall the fool avail theeB
As thou, , God, hast worshi!!ed Gods y seasons, so, noly)ornA to thine
own self !ay worshi!.
+ Agni, e thou our Guardian and Protector estow u!on us life and vital
vigour.
Acce!t, , %ighty ,ne, the gifts we offer, and with unceasing care !rotect
our odies.
HYMN VIII. Agni.
1. AG=I advances with his lofty anner1 the -ull is ellowing to the earth
and heavens.
"e hath attained the s7y;s su!remest limits. the 5teer hath wa$en in the la!
of waters.
2 The -ull, the youngling with the hum!, hath frolic7ed, the strong and
never)ceasing >alf hath ellowed.
-ringing our offerings to the God;s assemly, he moves as >hief in his own
dwelling)!laces.
# "im who hath gras!ed his Parents; head, they stalished at sacrifice a
wave of heavenly lustre.
In his swift flight the red 6awns orne y horses refresh their odies in the
home of ,rder.
& 4or, 'asu thou !recedest every %orning, and still hast een the Twins;
illuminator.
4or sacrifice, seven !laces thou retainest while for thine own self thou
engenderest %itra.
( Thou art the 2ye and Guard of mighty ,rder, and 'aruna when to sacrifice
thou comest.
Thou art the Waters; >hild , Datavedas, envoy of him whose offering thou
acce!test.
* Thou art the Leader of the rite and region, to which with thine aus!icious
teams thou teadest,
Thy light)estowing head to heaven thou liftest, ma7ing thy tongue the
olationearer, Agni.
+ Through his wise insight Trita in the cavern, see7ing as ever the >hief
5ire;s intention,
>arefully tended in his Parents; osom, calling the wea!ons 7in, goes forth
to comat.
. Well)s7illed to use the wea!ons of his 4ather, A!tya, urged on y Indra,
fought the attle.
Then Trita slew the foe seven)rayed, three)headed, and freed the cattle of
the 5on of Tvastar.
0 Lord of the rave, Indra cleft him in !ieces who sought to gain much
strength and deemed him mighty.
"e smote his three heads from his ody, seiCing the cattle of the oniniform
5on of Tvastar.
HYMN IX. 1a&!rs.
1. <2, Waters, are eneficent1 so hel! ye us to energy
That we may loo7 on great delight.
2 Give us a !ortion of the sa!, the most aus!icious that ye have,
Li7e mothers in their longing love.
# To you we gladly come for him to whose aode ye send us on:
And, Waters, give us !rocreant strength.
& The Waters. e to us for drin7, Goddesses for our aid and liss1
Let them stream to us health and strength.
( 1 eg the 4loods to give us alm, these Eueens who rule o;er !recious
things,
And have su!reme control of men.
* Within the Waters)5oma thus hath told me)dwell all alms that heal,
And Agni, he who lesseth all.
+ , Waters, teem with medicine to 7ee! my ody safe from harm,
5o that I long may see the 5un.
. Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought,
If I have lied or falsely sworn, Waters, remove it far from me.
0 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come1
, Agni, rich in mil7, come thou, and with thy s!lendour cover me.
HYMN X.Ya$a Ya$i.
1. 4AI= would I win my friend to 7indly friendshi!. 5o may the 5age, come
through the air;s wide ocean,
/ememering the earth and days to follow, otain a son, the issue of his
father.
2 Thy friend loves not the friendshi! which considers her who is near in
7indred as stranger.
5ons of the mighty Asura, the "eroes, su!!orters of the heavens, see far
around them.
# <ea, this the Immortals see7 of thee with longing, !rogeny of the sole
e$isting mortal.
Then let thy soul and mine e 7nit together, and as a loving husand ta7e
thy consort.
& 5hall we do now what we ne;er did aforetimeB we who s!a7e righteously
now tal7 im!urelyB
Gandharva in the floods, the 6ame of Waters)such is our ond, such our
most lofty 7inshi!.
( 2ven in the wom God Tvastar, 'ivifier, sha!ing all forms, >reator, made
us consorts.
=one violates his holy ordinances1 that we are his the heavens and earth
ac7nowledge.
* Who 7nows that earliest day whereof thou s!ea7estB Who hat eheld itB
Who can here declare itB
Great is the Law of 'aruna and %itra. What, wantonA wilt thou say to men to
tem!t themB
+ I, <ami, am !ossessed y love of <ama, that I may rest on the same couch
eside him.
I as a wife would yield me to my husand. Li7e car)wheels let us s!eed to
meet each other.
. They stand not still, they never close their eyelids, those sentinels of Gods
who wander round us.
=ot me)go ?uic7ly, wanton, with another, and hasten li7e a chariot wheel to
meet him.
0 %ay 5urya;s eye with days and nights endow him, and ever may his light
s!read out efore him.
In heaven and earth the 7indred Pair commingle. ,n <amA e the
unrotherly act of <ama.
1@ 5ure there will come succeeding times when rothers and sisters will do
acts unmeet for 7insfol7.
=ot me, , fair one,)see7 another husand, and ma7e thine arm a !illow for
thy consort.
11 Is he a rother when no lord is left herB Is she a sister when 6estruction
comethB
4orced y my love these many words I utter. >ome near, and hold me in thy
close emraces.
12 I will not fold mine arms aout thy ody1 they call it sin when one comes
near his sister.
=ot me,)!re!are thy !leasures with another1 thy rother see7s not this from
thee, , fair one.
1# AlasA thou art indeed a wea7ling, <ama we find in thee no trace of heart
or s!irit.
As round the tree the woodine clings, another will cling alout thee girt as
with a girdle.
1& 2mrace another, <ami: let another, even as the woodine rings the tree,
enfold thee.
Win thou his heart and let him win thy fancy, and he shall form with thee a
lest alliance.
HYMN XI. Agni
1. T"2 -ull hath yielded for the -ull the mil7 of heaven1 the 5on of Aditi can
never e deceived.
According to his wisdom 'aruna 7noweth all1 may he, the "oly, hallow times
for sacrifice.
2 Gandharvi s!a7e1 may she, the Lady of the flood, amid the river;s roaring
leave my heart untouched.
%ay Aditi accom!lish all that we desire, and may our eldest -rother tell us
this as >hief.
# <ea, even this lessed %orning, rich in store of food, s!lendid, with
heavenly lustre, hath shone out for man,
5ince they, as was the wish of yearning Gods, rought forth that yearning
Agni for the assemly as the Priest.
& And the fleet 4alcon rought for sacrifice from afar this flowing 6ro! most
e$cellent and 7een of sight,
Then when the Aryan tries chose as Invo7ing Priest Agni the Wonder)
Wor7er, and the hymn rose u!.
( 5till art thou 7ind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and, s7illed in
sacrifice, offers thee holy gifts.
When thou, having received the sage;s strengthening food with lauds, after
long toil, cornest with many more.
* 3rge thou thy Parents, as a lover ; to delight1 the Lovely ,ne desires and
craves it from his heart.
The !riest calls out, the sacrificer shows his s7ill, the Asura tries his
strength, and with the hymn is stirred.
+ 4ar)famed is he, the mortal man, , Agni, thou 5on of 5trength, who hath
otained thy favour.
"e, gathering !ower, orne onward y his horses, ma7es his days lovely in
his might and s!lendour.
. When, "oly Agni, the divine assemly, the sacred synod mid the Gods, is
gathered,
And when thou, Godli7e ,ne, dealest forth treasures, vouchsafe us, too, our
!ortion of the riches.
0 "ear us, , Agni, in your common dwelling1 harness thy ra!id car of Amrta.
-ring "eaven and 2arth, the 6eities; Parents, hither1 stay with us here, nor
from the Gods e distant.
HYMN XII. Agni
1. "2A'2= and 2arth, first y everlasting ,rder, s!ea7ers of truth, are near
enough to hear us,
When the God, urging men to worshi!. sitteth as Priest, assuming all his
vital vigour.
2 As God com!rising Gods y Law 2ternal, ear, as the >hief who 7noweth,
our olation,
5mo7e)annered with the fuel, radiant, 9oyous, etter to !raise and
worshi!, Priest for ever.
# When the cow;s nectar wins the God com!letely, men here elow are
heaven;s sustainers.
All the Gods came to this thy heavenly <a9us which from the motley Pair
mil7ed oil and water.
& 1 !raise your wor7 that ye may ma7e me !ros!er1 hear, "eaven and 2arth,
Twain Worlds that dro! with fatness.
While days and nights go to the world of s!irits, here let the Parents with
sweet meath refresh us
( "ath the 8ing sieCed usB "ow have we offended against his holy ordinanceB
Who 7nowethB
4or even %itra mid the Gods is angry there are oth song and strength for
those who come not.
* ;Tis hard to understand the Immortal;s nature, where she who is a7in
ecomes astranger.
Guard ceaselessly, great Agni, him who !onders <ama;s name, easy to e
com!rehended.
+ They in the synod where the Gods re9oice them, where they are seated in
'ivasvan;s dwelling,
"ave given the %oon his eams, the 5un his s!lendour)the Two unweariedly
maintain their rightness.
. The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret !lan,)of that
we have no 7nowledge.
There let God 5avitar, Aditi, and %itra !roclaim to 'aruna that we are
sinless.
0 "ear us, , Agni, in your comninn dwell ing1 harness thy ra!id car, the car
of Amrta.
-ring "eaven and 2arth, the 6eities; Parents, hither1 stay with us here, nor
from the Gods e distant.
HYMN XIII Havird#anas.
1. I <,82 with !rayer your ancient ins!iration1 may the laud rise as on the
!rince;s !athway.
All 5ons of Immortality shall hear it, all the !ossessors of celestial natures.
2 When s!eeding ye came nigh us li7e twin sisters, religious)hearted votaries
rought you forward.
Ta7e your !lace, ye who 7now your !ro!er station1 e near, e very near
unto our 5oma.
# 4ive !aces have I risen from 2arth. I follow her who hath four feet with
devout oservance.
This y the 5acred 5yllale have I measured1 I !urify in the central !lace of
,rder,
& "e, for God;s sa7e, chose death to e his !ortion. "e chose not, for men;s
good, a life eternal
They sacrificed -rhas!ati the /si. <ama delivered u! his own dear ody.
( The 5even flow to the <outh on whom the %aruts wait1 the 5ons unto the
4ather rought the sacrifice.
-oth these are his, as his they are the Lords of oth1 oth toil: elonging
unto oth they !ros!er well.
HYMN XIV. Ya$a.
1. ",=,3/ the 8ing with thine olations, <ama, 'ivasvan;s 5on, who gathers
men together,
Who travelled to the lofty heights aove us, who searces out and shows the
!ath to many.
2 <ama first found for us a !lace to dwell in1 this !asture never can e ta7en
from
3s.
%en orn on earth tread their own !aths that lead them whither our ancient
4athers have de!arted.
# %itali !ros!ers there with 8avyas, <ama with Angiras; sons, -rhas!ati with
/7vans1
2$alters of the Gods, y Gods e$alted, some 9oy in !raise and some in our
olation.
& >ome, seat thee on this ed of grass, , <ama, in com!any with Angirases
and 4athers.
Let te$ts recited y the sages ring thee , 8ing, let this olation ma7e thee
9oyful.
( >ome, <ama, with the Angirases the "oly, re9oice thee here with children
of 'iru!a.
To sit on sacred grass at this our worshi!, I call 'ivasvan, too, thy 4ather
hither.
* ,ur 4athers are Angirases, =avagvas, Atharvans, -hrgus who deserve the
5oma.
%ay these, the "oly, loo7 on us with favour, may we en9oy their gracious
loving)7indness.
+ Go forth, go forth u!on the ancient !athways whereon our sires of old
have gone efore us.
;%ere shalt thou loo7 on oth the 8ings en9oying their sacred food, God
'aruna and <ama.
. %eet <ama, meet the 4athers, meet the merit of free or ordered acts, in
highest heaven.
Leave sin and evil, see7 anew thy dwelling, and right with glory wear
another ody.
0 Go hence, de!art ye, fly in all directions1 this !lace for him the 4athers
have !rovided.
<ama estows on him a !lace to rest in adorned with days and eams of
light and waters.
1@ /un and outs!eed the two dogs, 5arama;s offs!ring, rindled, four)eyed,
u!on thy ha!!y !athway.
6raw nigh then to the gracious)minded 4athers where they re9oice in
com!any with <ama.
11 And those two dogs of thine, <ama, the watchers, four)eyed, who loo7 on
men and guard the !athway,)
2ntrust this man, , 8ing, to their !rotection, and with !ros!erity and health
endow him.
12 6ar7)hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, <ama;s two envoys roam
among the Peo!le:
%ay they restore to us a fair e$istence here and to)day, that we may see the
sunlight.
1# To <ama !our the 5oma, ring to <ama consecrated gifts1
To <ama sacrifice !re!ared and heralded y Agni goes.
1& ,ffer to <ama holy gifts enriched with utter, and draw near1
5o may he grant that we may live long days of life among the Gods.
1( ,ffer to <ama, to the 8ing, olation very rich in meath1
-ow down efore the /sis of the ancient times, who made this !ath in days
of old.
1* Into the si$ 2$!anses flies the Great ,ne in Tr7adru7as.
The Gayatri, the Trstu!, all metres in <ama are contained.
HYMN XV. Fa&#!rs.
1. %A< they ascend, the lowest, highest, midmost, the 4athers who deserve
a share of 5oma)
%ay they who have attained the life of s!irits, gentle and righteous, aid us
when we call them.
2 =ow let us !ay this homage to the 4athers, to those who !assed of old and
those who followed,
Those who have rested in the earthly region, and those who dwell among
the %ighty /aces.
# 1 have attained the gracious)minded 4athers, I have gained son and
!rogeny from 'isnu.
They who en9oy !ressed 9uices with olation seated on sacred grass, come
oftenest hither.
& 4athers who sit on sacred grass, come, hel! us1 these offerings have we
made for you: acce!t them.
5o come to us with most aus!icious favour, and give us health and strength
without a troule.
( %ay they, the 4athers, worthy of the 5oma, invited to their favourite
olations.
Laid on the sacred grass, come nigh and listen1 may they e gracious unto us
and less us.
* -owing your ended 7nees and seated southward, acce!t this sacrifice of
ours with favour.
Punish us not for any sin, , 4athers, which we through human frailty have
committed.
+ La!!ed in the osom of the !ur!le %ornings, give riches to the man who
rings olations.
Grant to your sons a !ortion of that treasure, and, !resent, give them
energy, ye 4athers.
. ,ur ancient 4athers who deserve the 5oma, who came, most nole, to our
5oma an?uet,)
With these let <ama, yearning with the yearning, re9oicing eat our offerings
at his !leasure.
0 >ome to us, Agni, with the gracioug 4athers who dwell in glowing light,
the very 8avyas,
Who thirsted mid the Gods, who hasten hither, olation winners, theme of
singers; !raises.
1@ >ome, Agni, come with countless ancient 4athers, dwellers in light,
!rimeval, God)adorers,
2aters and drin7ers of olations, truthful, who travel with the 6eities and
Indra.
11 4athers whom Agni;s flames have tasted, come ye nigh1 ye 7indly leaders,
ta7e ye each your !ro!er !lace.
2at sacrificial food !resented on the grass1 grant riches with a multitude of
hero sons.
12 Thou, Agni Datavedas, when entreated, didst ear the offerings which
thou madest fragrant,
And give them to the 4athers who did cat them with 5vadha. 2at, thou God,
the gifts we ring thee.
1# Thou, Datavedas, 7nowest well the numer of 4athers who are here and
who are asent,
,f 4athers whom we 7now and whom we 7now not1 acce!t the sacrifice
well!re!ared with !ortions.
1& They who, consumed y fire or not cremated, 9oy in their offering in the
midst of heaven,)
Grant them, , 5ovran Lord, the world of s!irits and their own ody, as thy
!leasure wills it.
HYMN XVI. Agni.
1. -urn him not u!, nor ?uite consume him, Agni1 let not his ody or his s7in
e scattered.
, Datavedas, when thou hast matured him, then send him on his way unto
the 4athers.
2 When thou hast made him ready, Datavedas, then do thou give him over to
the 4athers.
When he attains unto the life that waits him, he shall ecome the 6eities;
controller.
# The 5un receive thine eye, tne Wind thy s!irit: go, as thy merit is, to earth
or heaven.
Go, if it e thy lot, unto the waters: go, ma7e thine home in !lants with all
thy memers.
& Thy !ortion is the goat1 with heat consume him1 let thy fierce flame, thy
glowing s!lendour, urn him
With thine aus!icious forms, o Datavedas, ear this man to the region of the
!ious.
( Again, , Agni, to the 4athers send him who, offered in thee, goes with our
olations.
Wearing new life let him increase his offs!ring1 let him re9oin a ody,
Datavedas.
* What wound soe;er the dar7 ird hath inflicted, the emmet, or the
ser!ent, or the 9ac7al,
%ay Agni who devoureth all things heal it and 5oma who hath !assed into
the -rahmans.
+ 5hield thee with flesh against the flames of Agni, encom!ass thee aout
with fat and marrow,
5o will the -old ,ne, eager to attac7 thee with fierce glow fail to girdle and
consume thee.
. 4orear, , Agni, to u!set this ladle1 the Gods and they who merit 5oma
love it.
This ladle, this which serves the Gods to drin7 from, in this the Immortal
6eities re9oice them.
0 1 send afar flesh eating Agni, earing off stains may he de!art to <ama;s
su9ects.
-ut let this other Datavedas carry olation to the Gods, for he is s7ilful.
1@ I choose as God for 4ather)worshi! Agni, flesh)eater, who hath !ast
within your dwelling,
While loo7ing on this other Datavedas. Let him light flames in the su!reme
assemly.
11 With offerings meet let Agni ring the 4athers who su!!ort the Law.
Let him announce olations !aid to 4athers and to 6eities.
12 /ight gladly would we set thee down, right gladly ma7e thee urn and
glow.
Gladly ring yearning 4athers nigh to cat the food of sacrifice.
1# >ool, Agni, and again refresh the s!ot which thou hast scorched and
urnt.
"ere let the water)lily grow, and tender grass and leafy her.
1& , full of coolness, thou cool Plant, full of fresh moisture, freshening
"er,
>ome hither with the female frog1 fill with delight this Agni here.
HYMN XVII. Vari/us D!i&i!s.
1. T'A5TA/ !re!ares the ridal of his 6aughter1 all the world hears the
tidings and assemles.
-ut <ama;s %other, 5!ouse of great 'ivasvan, vanished as she was carried to
her dwelling.
2 4rom mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one li7e her and gave
her to 'ivasvan.
5aranyu rought to him the Asvin rothers, and then deserted oth twinned
!airs of children.
# Guard of the world, whose cattle ne;er are in9ured, may Pusan ear thee
hence, for he hath 7nowledge.
%ay he consign thee to these 4athers; 7ee!ing, and to the gracious Gods let
Agni give thee.
& %ay Ayu, giver of all life, !rotect thee, and ear thee forward on the
distant !athway.
Thither let 5avitar the God trans!ort thee, where dwell the !ious who have
!assed)efore thee.
( Pusan 7nows all these realms1 may he conduct us y ways that are most
free from fear and danger.
Giver of lessings, glowing, all)heroic, may he, thewise and watchful, go
efore us.
* Pusan was orn to move on distant !athways, on the road far from earth
and far from heaven.
To oth most wonted !laces of assemly he travels and returns with !erfect
7nowledge.
+ The !ious call 5arasvati, they worshi! 5arasvati while sacrifice
!roceedeth.
The !ious called 5arasvati aforetime. 5arasvati send liss to him who giveth.
. 5arasvati, who camest with the 4athers, with them re9oicing thee in our
olations,
5eated u!on this sacred grass e 9oyful, and give us strengthening food that
rings no sic7ness.
0 Thou, called on as 5arasvati y 4athers who come right forward to our
solemn service,
Give food and wealth to !resent sacrificers, a !ortion, worth a thousand, of
refreshment.
1@ The %other 4loods shall ma7e us right and shining, cleansers of holy oil,
with oil shall cleanse us1
4or, Goddesses, they ear off all defilement1 I, rise u! from them !urified
and rightened.
11 Through days of earliest date the 6ro! descended on this !lace and on
that which was efore it.
I offer u!, throughout the seven olations, the 6ro! which still to one same
!lace is moving.
12 The 6ro! that falls, thy stal7 which arms have sha7en, which from the
osom of the !ress hath fallen,
,r from the Adhvaryu;s !urifying filter, I offer thee with heart and cry of
'asatA
1# That fallen 6ro! of thine, the stal7 which from the ladle fell away,
This !resent God -rhas!ati shall !our it forth to ma7e us rich.
1& The !lants of earth are rich in mil7, and rich in mil7 is this my s!eech:
And rich in mil7 the essence of the Waters1 ma7e me !ure therewith.
HYMN XVIII. Vari/us D!i&i!s.
1. Go hence, , 6eath, !ursue thy s!ecial !athway a!art from that which
Gods are wont to travel.
To thee I say it who hast eyes and hearest1 Touch not our offs!ring, in9ure
not our heroes.
2 As ye have come effacing %rtyu;s footste!, to further times !rolonging
your e$istence,
%ay ye e rich in children and !ossessions. cleansed, !urified, and meet for
sacrificing.
# 6ivided from the dead are these, the living1 now e our calling on the
Gods successful.
We have gone forth for dancing and for laughter, tofurther times !rolonging
our e$istence.
& "ere I erect this ram!art for the living: let none of these, none other,
reach this limit.
%ay they survive a hundred lengthened autumns, and may they ury 6eath
eneath this mountain.
( As the days follow days in close succession, as with the seasons duly come
the seasons,
As each successor fails not his foregoer, so form the lives of these, , great
,rdainer.
* Live your full lives a!A find old age delightful, all of you striving one
ehind the other.
%ay Tvastar, ma7er of fair things, e gracious and lengthen out the days of
your e$istence.
+ Let these unwidowed dames with nole husands adorn themselves with
fragrant alm and unguent.
6ec7ed with fair 9ewels, tearless, free from sorrow, first let the dames go
u! to where he lieth.
. /ise, come unto the world of life, , woman1 come, he is lifeless y whose
side thou liest.
Wifehood with this thy husand was thy !ortion, who too7 thy hand and
wooed thee as a lover.
0 4rom his dead hand I ta7e the ow e carried, that it may e our !ower
and might and glory.
There art thou, there: and here with nole heroes may we o;ercome all
hosts that fight against us.
1@ -eta7e thee to the Ia! of 2arth the %other, of 2arth far)s!reading, very
7ind and gracious.
<oung 6ame, wool)soft unto the guerdongiver, may she !reserve tee from
6estruction;s osom.
11 "eave thyself, 2arth, nor !ress thee downward heavily1 afford him easy
access, gently tending him.
>over him, as a mother wra!s her s7irt aout her child, , 2arth.
12 =ow let the heaving earth e free from motion1 yea,) let a thousand
clods remain aove him.
-e they to him a home distilling fatness, here let them ever e his !lace of
refuge.
1# I stay the earth from thee, while over thee I !lace this !iece of earth.
%ay I e free from in9ury.
"ere let the 4athers 7ee! this !illar firm for thee, and there let <ama ma7e
thee an aiding)!lace.
1& 2ven as an arrow;s feathers, they have set me on a fitting day.
The fit word have I caught and held as ;twere a courser with the rein.
HYMN XIX. 1a&!rs /r ./-s.
1. T3/=, go not farther on your way1 visit us, , ye Wealthy ,nes.
Agni and 5oma, ye who ring riches again, secure us wealth.
2 %a7e these return to us again, ring them eside us once again.
%ay. Indra give them ac7 to us, and Agni drive them hither)ward.
# Let them return to us again1 under this herdsman let them feed.
6o thou, , Agni, 7ee! them here, and let the wealth we have remain.
& 1 call u!on their herdsman, him who 7noweth well their coming nigh,
Their !arting and their home)return, and watcheth their a!!roach and rest.
( <ea, let the herdsman, too, return, who mar7eth well their driving)forth:
%ar7eth their wandering away, their turning ac7 and coming home.
* "ome)leader, lead them home to us: Indra, restore to us our 7ine1
We will re9oice in them alive.
+ 1 offer you on every side utter and mil7 and strengthening food.
%ay all the "oly 6eities !our down on us a flood of wealth.
. , thou "ome)leader, lead them home, restore them thou who ringest
home.
4our are the ?uarters of the earth: from these ring ac7 to us our 7ine,
HYMN XX. Agni.
1. 52=6 unto us a good and ha!!y mind.
2 1 worshi! Agni, <outhfullest of Gods, resistless, 4riend of laws:
3nder whose guard and heavenly light the 5!otted see7 the %other;s reast1
# Whom with their mouth they magnify, annered with flame and homed in
light.
"e glitters with his row of teeth.
& 8ind, 4urtherer of men, he comes, when he hath reached the ends of
heaven,
5age, giving s!lendour to the clouds.
( To taste man;s offerings, he, the 5trong, hath risen erect at sacrifice1
4i$ing his dwelling he !roceeds.
* "ere are olation, worshi!, rest1 ra!idly comes his furtherance.
To sword)armed Agni come the Gods.
+ With service for chief liss I see7 the Lord of 5acrifice, Agni, whom
They call the Living, 5on of >loud.
. -lest evermore e all the men who come from us, who magnify
Agni with sacrificial gifts.
0 The !ath he treads is lac7 and white and red, and stri!ed, and rown,
crimson, and glorious.
"is sire egat him right with hues of gold.
1@ Thus with his thoughts, , 5on of 5trength, , Agni, hath 'imada,
accordant with the Immortals,
,ffered thee hymns, soliciting thy favour. Thou hast rought all food,
strength, a !ros!erous dwelling.
HYMN XXI. Agni.
1. WIT" offerings of our own we choose thee, Agni, as Invo7ing Priest,
4or sacrifice with trimmed grass,)at your glad carouse)!iercing and rightly
shining. Thou art wa$ing great.
2 The wealthy ones adorn thee, they who ring us horses as their gift1
The s!rin7ling ladle, Agni,)at your glad carouse )and glowing offering taste
thee. Thou art wa$ing great.
# The holy statutes rest y thee, as ;twere with ladles that o;erflow.
-lac7 and white)gleaming colours,)at your glad carouse)all glories thou
assurnest. Thou art wa$ing great.
& , Agni, what thou deemest wealth, 'ictorious and Immortal ,neA
-ring thou to give us vigour,)at your glad carouse )s!lendid at sacrifices.
Thou art wa$ing great.
( 57illed in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan rought to life.
"e was 'ivasvan;s envoy, at your glad carouse)the weIl)loved friend of <ama,
* At sacrifices they adore thee, Agni, when the rite !roceeds.
All fair and lovely treasures)at your glad carouse)thou givest him who offers.
+ %en, Agni, have estalished thee as welcome Priest at holy rites,
Thee whose face shines with utter,)at your glad carouse)right, with eyes
most oservant. Thou art wa$ing great.
. Wide and aloft thou s!readest thee, , Agni, with ty rilliant flame.
A -ull art thou when ellowing,)at your glad carouse)thou dost im!regn the
5isters. Thou art wa$ing great.
HYMN XXII. Indra.
1. W"2/2 is famed Indra heard ofB With what fol7 is he renowned to)day as
%itra is,)
Who in the home of /sis and in secret is e$tolled with songB
2 2ven here is Indra famed, and among us this day the glorious Thunderer is
!raised,
"e who li7e %itra mid the fol7 hath won com!lete and full renown.
# "e who is 5ovran Lord of great and !erfect strength, e$erter of heroic
might,
Who ears the fearless thunder as a father ears his darling son.
& "arnessing to thy car, as God, two lustering 5teeds ,f the Wind)God, ,
Thunderer,
That s!eed along the shining !ath, thou ma7ing ways art glorified.
( 2ven to these dar7 5teeds of Wind thou of thyself hast come to ride,
,f which no driver may e found, none, e he God or mortal man.
* When ye a!!roach, men as7 you, thee and 3sana1 Why come ye to our
dwelling)!laceB
Why are ye come to mortal man from distant realms of ea!th and heavenB
+ , Indra, thou shalt s!ea7 us fair1 our holy !rayer is offered u!.
We !ray to thee for hel! as thou didst stri7e the monster 5usna dead.
. Around us is the 6asyu, riteless, void of sense, inhuman, 7ee!ing alien
laws.
-affle, thou 5layer of the foe, the wea!on which this 6asa wields.
0 "ero with "eroes, thou art ours1 yea, strong are they whom thou dost
hel!.
In many a !lace are thy full gifts, and men, li7e vassals, sing thy !raise.
1@ 3rge thou these heroes on to slay the enemy, rave ThundererA in the
fight with swords.
2ven when hid among the tries of 5ages numerous as stars.
11 5wift come those gifts of thine whose hand is !rom!t to rend and urn, ,
"ero Thunder)armed1
As thou with thy >om!anions didst destroy the whole of 5u5nia;s rood.
12 Let not thine e$cellent assistance come to us, , "ero Indra, !rofitless.
%ay we, may we en9oy the liss of these thy favours, ThundererA
1# %ay those soft im!ulses of thine, , Indra, e fruitful and innocent to us.
%ay we 7now these whose treasures are li7e those of milch)7ine, ThundererA
1& That 2arth, through !ower of 7nowing things that may e 7nown,
handless and footless yet might thrive,
Thou slewest, turning to the right, gu:na for every living man.
1( 6rin7, drin7 the 5oma, "ero Indra: e not withheld as thou art good, ,
Treasure)giver.
Preserve the singers and our lieral !rinces, and ma7e us wealthy with
aundant riches.
HYMN XXIII. Indra.
1. I=6/A, whose right hand wields the olt, we worshi!, driver of -ay
5teeds see7ing sundered courses.
5ha7ing his eard with might he hath arisen, casting his wea!ons forth and
dealing ounties.
2 The treasure which his -ay 5teeds found at sacrifice,)this wealth made
o!ulent Indra slayer of the foe.
/hu, /hu7san, 'a9a)he is Lord of %ight. The 6asa;s very name I utterly
destroy.
# When, with the Princes, %aghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the
thunderolt of gold, and the >ontroller;s car
Which his two Tawny >oursers draw, then Indra is the 5ovran Lord of !ower
whose glory s!reads afar.
& With him too is this rain of his that comes li7e herds1 Indra throws dro!s of
moisture on his yellow eard.
When the sweet 9uice is shed he see7s the !leasant !lace, and stirs the
worshi!!er as wind disturs the wood.
( We laud and !raise his several deeds of valour who, fatherli7e, with !ower
hath made us stronger:
Who with his voice slew many thousand wic7ed ones who s!a7e in varied
manners with contem!tuous cries.
* Indra, the 'imadas have formed for thee a laud, co!ious, un!aralleled, for
thee %ost -ountiful.
We 7now the good we gain from him the %ighty ,ne when we attract him as
a herdsman calls the 7ine.
+ =e;er may this ond of friendshi! e dissevered, the /si 'imada;s and
thine, , Indra.
We 7now thou carest for us as a rother with us, , God, e thine aus!icious
friendshi!.
HYMN XXIV. Indra. Asvins.
1. , I=6/A, drin7 this 5oma, !ressed out in the mortar, full of sweets.
5end down to us great riches,)at your glad carouse)in thousands, , %ost
healthy. Thou art wa$ing great.
2 To thee with sacrifices, with olations, and with lauds we come.
Lord of all strength and !ower, grant)at your glad carouse)the est
choiceworthy treasure. Thou art wa$ing great.
# Thou who art Lord of !recious oons, inciter even of the churl.
Guardian of singers, Indra,)at your glad carouse)save us from woe and
hatred. Thou art wa$ing great.
& 5trong, Lords of %agic !ower, ye Twain churned the united worlds a!art,
When ye, im!lored y 'imada, =asatyas, forced a!art the !air.
( When the united !air were rent asunder all the Gods com!lained.
The Gods to the =asatyas cried, -ring these together once again.
* 5weet e my going forth, and rich in sweets e my a!!roach to home.
5o, through your 6eity, oth Gods, enrich us with all !leasantness.
HYMN XXV. S/$a.
1. 52=6 us a good and ha!!y mind, send energy and mental !ower.
Then)at your glad carouse)let men 9oy in thy love, 5weet 9uiceA as 7ine in
!asture. Thou. art wa$ing great.
2 rn all thy forms, , 5oma, rest thy !owers that influence the heart.
5o also these my longings)at your glad carouse)s!read themselves see7ing
riches. Thou art wa$ing great.
# 2ven if, , 5oma, I neglect thy laws through my sim!licity,
-e gracious)at your glad carouse)as sire to son. Preserve us even from
slaughter. T;hou. art wa$ing great.
& ,ur songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells.
5oma, that we may live, grant)at your glad carouse)full !owers of mind, li7e
ea7ers. Thou art wa$ing great.
( , 5oma, through thy might who art s7ilful and strong, these longing men,
These sages, have thrown o!en)at your glad carouse)the stall of 7ine and
horses. Thou art wa$ing great
* ,ur herds thou guardest, 5oma, and the moving world s!read far and
wide.
Thou fittest them for living,)at your glad carouse)loo7ing u!on all eings.
+ ,n all sides, 5oma, e to us a Guardian ne;er to e deceived.
8ing, drive away our foemen)at your glad carouse1)let not the wic7ed rule
us. Thou art wa$ing great.
. -e watchful, 5oma, !assing wise, to give us store of vital strength.
%ore s7illed than man to guide us,)at your glad carouse)save us from harm
and sorrow. Thou art wa$ing great.
0 >hief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra;s gracious 4riend,
When warriors invo7e him)at your glad carouse )in fight, to win them
offs!ring. Thou art wa$ing great.
1@ 'ictorious is this gladdening drin71 to Indra dear it grows in strength.
This)at your glad carouse )enhanced the mighty hymn of the great sage
8a7sivan. Thou art wa$ing great.
11 This to the sage who offers gifts rings !ower that comes from wealth in
7ine.
This, etter than the seven, hath)at your glad carouse)furthered the lind,
the cri!!le. Thou art wa$ing great.
HYMN XXVI. +usan.
1. 4,/WA/6 u!on their way !roceed the ready teams, the lovely songs.
4urther them glorious Pusan with yo7ed chariot, and the %ighty TwainA
2 With sacred hymns let this man here, this singer, win the God to whom
-elong this ma9esty and might. "e hath oserved our eulogies.
# Pusan the 5trong hath 7nowledge of sweet !raises even as Indu hath.
"e dews our corn with moisture, he edews the !asture of our 7ine.
& We will ethin7 ourselves of thee, , Pusan, , thou God, as ,ne.
Who rings fulfilment of our hymns, and stirs the singer and the sage.
( 9oint)sharer of each sacrifice, the driver of the chariot steeds:
The /si who is good to man, the singer;s 4riend and faithful Guard.
* ,ne who is Lord of 5uca, Lord of 5uca caring for herself1
Weaving the raiment of the shee! and ma7ing raiment eautiful.
+ The mighty Lord of s!oil and wealth, 5trong 4riend of all !ros!erity:
"e with light movement sha7es his eard, lovely and ne;er to e deceived.
. , Pusan, may those goats of thine turn hitherward thy chariot)!ole.
4riend of all su!!liants: art thou, orn in old time, and arm and sure.
0 %ay the ma9estic Pusan s!eed our chariot with his !ower and might.
%ay he increase our store of wealth and listen to this call of ours.
HYMN XXVII. Indra.
1. T"I5, singer, is my firm determination, to aid the worshi!!er who !ours
the 5oma.
I slay the man who rings no mil7olation, unrighteous, !owerful, the truth;s
!erverter.
2 Then Will I, when I lead my friends to attle against the radiant !ersons of
the godless,
Pre!are for thee at home a vigorous ulloc7, and !our for thee the fifteen)
fold strong 9uices.
# I 7now not him who sayeth and declareth that he hath slain the godless in
the attle.
5oon as they see the furious comat raging, men s!ea7 forth !raises of my
vigorous horses.
& While yet my deeds of might were unrecorded, all !assed for %aghavans
though I e$isted.
The !otent one who dwelt in !eace I con?uered, gras!ed y the foot and
slew him on the mountain.
( =one hinder me in mine heroic e$!loits, no, not the mountains when I will
and !ur!ose.
2ven the deaf will tremle at my roaring, and every day will dust e
agitated.
* To see the Indraless olation)drin7ers, mean offerers, o;erta7en y
destructionA
Then shall the fellies of my car !ass over those who have lamed my 9oyous
4riend and scorned him.
+ Thou wast, thou grewest to full vital vigour1 an earlier saw, a later one
shall see thee.
Two cano!ies, as ;twere, are round aout him who reacheth to the limit of
this region.
. The freed 7ine eat the arley of the !ious. 1 saw them as they wandered
with the herdsman.
The calling of the !ious rang around them. What !ortion will these 7ine
afford their ownerB
0 When we who cat the grass of men are gathered I am with arley)eaters in
the corn)land.
There shall the ca!tor yo7e the yo7eless ulloc7, and he who hath een
yo7ed see7 one to loose him.
1@ There wilt thou hold as true my s!o7en !ur!ose, to ring together
?uadru!eds. and i!eds.
I will divide, without a fight, his riches who warreth here, against the -ull,
with women.
11 When a man;s daughter hath een ever eyeless, who, 7nowing, will e
wroth with her for lindnessB
Which of the two will loose on him his anger)the man who leads her home or
he who woos herB
12 "ow many a maid is !leasing to the suitor who fain would marry for her
s!lendid richesB
If the girl e oth good and fair of feature, she finds, herself, a friend
among the !eo!le.
1# "is feet have gras!ed1 he eats the man who meets him. Around his head
he sets the head for shelter.
5itting anear and right aove he smites us, and follows earth that lies
s!read out eneath him.
1& "igh, leafless, shadowless, and swift is "eaven1 the %other stands, the
<oungling, loosed, is feeding.
Loud hath she lowed, lic7ing Another;s offs!ring. In what world hath the >ow
laid down her udderB
1( 5even heroes from the nether !art ascended, and from the u!!er !art
came eight together.
=ine from ehind came armed with winnowing)as7ets1 ten from the front
!ressed o;er the roc7;s high ridges.
1* ,ne of the ten, the tawny, shared in common, they send to e$ecute their
final !ur!ose.
The %other carries on her reast the Infant of nole form and soothes it
while it 7nows not.
1+ The "eroes dressed with fire the fatted wether1 the dice were thrown y
way of s!ort and gaming.
Two reach the !lain amid the heavenly waters, hallowing and with means of
!urifying.
1. >rying aloud they ran in all directions1 ,ne half of them will coo7, and
not the other.
To me hath 5avitar, this God, declared it1 "e will !erform, whose food is
wood and utter.
10 I saw a troo! advancing from the distance moved, not y wheels ut their
own God)li7e nature.
The 4riendly ,ne see7s human generations, destroying, still new ands of
evil eings.
2@ These my two -ulls, even Pramara;s, are harnessed1 drive them not far:
here let them often linger.
The waters even shall aid him to his o9ect, and the all)cleansing 5un who is
aove us.
21 This is the thunderolt which often whirleth down from the lofty misty
realm of 5urya.
-eyond this realm there is another glory so through old age they !ass and
feel no sorrow.
22 -ound fast to,every tree the cow is lowing, and thence the man)
consuming irds are flying,
Then all this world, though !ressing 9uice for Indra and strengthening the
/si, is affrighted.
2# In the Gods; mansion stood the first)created, and from their se!aration
came the later.
Three warm the 2arth while holding stores of water, and Two of these
convey the murmuring moisture.
2& This is thy life1 and do thou mar7 and 7now it. As such, hide not thyself in
time of attle.
"e manifests the light and hides the va!our1 his foot is never free from
roes that veil it.
HYMN XXVIII. Indra. Vasu3ra.
1. =ow all my other friends are here assemled1 my 5ire)in)law alone hath
not come hither.
5o might he eat the grain and drin7 the 5oma, and, satisfied, return unto:
his dwelling.
2 Loud elloweth the -ull whose horns are shar!ened1 u!on the height
aove earth;s readth he standeth.
That man I guard and save in all his troules who fills my flan7s when he
hath shed the 5oma.
# %en with the stone !ress out for thee, , Indra, strong, gladdening 5oma,
and thereof thou drin7est.
-ulls they dress for thee, and of these thou eatest when, %aghavan, with
food thou art invited.
& /esolve for me, , singer, this my riddle1 The rivers send their swelling
water ac7ward1
The fo$ steals u! to the a!!roaching lion1 the 9ac7al drives the wild)oar
from the rushwood.
( "ow shall I solve this riddle, I, the sim!le, declare the thought of thee the
Wise and %ightyB
Tell us, well 7nowing, as efits the season1 Whitherward is thy !ros!erous
car advancingB
* Thus do they magnify me, me the mighty higher than even high heaven is
my car)!ole.
I all at once demolish many thousands1 my 5ire egot me with no foe to
match me.
+ <ea, and the Gods have 7nown me also, Indra, as mighty, fierce and strong
in every e$!loit.
2$ulting with the olt I slaughtered 'rtra, and for the offerer o!ed with
might the cow)stall.
. The 6eities a!!roached, they carried a$es: s!litting the wood they came
with their attendants.
They laid good timer in the fire)receivers, and urnt the grass u! where
they found it growing.
0 The hare hath swallowed u! the o!!osing raCor1 I sundered with a clod the
distant mountain.
The great will I ma7e su9ect to the little1 the calf shall wa$ in strength and
cat the ulloc7.
1@ There hath the strong)winged eagle left his talon, as a snared lion leaves
the tra! that caught him.
2ven the wild steer in his thirst is ca!tured1 the leather stra! still holds his
foot entangled.
11 5o may the leather stra! their foot entangle who fatten on the viands of
the -rahman.
They all devour the ulls set free to wander, while they themselves destroy
their odies; vigour.
12 They were well occu!ied with holy duties who s!ed in !erson with their
lauds to 5oma.
5!ea7ing li7e man, mete to us wealth and ooty1 in heaven thou hast the
name and fame of "ero.
HYMN XXIX. Indra.
1. As sits the young ird on the tree re9oicing, ye, swift Pair, have een
roused y clear laudation,
Whose "erald)Priest through many days is Indra, earth;s Guardian, 4riend of
men, the est of "eroes.
2 %ay we, when this 6awn and the ne$t dance hither, e thy est servants,
most heroic "eroA
Let the victorious car with tri!le s!lendour ring hitherward the hundred
chiefs with 8utsa.
# What was the gladdening draught that !leased thee, IndraB 5!eed through
our doors to songs, for thou art mighty.
Why comest thou to me, what gift attracts theeB 4ain would I ring thee
food most meet to offer.
& Indra, what fame hath one li7e thee mid heroesB With what !lan wilt thou
actB Why hast thou sought usB
As a true 4riend, Wide)5triderA to sustain us, since food asors the thought
of each among us.
( 5!eed ha!!ily those, as 5urya ends his 9ourney, who meet his wish as
ridegrooms meet their s!ouses:
%en who !resent, , Indra strong y nature, with food the many songs that
tell thy !raises.
* Thine are two measures, Indra, wide)wellmeted, heaven for thy ma9esty,
earth for thy wisdom.
"ere for thy choice are 5omas mi$ed with utter1 may the sweet meath e
!leasant for thy drin7ing.
+ They have !oured out a owl to him, to Indra, full of sweet 9uice, for
faithful is his ounty.
,;er earth;s e$!anse hath he grown great y wisdom, the 4riend of man, and
y heroic e$!loits.
. Indra hath con?uered in his wars, the %ighty1 men strive in multitudes to
win his friendshi!.
Ascend thy chariot as it were in attle, which thou shalt drive to us with
gracious favour.
HYMN XXX. 1a&!rs.
1. As ;twere with swift e$ertion of the s!irit, let the !riest s!eed to the
celestial Waters,
The glorious food of 'aruna and %itra. To him who s!readeth far this laud I
offer.
2 Adhvaryus, he ye ready with olations,, and come with longing to the
longing Waters,
6own on which loo7s the. !ur!le)tinted 2agle. Pour ye that flowing wave
this day, deft)handed.
# Go to the reservoir, , ye Adhvaryus worshi! the Waters; >hild with your
olations.
A consecrated wave he now will give you, so !ress for him the 5oma rich in
sweetness.
& "e who shines right in floods, unfed with fuel, whom sages worshi! at
their sacrifices1
Give waters rich in sweets, >hild of the Waters, even those which gave
heroic might to Indra1
( Those in which 5oma 9oys and is delighted, as a young man with fair and
!leasant damsels.
Go thou unto those Waters, , Adhvaryu, and !urify with hers what thou
infusest.
* 5o maidens ow efore the youthful gallant who comes with love to them
who yearn to meet him.
In heart accordant and in wish one)minded are the Adhvaryus and the
heavenly Waters.
+ "e who made room for you when fast im!risoned, who freed you from the
mighty im!recation,)
2ven to that Indra send the meath)rich current, the wave that gratifies the
Gods, , Waters.
. 5end forth to him the meath)rich wave, , /ivers, which is your offs!ring
and a well of sweetness,
,il)almed, to e im!lored at sacrifices. <e wealthy Waters, hear mine
invocation.
0 5end forth the ra!ture)giving wave, , /ivers, which Indra drin7s, which
sets the Twain in motion:
The well that s!ringeth from the clouds, desirous, that wandereth tri!le)
formed, distilling trans!ort.
1@ These winding 5treams which with their doule current, li7e cattle)
raiders, see7 the lower !astures,)
Waters which dwell together, thrive together, Eueens, %others of the world,
these, /si, honour.
11 5end forth our sacrifice with holy worshi! send forth the hymn and
!rayer for gain of riches.
4or need of sacrifice disclose the udder. Give gracious hearing to our call, ,
Waters.
12 4or, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures1 ye ring aus!icious intellect
and Amrta.
<e are the Eueens of inde!endent riches 5arasvati give full life to the
singerA
1# When I ehold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them mil7 and
mcath and utter,
-earing the well)!ressed 5oma 9uice to Indra, they harmoniCe in s!irit with
Adhvaryus.
1& /ich, they are come with wealth for living eings, , friends, Adhvaryus,
seat them in their !laces.
5eat them on holy grass, ye 5oma)ringers in harmony with the ,ffs!ring of
the Waters.
1( =ow to this grass are come the longing Waters1 the Pious ,nes are seated
at our worshi!.
Advaryus, !ress the 5oma 9uice for Indra so will the service of the Gods e
easy.
HYMN XXXI. Visv!d!vas.
1. %A< enediction of the Gods a!!roach us, holy, to aid us with all ra!id
succours.
Therewith may we e ha!!ily efriended, and !ass trium!hant over all our
troules.
2 A man should thin7 on wealth and strive to win it y adoration on the !ath
of ,rder,
>ounsel himself with his own mental insight, and gras! still noler vigour
with his s!irit.
# The hymn is formed, !oured are the allotted !ortions1 as to a ford friends
come unto the Wondrous.
We have otained the !ower of case and comfort, we ha'e ecome
ac?uainted, with Immortals.
& Pleased e the 2ternal Lord who loves the household with this man whom
God 5avitar created.
%ay -haga Aryaman grace him with cattle1 may he a!!ear to him, and e,
delightful.
( Li7e the 6awns; dwelling)!lace e this assemly, where in their might men
rich in food have gathered.
5triving to share the !raises of this singer. To us come strengthening and
effectual richesA
* This -ull;s most gracious far)e$tended favour e$isted first of all in full
aundance.
-y his su!!ort they are maintained in common who in the Asura;s mansion
dwell together.
+ What was the tree, what wood, in sooth, !roduced it, from which they
fashioned forth the 2arth and "eavenB
These Twain stand fast and wa$ not old for ever1 these have sung !raise to
many a day and morning.
. =ot only here is this1 more is eyond us. "e is the -ull, the "eaven;s and
2arth;s su!!orter.
With !ower divine he ma7es his s7in a filter, when the -ay >oursers ear
him on as 5urya.
0 "e !asses o;er the road earth li7e a 5tega1 he !enetrates the world as
Wind the mist)cloud.
"e, almed with oil, near 'aruna and %itra, li7e Agni in the wood, hath shot
forth s!lendour.
1@ When suddenly called the cow that erst was arren, she, self)!rotected,
ended all her troules.
2arth, when the first son s!rang from sire and mother, cast u! the gami,
that which men were see7ing.
11 To =rsad;s son they gave the name of 8ainva, and he the rown)hued
courser won the treasure.
4or him dar7)coloured streamed the shining udder1 none made it swell for
him. Thus ,rder willed it.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1. 4,/T" s!eed the Pair to ring the meditating God, enevolent with oons
sent in return for oons.
%ay Indra graciously acce!t oth gifts from us, when he hath 7nowledge of
the flowing 5oma 9uice.
2 Thou wanderest far, , Indra, through the s!heres of light and realms of
earth, the region, thou whom many !raiseA
Let those who often ring their solemn rites con?uer the noisy alers who
!resent no gifts.
# %ore eautiful than eauty must this seem to me, when the son duly
careth for his !arents; line.
The wife attracts the husand1 with a shout of 9oy the man;s aus!icious
marriage is !erformed aright.
& This eauteous !lace of meeting have I loo7ed u!on, where, li7e milch)
cows, the 7ine order the marriage train:
Where the "erd;s %other counts as first and est of all, and round her are
the seven)toned !eo!le of the choir.
( The Pious ,ne hath reached your !lace efore the rest1 ,ne only moves
victorious with the /udras; and.
To these your hel!ers !our our meath, Immortal Gods, with whom your song
of !raise hath !ower to win their gifts.
* "e who maintains the Laws of God informed me that thou wast lying
hidden in the waters.
Indra, who 7noweth well, eheld and showed thee. -y him instructed am I
come, , Agni.
+ The stranger as7s the way of him who 7nows it1 taught y the s7ilful guide
he travels onward.
This is, in truth, the lessing of instruction1 he finds the !ath that leads
directly forward.
. 2ven now he reathed1 these days hath he rememered. >oncealed, he
suc7ed the osom of his %other.
<et in his youth old age hath come u!on him1 he hath grown gracious, good,
and free from anger.
0 , 8alasa, all these lessings will we ring them, , 8urusravana, who give
rich !resents.
%ay he, , wealthy !rinces, and this 5oma which I am earing in my heart,
reward you.
HYMN XXXIII. Vari/us D!i&i!s.
1. T"2 urgings of the !eo!le have im!elled me, and y,the nearest way I
ring you Pusan.
The 3niversal Gods have rought me safely. The cry was heard, -ehold,
6usasu comethA
2 The ris that com!ass me give !ain and troule me li7e rival wives.
Indigence, na7edness, e$haustion !ress me sore1 my mind is fluttering li7e a
ird;s.
# As rats eat weavers; threads, cares are consuming me, thy singer,
gata7ratu, me.
"ave mercy on us once, , Indra, -ounteous Lord1 e thou a 4ather unto us.
& I the !riests; /si chose as !rince most lieral 8urusravana,
The son of Trasadasyu;s son,
( Whose three ays harnessed to the car ear me straight onward1 I will
laud
The giver of a thousand meeds,
* The sire of 3!amasravas, even him whose words were !assing sweet,
As a fair field is to its lord.
+ %ar7, 3!amasravas, his son, mar7, grandson of %itratithi1
I am thy father;s eulogist.
. If I controlled Immortal Gods, yea, even were I Lord of men,
%y lieral !rince were living still.
0 =one lives, even had he hundred lives, eyond the statute of the Gods
5o am I !arted from my friend.
HYMN XXXIV. Di)!' E&).
1. 5P/3=G from tall trees on windy heights, these rollers trans!ort me as
they turn u!on the tale.
6earer to me the die that never slumers than the dee! draught of
%u9avan;s own 5oma.
2 5he never ve$ed me nor was angry with me, ut to my friends and me was
ever gracious.
4or the die;s sa7e, whose single !oint is final, mine own devoted wife I
alienated.
# %y wife holds me aloof, her mother hates me1 the wretched man finds
none to give him comfort.
As of a costly horse grown old and feele, I find not any !rofit of the
gamester.
& ,thers caress the wife of him whose riches the die hath coveted, that
ra!id courser1
,f him s!ea7 father, mother, rothers saying, We 7now him not1 ind him
and ta7e him with you.
( When I resolve to !lay with these no longer, my friends de!art from me
and leave me lonely.
When the rown dice, thrown on the oard, have rattled, li7e a fond girl I
see7 the !lace of meeting.
* The gamester see7s the gamling)house, and wonders, his ody all afire,
5hall I e luc7yB
5till do the dice e$tend his eager longing, sta7ing his gains against his
adversary.
+ 6ice, verily, are armed with goads and driving)hoo7s, deceiving and
tormenting, causing grievous woe.
They give frail gifts and then destroy the man who wins, thic7ly anointed
with the !layer;s fairest good.
. %errily s!orts their troo!, the three)and)fifty, li7e 5avitar the God whose
ways are faithful.
They end not even to the mighty;s anger1 the 8ing himself !ays homage and
reveres them.
0 6ownward they roll, and then s!ring ?uic7ly u!ward, and, handless, force
the man with hands to serve them.
>ast on the oard, li7e lum!s of magic charcoal, though cold themselves
they um the heart to ashes.
1@ The gamler;s wife is left forlorn and wretched1 the mother mourns the
son who wanders homeless.
In constant fear, in det, and see7ing riches, he goes y night unto the home
of others.
11 5ad is the gamler when he sees a matron, another;s wife, and his well)
ordered dwelling.
"e yo7es the rown steeds in the early morning, and when the fire is cold
sin7s down an outcast.
12 To the great ca!tain of your mighty army, who hath ecome the host;s
im!erial leader,
To him I show my ten e$tended fingers1 I s!ea7 the truth. =o wealth am I
withholding.
1# Play not with dice1 no, cultivate thy corn)land. 2n9oy the gain, and deem
that wealth sufficient.
There are thy cattle there thy wife, , gamler. 5o this good 5avitar himself
hath told me.
1& %a7e me your friend1 show us some little mercy. Assail us not with your
terrific fierceness.
A!!eased e your malignity and anger, and let the rown dice snare some
other ca!tive.
HYMN XXXV. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"252 fires associate with Indra are awa7e, ringing their light when first
the 6awn egins to shine.
%ay "eaven and 2arth, great Pair, oserve our holy wor7. We claim for us
this day the favour of the Gods.
2 <ea, for ourselves we claim the grace of "eaven and 2arth, of 5aryanavan,
of the "ills and %other 5treams.
4or innocence we !ray to 5urya and to 6awn. 5o may the flowing 5oma ring
us liss to)day.
# %ay the great Twain, the %others, "eaven and 2arth, this day !reserve us
free from sin for !eace and ha!!iness.
%ay %orning sending forth her light drive sin afar. We !ray to 7indled Agni
for felicity.
& %ay this first 6awn ring us the host of gracious Gods1 rich, may it richly
shine for us who strive for wealth.
The wrath of the malignant may we 7ee! afar. We !ray to 7indled Agni for
feilicity.
( 6awns, who come forward with the right eams of the 5un, and at your
earliest flushing ring to us the light,
5hine ye on us to)day aus!icious, for renown. We !ray to 7indled Agni for
felicity.
* 4ree from all sic7ness may the %ornings come to us, and let our fires
mount u!ward with a lofty laCe.
The Asvin Pair have harnessed their swift)moving car. We !ray to 7indled
Agni for felicity.
+ 5end us to)day a !ortion choice and e$cellent, , 5avitar, for thou art he
who dealeth wealth.
I cry to 6hisana, %other of o!ulence. We !ray to 7indled Agni for felicity.
. 4urther me this declaring of 2ternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals
ac7nowledge itA
The 5un goes u! eholding all the rays of morn. We !ray to 7indled Agni for
felicity.
0 This day we !ray with innocence in strewing grass, ad9usting !ressing)
stones, and !erfecting the hymn.
Thou in the Adityas; 7ee!ing movest restlessly. We !ray to 7indled Agni for
felicity.
1@ To our great holy grass I id the Gods at morn to an?uet, and will seat
them as the seven !riests,)
'aruna, Indra, %itra, -haga for our gain. We !ray to 7indled Agni for felicity.
11 >ome hither, , Adityas, for our !erfect weal1 accordant hel! our sacrifice
that we may thrive.
Pusan, -rhas!ati, -haga, oth Asvins, and en7indled Agni we im!lore for
ha!!iness.
12 Adityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may e !raise)worthy,
!ros!erous, our heroes; sure defence,
4or cattle, for our sons, for !rogeny, for life. We !ray to 7indled Agni for
felicity.
1# This day may all the %aruts, all he near us with aid1 may all our fires e
well en7indled.
%ay all Gods come to us with gracious favour. %ay s!oil and wealth he ours,
and all !ossessions.
1& "e whom ye aid, , 6eities, in attle, whom ye !rotect and rescue from
affliction,
Who fears no danger at your mil7)liation, )such may we e to feast the
Gods, ye %ighty.
HYMN XXXVI. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"2/2 are the 6awn and =ight, the grand and eauteous Pair, 2arth,
"eaven, and 'aruna, %itra, and Aryaman.
Indra I call, the %aruts, %ountains, and the 4loods, Adityas, "eaven and
2arth, the Waters, and the 57y.
2 %ay 6yaus and Prthivi, wise, true to "oly Law, 7ee! us in safety from
distress and in9ury.
Let not malignant =irrti rule over us. We crave to)day this gracious favour of
the Gods.
# %other of %itra and of o!ulent 'aruna, may Aditi !reserve us safe from all
distress.
%ay we otain the light of heaven without a foe. We crave this gracious
favour of the Gods to)day.
& %ay ringing !ress)stones 7ee! the /a7sasas afar, ill dream, and =irrti, and
each voracious fiend.
%ay the Adityas and the %aruts shelter us. We crave this gracious favour of
the Gods to)day.
( 4ull flow liations: on our grass let Indra sit: -rhas!ati the singer laud with
5ama hymnsA
Wise e our hearts; imaginings that we may live. We crave this gracious
* <e Asvins, ma7e our sacrifice ascend to heaven, and animate the rite that
it may send us liss,
,ffered with holy oil, with forward)s!eeding rein. We crave the gracious
+ "ither I call the and of %aruts, swift to hear, great, !urifying, ringing
liss, to he our 4riends.
%ay we increase our wealth to glorify our name. We crave this
graciousfavour of the Gods to)day.
. We ring the 5tay of Life, who ma7es the waters swell, swift)hearing,
4riend of Gods, who waits on sacrifice.
%ay we control that Power, 5oma whose rays are right. We crave this
gracious favour of the Gods to)day.
0 Alive ourselves, with living sons, devoid of guilt, may we win this with
winners y fair means to win.
Let the !rayer)haters ear our sin to every side. We crave this gracious
1@ "ear us, , ye who claim the worshi! of man7ind, and give us, , ye Gods,
the gift for which we !ray,
'ictorious wisdom, fame with heroes and with wealth. We crave to)day this
gracious favour of the Gods.
11 We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to)day, great favour of great
Gods, sulime and free from foes,
That we may gain rich treasure s!rung from hero sons. We crave this
gracious favour of the Gods to)day.
12 In great en7indled Agni;s 7ee!ing, and, for liss, free from all sin efore
%itra and 'aruna.
%ay we share 5avitar;s est animating hel!. We crave this gracious favour of
the Gods to)day.
1# All ye, the Gods whom 5avitar the 4ather of truth, and 'aruna and %itra
govern,
Give us !ros!erity with hero children, and o!ulence in 7ine and various
treasure.
1& 5avitar, 5avitar from cast and westward, 5avitar, 5avitar from north and
southward,
5avitar send us !erfect health and comfort, 5avitar let our days of life e
lengthenedA
HYMN XXXVII. Surya.
1. 6o homage unto 'aruna;s and %itra;s 2ye1 offer this solemn worshi! to the
%ighty God,
Who seeth far away, the 2nsign, orn of Gods. 5ing !raises unto 5urya, to
the 5on of 6yaus.
2 %ay this my truthful s!eech guard me on every side wherever heaven and
earth and days are s!read aroad.
All else that is in motion finds a !lace of rest1 the waters ever flow and ever
mounts the 5un.
# =o godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art
driving forth with winged da!!led 5teeds.
,ne lustre waits u!on thee moving to the cast, and, 5urya, thou arisest with
a different light.
& , 5urya, with the light wherey thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray
im!ellest every moving thing,
8ee! far from us all feele, worthless sacrifice, and drive away disease and
every evil dream.
( 5ent forth thou guardest well the 3niverse;s law, and in thy wonted way
arisest free from wrath.
When 5urya, we address our !rayers to thee to)day, may the Gods favour
this our !ur!ose and desire.
* This invocation, these our words may "eaven and 2arth, and Indra and the
Waters and the %aruts hear.
=e;er may we suffer want in !resence of the 5un, and, living ha!!y lives,
may we attain old age.
+ >heerful in s!irit, evermore, and 7een of sight, with store of children,
free from sic7ness and from sin,
Long)living, may we loo7, , 5urya, u!on thee u!rising day y day, thou great
as %itra isA
. 5urya, may we live long and loo7 u!on thee still, thee, , 4ar)seeing ,ne,
ringing the glorious light,
The radiant God, the s!ring of 9oy to every eye, as thou art mounting u! o;er
the high shining flood.
0 Thou y whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and y thy eams
again returns unto its rest,
, 5urya with the golden hair, ascend for us day after day, still ringing !urer
innocence.
1@ -less us with shine, less us with !erfect daylight, less us with cold,
with fervent heat and lustre.
-estow on us, , 5urya, varied riches, to less us in our home and when we
travel.
11 Gods, to our living creatures of oth 7inds vouchsafe !rotection, oth to
i!eds and to ?uadru!eds,
That they may drin7 and eat invigorating food. 5o grant us health and
strength and !erfect innocence.
12 If y some grievous sin we have !rovo7ed the Gods, , 6eities, with the
tongue or thoughtlessness of heart,
That guilt, , 'asus, lay u!on the 2vil ,ne, on him who ever leads us into
dee! distress.
1. , I=6/A, in this attle great and glorious, in this loud din of war hel! us
to victory,
Where in the strife for 7ine among old ring)dec7ed men arrows fly all
around and heroes are sudued.
2 At home disclose to us o!ulence rich in food, streaming with mil7, , Indra,
meet to e renowned.
5a7ra, may we e thine, the friendly >on?ueror;s1 even as we desire, ,
'asu, so do thou.
# The godless man, much)lauded Indra, whether he e 6asa or e Arya, who
would war with us,)
2asy to con?uer he for thee, with us, these foes1 with thee may we sudue
them in the clash of fight.
& "im who must e invo7ed y many and y few, who standeth nigh with
comfort in the war of men,
Indra, famed "ero, winner in the deadly strife, let us ring hitherward to)
day to favour us.
( 4or, Indra, I have heard thee called 5elf. ca!turer, ,ne, 5teerA who never
yields, who urges even the churl.
/elease thyself from 8utsa and come hither. "ow shall one li7e thee sit still
ound that he may not moveB
HYMN XXXIX. Asvins.
1. As ;twere the name of father, easy to invo7e, we all assemled here
invo7e this >ar of yours,
Asvins, your swiftly)rolling circumamient >ar which he who worshi!s must
invo7e at eve and dawn.
2 Awa7e all !leasant strains and let the hymns flow forth1 raise u! aundant
fulness1 this is our desire.
Asvins, estow on us a glorious heritage, and give our !rinces treasure fair
as 5oma is.
# <e are the liss of her who groweth old at home, and hel!ers of the slow
although he linger last.
%en call you too, =asatyas, healers of the lind, the thin and feele, and
the man with ro7en ones.
& <e made >yavana, wea7 and worn with length of days, young again, li7e a
car, that he had !ower to move.
<e lifted u! the son of Tugra from the floods. At our liations must all these
your acts e !raised.
( We will declare among the fol7 your ancient deeds heroic: yea, ye were
Physicians ringing health.
<ou, you who must e lauded, will we ring for aid, so that this foe of ours,
, Asvins, may elieve.
* Listen to me, , Asvins: I have cried to you. Give me)your aid as sire and
mother aid their son.
Poor, without 7in or friend or ties of lood am I. 5ave me efore it e too
late, from this my curse.
+ <e, mounted on your chariot rought to 'imada the comely maid of
Purumitra as a ride.
<e, came unto the calling of the wea7ling;s dame, and granted nole
offs!ring to the ha!!y wife.
. <e gave a ain the vigour of his youthful life to tge sage 8ali when old age
was coming nigh.
<e rescued 'andana and raised him from the !it, and in a moment gave
'is!ala !ower to move.
0 <e Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, rought forth /elia when
hidden in the cave and well)nigh dead,
4reed 5a!tavadliri, and for Atri caused the !it heated with fire to e a
!leasant resting)!lace.
1@ ,n Pedu ye estowed, Asvins, a courser white, mighty with nine)and)
ninety varied gifts of strength,
A horse to e renowned, who ore his friend at s!eed, 9oy)giving, -haga)li7e
to e invo7ed of men.
11 4rom no side, ye Two 8ings whom none may chec7 or stay, doth grief,
distress, or danger come u on the man
Whom, Asvins swift to hear, orne on your glowing !ath, ye with your
>onsort ma7e the foremost in the race.
12 >ome on that >hariot which the /hus wrought for you, the >hariot,
Asvins, that is s!eedier than thought,
At harnessing whereof "eaven;s 6aughter s!rings to irth, and from 'ivasvan
come aus!icious =ight and 6ay.
1# >ome, >on?uerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Asvins who
made the cow stream mil7 for 5ayu;s sa7e,
<e who delivered even from the wolf;s dee! throat and set again at lierty
the swallowed ?uail.
1& We have !re!ared this laud for you, , Asvins, and, li7e the -hrgus, as a
car have framed it,
"ave dec7ed it as a maid to meet the ridegroom, and rought it as a son,
our stay for ever.
HYMN X*. Asvins.
1. <,3/ radiant >hariot)whither goes it on its wayB)who dec7s it for you,
"eroes, for its ha!!y course,
5tarting at dayrea7, visiting each morning every house, orne hitherward
through !rayer unto the sacrificeB
2 Where are ye, Asvins, in the evening, where at mornB Where is your
halting!lace, where rest ye for the nightB
Who rings you homeward, as the widow edward draws her husand;s
rother, as the ride attracts the groomB
# 2arly ye sing forth !raise as with a herald;s voice, and, meet for worshi!,
go each morning to the house.
Whom do ye ever ring to ruinB 3nto whose liations come ye, "eroes, li7e
two 5ons of 8ingsB
& 2ven as hunters follow two wild ele!hants, we with olations call you
down at morn and eve.
To fol7 who !ay you offierings at a!!ointed times, >hiefs, Lords of
s!lendour, ye ring food to strengthen them.
( To you, , Asvins, came the daughter of a 8ing, Ghosa, and said, , "eroes,
this I eg of you1
-e near me in the day, he near me in the night1 hel! me to gain a car)orne
chieftain rich in steeds.
* , Asvins, ye are wise1 as 8utsa comes to men, ring your car nigh the fol7
of him who sings your !raise.
The ee, , Asvins, ears your honey in her mouth, as the maid carries it
!urified in her hand.
+ To -hu9yu and to 'asa ye come near with hel!, , Asvins, to 5in9ara and to
3sana.
<our worshi!!er secures your friendshi! for himself. Through your !rotection
I desire felicity.
. 8rsa and 5ayu ye !rotect, ye Asvins Twain1 ye Two assist the widow and the
worshi!!er:
And ye throw o!en, Asvins, unto those who win the cattle)stall that
thunders with its serenfold mouth.
0 The Woman hath rought forth, the Infant hath a!!eared, the !lants of
wondrous eauty straightway have s!rung u!.
To him the rivers run as down a dee! descent, and he this day ecomes their
master and their lord.
1@ They mourn the living, cry aloud, at sacrifice1 the men have set their
thoughts u!on a distant cast.
A lovely thing for fathers who have gathered here,)a 9oy to husands,)are
the wives their arms shall clas!
11 ,f this we have no 7nowledge. Tall it forth to us, now the youth rests
within the chamers of the ride.
4ain would we reach the dwelling of the vigorous 5teer who loves the 7ine,
, Asvins1 this is our desire.
12 <our favouring grace hath come, ye Lords of am!le wealth1 Asvins, our
longings are stored u! within your hearts.
<e, Lords of s!lendour, have ecome our twofold guard1 may we as welcome
friends reach Aryaman;s aode.
1# 2ven so, re9oicing in the dwelling)!lace of man, give hero sons and riches
to the elo?uent.
%a7e a ford, Lords of s!lendour, where men well may drin71 remove the
s!iteful tree)stum! standing in the !ath.
1& , Asvins, Wonder)Wor7ers, Lords of lustre, where and with what fol7 do
ye delight yourselves to)dayB
Who hath detained them with himB Whither are they goneB 3nto what sage;s
or what worshi!!er;s aodeB
HYMN X*I. Asvins.
1. T"AT general >ar of yours, invo7ed y many a man, that comes to our
liations, three)wheeled, meet for lauds,
That circumamient >ar, worthy of sacrifice, we call with our !ure hymns at
earliest flush of dawn.
2 <e, , =asatyas, mount that early)harnessed >ar, that travels early, laden
with its freight of alm,
Wherewith ye, "eroes, visit clans who sacrifice, even the !oor man;s
worshi! where the !riest attends.
# If to the deft Adhvaryu with the meath in hand, or to the 8indler firm in
strength, the household friend,
,r to the sage;s !oured liations ye a!!roach, come thence, , Asvins, now
to drin7 the offered meath.
HYMN X*II. Indra.
1. 2'2= as an archer shoots afar his arrow, offer the laud to him with meet
adornment.
Euell with your voice the wic7ed;s voice, , sages. 5inger, ma7e Indra rest
eside the 5oma.
2 6raw thy 4riend to thee li7e a cow at mil7ing1 , 5inger, wa7e u! Indra as a
lover.
%a7e thou the "ero haste to give us riches even as a vessel filled rimful
with treasure.
# Why, %aghavan, do they call thee -ounteous: GiverB Euic7en me1 thou, I
hear, art he who ?uic7ens.
5a7ra, let my intelligence e active, and ring us luc7 that finds great
wealth, , Indra.
& 5tanding, in attle for their rights, together, the !eo!le, Indra, in the fray
invo7e thee.
"im who rings gifts the "ero ma7es his comrade1 with him who !ours no
9uice he see7s not friendshi!.
( Whoso with !lenteous food for him e$!resses strong 5omas as much
?uic7ly)coming treasure,
4or him he overthrows in early morning his swift well)wea!oned foes, and
slays the tyrant.
* "e unto whom we offer !raises, Indra, %aghavan, who hath 9oined to ours
his wishes,)
-efore him even afar the foe must tremle1 low efore him must ow all
human glories.
+ With thy fierce olt, , God invo7ed of many, drive to a distance from afar
the foeman.
, Indra, give us wealth in corn and cattle, and ma7e thy singer;s !rayer gain
strength and riches.
. Indra, the swallower of strong liations rich in the oons they ring, the
!otent 5omas,
"e, %aghavan, will not restrict his ounty he rings much wealth unto the
5oma)!resser.
0 <ea, y su!erior !lay he wins advantage, when he, a gamler, !iles his
gains in season.
>elestial)natured, he o;erwhelms with riches the devotee who 7ee!s not
ac7 his treasure.
1@ , %uch)invo7ed, may we sudue all famine and evil want with store of
grain and cattle.
%ay we allied, as first in ran7, with !rinces otain !ossessions y our own
e$ertion.
11 -rhas!ati !rotect us from the rearward, and from aove, and from
elow, from sinnersA
%ay Indra from the front, and from the centre, as 4riend to friends,
vouchsafe us room and freedom.
HYMN X*III. Indra.
1. I= !erfect unison all yearning hymns of mine that find the light of heaven
have sung forth Indra;s !raise.
As wives emrace their lord, the comely ridegroom, so they com!ass
%aghavan aout that he may hel!.
2 6irected unto thee my s!irit never strays, for I have set my ho!es on thee,
, %uch)invo7edA
5it, WonderfulA as 8ing u!on the sacred grass, and let thy drin7ing)!lace e
y the 5oma 9uice.
# 4rom indigence and hunger Indra turns away1 %aghavan hath dominion
over !recious wealth.
These the 5even /ivers flowing on their downward !ath increase the vital
vigour of the !otent 5teer.
& As on the fair)leafed tree rest irds, to Indra flow the gladdening 5oma
9uices that the owls contain.
Their face that glows with s!lendour through their mighty !ower hath found
the shine of heaven for man, the Aryas; light.
( As in the game a gamler !iles his winnings, so %aghavan, swee!ing all
together, gained the 5un
This mighty deed of thine none other could achieve, none, %aghavan,
efore thee, none in recent time.
* %aghavan came y turns to all the tries of men1 the 5teer too7 notice of
the !eo!le;s songs of !raise.
The man in whose liations 5a7ra hath delight y means of !otent 5omas
van?uisheth his foes.
+ When 5oma streams together unto Indra flow li7e waters to the river,
rivulets to the la7e,
In !lace of sacrifice sages e$alt his might, as the rain swells the corn y
moisture sent from heaven.
. "e rushes through the region li7e a furious -ull, he who hath made these
floods the dames of worthy lords.
This %aghavan hath found light for the man who rings olation, sheds the
9uice, and !rom!tly !ours his gifts.
0 Let the 7een a$e come forth together with the light1 here e,.as erst, the
teeming cow of sacrifice.
Let the /ed God shine right with his refulgent ray, and let the Lord of
heroes glow li7e heaven;s clear sheen.
grain and cattle.
e$ertion.
elow, from sinners.
%ay Indra from the front, and from the centre, as 4riend to friends,
HYMN X*IV. Indra.
1. %A< 5ovran Indra come to the carousal, he who y "oly Law is strong and
active,
The overcomer of all con?uering forces with his great steer)li7e !ower that
hath no limit.
2 4irm)seated is thy car, thy 5teeds are docile: thy hand, , 8ing, holds,
firmly gras!ed, the thunder.
,n thy fair !ath, , Lord of men, come ?uic7ly1 we will increase thy !owers
when thou hast drun7en.
# Let strong and mighty 5teeds who ear this %ighty Indra, the Lord of men,
whose arm wields thunder,
-ring unto us, as sharers of our an?uet, the 5teer of con?uering might, of
real vigour.
& 5o li7e a -ull thou rushest to the Lord who loves the trough, the 5age, the
!ro! of vigour, in the vat,
Pre!are thine energies, collect them in thyself1 e for our !rofit as the
%aster of the wise.
( %ay !recious treasures come to us)so will I !ray. >ome to the votary;s gift
offered with eauteous laud.
Thou art the Lord, as such sit on this holy grass1 thy vessels are inviolate as
Law commands.
* 4ar went our earlist invocation of the Gods, and won us glories that can
never e sur!assed.
They who could not ascend the shi! of sacrifice, sin7 down in desolation,
tremling with alarm.
+ 5o e the others, evil)hearted, far away, whose horses, difficult to
harness, have een yo7ed.
"ere in advance men stand anear to offer gifts, y whom full many a wor7
that rings reward is done.
. "e firmly fi$ed the !lains and mountains as they shoo7. 6yaus thundered
forth and made the air;s mid)region ?ua7e.
"e stays a!art the two confronting owls: he sings lauds in the !otent
5oma;s 9oy when he hath drun7.
0 I ear this deftly)fashioned goad of thine, wherewith thou, %aghavan,
shalt rea7 the stri7ers with the hoof.
At this liation mayst thou e well satisfied. Parta7e the 9uice, !arta7e the
worshi!, %aghavan.
grain and cattle.
e$ertion.
elow, from sinners.
%ay Indra from the front and from the centre, as 4riend to friends,
HYMN X*V. Agni.
1. 4I/5T Agni s!rang to life from out of "eaven1 the second time from us
came Datavedas.
Thirdly the %anly)souled was in the waters. The !ious lauds and 7indles him
the 2ternal.
2 Agni, we 7now thy three !owers in three stations, we 7now thy forms in
many a !lace divided.
We 7now what name su!reme thou hast in secret1 we 7now the source from
which thou hast !roceeded.
# The %anly)souled lit thee in sea and waters, man;s 'iewer lit thee in the
reast of heaven,
There as thou stoodest in the third high region the 5teers increased thee in
the water;s osom.
& Agni roared out, li7e 6yaus what time he thunders1 he lic7ed the ground
aout the !lants he flic7ered.
At once, when orn, he loo7ed around en7indled, and lightened heaven and
earth within with s!lendour.
( The s!ring of glories and su!!ort of riches, rouser of thoughts and
guardian of the 5oma,
Good 5on of 5trength, a 8ing amid the waters, in forefront of the 6awns he
shines en7indled.
* Germ of the world, ensign of all creation, e s!rang to life and filled the
earth and heavens.
2ven the firm roc7 he cleft when !assing over, when the 4ive Tries rought
sacrifice to Agni.
+ 5o among mortals was Immortal Agni stalished as holy wise and willing
envoy.
"e waves the red smo7e that he lifts aove him, striving to reach the
heavens with radiant lustre.
. Li7e gold to loo7 on, far he shone refulgent, eaming im!erishale life for
glory,
Agni y vital !owers ecame immortal when his !rolific 4ather 6yaus egat
him.
0 Whoso this day, , God whose flames are lovely, !re!ares a ca7e, , Agni,
mi$t with utter,
Lead thou and further him to higher fortune, to liss estowed y Gods, ,
thou %ost <outhful.
1@ 2ndow him, Agni, with a share of glory, at every song of !raise sung forth
enrich him.
6ear let him e to 5urya, dear to Agni, !reeminent with son and children;s
children.
11 While, Agni, day y day men !ay thee worshi! they win themselves all
treasures worth the wishing.
Allied with thee, eager and craving riches, they have disclosed the stale
filled with cattle.
12 Agni, the 4riend of men, the 5oma;s 7ee!er, 'aisvanara, hath een lauded
y the /sis.
We will invo7e enignant 2arth and "eaven1 ye 6eities, give us wealth with
hero children.
HYMN X*VI. Agni.
1. 5TA-LI5"26 for thee, to lend thee vital forces, Giver of wealth, Guard of
his servant;s ody.
The Great Priest, orn, who 7nows the clouds, Aider with men, is seated in
the la! of waters.
2 Worshi!!ing, see7ing him with adoration li7e some lost creature followed
y its foot!rints,
Wise -hrgus, yearning in their hearts, !ursued him, and found him lur7ing
where the floods are gathered.
# ,n the >ow;s forehead, with laorious searching, Trita, the offs!ring of
'ihiavas, found him.
-orn in our houses, <outhful, 9oy)estower, he now ecomes the central
!oint of rightness.
& <earning, with homage, they have set and made him lithe Priest among
man7ind, olation)earer,
Leader of rites and Purifier, envoy of men, as sacrifice that still advances.
( The foolish rought the ne;er)ewildered forward, great, 'ictor, 5ong)
ins!irer, 4ort)destroyer.
Leading the <outh gold)earded, li7e a courser gleaming with wealth, they
turned their hymn to !rofit.
* "olding his station firmly in the houses, Trita sat down within his home
surrounded
Thence, as Law ids, de!arts the Tries; >om!anion having collected men
with no com!ulsion.
+ "is are the fires, eternal, !urifying, that ma7e the houses move, whose
smo7e is shining,
White, wa$ing in their strength, for ever stirring, and sitting in the wood:
li7e winds are 5omas.
. The tongue of Agni ears away the !raisesong, and, through his care for
2arth, her o!erations.
"im, right and radiant, living men have stalished as their lithe Priest,
the >hief of 5acrificers.
0 That Agni, him whom "eaven and 2arth engendered, the Waters. Tvastar,
and with might, the -hrgus,
"im %atarisvan and the Gods have fashioned holy for man and first to e
entreated.
1@ Agni, whom Gods have made olationearer, and much)desiring men
regard as holy,
Give life to him who lauds thee when he worshi!s, and then shall glorious
men in troo!s adore thee.
HYMN X*VII. Indra Vai3un&#a.
1. T"< right hand have we gras!ed in ours, , Indra, longing for treasure,
Treasure)Lord of treasuresA
-ecause we 7now thee, "ero, Lord of cattle1 vouchsafe us mighty and
res!lendent riches.
2 Wealth, fully armed, good guard and 7ind !rotector, s!rung from four
seas, the !ro! and stay of treasures,
4raught with great ounties, meet for !raise and glory: vouchsafe us mighty
and res!lendent riches.
# Wealth, with good -rahmans, IndraA God)attended, high, wide, and dee!,
arid ased on road foundations,
5trong, with famed /sis, con?uering our foemen1 vouchsafe us mighty and
res!lendent riches.
& 'ictorious, winning strength, with hero sages, confirmed in !ower, most
useful, wealth)attracting,
True, IndraA crushing forts and slaying 6asyus1 vouchsafe us mighty and
res!lendent riches.
( Wealthy in heroes and in cars and horses, strength hundredfold and
thousandfold, , Indra,
With manly sages, ha!!y troo!s, Iight)winning1 vouchsafe us mighty and
res!lentdent riches.
* To 5a!tagu the sage, the holy)minded, to him, -rhas!ati, the song
a!!roaches,
Angiras; 5on who must e met with homage1 vouchsafe us mighty and
reslendent riches.
+ %y lauds, li7e envoys, craving loving)7indness, go forth to Indra with their
strong entreaty,
%oving his heart and uttered y my s!irit1 vouchsafe us mighty and
res!lendent riches.
. Grant us the oon for which I !ray, , Indra, a s!acious home unmatched
among the !eo!le.
To this may "eaven and 2arth accord a!!roval1 vouchsafe us mighty and
res!lendent riches.
HYMN X*VIII. Indra Vai3un&#a.
1. I WA5 the first !ossessor of all !recious gear1 the wealth of every man I
win and gather u!.
,n me as on a 4ather living creatures call: I deal en9oyment to tho. man
who offers gifts.
2 I, Indra, am Atharvan;s stay and firm su!!ort1 I rought forth 7ine to Trita
from the 6ragon;s gras!.
I stri!!ed the 6asyus of their manly might, and gave the cattle)stalls to
%atarigvan and 6adhyac.
# 4or me hath Tvastar forged the iron thunderolt1 in me the Gods have
centred intellectual !ower.
%y sheen is li7e the 5un;s insufferaly right1 men honour me as Lord for
!ast and future deeds.
& I won myself these herdi of cattle, steeds and 7ine, and gold in am!le
store, with my destructive olt.
I give full many a thousand to the worshi!!er, what time the 5omas and the
lauds have made me glad.
( Indra am I none ever wins my wealth from me never at any time am I a
thrall to death.
Pressing the 5oma, as7 riches from me alone1 ye, Purus, in my friendshi!
shall not suffer harm.
* These, reathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused Indra to ring his
olt of thunder to the fray,
The challengers, I struc7 with deadly wea!on down1 firm stand what words
the God s!ea7s to his worshi!!ers.
This ,ne y stronger might I con?uered singly: yea, also two1 shall three
!revail against meB
Li7e many sheaves u!on the floor I thrash them. "ow can my foes, the
Indraless, revile meB
. Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and 7e!t him mid the fol7 li7e
'rtra)con?uering strength,
When I won glory in the great foe)slaying fight, in attle where 8aran9a fell,
and Parnaya.
0 With food for mine en9oyment 5a!ya =ami came1 he 9oined me as a friend
of old in search of 7ine.
As I estowed on him an arrow for the fight I made him worthy of the song
a!d hymn of !raise.
1@ ,ne of the two hath 5oma, seen within it: the "erdsman with the one
shows forth the other.
"e, fain to fight the -ull whose horns were shar!ened, stood fettered in the
demon;s am!le region.
11 I, as a God, ne;er violate the statutes of Gods, of 'asus, /udriyas,
Adityas.
These Gods have formed me for aus!icious vigour, uncon?uered and
invincile for ever.
HYMN X*IX.Indra Vai3un&#a.
1. I "A'2 enriched the singer with sur!assing wealth: I have allowed the
holy hymn to strengthen me.
I, furtherer of him who offers sacrifice, have con?uered in each fight the
men who worshi! not.
2 The Peo!le of the heavens, the waters, and the earth have stalished me
among the Gods with Indra;s name.
I too7 unto myself the two swift vigorous -ays that s!eed on divers !aths,
and the fierce olt for strength.
# With deadly lows I smote At7a for 8avi;s sa7e: I guarded 8utsa well with
these saving hel!s.
As 5usna;s slayer I randished the dart of death1 I gave not u! the Aryan
name to 6asyu foes.
& 5madiha, Tugra, and the 'etasus I gave as !rey to 8utsa, father)li7e, to
succour him.
I was a worthy 8ing to rule the worshi!!er, when I gave Tu9i dear inviolale
gifts.
( I gave u! %rgaya to 5rutarvan as his !rey ecause he ever followed me and
7e!t my laws.
4or Ayu;s sa7e I caused 'eta to end and ow, and into 5avya;s hand
delivered Padgrhi.
* 1, I crushed =avavastva of the lofty car, the 6asa, as the 'rtra)slayer 7ills
the fiends:
When straightway on the region;s farthest edge I rought the God who
ma7es the lights to roaden and increase.
+ I travel round aout orne onward in my might y the fleet)footed
da!!led "orses of the 5un.
When man;s liation calls me to the roe of state I soon re!el the !owerful
6asyu with my lows.
. 5tronger am I than =aus, I who slew the seven1 I glorified with might
<adu and Turvaga.
I rought another low, with strength I ent his strength1 I let the mighty
nine)and)ninety wa$ in !ower.
0 -ull over all the streams that flow along the earth, I too7 the 5even /ivers
as mine own domain.
I, gifted with great wisdom, s!read the floods aroad1 y war I found for
man the way to high success.
1@ I set within these cows the white mil7 which no God, not even Tvastar;s
self, had there de!osited,)
%uch)longed)for, in the reasts, the udders of the 7ine, the savoury sweets
of meath, the mil7 and 5oma 9uice.
11 2ven thus hath Indra %aghavan, truly ounteous, s!ed Gods and men with
mighty o!eration.
The !ious glorify all these thine e$!loits, Lord of -ay >oursers, 5trong, and
5elfres!lendent.
HYMN *. Indra Vai3un&#a.
1. I LA36 your %ighty ,ne who 9oyeth in the 9uice, him who is shared y all
men, who created all:
Indra, whose con?uering strength is !owerful in war, whose fame and manly
vigour "eaven and 2arth revere.
2 "e with his friend is active, lauded, good to man, Indra who must e
glorified y one li7e me.
"ero, Lord of the rave, all cars are thy delight, warring with 'rtra, or for
waters, or for s!oil.
# Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive to win thy liss
allied with richesB
Who urged thee forward to e$ert thy !ower divine, to valour, in the war for
waters on their fieldsB
& Thou, Indra, through the holy !rayer art mighty, worthy of sacrifice at all
liations.
In every fight thou castest heroes on the ground1 thou art the nolest song,
, Lord of all the fol7.
( "el! now, as "ighest, those who toil at sacrifice1 well do the !eo!le 7now
thy great !rotecting might.
Thou shalt e 2verlasing, Giver of success yea, on all these liations thou
estowest strength.
* All these liations thou ma7est effectual, of which thou art thyself
su!!orter, 5on of Power.
Therefore thy vessel is to e esteemed the est, sacrifice, holy te$t, !rayer,
and e$alted s!eech.
+ They who with flowing 5oma !ray to thee, , 5age, to !our on them thy
gifts of o!ulence and wealth,
%ay they come forward, through their s!irit, on the !ath of liss, in the wild
9oy of 5oma 9uice effused.
HYMN *I. Agni. G/ds.
1. LA/G2 was that covering, and firm of te$ture, folded wherein thou
enteredst the waters.
,ne 6eity alone, , Datavedas Agni, saw all thy forms in sundry !laces.
2 What God hath seen meB Who of all their numer clearly eheld my forms
in many !lacesB
Where lie, then, all the sacred logs of Agni that lead him God)ward, 'aruna
and %itraB
# In many !laces, Agni Datavedas, we sought thee hidden in the !lants and
waters.
Then <ama mar7ed thee, God of wondrous s!lendourA effulgent from thy
tenfold secret dwelling,
& I fled in fear from sacrificial worshi!, 'aruna, lest the Gods should thus
engage me.
Thus were my forms laid down in many !laces. This, as my goal, I Agni saw
efore me.
( >ome: man is !ious and would fain do worshi!, he waits !re!ared1 in
gloom thou, Agni, dwellest.
%a7e !athways leading God)ward clear and easy, and ear olations with a
7indly s!irit.
* This goal mine elder rothers erst selected, as he who drives a car the way
to travel.
5o,'aruna, I fled afar through terror, as flies the wild)ull from an archer;s
owstring.
+ We give thee life unwasting, Datavedas, so that, em!loyed, thou never
shalt e in9ured.
5o, noly ornA shalt thou with 7indly s!irit ear to the Gods their share of
men;s olations.
. Grant me the first olations and the latter, entire, my forceful shares of
holy !resents,
The soul of !lants, the fatness of the waters, and let there e long life, ye
Gods, to Agni.
0 Thine e the first olations and the latter, entire, thy forceful shares of
holy !resents.
Let all this sacrifice e thine, , Agni, and let the world;s four regions how
efore thee.
HYMN *II. G/ds.
1. I=5T/3>T me, all ye Gods, how I, elected your Priest, must seat me here,
and how address you.
Instruct me how to deal to each his !ortion, and y what ; !ath to ring you
man;s olation.
2 I sit as Priest most s7illed in sacrificing1 the %aruts and all 6eities im!el
me.
Asvins, each day yours is the Adhvaryu;s duty1 -rahman and wood are here1
;tis yours to offer.
# Who is the PriestB Is he the Priest of <amaB ,n whom is thrust this God)
a!!ointed honourB
"e s!rings to life each month, each day that !asses: so Gods have made him
their olation)earer.
& The Gods have made me earer of olations, who sli!!ed away and !assed
through many troules.
Wise Agni shall ordain for us the worshi!, whether five)wayed, threefold, or
seven)threaded.
( 5o will I win you strength and life for ever. , Gods, that I may give you
room and freedom.
To Indra;s arms would I consign the thunder: in all these attles shall he then
e victor.
* The 6eities three hundred and thirty)nine, have served and honoured Agni,
5trewn sacred grass, anointed him with utter, and seated him as Priest, the
Gods; Invo7er.
HYMN *III. Agni Sau)i3a G/ds.
1. "2 hath arrived, he whom we sought with longing, who s7illed in sacrifice
well 7nows its courses.
Let him discharge his sacrificial duties1 let him sit down as 4riend who was
efore
3s.
2 -est Priest, he hath een won y eing seated, for he hath loo7ed on the
well)ordered viands.
>ome, let usworshi! Gods who must e worshi!!ed, and !ouring oil, laud
those who should e lauded.
# =ow hath he made the feast of Gods effective1 now have we found the
secret tongue of worshi!.
=ow hath he come, sweet, roed in vital vigour, and made our calling on the
Gods effective.
& This !relude of my s!eech I now will utter, wherey we Gods may ?uell
our Asura foemen.
2aters of strengthening food who merit worshi!, , ye 4ive Tries, e
!leased with mine olation.
( %ay the 4ive Tries e !leased with mine olation, and the >ow;s 5ons and
all who merit worshi!.
4rom earthly troule may the earth !rotect us, and air;s mid realm from
woe that comes from heaven.
* 5!inning the thread, follow the region;s s!lendid light1 guard thou the !ath
ways well which wisdom hath !re!ared.
Weave ye the 7notless laour of the ards who sing1 e %anu thou, and
ring the "eavenly Peo!le forth.
+ Lovers of 5oma, ind the chariot traces fast1 set ye the reins in order and
emellish them.
-ring hitherward the car with seats where eight may sit, whereon the Gods
have rought the treasure that we love.
. "ere flows Asmanvati1 hold fast each other, 7ee! yourselves u!, and !ass,
my friends, the river.
There let us leave the Powers that rought no !rofit, and cross the flood to
Powers that are aus!icious.
0 Tvastar, most deft of wor7men, 7new each magic art, ringing most
lessed owls that hold the drin7 of Gods.
"is a$e, wrought of good metal, he is shar!ening now, wherewith the
radiant -rahmanas!ati will cut.
1@ =ow, , ye 5a!ient ,nes, ma7e ye the a$es shar! wherewith ye fashion
owls to hold the Amrta.
8nowing the secret !laces ma7e ye ready that wherey the Gods have
gotten immortality.
11 <e with a secret tongue and dar7 intention laid the maiden dee! within,
the calf within the mouth.
They evermore are near us with their gracious hel!1 successful is the song
that strives for victory.
HYMN *IV. Indra.
1. I 5I=G thy fame that, %aghavan, through thy Greatness the heavens and
earth invo7ed thee in their terror,
Thou, aiding Gods, didst ?uell the !ower of 6asas, what time thou hol!est
many a race, , Indra.
2 When thou wast roaming, wa$en strong in ody, telling thy might, Indra,
among the !eo!le,
All that men called thy attles was illusion1 no foe hast thou to)day, nor erst
hast found one.
# Who are the /sis, then, who com!rehended efore our time the ounds of
all thy greatnessB
4or from thy ody thou hast generated at the same time the %other and the
4ather.
& Thou, %ighty 5teer, hast four su!remest natures, Asura natures that may
ne;er e in9ured.
All these, , %aghavan, thou surely 7nowest, wherewith thou hast !erformed
thy great achievements.
( Thou hast all treasures in thy sole !ossession, treasures made manifest
and treasures hidden.
6efer not thou, , %aghavan, my longing1 thou, art 6irector, Indra, thou art
Giver.
* To him who set the light in things of s!lendour, and with all sweetness
lent essential sweetness,
To Indra hath this welcome hymn that strengthens een uttered y the
votary -rhadu7tha.
HYMN *V. Indra.
1. 4A/ is that secret name y which, in terror, the worlds invo7ed thee and
thou gavest vigour
The earth and heaven thou settest near each other, and %aghavan, madest
right thy -rother;s >hildren.
2 Great is that secret name and far)e$tending, wherey thou madest all
that is and shall e.
The 4ive Tries whom he loveth well have entered the light he loveth that
was made aforetime.
# "e filled the heaven and earth and all etween them, Gods five times
sevenfold in their !ro!er seasons.
With four)and)thirty lights he loo7s around him, lights of one colour though
their ways are divers.
& As first among the lights, , 6awn, thou shonest, wherey thou roughtest
forth the 5tay of Increase,
Great art thou, matchless is thine Asura nature, who, high aove, art 7in to
those eneath thee.
( The old hath wa7ed the young %oon from his slumer who runs his circling
course with many round him.
-ehold the Gods; high wisdom in its greatness1 he who died yesterday to)day
is living.
* 5trong is the /ed -ird in his strength, great "ero, who from of old hath
had no nest to dwell in.
That which he 7nows is truth and never idle1 he wins and gives the wealth
desired of many.
+ Through these the Thunderer gained strong manly vigour, through whom
he wa$ed in !ower to smite down 'rtra,)
Who through the might of Indra;s o!eration came forth as Gods in course of
Law and ,rder.
. All)strong, !erforming wor7s with his com!anion, All)mar7ing, ra!id 'ictor,
>urse)averter,
The "ero, wa$ing, after draughts of 5oma, lew far from heaven the 6asyus
with his wea!on.
HYMN *VI. Visv!d!vas.
1. "2/2 is one light for thee, another yonder1 enter the third and he
therewith united.
3niting with a ody e thou welcome, dear to the Gods in their sulimest
irth!lace.
2 -earing thy ody, 'a9in, may thy ody afford us lessing and thyself
!rotection.
3nswerving, stalish as it were in heaven thine own light as the mighty
God;s su!!orter.
# 5trong 5teed art thou1 go to the yearning %aidens with vigour, ha!!ily go
to heaven and !raises1
4ly ha!!ily to the Gods with easy !assage, according to the first and faithful
statutes.
& Part of their grandeur have the 4athers also gained1 the Gods have seated
mental !ower in them as Gods.
They have emraced within themselves all energies, which, issuing forth,
again into their odies !ass.
( They strode through all the region with victorious might, estalishing the
old immeasurale laws.
They com!assed in their odies all e$isting things, and streamed forth
offi!ring in many successive forms.
* In two ways have the sons estalished in his !lace the Asura who finds the
light, y the third act,
As fathers, they have set their heritage on earth, their offs!ring, as a thread
continuously s!un out.
+ As in a shi! through illows, so through regions of air, with lessings,
through toils and troules
"ath -rhadu7tha rought his seed with glory, and !laced it here and in the
realms eyond us.
HYMN *VI* Visv!d!vas.
1. L2T us not, Indra, leave the !ath, the 5oma)!resser;s sacrifice1
Let no malignity dwell with us.
2 %ay we otain, com!letely wrought, the thread s!un out to reach the
Gods,
That !erfecteth the sacrifice.
# We call the s!irit hither with the 5oma of our !arted sires,
<ea, with the 4athers; holy hymns.
& Thy s!irit come to thee again for wisdom, energy, and lire,
That thou mayst long ehold the sunA
( , 4athers, may the "eavenly 4ol7 give us our s!irit once again,
That we may e with those who live.
* , 5oma with the s!irit still within us, lest with !rogeny,
%ay we e usied in the law.
HYMN *VIII. Manas /r S%iri&.
1. T"< s!irit, that went far away to <ama to 'ivasvan;s 5on,
We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so9ourn here.
2 Thy s!irit, that went far away, that !assed away to earth and heaven,
# Thy s!irit, that went far away, away to the four)cornered earth,
& Thy s!irit, that went far away to the four ?uarters of the world,
( Thy s!irit, that went far away, away unto the illowy sea,
* Thy s!irit, that went far away to eams of light that flash and flow,
We cause to come to tee again that thou mayst live and so9ourn here.
+ Thy s!irit, that went far away, went to the waters and the !lants,
. Thy s!irit, that went far away, that visited the 5un and 6awn.
0 Thy s!irit, that went far away, away to lofty mountain heights,
1@ Thy s!irit, that went far away into this All, that lives and moves,
11 Thy s!irit, that went far away to distant realms eyond our 7en,
12 Thy s!irit, that went far away to all that is and is to e,
We cause to come to thee again that thou mayst live and so9ourn heie.
HYMN *IX. Nirr&i and O&#!rs.
1. "is life hath een renewed and carried forward as two men, car)orne,
y the s7ilful driver.
,ne falls, then see7s the goal with ?uic7ened vigour. Let =irrti de!art to
distant !laces.
2 "ere is the !salm for wealth, and food, in !lenty1 let us do many deeds to
ring us glory.
All these our doings shall delight the singer. Let =irrti de!art to distant
!laces.
# %ay we o;ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills
over lowlands.
All these our deeds the singer hath considered. Let =irrti de!art to distant
!laces.
& Give us not u! as !rey to death, , 5orna still let us loo7 u!on the 5un
arising.
Let our old age with !assing days e 7indly. Let =irrti de!art to distant
!laces.
( , Asuniti, 7ee! the soul within us, and ma7e the days we have to live yet
longer.
Grant that we still may loo7 u!on the sunlight1 strengthen thy ody with the
oil we ring thee.
* Give us our sight again, , Asuniti, give us again our reath and our
en9oyment.
Long may we loo7 u!on the 5un u!rising: , Anumati, favour thou and less
us.
+ %ay 2arth restore to us our vital s!irit, may "eaven the Goddess and mid)
air restore it.
%ay 5oma give us once again our ody, and Pusan show the Path of !eace
and comfort.
. %ay oth Worlds less 5uandhu, young %others of everlasting Law.
%ay "eaven and 2arth u!root and swee! ini?uity and shame away1 nor sin
nor sorrow troule thee.
0 "ealth)giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and
threes,
,r wandering singly on the earth. %ay "eaven and 2arth u!root and swee!
ini?uity and shame away1 nor sin nor sorrow troule thee.
1@ 6rive forward thou the wagon)o$, , Indra, which rought 3sinarani;s
wagon hither.
%ay "eaven and 2arth u!root and swee! ini?uity and shame away1 nor sin
nor sorrow troule thee.
HYMN *X. Asa$a&i and O&#!rs.-
1. -/I=GI=G our homage we have come to one magnificent in loo7.
Glorified of the mighty Gods
2 To Asamati, s!ring of gifts, lord of the rave, a radiant car,
The con?ueror of -ha9eratha
# Who, when the s!ear hath armed his hand, or even wea!onless o;erthrows
%en strong as uffaloes in fight:
& "im in whose service flourishes I7sva7u, rich and daCCling)right.
As the 4ive Tries that are in heaven.
( Indra, su!!ort the !rincely !ower of /atha!rosthas matched y none,
2ven as the 5un for all to see.
* Thou for Agastya;s sister;s sons yo7est thy !air of ruddy steeds.
Thou troddest niggards under foot, all those, , 8ing, who rought no gifts.
+ This is the mother, this the sire, this one hath come to e thy life.
What rings thee forth is even this. =ow come, 5uandhu, get thee forth.
. As with the leather thong they ind the chariot yo7e to hold it fast,
5o have I held thy s!irit fast, held it for life and not for death, held it for
thy security.
0 2ven as this earth, the mighty earth, holds fast the monarchs of the wood.
5o have I held thy s!irit fast, held it for life and not for death, held it for
thy security.
1@ 5uandlin;s s!irit I have rought from <arna, from 'ivasvan;s 5on,
-rought it for life and not for death, yea, rought it for security.
11 The wind lows downward from on high, downward the 5un)God sends his
heat,
6ownward the milch)cow !ours her mil71 so downward go thy !ain and grief.
12 4elicitous is this mine hand, yet more felicitous is this.
This hand contains all healing alms, and this ma7es whole with gentle
touch.
HYMN *XI. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"2 welcome s!ea7er in the storm of attle uttered with might this
!rayer to win the Asvins,
When the most lieral God, for Pa7tha, rescued his !arents, and assailed the
seven "otras.
2 >yavana, !ur!osing dece!tive !resents, with all ingredients, made the
altar ready.
%ost sweet)voiced Turvayana !oured olations li7e floods of widely
fertiliCing water.
# To his olations, swift as thought, ye hurried, and welcomed eagerly the
!rayers he offered.
With arrows in his hand the 'ery %ighty forced from him all oedience of a
servant.
& I call on you the 5ons of 6yaus, the Asvins, that a dar7 cow to my red 7ine
e added.
2n9oy my sacrifice, come to my viands contented, not deceiving
e$!ectation. ;
1@ 3ttering !raise to suit the rite =avagvas came s!eedily to win the
damsel;s friendshi!.
They who a!!roached the twice)strong stale;s 7ee!er, meedless would mil7
the roc7s that naught had sha7en.
11 5wift was new friendshi! with the maid they ?uic7ly acce!ted it as
genuine seed and ounty.
%il7 which the cow 5aardugha had yielded was the right heritage which to
thee they offered.
12 When afterwards they wo7e) and missed the cattle, the s!ea7er thus in
9oyful mood addressed them1
%atchless are singers throulgh the 'asu;s nature: he ringeth them all food
and all !ossessions.
1# "is followers then who dwelt in sundry !laces came and desired too slay
the son of =rsad.
/esistless foe, e found the hidden treasure of 5usna multi!lied in numerous
offi!ring.
1& Thou, called 2ffulgence, in whose threefold dwelling, as in the light of
heaven, the Gods are sitting,
Thou who art called Agni or Datavedas, Priest, hear us, guileless Priest of
holy worshi!.
1( And, Indra, ring, that I may laud and serve them, those Two res!lendent
glorious =asatyas,
-lithe, ounteous, man)li7e, to the sacrificer, honoured among our men with
offered viands.
1* This 8ing is !raised and honoured as ,rdainer1 himself the ridge, the
5age s!eeds o;er the waters.
"e hath stirred u! 8a7sivan, stirred u! Agni, as the steed;s swift wheel
drives the felly onward.
1+ 'aitarana, douly 7insman, sacrificer, shall mil7 the cow who ne;er hath
calved, 5aardhu,
When I encom!ass 'aruna and %itra with lauds, and Aryaman in safest
shelter.
1. Their 7in, the Prince in heaven, thy nearest 7insman, turning his thought
to thee thus s!ea7s in 7indness1
This is our highest ond1 I am his offs!ring. "ow many others came ere I
succeededB
10 "ere is my 7inshi!, here the !lace I dwell in1 these are my Gods: I in full
strength am !resent.
Twice)orn am I, the first)orn 5on of ,rder1 the >ow mil7ed this when first
she had her eing.
2@ 5o mid these tries he rests, the friendly envoy, orne on two !aths,
refulgent Lord of fuel.
When, li7e a line, the -ae s!rings u! erectly, his %other straight hath
orne him strong to less us.
21 Then went the milch)7ine forth to !lease the damsel, and for the good of
every man that liveth.
"ear us, , wealthy Lord: egin our worshi!. Thou hast grown mighty
through Asvaghna;s virtues.
22 And ta7e thou notice of us also, Indra, for am!le riches, 8ing whose arm
wields thunderA
Protect our wealthy noles, guard our !rinces unmenaced near thee, Lord of
Tawny >oursers.
2# When he goes forth, ye Pair of 8ings, for ooty, s!eeding to war and
!raise to !lease the singer,)
I was the dearest sage of those aout him,)let him lead these away and
ring them safely.
2& =ow for this nole man;s su!!ort and comfort, singing with easy voice we
thus im!lore thee1
Im!etuous e his son and fleet his courser1 and may I e his !riest to win
him glory.
2( If, for our strength, the !riest with adoration to win your friendshi! made
the laud acce!ted,
That laud shall e a ranching road to virtue for every one to whom the
songs are suited.
2* Glorified thus, with holy hymns and homage1),f nole race, with Waters,
God)attended
%ay he enrich us for our !rayers and !raises1 now can the cow e mil7ed:
the !ath is o!en.
2+ -e to us, then, ye Gods who merit worshi!, e ye of one accord our
strong !rotection,
Who went on various ways and rought us vigour, ye who are undeceivale
e$!lorers.
HYMN *XII. Visv!d!vas' E&).
1. <2, who, adorned with guerdon through the sacrifice, have won you
Indra;s friendshi! and eternal life,
2ven to you e ha!!iness, Angirases. Welcome the son of %anu, ye who are
most wise.
2 The 4athers, who drave forth the wealth in cattle, have in the year;s
courses cleft 'ala y 2ternal Law1
A lengthened life e yours, , ye Angirases. Welcome the son of %anu, ye
who are most wise.
# <e raised the 5un to heaven y everlasting Law, and s!read road earth,
the %other, out on every side.
4air wealth of !rogeny e yours, Angirases. Welcome the son of %anu, ye
who are most wise.
& This 7insman in your dwelling!lace s!ea7s !leasant words1 give car to this,
ye /sis, children of the Gods.
"igh -rahman dignity e yours, Angirases. Welcome the son of %anu, ye who
are most wise.
( 6istinguished y their varied form, these /sis have een dee!ly moved.
These are the sons of Angirases1 from Agni have they s!rung to life.
* 6istinguished y their varied form, they s!rang from Agni, from the s7y.
=avagva and 6asagva, nolest Angiras, he giveth ounty with the Gods.
+ With Indra for associate the !riests have cleared the stale full of steeds
and 7ine,
Giving to me a thousand with their eightmar7ed cars, they gained renown
among the Gods.
. %ay this man;s sons e multi!lied: li7e s!ringing corn may %anu grow,
Who gives at once in ounteous gift a thousand 7ine, a hundred steeds.
0 =o one attains to him, as though a man would gras! the heights of heaven.
5avarnya;s sacrificial meed hath roadened li7e an am!le flood.
1@ <adu and Turva, too, have given two 6asas, well)dis!osed, to serve,
Together with great store of 7ine.
11 -lest e the hamlet;s chief, most lieral %anu, and may his ounty rival
that of 5urya.
%ay the God let 5svarni;s life e leng
thened, with whom, unwearied, we have lived and !ros!ered.
HYMN *XIII. Visv!d!vas.
1. %A< they who would assume 7inshi! from far away, 'ivasvan;s
generations, dearly loved of men,
2ven the Gods who sit u!on the sacred grass of =ahusa;s son <ayati, less
and comfort us.
2 4or worthy of oeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of adoration
and of sacrifice.
<e who were orn from waters, and from Aditi, and from the earth, do ye
here listen to my call.
# I will re9oice in these Adityas for my weal, for whom the %other !ours
forth water rich in alm,
And 6yaus the Infinite, firm as a roc7, sweet mil7,)Gods active, strong
through lauds, whose might the -ull u!holds.
& Loo7ing on men, ne;er slumering, they y their deserts attained as Gods
to lofty immortality.
-orne on refulgent cars, sinless, with ser!ents; !owers, they roe them, for
our welfare, in the height of heaven.
( Great 8ings who less us, who have come to sacrifice, who, ne;er assailed,
have set their mansion in the s7y,)
These I invite with adoration and with hymns, mighty Adityas, Aditi, for
ha!!iness.
* Who offereth to you the laud that ye acce!t, , ye All)Gods of %anu, many
as ye areB
Who, %ighty ,nes, will !re!are for you the sacrifice to ear us over troule
to felicityB
+ <e to whom %anu, y seven !riests, with 7indled fire, offered the first
olation with his heart and soul,
'ouchsafe us, ye Adityas, sheitcr free from fear, and ma7e us good and easy
!aths to ha!!iness.
. Wise 6eities, who have dominion o;er the world, ye thin7ers over all that
moves not and that moves,
5ave us from uncommitted and committed sin, !reserve us from all sin to)
day for ha!!iness.
0 In attles we invo7e Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy "ost of
"eaven who anish grief,
Agni, %itra, and 'aruna that we may gain, 6yays, -haga, %aruts, Prthivi for
ha!!iness1
1@ %ightily)saving 2arth, incom!arale "eaven the good guide Aditi who
gives secure defence
The well)oared heavenly 5hi! that lets no waters in, free from defect, will
we ascend for ha!!iness.
11 -less us, all "oly ,nes, that we may have your hel!, guard and !rotect us
from malignant in9ury.
With fruitful invocation may we call on you, Gods, who give ear to us for
grace, for ha!!iness.
12 8ee! all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, 7ee! off the wic7ed man;s
malicious enmity.
8ee! far away from us all hatred, , ye Gods, and give us am!le shelter for
our ha!!iness.
1# 3ntouched y any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following the Law,
s!reads in his !rogeny.
Whom ye with your good guidance, , Adityas, lead safely through all his
!ain and grief to ha!!iness.
1& That which ye guard and grace in attle, , ye Gods, ye %aruts, where
the !riCe is wealth, where heroes win,
That con?uering >ar, , Indra, that sets forth at dawn, that never rea7s,
may we ascend for ha!!iness.
1( 'ouchsafe us lessing in our !aths and desert tracts, lessing in waters
and in attle, for the light:
-lessing u!on the woms that ring male children forth, and lessing, , ye
%aruts, for the gain of wealth.
1* The nolest 5vasti with aundant riches, who comes to what is good y
distant !athway,)
%ay she at home and far away !reserve us, and dwell with us under the
Gods; !rotection
1+ Thus hat the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, !raised you, , Aditi and
all Adityas,
%en are made rich y those who are Immortal1 the "eavenly 4ol7 have een
e$tolled y Gaya.
HYMN *XIV. Visv!d!vas.
1. W"AT God, of those who hear, is he whose well)!raised name we may
record in this our sacrifice: and howB
Who will e graciousB Who of many give us lissB Who out of all the "ost will
come to lend us aidB
2 The will and thoughts within my reast e$ert their !ower1 they yearn with
love, and fly to all the regions round.
=one other comforter is found save only these1 my longings and my ho!es
are fi$t u!on the Gods.
# To =arasamsa and to Pusan I sing forth, unconcealale Agni 7indied y the
Gods.
To 5un and %oon, two %oons, to <ama in the heaven, to Trita, 'ata, 6awn,
=ight, and the Atvins Twain.
& "ow is the 5age e$tolled whom the loud singers !raiseB What voice, what
hymn is used to laud -rhas!atiB
%ay A9a)27a!ad with /7vans swift to hear, and Ahi of the 6ee! listen unto
our call.
( Aditi, to the irth of 6a7sa and the vow thou summonest the 8ings %itra
and 'aruna.
With course unchec7ed, with many chariots Aryaman comes with the seven
!riests to tries of varied sort.
* %ay all those vigorous >oursers listen to our cry, hearers of invocation,
s!eeding on their way:
Winners of thousands where the !riestly meed is won, who gather of
themselves great wealth in every race.
+ -ring ye Purandi, ring 'ayu who yo7es his steeds, for friendshi! ring ye
Pusan with your songs of !raise1
They with one mind, one thought attend the sacrifice, urged y the
favouring aid of 5avitar the God.
. The thrice)seven wandering /ivers, yea, the mighty floods, the forest
trees, the mountains, Agni to our aid,
8rsanu, Tisya, archers to our gathering)!lace, and /udra strong amid the
/udras we invo7e.
0 Let the great 5treams come hither with their mighty hel!, 5indhu,
5arasvati, and 5arayu with waves.
<e Goddess 4loods, ye %others, animating all, !romise us water rich in
fatness and in alm.
1@ And let -rhaddiva, the %other, hear our call, and Tvastar, 4ather, with
the Goddesses and 6ames.
/hu7san, 'a9a, -haga, and /athas!ati, and the sweet s!eech of him who
laours guard us wellA
11 Pleasant to loo7 on as a dwelling rich in food is the lest favour of the
%aruts, /udra;s 5ons.
%ay we e famed among the fol7 for wealth in 7ine. and ever come to you,
ye Gods, with sacred food.
12 The thought which ye, , %aruts, Indra and ye Gods have given to me,
and ye, %itra and 'aruna,)
>ause this to grow and swell li7e a milchcow with mil7. Will ye not ear
away my songs u!on your carB
1# , %aruts, do ye never, never recollect and call again to mind this our
relationshi!B
When ne$t we meet together at the central !oint, even there shall Aditi
confirm our rotherhood.
1& The %others, "eaven and 2arth, those mighty Goddesses, worthy of
sacrifice, ecune with the race of Gods.
These Two with their su!!ort u!hold oth Gods and men, and with the
4athers !our the co!ious genial stream.
1( This invocation wins all good that we desire -rhas!ati, highly)!raised
Aramati, are here,
2ven where the stone that !resses meath rings loudly out, and where the
sages ma7e their voices heard with hymns.
1* Thus hath the sage, s7illed in loud singers; duties, desiring riches,
yearning after treasure,
Gaya, the !riestly singer, with his !raises and hymns contented the >elestial
!eo!le.
1+ Thus hath the thoughtful sage the son of Plati, !raised you, , Aaiti and
all Adityas.
%en are made rich y those who are Immortal1 the "eavenly 4ol7 have een
e$tolled y Gaya.
HYMN *XV. Visv!d!vas.
I. %A< Agni, Indra, %itra, 'aruna consent, Aryaman, 'ayu, Pusan, and
5arasvati,
Adityas, %aruts, 'isnu, 5oma, lofty 57y, /udra and Aditi, and -rahmanas!ati.
2 Indra and Agni, "ero)lords when 'rtra fell, dwelling together, s!eeding
emulously on,
And 5oma lent with oil, !utting his greatness forth, have with their !ower
filled full the mighty firmament.
# 57illed in the Law I lift the hymn of !raise to these, Law)strengtheners,
unassailed, and great in ma9esty.
These in their wondrous ounty send the watery sea1 may they as 7indly
4riends send gifts to ma7e us great.
& They with their might have stayed "eaven, 2arth, and Prthivi, the Lord of
Light, the firmament, )the lustrous s!heres.
2ven as fleet)foot steeds who ma7e their masters glad, the !rincely Gods
are !raised, most ountiful to man.
( -ring gifts to %itra and to 'aruna who, Lords of all, in s!irit never fail the
worshi!!er,
Whose statute shines on high through everlasting Law, whose !laces of sure
refuge are the heavens and earth.
* The cow who yielding mil7 goes her a!!ointed way hither to us as leader
of holy rites,
5!ea7ing aloud to 'aruna and the worshi!!er, shall with olation serve
'ivasvan and the Gods.
+ The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aiders of Law,
reflecting, in the seat of Law.
They !ro!!ed u! heaven and then rought waters with their might, got
sacrifice and in a ody made it fair.
. -orn in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are sharers of one
mansion in the home of Law.
-ound y their common vow 6yaus, Prthivi stream forth the moisture rich in
oil to 'aruna the 5teer.
0 Par9anya, 'ata, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and 'ayu, 'aruna, %itra,
Aryaman1
We call on Aditi, Adityas, and the Gods, those who are on the earth, in
waters, and in heaven.
1@ Tvastar and 'ayu, those who count as /hus, oth celestial "otar)!riests,
and 6awn for ha!!iness,
Winners of wealth, we call, and wise -rhas!ati, destroyer of our foes, and
5oma Indra;s 4riend.
11 They generated !rayer, the cow, the horse, the !lants, the forest trees,
the earth, the waters, and the hills.
These very ounteous Gods made the 5un mount to heaven, and s!read the
righteous laws of Aryas o;er the land.
12 , Asvins, ye delivered -hu9yu from distress, ye animated 5yava,
'adhrmati;s son.
To 'imada ye rought his consort 8amadyu, and gave his lost 'isna!u ac7
to 'isva7a.
1# Thunder, the lightning;s daughter, A9a)27a!ad, heaven;s earer, 5indhu,
and the waters of the sea1
"ear all the Gods my words, 5arasvati give ear together with Purandhi and
with "oly Thoughts.
1& With "oly Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, 7nowing the Law
immortal, %anu;s "oly ,nes,
-oon)givers, favourers, finders of light, and "eaven, with gracious love
acce!t my songs, my !rayer, my hymn.
1( Immortal Gods have I, 'asistha, lauded, Gods set on high aove all other
eings.
%ay they this day grant us wide s!ace and freedom1 ye Gods, !reserve us
HYMN *XVI. Visv!d!vas.
1. I >ALL the Gods of lofty glory for our weal, the ma7ers of the light, well)
s7illed in sacrifice:
Those who have wa$en mightily, %asters of all wealth, Immortal,
strengthening Law, the Gods whom Indra leads.
2 4or the strong and of %aruts will we frame a hymn1 the chiefs shall ring
forth sacrifice for Indra;s troo!,
Who, sent y Indra and advised y 'aruna, have gotten for themselves a
share of 5urya;s light
# %ay Indra with the 'asus 7ee! our dwelling safe, and Aditi with Adityas
lend us sure defence.
%ay the God /udra with the /udras favour us, and Tvastar with the 6ames
further us to success.
& Aditi, "eaven and 2arth, the great eternal Law, Indra, 'isnu, the %aruts,
and the lofty 57y.
We call u!on Adityas, on the Gods, for hel!, on 'asus, /udras, 5avitar of
wondrous deeds.
( With "oly Thoughts 5arasvan, firm)lawed 'aruna, great 'ayu, Pusan,
'isnu, and the Asvins Twain,
Lords of all wealth, Immortal, furtherers of !rayer, grant us a tri!ly)
guarding refuge from distress.
* 5trong e the sacrifice, strong e the "oly ,nes, strong the !re!arers of
olation, strong the Gods.
%ighty e "eaven and 2arth, true to eternal Law, strong e Par9anya, strong
e they who laud the 5trong.
+ To win us strength I glorify the %ighty Twain, Agni and 5oma, %ighty ,nes
whom many laud.
%ay these vouchsafe us shelter with a tri!le guard, these whom the strong
have served in worshi! of the Gods.
. Potent, with firm)fi$t laws, arranging sacrifice, visiting solemn rites in
s!lendour of the day,
,eying ,rder, these whose !riest is Agni, free from falsehood, !oured the
waters out when 'rtra died.
0 The "oly ,nes engendered, for their several laws, the heavens and earth,
the waters, and the !lants and trees.
They filled the firmament with heavenly light for hel!1 the Gods emodied
Wish and made it eautiful.
1@ %ay they who ear u! heaven, the /hus deft of hand, and 'ata and
Par9anya of the thundering -ull,
The waters and the !lants, !romote the songs we sing1 come -haga, /ati,
and the 'ai9ns to my call.
11 5indhu, the sea, the region, and the firmament, the thunder, and the
ocean, A9a)27a!ad,
The 6ragon of the 6ee!, shall listen to my words, and all the 6eities and
Princes shall give ear.
12 %ay we, e yours, we men, to entertain the Gods1 further our sacrifice
and give it full success.
Adityas, /udras, 'asus, givers of good gifts, ?uic7en the holy hymns which
we are singing now
1# I follow with success u!on the !ath of Law the two celestial "otars,
Priests of oldest time.
We !ray to him who dwelleth near, Guard of the 4ield, to all Immortal Gods
who never are remiss.
1& 'asistha;s sons have raised their voices, li7e their sire. /si)li7e !raying to
the Gods for ha!!iness.
Li7e friendly)minded 7insmen, come at our desire, , Gods, and sha7e down
treasures on us from aove.
1( Immortal Gods have I, 'asistha, lauded, Gods set on high aove all other
eings.
%ay they this day grant us wide s!ace and freedom1 ye Gods, !reserve us
HYMN *XVII. Br#as%a&i.
1. T"I5 holy hymn, sulime and sevenheaded, s!rung from eternal Law, our
sire discovered.
Ayasya, friend of all men, hath engendered the fourth hymn as he sang his
laud to Indra.
2 Thin7ing aright, !raising eternal ,rder, the sons of 6yaus the Asura, those
heroes,
Angirases, holding the ran7 of sages, first honoured sacrifice;s holy statute.
# Girt y his friends who cried with swanli7e voices, ursting the stony
arriers of the !rison,
-rhas!ati s!a7e in thunder to the cattle, and uttered !raise and song when
he had found them.
& A!art from one, away from two aove him, he drave the 7ine that stood in
onds of falsehood.
-rhas!ati, see7ing light amid the dar7ness, drave forth the right cows1
three he made a!!arent.
( When he had cleft the lairs and western castle, he cut off three from him
who held the waters.
-rhas!ati discovered, while he thundered li7e 6yaus, the dawn, the 5un, the
cow, the lightning.
* As with a hand, so with his roaring Indra cleft 'ala through, the guardian
of the cattle.
5ee7ing the mil7)draught with sweatshining comrades he stole the Pani;s
7ine and left him wee!ing.
+ "e with right faithful 4riends, winners of ooty, hath rent the mil7er of
the cows asunder.
-rhas!ati with wild oars strong and mighty, sweating with heat, hath
gained a rich !ossession.
. They, longing for the 7ine, with faithful s!irit incited with their hymns the
Lord of cattle.
-rhas!ati freed the radiant cows with comrades self)yo7ed, averting shame
from one another.
0 In our assemly with aus!icious !raises e$alting him who roareth li7e a
lion,
%aywe, in every fight where heroes con?uer, re9oice in strong -rhas!ati the
'ictor.
1@ When he had won him every sort of ooty and gone to heaven and its
most lofty mansions,
%en !raised -rhas!ati the %ighty, ringing the light within their mouths
from sundry !laces.
11 4ulfil the !rayer that egs for vital vigour1 aid in your wonted manner
even the humle.
Let all our foes e turned and driven ac7ward. "ear this, , "eaven and
2arth, ye All)!roducers.
12 Indra with mighty strength cleft asunder the head of Aruda the watery
monster,
5lain Ahi, and set free the 5even /ivers. , "eaven and 2arth, with all the
Gods !rotect us.
HYMN *XVIII. Br#as%a&i.
1. LI82 irds who 7ee! their watch, !lashing in water, li7e the loud voices of
the thundering rain)cloud,
Li7e merry streamlets ursting from the mountain, thus to -rhas!ati our
hymns have sounded.
2 The 5on of Angirases, meeting the cattle, as -haga, rought in Aryaman
among us.
As 4riend of men he dec7s the wife and husand1 as for the race, -rhas!ati,
nerve our coursers.
# -rhas!ati, having won them from the mountains, strewed down, li7e
arley out of winnowing) as7ets,
The vigorous, wandering cows who aid the !ious, desired of all, of lameless
form, well)coloured.
& As the 5un dews with meath the seat of ,rder, and casts a flaming meteor
down from heaven.
5o from the roc7 -rhas!ati forced the cattle, and cleft the earth;s s7in as it
were with water.
( 4orth from mid air with light he dravc the dar7ness, as the gale lows a
lily from the fiver.
Li7e the wind gras!ing at the cloud of 'ala, -rhas!ati gathered to himself
the cattle,
* -rhas!ati, when he with fiery lightnings cleft through the wea!on of
reviling 'ala,
>onsumed.him as tongues cat what teeth have com!assed1 he threw the
!risons of the red cows o!en.
+ That secret name orne y the lowing cattle within the cave -rhas!ati
discovered,
And drave, himself, the right 7ine from the mountain, li7e a ird;s young
after the egg;s disclosure.
. "e loo7ed around on roc7)im!risoned sweetness as one who eyes a fish in
scanty water.
-rhas!ati, cleaving through with varied clamour, rought it forth li7e a owl
from out the timer.
0 "e found the light of heaven, and fire, and %orning1 with lucid rays he
forced a!art the dar7ness.
As from a 9oint, -rhas!ati too7 the marrow of 'ala as he gloried in his
cattle.
1@ As trees for foliage roed y winter, 'ala mourned for the cows
-rhas!ati had ta7en.
"e did a deed ne;er done, ne;er to e e?ualled, wherey the 5un and %oon
ascend alternate.
11 Li7e a dar7 steed adorned with !earl, the 4athers have decorated heaven
With constellations.
They set the light in day, in night the dar7ness. -rhas!ati cleft the roc7 and
found the cattle.
12 This homage have we.offered to the >loud God who thunders out to
many in succession.
%ay this -rhas!ati vouchsafe us fulness of life with 7ine and horses, men,
and heroes.
HYMN *XIX. Agni.
1. Aus!icious is the as!ect of 'adhryasva;s fire good is its guidance, !leasant
are its visitings.
When first the !eo!le ,f 5umitra 7indle it, with utter !oured thercon it
crac7les and shines right.
2 -utter is that which ma7es 'adhryaiva;s fire growstrong1 the utter is its
food, the utter ma7es it fat.
It s!reads aroad when utter hath een offered it, and almed with
streams of utter shines forth li7e the 5un.
# 5till newest is this face of thine, , Agni, which %anu and 5umitra have
en7indled.
5o richly shine, acce!t our songs with favour, so give us strengthening food,
so send us glory.
& Acce!t this offering, Agni, whom aforetime 'adhryasva, hath entreated
and en7indled.
Guard well our homes and o!le, guard our odies, !rotect thy girt to us
which thou hast granted.
( -e s!lendid, guard us 8insman of 'adhryasva1 let not the enmity of men
o;ercome thee,
Li7e the old hero >yavana, I 5umitra tell forth the title of 'adhryaiva;s
8insman.
* All treasures hast thou won, of !lains and mountains, and ?uelled the
6asas; and Aryas; hatred.
Li7e the old hero >yavana, , Agni, mayst thou sudue the men who long
for attle.
+ 6eft Agni hath a lengthened thread, tall o$en, a thousand heifers,
numerless devices.
6ec7ed y the men, s!lendid among the s!lendid, shine rightly forth amid
devout 5umitras.
. Thine is the teeming cow, , Datavedas, who !ours at once her ceaseless
flow, 5aardhu7,
Thou. art lit u! y men enriched with guerdon, , Agni, y the !ious)souled
5umitras.
0 2ven Immortal Gods, , Datavedas, 'adhryasva;s 8insman, have declared
thy grandeur.
When human tries drew near with su!!lication thou con?ueredst with men
whom thou hadst strengthened.
1@ Li7e as a father ears his son, , Agni, 'adhryasva are thee in his la! and
served thee.
Thou, <oungest God, having en9oyed his fuel, didst van?uish those of old
though they were mighty.
11 'adhryasva;s Agni evermore hath van?uished his foes with heroes who had
!ressed the 5oma.
Lord of right rays, thou urntest u! the attle, suduing, as our hel!, e;en
mighty foemen.
12 This Agni of 'adhryasva, 'rtra)slayer, lit from of old, must e invo7ed
with homage.
As such assail our enemies, 'adhryasva, whether the foes e strangers or e
7insmen.
HYMN *XX. A%ris.
1. 2=D,<, , Agni, this my 4uel, welcome the oil)filled ladle where we !our
liation.
/ise u! for worshi! of the Gods, wise Agni, on the earth;s height, while days
are right with eauty.
2 %ay he who goes efore the Gods come hither with steeds whose sha!es
are varied, =arasarhsa.
%ay he, most Godli7e, s!eed our offered viands with homage God)ward on
the !ath of ,rder.
# %en with olations laud most constant Agni, and !ray him to !erform an
envoy;s duty.
With lightly)rolling car and est draught)horses, ring the Gods hither and
sit down as "otar.
& %ay the delight of Gods s!read out transversely1 may it e with us long in
length and fragrant.
, "oly Grass divine, with friendly s!irit ring thou the willing Gods whose
>hief is Indra.
( Touch ye the far)e$tending height of heaven or s!ring a!art to suit the
wide earth;s measure.
<earning, ye 6oors, with those sulime in greatness, seiCe eagerly the
heavenly >ar that cometh.
* "ere in this shrine may 6awn and =ight, the 6aughters of "eaven, the
s7ilful Goddesses, e seated.
In your wide la!, aus!icious, willing Ladies may the Gods seat them with a
willing s!irit.
+ 3! stands the stone, high urns the fire en7indled1 Aditi;s la! contains the
4riendly =atures
<e Two >hief Priests who serve at this our worshi!, may ye, more s7illed,
win for us rich !ossessions.
. ,n our wide grass, Three Goddesses e seated1 for you have we !re!ared
and made it !leasant.
%ay Ila, she whose foot dro!s oil, the Goddess, taste, man)li7e, sacrifice
and well)set !resents.
0 5ince thou, God Tvastar, hast made eauty !erfect, since hou hast een
the Angirases; >om!anion,
Willing, most wealthy, Giver of !ossessions, grant us the Gods; assemly,
thou who 7nowest.
1@ Well)7nowing, inding with thy cord, ring hither, Lord of the Wood, the
6eities; assemly.
The God !re!are and season our olations may "eaven and 2arth e
gracious to my calling.
11 Agni, ring hither 'aruna to hel! us, Indra from heaven, from air;s mid)
realm the %aruts.
,n sacred grass all "oly ones e seated and let the Immortal Gods re9oice in
5vaha.
HYMN *XXI. 5nana$
1. W"2=)men, -rhas!ati, giving names to o9ects, sent out 'a7;s first and
earliest utterances,
All that was e$cellent and s!otless, treasured within them, was disclosed
through their affection.
2 Where, li7e men cleansing corn)flour in a crile, the wise in s!irit have
created language,
4riends see and recogniCe the mar7s of friendshi!1 their s!eech retains the
lessed sign im!rinted.
# With sacrifice the trace of 'a7 they foIlowed, and found her harouring
within the /sis.
They rought her, dealt her forth in many !laces1 seven singers ma7e her
tones resound in concert.
& ,ne man hath ne;er seen 'a7, and yet he seeth1 one man hath hearing ut
hath never heard her.
-ut to another hath she shown her eauty as a fond well)dressed woman to
her husand.
( ,ne man they call a laggard, dull in friendshi!1 they never urge him on to
deeds of valour.
"e wanders on in !rofitless illusion1 the 'oice he heard yields neither
fruit,nor lossom.
* =o !art in 'a7 hath he who hath aandoned his own dear friend who
7nows the truth of friendshi!.
2ven if he hears her still in vain he listens1 naught 7nows he of the !ath of
righteous action.
+ 3ne?ual in the ?uic7ness of their s!irit are friends endowed ali7e with
eyes and hearing.
5ome loo7 li7e tan7s that reach the mouth or shoulder, others li7e !ools of
water fit to athe in.
. When friendly -rahmans sacrifice together with mental im!ulse which the
heart hath fashioned,
They leave one far ehind through their attainments, and some who count
as -rahmans wander elsewhere.
0 Those men who ste! not ac7 and move not forward, nor -rahmans nor
!re!arers of liations,
"aving attained to 'a7 in sinful fashion s!in out their thread in ignorance
li7e s!insters.
1@ All friends are 9oyful in the friend who cometh in trium!h, having
con?uered in assemly.
"e is their lame)averter, food)!rovider !re!ared is he and fit for deed of
vigour.
11 ,ne !lies his constant tas7 reciting verses. one sings the holy !salm in
5a7vari measures.
,ne more, the -rahman, tells the lore of eing, and one lays down the rules
of sacrificing.
HYMN *XXII. T#! G/ds.
1. L2T 35 with tuneful s7ill !roclaim these generations of the Gods,
That one may see them when these hymns are chanted in a future age.
2 These -rahmanas!ati !roduced with last and smelting, li7e a 5mith,
2$istence, in an earlier age of Gods, from =on)e$istence s!rang.
# 2$istence, in the earliest age of Gods, from =on)e$istence s!rang.
Thereafter were the regions orn. This s!rang from the Productive Power.
& 2arth s!rang from the Productive Power the regions from the earth were
orn.
6a7sa was orn of Aditi, and Aditi was 6a7sa;s >hild.
( 4or Aditi, , 6a7sa, she who is thy 6aughter, was rought forth.
After her were the lessed Gods orn sharers of immortal life.
* When ye, , Gods, in yonder dee! closeclas!ing one another stood,
Thence, as of dancers, from your feet a thic7ening cloud of dust arose.
+ When, , ye Gods, li7e <atis, ye caused all e$isting things to grow,
Then ye rought 5urya forward who was lying hidden in the sea.
. 2ight are the 5ons of Adid who from her ody s!rang to life.
With seven she went to meet the Gods she cast %artanda far away.
0 5o with her 5even 5ons Aditi went forth to meet the earlier age.
5he rought %artanda thitherward to s!ring to life and die again.
HYMN *XXIII. Indra.
1. T",3 wast orn mighty for victorious valour, e$ulting, strongest, full of
!ride and courage.
There, even there, the %aruts strengthened Indra when. his most ra!id
%other stirred the "ero.
2 There with fiend;s ways e;en Prsni was seated1 with much laudation they
e$alted Indra.
As if encom!assed y the %ighty)footed, from dar7ness, near at hand, forth
came the >hildren.
# "igh are thy feet when on thy way thou goest1 the strength thou foundest
here hath lent thee vigour.
Thousand hyenas in thy mouth thou holdest. , Indra, mayst thou turn the
Asvins hither.
& 5!eeding at once to sacrifice thou comest for friendshi! thou art ringing
oth =asatyas.
Thou hadst a thousand treasures in !ossession. The Asvins, , thou "ero,
gave thee riches.
( Glad, for the race that rests on holy ,rder, with friends who hasten to
their goal, hath Indra
With these his magic !owers assailed the 6asyu1 he cast away the gloomy
mists, the dar7ness.
* Two of li7e name for him didst thou demolish, as Indra stri7ing down the
car of 3sas.
With thy eloved lofty 4riends thou camest, and with the assurance of thine
heart thou slewest.
+ War)loving =amuci thou smotest, roing the 6asa of his magic for the /si.
4or man thou madest ready !leasant !athways, !aths leading as it were
directly God)ward.
. These names of thine thou hast fulfilled com!letely1 as Lord, thou oldest
in thine arm, , Indra.
In thee, through thy great might, the Gods are 9oyful1 the roots of trees hast
thou directed u!ward.
0 %ay the sweet 5oma 9uices ma7e him ha!!y to cast his ?uoit that lies in
de!th of waters.
Thou from the udder which o;er earth is fastened hast !oured the mil7 into
the 7ine and herage.
1@ When others call him offs!ring of the >ourser, my meaning is that %ighty
Power !roduced him.
"e came from %anyu and remained in houses1 whence he hath s!rung is
7nown to Indra only.
11 Li7e irds of eauteous wing the Priyamedhas, /sis, im!loring, have come
nigh to Indra1
6is!el the dar7ness and fill full our vision deliver us as men whom snares
entangle.
HYMN *XXIV. Indra.
1. I A% !re!ared to laud with song or worshi! the =ole ,nes who are in
earth and heaven,
,r >oursers who have trium!hed in, the contest, or those who famed, have
won the !riCe with glory.
2 Their call, the call of Gods, went u! to heaven1 they 7issed the ground
with glory)see7ing s!irit,
There where the Gods loo7 on for ha!!y fortune, and li7e the 7indly
heavens estow their ounties.
# This is the song of those Immortal -eings who long for treasures in their
full !erfection.
%ay these, com!leting !rayers and sacrifices, estow u!on us wealth where
naught is wanting.
& Those living men e$tolled thy deed, , Indra, those who would fain urst
through the stall of cattle,
4ain to mil7 her who are ut once, great, lofty, whose 5ons are many and
her streams !ast numer.
( 5acivan, win to your assistance Indra who never ends, who overcomes his
foemen.
/hu7san, %aghavan, the hymn;s u!holder, who, rich in food, ears man;s
7ind friend, the thunder.
* 5ince he who won of old anew hath trium!hed, Indra hath earned his
name of 'rtra)slaycr.
"e hath a!!eared, the mighty Lord of >on?uest. What we would have him
do let him accom!lish.
HYMN *XXV. T#! Riv!rs.
1. T"2 singer, , ye Waters in 'ivasvan;s !lace, shall tell your grandeur forth
that is eyond com!are.
The /ivers have come forward tri!ly, seven and seven. 5indhu in might
sur!asses all the streams that flow.
2 'aruna cut the channels for thy forward course, , 5indhu, when thou
rannest on to win the race.
Thou s!eedest o;er !reci!itous ridges of the earth, when thou art Lord and
Leader of these moving floods.
# "is roar is lifted u! to heaven aove the earth1 he !uts forth endless
vigour with a flash of light.
Li7e floods of rain that fall) in thunder from the cloud, so 5indhu rushes on
ellowing li7e a ull.
& Li7e mothers to their calves, li7e milch 7ine with their mil7, so, 5indhu,
unto thee the roaring rivers run.
Thou leadest as a warrior 7ing thine army;s wings what time thou comest in
the van of these swift streams.
( 4avour ye this my laud, , Ganga, <amuna, , 5utudri, Parusni and
5arasvati1
With Asi7ni, 'itasta, , %arudvrdha, , Ar9i7iya with 5usoma hear my call.
* 4irst with Trstama thou art eager to flow forth, with /asa, and 5usartu,
and with 5vetya here,
With 8uha: and with these, 5indhu and %ehatnu, thou see7est in thy course
8rumu and Gomati.
+ 4lashing and whitely)gleaming in her mightiness, she moves along her
am!le volumes through the realms,
%ost active of the active, 5indhu unrestrained, li7e to a da!!led mare,
eautiful, fair to see.
. /ich in good steeds is 5indhu, rich in cars and roes, rich in gold, noly)
fashioned, rich in am!le wealth.
-lest 5ilamavati and young 3rnavati invest themselves with raiment rich in
store of sweets.
0 5indhu hath yo7ed her car, light)rolling, drawn y steeds, and with that
car shall she win ooty in this fight.
5o have I !raised its !ower, mighty and unrestrained, of inde!endent glory,
roaring as it runs.
HYMN *XXVI. +r!ss-s&/n!s.
1. I G/A5P at you when !ower and strength egin to dawn1 edew ye, Indra
and the %aruts, "eaven and 2arth,
That 6ay and =ight, in every hall of sacrifice, may wait on us and less us
when they first s!ring forth.
2 Press the liation out, most e$cellent of all1 the Pressing)stone is gras!ed
li7e a hand)guided steed.
5o let it win the valour that sudues the foe, and the fleet courser;s might
that s!eeds to am!le wealth.
# Duice that this 5tone !ours out removes defect of ours, as in old time it
rought !ros!erity to man.
At sacrifices they estalished holy rites on Tvastar;s mil7)lent 9uice right
with the hue of steeds.
& 6rive ye the treacherous demons far away from us1 7ee! =irrti afar and
anish Penury.
Pour riches forth for us with troo!s of hero sons, and ear ye u!, , 5tones,
the song that visits Gods.
( To you who are more mighty than the heavens themselves, who, finishing
your tas7 with more than 'ihvan;s s!eed,
%ore ra!idly than 'ayu seiCe the 5oma 9uice, etter than Agni give us food,
to you I sing.
* 5tirred e the glorious 5tones1 let it !ress out the 9uice, the 5tone with
heavenly song that reaches u! to heaven,
There where the men draw forth the meath for which they long, sending
their voice around in rivalry of s!eed.
+ The 5tones !ress out the 5oma, swift as car)orne men, and, eager for the
s!oil, drain forth the sa! thereof
To fill the ea7er, they e$haust the udder;s store, as the men !urify
olations with their li!s.
. <e, !resent men, have een most s7ilful in your wor7, even ye, , 5tones
who !ressed 5oma for Indra;s drin7.
%ay all ye have of fair go to the "eavenly /ace, and all your treasure to the
earthly worshi!!er.
HYMN *XXVII. Maru&s.
1. As with their voice from cloud they s!rin7le treasure so are the wise
man;s lieral sacrifices.
I !raise their >om!any that merits worshi! as the good %artits; !riest to !ay
them honour.
2 The youths have wrought their ornaments for glory through many nights,)
this nole and of %aruts.
Li7e stags the 5ons of 6yatis have striven onward, the 5ons of Aditi grown
strong li7e !illars.
# They who e$tend eyond the earth and heaven, y their own mass, as
from the cloud s!reads 5urya:
Li7e mighty "eroes covetous of glory, li7e heavenly gallants who destroy the
wic7ed.
& When ye come nigh, as in the de!th of waters, the earth is loosened, as it
were, and sha7en.
This your all)feedin sacrifice a!!roaches1 come all united, fraught, as ;twere
with viands.
( <e are li7e horses fastened to the chariot !oles, luminous with your
eams, with s!lendour as at dawn:
Li7e self)right falcons, !unishers of wic7ed men, li7e hovering irds urged
forward, scattering rain around.
* When ye come forth, , %aruts, from the distance, from the great treasury
of rich !ossessions,
8nowing, , 'asus, oons that should e granted, even from afar drive ac7
the men who hate us.
+ "e who, engaged in the rite;s final duty rings, as a man, olation to the
%aruts,
Wins him life;s wealthy fulness, lest with heroes1 he shall e !resent, too,
where Gods drin7 5oma.
. 4or these are hel!s adored at sacrifices, ringing good fortune y their
name Adityas.
5!eeding on cars let them !rotect our !raises, delighting in our sacrifice and
worshi!.
HYMN *XXVIII. Maru&s.
1. <e y your hymns are li7e high)thoughted singers, s7ilful, inviting Gods
with sacrifices:
4air to ehold, li7e 8ings, with right adornment, li7e s!otless gallants,
leaders of the !eo!le1
2 Li7e fire with flashing flame, reast)ound with chains of gold, li7e
tem!est)lasts, self)moving, swift to lend your aid:
As est of all fore7nowers, e$cellent to guide, li7e 5omas, good to guard the
man who follows Law.
# 5ha7ers of all, li7e gales of wind they travel, li7e tongues of urning fires
in their effulgence.
%ighty are they as warriors clad in armour, and, li7e the 4athers; !rayers,
%ost -ounteous Givers.
& Li7e s!o7es of car)wheels in one nave united, ever victorious li7e heavenly
"eroes,
5hedding their !recious alm li7e youthful suitors, they raise their voice and
chant their !salm as singers.
( They who are fleet to travel li7e the nolest steeds, long to otain the
!riCe li7e ounteous charioteers,
Li7e waters s!eeding on with their !reci!itous floods, li7e omniform
Angirases with 5ama)hymns.
* -orn from the stream, li7e !ress)stones are the Princes, for ever li7e the
stones that crush in !ieces:
5ons of a eauteous 6ame, li7e !layful children, li7e a great host u!on the
march with s!lendour.
+ Li7e rays of 6awn, the visitors of sacrifice, they shine with ornaments as
eager to e right.
Li7e rivers hasting on, glittering with their s!ears, from far away they
measure out the distances.
. Gods, send us ha!!iness and ma7e us wealthy, letting us singers !ros!er, ,
ye %aruts.
-ethin7 you of our !raise and of our friendshi!1 ye from of old have riches to
vouchsafe us.
HYMN *XXIX. Agni.
1. I "A'2 eheld the might of this Great -eing. Immortal in the midst of
tries of mortals.
"is 9aws now o!en and now shut together1 much they devour, insatiately
chewing.
2 "is eyes are turned away, his head is hidden1 unsated with his tongue he
eats the fuel.
With hands u!raised, with reverence in the houses, for him they ?uic7ly
ring his food together.
# 5ee7ing, as ;twere, his %other;s secret osom, he, li7e a child, cree!s on
through wide)s!read ushes.
,ne he finds glowing li7e hot food made ready, and 7issing dee! within the
earth;s recmes.
& This holy Law I tell you, 2arth and "eaven1 the Infant at his irth dovours
his Parents.
=o 7nowledge of the God have I, a mortal. <ea, Agni 7noweth est, for he
hath wisdom.
( This man who ?uic7ly gives him food, who offers his gifts of oil and utter
and su!!orts him, )
"im with his thousand eyes he closely loo7s on1 thou showest him thy face
from all sides, Agni.
* Agni, hast thou committed sin or treason among the GodsB In ignorance I
as7 thee.
Playing, not !laying, he gold)hued and toothless, hath cut his food u! as the
7nife a victim.
+ "e orn in wood hath yo7ed his horses rushing in all directions, held with
reins that glitter.
The well)orn friend hath carved his food with 'asus1 in all his lims he hath
increased and !ros!ered.
HYMN *XXX. Agni.
1. AG=I estows the fleet !riCe)winning courser1 Agni, the hero famed and
firm in duty.
Agni !ervades and dec7s the earth and heaven, and fills the fruitful dame
who teems with heroes.
2 -lest e the wood that feeds the active Agni1 within the two great worlds
hath Agni entered.
Agni im!els a single man to attle, and with him rends in !ieces many a
foeman.
# Agni re9oiced the car of him who !raised lim, and from the waters urnt
away 9arutha.
Agni saved Atri in the fiery cavem, and made =rmedha rich with troo!s of
children.
& Agni hath granted wealth that dec7s the hero, and sent the sage who wins
a thousand cattle.
Agni hath made olations rise to heaven1 to every !lace are Agni;s laws
e$tended.
( With songs of !raise the /sis call on Agni: on Agni, heroes worsted in the
foray.
-irds flying in the region call on Agni around a thousand cattle Agni wanders.
* /aces of human irth !ay Agni worshi!, men who have s!rung from =ahus;
line adore him.
5talished in holy oil is Agni;s !asture, on the Gandharva !ath of Law and
,rder.
+ The /hus faricated !rayer for Agni, and we with mighty hymns have
called on Agni.
Agni, %ost <outhful God, !rotect the singer1 win us y worshi!, Agni, great
!ossessions.
HYMN *XXXI. Visva3ar$an.
1. "2 who sate down as "otar)!riest, the /si, our 4ather, offering u! all
things e$isting,)
"e, see7ing through his wish a great !ossession, came among men on earth
as archety!al.
2 What was the !lace whereon he too7 his stationB What was it that
su!!orted himB "ow was itB
Whence 'isva7arman, seeing all, !roducing the earth, with mighty !ower
disclosed the heavens.
# "e who hath eyes on all sides round aout him, a mouth on all sides, arms
and feet on all sides,
"e, the 5ole God, !roducing earth and heaven, weldeth them, with his arms
as wings, together.
& What was the tree, what wood in sooth !roduced it, from which they
fashioned out the earth and heavenB
<e thoughtful men in?uire within your s!irit whereon he stood when he
estalished all things.
( =ine highest, lowest, sacrificial natures, and these thy mid)most here, ,
'isva7arman,
Teach thou thy friends at sacrifice, , -lessed, and come thyself, e$alted, to
our worshi!.
* -ring thou thyself, e$alted with olation, , 'isva7arman, 2arth and
"eaven to worshi!.
Let other men around us live in folly here let us have a rich and lieral
!atron.
+ Let us invo7e to)day, to aid our laour, the Lord of 5!eech, the thought)
swift 'isva7arman.
%ay he hear 7indly all our invocations who gives all liss for aid, whose
wor7s are righteous.
HYMN *XXXII. Visva3ar$an.
1. T"2 4ather of the eye, the Wise in s!irit, created oth these worlds
sumerged in fatness.
Then when the eastern ends were firmly fastened, the heavens and the
earth were far e$tended.
2 %ighty in mind and !ower is 'isva7arman, %a7er, 6is!oser, and most lofty
Presence.
Their offerings 9oy in rich 9uice where they value ,ne, only ,ne, eyond the
5even /sis.
# 4ather who made us, he who, as 6is!oser, 7noweth all races and all things
e$isting,
2ven he alone, the 6eities; narne)giver,him other eings see7 for
information.
& To him in sacrifice they offered treasures,)/sis of old, in numerous troo!s,
as singers,
Who, in the distant, near, and lower region, made ready all these things
that have e$istence.
( That which is earlier than this earth and heaven, efore the Asuras and
Gods had eing,)
What was the germ !rimeval which the waters received where all the Gods
were seen togetherB
* The waters, they received that germ !rimeval wherein the Gods were
gathefed all together.
It rested set u!on the 3norn;s navel, that ,ne wherein aide all things
e$isting.
+ <e will not find him who !roduced these creatures1 another thing hath
risen u! among you.
2nwra!t in misty cloud, with li!s that stammer, hymn)chanters wander and
are discontented.
HYMN *XXXII. Manyu.
1. "2 who hath reverenced thee, %anyu, destructive olt, reeds for
himself forthwith all con?uering energy.
Arya and 6asa will we con?uer with thine aid, with thee the >on?ueror, with
con?uest con?uest)s!ed.
2 %anyu was Indra, yea, the God, was %anyu, %anyu was "otar, 'aruna,
Datavedas.
The tries of human lineage worshi! %anyu. Accordant with thy fervour,
%anyu, guard us.
# >ome hither, %anyu, mightier tham the mighty: chase, with thy fervour
for ally, our foemen.
5layer of foes, of 'rtra, and of 6asyu, ring thou to us all 7inds of wealth
and treasure.
& 4or thou art, %anyu, of sur!assing vigour, fierce, ?ueller of the foe, and
self)e$istent,
5hared y all men, victorious, suduer1 vouchsafe to us su!erior strengith in
attles.
( I have de!arted, still without a !ortion, wise GodA according to thy will,
the %ighty.
I, feele man, was wroth thee, , %anyu I am myself: come thou to give me
vigour.
* >ome hither. I am all thine own: advancing turn thou to me, 'ictorious,
All)su!!orterA
>ome to me, %anyu, Wielder of the Thunder1 ethin7 thee of thy friend,
and slay the 6asyus.
+ A!!roach, and on my right hand hold thy station1 so shall we slay a
multitude of foemen.
The est of meath I offer to su!!ort thee1 may we e first to drin7 thereof
in ?uiet.
HYMN *XXXIV. Manyu.
1. -,/=2 on with thee, , %anyu girt y %aruts, let our rave men,
im!etuous, ursting forward,
%arch on, li7e flames of fire in form, e$ulting, with !ointed arrows,
shar!ening their wea!ons.
2 4lashing li7e fire, e thou, , con?uering %anyu, invo7ed, , 'ictor, as our
army;s leader.
5lay thou our foes, distriute their !ossessions1 show forth thy vigour,
scatter those who hate us.
# , %anyu, overcome thou our assailant onA rea7ing, slaying, crushing
down the foemen.
They have not hindered thine im!etuous vigour1 %ighty, 5ole ornA thou
ma7est them thy su9ects.
& Alone or many thou art worshi!!ed, %anyu1 shar!en the s!irit of each clan
for attle.
With thee to aid, , thou of !erfect s!lendour, we will u!lift the glorious
shout for con?uest.
( 3nyielding ringing victory li7e Indra, , %anyu, e thou here our 5ovran
/uler.
To thy dear name, , 'ictor, we sing !raises1 we 7now the s!ring from which
thou art come hither.
* Twin)orn with !ower, destructive olt of thunder, the highest con?uering
might is thine, 5uduerA
-e friendly to its in thy s!irit, %anyu, , %uch)invo7ed, in shoc7 of mighty
attle.
+ 4or s!oil let 'aruna and %anyu give us the wealth of oth sides gathered
and collected:
And let our enemies with stric7en s!irits, o;erwhelmed with terror, slin7
away defeated.
HYMN *XXXV. Surya4s Brida,.
1. T/3T" is the ase that ears the earth: y 5urya are the heavens
sustained.
-y Law the Adityas stand secure, and 5oma holds his !lace in heaven.
2 -y 5oma are the Adityas strong, y 5oma mighty is the earth.
Thus 5oma in the midst of all these constellations hath his !lace.
# ,ne thin7s, when they have rayed the !lant, that he hath drun7 the
5oma;s 9uice:
,f him whom -rahmans truly 7now as 5oma no one ever tastes.
& 5oma, secured y sheltering rules, guarded y hymns in -rhati,
Thou standest listening to the stones none tastes of thee who dwells on
earth.
( When they egin to drin7 thee then, , God, thou swellest out again.
'ayu is 5oma;s guardian God. The %oon is that which sha!es the years.
* /aihi was her dear ridal friend, and =arasamsi led her home.
Lovely was 5urya;s roe1 she came to that which Gatha had adorned.
+ Thought was the !illow of her couch, sight was the unguent for her eyes1
"er treasury was earth and heaven..when 5urya went unto her Lord.
. "ymns were the cross)ars of the !ole, 8urira)metre dec7ed the car1
The ridesmen were the Asvin Pair Agni was leader of the train.
0 5oma was he who wooed the maid1 the groomsmen were oth Asvins,
when
The 5un)God 5avitar estowed his willing 5urya on her Lord.
1@ "er s!irit was the ridal car: the covering thereof was heaven1
-right were oth 5teers that drew it when 5urya a!!roached her husand;s,
home.
11 Thy 5teers were steady, 7e!t in !lace y holy verse and 5ama)hymn1
All car were thy two chariot wheels1 thy !ath was tremulous in the s7y,
12 >lean, as thou wentest, were thy wheels wind, was the a$le fastened
there.
5urya, !roceeding to her Lord, mounted a s!irit)fashioried car.
1# The ridal !om! of 5urya, which 5avitar started, moved along.
In %agha days are o$en slain, in Ar9uris they wed the ride.
1& When on your three)wheeled chariot, , Asvins, ye came as wooers unto
5urya;s ridal,
Then all the Gods agreed to your !ro!osal Pusan as 5on elected you as
4athers.
1( , ye Two Lords of lustre, then when ye to 5urya;s wooing came,
Where was one chariot wheel of yoursB Where stood ye for die 5ire;s
commandB
1* The -rahmans, y their seasons, 7now, , 5urya, those two wheels of
thine1
,ne 7e!t concealed, those only who are s7illed in highest truths have
learned.
1+ To 5urya and the 6eities, to %itra and to 'aruna.
Who 7now aright the thing that is, this adoration have I !aid.
1. -y their own !ower these Twain in close succession move:
They go as !laying children round the sacrifice.
,ne of the Pair eholdeth all e$isting things: the other ordereth seasons and
is orn again.
10 "e, orn afresh, is new and new for ever ensign of days he goes efore
the %ornings
>oming, he orders f*r the Gods their !ortion. The %oon !rolongs the days of
our e$istence.
2@ %ount this, all)sha!ed, gold)hued, with strong wheels, fashioned of
8imsu7a and 5almali, light)rolling,
-ound for the world of life immortal, 5urya1 ma7e for thy lord a ha!!y
ridal 9ourney.
21 /ise u! from hence1 this maiden hath a husand. I laud 'isvavasu with
hymns and homage.
5ee7 in her father;s home another fair one, and find the !ortion from of old
assigned thee.
22 /ise u! from hence, 'isvavasu1 with reverence we worshi! thee.
5ee7 thou another willing maid, and with her husand leave the ride.
2# 5traight in direction e the !ath1s, and thornless, whereon our fellows
travel to the wooing.
Let Aryaman and -haga lead us1 !erfect, , Gods, the union of the wife and
husand.
2& =ow from the noose of 'aruna I free thee, wherewith %ost -lessed
5avitar hath ound thee.
In Law;s seat, to the world of virtuous action, I give thee u! unin9ured with
thy consort.
2( "ence, and not thence, I send these free. I ma7e thee softly fettered
there.
That, -ounteous Indra, she may live lest in her fortune and her sons.
2* Let Pusan ta7e thy hand and hence conduct thee: may the two Asvins on
their car trans!ort thee.
Go to the house to e the household;s mistress and s!ea7 as lady ito thy
gathered !eo!le.
2+ "a!!y e thou and !ros!er witlh thy children here1 e vigilant to rule thy
household in this home.
>losely unite thy ody with this: man, thy lord. 5o shall ye, full of years,
address your com!any.
2. "er hue is lue and red1 the fienod who clingeth close is driven off.
Well thrive the 7insmen of this ride the husand is ourid fast in onds.
20 Give thou the woollen roe away1 deal treasure to the -rahman !riests.
This female fiend hath got her feet, and as a wife attends her lord.
#@ 3nlovely is his ody when it glistens with this wic7ed fiend,
What time the husand wra!s aout his lims the garment of his wife.
#1 >onsum!tions, from her !eo!le, which follow the ride;s res!lendent
train,)
These let the "oly Gods again ear to the !lace from which they came.
#2 Let not the highway thieves who lie in amush find the wedded !air.
-y !leasant ways let them esca!e the danger, and let foes de!art.
## 5igns of good fortune mar7 the ride come all of you and loo7 at her.
Wish her !ros!erity, and then return unto your homes again.
#& Pungent is this, and itter this, filled, as it were, with arrow)ars,
2m!oisoned and.not fit for use.
The -rahman who 7nows 5urya well deserves the garment of the ride.
#( The fringe, the cloth that dec7s her head, and then the tri!ly !arted
roe,)
-ehold the hues which 5urya wears these doth the -rahman !urify.
#* I ta7e thy hand in mine for ha!!y fortune that thou mayst reach old age
with me thy husand.
Gods, Aryaman, -haga, 5avitar, Purandhi, have given thee to e my
household;s mistress.
#+ , Pusan, send her on as most aus!icious, her who shall e the sharer of
my !leasures:
"er who shall twine her loving arms aout me, and welcome all my love and
mine emraces.
#. 4or thee, with ridal train, they, first, escorted 5urya to her home.
Give to the husand in return, Agni, the wife with !rogeny.
#0 Agni hath given the ride again with s!lendour and with am!le life.
Long lived e he who is her lord: a hundred autumns let him live.
&@ 5oma otained her first of all: ne$t the Gandharva was her lord.
Agai was thy third husand1 now one ornof woman is thy fourth.
&1 5oma to the Gandharva, and to Agni the Gandharva gave1
And Agni hath estowed on me riches and sons and this my s!ouse.
&2 -e ye not !arted: dwell ye here reach the full time of human life.
With sons and grandsons s!ort and !lay, re9oicing in your own aode.
&# 5o may Pra9a!ati ring children forth to us: may Aryaman adorn us till old
age come nigh.
=ot inaus!icious enter thou thy husand;s house1 ring lessing to our i!eds
and our ?uadru!eds.
&& =ot evil)eyed, no slayer of thy husand, ring weal to cattle, radiant,
gentlehearted:
Loving the Gods, delightful, earing heroes, ring lessing to our
&( , -ounteous Indra, ma7e this ride lest in her sons and fortunate.
'ouchsafe to her ten sons, and ma7e her husand the eleventh man.
&* ,ver thy husand;s father and thy husand;s mother ear full sway.
,ver the sister of ty lord, over his rothers rule su!reme.
&+ 5o may the 3niversal Gods, so may the Waters 9oin our hearts.
%ay %atarisvan, 6hatar, and 6estri together ind us close.
HYMN *XXXVI. Indra.
1. %2= have astained from !ouring 9uice they count not Indra as a God.
Where at the votary;s store my friend 'rsa7a!i hath drun7 his fill. 5u!reme is
Indra over all.
2 Thou, Indra, heedless !assest y the ill 'rsa7a!i hath wrought:
<et nowhere else thou findest !lace wherein to drin7 the 5oma 9uice.
5u!reme is Indra over all.
# What hath he done to in9ure thee, this tawny east 'rsa7a!i,
With whom thou art so angry nowB What is the votary;s foodful storeB
& 5oon may the hound who hunts the oar seiCe him and ite him in the car,
, Indra, that 'rsa7a!i whom thou !rotectest as a friend, 5u!reme is Indra
over all.
( 8a!i hath marred the eauteous things, all deftly wrought, that were my
9oy.
In !ieces will I rend his head: the sinner;s !ortion sall e woo. 5u!reme is
Indra over all.
* =o 6ame hath am!ler charms than 1, or greater wealth of love;s delights.
=one with more ardour offers all her eauty to her lord;s emrace. 5u!reme
is Indra over all.
+ %other whose love is ?uic7ly win, I say what verily will e.
%y,reast, , %other, and my head and oth my hi!s seem ?uivering.
. 6ame with the lovely hands and arms, with road hair)!laits add am!le
hi!s,
Why, , thou "ero;s wife, art thou angry with our 'rsa7a!iB 5u!reme is Indra
over all.
0 This no$ious creature loo7s on me as one ereft of hero;s love,
<et "eroes for my sons have I, the %aruts; 4riend and Indra;s Eueen.
1@ 4rom olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice.
%other of "eroes, Indra;s Eueen, the rite;s ordainer is e$tolled. 5u!reme is
Indra over all.
11 5o have I heard Indrani called most fortunate among these 6ames,
4or never shall her >onsort die in future time through length of days.
5u!reme is Indra overall.
12 =ever, Indralni, have I 9oyed without my friend 'rsa7a!i,
Whose welcome offering here, made !ure with water, goeth to the Gods.
1# Wealthy 'rsa7a!ayi, lest with sons and consorts of thy sons,
Indra will eat thy ulls, thy dear olation that effecteth much. 5u!reme is
Indra over all.
1& 4ifteen in numer, then, for me a score of ulloc7s they !re!are,
And I devour the fat thereof1 they fill my elly full with food. 5u!reme is
Indra over all.
1( Li7e as a ull with !ointed horn, loud ellowing amid the herds,
5weet to thine heart, , Indra, is the rew which she who tends thee !ours.
1. , Indra this 'rsa7a!i hath found a slain wild animal,
6resser, and new)made !an, and 7nife, and wagon with a load of wood.
10 6istinguishing the 6asa and the Arya, viewing all, I go.
I loo7 u!on the wise, and drin7 the sim!le votary;s 5oma 9uice. 5u!reme is
Indra over all.
2@ The desert !lains and stee! descents, how many leagues in length they
s!readA
Go to the nearest houses, go unto thine home, 'rsa7a!i. 5u!reme is Indra
over all.
21 Turn thee again 'rsa7a!i1 we twain will ring thee ha!!iness.
Thou goest homeward on thy way along this !ath which leads to slee!.
22 When, Indra and 'rsa7a!i, ye travelled u!ward to your home,
Where was that noisome east, to whom went it, the east that troules
manB 5u!reme is Indra over all.
2# 6aughter of %anu, Parsu are a score of children at a irth.
"er !ortion verily was liss although her urthen caused her grief.
HYMN *XXXVII. Agni.
1. I -AL% with oil the mighty /a7sas)slayer: to the most famous 4riend I
come for shelter
2n7indled, shar!ened y our rites, may Agni !rotect us in the day and night
from evil.
2 , Datavedas with the teeth of iron, en7indled with thy flame attac7 the
demons.
5eiCe with thy longue the foolish gods; adorers1 rend, !ut within thy mouth
the raw)flesh caters.
# A!!ly thy teeth, the u!!er and the lower, thou who hast oth, en7indled
and destroying.
/oam also in the air, , 8ing, around us, and with thy 9aws assail the wic7ed
s!irits.
& -ending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their !oints with song
as if with whetstones,
Pierce to the heart therewith the <atudhanas, and rea7 their arms u!lifed
to attac7 thee.
( Pierce through the <atudhana;s s7in, , Agni: let the destroying dart with
fire consume him.
/end his 9oints, Datavedas, let the cater of flesh, flesh)see7ing, trac7 his
mangled ody.
* Where now thou seest Agni Datavedas, one of these demons standing still
or roaming,
,r flying on those !aths in air;s midregion, shar!en the shaft and as an
archer !ierce him.
+ Tear from the evil s!irit, Datavedas, what he hath seiCed and with his
s!ears hath ca!tured.
-laCing efore him stri7e him down, , Agni: let s!otted carrion)eating 7ites
devour him.
. "ere tell this forth, , Agni1 whosoever is, he himself, or acteth as, a
demon,
"im gras!, , thou %ost <outhful, with thy fuel. to the %ati)seer;s eye give
him as ooty.
0 With 7een glance guard the sacrifice, , Agni1 thou 5age, conduct it
onward to the 'asus.
Let not the fiends, , %an)eholder, harm thee urning against the /a7sasas
to slay them.
1@ Loo7 on the fiend mid men, as %an)eholder1 rend thou his three
e$tremities in !ieces.
6emolish with thy flame his ris, , Agni, the <atudhana;s root destroy thou
tri!ly.
11 Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his falsehood
in9ures "oly ,rder.
Loud roaring with thy flame, , Datavedas, crush him and cast him down
efore the singer.
12 Lead thou the worshi!!er that eye, , Agni, wherewith thou loo7est on
the hoof)armed demon.
With light celestial in Atharvan;s manner urn u! the foot who ruins truth
with falsehood.
1# Agni, what curse the !air this day have uttered, what heated word the
worshi!!ers have s!o7en,
2ach arrowy taunt s!ed from the angry s!irit,)!ierce to the heart therewith
the <atudhanas.
1& With fervent heat e$terminate the demons: destroy the fiends with
urning flame, , Agni.
6estroy with fire the foolish gods; adorers: laCe and destre!y the insatiale
monsters.
1( %ay Gods destroy this day the evil)doer may each hot curse of his return
and last him.
Let arrows !ierce the liar in his vitals, and 'isva;s net enclose the
<atudhana.
1* The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle, with flesh of horses
and of human odies,
Who steals the milch)cow;s mil7 away, , Agni,)tear off the heads of such
with fiery fury.
1+ The cow gives mil7 each year, , %an)regarder1 let not the <atudhana
ever taste it.
If one would glut him with the iesting, Agni, !ierce with thy flame his vitals
as he meets thee.
1. Let the fiends drin7 the !oison of the cattle: may Aditi cast off the
evildoers.
%ay the God 5avitar give them u! to ruin, and e their share of !lants and
hers denied them.
10 Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons1 never shall /a7sasas in fight
o;ercome thee.
-urn u! the foolish ones, the flesh)devourers1 let none of them esca!e thine
heavenly arrow.
2@ Guard us, , Agni, from aove and under, !rotect us fl)om ehind us and
efore us:
And may thy flames, most fierce and never wasting, glowing with fervent
heat, consume the sinner.
21 4rom rear, from front, from under, from aove us, , 8ing, !rotect us as a
5age with wisdom.
Guard to old age thy friend, , 4riend, 2ternal1 , Agni, as Immortal, guard us
mortals.
22 We set thee round us as a fort, victorious Agni, thee a 5age,
,f hero lineage, day y day, destroyer of our treacherous foes.
2# -urn with thy !oison turned against the treacherous rood of /a7sasas,
, Agni, with thy shar!ened glow, with lances armed with !oints of flame.
2& -urn thou the !aired 8imidins, run, Agni, the <atudhana !airs.
I shar!en thee, Infallile, with hymns. , 5age, e vigilant.
2( 5hoot forth, , Agni, with thy flame demolish them on every side.
-rea7 thou the <atudhana;s strength, the vigour of the /a7sasa.
HYMN *XXXVIII. Agni.
1. 62A/, ageless sacrificial drin7 is offered in light)discovering, heaven)
!ervading Agni.
The Gods s!read forth through his >elestial =ature, that he might ear the
world u! and sustain it.
2 The world was swallowed and concealed in dar7ness1 Agni was orn, and
light ecame a!!arent.
The 6eities, the road earth, and the heavens, and !lants, and waters
gloried in his friendshi!.
# Ins!ired y Gods who claim our adoration, I now will laud 2ternal Lofty
Agni,
"im who hath s!read aroad the earth with lustre, this heaven, and oth
the worlds, and air;s mid)region.
& 2arliest Priest whom all the Gods acce!ted, and chose him, and anointed
him with utter,
"e swiftly made all things that fly, stand, travel, all that hath motion, Agni
Datavedas.
( -ecause thou, Agni, Datavedas, stoodest at the world;s head with thy
refulgent s!lendour,
We sent thee forth with hymns and songs and !raises1 thou filledst heaven
and earth, God meet for worshi!.
* "ead of the world is Agni in the night)time: then, as the 5un, at morn
s!rings u! and rises.
Then to his tas7 goes the !rom!t Priest fore7nowing the wondrous !ower of
Gods who must e honoured.
+ Lovely is he who, 7indled in his greatness, hath shone forth, seated in the
heavens, refulgent.
With resonant hymns all Gods who guard our odies have offered u! olation
in this Agni.
. 4irst the Gods rought the hymnal into eing: then they engendered Agni,
then olation.
"e was their satrifice that guards our odies1 him the heavens 7now, the
earth, the waters 7now him.
0 "e, Agni, whom the Gods have generated, in whom they offered u! all
worlds and creatures,
"e with his right glow heated earth and heaven, urging himself right
onward in his grandeur.
1@ Then y the laud the Gods engendered Agni in heaven, who fills oth
worlds through strength and vigour.
They made him to a!!ear in threefold essence1 he ri!ens !lants of every
form and nature.
11 What time the Gods, whose due is worshi!, set him as 5urya, 5on of Aditi,
in heaven,
When the Pair, ever wandering, s!rang to eing, all creatures that e$isted
loo7ed u!on them.
12 4or all the world of life the Gods made Agni 'aisvanara to e the days;
right -anner,)
"im who hath s!read aroad the radiant %ornings, and, coming with his
light, unveils the dar7ness.
1# The wise and holy 6eities engendered Agni 'aisvanara whom age ne;er
touches.
The Ancient 5tar that wanders on for ever, lofty and. strong, Lord of the
Living -eing.
1& We call u!on the 5age with holy verses, Agni 'aisvanara the ever)
eaming,
Who hath sur!assed oth heaven and earth in greatness1 lie is a God elow,
a God aove us.
1( I have heard mention of two several !athways, ways of the 4athers and
of Gods and mortals.
,n these two !aths each moving creature travels, each thing etween the
4ather and the %other.
1* These two united !aths ear him who 9ourneys orn from the head and
!ondered with the s!irit
"e stands directed to all things e$isting, hasting, unresting in his fiery
s!lendour.
1+ Which of us twain 7nows where they s!ea7 together, u!!er and lower of
the two rite)leadersB
,ur friends have hel!ed to gather our assemly. They came to sacrifice: who
will announce itB
1. "ow many are the 4ires and 5uns in numerB What is the numer of the
6awns and WatersB
=ot 9estingly I s!ea7 to you, , 4athers. 5ages, I as7 you this for information.
10 As great as is the fair)winged %orning;s !resence to him who dwells
eside us, matarisvanA
Is what the -rahman does when he a!!roaches to sacrifice and sits elow
the "otar.
HYMN *XXXIX. Indra.
1. I WILL e$tol the most heroic Indra who with his might forced earth and
s7y asunder:
Who hath filled all with width as man;s 3!holder, sur!assing floods and
rivers in his greatness.
2 5urya is he1 throughout the wide e$!anses shall Indra turn him, swift as
car)wheels, hither,
Li7e a stream resting not ut ever active he hath destroyed, with light, the
lac7hued dar7ness.
# To him I sing a holy !rayer, incessant new, matchless, common to the earth
and heaven,
Who mar7s, as they were ac7s, all living creatures1 ne;er doth he fail a
friend, the nole Indra.
& I will send forth my songs in flow unceasing, li7e water from the ocean;s
de!th, to Indra.
Who to his car on oth its sides securely hath fi$ed the earth and heaven as
with an a$le.
( /ousing with draughts, the 5ha7er, rushing onward, im!etuous, very
strong, armed as with arrows
Is 5oma: forest trees and all the ushes deceive not Indra with their offered
li7eness.
* 5oma hath flowed to him whom naught can e?ual, the earth, the heavens,
the firmament, the mountains,)
When heightened in his ire his indignation shatters the firm and rea7s the
strong in !ieces.
+ As an a$e fells the tree so e slew 'rtra, ra7e down the strongholds and
dug out the rivers.
"e cleft the mountain li7e a new)made !itcher. Indra rought forth the 7ine
with his >om!anions.
. Wise art thou, Punisher of guilt, , Indra. The sword lo!s lims, thou
smitest down the sinner,
The men who in9ure, as it were a comrade, the lofty Law of 'aruna and
%itra.
0 %en who lead evil lives, who rea7 agreements, and in9ure 'aruna,
Aryaman and %itra,)
Against these foes, , %ighty Indra, shar!en, as furious death, thy -ull of
fiery colour.
1@ Indra is 5ovran Lord of 2arth and "eaven, Indra is Lord of waters and of
mountains.
Indra is Lord of !ros!erers and sages Indra must e invo7ed in rest and
effort.
11 'aster than days and nights, Giver of increase, vaster than firmament
and flood of ocean,
'aster than ounds of earth and wind;s e$tension, vaster than rivers and our
lands is Indra.
12 4orward, as herald of refulgent %orning, let thine insatiate arrow fly, ,
Indra.
And !ierce, as ;twere a stone launched forth from heaven, with hottest
laCe the men who love dece!tion.
1# "im, verily, the moons, the mountains followed, the tall trees followed
and the !lants and herage.
<earning with love oth Worlds a!!roached, the Waters waited on Indra
when he first had eing.
1& Where was the vengeful dart when thou, , Indra, clavest the demon ever
eat on outrageB
When fiends lay there u!on the ground e$tended li7e cattle in the !lace of
immolationB
1( Those who are set in enmity against us, the ,ganas, , Indra, wa$en
mighty,)
Let linding dar7ness follow those our femen, while these shall have right
shining nights to light them.
1* %ay !lentiful liations of the !eo!le, and singing /sis; holy !rayers
re9oice thee.
"earing with love this common invocation, come unto us, !ass y all those
who !raise thee.
1+ , Indra, thus may we e made !arta7ers of thy new favours that shall
ring us !rofit.
5inging with love, may we the 'isvamitras win daylight even now through
thee, , Indra.
1. >all we on %aghavan, aus!icious Indra, est hero in the fight where s!oil
is gathered,
and gathers riches.
HYMN X.. +urusa.
1. A T",35A=6 heads hath Purusa, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet.
,n every side !ervading earth he fills a s!ace ten fingers wide.
2 This Purusa is all that yet hath een and all that is to e:
The Lord of Immortality which wa$es greater still y food.
# 5o mighty is his greatness: yea, greater than this is Purusa.
All creatures are one)fourth of him, three)fourths eternal life in heaven.
& With three)fourths Purusa went u!1 onefourth of him again was here.
Thence he strode out to every side over what cats not and what cats.
( 4rom him 'ira9 was orn: again Purusa from 'ira9 was orn.
As soon as he was orn he s!read eastward and westward o;er the earth.
* When Gods !re!ared the sacrifice with Purusa as their offering,
Its oil was s!ring, the holy gift was autumn: summer was the wood.
+ They almed as victim on the grass Purusa orn in earliest time.
With him the 6eities and all 5adhyas and /sis sacrificed.
. 4rom that great general sacrifice the dri!!ing fat was gathered u!.
"e formed the creatures of)the air, and animals oth wild and tame.
0 4rom that great general sacrifice /cas and 5ama)hymns were orn1
Therefrom were s!ells and charms !roduced: the <a9us had its irth from it.
1@ 4rom it were horses orn, from it all cattle with two rows of teeth1
4rom it were generated 7ine, from it the goats and shee! were orn.
11 When they divided Purusa how many !ortions did they ma7eB
What do they call his mouth, his armsB What do they call his thighs and feetB
12 The -rahman was his mouth, of oth his arms was the /a9anya made.
"is thighs ecame the 'aisya, from his feet the 5udra was !roduced.
1# The %oon was gendered from his mind, and from his eye the 5un had
irth:
Indra and Agni from his mouth were orn, and 'ayu from his reath.
1& 4orth from his navel came mid)air the s7y was fashioned from his head
2arth from his feet, and from his car the regions. Thus they formed the
worlds.
1( 5even fencing)stic7s had he, thrice seven layers of fuel were !re!ared,
When the Gods, offering sacrifice, ound, as their victim, Purusa.
1* Gods, sacrificing, sacrificed the victim these were the carliest holy
ordinances.
The %ighty ,nes attained the height of heaven, there where the 5idhyas,
Gods of old, are dwelling.
HYMN X.I. Agni.
1. -/I58, at the !lace of Ila, hymned y men who wa7e, our own familiar
4riend is 7indled in the house:
"otar of all olation, worthy of our choice, Lord, eaming, trusty friend to
one who loveth him.
2 "e, e$cellent in glory, guest in every house, finds li7e a swift)winged ird
a home in every tree.
-enevolent to men, he scorns no living man1 4riend to the tries of men he
dwells with every trie.
# %ost sage with insight, !assing s7ilful with thy !owers art thou, , Agni,
wise with wisdom, 7nowing all.
As 'asu, thou alone art Lord of all good things, of all the treasures that the
heavens and earth !roduce.
& 4ore7nowing well, , Agni, thou in Ila;s !lace hast occu!ied thy regular
station almed with oil.
%ar7ed are thy comings li7e the comings of the 6awns, the rays of him who
shineth s!otless as the 5un.
( Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, mar7ed, many)hued,
li7e heralds of the 6awns; a!!roach,
When, loosed to wander over !lants and forest trees, thou crammest y
thyself thy food into thy mouth.
* "im, duly coming as their germ, have !lants received1 this Agni have
maternal Waters rought to life.
5o in li7e manner do the forest trees and !lants ear him within them and
!roduce him evermore.
+ When, s!ed and urged y wind, thou s!readest thee aroad, swift !iercing
through thy food according to thy will,
Thy never)ceasing laCes, longing to consume, li7e men on chariots, Agni,
strive on every side.
. Agni, the "otar)!riest who fills the assemly full, Wa7er of 7nowledge,
chief >ontroller of the thought,)
"im, yea, none other than thyself, doth man elect at sacrificial offerings
great and small ali7e.
0 "ere, A!i, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest
in sacred gatherings,
When men with strewn cli!t grass and sacrificial gifts offer thee
entertainment, !iously inclined.
1@ Thine is the "erald;s tas7 and >leanser;s duly timed: Leader art thou, and
8indler for the !ious man.
Thou art 6irector, thou the ministering Priest1 thou art the -rahman, Lord
and %aster in our home.
11 When mortal man !resents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his
sacrificial gift,
Then thou art his Adhvaryu, "otar, messenger, callest the Gods and orderest
the sacrifice.
12 4rom us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these. holy
words, these /cas, songs and eulogies,
2ager for wealth, to Datavedas fain for wealth1 when they have wa$en
strong they !lease their 5trengthener.
1# This newest eulogy will I s!ea7 forth to him, the Ancient ,ne who loves
it. %ay he hear our voice.
%ay it come near his heart and ma7e it stir with love, as a fond well)dressed
matron clings aout her lord.
1& "e in whom horses, ulls, o$en, and arren cows, and rams, when duly
set a!art, are offered u!,)
To Agni, 5oma)s!rin7led, drin7er of sweet 9uice, 6is!oser, with my heart I
ring a fair hymn forth.
1( Into thy mouth is !oured the offering, Agni, as 5oma into cu!, oil into
ladle.
'ouchsafe us wealth. strength)winning, lest with heroes, wealth lofty,
!raised y men, and full of s!lendour.
HYMN X.II. Visv!d!vas.
1. I P/AI52 your >harioteer of sacrifice, the Lord of men, Priest of the
tries, refulgent, Guest of night.
-laCing amid dry !lants, snatching amid the green, the 5trong, the "oly
"erald hath attained to heaven.
2 "im, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief su!!ort, who drin7s the
fatness and com!letes the sacrifice.
With 7isses they caress the Grandson of the /ed, li7e the swift ray of light,
the "ousehold Priest of 6awn.
# <ea, we discriminate his and the niggard;s ways1 his ranches evermore are
sent forth to consume.
When his terrific flames have reached the Immortal;s world, then men
rememer and e$tol the "eavenly 4ol7.
& 4or then the net of Law, 6yaus, and the wide e$!anse, 2arth, Worshi!,
and 6evotion meet for highest !raise,
'aruna, Indra, %itra were of one accord, and 5avitar and -haga, Lords of
holy might.
( ,nward, with ever)roaming /udra, s!eed the floods1 over Aramati the
%ighty have they run.
With them Pari9man, moving round his vast domain, loud ellowing, edews
all things that are within.
* 5traightway the /udras, %aruts visiting all men, 4alcons of 6yaus, home)
dwellers with the Asura,)
'aruna, %itra, Aryaman loo7 on with these, and the swift)moving Indra with
swift)moving Gods.
+ With Indra have they found en9oyment, they who toil, in the light;s eauty,
in the very 5trong ,ne;s strength:
The singers who in men;s assemlies forged for him, according to his due, his
friend the thunderolt.
. 2ven the 5un;s -ay >oursers hath lie held in chec71 each one fears Indra as
the mightiest of all.
3nhindered, from the air;s vault thunders day y day the loud trium!hant
reathing of the fearful -ull.
0 With humle adoration show this day your song of !raise to mighty /udra,
/uler of the rave1
With whom, the 2ager ,nes, going their ordered course, he comes from
heaven 5elf)right, aus!icious, strong to guard.
1@ 4or these have s!read aroad the fame of human 7ind, the -ull -rhas!ati
and 5oma;s rotherhood.
Atharvan first y sacrifices made men sure1 through s7ill the -hrgus were
esteemed of all as Gods.
11 4or these, the 2arth and "eaven with their aundant seed, four)odied
=arasmsa, <ama, Aditi,
God Tvastar Wealth)estower, the /hu7sanas, /odasi, %aruts, 'isnu, claim
and merit !raise.
12 And may he too give car, the 5age, from far away, the 6ragon of the
6ee!, to this our yearning call.
<e 5un and %oon who dwell in heaven and move in turn, and with your
thought, , 2arth and 57y, oserve this well.
1# 6ear to all Gods, may Pasan guard the ways we go, the Waters; child and
'ayu hel! us to success.
5ing lauds for your great liss to Wind, the reath of all1 ye Asvins !rom!t to
hear, hear this u!on your way.
1& With hymns of !raise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these
fearless tries, the 5elf)res!lendent ,ne.
We !raise =ight;s youthful Lord enevolent to men, the foeless ,ne, the
free, with all celestial 6ames.
1( -y reason of his irth here Angiras first sang1 the !ressing)stones u!raised
eeld the sacrifice)
The stones through which the 5age ecame e$ceeding vast, and the shar!
a$e otains in fight the eauteous !lace.
HYMN X.III. Visv!d!vas.
1. %IG"T< are ye, and far)e$tended, "eaven and 2arth1 oth Worlds are
evermore to us li7e two young 6ames.
Guard us therey from stronger foe: guard us herey to give us strength.
2 In each succeeding sacrifice that mortal honoureth the Gods,
"e who, most widely 7nown and famed for ha!!iness, invitet them.
# <e who are /ulers over all, great is your sovran !ower as Gods.
<e all !ossess all ma9esty1 all must e served in sacrifice.
& These are the 9oyous 8ings of Immortality, Pari9man, %itra, Aryaman, and
'aruna.
What else is /udra, !raised of menB the %aruts, -haga, PusanaB
( >ome also to our dwelling, Lords of am!le wealth, common !arta7ers of
our waters, 5un and %oon,
When the great 6ragon of the 6ee! hath settled down u!on their floors.
* And let the Asvins, Lords of s!lendour, set us free,) oth Gods, and, with
their Laws, %itra and 'aruna.
Through woes, as over desert lands, he s!eeds to am!le o!ulence.
+ <ea, let the Asvins Twain he gracious unto us, even /udras, and all Gods,
-haga, /athas!ati:
Pari9man, /hu, 'a9a, , Lords of all wealth /hu7sanas.
. Prom!t is /hu7san, !rom!t the worshi!!er;s strong drin71 may thy fleet
-ay 5teeds, thine who s!erdest on, a!!roach.
=ot mans ut God;s is sacrifice whose !salm is unassailale.
0 , God 5avitar, harmed y none, lauded, give us a !lace among wealthy
!rinces.
With his >ar)steeds at once ;hath our Indra guided the reins and the car of
these men.
1@ To these men !resent here, , "eaven and 2arth, to us grant lofty fame
e$tending over all man7ind.
Give us a steed to win us strength, a steed with wealth for victory.
11 This s!ea7er, Indra)for thou art our 4riend)wherever he may e, guard
thou, 'ictorA for hel!, ever for hel!
Thy wisdom, 'asuA !ros!er him.
12 5o have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to ta7e its right
!ath to the 5un, and reconciles the men1
Thus forms a car!enter the yo7e of horses, not to e dis!laced.
1# Whose chariot)seat hath come again laden with wealth and right with
gold,
Lightly, with !iercing ends, as ;twere two ran7s of heroes ranged for fight.
1& This to 6uhsima Prthavana have I sung, to 'ena, /ama, to the noles, and
the 8ing.
They yo7ed five hundred, and their love of us was famed u!on their way.
1( -esides, they showed us seven )and)seventy horses here.
Tanva at once dis!layed his gift, Parthya at once dis!layed his gift: and
straightway %ayava showed his.
HYMN X.IV. +r!ss-s&/n!s.
1. L2T these s!ea7 loudly forth: let us s!ea7 out aloud1 to the loud s!ea7ing
Pressing)stones address the s!eech:
When, rich with 5oma 9uice, 5tones of the mountain, ye, united, swift to
Indra ring the sound of !raise.
2 They s!ea7 out li7e a hundred, li7e a thousand men1 they cry aloud to us
with their green)tinted mouths,
While, !ious 5tones, they !ly their tas7 with !iety, and, even efore the
"otar, taste the offered food.
# Loudly they s!ea7, for they have found the savoury meath1 they ma7e a
humming sound over the meat !re!ared.
As they devour the ranch of the /ed)coloured Tree, these, the well)
!astured -ulls, have uttered ellowings.
& They cry aloud, with strong e$hilarating drin7, calling on Indra now, for
they have found the meath.
-old, with the sisters they have danced, emraced y them, ma7ing the
earth reecho with their ringing sound.
( The 2agles have sent forth their cry aloft in heaven: in the s7y;s vault the
dar7 im!etuous ones have danced.
Then downward to the nether stone;s fi$t !lace they sin7, and, s!lendid as
the 5un, effuse their co!ious stream.
* Li7e strong ones drawing, they have !ut forth all their strength1 the -ulls,
harnessed together, ear the chariot)!oles.
When they have ellowed, !anting, swallowing their food, the sound of
their loud snorting is li7e that of steeds.
+ To these who have ten wor7ers and a tenfold girth, to these who have ten
yo7e)stra!s and ten inding thongs,
To these who ear ten reins, the eternal, sing ye !raise, to these who ear
ten car)!oles, ten when they are yo7ed.
. These 5tones with ten conductors, ra!id in their course, with lovely
revolution travel round and round.
They have een first to drin7 the flowing 5oma 9uice, first to en9oy the
mil7y fluid of the stal7.
0 These 5oma)eaters 7iss Indra;s -ay)coloured 5teeds1 draining. the stal7
they sit u!on the o$;s hide.
Indra, when he hath drun7 5oma)nicath drawn y them, wa$es in strength,
is famed, is mighty as a -ull.
1@. 5trong is your stal7: ye, verily, never shall e harmed: ye have
refreshment, ye are ever satisfied.
4air are ye, as it were, through s!lendour of his wealth, his in whose
sacrifice, , 5tones, ye find delight.
11 -ored dee!, ut not !ierced through with holes, are ye, , 5tones, not
loosened, never weary, and e$em!t from death,
2ternal, undiseased, moving in sundry ways, unthirsting, full of fatness, void
of all desire.
12 <our fathers, verily, stand firm from age to age1 they, loving rest, are not
dissevered from their seat.
3ntouched y time, ne;er lac7ing green !lants and green trees, they with
their voice have caused the heavens and earth to hear.
1# This, this the 5tones !roclaim, what time they are dis9oined, and when
with ringing sounds they move and drin7 the alm.
Li7e tillers of the ground when they are sowing seed, they mi$ the 5oma,
nor, devouring, minish it.
1& They have raised high their voice for 9uice, for sacrifice, stri7ing the
%other earth as though they danced thereon.
5o loose thou too his thought who hath effused the sa!, and let the 5tones
which we are honouring e dis9oined.
HYMN X.V. "rvasi. +ururavas.
1. "o there, my consortA 5tay, thou fierce)souled lady, and let us reason for
a while together.
5uch thoughts as these of ours, while yet uns!o7en in days gone y have
never rought us comfort.
2 What am I now to do with this thy sayingB I have gone from thee li7e the
first of %ornings.
Pururavas, return thou to thy dwelling1 I, li7e the wind, am difficult to
ca!ture.
# Li7e a shaft sent for glory from the ?uiver, or swift)steed winning cattle
winning hundreds.
The lightning seemed to flash, as cowards !lanned it. The minstrels leated
li7e a lam in troule.
& Giving her husand;s father life and riches, from the near dwelling, when
her lover craved her,
5he sought the home wherein she found her !leasure, acce!ting day and
night her lord;s emraces.
( Thrice in the day didst thou emrace thy consort, though coldly she
received thy fond caresses.
To thy desires, Pururavas, I yielded1 so wast thou 7ing, , hero, of my ody.
* The maids 5u9irni, 5reni, 5umne)a!i, >haranyu, Granthini, and
"radeca7sus,)
These li7e red 7ine have hastened forth, the right ones, and li7e milch)
cows have lowed in emulation.
+ While he was orn the 6ames sate down together, the /ivers with free
7indness gave him nurture:
And then, Pururavas, the Gods increased thee for mighty attle, to destroy
the 6asyus.
. When I, a mortal, wooed to mine emraces these heavenly nym!hs who
laid aside their raiment,
Li7e a scared sna7e they fled from me in terror, li7e chariot horses when the
car has touched them.
0 When, loving these Immortal ,nes, the mortal hath converse with the
nym!hs as they allow him.
Li7e swans they show the eauty of their odies, li7e horses in their !lay
they ite and nile.
1@ 5he who flashed rilliant as the falling lightning rought me delicious
!resents from the waters.
=ow from the flood e orn a strong young hero %ay 3ruvasi !rolong her life
for ever
11 Thy irth hath made me drin7 from earthly milch)7ine1 this !ower,
Pururavas, hast thou vouchsafed me.
I 7new, and, warned thee, on that day. Thou wouldst not hear me. What
sayest thou, when naught avails theeB
12 When will the son e orn and see7 his fatherB %ourner)li7e, will he
wee! when first he 7nows himB
Who shall divide the accordant wife and husand, while fire is shining with
thy consort;s !arentsB
1# I will console him when his tears are falling1 he shall not wee! and cry
for care that lesses.
That which is thine, etween us, will I send thee. Go home again, thou
fool:.thou hast not won me.
1& Thy lover shall flee forth this day for ever, to see7, without return, the
farthest distance.
Then let his ed e in 6estruction;s osom, and there let fierce ra!acious
wolves devour him.
1( =ay, do not die, Pururavas, nor vanish1 let not the evil)omened wolves
devour thee.
With women there can e no lasting friendshi!1 hearts of hyenas are the
hearts of women.
1* When amid men in altered sha!e I so9ourned, and through four autumns
s!ent the nights among them,
I tasted once a day a dro! of utter: and even now with that am I am
contented.
1+ I, her est love, call 3rvasi to meet me, her who fills air and measures
out the region.
Let the gift rought y !iety a!!roach thee. Turn thou to me again1 my
heart is trouled.
1. Thus s!ea7 these Gods to thee, , son of Ila1 As death hath verily got thee
for his su9ect,
Thy sons shall serve the Gods with their olation, and thou, moreover, shalt
re9oice in 5varga.
HYMN X.VI. Indra.
1 In the great synod will I laud thy two -ay 5teeds1 I !riCe the sweet strong
drin7 of thee the Warrior)God,
"is who !ours lovely oil as ;twere with yellow dro!s. Let my songs enter
thee whose form hath golden tints.
2 <e who in concert sing unto the goldhued !lace, li7e -ay 5teeds driving
onward to the heavenly seat,
4or Indra laud ye strength allied with Tawny 5teeds, laud him whom cows
content as ;twere with yellow dro!s.
# "is is that thunderolt, of iron, goldenhued, gold)coloured, very dear, and
yellow in his arms:
-right with strong teeth, destroying with its tawny rage. In Indra are set fast
all forms of golden hue.
& As if a lovely ray were laid u!on the s7y, the golden thunderolt s!read
out as in a race.
That iron olt with yellow 9aw smote Ahi down. A thousand flames had he
who ore the tawny)hued.
( Thou, thou, when !raised y men who sacrificed of old. hadst !leasure in
their lauds, , Indra golden)haired.
All that efits thy song of !raise thou welcornest, the !erfect !leasant gift,
, Golden)hued from irth.
* These two dear -ays ring hither Indra on his car, Thunder)armed, 9oyous,
meet for laud, to drin7 his fill.
%any liations flow for him who loveth them1 to Indra have the gold)hued
5oma 9uices run.
+ Tle gold)hued dro!s have flowed to gratify his wish1 the yellow dro s have
urged the swift -ays to the 5trong.
"e who s!eeds on with -ay 5teeds even as he lists hath satisfied his longing
for the golden dro!s.
. At the swift draught the 5oma)drin7er wa$ed in might, the Iron ,ne with
yellow eard and yellow hair.
"e, Lord of Tawny >oursers, Lord of fleet)foot %ares, will ear his -ay
5teeds safely over all distress.
0 "is yellow)coloured 9aws, li7e ladles move a!art, what time, for strength,
he ma7es the yellow)tinted stir,
When, while the owl stands there, he grooms his Tawny 5teeds, when he
hath drun7 strong drin7, the sweet 9uice that he loves.
1@ <ea, to the 6ear ,ne;s seat in homes of heaven and earth the -ay 5teeds;
Lord hath whinnied li7e a horse for food.
Then the great wish hath seiCed u!on him mightily, and the -eloved ,ne
hath gained high !ower of life,
11 Thou, com!rehending with thy might the earth and heaven, acce!test
the dear hymn for ever new and new.
, Asura, disclose thou and ma7e visile the >ow;s eloved home to the
right golden 5un.
12 , Indra, let the eager wishes of the fol7 ring thee, delightful, golden)
visored, on thy car,
That, !leased with sacrifice wherein ten fingers toil, thou mayest, at the
feast, drin7 of our offered meath.
1# Duices aforetime, Lord of -ays, thou dran7est: and thine es!ecially is this
liation.
Gladden thee, Indra, with the meath)rich 5oma1 !our it down ever, %ighty
,neA within thee.
HYMN X.VII. +rais! /0 H!r(s.
1. "2/-5 that s!rang u! in time of old, three ages earlier than the Gods,)
,f these, whose hue is rown, will I declare the hundred !owers and seven.
2 <e, %others, have a hundred homes, yea, and a thousand are your
growths.
6o ye who have a thousand !owers free this my !atient from disease.
# -e glad and 9oyful in the Plants, oth lossoming and earing fruit,
Plants that will lead us to success li7e mares who con?uer in the race.
& Plants, y this name I s!ea7 to you, %others, to you the Goddesses1
5teed, cow, and garment may I win, win ac7 thy very self, , man.
( The "oly 4ig tree is your home, your mansion is the Parna tree1
Winners of cattle shali ye e if ye regain for me this man.
* "e who hath store of "ers at hand li7e 8ings amid a crowd of men,)
Physician is that sage;s name, fiend)slayer, chaser of disease.
+ "ers rich in 5oma, rich in steeds, in nourishments, in strengthening
!ower,)
All these have I !rovided here, that this man may e whole again.
. The healing virtues of the Plants stream forth li7e cattle from the stall,)
Plants that shall win me store of wealth, and save thy vital reath, , man.
0 /eliever is your mother;s name, and hence /estorers are ye called.
/ivers are ye with wings that fly1 7ee! far whatever rings disease.
1@ ,ver all fences have they !assed, as steals a thief into the fold.
The Plants have driven from the frame whatever malady was there.
11 When, ringing ac7 the vanished strength, I hold these hers within my
hand,
The s!irit of disease de!arts ere he can seiCe u!on the life.
12 "e through whose frame, , Plants, ye cree! memer y memer, 9oint
y 9oint,)
4rom him ye drive away disease li7e some strong ariter of strife.
1# 4ly, 5!irit of 6isease, egone, with the lue 9ay and 7ingfisher.
4ly with the wind;s im!etuouss!eed, vanish together with the storm.
1& "el! every one the other, lend assistance each of you to each,
All of you e accordant, give furtherance to this s!eech of mine.
1( Let fruitful Plants, and fruitless, those that lossom, and the
lossomless,
3rged onward y -rhas!ati, release us from our !ain and grief:
1* /elease me from the curse;s !lague and woe that comes from 'aruna:
4ree me from <ama;s fetter, from sin and offence against the Gods.
1+ What time, descending from the s7y, the Plants flew earthward, thus
they s!a7e1
=o evil shall efall the man whom while he liveth we !ervade,
1. ,f all the many Plants whose 8ing is, 5oma, Plants of hundred forms,
Thou art the Plant most e$cellent, !rom!t to the wish, sweet to the heart.
10 , all ye various "ers whose 8ing is 5oma, that o;ers!read the earth,
3rged onward y -rhas!ati, comine your virtue in this Plant.
2@ 3nharmed e he who digs you u!, unharmed the man for whom I dig1
And let no malady attac7 i!ed or ?uadru!ed of ours.
21 All Plants that hear this s!eech, and those that have de!arted far away,
>ome all assemled and confer your healing !ower u!on this "er.
22 With 5oma as their 5ovran Lord the Plants hold collo?uy and say1
, 8ing, we save from death the man whose cure a -rahman underta7es.
2# %ost e$cellent of all art thou, , Plant thy vassals are the trees.
Let him e su9ect to our !ower, the man who see7s to in9ure us.
HYMN X.VIII. T#! G/ds.
1. >,%2, e thou %itra, 'aruna, or Pusan, come, , -rhas!ati, to mine
olation1
With %aruts, 'asus, or Adityas, ma7e thou Par9anya !our for 5antanu his
rain)dro!s.
2 The God, intelligent, the s!eedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to
me, 6eva!i1
Address thyself to me and turn thee hither within thy li!s will I !ut rilliant
language.
# Within my mouth, -rhas!ati, de!osit s!eech lucid, vigorous, and free from
wea7ness,
Therey to win for 5antanu the rain)fall. The meath)rich dro! from heaven
hath !assed within it.
& Let the sweet dro!s descend on us, , Indra1 give us enough to lade a
thousand wagons.
5it to thy "otar tas7: !ay worshi! duly, and serve the Gods, 6eva!i, with
olation.
( 8nowing the God;s good)will, 6eva!i, /si, the son of /stisena, sate as
"otar.
"e hath rought down from heaven;s most lofty summit the ocean of the
rain, celestial waters.
* Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood y deities
ostructed.
They urried down set free y Arstisena, in ga!ing clefts, urged onward y
6eva!i.
+ When as chief !riest for 5antanu, 6eva!i, chosen for "otar;s duty, !rayed
eseeching,
Graciously !leased -rhas!ati vouchsafed him a voice that reached the Gods
and won the waters.
. , Agni whom 6eva!i Arstisena, the mortal man, hath 7indled in his glory,
Doying in him with all the Gods together, urge on the sender of the rain,
Par9anya.
0 All ancient /sis with their songs a!!roached thee, even thee, , %uch)
invo7ed, at sacrifices.
We have !rovided wagon)loads in thousands1 come to the solemn rite, Lord
of /ed "orses.
1@ The wagon)loads, the nine)and)ninety thousand, these have een offered
u! to thee, , Agni.
"ero, with these increase thy many odies, and, stimulated, send us rain
from heaven.
11 Give thou these ninety thousand loads, , Agni, to Indra, to the -ull, to
e his !ortion.
8nowing the !aths which 6eities duly travel, set mid the Gods in heaven
Aulana also.
12 , Agni, drive afar our foes, our troules chase malady away and wic7ed
demons.
4rom this air)ocean, from the lofty heavens, send down on us a mighty flood
of waters.
HYMN X.IX. Indra.
I. W"AT 5!lendid ,ne, Loud)voiced, 4arstriding, dost thou, well 7nowing,
urge us to e$alt with !raisesB
What give we himB When his might dawned, he fashioned the 'rtra)slaying
olt, and sent us waters.
2 "e goes to end his wor7 with lightning flashes1 wide is the seat his Asura
glory gives him.
With his >om!anions, not without his -rother, he ?uells 5a!tatha;s magic
devices.
# ,n most aus!icious !ath he goes to attle he toiled to win heaven;s light,
full fain to gain it:
"e seiCed the hundred)gated castle;s treasure y craft, unchec7ed, and slew
the lustful demons.
& 4ighting for 7ine, the !riCe of war, and I roaming among the erd e rings
the young streams hither,
Where, footless, 9oined, without a car to ear them, with 9ars for steeds,
they !our their flood li7e utter.
( -old, unsolicited for wealth, with /udras he came, the -lameless, having
left his dwelling,
>ame, seiCed the food of 'amra and his consort, and left the cou!le
wee!ing and unsheltered.
* Lord of the dwelling, he sudued the demon who roared aloud, si$)eyed
and tri!le)headed.
Trta, made stronger y the might he lent him, struc7 down the oar with
shaft whose !oint was iron.
+ "e raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and
o!!ressive foeman.
5trong, glorious, manliest, for us he shattered the forts of =aus when he
slew the 6asyus.
. "e, li7e a cloud that rains u!on the !asture, hath found for us the way to
dwell in safety.
When the "aw7 comes in ody to the 5oma, armed with his iron claws he
slays the 6asyus.
0 "e with his !otent 4riends gave u! the mighty, gave gusnia u! to 8utsa for
affliction.
"e led the lauded 8avi, he delivered At7a as !rey to him and to his heroes.
1@ "e, with his Gods who love man7ind, the Wondrous, giving li7e 'aruna
who wor7s with magic,
Was 7nown, yet young as guardian of the seasons: and he ?uelled Araru,
four)footed dernon.
11 Through lauds of him hath Ausi9a /9isvan urst, with the %ighty;s aid, the
stall of Pi!ru.
When the saint !ressed the 9uice and shone as singer, he seiCed the forts
and with his craft sudued them.
12 5o, swiftly Asura, for e$altation, hath the great 'amra7a come nigh to
Indra.
"e will, when su!!licated, ring him lessing1 he hath rought all, food,
strength, a ha!!y dwelling.
HYMN .. Visv!d!vas.
1. -e, li7e thyself, , Indra, strong for our delight1 here lauded, aid us,
%aghavan, drin7er of the 9uice.
5avitar with the Gods !rotect us1 hear ye Twain. We as7 for freedom and
com!lete felicity.
2 -ring swift, for offering, the snare that suits the time, to the !ure)drin7er
'ayu, roaring as he goes,
To him who hath a!!roached the draught of shining mil7. We as7 for
freedom and com!lete felicity.
# %ay 5avitar the God send us full life, to each who sacrifices, lives aright
and !ours the 9uice
That we with sim!le hearts may wait u!on the Gods. We as7 for freedom
and com!lete felicity.
& %ay Indra evermore e gracious unto us, and may 8ing 5oma meditate our
ha!!iness,
2ven as men secure the comfort of a friend. We as7 for freedom and
com!lete felicity.
( Indra hath given the ody with its song and strength1 -rhas!ati, thou art
the lengthener of life.
The sacrifice is %anu, Providence, our 5ire. We as7 for freedom and
com!lete felicity.
* Indra !ossesseth might celestial noly formed1 the singer in the hotise is
Agni, !rudent 5age.
lie is the sacrifice in synod, fair, most near. We as7 for freedom and
com!lete felicity,
+ =ot often have we sinned against you secretly, nor, 'asus, have we o!enly
!rovo7ed the Gods.
=ot one of its, ye Gods, hath worn an alien sha!e. We as7 for freedom and
com!lete felicity.
. %ay 5avitar remove from us our malady, and may the %ountains 7ee! it far
away from where
The !ress)stone as it sheds the meath rings loudly forth. We as7 for freedom
and com!lete felicity.
0 <e 'asus, let the stone, the !resser stand erect1 avert all enmities and
7ee! them far remote.
,ur guard to e adored is 5avitar this God. We as7 for freedom and
com!lete felicity.
1@ 2at strength and fatness in the !asture, 7ine, who are almed at the
reservoir and at the seat of Law.
5o let your ody e our ody;s medicine. We as7 for freedom and com!lete
felicity.
11 The singer fills the s!irit1 all mens, love hath he. Indra ta7es 7indly care
of those who !our the 9uice.
4or his liation is the heavenly udder full. We as7 for freedom and com!lete
felicity.
12 Wondrous thy s!irit)filling light, trium!liant: thy hosts save from decay
and are resistless.
The !ious votary y straightest !athway s!eeds to !ossess the est of all the
cattle.
HYMN .I. Visv!d!vas.
1. WA82 with one mind, my friends, and 7indle Agni, ye who are many and
who dwell together.
Agni and 6adhi7ras and 6awn the Goddess, you, Gods with Indra, I call down
to hel! us.
2 %a7e !leasant hymns, s!in out your songs and !raises1 uild ye a shi!
e?ui!!ed with oars for trans!ort.
Pre!are the im!lements, ma7e all things ready, and let the sacrifice, my
friends, go forward.
# Lay on the yo7es, and fasten well the traces1 formed is the furrow, sow
the seed within it.
Through song may we find earing fraught with !lenty1 near to the ri!ened
grain a!!roach the sic7le.
& Wise, through desire of liss from Gods, the s7ilful ind the traces fast,
And lay the yo7es on either side.
( Arrange the uc7ets in their !lace securely fasten on the stra!s.
We will !our forth the well that hath a co!ious stream, fair)flowing well
that never fails.
* I !our the water from the well with !ails !re!ared and goodly stra!s,
3nfailing, full, with !lenteous stream.
+ /efresh the horses, win the !riCe efore you1 e?ui! a chariot fraught with
ha!!y fortune.
Pour forth the well with stone wheel, wooden uc7ets, the drin7 of heroes,
with the trough for armour.
. Pre!are the cow)stall, for there drin7 your heroes1 stitch ye the coats of
armour, wide and many.
%a7e iron forts, secure from all assailants let not your !itcher lea71 stay it
securely.
0 "ither, for hel!, I turn the holy heavenly mind of you the "oly Gods, that
longs for sacrifice.
%ay it !our mil7 for us, even as a stately cow who, having sought the
!asture, yields a thousand streams.
1@ Pour golden 9uice within the wooden vessel1 with stone)made a$es
fashion ye and form it.
2mrace and com!ass it with tenfold girdle, and to oth chariot)!oles
attach the car)horse.
11 -etween oth !oles the car)horse goes !ressed closely, as in his dwelling
moves the douly)wedded.
Lay in the wood the 5oviran of the 4orest, and sin7 the well although ye do
not dig it.
12 Indra is he, , men, who gives us ha!!iness1 s!ort, urge the giver of
delight to win us strength
-ring ?uic7ly down, , !riests, hither to give us aid, to drin7 the 5oma, Indra
5on of =istigri.
HYMN .II. Indra.
1. 4,/ thee may Indra oldly s!eed the car that wor7s on either side.
4avour us, %uch)invo7edA in this most glorious fight against the raiders of
our wealth.
2 Loose in the wind the woman;s roe was streaming what time she won a
car)load worth a thousand.
The charioteer in fight was %udgalani1 she Indra;s dart, hea!ed u! the !riCe
of attle.
# , Indra, cast thy olt among assailants who would slaughter us1
The wea!on oth of 6asa and of Arya foe 7ee! far away, , %aghavan.
& The ull in 9oy had drun7 a la7e of water. "is shattering horn encountered
an o!!onent.
5wiftly, in vigorous strength, eager for glory, he stretched his forefeet, fain
to win and trium!h.
( They came anear the ull: they made him thunder, made him !our rain
down ere the fight was ended.
And %udgala therey won in the contest well)!astured 7ine in hundreds and
in thousands.
* In ho!e of victory that ull was harnessed1 8esi the driver urged him on
with shouting.
As he ran swiftly with the car ehind him his lifted heels !ressed close on
%udgalani.
+ 6eftly for him he stretched the car)!ole forward, guided the ull thereto
and firmly yo7ed him.
Indra vouchsafed the lord of cows his favour1 with mighty ste!s the uffalo
ran onward.
. Touched y the goad the shaggy east went noly, ound to the !ole y
the yo7e;s thong of leather.
Performing deeds of might for many !eo!le, he, loo7ing on the cows, gained
strength and vigour.
0 "ere loo7 u!on this mace, this ull;s com!anion, now lying midway on the
field of attle.
Therewith hath %udgala in ordered contest won for cattle for himself, a
hundred thousand.
1@ 4ar is the evil1 who hath here eheld itB "ither they ring the ull whom
they are yo7ing..
To this they give not either food or water. /eaching eyond the !ole it gives
directions.
11 Li7e one forsa7en, she hath found a husand, and teemed as if her reast
were full and flowing.
With swiftly)racing chariot may we con?uer, and rich and lessed e our
gains in attle.
12 Thou, Indra, art the mar7 whereon the eyes of all life rest, when thou,
A -ull who drivest with thy ull, wilt win the race together with thy
wea7ling friend.
HYMN .III. Indra.
1. 5WI4T, ra!idly stri7ing, li7e a ull who shar!ens his horns, terrific, stirring
u! the !eo!le,
With eyes that close not, ellowing, 5ole "ero, Indra. sudued at once a
hundred armies.
2 With him loud)roaring, ever watchful, 'ictor, old, hard to overthrow,
/ouser of attle,
Indra. the 5trong, whose hand ears arrows, con?uer, ye warriors, now, now
van?uish in the comat.
# "e rules with those who carry shafts and ?uivers, Indra who with his and
rings hosts together,
4oe)con?uering, strong of arm, the 5oma)drin7er, with mighty ow, shooting
with well)laid arrows.
& -rhas!ati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving off our
foemen.
-e thou !rotector of our cars, destroyer, victor in attle, rea7er)u! of
armies.
( >ons!icuous y thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and fierce,
victorious, all)suduing,
The 5on of >on?uest, !assing men and heroes, 7ine)winner, mount thy
con?uering car, , Indra.
* >leaver of stalls, 7ine)winner, armed with thunder, who ?uells an army
and with might destroys it.)
4ollow him, rothersA ?uit yourselves li7e heroes, and li7e this Indra show
your Ceal and courage.
+ Piercing the cow)stalls with sur!assing vigour, Indra, the !itiless "ero, wild
with anger,
'ictor in fight, unsha7en and resistless,may he !rotect our armies in our
attles.
. Indra guide these1 -rhas!ati !recede them, the guerdon, and the
sacrifice, and 5oma:
And let the anded %aruts march in forefront of heavenly hosts that
con?uer and demolish.
0 ,urs e the !otent host of mighty Indra, 8ing 'aruna, and %aruts, and
Adityas.
3!lifted is the shout of Gods who con?uer high)minded Gods who cause the
worlds to tremle.
1@ -ristle thou u!, , %aghavan, our wea!ons1 e$cite the s!irits of my
warring heroes.
3rge on the strong steeds; might, , 'rtra)slayer, and let the din of
con?uering cars go u!ward.
11 %ay Indra aid us when our flags are gathered1 victorious e the arrows of
our army.
%ay our rave men of war !revail in attle. <e Gods, !rotect us in the shout
of onset.
12 -ewildering the senses of our foemen, seiCe thou their odies and
de!art, , A!va.
Attac7 them, set their hearts on fire and urn them1 so let our foes aide in
utter dar7ness.
1# Advance, , heroes, win the day. %ay Indra e your sure defence.
2$ceeding mighty e your arms, that none may wound or in9ure you.
HYMN .IV. Indra.
1. 5oma hath flowed for thee, Invo7ed of mat 5!eed to our sacrifice with
oth thy >oursers.
To thee have streameld the songs or mighty singers, im!loring, Indra, drin7
of our liation.
2 6rin7 of the 9uice which men have washed in waters, and fill thee full, ,
Lord of Tawny "orses.
, Indra, hearer of the laud, with 5oma which stones have mi$ed for thee
enhance thy ra!ture.
# To ma7e thee start, a strong true draught I offer to thee, the -ull, , thou
whom -ay 5teeds carry.
"ere ta7e delight, , Indra, in our voices while thou art hymned with !ower
and all our s!irit.
& , %ighty Indra, through thine aid, thy !rowess, otaining life, Cealous,
and s7illed in ,rder,
%en in the house who share the sacred an?uet stand singing !raise that
rings them store of children.
( Through thy directions, Lord of Tawny >oursers, thine who art firm,
s!lendid, and lest, the !eo!le
,tain most lieral aid for their salvation, and !raise thee, Indra, through
thine e$cellencies.
* Lord of the -ays, come with thy two -ay "orses, come to our !rayers, to
drin7 the 9uice of 5oma.
To thee comes sacrifice which thou acce!test1 thou, s7illed in holy rites, art
he who giveth.
+ "im of a thousand !owers, suduing foemen, %aghavan !raised with
hymns and !leased with 5oma,)
2ven him our songs a!!roach, resistless Indra1 the adorations of the singer
laud him.
. The way to liss for Gods and man thou foundest, Indra, seven lovely
floods, divine, untrouled,
Wherewith thou, rending forts, didst move the ocean, and nine)and)ninety
flowing streams of water.
0 Thou from the curse didst free the mighty Waters, and as their only God
didst watch and guard them.
, Indra, cherish evermore thy ody with those which thou hast won in
?uelling 'rtra.
1@ "eroic !ower and nole !raise is Indra yea, the song worshi!s him
invo7ed of many.
'rtra he ?uelled, and gave men room and freedom1 ga7ra, victorious, hath
con?uered armies.
11 >all we on %aghayan, aus!icious Indra. est "ero in this fight where s!oil
is gathered,
and gathers riches.
HYMN .V. Indra.
1. W"2=, 'asu, wilt thou love the laudB =ow let the channel ring the
stream.
The 9uice is ready to ferment.
2 "e whose two -ay 5teeds harnessed well, swerving, !ursue the -ird;s tail)
!lumes,
With /owing manes, li7e heaven and earth, he is the Lord with !ower to
give.
# -ereft of s7ill is Indra, if, li7e some outwearied man he fears
The sinner, when the %ighty hath !re!ared himself for victory.
& Indra with these drives round, until he meets with one to worshi! him1
Indra is %aster of the !air who snort and swerve u!on their way.
( -orne onward y the long)maned 5teeds who stretch themselves as ;twere
for food,
The God who wears the helm defends them with his 9aws.
* The %ighty sang with Lofty ,nes1 the "ero fashioned with his strength,
Li7e s7ilful %atarisvan with his !ower and might,
+ The olt, which !ierced at once the vitals of the 6asyu easy to e slain,
With 9aw unin9ured li7e the wondrous firmament.
. Grind off our sins1 with song will we con?uer the men who sing no hymns1
=ot easily art thou !leased with !rayerless sacrifice.
0 When threefold flame urns high for thee, to rest on !oles of sacrifice,
Thou with the living 9oyest in the self)right 5hi!.
1@ Thy glory was the s!ec7led cu!, thy glory was the flawless scoo!.
Wherewith thou !ourest into thy rece!tacle.
11 As hundreds, , Immortal God, have sung to thee, so hath 5umitra, yea,
6urmitra !raised thee here,
What time thou hol!est 8utsa;s son, when 6asyus fell, yea, hol!est 8utsa;s
darling when the 6asyus died.
HYMN .VI. Asvins.
1. T"I5 very thing ye Twain hold as your o9ect1 ye weave your songs as
s7ilful men weave garments.
That ye may come united have I wa7ed you1 ye s!read out food li7e days of
lovely weather.
2 Li7e two !lough)ulls ye move along in traces, and see7 li7e eager guests
your idder;s an?uet.
<e are li7e glorious envoys mid the !eo!le1 li7e ulls, a!!roach the !lace
where ye are watered.
# Li7e the two !inions of a ird, connected, li7e two choice animals, ye
have sought our worshi!.
-right as the fire the votary hath 7indled, ye sacrifice in many a s!ot as
roamers.
& <e are our 7insmen, li7e two sons, two fathers, strong in your s!lendour
and li7e 7ings for con?uest:
Li7e rays for our en9oyment, Lords to feed us, ye, li7e ?uic7 earers, have
oeyed our calling.
( <ou are li7e two !leasantly moving well)fed GhillsH li7e %itra and 'aruna,
the two estowers of felicity, veracious, !ossessors of infinite wealth,
ha!!y, li7e two horses !lum! with fodder, aiding in the firmament, li7e two
rams Gare youH to e nourished with sacrificial food, to e cherished Gwith
olationsH.
* <ou are li7e two mad ele!hants ending their fore?uarters and smiting the
foe, li7e the two sons of =itosa destroying GfoesH, and cherishing GfriendsH:
you are right as two water)orn G9ewelsH, do you, who are victorious,
GrenderH my decaying mortal ody free from decay.
+ 4ierce GAsvinsH, li7e two !owerful GheroesH, you enale this moving,
!erishale mortal GframeH to cross over to the o9ects Gof its destinationH as
over water: e$tremely strong, li7e the /hus, your chariot, attained its
destination swift as the wind, it !ervaded GeverywhereH, it dis!ensed riches.
. With your ellies full of the 5oma, li7e two sauce!ans, !reservers of
wealth, destroyers of enemies. Gyou areH armed with hatchets, moving li7e
two flying GirdsH with forms li7e the moon, attaining success through the
mind, li7e two laudale eings, Gyou areH a!!roaching Gthe sacrificeH.
0 Li7e giants, ye will find firm ground to stand on in de!ths, li7e feet for
one who fords a shallow.
Li7e cars ye will attend to him who orders1 ye Two en9oy our wondrous wor7
as sharers.
1@ Li7e toiling ees ye ring to us your honey, as ees into the hide that
o!ens downward.
11 %ay we increase the laud and gain us vigour1 come to our song, ye whom
one chariot carries.
4illed e our 7ine with ri!ened meath li7e glory1 -hutamsa hath fulfilled the
Asvins; longing.
HYMN .VII. Da3sina.
1. T"252 men;s great ounty hath een manifested, and the whole world of
life set free from dar7ness.
Great light hath come, vouchsafed us y the 4athers1 a!!arent is the
s!acious !ath of Guerdon.
2 "igh u! in heaven aide the Guerdon)givers1 they who give steeds dwell
with the 5un for ever.
They who give gold are lest with life eternal. they who give roes !rolong
their lives, , 5oma.
# =ot from the niggards)for they give not fireely)comes %eed at sacrifice,
Gods; satisfaction1
<ea, many men with hands stretched out with Guerdon !resent their gifts
ecause they dread dishonour.
& These who oserve man7ind regard olation as streamy 'ayu and light)
finding Ar7a.
They satisfy and give their gifts in synod, and !our in streams the seven)
mothered Guerdon.
( "e who rings Guerdon comes as first invited1 chief of the hamlet comes
the Guerdon)earer.
"im I account the ruler of the !eo!le who was the first to introduce the
Guerdon.
* They call him /si, -rahman, 5ama)chanter, reciter of the laud, leader of
worshi!.
The rightly)shining God;s three forms he 7noweth who first estowed the
sacrificial Guerdon.
+ Guerdon estows the horse, estows the ulloc7, Guerdon estows,
moreover, gold that /sisters.
Guerdon gives food which is our life and s!irit. "e who is wise ta7es
Guerdon for his armour.
. The lieral die not, never are they ruined1 the lieral suffer neither harm
nor troule.
The light of heaven, the universe aout us,)all this doth sacrificial Guerdon
give them.
0 4irst have the lieral gained a fragrant dwelling, and got themselves a
ride in fair a!!arel.
The lieral have otained their draught of li?uor, and con?uered those who,
un!rovo7ed, assailed them.
1@ They dec7 the fleet steed for the ounteous giver1 the maid adorns
herself and waits to meet him.
"is home is li7e a la7e with lotus lossoms, li7e the Gods; !alaces adorned
and s!lendid.
11 5teeds good at draught convey the lieral giver, and lightly rolling moves
the car of Guerdon.
Assist, ye Gods, the lieral man in attles1 the lieral giver con?uers foes in
comat.
HYMN .VIII. Sara$a. +anis.
1. W"AT wish of 5arama hath rought her hitherB The !ath leads far away to
distant !laces.
What charge hast thou for usB Where turns thy 9ourneyB "ow hast thou made
thy way o;er /asa;s waters.
2 I come a!!ointed messenger of Indra, see7ing your am!le stores of
wealth, , Panis.
This hath !reserved me from the fear of crossing1 thus have I made my way
o;er /asa;s waters.
# What is that Indra li7e, what is his as!ect whose envoy, 5arama, from afar
thou comestB
Let him a!!roach, and we will show him friendshi!1 he shall e made the
herdsman of our cattle.
& I 7now him safe from harm1 ut he can !unish who sent me hither from
afar as envoy.
"im rivers flowing with dee! waters ide not. Low will ye e, , Panis, slain
y Indra.
( These are the 7ine which, 5arama, thou see7est, flying, , -lest ,ne, to
the ends of heaven.
Who will loose these for thee without a attleB <ea, and shar!)!ointed are
our warli7e wea!ons.
* 2ven if your wic7ed odies, , ye Panis, were arrow)!roof, your words are
wea7 for wounding:
And were the !ath to you as yet unmastered, -rhas!ati in neither case will
s!are you.
+ Paved with the roc7 is this our treasure)chamer: filled full of !recious
things, of 7ine, and horses.
These Panis who are watchful 7ee!ers guard it. In vain hast thou a!!roached
this lonely station.
. /sis will come ins!irited with 5oma, Angirases unwearied, and =avagvas.
This stall of cattle will they !art among them1 then will the Panis wish these
words uns!o7en.
0 2ven thus, , 5arama, hast thou come hither, forced y celestial might to
ma7e the 9ourney.
Turn thee not ac7, for thou shalt e our sister1 , -lest ,ne, we will give
thee of the cattle.
1@ -rotherhood, sisterhood, I 7now not either1 the dread Angirases and Indra
7now them.
They seemed to long for 7ine when I de!arted. "ence, into distance, e ye
gone, , Panis.
11 "ence, far away, ye PanisA Let the cattle lowing come forth as holy Law
commandeth,
8ine which -rhas!ati, and 5oma, /sis, sages, and !ressing)stones have found
when hidden.
HYMN .IX. Visv!d!vas.
1. T"252 first, the oundless 5ea, and %atarisvan, fierce)glowing 4ire, the
5trong, the -liss)estower.
And heavenly 4loods, first)orn y holy ,rder, e$claimed against the outrage
on a -rahman.
2 8ing 5oma first of all, without reluctance, made restitution of the
-rahman;s consort.
%itra and 'aruna were the inviters1 Agni as "ota: too7 her hand and led her.
# The man, her !ledge, must y her hand e ta7en when they have cried,
5he is a -rahman;s consort.
5he stayed not for a herald to conduct her1 thus is the 7ingdom of a ruler
guarded.
& Thus s!a7e of her those Gods of old, 5even /sis who sate them down to
their austere devotion1
6ire is a -rahman;s wife led home y others1 in the su!remest heaven she
!lants confusion.
( The -rahmacari goes engaged in duty1 he is a memer of the Gods; own
ody.
Through him -rhas!ati otained his consort, as the Gods gained the ladle
rought y 5oma.
* 5o then the Gods restored her, so men gave the woman ac7 again.
The 8ings who 7e!t their !romises restored the -rahman;s wedded wife,
+ "aving restored the -rahman;s wife, and freed them, with Gods; aid, from
sin,
They shared the fulness of the earth, and won themselves e$tended sway.
HYMN .X. A%ris.
1. T",3 in the house of man this day en7indled worshi!!est Gods as God, ,
Datavedas.
,servant, right as %itra, ring them hither1 thou art a sa!ient and
fore7nowing envoy.
2 Tanuna!at, fair)tongued, with sweet meath alming the !aths and waysof
,rder, ma7e them !leasant.
>onvey our sacrifice to heaven, e$alting with holy thoughts ourhymns of
!raise and worshi!.
# Invo7ed, deserving !rayer and adoration, , Agni, come accordant with the
'asus.
Thou art, , <outhful Lord, the Gods; Invo7er, so, est of 5acrificers, ring
them ?uic7ly.
& -y rule the 5acred Grass is scattered eastward, a roe to clothe this earth
when dawns are rea7ing.
Widely it s!reads around and far)e$tended, fair for the Gods and ringing
!eace and freedom.
( Let the e$!ansive 6oors e widely o!ened, li7e wives who dec7 their
eauty for their husands.
Lofty, celestial, all)im!elling Portals, admit the Gods and give them easy
entrance.
* Pouring sweet dews let holy =ight and %orning, each close to each, he
seated at their station,
Lofty, celestial 6ames with gold to dec7 them. assuming all their fair and
radiant eauty.
+ >ome the two first celestial sweet)voiced "otars, arranging sacrifice for
man to worshi!
As singers who ins!ire us in assemlies, showing the eastward light with
their direction.
. Let -harati come ?uic7ly to our worshi!, and Ila showing li7e a human
eing.
5o let 5arasvati and oth her fellows, deft Goddesses, on this fair grass e
seated.
0 "otar more s7illed in sacrifice, ring hither with s!eed to)day God Tvastar,
thou who 7nowest.
2ven him who formed these two, the 2arth and "eaven the Parents, with
their forms, and every creature.
1@ 5end to our offerings which thyself thou almest the >om!anies of Gods
in ordered season.
Agni, 'anas!ati the Immolator sweeten our offered gift with meath and
utter.
11 Agni, as soon as he was orn, made ready the sacrifice, and was the Gods;
!receder.
%ay the Gods cat our offering consecrated according to this true Priest;s
voice and guidance.
HYMN .XI. Indra.
1. -/I=G forth your sacred song ye !rudent singers, even as are the thoughts
of human eings.
Let us draw Indra with true deeds anear us1 he loves our songs, the "ero,
and is !otent.
2 The hymn shone rightly from the seat of worshi!1 to the 7ine came the
-ull, the "eifer;s ,ffi!ring
With mighty ellowing hath he arisen, and hath !ervaded even the s!acious
regions.
# Indra 7nows, verily, how to hear our singing, for he, victorious, made a
!ath for 5urya.
"e made the >ow, and e ecame the 5ovran of "eaven, !rimeval,
matchless, and unsha7en.
& Praised y Angirases, Indra demolished with might the wor7s of the great
watery monster
4ull many regions, too, hath he !ervaded, and y his truth su!!orted earth;s
foundation.
( The counter!art of heaven and earth is Indra1 he 7noweth all liations,
slayeth 5usna.
The vast s7y with the 5un hath he e$tended, and, est ot!illars, stayed it
with a !illar.
* The 'rtra)slaver with his olt felled 'rtra1 the magic of the godless, wa$en
mighty,
"ere hast thou, -old Assailant, oldly con?uered. <ea, then thine arms, ,
%aghavan, were !otent.
+ When the 6awns come attendant u!on 5urya their rays discover wealth of
divers colours.
The 5tar of heaven is seen as ;twere a!!roaching1 none 7noweth aught of it
as it de!arteth.
. 4ar have they gone, the first of all these waters, the waters that flowed
forth when Indra sent them.
Where is their s!ring, and where is their foundationB Where now, ye Waters,
is your inmost centreB
0 Thou didst free rivers swallowed y the 6ragon: and ra!idly they set
themselves in motion,
Those that were loosed and those that longed for freedom. 2$cited now to
s!eed they run unresting.
1@ <earning together they have s!ed to 5indhu1 the 4ort)destroyer, !raised,
of old, hath loved them.
Indra, may thy terrestrial treasures reach us, and our full songs of 9oy
a!!roach thy dwelling.
HYMN .XII. Indra.
1. 6/I=8 of the 9uice, , Indra, at thy !lea. sure, for thy first draught is
early morn;s liation.
/e9oice, that thou mayst slay our foes, , "ero, and we with lauds will tell
thy mighty e$!loits.
2 Thou hast a car more swift than thought, , Indra: thercon come hither,
come to drin7 the 5oma.
Let thy -ay 5teeds, thy 5tallions, hasten hither, with whom thou cornest
nigh and art delighted.
# 6ec7 out thy ody with the fairest colours, with golden s!lendour of the
5un adorn it.
, Indra, turn thee hitherward invited y us thy friends: e seated and e
9oyful.
& , thou whose grandeur in thy festive trans!orts not even these two great
worlds have com!rehended.
>ome, Indra, with thy dear -ay "orses harnessed, come to our dwelling and
the food thou lovest.
( Pressed for thy 9oyous an?uet is the 5oma, 5oma whereof thou, Indra,
ever drin7ing,
"ast waged une?ualled attles with thy foemen, which !rom!ts the mighty
flow of thine aundance.
* 4ound from of old is this thy cu!, , Indra1 5ata7ratu, drin7 therefrom the
5oma.
4illed is the ea7er with the meath that gladdens, the ea7er which all
6eities delight in.
+ 4rom many a side with !roffered entertainment the fol7 are calling thee,
, %ighty Indra.
These our liations shall for thee e richest in sweet meath1 dvin7 thereof
and find them !leasant.
. I will declare thy deeds of old, , Indra, the mighty acts which thou hast
first accom!lished.
In genuine wrath thou loosenedst the mountain so that the -rahman easily
found the cattle.
0 Lord of the hosts, amid our ands e seated1 they call thee greatest 5age
among the sages.
=othing is done, even far away, without thee1 great, wondrous, %aghavan, is
the hymn I sing thee.
1@ Aim of our eyes e thou, for we im!lore thee, , %aghavan, 4riend of
friends and Lord of treasures.
4ight, Warrior strong in truth, fight thou the attle1 give us our share of
undivided riches.
HYMN .XTII. Indra.
1. T"2 "eavens and the 2arth accordant with all Gods encouraged graciously
that vigorous might of his.
When he came showing forth his ma9esty and !ower, he dran7 of 5oma 9uice
and wa$ed e$ceeding strong.
2 This ma9esty of his 'isnu e$tols and lauds, ma7ing the stal>that gives the
meath flow forth with inight.
When Indra %aghavan with those who followed him had smitten 'rtra he
deserved the choice of Gods.
# When, earing warli7e wea!ons, fain to win thee !raise, thou mettest
'rtra, yea, the 6ragon, for the fight,
Then all the %aruts who were gathered with dice there e$tolled, , %ighty
,ne, thy !owerful ma9esty.
& 5oon as he s!rang to life he forced asun. der hosts1 forward the "ero
loo7ed to manly deed and war.
"e cleft the roc7, he let concurrent streams flow forth, and with his s7ilful
art stalished the heavens; wide vault.
( Indra hath evermore !ossessed sur!assing !ower1 he forced, far from each
other, heaven and earth a!art.
"e hurled im!etuous down his iron thunderolt, a 9oy to 'aruna;s and %itra;s
worshi!!er.
* Then to the mighty !owers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce 5tormer,
loud of voice, they came with s!eed:
What time the Potent ,ne rent 'rtra with his strength, who held the waters
ac7, whom dar7ness com!assed round.
+ 2ven in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove together came
with might to e$ecute,
6ee! dar7ness fell u!on the slain, and Indra won y victory the right of
eing first invo7ed.
. Then all the Gods e$tolled, with elo?uence ins!ired y draughts of 5oma
9uice, thy deeds of manly might.
As Agni eats the dry food with his tcetlv, he ate 'rtra, the 6ragon, maimed
y Indra;s deadly dart.
0 Proclaim his many friendshi!s, met with friendshi!, made with singers,
with the s7ilful and the elo?uent.
Indra, when he sudues 6huni and >umuri, lists to 6ahiti for his faithful
s!irit;s sa7e.
1@ Give riches manifold with nole horses, to e rememered while my
songs address thee.
%ay we y easy !aths !ass all our troules1 find us this day a ford wide and
e$tensive.
HYMN .XIV. Visv!d!vas.
1. Two !erfect s!rings of heat !ervade the Threefold, and come for their
delight is %atarisvan.
>raving the mil7 of heaven the Gods are !resent1 well do they 7now the
!raisesong and the 5aman.
2 The !riests eard far away, as they are ordered, serve the three =irrtis,
for well they 7now them.
5ages have traced the cause that first !roduced them, dwelling in distant
and mysterious chamers.
# The <outhful ,ne, well)sha!ed, with four loc7s raided, rightened with
oil, !uts on the ordinances.
Two -irds of mighty !ower are seated near her, there where the 6eities
receive their !ortion.
& ,ne of these -irds hath !assed into the sea of air1 thence he loo7s round
and views this universal world.
With sim!le heart I have eheld him from anear1 his %other 7isses him and
he returns her 7iss.
( "im with fair wings though only ,ne in nature, wise singers sha!e, with
songs, in many figures.
While they at sacrifices fi$ the metres, they measure out twelve chalices of
5oma.
* While they arrange the four and si$)and)thirty, and duly order, u! to
twelve, the measures,
"aving dis!osed the sacrifice thoughtful sages send the >ar forward with the
/c and 5aman.
+ The >hariot;s ma9esties are fourteen others1 seven sages lead it onward
with their 'oices.
Who will declare to us the ford A!nana, the !ath wherey they drin7 first
draughts of 5omaB
. The fifteen lauds are in a thousand !laces that is as vast as heaven and
earth in measure.
A thousand s!ots contain the mighty thousand. 'a7 s!readeth forth as far as
Prayer e$tendeth.
0 What sage hath learned the metres; a!!licationB Who hath gained 'a7, the
s!irit;s aim and o9ectB
Which ministering !riest is called eighth "eroB Who then hath trac7ed the
two -ay 5teeds of IndraB
1@ <o7ed to his chariot)!ole there stood the >oursers1 they only travel round
earth;s farthest limits.
These, when their driver in his home is settled, receive the allotted meed of
their e$ertion.
HYMN .XV. Agni.
1. '2/IL< wondrous is the tender <oungling;s growth who never draweth nigh
to drin7 his %others; mil7.
As soon as she who hath no udder ore him, he, faring on his great errand,
suddenly grew strong.
2 Then Agni was his name, most active to estow, gathering u! the trees
with his consuming tooth:
57illed in fair sacrifice, armed with destroying tongue, im!etuous as a ull
that snorteth in the mead.
# Praise him, yourGod who, ird)li7e, rests u!on a tree, scattering dro!s of
9uice and !ouring forth his flood,
5!ea7ing aloud with flame as with his li!s a !riest, and roadening his !aths
li7e one of high command.
& Thou 2verlasting, whom, far)striding fain to urn, the winds,
uninterru!ted, never overcome,
They have a!!roached, as warriors eager for the fight, heroic Trita, guiding
him to gain his wish.
( This Agni is the est of 8anvas, 8anvas; 4riend, >on?ueror of the foe
whether afar or near.
%ay Agni guard the singers, guard the !rinces well1 may Agni grant to us our
!rinces; gracious hel!.
* 6o thou, 5u!itrya, swiftly following, ma7e thyself the lord of Datavedas,
mightiest of all,
Who surely gives a oon even in thirsty land most !owerful, !re!ared to aid
us in the wilds.
+ Thus nole Agni with !rinces and mortal men is lauded, e$cellent for
con?uering strength with chiefs,
%en who are well)dis!osed as friends and true to Law, even as the heavens
in ma9esty sur!ass man7ind.
. , 5on of 5trength, 'ictorious, with this title 3!astuta;s most !otent voice
reveres thee.
-lest with rave sons y thee we will e$tol thee, and lengthen out the days
of our e$istence.
0 Thus, Agni, have the sons of 'rstihavya, the /sis, the 3!astutas invo7ed
thee.
Protect them, guard the singers and the !rinces. With 'asatA have they
come, with hands u!lifted, with their u!lifted hands and cries of GloryA
HYMN .XV. Indra.
1. 6/I=8 5oma 9uice for mighty !ower and vigour, drin7, 5trongest ,ne, that
thou mayst smite down 'rtra.
6rin7 thou, invo7ed, for strength, and riches1 drin7 thou thy fill of meath
and !our it down, , Indra.
2 6rin7 of the foodful 9uice stirred into motion, drin7 what thou choosest of
the flowing 5oma.
Giver of weal, e 9oyful in thy s!irit, and turn thee hitherward to less and
!ros!er.
# Let heavenly 5oma gladden thee, , Indra, let that effused among man7ind
delight thee.
/e9oice in that wherey thou gavest freedom, and that wherey thou
con?uerest thy foemen.
& Let Indra come, im!etuous, douly mighty, to the !oured 9uice, the -ull,
with two -ay >oursers.
With 9uices !ressed in mil7, with meath !resented, glut evermore thy olt,
, 4oe)destroyer.
( 6ash down, outffaming their shar! flaming wea!ons, the strong)holds of
the men urged on y demons.
I give thee, %ighty ,ne, great strength and con?uest1 go, meet thy foes and
rend them in the attle.
* 2$tend afar the votary;s fame and glory, as the firm archer;s strength
drives off the foeman.
/anged on our side, grown strong in might that con?uers, never defeated,
still increase thy ody.
+ To thee have we !resented this olation1 acce!t it, 5ovran /uler, free from
anger.
Duice, %aghavan, for thee is !ressed and ri!ened1 eat, Indra, drin7 of that
which stirs to meet thee.
. 2at, Indra, these olations which a!!roach thee1 e !leased with food
made ready and with 5oma.
With entertainment we receive thee friendly1 effectual e the sacrificer;s
wishes.
0 I send sweet s!eech to Indra and to Agni1 with hymns I s!eed it li7e a oat
through waters.
2ven thus, the Gods seem moving round aout me, the fountains and
estowers of our riches.
HYMN .XVII. *i(!ra,i&y.
1. T"2 Gods have not ordained hunger to e our death1 even to the well)fed
man comes death in varied sha!e.
The riches of the lieral never waste away, while he who will not give finds
none to comfort him.
2 The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserale case
egging for read to eat,
"ardens his heart against him)even when of old he did him service)finds not
one to comfort him.
# -ounteous is he who gives unto the eggar who comes to him in want of
food and feele.
5uccess attends him in the shout of attle. "e ma7es a friend of him in
future troules.
& =o friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes im!loring food,
will offer nothing.
Let him de!art)no home is that to rest in), and rather see7 a stranger to
su!!ort him.
( Let the rich satisfy the !oor im!lorer, and end his eye u!on a longer
!athway.
/iches come now to one, now to another, and li7e the wheels of cars are
ever rolling.
* The foolish man wins food with fruitless laour1 that food )I s!ea7 the
truth) shall e his ruin.
"e feeds no trusty friend, no man to love him. All guilt is he who eats with
no !arta7er.
+ The !loughshare !loughing ma7es the food that feeds us, and with its feet
cuts through the !ath it follows.
-etter the s!ea7ing than the silent -rahman1 the lieral friend outyalues
him who gives not.
. "e with one foot hath far outrun the i!ed, and the two)footed catches
the three)footed.
4our)footed creatures come when i!eds call them, and stand and loo7
where five are met together.
0 The hands are oth ali7e1 their laour differs. The yield of sister milch)
7ine is une?ual.
Twins even diffier in their strength and vigour1 two, even 7insmen, differ in
their ounty.
HYMN .XVIII. Agni.
1. AG=I, refulgent among men thou slayest the devouring fiend,
-right /uler in thine own aode.
2 Thou s!ringest u! when worshi!!ed well the dro!s of utter are thy 9oy
When ladies are rought near to thee.
# "onoured with gifts he shines afar, Agni adorale with song1
The dri!!ing ladle alms his face.
& Agni with honey in his mouth, honoured with gifts, is almed with oil,
/efulgent in his wealth of light.
( Praised y our hymns thou 7indlest thee, ,lation)earer, for the Gods
As such do mortals call on thee.
* To that Immortal Agni !ay worshi! with oil, ye mortal men,)
Lord of the house, whom none deceives.
+ , Agni, urn the /a7sasas with thine uncon?uerale flame
5hine guardian of 2ternal Law.
. 5o, Agni, with thy glowing face urn fierce against the female fiends,
5hining among 3ru7sayas.
0 3ru7sayas have 7indled thee, ,lation)earer, thee, with hymns.
-est Worshi!!er among man7ind.
HYMN .XIX. Indra.
1. T"I5, even this was my resolve, to win a cow, to win a steed1
"ave I not drun7 of 5oma 9uiceB
2 Li7e violent gusts of wind the draughts that I have drun7 have lifted me
# The draughts I dran7 have orne me u!, as fleet)foot horses draw a car1
& The hymn hath reached me, li7e a cow who lows to meet her darling calf1
( As a wright ends a chariot)seat so round my heart I end the hymn1
* =ot as a mote within the eye count the 4ive Tries of men with me1
+ The heavens and earth themselves have not grown e?ual to one half of me
. I in my grandeur have sur!assed the heavens and all this s!acious earth
0 AhaA this s!acious earth will I de!osit either here or there
1@ In one short moment will I smite the earth in fury here or there1
11 ,ne of my flan7s is in the s7y: I let the other trail elow1
12 1, greatest of the %ighty ,nes, am lifted to the firmament1
1# I see7 the worshi!!er;s aode: olation)earer to the Gods1
HYMN .XX. Indra.
1. I= all the worlds That was the -est and "ighest whence s!rang the %ighty
Gods, of s!lendid valour.
As soon as orn he overcomes his foemen, e in whom all who lend him aid
are 9oyful.
2 Grown mighty in his strength, with am!le vigour, he as a foe stri7es fear
into the 6asa,
2ager to win the reathing and the reathless. All sang thy !raise at
an?uet and olation.
# All concentrate on thee their mental vigour, what time these, twice or
thrice, are thine assistants.
-lend what is sweeter than the sweet with sweetness1 win. ?uic7ly with our
meath that meath in attle.
& Therefore in thee too, thou who winnest riches, at every an?uet are the
sages 9oyful.
With mightier !ower, -old God, e$tend thy firmness1 let not malignant
<atudhanas harm thee.
( Proudly we !ut our trust in thee in attles, when we ehold great wealth
the !riCe of comat.
I with my words im!el thy wea!ons onward, and shar!en with my !rayer thy
vital vigour.
* Worthy of !raises, many)sha!ed, most s7ilful, most energetic, A!tya of the
A!tyas1
"e with his might destroys the seven 6anus, suduing many who were
deemed his e?uals.
+ Thou in that house which thy !rotection guardeth estowest wealth, the
higher and the lower.
Thou stalishest the two much)wandering %others, and ringest many deeds
to their com!letion.
. -rhaddiva, the foremost of light)winners, re!eats these holy !rayers, this
strength of Indra.
"e rules the great self)luminous fold of cattle, and all the doors of light
hath he thrown o!en.
0 Thus hath -rhaddiva, the great Atharvan, s!o7en to Indra as himself in
!erson.
The s!otless 5isters, they who are his %others, with !ower e$alt him and
im!el him onward.
HYMN .XXI. Ka.
1. I= the eginning rose "iranyagarha, orn ,nly Lord of all created
eings.
"e fi$ed and holdeth u! this earth and heaven. What God shall we adore
with our olationB
2 Giver of vital reath, of !ower and vigour, he whose commandments all
the Gods ac7nowledge ).
The Lord of death, whose shade is life immortal. What God shall we adore
with our olationB
# Who y his grandeur hath ecome 5ole /uler of all the moving world that
reathes and slumers:
"e who is Loord of men and Lord of cattle. What God shall we adore with
our olationB
& "is, through his might, are these snow)covered mountains, and men call
sea and /asa his !ossession1
"is arms are these, his are these heavenly regions. What God shall we adore
with our olationB
( -y him the heavens are strong and earth is stedfast, y him light;s realm
and s7y)vault are su!!orted1
-y him the regions in mid)air were measured. What God shall we adore with
our olationB
* To him, su!!orted y his hel!, two armies emattled loo7 while tremling
in their s!irit,
When over them the risen 5un is shining. What God shall we adore with our
olationB
+ What time the mighty waters came, containing the universal germ,
!roducing Agni,
Thence s!rang the Gods; one s!irit into eing. What God shall we adore with
our olationB
. "e in his might surveyed the floods containing !roductive force and
generating Worshi!.
"e is the God of gods, and none eside him. What God shall we adore with
our olationB
0 =eer may he harm us who is earth;s -egetter, nor he whose laws are sure,
the heavens; >reator,
"e who rought forth the great and lucid waters. What God shall we adore
with our olationB
1@ Pra9a!atiA thou only com!rehendest all these created things, and none
eside thee.
Grant us our hearts; desire when we invo7e thee1 may we have store of
riches in !ossession.
HYMN .XXII. Agni.
1. I P/AI52 the God of wondrous might li7e Indra, the lovely !leasant Guest
whom all must welcome.
%ay Agni, Priest and %aster of the household, give hero strength and all)
sustaining riches.
2 , Agni, graciously acce!t this song of mine, thou !assing)wise who
7nowest every ordinance.
2nwra!!ed in holy oil further the course of !rayer1 the Gods estow
according to thy holy law.
# Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a lieral Giver, to the
!ious worshi!!er,
Wealth, Agni, with rave sons and ready for his use1 welcome the man who
comes with fuel unto thee.
& The seven who ring olations worshi! thee, the 5trong, the first, the
Great >hief Priest, 2nsign of sacrifice,
The oil)anointed -ull, Agni who hears, who sends as God full hero strength
to him who freely gives.
( 4irst messenger art thou, meet for election1 drin7 thou thy fill invited to
the Anirta,
The %aruts in the votary;s house adorned thee: with lauds the -hrgus gave
thee light and glory.
* %il7ing the teeming >ow for all)sustaining food. , Wise ,ne, for the
worshi!)loving worshi!!er,
Thou, Agni, dro!!ing oil, thrice lighting wor7s of Law, showest thy wisdom
circling home and sacrifice.
+ They who at flushing of this dawn a!!ointed thee their messenger, these
men have !aid thee reverence.
Gods strengthened thee for wor7 that must e glorified, Agni, while they
made utter !ure for sacrifice.
. Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang 'asisistha s sons have called
thee down, the Potent ,ne.
%aintain the growth of wealth with men who sacrifice. <e Gods, !reserve us
with your lessings evermore.
HYMN .XXIII. V!na.
1. 522, 'ena, orn in light, hath driven hither, on chariot of the air, the
>alves of Prsni.
5ingers with hymns caress him as an infant there where the waters and the
sunlight mingle.
2 'ena draws u! his wave from out the ocean. mist)orn, the fair one;s ac7
is made a!!arent,
-rightly he shone aloft on ,rder;s summit1 the hosts sang glory to their
common irth!lace.
# 4ull many, lowing to their 9oint)!ossession, dwelling together stood the
6arling;s %others.
Ascending to the lofty height of ,rder, the ands of singers ;si! the sweets
of Amrta.
& 8nowing his form, the sages yearned to meet him1 they have come nigh to
hear the wild -ull;s ellow.
Performing sacrifice they reached the river1 for the Gandharva found the
immortal waters.
( The A!saras, the Lady, sweetly smiling, su!!orts her Lover in sulimest
heaven.
In his 4riend;s dwelling as a 4riend he wanders1 he, 'ena, rests him on his
golden !inion.
* They gaCe on thee with longing in their s!irit, as on a strong)winged ird
that mounteth s7y)ward:
,n thee with wings of gold, 'aruna;s envoy, the -ird that hasteneth to the
home of <ama.
+ 2rect, to heaven hath the Gandharva mounted, !ointing at us his many)
coloured wea!ons:
>lad in sweet raiment eautiful to loo7 on, for he, as light, !roduceth forms
that !lease us.
. When as a s!ar7 he cometh near the ocean, still loo7ing with a vulture;s
eye to heaven,
"is lustre, 9oying in its own right s!lendour, ma7eth dear glories in the
lowest region.
HYMN .XXIV. Agni' E&).
1. >,%2 to this sacrifice of ours, , Agni, threefold, with seven threads and
five divisions.
-e our olation)earer and !receder1 thou hast lain long enough in during
dar7ness.
2 I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality y secret
!athways,
While I, ungracious one, desert the gracious, leave mine own friends and
see7 the 7in of strangers.
# 1, loo7ing to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a rule of Law
and ,rder.
I id farewell to the Great God, the 4ather, and, for neglect, otain my
share of worshi!.
& I tarried many a year within this altar1 I leave the 4ather, for my choice is
Indra.
Away !ass Agni, 'aruna and 5oma. /ule ever changes1 this I come to favour.
( These Asuras have lost their !owers of magic. -ut thou, , 'aruna, if thou
dost love me,
, 8ing, discerning truth and right from falsehood, come and e Lord and
/uler of my 7ingdom.
* "ere is the light of heaven, here allis lovely: here there is radiance, here
is air;s wide region.
Let us two slaughter 'rtra. 4orth, , 5omaA Thou art olation1 we therewith
will serve thee.
+ The 5age hath fi$ed his form y wisdom in the heavens1 'aruna with no
violence let the waters flow.
Li7e women)fol7, the floods that ring !ros!erity have eau lit his hue and
colour as they gleamed and shone.
. These wait u!on his loftiest !ower and vigour1 he dwells in these who
trium!h in their Godhead:
And they, li7e !eo!le who elect their ruler, have in ahorrence turned away
from 'rtra.
0 They call him 5wan, the ahorrent floods; >om!anion, moving in friendshi!
with celestial Waters.
The !oets in their thought have loo7ed on Indra swiftly a!!roaching when
Anustu! calls him.
HYMN .XXV. Va3.
1. I T/A'2L with the /udras and the 'asus, with the Adityas and All)Gods I
wander.
I hold aloft oth 'aruna and %itra, Indra and Agni, and the Pair of Asvins.
2 I cherish and sustain high)swelling 5oma, and Tvastar I su!!ort, Pusan, and
-haga.
I load with wealth the Cealous sdcrificer who !ours the 9uice and offers his
olation
# I am the Eueen, the gatherer)u! of treasures, most thoughtful, first of
those who merit worshi!.
Thus Gods have stalished me in many !laces with many homes to enter and
aide in.
& Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them,)each man who sees,
rewhes, hears the word outs!o7en
They 7now it not, ut yet they dwell eside me. "ear, one and all, the truth
as I declare it.
( 1, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods and men ali7e
shall welcome.
I ma7e the man I love e$ceeding mighty, ma7e him a sage, a /si, and a
-rahman.
* I end the ow for /udra that his arrow may stri7e and slay the hater of
devotion.
I rouse and order attle for the !eo!le, and I have !enetrated 2arth and
"eaven.
+ ,n the world;s summit I ring forth the 4ather1 my home is in the waters,
in the ocean.
Thence I e$tend o;er all e$isting creatures, and touch even yonder heaven
with my forehead.
. I reathe a strong reath li7e the wind and tem!est, the while I hold
together all e$istence.
-eyond this wide earth and eyond the heavens I have ecome so mighty in
my grandeur.
HYMN .XXVI. Visv!d!vas.
1. =o !eril, no severe distress, ye Gods, affects the mortal man,
Whom Aryaman and %itra lead, and 'arima, of one accord, eyond his foes.
2 This very thing do we desire, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman,
Wherey ye guhrd the mortal man from sore distress, and lead him safe
eyond his foes.
# These are, each one, our !resent hel!s, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman.
-est leaders, est deliverers to lead us on and ear as safe eyond our foes.
& <e com!ass round and guard each man, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman1
In your dear 7ee!ing may we e, ye who are e$cellent as guides eyond our
foes.
( Adityas are eyond all foes,)'aruna, %itra, Aryaman1
5trong /udra with the %arut host, Indra, Agni let us call for weal eyond our
foes.
* These lead us safely over all, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman,
These who are 8ings of living men, over all troules far away eyond our
foes.
+ %ay they give liss to aid us well, 'aruna, %itra, Aryaman1
%ay the Adityas, when we !ray, grant us wide shelter and defence eyond
our foes.
. As in this !lace, , "oly ,nes, ye 'asus freed even the Gaud when her feet
were fettered.
5o free us now from troule and affliction1 and let our life e lengthened
still, , A!i.
HYMN .XXVII. Nig#&.
1. WIT" all her eyes the Goddess =ight loo7s forth a!!roaching many a s!ot1
5he hath !ut all her glories on.
2 Immortal. she hath filled the waste, the Goddess hath filled height and
de!th1
5he con?uers dar7ness with her light.
# The Goddess as she comes hath set the 6awn her 5ister in her !lace1
And then the dar7ness vanishes.
& 5o favour us this night, , thou whose !athways we have visited
As irds their nest u!on the tree.
( The villagers have sought their homes, and all that wal7s and all that flies,
2ven the falcons fain for !rey.
* 8ee! off the she)wolf and the wolf, , 3rmya, 7ee! the thief away:
2asy e thou for us to !ass.
+ >learly hath she come nigh to me who dec7s the dar7 with richest hues1
, %orning, cancel it li7e dets.
. These have I rought to thee li7e 7ine. , =ight, thou >hild of "eaven,
acce!t
This laud as for a con?ueror.
HYMN .XXVIII. Visv!d!vas.
1. L2T me win glory, Agni, in our attles1 en7indling thee, may we su!!ort
our odies.
%ay the four regions end and ow efore me1 with thee for guardian may
we win in comat.
2 %ay all the Gods e on my side in attle, the %aruts led y Indra, 'isnu,
Agni.
%ine e the middle air;s e$tended region, ani may the wind low favouring
these my wishes.
# %ay the Gods grant me riches: may the lessing and invocation of the
Gods assist me.
4oremost in fight e the divine Invo7ers1 may we, unwounded, have rave
heroes round us.
& 4or me let them !resent all mine olations, and let my mind;s intention e
accom!lished.
%ay I he guiltless of the least transgression1 and, all ye Go)is, do ye comine
to less us.
( <e si$ divine 2$!anses, grant us freedom1 here, all ye Gods, ac?uit
yourselves li7e heroes.
Let us not lose our children or our odies1 let us not enefit the foe, 8ing
5omaA
* -affling the wrath of our o!!onents, Agni, guard us as our infallile
Protector.
Let these thy foes turn ac7 and see7 their houses, and let their thought
who watch at home e ruined.
+ Lord of the world, >reator of creators the saviour God who overcomes the
foeman.
%ay Gods, -rhas!ati, oth Asvins shelter from ill thii sacrifice and sacrificer.
. 4oodful, and much)invo7ed, at this our calling mty the great -ull
vouchsafe us wide !rotection.
Lord of -ay >oursers, Indra, lew our children1 harm us not, give us riot as
!rey to others.
0 Let those who are our foemen stay. afar from us1 with Indra and with Agni
we will drive them off.
'asus, Adityas, /udras have e$alted me, made me far)reaching, inighty,
thin7er, sovran lord.
HYMN .XXIX. .r!a&i/n.
1. T"2= was not non)e$istent nor e$istent1 there was no realm of air, no s7y
eyond it.
What covered in, and whereB and what gave shelterB Was water there,
unfathomed de!th of waterB
2 6eath was not then, nor was there aught immortal1 no sign was there, the
day;s and night;s divider.
That ,ne Thing, reathless, reathed y its own nature1 a!art from it was
nothing whatsoever.
# 6ar7ness there was1 at first concealed in dar7new this All was
indiscriminated chaos.
All that e$isted then was void and form less1 y the great !ower of Warmth
was orn that 3nit.
& Thereafter rose 6esire in the eginning, 6esire, the !rimal seed and germ
of 5!irit.
5ages who searched with their heart;s thought discovered the e$istent;s
7inshi! in the non)e$istent.
( Transversely was their severing line e$tended1 what was aove it then,
and what elow itB
There were egetters, there were mighty forces, free action here and
energy u! yonder
* Who verily 7nows and who can here declare it, whence it was orn and
whence comes this creationB
TheGods are later than this world;s !roduction. Who 7nows then whence it
first came into eingB
+ "e, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not
form it,
Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily 7nows it, or
!erha!s he 7nows not.
HYMN .XXX. .r!a&i/n.
1. T"2 sacrifice drawn out with threads on every side, stretched y a
hundred sacred ministers and one,)
This do these 4athers weave who hitherward are come1 they sit eside the
war! and cry, Weave forth, weave ac7.
2 The %an e$tends it and the %an uninds it1 even to this vault of heaven
hath he outs!un, it.
These !egs are fastened to the seat of worshi!1 they made the 5ama)hymns
their weaving shuttles.
# What were the rule, the order and the modelB What were the wooden
fender and the utterB
What were the hymn, the chant, the recitation, when to the God all 6eities
!aid worshi!B
& >losely was Gayatri con9oined with Agni, and closely 5avitar comined
with 3snih.
-rilliant with 37thas, 5oma 9oined Anustu!1 -rhas!ati;s voice y -rhati was
aided.
( 'ira9 adhered to 'aruna and %itra1 here Tristu! day y day was Indra;s
!ortion.
Dagati entered all the Gods together1 so y this 7nowledge men were raised
to /sis.
* 5o y this 7nowledge men were raised to /sis, when ancient sacrifice
s!rang u!, our 4athers.
With the mind;s eye I thin7 that I ehold them who first !erformed this
sacrificial worshi!.
+ They who were versed in ritual and metre, in hymns and rules, were the
5even Godli7e /sis.
'iewing the !ath of those of old, the sages have ta7en u! the reins li7e
chariot)drivers.
HYMN .XXXI. Indra.
1. 6/I'2 all our enemies away, , Indra, the western, mighty >on?ueror, and
the eastern.
"ero, drive off our northern foes and southern, that we in thy wide shelter
may e 9oyful.
2 What thenB As men whose fields are full of arley rea! the ri!e corn
removing it in order,
5o ring the food of those men, ring it hither, who went not to !re!are the
grass for worshi!.
# %en come not with one horse at sacred seasons: thus they otain no
honour in assemlies.
5ages desiring herds of 7ine and horses strengthen the mighty Indra for his
friendshi!.
& <e, Asvins, Lords of 5!lendour, dran7 full draughts of grateful 5oma 9uice,
And aided Indra in his wor7 with =amuci of Asura irth.
( As !arents aid a son, oth Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous
Powers and wisdom.
When thou, with might. hadst drun7 the draught that gladdens, 5arasvati, ,
%aghavan, refreshed thee.
* Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, !ossessing all, e 7ind
and gracious.
%ay he dis!erse our foes and give us safety, and may we e the lords of hero
vigou r.
+ %ay we en9oy his favour, his the "oly may we en9oy his lessed loving
7indness.
%ay this rich Indra, as our good Protector, drive off and 7ee! afar all those
who hate us.
HYMN .XXXII. Mi&ra. Varuna.
1. %A< 6yaus the Lord of lauded wealth, and 2arth stand y the man who
offers sacrifice,
And may the Asvins, oth the Gods, strengthen the worshi!!er with liss.
2 As such we honour you, %itra and 'aruna, with hasty Ceal, most lest, you
who sustain the fol7.
5o may we, through your friendshi! for the worshi!!er, sudue the fiends.
# And when we see7 to win your love and friendshi!, we.who have !recious
wealth in our !ossession,
,r when the worshi!!er augments his riches let not his treasures e shut u!
& That other, AsuraA too was orn of "eaven. thou art, , 'aruna, the 8ing of
all men.
The chariot;s Lord was well content, forearing to anger 6eath y sin so
great.
This sin hath 5a7a!uta here committed. "eroes who fled to their dear friend
he slayeth,
When the 5teed ringeth down your grace and favour in odies dear and
worshi!ful.
* <our %other Aditi, ye wise, was !urified with water even as earth is
!urified from heaven.
5how love and 7indness here elow1 wash her in rays of heavenly light.
+ <e Twain have seated you as Lords of Wealth, as one who mounts a car to
him who sits u!on the !ole, u!on the wood.
These our disheartened tries =rmedhas saved from woe, 5umedhas saved
from Woe.
HYMN .XXXIII. Indra.
1. 5I=G strength to Indra that shall set his chariot in the foremost !lace.
Giver of room in closest fight, slayer of foes in shoc7 of war, e thou our
great encourager. Let the wea7 owstrings rea7 u!on the ows of feele
enemies.
2 Thou didst destroy the 6ragon1 thou sentest the rivers down to earth.
4oeless, , Indra, wast thou orn. Thou tendest well each choicest thing.
Therefore we draw us close to thee. Let the wea7 owstrings rea7 u!on
the ows of feele enemies.
# 6estroyed e all malignities and all our enemy;s designs.
Thy olt thou castest, at the foe, , Indra, who would srnite us dead1 thy
lieral ounty gives us wealth.
& The roer !eo!le round aout, Indra, who watch and aim at us,)
Tram!le them down eneath thy foot: a con?uering scatterer art thou.
( Whoso assails us, Indra, e the man a stranger or a7in,
-ring down, thyself, his strength although it e as vast as are the heavens.
* >lose to thy friendshi! do we cling, , Indra, and de!end, or, thee.
Lead us eyond all !ain and grief along the !ath of holy Law.
+ 6o thou estow u!on us her, , Indra, who yields according to the singer;s
longing,
That the great >ow may, with e$haustless udder, !ouring a thousand
streams, give mil7 to feed us.
HYMN .XXXIV. Indra.
1. As, li7e the %orning, thou hast filled, , Indra, oth the earth and heaven.
5o as the %ighty ,ne, great 8ing of all the mighty world of men, the
Goddess %other rought thee forth, the -lessed %other gave thee life.
2 /ela$ that mortal;s stuorn strength whose heart is ent on wic7edness.
Tram!le him down eneath thy feet who watches for and aims at us. The
Goddess %other rought thee forth, the -lessed %other gave thee life.
# 5ha7e down, , 5layer of the foe, those great all s!lendid enemies.
With all thy !owers, , 5a7ra, all thine hel!s, , Indra, sha7e them down1
& As thou, , 5ata7ratu, thou, , Indrv, sha7est all things down
As wealth for him who sheds the 9uice, with thine assistance thousandfold.
( Around, on every side li7e dro!s of sweat let lightning)flashes fall.
Let all malevolence !ass away from us li7e threads of 6arva grass.
* Thou earest in thine hand a lance li7e a long hoo7, great >ounsellorA
As with his foremost foot a goat, draw down the ranch, , %aghavan.
+ =ever, , Gods, do we offend, nor are we ever ostinate1 we wal7 as holy
te$ts command.
>losely we clas! and cling to you, cling to your sides, eneath your arms.
HYMN .XXXV. Ya$a.
1. I= the Tree clothed with goodly leaves where <ama drin7eth with the
Gods,
The 4ather, %aster of the house, tendeth with love our ancient 5ires.
2 I loo7ed reluctantly on him who cherishes those men of old,
,n him who treads that evil !ath, and then I yearned for this again.
# Thou mountest, though thou dost not see, , >hild, the new and wheel)less
car
Which thou hast fashioned mentally, one!oled ut turning every way.
& The car which thou hast made to roll hitherward from the 5ages, >hildA
This hath the 5aman followed close, hence, laid together on a shi!.
( Who was the father of the childB Who made the chariot roll awayB
Who will this day declare to us how the funeral gift was madeB
* When the funeral gift was !laced, straightway the !oint of flame
a!!eared.
A de!th e$tended in the front1 a !assage out was made ehind.
+ "ere is the seat where <ama dwells, that which is called the "ome of
Gods1
"ere minstrels low the flute for him here he is glorified with songs.
HYMN .XXXVI. K!sins.
1. "2 with the long loose loc7s su!!orts Agni, and moisture, heaven, and
earth1
"e is all s7y to loo7 u!on1 he with long hair is called this light.
2 The %unis, girdled with the wind, wear garments soiled of yellow hue.
They, following the wind;s swift course go where the Gods have gone efore.
# Trans!orted with our %unihood we have !ressed on into the winds1
<ou therefore, mortal men. ehold our natural odies and no more.
& The %uni, made associate in the holy wor7 of every God,
Loo7ing u!on all varied forms flies through the region of the air.
( The 5teed of 'ata, 'ayu;s friend, the %uni, y the Gods im!elled,
In oth the oceans hath his home, in eastern and in western sea.
* Treading the !ath of sylvan easts, Gandharvas, and A!sarases,
"e with long loc7s, who 7nows the wish, is a sweet most delightful friend
+ 'ayu hath churned for him1 for him he !oundeth things most hard to end,
When he with long loose loc7s hath drun7, with /udra, water from the cu!.
HYMN .XXXVII Visv!d!vas.
1. <2 Gods, raise u! once more the man whom ye have humled and rought
low.
, Gods, restore to life again the man who hat committed sin.
2 Two several winds are lowing here, from 5indhu, from a distant land.
%ay one reathe energy to thee, the other low disease away.
# "ither, , Wind, low healing alm, low all disease away, thou Wind:
4or thou who hast all medicine comest as envoy of the Gods.
& I am come nigh to thee with alms to give thee rest and 7ee! thee safe.
I ring thee lessed strength, I drive thy wea7ening malady away.
( "ere let the Gods deliver him, the %aruts; and deliver him1
All things that e deliver him that he e freed from his disease.
* The Waters have their healing !ower, the Waters drive disease away.
The Waters have a alm for all1 let them ma7e medicine for thee.
+ The tongue that leads the voice !recedes. Then with our ten)fold
ranching hands,
With these two chasers of disease we stro7e thee with a gentle touch.
HYMN .XXXVIII. Indra.
1. ALLI26 with thee in friendshi!, Indra, these, thy !riests, rememering
"oly Law, rent 'rtra lim from lim,
When they estowed the 6awns and let the waters flow, and when thou
didst chastise dragons at 8utsa;s call.
2 Thou sentest forth !roductive !owers, clavest the hills, thou dravest forth
the 7ine, thou dran7est !leasant meath.
Thou gavest increase through this Tree;s sur!assing might. The 5un shone y
the hymn that s!rang from "oly Law.
# In the mid)way of heaven the 5un unyo7ed his car1 the Arya found a match
to meet his 6am foe.
Associate with /9isvan Indra overthrew the solid forts of Pi!ru, con9uring
Asura.
& "e oldly cast down forts which none had e;er assailed1 unwearied he
destroycd the godless treasure)stores.
Li7e 5un and %oon he too7 the stronghold;s wealth away, and, !raised in
song, demolished foes with flashing dart.
( Armed with resistless wea!ons, with vast !ower to cleave, the 'rtra)slayer
whets his darts and deals fordi wounds.
-right 3sas was afraid of Indra;s slaughtering olt1 she went u!on her way
and left her chariot there.
* These are thy famous e$!loits, only thine, when thou alone hast left the
other reft of sacrifice.
Thou in the heavens hast set the ordering of the %oons1 the 4ather ears
the felly !ortioned out y thee.
HYMN .XXXIX. Savi&ar.
1. 5A'ITA/, golden)haired, hath lifted eastward, right With the suneams,
his eternal lustre:
"e in whose energy wise Pusan marches, surveying all e$istence li7e a
herdsman.
2 -eholding men he sits amid the heaven filling the two world)halves and
air;s wide region.
"e loo7s u!on the rich far)s!reading !astures etween the eastern and the
western limit.
# "e, root of wealth, the gatherer)u! of treasures, loo7s with his might on
every form and figure.
5avitar, li7e a God.whose Law is constant, stands in the attle for the s!oil
li7e Indra.
& Waters from sacrifice came to the Gandharva 'isvavasu, , 5oma, when
they saw him.
Indra, a!!roaching ?uic7ly, mar7ed their going, and loo7ed around u!on the
5un;s enclosures.
( This song 'isvavasu shall sing us, meter of air;s mid)realm celestial
Gandharva,
That we may 7now aright oth truth and falsehood1 may he ins!ire our
thoughts and hel! our !raises.
* In the floods; trac7 he found the ootysee7er1 the roc7y cow)!en;s doors
he threw wide o!en.
These, the Gandharva told him, /owed with Amrta. Indra 7new well the
!uissancc of the dragons.
HYMN .X*. Agni.
1. AG=I, life)!ower and fame are thine1 thy fires laCe mightily, thou rich in
wealth of eamsA
5age, !assing right, thou givest to the worshi!!er, with strength, the food
that merits laud.
2 With rilliant, !urifying sheen, with !erfect sheen thou liftest u! thyself
in light.
Thou, visiting oth thy %others, aidest them as 5on1 thou 9oinest close the
earth and heaven.
# , Datavedas, 5on of 5trength, re9oice ihyself, gracious, in our fair hymns
and songs.
In thee are treasured various forms of strengthening food, orn noly and of
wondrous hel!.
& Agni, s!read forth, as /uler, over living things1 give wealth to us, Immortal
God.
Thou shinest out from eauty fair to loo7 u!on1 thou leadest us to
con?uering !ower.
( To him, the wise, who orders sacrifice, who hath great riches un der his
control,
Thou givest lest award of good, and !lenteous food, givest him wealth that
con?uers all.
* The men have set efore them them for their welfare Agni, strong, visile
to all, the "oly.
Thee, Godli7e ,ne, with ears to hear, most famous, men;s generations
magnify with !raise)songs.
HYMN .X*I. Visv!d!vas.
1. T3/= hither, Agni, s!ea7 to us1 come to us with a gracious mind.
2nrich us, %aster of the house1 thou art the Giver of our wealth.
2 Let Aryarnan vouchsafe us wealth, and -haga, and -rhas!ati.
Let the Gods give their gifts, and let 5unrta, Goddess, grant us wealth.
# We call 8ing 5oma to our aid, and Agni with our songs and hymns,
Adityas, 'isnu, 5urya, and the -rahman Priest -rhas!ati.
& Indra, 'ayu, -rhas!ati, Gods swift to listen, we invo7e,
That in the synod all the fol7 may e enevolent to us.
( 3rge Aryaman to send us gifts, and Indra, and -rhas!ati,
'ata, 'isnu, 5arasvati and the 5trong >ourser 5avitar.
* 6o thou, , Agni, with thy fires strengthen our !rayer and sacrifice1
3rge givers to estow their wealth to aid our service of the Gods.
HYMN .X*II. Agni.
1. WIT" thee, , Agni, was this singer of the laud1 he hath no other 7inshi!,
, thou 5on of 5trength.
Thou givest lessed shelter with a tri!le guard. 8ee! the destructive
lightning far away from us.
2 Thy irth who see7est food is in the falling flood, Agni1 as >omrade thou
winnest all living things.
,ur coursers and our songs shall e victorious1 they of themselves advance
li7e one who guards the herd.
# And thou, , Agni, thou of Godli7e nature, s!arest the stones, while caring
u! the rushwood.
Then are thy trac7s li7e deserts in the corn)lands. Let us not stir to wrath
thy mighty arrow.
& ,;er hills through vales devouring as thou goest, thou !artest li7e an army
fain for ooty
As when a arer shaves a eard, thou shavest earth when the wind lows
on thy flame and fans it.
( A!!arent are his lines as he a!!roaches the course is single, ut the cars
are many,
When, Agni, thou, ma7ing thine arms res!lendent, advancest o;er the land
s!read out eneath thee.
* =ow let thy strength, thy urning flames fly u!ward, thine energies, ,
Agni, as thou toilest.
Ga!e widely, end thee, wa$ing in thy vigour1 let all the 'asus sit this day
eside thee.
+ This is the waters; reservoir, the great aode of gathered streams.
Ta7e thou another !ath than this, and as thou listest wal7 thereon.
. ,n thy way hitherward and hence let flowery 6urva grass s!ring u!
Let there e la7es with lotus looms. These are the mansions of the flood.
HYMN .X*III. Asvins.
1. <2 made that Atri, worn with eld, free as a horse to win the goal.
When ye restored to youth and strength 8a7sivan li7e a car renewed,
2 <e freed that Atri li7e a horse, and rought him newly)orn to earth.
<e loosed him li7e a firm)tied 7not which Gods unsoiled y dust had ound.
# "eroes who showed most wondrous !ower to Atri, strive to win fair songs:
4or then, , "eroes of the s7y, your hymn of !raise shall cease no more.
& This claims your notice, -ounteous GodsA ) olation, AsvinsA and our love,
That ye, , "eroes, in the fight may ring us safe to am!le room.
( <e Twain to -hu9yu tossed aout in ocean at the region;s end,
=asatyas, with your winged sterds came nigh, and gave him strength to win.
* >ome with your 9oys, most lieral Gods, Lords of all treasures, ringing
weal.
Li7e fresh full waters to a well, so, "eroes come and e with us.
HYMN .X*IV. Indra.
1. T"I5 deathless Indu, li7e a steed, strong and of full vitality,
-elongs to thee, the ,rderer.
2 "ere, y us, for the worshi!!er, is the wise olt that wor7s with s7ill.
It rings the uling everage as a de$terous man rings the effectual
strong drin7.
# Im!etuous Ahisuva, a ull among cows of his,
loo7ed down u!on the restless "aw7.
& That the strong)!inioned -ird hath rought, >hild of the 4alcon, from afar,
What moves u!on a hundred wheels along the female 6ragon;s !ath.
( Which, fair, unroed, the 4alcon rought thee in his foot, the red)hued
dwelling of the 9uice:
Through this came vital !ower which lengthens out our days, and 7inshi!
through its hel! awo7e.
* 5o Indra is y lndu;s !ower: e;en among Gods will it re!el great treachery.
Wisdom, %ost 5a!ient ,ne, rings force that lengthens life. %ay wisdom
ring the 9uice to us.
HYMN .X*V. Sa%a&ni(ad#ana$.
1. 4/,% out the earth I dig this !lant, a her of most effectual !ower,
Wherewith one ?uells the rival wife and gains the husand for oneself.
2 Aus!icious, with e$!anded leaves, sent y the Gods, victorious !lant,
-low thou the rival wife away, and ma7e my husand only mine.
# 5tronger am 1, , 5tronger ,ne, yea, mightier than the mightier:
And she who is my rival wife is lower than the lowest dames.
& "er very name I utter not1 she ta7es no !leasure in this man.
4ar into distance most remote drive we the rival wife away.
( I am the con?ueror, and thou, thou also act victorious1
As victory attends us oth we will sudue my fellow)wife.
* I have gained thee for van?uisher, have gras!ed thee with a stronger s!ell.
As a cow hastens to her calf, so let thy s!irit s!eed te me, hasten li7e water
on its way.
HYMN .X*VI. Aranyani.
1. G,66255 of wild and forest who seemest to vanish from the sight.
"ow is it that thou see7est not the villageB Art thou not afraidB
2 What time the grassho!!er re!lies and swells the shrill cicala;s voice,
5eeming to sound with tin7ling ells, the Lady of the Wood e$ults.
# And, yonder, cattle seem to graCe, what seems a dwelling)!lace a!!ears1
,r else at eve the Lady of the 4orest seems to free the wains.
& "ere one is calling to his cow, another there hath felled a tree1
At eve the dweller in the wood fancies that someody hath screamed.
( The Goddess never slays, unless some murderous enemy a!!roach.
%an eats of savoury fruit and then ta7es, even as he wills, his rest.
* =ow have I !raised the 4orest Eueen, sweet)scented, redolent of alm,
The %other of all sylvan things, who tills not ut hath stores of food.
HYMN .X*VII Indra.
1. I T/35T in thy first wrathful deed, , Indra, when thou slewest 'rtra and
didst wor7 to !rofit man:
What time the two world)halves fell short of thee in might, and the earth
tremled at thy force, , Thunder)anned.
2 Thou with thy magic !owers didst rend the con9urer 'rtra, , -lameless
,ne, with heart that longed for fame.
"eroes elect thee when they attle for the !rey, thee in all sacrifices
worthy of renown.
# God %uch)invo7ed, ta7e !leasure in these !rinces here, who, thine
e$alters, %aghavan, have come to wealth.
In synods, when the rite succeeds, they hymn the 5trong for sons and
!rogeny and riches undistured.
& That man shall find delight in well)!rotected wealth whose care !rovides
for him the ?uic7)sought 9oyous draught.
-ringing olations, strengthened %aghavan, y thee, he swiftly wins the
s!oil with heroes in the fight.
( =ow for our and, , %aghavan, when lauded, ma7e am!le room with
might, and grant us riches.
%agician thou, our 'aruna and %itra, deal food to us, , Wondrous, as
6is!enser.
HYMN .X*VIII. Indra.
1. W"2= we have !ressed the 9uice we laud thee, Indra, and when, %ost
'alorous we have won the ooty.
-ring us !ros!erity, as each desires it under thine own !rotection may we
con?uer.
2 5ulime from irth, mayst thou , Indra, "ero, with 5urya overcome the
6asa races.
As y a fountain;s side, we ring the 5oma that lay concealed, close)hidden
in the waters.
# Answer the votary;s hymns, for these thou 7nowest, craving the /sis;
!rayer, thyself a 5inger
%ay we e they who ta7e delight in 5omas1 these with sweet food for thee,
, >hariot)rider.
& These holy !rayers, , Indra, have I sung thee1 grant to the men the
strength of men, thou "ero.
-e of one mind with those in whom thou 9oyest1 7ee! thou the singers safe
and their com!anions.
( Listen to Prthi;s call, heroic Indra, and e thou lauded y the hymns of
'enya,
"im who hath sung thee to thine oil)rich dwelling, whose rolling songs have
s!ed thee li7e a torrent.
HYMN .X*IX. Savi&ar.
1. 5A'ITA/ fi$ed the earth with ands to ind it, and made heaven stedfast
where no !ro! su!!orted.
5avitar mil7ed, as ;twere a restless courser, air, sea ound fast to what no
foot had trodden.
2 Well 7noweth 5avitar, , >hild of Waters, where ocean, firmly fi$t,
o;erflowed its limit.
Thence s!rang the world, from that u!rose the region1 thence heaven
s!read out and the wide earth e$!anded.
# Then, with a full crowd of Immortal -eings, this other realm came later,
high and holy.
4irst, verily, 5avitar;s strong)!inioned 2agle was orn1 and he oeys his law
for ever.
& As warriors to their steeds, 7ine to their village, as fond mil7 giving cows
a!!roach their youngling,
As man to wife, let 5avitar come downward to us, heaven;s earer, Lord of
every lessing.
( Li7e the Angirasa "iranvastu!a, I call thee, 5avitar, to this achievement1
5o worshi!!ing and lauding thee for favour I watch for thee as for the stal7
of 5oma.
HYMN .*. Agni.
1. T",3, earer of olations, though 7indled, art 7indled for the Gods.
With the Adityas, /udras, 'asus, come to us1 to show us favour come to us.
2 >ome hither and acce!t with 9oy this sacrifice and hymn of ours.
, 7indled God, we mortals are invo7ing thee, calling on thee to show us
grace.
# I laud thee Datavedas, thee Lord of all lessings, with my song.
Agni, ring hitherward the Gods whose Laws we love, whose laws we love,
to show us grace.
& Agni the God was made the great "igh)Priest of Gods, /sis have 7indled
Agni, men of mortal mould.
Agni I invocate for winning am!le wealth. 7indly dis!osed for winning
wealth.
( Atri and -haradva9a and Gavisthira, 8anva and Trasadasyu, in our fight he
hel!ed.
,n Agni calls 'asistha, even the household !riest, the household !riest to
win his grace.
HYMN .*I. Fai&#.
1. -y 4aith is Agni 7indled, through 4aith is olation offered u!.
We celerate with !raises 4aith u!on the height of ha!!iness.
2 -less thou the man who gives, , 4aith: 4aith, less the man who fain
would give.
-less thou the lieral worshi!!ers1 less thou the word that I have said.
# 2ven as the 6eities maintained 4aith in the mighty Asuras,
5o ma7e this uttered wish of mine true for the lieral worshi!!ers.
& Guarded y 'ayu, Gods and men who sacrifice draw near to 4aith.
%an winneth 4aith y yearnings of the heart, and o!ulence y 4aith.
( 4aith in the early morning, 4aith at noonday will we invocate,
4aith at the setting of the 5un. , 4aith, endow us with elief.
HYMN .*II. Indra.
1. A %IG"T< Governor art thou, Wondrous, 6estroyer of the foe,
Whose friend is never done to death, and never, never overcome.
2 Lord of the clan, who rings us liss, 5trong, Warrior, 5layer of the fiend,
%ay India, 5oma)drin7er, go efore us, -ull who gives us !eace.
# 6rive /a7sasas and foes away, rea7 thou in !ieces 'rtra;s9aws1
, 'rtra)slaying Indra, ?uell the foeman;s wrath who threatens us.
& , Indra, eat our foes away, humle the men who challenge us1
5end down to nether dar7ness him who see7s to do us in9ury.
( -affle the foeman;s !lan, ward off his wea!on who would con?uer us.
Give shelter from his furious wrath, and 7ee! his murdering dart afar.
HYMN .*III. Indra.
1. 5WA<I=G aout, the Active ,nes came nigh to Indra at his irth,
And shared his great heroic might.
2 -ased u!on strength and victory and !ower, , Indra is thy irth1
Thou, %ighty ,ne, art strong indeed.
# Thou art the 'rtra)slayer, thou, Indra, hast s!read the firmament1
Thou hast with might u!held the heavens.
& Thou, Indra, earest in thine arms the lightning that accords with thee,
Whetting thy thunderolt with might.
( Thou, Indra, art !reeminent over all creatures in thy might1
Thou hast !ervaded every !lace.
HYMN .*IV. N!- *i0!.
1. 4,/ some is 5oma !urified, some sit y sacrificial oil1
To those for whom the meath flows forth, even to those let him de!art.
2 Invincile through 4ervour, those whom 4ervour hath advanced to heaven,
Who showed great 4ervour in their lives, )even to those let him de!art.
# The heroes who contend in war and oldly cast their lives away,
,r who give guerdon thousandfold, )even to those let him de!art.
& <ea, the first followers of Law, Law;s !ure and holy strengtheners,
The 4athers, <amaA 4ervour)moved,even to those let him de!art.
( 57illed in a thousand ways and means, the sages who !rotect the 5un,
The /sis, <amaA 4ervour)moved,)even to those let him de!art.
HYMN .*V. Vari/us.
1. A/A<I, one)eyed lim!ing hag, fly, ever)screeching, to the hill.
We frighten thee away with these, the heroes of 5irimitha.
2 5cared from this !lace and that is she, destroyer of each germ unorn.
Go, shar!)horned -rahmanas!ti and drive Arayi far away.
# <on log that floats without a man to guide it on the river;s edge,)
5eiCe it, thou thing with hideous 9aws, and go thou far away thereon.
& When, foul with secret stain and s!ot, ye hastened onward to the reast,
All Indra;s enemies were slain and !assed away li7e froth and foam.
( These men have led aout the cow, have duly carried Agni round,
And raised their glory tg the Gods. Who will attac7 them with successB
HYMN .*VI. Agni.
1. L2T songs of ours s!eed Agni forth li7e a fleet courser in the race,
And we will win each !riCe through him.
2 Agni the dart wherey we gain 7ine for ourselves with hel! from thee,)
That send us for the gain of wealth.
# , Agni, ring us wealth secure, vast wealth in horses and in 7ine1
,il thou the soc7et, turn the wheel.
& , Agni, thou hast made the 5un, 2ternal 5tar, to mount the s7y,
-estowing light on living men.
( Thou, Agni, art the !eo!le;s light, est, dearest, seated in thy shrine1
Watch for the singer, give him life.
HYMN .*VII. Visv!d!vas.
1. W2 will, with Indra and all Gods to aid us, ring these e$isting worlds into
su9ection.
2 ,ur sacrifice, our odies, and our offs!r. let Indra form together with
Adityas.
# With the Adityas, with the and of %aruts, may Indra e Protector of our
odies.
& As when the Gods came, after they had slaughtered the Asuras, 7ee!ing
safe their Godli7e nature,
( -rought the 5un hitherward with mighty !owers, and loo7ed aout them
on their vigorous Godhead.
HYMN .*VIII. Surya.
1. %A< 5urya guard us out of heaven, and 'ata from the firmament,
And Agni from terrestrial s!ots.
2 Thou 5avitar whose flame deserves hundred liations, e thou !leased1
4rom failing lightning 7ee! us safe.
# %ay 5avitar the God, and may Parvata also give us sight:
%ay the >reator give us sight.
& Give sight unto our eye, give thou our odies sight that they may see1
%ay we survey, discern this world.
( Thus, 5urya, may we loo7 on thee, on thee most lovely to ehold,
5ee clearly with the eyes of men.
HYMN .*IX. Sa)i +au,/$i.
1. <,= 5un hath mounted u!, and this my ha!!y fate hate mounted high.
I 7nowing this, as con?ueror have won my husand for mine own.
2 I am the anner and the head, a mighty aritress am I1
I am victorious, and my Lord shall e sumissive to my will.
# %y 5ons are slayers of the foe, my 6aughter is a ruling Eueen1
I am victorious1 o;er my Lord my song of trium!h is su!reme.
& ,lation, that which Indra gave and thus grew glorious and most high,)
This have I offered, , ye Gods, and rid me of each rival wife.
( 6estroyer of the rival wife, 5ole 5!ouse, victorious, con?ueror,
The others; glory have I seiCed as ;twere the wealth of wea7er 6ames.
* I have sudued as con?ueror these rivals, these my fellow)wives,
That I may hold im!erial sway over this "ero and the fol7.
HYMN .*X. Indra.
1. TA5T2 this strong draught enriched with offered viands1 with all thy
chariot here unyo7e thy >oursers.
Let not those other sacrificers stay thee, Indra1 these 9uices shed for thee
are ready.
2 Thine is the 9uice effused, thine are the 9uices yet to e !ressed1 our
resonant songs invite thee.
, Indra, !leased to)day with this liation, come, thou who 7nowest all and
drin7 the 5oma.
# Whoso, devoted to the God, effuses 5oma for him with yearning heart and
s!irit,)
=ever doth Indra give away his cattle1 for him he ma7es the lovely 5oma
famous.
& "e loo7s with Ioving favour on the mortal who, li7e a rich man, !ours for
him the 5oma.
%aghavan in his ended arm su!!orts him1 he slays, unas7ed, the men who
hate devotion.
( We call on thee to come to us, desirous of goods and s!oil, of cattle, and
of horses.
4or thy new love and favour are we !resent1 let us invo7e thee, Indra, as
our welfare.
HYMN .*XI. Indra.
1. 4,/ life I set thee free y this olation from the un7nown decline and
from >onsum!tion:
,r, if the gras!ing demon have !ossessed him, free him from her, , Indra,
thou and Agni.
2 -e his days ended, e he now de!arted, e he rought very near to death
already,
,ut of 6estruction;s la! again I ring him, save him for life to last a hundred
autumns.
# With hundred)eyed olation, hundred)autumned, ringing a hundred lives,
have I restored him,
That Indra for a hundred years may lead him safe to the farther shore of all
misfortune.
& Live, wa$ing in thy strength, a hundred autumns, live through a hundred
s!rings, a hundred winters.
Through hundred)lived olation Indra, Agni, -rhas!ati, 5avitar yield him for
a hundredA
( 5o have I found and rescued thee thou hast returned with youth renewed.
Whole in thy memersA I have found thy sight and all thy life for thee.
HYMN .*XII. Agni
1. %A< Agni, yielding to our !rayer, the /a7sas)slayer, drive away
The malady of evil name that hath eset thy laouring wom.
2 Agni, concurring in the !rayer, drive off the eater of the flesh,
The malady of evil name that hath attac7ed thy ae and wom.
# That which destroys the sin7ing germ, the settled, moving emryo,
That which will 7ill the ae at irth,even this will we drive far away.
& That which divides thy legs that it may lie etween the married !air,
That !enetrates and lic7s thy side,)even this will we e$terminate.
( What rests y thee in orrowed form of rother, lover, or of lord,
And would destroy thy Progeny,)even this will we e$terminate.
* That which through slee! or dar7ness hath deceived thee and lies down y
thee,
And will destroy thy !rogeny,))even this will we e$terminate.
HYMN .*XIII
1. 4/,% oth thy nostrils, from thine eyes, from oth thine ears and from
thy chin,
4orth from thy head and rain and tongue I drive thy malady away.
2 4rom the nec7)tendons and the nec7, from the reast)ones and from the
s!ine,
4rom shoulders, u!!er, lower arms, I drive thy malady away.
# 4rom viscera and all within, forth from the rectum, from the heart,
4rom 7idneys, liver, and from s!leen, I drive thy malady away.
& 4rom thighs, from 7nee)ca!s, and from heels, and from the fore!art of the
feet,
4rom hi!s from stomach, and from groin I drive thy malady away.
( 4rom what is voided from within, and from thy hair, and from they nails,
4rom all thyself from to! to toe, I drive thy malady away.
* 4rom every memer, every hair, disease that comes in every 9oint,
4rom all thyself, from to! to toe, I drive thy malady away.
HYMN .*XIV. Dr!a$-)#ar$.
1. A'A3=T, thou %aster of the mind 6e!art, and vanish far away.
Loo7 on 6estruction far from hence. The live man;s mind is manifold.
2 A ha!!y oon do men elect, a mighty lessing they otain.
-liss with 'aivasvata they see. The live man;s mind see7s many a !lace.
# If y address, y lame, y im!recation we have committed sin, awa7e or
slee!ing,
All hateful acts of ours, all evil doings may Agni ear away to distant !laces.
& When, Indra, -rahmanas!ati, our deeds are wrongful and un9ust,
%ay !rovident Angirasa !revent our foes from trouling, us.
( We have !revailed this day and won1 we are made free from sin and guilt.
Ill thoughts, that visit us awa7e or slee!ing, seiCe the man we hate, yea,
seiCe the man who hateth us.
HYMN .*XV. Visv!d!vas.
1. G,65, whatsoe;er the 6ove came hither see7ing, sent to us as the envoy
of 6estruction,
4or that let us sing hymns and ma7e atonement. Well e it with our
2 Aus!icious e the 6ove that hath een sent us, a harmless ird, ye Gods,
within our dwelling.
%ay Agni, 5age, e !leased with our olation, and may the %issile orne on
wings avoid us.
# Let not the Arrow that hath wings distract us1 eside the fire)!lace, on the
hearth it settles.
%ay, it ring welfare to our men and cattle1 here let the 6ove, ye Gods,
forear to harm us.
& The screeching of the owl is ineffective and when eside the fire the 6ove
hath settled,
To him who sent it hithcr as an envoy, to him e reverence !aid, to 6eath,
to <ama.
( 6rive forth the 6ove, chase it with holy verses1 re9oicing, ring ye hither
food and cattle,
-arring the way against all grief and troule. Let the swift ird fly forth and
leave us vigour.
HYMN .*XVI. Sa%a&nanasana$.
1. %A82 me a ull among my !eers, ma7e me my rivals, con?ueror1
%a7e me the slayer of my foes, a sovran ruler, lord of 7ine
2 I am my rivals; slayer, li7e Indra unwounded and unhurt,
And all these enemies of mine are van?uished and eneath my feet.
# "ere, verily, I ind you fast, as the two ow)ends with the string.
Press down these men, , Lord of 5!eech, that they may humly s!ea7 to
me.
& "ither I came as con?ueror with mighty all)effecting !ower,
And I have mastered all your thought, your synod, and your holy wor7.
( %ay I e highest, having gained your strength in war, your s7ill in !eace
my feet have trodden on your heads.
5!ea7 to me from eneath my feet, as frogs from out the water croa7, as
frogs from out the water croa7.
HYMN .*XVII. Indra.
1. T"I5 !leasant meath, , Indra, is effused for thee1 thou art the ruling Lord
of ea7er and of 9uice.
-estow u!on us wealth with many hero sons1 thou, having glowed with
4ervour, wortnest heavenly light.
2 Let us call 5a7ra to liations here effused, winner of light who 9oyeth in
the !otent 9uice.
%ar7 well this sacrifice of ours and come to us1 we !ray to %aghavan the
'an?uisher of hosts.
# -y royal 5oma;s and y 'aruna;s decree, under -rhas!ati;s and Anumati;s
guard,
This day y thine authority, , %aghavan, %a7er, 6is!oser thouA have I
en9oyed the 9ars.
& 1, too, urged on, have had my !ortion, in the owl, and as first Prince I
drew forth this my hymn of !raise,
When with the !riCe I came unto the flowing 9uice, , 'isvamitra,
Damadagni, to your home.
HYMN .*XVIII. Vayu.
1. , T"2 Wind;s chariot, , its !ower and gloryA >rashing it goes and hath a
voice of thunder.
It ma7es the regions red and touches heaven, and as it moves the dust of
earth is scattered.
2 Along the traces of the Wind they hurry, they come to him as dames to an
assemly.
-orne on his car with these for his attendants, the God s!eeds forth, the
universe;s %onarch.
# Travelling on the !aths of air;s midregion, no single day doth he ta7e rest
or slumer.
"oly and earliest)orn, 4riend of fhe waters, where did he s!ring and from
what region came heB
& Germ of the world, the 6eities; vital s!irit, this God moves ever as his will
inclines him.
"is voice is heard, his sha!e is ever viewless. Let us adore this Wind with
our olation.
HYMN .*XIX. .O1S.
1. %A< the wind low u!on our >ows with healing1 may they eat herage full
of vigorous 9uices.
%ay they drin7 waters rich in life and fatness1 to food that moves on feet e
gracious, /udra.
2 Li7e)coloured, various)hued, or single)coloured, whose names through
sacrifice are 7nown to Agni,
Whom the Angirases !roduced y 4ervour,vouchsafe to these, Par9anya,
great !rotection.
# Those who have offered to the Gods their odies, whose varied forms are
all well 7nown to 5oma,)
Those grant us in our cattle)!en, , Indra, with their full streams of mil7 and
!lenteous offs!ring.
& Pra9a!ati, estowing these u!on me, one)minded with all Gods and with
the 4athers,
"ath to our cow)!en rought aus!icious cattle1 so may we own the offs!ring
they will ear us.
HYMN .*XX. Surya.
1. %A< the -right God drin7 glorious 5oma)mingled meath, giving the
sacrifice;s lord unin9ured life:
"e who, wind)urged, in !erson guards our offs!ring well, hath nourished
them with food and shines o;er many a land.
2 /adiant, as high Truth, cherished, est at winning strength, Truth ased
u!on the statute that su!!orts the heavens,
"e rose, a light, that 7ills 'rtras and enemies, est slayer of the 6asyus,
Asuras, and foes.
# This light, the est of lights, su!reme, all)con?uering, winner of riches, is
e$alted with high laud.
All)lighting, radiant, mighty as the 5un to see, he s!readeth wide unfailing
victory and strength.
& -eaming forth s!lendour with thy light, thou hast attained heaven;s
lustrous realm.
-y thee were rought together all e$isting things, !ossessor of all Godhead,
All)effecting God.
HYMN .*XXI. Indra.
1. 4,/ Ita;s sa7e who !ressed the 9uice, thou, Indra, didst !rotect his car,
And hear the 5oma)giver;s call.
2 Thou from his s7in hast orne the head of the swift)moving comatant,
And sought the 5oma)!ourer;s home.
# 'enya, that mortal man, hast thou, for Astraudhna the devout,
, Indra, many a time set free.
& -ring, Indra, to the east again that 5un who now is in the west,
2ven against the will of Gods.
HYMN .*XXII. Da-n.
1. WIT" all thy eauty come1 the 7ine a!!roaching with full udders follow
on thy !ath.
2 >ome with 7ind thoughts, most lieral, rousing the warrior;s hymn of
!raise, with ounteous ones,
# As nourishers we tie the thread, and, lieral with our ounty, offer
sacrifice.
& 6awn drives away her 5ister;s gloom, and, through her e$cellence, ma7es
her retrace her !ath.
HYMN .*XXIII. T#! King.
1. -2 with us: I have chosen thee1 stand stedfast and immovale.
Let all the !eo!le wish for thee let not thy 7ingshi! fall away.
2 -e even here: fall not away e li7e a mountain unremoved.
5tand stedfast here li7e Indra;s self, and hold the 7ingshi! in the gras!.
# This man hath Indra stalished, made secure y strong olation;s !ower.
%ay 5oma s!ea7 a enison, and -rahmanas!ati, on him.
& 4irm is the s7y and firm the earth, and stedfast also are these hills.
5tedfast is all this living world, and stedfast is this 8ing of men.
( 5tedfast, may 'aruna the 8ing, stedfast, the God -rhas!ati,
5tedfast, may Indra, stedfast too, may Agni 7ee! thy stedfast reign.
* ,n constant 5oma let us thin7 with constant sacrificial gift
And then may Indra ma7e the clans ring triute unto thee alone.
HYMN .*XXIV. T#! King.
1. WIT" offering for success in fight whence Indra was victorious.
With this, , -rahmanas!ati, let us attain to royal sway.
2 5uduing those who rival us, suduing all malignities,
Withstand the man who menaces, withstand the man who angers us.
# 5oma and 5avitar the God have made thee a victorious 8ing
All elements have aided thee, to ma7e thee general con?ueror.
& ,lation, that which Indra. gave and thus grew glorious and most high,)
This have I offered, GodsA and hence now, verily, am rivalless.
( 5layer of rivals, rivalless, victorious, with royal sway,
,ver these eings may I rule, may I e 5ovran of the fol7.
HYMN .*XXV. +r!ss-s&/n!s.
I. %A< 5avitar the God, , 5tones, stir you according to the Law1
-e harnessed to the shafts, and !ress.
2 5tones, drive calamity away, drive ye away malevolence1
%a7e ye the >ows our medicine.
# ,f one accord the u!!er 5tones, giving the -ull his ull)li7e strength,
Loo7 down with !ride on those elow.
& %ay 5avitar the God, , 5tones, stir you as Law commands for him
Who sacrifices, !ouring 9uice.
HYMN .*XXVI. Agni.
1. WIT" hymns of !raise their sons have told aloud the /hus; mighty deeds.
Who, all)su!!orting, have en9oyed the earth as, twere a mother cow.
2 -ring forth the God with song divine, eing Datavedas hitherward,
To ear our gifts at once to heaven.
# "e here, a God)devoted Priest, led forward comes to sacrifice.
Li7e a car covered for the road, he, glowing, 7nows, himself, the way.
& This Agni rescues from distress, as ;twere from the Immortal /ace,
A God yet mightier than strength, a God who hath een made for life.
HYMN .*XXVII. Maya(#!da.
1. T"2 sa!ient with their s!irit and their mind ehold the -ird adorned with
all an Asura;s magic might.
5ages oserve him in the ocean;s inmost de!th1 the wise dis!osers see7 the
station of his rays.
2 The flying -ird ears 5!eech within his s!irit1 erst the Gandharva in the
wom !ronounced it1
And at the seat of sacrifice the sages cherish this radiant, heavenly)right
invention.
# I saw the "erdsman, him who never resteth, a!!roaching and de!arting on
his !athways.
"e, clothed in gathered and diffusive s!lendour, within the worlds
continually travels.
HYMN .*XXVIII. Tar3sya.
1. T"I5 very mighty one whom Gods commission, the >on?ueror of cars,
ever trium!hant,
5wift, fleet to attle, with unin9ured fellies, even Tar7sya for our weal will
we call hither.
2 As though we offered u! our gifts to Indra, may we ascend. him as a shi!.
for safety.
Li7e the two wide worlds, road, dee! far)e$tended, may we e safe oth
when he comes and leaves you.
# "e who with might the 4ive Lands hath !ervaded, li7e 5urya with his
lustre, and the waters)
"is strength wins hundreds, thousands none avert it, as) the young maid
re!elleth not her lover.
HYMN .*XXIX. Indra.
1. =ow lift ye u! yourselves and loo7 on Indra;s seasonale share.
If it e ready, offer it: unready, ye have een remise.
2 ,lation is !re!ared1 come to us, Indra: the 5un hath travelled over half
his 9ourney.
4riends with their stores are sitting round thee waiting li7e lords of clans for
the trie;s wandering chieftain.
# 6ressed in the udder and on fire, I fancy: well)dressed, I fancy, is this
recent !resent.
6rin7, Indra, of the curd of noon;s liation with favour, Thunderer, thou
whose deeds are mighty.
HYMN .*XXX. Indra.
1. , %3>")I=',826, thou hast sudued thy foemen1 thy might is loftiest:
here dis!lay thy ounty.
In thy right hand, , Indra, ring us treasures1 thou art the Lord of rivers
filled with riches.
2 Li7e a dread wild east roaming on the mountain thou hast a!!roached us
from the farthest distance.
Whetting thy old and thy shar! lade, , Indra, crush thou the foe and
scatter those who hate us.
# Thou, mighty Indra, s!rangest into eing as strength for lovely lordshi!
o;er the !eo!le.
Thou drovest off the fol7 who were unfriendly, and to the Gods thou gavest
room and freedom.
HYMN .*XXX,. Visv!d!vas.
1. 'A5I5T"A mastered the /athantara, too7 it from radiant 6hatar, 5avitar,
and 'isnu,
,lation, !ortion of fourfold olation, 7nown y the names of 5a!rathas and
Prathas.
2. These sages found what lay remote and hidden, the sacrifice;s loftiest
secret essence.
4rom radiant 6hatar, 5avitar, and 'isnu, from Agni, -haradva9a rought the
-rhat.
# They found with mental eyes the earliest <a9us, a !athway to the Gods,
that had descended.
4rom radiant 6hitar, 5avitar, and 'isnu, from 5urya did these sages ring the
Gharma.
HYMN .*XXXII. Br#as%a&i.
1. -/"A5PATI lead us safely over trouless and turn his evil thought against
the sinner:
/e!el the curse, and drive away ill)feeling, and give the sacrificer !eace
and cornfortA
2 %ay =aratarhsa aid us at Praya9a1 lest e our Anuya9a at invo7ings.
%ay he re!el the curse, and chase ill)feeling, and give the sacrificer !eace
and comfort.
# %ay he whose head is flaming urn the demons, haters of !rayer, so that
the arrow slay them.
%ay he re!el the curse and chase ill)feeling, and give the sacrificer !eace
and comfort.
HYMN .*XXXIII. T#! Sa)ri0i)!r' E&).
1. I 5AW thee meditating in thy s!irit what s!rang from 4ervour and hath
thence develo!ed.
-estowing offs!ring here, estowing riches, s!read in thine offs!ring, thou
who cravest children.
2 I saw thee !ondering in thine heart, and !raying that in due time thy ody
might e fruitful.
>ome as a youthful woman, rise to meet me1 s!read in thine offs!ring, thou
who cravest children.
# In !lants and hers, in all e$istent eings I have de!osited the germ of
increase.
All !rogeny on earth have I engendered, and sons in women who will e
hereafter.
HYMN .*XXXIV.
1. %A< 'isnu form and mould the wom, may Tvastar duly sha!e the forms,
Pra9a!ati infuse the stream, and 6hatar lay the germ for thee.
2 , 5inivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, 5arasvati1
%ay the Twain Gods estow the germ, the Asvins crowned with lotuses.
# That which the Asvins Twain ru forth with the attrition)stic7s of gold,)
That germ of thine we invocate, that in the tenth month thou mayst ear.
HYMN .*XXXV. Adi&i.
1. G/2AT, unassailale must he the heavenly favour of; Three Gods,
'aruna, %itra, Aryaman.
2 ,;er these, neither at home nor yet aroad or !athways that are 5trange,
The evil)minded foe hath !ower
# =or over him,. the man on whom the 5ons of Aditi estow 2ternal light
that he may live.
HYMN .*XXXVI. Vayu.
1. 4ILLI=G our hearts with health and 9oy, may 'ata reathe his alm on us
%ay he !rolong our days of life.
2 Thou art our 4ather, 'ata, yea, thou art a -rother and a friend,
5o give us strength that we may live.
# The store of Amrta laid away yonder, , 'ata, in thine home,)
Give us thereof that we may live.
HYMN .*XXXVII. Agni.
1. To Agni send I forth my song, to him the -ull of all the fol71
5o may he ear us !ast our foes.
2 Who from the distance far away shines rilliantly across the wastes1
# The -ull with rightly)gleaming flame who utterly consumes the fiends
& Who loo7s on all e$isting things and com!rehends them with his view1
( /es!lendent Agni, who was orn in farthest region of the air1
HYMN .*XXXVIII. Agni.
1. =ow send ye Datavedas forth, send hitherward the vigorous 5teed
To seat him on our sacred grass.
2. I raise the lofty eulogy of Datavedas, raining oons,
With sages for his hero and.
# With flames of Datavedas which carry olation to the Gods,
%ay he !romote our sacrifice.
HYMN .*XXXIX. Surya.
1. T"I5 s!otted -ull hath come, and sat efore the %other in the east,
Advancing to his 4ather heaven.
2 2$!iring when he draws his reath, she moves along the lucid s!heres1
The -ull shines out through all the s7y.
# 5ong is estowed u!on the -ird1 it rules su!reme through thirty realms
Throughout the days at rea7 of morn.
HYMN .X.. .r!a&i/n.
1. 4/,% 4ervour 7indled to its height 2ternal Law and Truth were orn1
Thence was the =ight !roduced, and thence the illowy flood of sea arose.
2 4rom that same illowy flood of sea the <ear was afterwards !roduced,
,rdainer of the days nights, Lord over all who close the eye.
# 6hatar, the great >reator, then formed in due order 5un and %oon.
"e formed in order "eaven and 2arth, the regions of the air, and light.
HYMN .X.I. Agni.
1. T",3, mighty Agni, gatherest u! all that is !recious for thy friend.
-ring us all treasures as thou art en7indled in liation;s !lace
2 Assemle, s!ea7 together1 let your minds e all of one accord,
As ancient Gods unanimous sit down to their a!!ointed share.
# The !lace is common, common the assemly, common the mind, so e
their thought united.
A common !ur!ose do I lay efore you, and worshi! with your general
olation.
& ,ne and the same t your resolve, and e your minds of one accord.
3nited e the thoughts of all that all may ha!!ily agree.
APP2=6IP I.
PAG2 .+, "<%= >PP'I.
I su9oin a Latin version of the two stanCas omitted in my trauslation. They
are in a different metre from the rest of the hymn, have no a!!arent
conne$ion with what !recedes, and loo7 li7e a fragment of a lieral
she!herd;s love)song. The seventh stanCa should, it seems, !recede the
si$th1
* IIlle lo?uiturJ. Adhaerens, arcte adhaerens, illa ?uac mustelae similis se
adidit, multum humorem effundens, dat mihi com!le$uum centum gaudia.
+ IIlla lo?uiturJ. Pro!e, !ro!e accede: molliter me tange. =e !utes !ilos
cor!oris mei)!aucos esse1 tota sum villosa sicut Gandharidum ovis.
Professor Ludwig thin7s that Gmulturn humorem, i.e., semen genitale,
effundensH may e the name of a slave)girl. Gandharidun ovis1 a ewe of the
Gandharis. The country of Gandhara is !laced y Lassen to the west of the
Indus and to the south of the 8o!hen or 8aul river. 8ing 6arius in a roc7)
inscri!tion mentions the GaGnHdara together with the "iGnHdu as !eo!le
su9ect to him, and the Gandarii, together with the Parthians, 8horasmians,
5ogdians, and 6adi7ae, are said y "erodotus to have formed !art of the
army of Per$es. The name of the country is !reserved in the modern
8andahar. 5ee %uir, ,.5. Te$ts, ii. #&2, and Simmer, Altindisches Leen, !.
#@.
PAG2 221, "<%= >LPPIP.
The deified o9ect of this omitted hymn is said to e /ati or Love, and its
/sis or authors are Lo!amudrd, Agastya, and a disci!le. Lo!amudra is
re!resented as inviting the caresses of her aged husand Agastya, and
com!laining of his coldness and neglect. Agastya res!onds in stanCa #, and
in the second half of stanCa & the disci!le or the !oet riefly tells the result
of the dialogue. 5tanCa ( is su!!osed to e s!o7en y the disci!le who has
overheard the conversation, ut its conne$ion with the rest of the hymn is
not very a!!arent. In stanCa * ;toiling with strong endeavour; is a !ara!hrase
and not a translation of the original 7hanamanah 7hanitrai Gligonius
fodiensH which 5ayana e$!lains y ;otaining the desired result y means of
lauds and sacrifices.;
%. -ergaigne is of o!inion that the hymn has a mystical meaning, Agastya
eing identifiale with the celestial 5oma whom Lo!amudra, re!resenting
fervent Prayer, succeeds after long laour in drawing down from his secret
dwelling !lace. 5ee La /eligion 'edi?ue, ii. #0& f.
1 ;Through many autumns have I toiled and laoured, at night and morn,
through age)inducing dawnings.
,ld age im!airs the eauty of our odies. Let husands still come near unto
their s!ouses.
2 4or even the men aforetime, law)fulfillers, who with the Gods declared
eternal statutes,))
They have decided, ut have not accom!lished1 so now let Wives come near
unto their husands.
# =on inutilis est laor cui 6ii favent1 nos omnes aemulos et aemulas
vincamus.
5u!eremus in hac centum artium !ugna in ?ua duas !artes convenientes
utrin?ue commovemus.
& >u!ido me ce!it illius tauri IviriJ ?ui me des!icit, utrum hinc utrum illinc
a ali?ua !arte nata sit.
Lo!amudra taururn Imariturn suumJ ad se detrahit1 insi!iens illa sa!ientem
anhelantern asoret.
( This 5oma I address that is most near us, that which hath een imied
within the s!irit,
To !ardon any sins we have committed. 'erily mortal man is full of longings.
* Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, !rogeny
and. !ower,
>herished ) a sage of mighty strength ) oth classes, and with the Gods
otained his !rayer;s fulfilment.
-y ;oth classes; !roaly !riests and !rinces, or institutors of sacrifices, are
meant. %. -ergaigne understands the e$!ression to mean the two forms or
essences of 5oma, the celestial and the terrestrial.
( %emrum suum virile, ?uod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retra$it. /ursus
illud ?uod in 9uvenem filiam sulatum fuerat, non aggressurus, ad se
rerahit.
* Euum 9am in medio connessu, semi!erfecto o!ere, amorem in !uellam
!ater im!leverat, amo discedentes seminis !aulum in terrae su!erficiem
sacrorum sede effusum emiserunt.
+ Euum !ater suam nilam adiverat, cum ed congressus suum semen su!ra
wrrarn effudit. Tum 6ii enigni !recem GrahmaH !rgeduerunt, et
'astosh!atim, legum sacrarum custodem, formaverunt.
. Ille tauro similis s!umam in certamine 9actavit, tunc discedens
!usilla$imis huc !rofectus est. Euasi de$tro !ede claudus !rocessit, Kinutiles
fuerunt illi mei com!le$us,K ita locutus.
0 ;The fire, urning the !eo!le, does not a!!roach ?uic7ly Gy dayH1 the
na7ed G/a7asas a!!roachH not Agni y night: the giver of fuel, and the giver
of food, he, the u!holder Gof the riteH, is orn, overcoming enemies y his
might.;
PAG2 *10, "<%= >'I
I orrow Wilson;s translation of the omitted stanCas.
( ;<ou are li7e two !leasantly moving well)fed GhillsH li7e %itra and 'aruna,
the two estowers of felicity, veracious, !ossessors of infinite wealth,
ha!!y, li7e two horses !lum! with fodder, aiding in the firmament, li7e two
rams Gare youH to e nourished with sacrificial food, to e cherished Gwith
olationsH.
* ;<ou are li7e two mad ele!hants ending their fore?uarters and smiting the
foe, li7e the two sons of =itosa destroying GfoesH, and cherishing GfriendsH:
you are right as two water)orn G9ewelsH, do you, who are victorious,
GrenderH my decaying mortal ody free from decay.
+ ;4ierce GAsvinsH, li7e two !owerful GheroesH, you enale this moving,
!erishale mortal GframeH to cross over to the o9ects Gof its destinationH as
over water: e$tremely strong, li7e the /hus, your chariot, attained its
destination swift as the wind, it !ervaded GeverywhereH, it dis!ensed riches.
. ;With your ellies full of the 5oma, li7e two sauce!ans, !reservers of
wealth, destroyers of enemies. Gyou areH armed with hatchets, moving li7e
two flying GirdsH with forms li7e the moon, attaining success through the
mind, li7e two laudale eings, Gyou areH a!!roaching Gthe sacrificeH.;
PAG2 *&(, "<%= >LPII.
1. %A< Agni, yielding to our !rayer, the /a7sas)slayer, drive away
The malady of evil name that hath eset thy laouring wom.
2 Agni, concurring in the !rayer, drive off the eater of the flesh,
The malady of evil name that hath attac7ed thy ae and wom.
# That which destroys the sin7ing germ, the settled, moving emryo,
That which will 7ill the ae at irth,even this will we drive far away.
& That which divides thy legs that it may lie etween the married !air,
That !enetrates and lic7s thy side,)even this will we e$terminate.
( What rests y thee in orrowed form of rother, lover, or of lord,
And would destroy thy Progeny,)even this will we e$terminate.
* That which through slee! or dar7ness hath deceived thee and lies down y
thee,
And will destroy thy !rogeny,))even this will we e$terminate.
PAG2 *&(, "<%= >LPIII
1. 4/,% oth thy nostrils, from thine eyes, from oth thine ears and from
thy chin,
4orth from thy head and rain and tongue I drive thy malady away.
2 4rom the nec7)tendons and the nec7, from the reast)ones and from the
s!ine,
4rom shoulders, u!!er, lower arms, I drive thy malady away.
# 4rom viscera and all within, forth from the rectum, from the heart,
4rom 7idneys, liver, and from s!leen, I drive thy malady away.
& 4rom thighs, from 7nee)ca!s, and from heels, and from the fore!art of the
feet,
4rom hi!s ; frorn stomach, and from groin I drive thy malady away.
( 4rom what is voided from within, and from thy hair, and from they nails,
4rom all thyself from to! to toe, I drive thy malady away.
* 4rom every memer, every hair, disease that comes in every 9oint,
4rom all thyself, from to! to toe, I drive thy malady away.
PAG2 *(@, "<%= >LPPPI'.
1. %A< 'isnu form and mould the wom, may Tvastar duly sha!e the forms,
Pra9a!ati infuse the stream, and 6hatar lay the germ for thee.
2 , 5inivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, 5arasvati1
%ay the Twain Gods estow the germ, the Asvins crowned with lotuses.
# That which the Asvins Twain ru forth with the attrition)stic7s of gold,)
That germ of thine we invocate, that in the tenth month thou mayst ear.
APP2=6IP II.
%2T/2.
/hyme is not used in the /gveda. The metres are regulated y the numer
of syllales in the stanCa, which consists generally of three or four Padas,
measures, divisions, or ?uarter verses, with a distinctly mar7ed interval at
the end of the second Pada, and so forming two hemistichs or semi)stanCas
of e?ual or une?ual length. These Padas most usually contain eight or eleven
or twelve syllales each: ut occasionally they consist of fewer and
sometimes of more than these numers. The Padas of a stanCa are generally
of e?ual length and of more or less corres!onding !rosodial ?uantities1 ut
sornetimes two o$ more 7inds of metre are em!loyed in one stanCa, and
then the Padas vary in ?uantity and length. As regards ?uantity, the first
5yllales of the Pada are not su9ect to very strict laws, ut the last four
are more regular, their measure eing generally iamic in Padas of eight and
of twelve syllales and trochaic in those of eleven. In the !rinted te$t the
first and second Padas form one line, and the third, or third and fourth, or
third, fourth, and fifth, com!lete the distich or stanCa. This arrangement I
have followed in my translation.
5u9oined, in al!haetical arrangement, are the names, with rief
descri!tions, of the metres used in the "ymns of the /gveda. The Inde$ of
"ymns will show the metre or metres em!loyed in each "ymn.
Ahtisarini1 a s!ecies of Trstu!, in which two Padas contain twelve instead
of eleven syllales.
Amstu! or Anustuh1 consisting of four Padas of eight syllales each, two
Padas forming a line. This is the !revailing form of metre in the %anava)
dharma)sastra, the %ahaharata, the /amayana, and the Puranas.
Anustugarha1 a metre of the 3snih class1 the first Pada containing five
syllales, and the three following Padas of eight syllales each.
Anustu! Pi!ili7amadhya1 a s!ecies of Anustu!, having the second Pada
shorter than the first and third G. syllalesT &T.T .H.
Asti1 consisting of four Padas of 5i$teen syllales each, or si$ty)four syllales
in the stanCa.
Astra!ai7ti1 consisting of two Padas of eight syllales each, followed y two
Padas of twelve syllales each.
Atidhrti1 four Padas of nineteen syllales each, U +* syllales.
Ati9agati1 four Padas of thirteen syllales each.
Atincrti1 consisting of three Padas containing res!ectively seven, si$, and
seven syllales.
Atisa7vari1 four Padas of fifteen syllales each.
Atyasti1 four Padas of seventeen syllales each.
-rhati1 four Padas G . T . T 12 T .H containing #* syllales in the stanCa.
>aturvimsati7a 6vi!ada1 a 6vi!ada containing 2& syllales instead of 2@.
6hrti1 consisting of seventy)two syllales in a stanCa.
6vi!ada 'ira91 a s!ecies of Gayatri consisting of two Padas only G12T. or
1@T1@ syllalesH: inade?uately re!resented in the translation y two
decasyllaic iamic lines.
27a!ada Tristu!1 a Trstu! consisting of a single Pada or ?uarter stanCa.
27a!ada 'ira91 a 'ira9 consisting of a single Pada.
Gayatri1 the stanCa usually consists of twenty)four syllales, variously
arranged, ut generally as a tri!let of three Padas of eight syllales each, or
in one line of si$teen syllales and a second line of eight. There are eleven
varieties of this metre, and the numer of syllales in the stanCa varies
accordingly from nineteen to thirty)three.
Dagati1 a metre consisting of forty)eight syllales arranged in four Padas of
twelve syllales each, two Padas forming a line or hemistich which in the
translation is re!resented y a doule Ale$andrine.
8a7u! or 8a7uh1 a metre of three Padas consisting of eight, twelve, and
eight syllales res!ectively.
8a7uh =ya7usira: consisting of three Padas of 0T12T& syllales.
8rti1 a metre of four Padas. of twenty syllales each.
%adhye9yotis1 a metre in which a Pada of eight syllales stands etween two
Padas of twelve.
%ahirhati1 four Padas of eight syllales each, followed y one of twelve.
%aha!ada!an7ti1 a two)lined metre of thirtyone syllales, the first line
consisting of four Padas of five syllales each, and the second eing a
Tristu! of the usual eleven syllales. 5ee 'edic "ymns, !art 1. G5. -oo7s of
the 2ast, PPPIIH, !. $cviii.
%aha!an7ti1 a metre of forty)eight syllales . $ * or 12 $ &.
%ahasatorhati1 a lengthened form of 5atorhati.
=astaru!i1 a variety of Anustu!.
=yan7usarini1 a metre of four Padas of . T 12 T . T . syllales.
Padanicrt1 a variety of Gayatri in which one syllale is wanting in each Pada1
+T#U21 syllales.
Pada!an7ti1 a metre consisting of five Padas of five syllales each.
Pan7ti1 a metre of five octosyllaic Padas, li7e Anustu! with an additional
Pada.
Pan7tyuttara1 a metre which ends with a Pan7ti of ( T ( syllales.
Pi!ili7amadhya1 any metre the middle Pada of which is shorter than the
!receding and the following.
Pragatha1 a metre in -oo7 'III, consisting of stro!hes comining two verses,
viC. a -rhati or 8a7u! followed y a 5atorhati.
Prastara!an7ti1 a metre of forty syllales1 12T12T.T.
Pratistha1 a metre of four Padas of four syllales each: also a variety of the
Gayatri consisting of three Padas of eight, seven, and si$ syllales
res!ectively.
Purastadrhati1 a variety of -rhati with twelve syllales in the first Pada.
Pura)usnih1 a metre of three Padas, containing 12T.T. syllales.
5a7vari1 a metre of four Padas of fourteen syllales each.
5atorhati1 a metre whose even Padas contain eight syllales each, and the
uneven twelve1 12T.T12T.U&@.
57andhogriva1 consisting of Padas of . T 12 T . T . syllales.
Tanusira1 consisting of three Padas of 11 T 11 T * syllales.
Tristu! or Tristuh1 a metre of four Padas of eleven syllales each.
3!aristadrhati1 consisting of four Padas of 12 T . T . T . syllales.
3!arista99yotis1 a Tristu! stanCa the last Pada of which contains only eight
syllales.
3rdhvarhati1 a variety of -rhati.
3rorhati1 a variety of -rhati1 .T12 . T . syllales.
3sniggarha1 Gayatri of three Padas of si$, seven, and eleven syllales
res!ectively.
3snih1 consisting of three Padas of . T . T 12 syllales.
'ardhamana1 a s!ecies of Gayatri: * T + T . 21 syllales.
'i!arita1 a metre of four Padas resemling 'istara!an7ti.
'iradru!a1 a Tristu! metre of four Padas, 11 T 11 T 11 T + or . syllales.
'ira91 a metre of four Padas of ten syllales each.
'irat!urva1 a variety of Tristu!.
'iratsthana1 a variety of Tristu!.
'isama!ada1 metre of uneven stanCas.
'istararhati1 a form of -rhati of four Padas containing . T 1@ T 1@ T .U #*
syllales.
'istara!an7ti1 a form of Pan7ti consisting of four !adas of .T12T12T.)&@
syllales.
<avamadhya1 a metre having a longer Pada etween two shorter ones.

Rig Veda - The First Book: HYMN I. Agni

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