Rigveda - Hymn 10.

75 “Nadi Stuti” or “An ode to the Rivers”

Translated by Kant Singh

This hymn sings the glory of rivers and is famous as “Nadi-Stuti.” It is widely
(mis)understood that this hymn is dedicated to the river Sindhu.
The misunderstanding possibly arose from Griffith’s translation of verse 6 where he states:
“First with Trstama thou art eager to flow forth,
with RasA, and Susartu, and with Svetya here,
With Kubha; and with these, Sindhu and Mehatnu,
thou seekest in thy course Krumu and Gomati.”
He implied that the hymn was dedicated to the river “Sindhu” and that this river, as per his
translation, had all the others above as its tributaries.
I have on the other hand, demonstrated that this is simply a tribute to the rivers in general. In
fact, none of the rivers are even mentioned as linked to any of the others.
Most importantly, I have demonstrated that this is a hymn dedicated to all the rivers and not
to any one in particular. The Sindhu is in fact, mentioned only once.
My translation is:
1. Some good words on the great waters glory,
this poet recites in the Vivasvat hall.
They flow, seven each, in each of the three domains[1],
bestrewing the earth with riches, the brilliant rivers.
2. Our prayer to you o’ rivers,
as you flow along Varuna’s path,
as you speedily advance your waters.
Please overflow the land surface,
this year, the earth’s surface is unduly parched[2].
3. In the daytime, we bathe in you,
when the Sun’s heat has increased all over the earth.
During rainy days, you become full bodied with rain water,
enough to keep us from crying (for water)
for the rest of the year.
4. From you, o' rivers, mothers go bring flowing water
for their children to drink.
Kings, before battles,
consecrate their metal weapons with you,
and the war apparatus they have to carry across mountains.
5. Through this verse, I salute
Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sutudri
and along with them you, Parusni.
 Askini, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikya,
listen o' Susoma.
6. Wide spreading Trstma,
moreover the energetic Rasa,
Svetya you as well.
You Sindhu, Kubha, Gomati, Krumu, Mehatnu,
easy for chariots to pass, born of the clouds.
7. Captivating, brilliant, your greatness spreads all over,
you fill the coffers.
Unbounded rivers, active like untiring horses,
you look picturesque and wonderfully beautiful.
8. Good horses, o' rivers, good chariots, good homes, wealth,
you provide, o' carriers of ghee.
Wool giving, youth giving, enhancers of crops,
bringing good luck to homes, o’ enhancers of sweetness.
9. Happiness and pleasure, you give us both, noble rivers,
your water, we sprinkle around our food[3].
Great is your glory o’ waters,
unbounded, unstoppable, is the fame that you carry.

Notes:

[1] The poet is familiar with three different geographical areas whose rivers he mentions. The sapta-
Sindhu can only be one of these areas. This also indicates that this is a very late hymn.

[2] Clearly, an unnamed king has organised this sacrifice on account of a draught.

[3] Brahmins, before commencing a meal, ritually sprinkle water around their food.

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