HYMN III. Asvins
1 YE Asvins, rich in treasure, Lords of splendour, having nimble hands,
Accept the sacrificial food.
2 Ye Asvins, rich in wondrous deeds, ye heroes worthy of our praise,
Accept our songs with mighty thought.
3 Nisatyas, wonder-workers, yours arc these libations with clipt grass:
Come ye whose paths are red with flame.
4 O Indra marvellously bright, come, these libations long for thee,
Thus by fine fingers purified.
5 Urged by the holy singer, sped by song, come, Indra, to the prayers,
Of the libation-pouring priest.
6 Approach, O Indra, hasting thee, Lord of Bay Horses, to the prayers.
In our libation take delight.
7 Ye Visvedevas, who protect, reward, and cherish men, approach
Your worshipper's drink-offering.
8 Ye Visvedevas, swift at work, come hither quickly to the draught,
As milch-kine hasten to their stalls.
9 The Visvedevas, changing shape like serpents, fearless, void of guile,
Bearers, accept the sacred draught
10 Wealthy in spoil, enriched with hymns, may bright Sarsavad desire,
With eager love, our sacrifice.
11 Inciter of all pleasant songs, inspirer o all gracious thought,
Sarasvati accept our rite
12 Sarasvati, the mighty flood,- she with be light illuminates,
She brightens every pious thought.
HYMN XXII Asvins and Others
1 WAKEN the Asvin Pair who yoke their car at early morn: may they
Approach to drink this Soma juice.
2 We call the Asvins Twain, the Gods borne in a noble car, the best
Of charioteers, who reach the heavens.
3 Dropping with honey is your whip, Asvins, and full of pleasantness
Sprinkle therewith the sacrifice.
4 As ye go thither in your car, not far, O Asvins, is the home
Of him who offers Soma juice.
5 For my protection I invoke the golden-handed Savitar.
He knoweth, as a God, the place.
6 That he may send us succour, praise the Waters' Offspring Savitar:
Fain are we for his holy ways.
7 We call on him, distributer of wondrous bounty and of wealth,
On Savitar who looks on men.
8 Come hither, friends, and seat yourselves Savitar, to be praised by us,
Giving good gifts, is beautiful.
9 O Agni, hither bring to us the willing Spouses of the Gods,
And Tvastar, to the Soma draught.
10 Most youthful Agni, hither bring their Spouses, Hotra, Bharati,
Varutri, Dhisana, for aid.
11 Spouses of Heroes, Goddesses, with whole wings may they come to us
With great protection and with aid.
12 Indrani, Varunani, and Agnayi hither I invite,
For weal, to drink the Soma juice.
13 May Heaven and Earth, the Mighty Pair, bedew for us our sacrifice,
And feed us full with nourishments.
14 Their water rich with fatness, there in the Gandharva's steadfast place,
The singers taste through sacred songs.
15 Thornless be thou, O Earth, spread wide before us for a dwelling-place:
Vouchsafe us shelter broad and sure.
16 The Gods be gracious unto us even from the place whence Visnu strode
Through the seven regions of the earth!
17 Through all this world strode Visnu; thrice his foot he planted, and the
whole
Was gathered in his footstep's dust.
18 Visnu, the Guardian, he whom none deceiveth, made three steps; thenceforth
Establishing his high decrees.
19 Look ye on Visnu's works, whereby the Friend of Indra, close-allied,
Hath let his holy ways be seen.
20 The princes evermore behold that loftiest place where Visnu is,
Laid as it were an eye in heaven.
21 This, Vishnu's station most sublime, the singers, ever vigilant,
Lovers of holy song, light up.
HYMN XXXIV. Asvins.
1 Ye who observe this day be with us even thrice: far-stretching is you bounty,
Asvins and your course.
To you, as to a cloak in winter, we cleave close: you are to be drawn nigh unto
us by the wise.
2 Three are the fellies in your honey-bearing car, that travels after Soma's
loved one, as all know.
Three are the pillars set upon it for support: thrice journey ye by night, O
Asvins, thrice by day.
3 Thrice in the self-same day, ye Gods who banish want, sprinkle ye thrice
to-day our sacrifice with meath;
And thrice vouchsafe us store of food with plenteous strength, at evening, O ye
Asvins, and at break of day.
4 Thrice come ye to our home, thrice to the righteous folk, thrice triply aid
the man who well deserves your help.
Thrice, O ye Asvins, bring us what shall make us glad; thrice send us store of
food as nevermore to fail.
5 Thrice, O ye Asvins, bring to us abundant wealth: thrice in the Gods'
assembly, thrice assist our thoughts.
Thrice, grant ye us prosperity, thrice grant us fame; for the Sun's daughter
hath mounted your three-wheeled car.
6 Thrice, Asvins, grant to us the heavenly medicines, thrice those of earth and
thrice those that the waters hold,
Favour and health and strength bestow upon my son; triple protection, Lords of
Splendour, grant to him.
7 Thrice are ye to be worshipped day by day by us: thrice, O ye Asvins, ye
travel around the earth.
Car-borne from far away, O ye Nasatyas, come, like vital air to bodies, come ye
to the three.
8 Thrice, O ye Asvins, with the Seven Mother Streams; three are the jars, the
triple offering is prepared.
Three are the worlds, and moving on above the sky ye guard the firm-set vault of
heaven through days and nights.
9 Where are the three wheels of your triple chariot, where are the three seats
thereto firmly fastened?
When will ye yoke the mighty ass that draws it, to bring you to our sacrifice.
Nasatyas?
10 Nasatyas, come: the sacred gift is offered up; drink the sweet juice with
lips that know the sweetness well.
Savitar sends, before the dawn of day, your car, fraught with oil, various-coloured, to our sacrifice.
11 Come, O Nasatyas, with the thrice-eleven Gods; come, O ye Asvins, to the
drinking of the meath.
Make long our days of life, and wipe out all our sins: ward off our enemies; be
with us evermore.
12 Borne in your triple car, O Asvins, bring us present prosperity with noble
offspring.
I cry to you who hear me for protection be ye our helpers where men win the
booty.
HYMN XLVI. Asvins.
1 Now Morning with her earliest light shines forth, dear Daughter of the Sky:
High, Asvins, I extol your praise,
2 Sons of the Sea, mighty to save discoverers of riches, ye
Gods with deep thought who find out wealth.
3 Your giant coursers hasten on over the region all in flames, -
When your car flies with winged steeds.
4 He, liberal, lover of the flood, Lord of the House, the vigilant,
Chiefs! with oblations feeds you full.
5 Ye have regard unto our hymns, Nasatyas, thinking of our words:
Drink boldly of the Soma juice.
6 Vouchsafe to us, O Asvin Pair, such strength as, with attendant light,
May through the darkness carry us.
7 Come in the ship of these our hymns to bear you to the hither shore
O Asvins, harness ye the car.
8 The heaven's wide vessel is your own on the flood's shore your chariot waits
Drops, with the hymn, have been prepared.
9 Kanvas, the drops are in the heaven; the wealth is at the waters' place:
Where will ye manifest your form?
10 Light came to lighten up the branch, the Sun appeared as it were gold:
And with its-tongue shone forth the dark.
11 The path of sacrifice was made to travel to the farther goal:
The road of heaven was manifest.
12 The singer of their praise awaits whatever grace the Asvins give,
who save when Soma gladdens them.
13 Ye dwellers with Vivasvan come, auspicious, as to Manu erst;
come to the Soma and our praise.
14 O circumambient Asvins, Dawn follows the brightness of your way:
Approve with beams our solemn rites.
15 Drink ye of our libations, grant protection, O ye Asvins Twain,
With aids which none may interrupt.
HYMN XLVlI. Asvins.
1 ASVINS, for you who strengthen Law this sweetest Soma hath been shed.
Drink this expressed ere yesterday and give riches to him who offers it.
2 Come, O ye Asvins, mounted on your triple car three-seated, beautiful of form
To you at sacrifice the Kanvas send the prayer: graciously listen to their call.
3 O Asvins, ye who strengthen Law, drink ye this sweetest Soma juice.
Borne on your wealth-fraught car come ye this day to him who offers, ye of
wondrous deeds.
4 Omniscient Asvins, on the thrice-heaped grass bedew with the sweet juice the
sacrifice.
The sons of Kanva, striving heavenward, call on you with draughts of Soma juice
out-poured.
5 O Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye guarded Kanva carefully,
Keep us, O hords of Splendour: drink the Soma juice, ye strengtheners of holy
law.
6 O Mighty Ones, ye gave Sudas abundant food, brought on your treasure-laden
car;
So now vouchsafe to us the wealth which many crave, either from heaven or from
the sea.
7 Nasatyas, whether ye be far away or close to Turvasa,
Borne on your lightly-rolling chariot come to us, together with the sunbeams
come.
8 So let your coursers, ornaments of sacrifice, bring you to our libations here.
Bestowing food on him who acts and gives aright, sit, Chiefs, upon the sacred
grass.
9 Come, O Nasatyas, on your car decked with a sunbright canopy,
Whereon ye ever bring wealth to the worshipper, to drink the Soma's pleasant
juice.
10 With lauds and songs of praise we call them down to us, that they, most rich,
may succour us;
For ye have ever in the Kanvas' well-loved house, O Asvins, drunk the Soma
juice.
HYMN CXII. Asvins.
1 To give first thought to them, I worship Heaven and Earth, and Agni, fair
bright glow, to hasten their approach.
Come hither unto us, O Asvins, with those aids wherewith in fight ye speed the
war-cry to the spoil.
2 Ample, unfailing, they have mounted as it were an eloquent car that ye may
think of us and give.
Come hither unto us, O Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye help our thoughts to
further holy acts.
3 Ye by the might which heavenly nectar giveth you are in supreme dominion Lords
of all these folk.
Come hither unto us, O Asvins, with those aids wherewith ye, Heroes, made the
barren cow give milk.
4 The aids wherewith the Wanderer through his offipring's might, or the
Two-Mothered Son shows swiftest mid the swift;
Wherewith the sapient one acquired his triple lore,-Come hither unto us, O
Asvins, with those aids.
5 Wherewith ye raised from waters, prisoned and fast bound, Rebha, and Vandana
to look upon the light;
Wherewith ye succoured Kapva as he strove to win,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
6 Wherewith ye rescued Antaka when languishing deep in the pit, and Bhujyu with
unfailing help.
And comforted Karkandhu, Vayya, in their woe,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
7 Wherewith ye gave gucanti wealth and happy home, and made the fiery pit
friendly for Atri's sake;
Wherewith ye guarded Purukutsa, Prsnigu, -Come hither unto us, O Agvin;, with
those aids.
8 Mighty Ones, with what powers ye gave Paravrj aid what time ye made the blind
and lame to see and walk;
Wherewith ye set at liberty the swallowed quail,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
9 Wherewith ye quickened the most sweet exhaustless flood, and comforted
Vasistha, ye who ne'er decay;
And to Srutarya, Kutsa, Narya gave your help,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
10 Wherewith ye helped, in battle of a thousand spoils, Vispala seeking booty,
powerless to move.
Wherewith ye guarded friendly Vaga, Asva's son,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
11 Whereby the cloud, ye Bounteous Givers, shed sweet rain for Dirghasravas, for
the merchant Ausija,
Wherewith ye helped Kaksivan, singer of your praise,-Come hither unto us, O
Asvins, with those aids.
12 Wherewith ye made Rasa swell full with water-floods, and urged to victory the
car without a horse;
Wherewith Trisoka drove forth his recovered cows,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
13 Wherewith ye, compass round the Sun when far away, strengthened Manddatar in
his tasks as lord of lands,
And to sage Bharadvija gave protecting help,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins, with
those aids.
14 Wherewith, when Sambara was slain, ye guarded well great Atithigva, Divodisa,
Kasoju,
And Trasadasyu when the forts were shattered down,-Come hither unto us, O
Asvins, with those aids.
15 Wherewith ye honoured the great drinker Vamra, and Upastuta and Kali when he
gained his wife,
And lent to Vyasva. and to Prthi favouring help,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
16 Wherewith, O Heroes, ye vouchsafed deliverance to Sayu, Atri, and to Manu
long ago;
Wherewith ye shot your shafts in Syumarasmi's cause.-Come hither unto us, O
Asvins, with those aids.
17 Wherewith Patharva, in his majesty of form, shone in his course like to a
gathered kindled fire;
Wherewith ye helped Suryata in the mighty fray,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
18 Wherewith, Angirases! ye triumphed in your heart, and onward went to liberate
the flood of milk;
Wherewith ye helped the hero Manu with new strength,-Come hither unto us, O
Asvins, with those aids.
19 Wherewith ye brought awife for Vimada to wed, wherewith ye freely gave the
ruddy cows away;
Wherewith ye brought the host of kind Gods to Sudas-Come hither unto us, O
Asvins, with those aids.
20 Wherewith ye bring great bliss to him who offers gifts, wherewith ye have
protected Bhujyu, Adhrigu,
And good and gracious Subhara and Rtastup,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins, with
those aids.
21 Wherewith ye served Krsanu where the shafts were shot, and helped the young
man's horse to swiftness in the race;
Wherewith ye bring delicious honey to the bees,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins,
with those aids.
22 Wherewith ye speed the hero as he fights for kine in hero battle, in the
strife for land and sons,
Wherewith ye safely guard his horses and his car,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins
with those aids.
23 Wherewith ye, Lords of Hundred Powers, helped Kutsa, son of Aduni, gave
Turviti and Dabhiti strength,
Favoured Dhvasanti and lent Purusanti help,-Come hither unto us, O Asvins, with
those aids.
24 Make ye our speech effectual, O ye Asvins, and this our hymn, ye mighty
Wonder-Workers.
In luckless game I call on you for succour . strengthen us also on the field of
battle.
25 With, undiminished blessings, O ye Asvins, for evermore both night and day
protect us.
This prayer of ours may Varuna grant, and Mitra, and Aditi and Sindhu, Earth and
Heaven.
HYMN CXVI. Asvins.
1. I TRIM like grass my song for the Nasatyas and send their lauds forth as the
wind drives rain-clouds,
Who, in a chariot rapid as an arrow, brought to the youthful Vimada a consort.
2 Borne on by rapid steeds of mighty pinion, or proudly trusting in the Gods'
incitements.
That stallion ass of yours won, O Nasatyas, that thousand in the race, in Yama's
contest.
3 Yea, Asvins, as a dead man leaves his riches, Tugra left Bhujyu in the cloud
of waters.
Ye brought him back in animated vessels, traversing air, unwetted by the
billows.
4 Bhujyu ye bore with winged things, Nasatyas, 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 six horses.
5 Ye wrought that hero exploit in the ocean which giveth no support, or hold or
station,
What time ye carried Bhujyu to his dwelling, borne in a ship with hundred oars,
O Asvins.
6 The white horse which of old ye gave Aghasva, Asvins, a gift to be his wealth
for ever,-
Still to be praised is that your glorious present, still to be famed is the
braye horse of Pedu.
7 O Heroes, ye gave wisdom to Kaksivan who sprang from Pajra's line, who sang
your praises.
Ye poured forth from the hoof of your strong charger a hundred jars of wine as
from a strainer.
8 Ye warded off with cold the fire's fierce burning; food very rich in
nouripliment ye furnished.
Atri, cast downward in the cavern, Asvins ye brought, with all his people, forth
to comfort.
9 Ye lifted up the well, O ye Nasatyas, and set the base on high to open
downward.
Streams flowed for folk of Gotama who thirsted, like rain to bring forth
thousandfold abundance.
10 Ye from the old Cyavana, O Nasatyas, stripped, as 'twere mail, the skin upon
his body,
Lengthened his life when all had left him helpless, Dasras! and made him lord of
youthful maidens.
11 Worthy of praise and worth the winning, Heroes, is that your favouring
succour O Nasatyas,
What time ye, knowing well his case, delivered Vandana trom the pit like hidden
treasure.
12 That mighty deed of yours, for gain, O Heroes, as thunder heraldeth the rain,
I publish,
When, by the horse's head, Atharvan's offspring Dadhyac made known to you the
Soma's sweetness.
13 In the great rite the wise dame called, Nasatyas, you, Lords of many
treasures, to assist her.
Ye heard the weakling's wife, as 'twere an order, and gave to her a son
Hiranyahasta.
14 Ye from the wolf's jaws, as ye stood together, set free the quail, O Heroes,
O Nasatyas.
Ye, Lords of many treasures, gave the poet his perfect vision as he mourned his
trouble.
15 When in the time of night, in Khela's battle, a leg was severed like a wild
bird's pinion,
Straight ye gave Vispali a leg of iron that she might move what time the
conflict opened.
16 His father robbed Rjrasva of his eyesight who for the she-wolf slew a hundred
wethers.
Ye gave him eyes, Nasatyas, Wonder-Workers, Physicians, that he saw with sight
uninjured.
17 The Daughter of the Sun your car ascended, first reaching as it were the goal
with coursers.
All Deities within their hearts assented, and ye, Nasatyas, are close linked
with glory.
18 When to his house ye came, to Divodasa, hasting to Bharadvaja, O ye Asvins,
The car that came with you brought splendid riches: a porpoise and a bull were
yoked together.
19 Ye, bringing wealth with rule, and life with offspring, life rich in noble
heroes; O Nasatyas,
Accordant came with strength to Jahnu's children who offered you thrice every
day your portion.
20 Ye bore away at night by easy pathways Jahusa compassed round on every
quarter,
And, with your car that cleaves the toe asunder, Nasatyas never decaying! rent
the mountains.
21 One morn ye strengthened Vaga for the battle, to gather spoils that might be
told in thousands.
With Indra joined ye drove away misfortunes, yea foes of Prthusravas, O ye
mighty.
22 From the deep well ye raised on high the water, so that Rcatka's son, Sara,
should drink it;
And with your might, to help the weary Sayu, ye made the barren cow yield milk,
Nasatyas.
23 To Visvaka, Nasatyas! son of Krsna, the righteous man who sought your aid and
praised you,
Ye with your powers restored, like some lost creature, his son Visnapu for his
eyes to look on.
24 Asvins, ye raised, like Soma in a ladle Rebha, who for ten days and ten
nights, fettered.
Had lain in cruel bonds, immersed and wounded, suffering sore affliction, in the
waters.
25 1 have declared your wondrous deeds, O Asvins: may this be mine, and many
kine and heroes.
May I, enjoying lengthened life, still seeing, enter old age as 'twere the house
I live in.
HYMN CXVII. Asvins.
1. ASVINS, your ancient priest invites you hither to gladden you with draughts
of meath of Soma.
Our gift is on the grass, our song apportioned: with food and strength come
hither, O Nasatyas.
2 That car of yours, swifter than thought, O Asvins, which drawn by brave steeds
cometh to the people,
Whereon ye seek the dwelling of the pious,-come ye thereon to our abode, O
Heroes.
3 Ye freed sage Atri, whom the Five Tribes honoured, from the strait pit, ye
Heroes with his people,
Baffling the guiles of the malignant Dasyu, repelling them, ye Mighty in
succession.
4 Rebha the sage, ye mighty Heroes, Asvins! whom, like a horse, vile men had
sunk in water,-
Him, wounded, with your wondrous power ye rescued: your exploits of old time
endure for ever.
5 Ye brought forth Vandana, ye Wonder-Workers, for triumph, like fair gold that
hath been buried,
Like one who slumbered in destruction's bosom, or like the Sun when dwelling in
the darkness.
6 Kaksivan, Pajra's son, must laud that exploit of yours, Nasatyas, Heroes, ye
who wander!
When from the hoof of your strong horse ye showered a hundred jars of honey for
the people.
7 To Krsna's son, to Visvaka who praised you, O Heroes, ye restored his son
Visnapu.
To Ghosa, living in her father's dwelling, stricken in years, ye gave a husband,
Asvins.
8 Rusati, of the mighty people, Asvins, ye gave to Syava of the line of Kanva.
This deed of yours, ye Strong Ones should be published, that ye gave glory to
the son of Nrsad.
9 O Asvins, wearing many forms at pleasure, on Pedu ye bestowed a fleet-foot
courser,
Strong, winner of a thousand spoils, resistless the serpent slayer, glorious,
triumphant.
10 These glorious things are yours, ye Bounteous Givers; prayer, praise in both
worlds are your habitation.
O Asvins, when the sons of Paira call you, send strength with nourishment to him
who knoweth.
11 Hymned with the reverence of a son, O Asvins ye Swift Ones giving booty to
the singer,
Glorified by Agastya with devotion, established Vispala again, Nasatyas.
12 Ye Sons of Heaven, ye Mighty, whither went ye, sought ye, for his fair praise
the home of Kdvya.
When, like a pitcher full of gold, O Asvins, on the tenth day ye lifted up the
buried?
13 Ye with the aid of your great powers, O Asvins, restored to youth the ancient
man Cyavana.
The Daughter of the Sun with all her glory, O ye Nasatyas, chose your car to
bear her.
14 Ye, ever-youthful Ones, again remembered Tugra, according to your ancient
manner:
With horses brown of hue that flew with swift wings ye brought back Bhujyu from
the sea of billows.
15 The son of Tugra had invoked you, Asvins; borne on he went uninjured through
the ocean.
Ye with your chariot swift as thought, well-harnessed, carried him off, O Mighty
Ones, to safety.
16 The quail had invocated you, O Asvins, when from the wolf's devouring jaws ye
freed her.
With conquering car ye cleft the mountain's ridges: the offspring of Visvac ye
killed with poison.
17 He whom for furnishing a hundred wethers to the she-wolf, his wicked father
blinded,
To him, Rjrasva, gave ye eyes, O Asvins; light to the blind ye sent for perfect
vision.
18 To bring the blind man joy thus cried the she-wolf: O Asvins, O ye Mighty
Ones, O Heroes,
For me Rjrasva, like a youthful lover, hath. cut piecemeal one and a hundred
wethers.
19 Great and weal-giving is your aid, O Asvins, ye, objects of all thought, made
whole the cripple.
Purandhi also for this cause invoked you, and ye, O mighty, came to her with
succours.
20 Ye, Wonder-Workers, filled with milk for Sayu the milkless cow, emaciated,
barren;
And by your powers the child of Purumitra ye brought to Vimada to be his
consort.
21 Ploughing and sowing barley, O ye Asvins, milking out food for men, ye
Wonder-Workers,
Blasting away the Dasyu with your trumpet, ye gave far-spreading light unto the
Arya.
22 Ye brought the horse's head, Asvins, and gave it unto Dadhyac the offspring
of Atharvan.
True, he revealed to you, O WonderWorkers, sweet Soma, Tvastar's secret, as your
girdle.
23 O Sages, evermore I crave your favour: be gracious unto all my prayers, O
Asvins.
Grant me, Nasatyas, riches in abundance, wealth famous and accompanied with
children.
24 With liberal bounty to the weakling's consorts ye, Heroes, gave a son
Hiranyahasta;
And Syava, cut into three several pieces, ye brougnt to life again, O bounteous
Asvins.
25 These your heroic exploits, O ye Asvins, done in the days. of old, have men
related.
May we, addressing prayer to you, ye Mighty, speak with brave sons about us to.
the synod.
HYMN CXVIII. Asvins.
1. FLYING, with falcons, may your chariot, Asvins, most gracious, bringing
friendly
help, come hither,-
Your chariot, swifter than the mind of mortal, fleet as the wind, three-seated O
ye Mighty.
2 Come to us with your chariot triple seated, three-wheeled, of triple form,
that rolleth lightly.
Fill full our cows, give mettle to our horses, and make each hero son grow
strong, O Asvins.
3 With your well-rolling car, descending swiftly, hear this the press-stone's
song, ye Wonder-Workers.
How then have ancient sages said, O Asvins, that ye most swiftly come to stay
affliction?
4 O Asvins, let your falcons bear you hither, yoked to your chariot, swift, with
flying pinions,
Which, ever active, like the airy eagles, carry you, O Nasatyas, to the banquet.
5 The youthful Daughter of the Sun, delighting in you, ascended there your
chariot, Heroes.
Borne on their swift wings let your beauteous horses, your birds of ruddy hue,
convey you near us.
6 Ye raised up Vandana, strong WonderWorkers! with great might, and with power
ye rescued Rebha.
From out the sea ye saved the son of Tugra, and gave his youth again unto
Cyavana.
7 To Atri, cast down to the fire that scorched him, ye gave, O Asvins,
strengthening tbod and favour.
Accepting his fair praises with approval, ye gave his eyes again to blinded
Kanva.
8 For ancient Sayti in his sore affliction ye caused his cow to swell with milk,
O Asvins.
The quail from her great misery ye delivered, and a new leg for Vispala
provided.
9 A white horse, Asvins, ye bestowed on Pedu, a serpent-slaying steed sent down
by Indra,
Loud-neighing, conquering the foe, highmettled, firm-limbed and vigorous,
winning thousand treasures.
10 Such as ye are, O nobly horn, O Heroes, we in our trouble call on you for
succour.
Accepting these our songs, for our wellbeing come to us on your chariot
treasure-laden.
11 Come unto us combined in love, Nasatyas come with the fresh swift vigour of
the falcon.
Bearing oblations I invoke you, Asvins, at the first break of everlasting
morning.
HYMN CXIX. Asvins.
1. HITHER, that I may live, I call unto the feast your wondrous car,
thought-swift, borne on by rapid steeds.
With thousand banners, hundred treasures, pouring gifts, promptly obedient,
bestowing ample room.
2 Even as it moveth near my hymn is lifted up, and all the regions come together
to sing praise.
I sweeten the oblations; now the helpers come. Urjani hath, O Asvins, mounted on
your car.
3 When striving man with man for glory they have met, brisk, measurcIess, eager
for victory in fight,
Then verily your car is seen upon the slope when ye, O Asvins, bring some choice
boon to the prince.
4 Ye came to Bhujyu while he struggled in the flood, with flying birds,
self-yoked, ye bore him to his sires.
Ye went to the far-distant home, O Mighty Ones; and famed is your great aid to
Divodisa given.
5 Asvins, the car which you had yoked for glorious show your own two voices
urged directed to its goal.
Then she who came for friendship, Maid of noble birth, elected you as Husbands,
you to be her Lords.
6 Rebha ye saved from tyranny; for Atri's sake ye quenched with cold the fiery
pit that compassed him.
Ye made the cow of Sayu stream refreshing milk, and Vandana was holpen to
extended life.
7 Doers of marvels, skilful workers, ye restored Vandana, like a car, worn out
with length of days.
From earth ye brought the sage to life in wondrous mode; be your great deeds
done here for him who honours you.
8 Ye went to him who mourned in a far distant place, him who was left forlorn by
treachery of his sire.
Rich with the light ofheaven was then the help ye gave, and marvellous your
succour when ye stood by him.
9 To you in praise of sweetness sang the honey-bee: Ausija calleth you in Soma's
rapturous joy.
Ye drew unto yourselves the spirit of Dadhyac, and then the horse's head uttered
his words to you.
10 A horse did ye provide for Pedu, excellent, white, O ye Asvins, conqueror of
combatants,
Invincible in war by arrows, seeking heaven worthy of fame, like Indra,
vanquisher of men.
HYMN CXX. Asvins.
1. ASVINS, what praise may win your grace? Who may be pleasing to you both?
How shall the ignorant worship you?
2 Here let the ignorant ask the means of you who know-for none beside you
knoweth aught -
Not of a spiritless mortal man.
3 Such as ye: are, all-wise, we call you. Ye wise, declare to us this day
accepted prayer.
Loving you well your servant lauds you.
4 Simply, ye Mighty Ones, I ask the Gods of that wondrous oblation hallowed by
the mystic word.
Save us from what is stronger, fiercer than ourselves.
5 Forth go the hymn that shone in Ghosa Bhrgu's like, the song wherewith the son
of Pajra worships you,
Like some wise minister.
6 Hear ye the song of him who hastens speedily. O Asvins, I am he who sang your
praise.
Hither, ye Lords of Splendour, hither turn your eyes.
7 For ye were ever nigh to deal forth ample wealth, to give the wealth that ye
had gathered up.
As such, ye Vasus, guard us well, and keep us safely from the wicked wolf.
8 Give us not up to any man who hateth us, nor let our milch-cows stray, whose
udders give us food,
Far from our homes without their calves.
9 May they who love you gain you for their Friends. Prepare ye us for opulence
with strengthening food,
Prepare us for the food that floweth from our cows
10 1 have obtained the horseless car of Asvins rich in sacrifice,
And I am well content therewith.
11 May it convey me evermore: may the light chariot pass from men
To men unto the Soma draught.
12 It holdeth slumber in contempt. and the rich who enjoyeth not:
Both vanish quickly and are lost.
HYMN CLVII. Asvins.
1. AGNI is wakened: Surya riseth from the earth. Mighty, refulgent Dawn hath
shone with all her light.
The Asvins have equipped their chariot for the course. God Savitar hath moved
the folk in sundry ways.
2 When, Asvins, ye equip your very mighty car, bedew, ye Twain, our power with
honey and with oil.
To our devotion give victorious strength in war: may we win riches in the
heroes' strife for spoil.
3 Nigh to us come the Asvins' lauded three-wheeled car, the car laden with meath
and drawn by fleet-foot steeds,
Three-seated, opulent, bestowing all delight. may it bring weal to us, to cattle
and to men.
4 Bring hither nourishment for us, ye Asvins Twain; sprinkle us with your whip
that drops with honey-dew.
Prolong our days of life, wipe out our trespasses; destroy our foes, be our
companions and our Friends.
5 Ye store the germ of life in female creatures, ye lay it up within all living
beings.
Ye have sent forth, O Asvins passing mighty, the fire, the sovrans of the wood,
the waters,
6 Leeches are ye with medicines to heal us, and charioteers are ye with skill in
driving.
Ye Strong, give sway to him who brings oblation and with his heart pours out his
gift before you.
HYMN CLVIII. Asvins.
1. YE Vasus Twain, ye Rudras full of counsel, grant us, Strong Strengtheners,
when ye stand beside us,
What wealth Aucathya craves of you, great Helpers when ye come forward with no
niggard succour.
2 Who may give you aught, Vasus, for your favour, for what, at the Cow's place,
ye grant through worship?
Wake for us understanding full of riches, come with a heart that will fulfil our
longing.
3 As erst for Tugra's son your car, sea-crossing, strong, was equipped and set
amid the waters,
So may I gain your shelter and protection as with winged course a hero seeks his
army.
4 May this my praise preserve Ucathya's offispring: let not these Twain who fly
with wings exhaust me.
Let not the wood ten times up-piled consume me, when fixed for you it bites the
ground it stands on.
5 The most maternal streams, wherein the Dilsas cast me securely bound, have not
devoured me.
When Traitana would cleave my head asunder, the Dasa wounded his own breast and
shoulders.
6 Dirghatamas the son of Mamati hath come to length of days in the tenth age of
human kind.
He is the Brahman of the waters as they strive to reach their end and aim: their
charioteer is he.
HYMN CLXXX. Asvins.
1. LIGHTLY your coursers travel through the regions when round thesea of air
your car is flying.
Your golden fellies scatter drops of moisture: drinking the sweetness ye atend
the Mornings.
2 Ye as ye travel overtake the Courser who flies apart, the Friend of man, most
holy.
The prayer is that the Sister may convey you, all praised, meath-drinkers! to
support and strengthen.
3 Ye have deposited, matured within her, in the raw cow the first milk of the
milch-cow,
Which the bright offerer, shining like a serpent mid trees, presents to you
whose form is perfect.
4 Ye made the fierce heat to be full of sweetness for Atri at his wish, like
streaming water.
Fire-offering thence is yours, O Asvins, Heroes: your car-wheels speed to us
like springs of honey.
5 Like Tugra's ancient son may I, ye Mighty, bring you to give your gifts with
milk-oblations.
Your greatness compasseth Earth, Heaven, and Waters: decayed for you is sorrow's
net, ye Holy.
6 When, Bounteous Ones, ye drive your yoked team downward, ye send, by your own
natures, understanding.
Swift as the wind let the prince please and feast you: he, like a pious man,
gains strength for increase.
7 For verily we truthful singers praise you the niggard trafficker is here
excluded.
Now, even now do ye O blameless Advins, ye Mighty, guard the man whose God is
near him.
8 You of a truth day after day, O Asvins, that he might win the very plenteous
torrent,
Agastya, famous among mortal heroes, roused with a thousand lauds like sounds of
music.
9 When with the glory of your car ye travel, when we go speeding like the priest
of mortals,
And give good horses to sacrificers, may we, Nasatyas! gain our share of riches.
10 With songs of praise we call to-day, O Asvins, that your new chariot, for our
own well-being,
That circles heaven with never-injured fellies. May we find strengthening food
in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXI. Asvins
1. WHAT, dearest Pair, is this in strength and riches that ye as Priests are
bring from the waters?
This sacrifice is your glorification, ye who protect mankind and give them
treasures.
2 May your pure steeds, rain-drinkers, bring you hither, swift as the tempest,
your celestial coursers,
Rapid as thought, with fair backs, full of vigour, resplendent in their native
light, O Asvins.
3 Your car is like a torrent rushing downward: may it come nigh, broad-seated,
for our welfare,-
Car holy, strong, that ever would be foremost, thought-swift, which ye, for whom
we long, have mounted.
4 Here sprung to life, they both have sung together, with bodies free from
stain, with signs that mark them;
One of you Prince of Sacrifice, the Victor, the other counts as Heaven's
auspicious offspring.
5 May your car-seat, down-gliding, golden-coloured, according to your wish
approach our dwellings.
Men shall feed full the bay steeds of the other, and, Asvins they with roars
shall stir the regions.
6 Forth comes your strong Bull like a cloud of autumn, sending abundant food of
liquid sweetness.
Let them feed with the other's ways and vigour: the upper streams have come and
do us service.
7 Your constant song hath been sent forth, Disposers! that flows threefold in
mighty strength, O Asvins.
Thus lauded, give the suppliant protection moving or resting hear mine
invocation.
8 This song of bright contents for you is swelling in the men's hall where
three-fold grass is.ready.
Your strong rain-cloud, ye Mighty Ones, hath swollen, honouring men as 'twere
with milk's outpouring.
9 The prudent worshipper, like Pusan, Asvins! praises you as he praises Dawn and
Agni,
When, singing with devotion, he invokes you. May we find strengthening food in
full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXII. Asvins.
1. THIS was the task. Appear promptly, ye prudent Ones. Here is the chariot
drawn by strong steeds: be ye glad.
Heart-stirring, longed for, succourers of Vispala, here are Heaven's Sons whose
sway blesses the pious man.
2 Longed for, most Indra-like, mighty, most Marut-like, most w6nderful in deed,
car-borne, best charioteers,
Bring your full chariot hither heaped with liquid sweet: thereon, ye Mvins, come
to him who offers gifts.
3 What make ye there, ye Mighty? Wherefore linger ye with folk who, offering
not, are held in high esteem?
Pass over them; make ye the niggard's life decay: give light unto the singer
eloquent in praise.
4 Crunch up on. every side the dogs who bark at us: slay ye our foes, O Asvins
this ye understand.
Make wealthy every word of him who praises you: accept with favour, both
Nasatyas, this my laud.
5 Ye made for Tugra's son amid the water-floods that animated ship with wings to
fly withal,
Whereon with God-devoted mind ye brought him forth, and fled with easy flight
from out the mighty surge.
6 Four ships most welcome in the midst of ocean, urged by the Asvins, save the
son of Tugra,
Him who was cast down headlong in the waters, plunged in the thick inevitable
darkness.
7 What tree was that which stood fixed in surrounding sea to which the son of
Tugra supplicating clung?
Like twigs, of which some winged creature may take hold, ye, Asvins, bore him
off safely to your renown.
8 Welcome to you be this the hymn of praises uttered by Manas, O Nasatyas,
Heroes,
From this our gathering where we offer Soma. May we find strengthening food in
full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXIII. Asvins.
1. MAKE ready that which passes thought in swiftness, that hath three wheels and
triple seat, ye Mighty,
Whereon ye seek the dwelling of the pious, whereon, threefold, ye fly like birds
with pinions.
2 Light rolls your easy chariot faring earthward, what time, for food, ye, full
of wisdom, mount it.
May this song, wondrous fair, attend your glory: ye, as ye travel, wait on Dawn
Heaven's Daughter.
3 Ascend your lightly rolling car, approaching the worshipper who turns him to
his duties,-
Whereon ye come unto the house to quicken man and his offspring, O Nasatyas,
Heroes.
4 Let not the wolf, let not the she-wolf harm you. Forsake me not, nor pass me
by or others.
Here stands your share, here is your hymn, ye Mighty: yours are these vessels,
full of pleasant juices.
5 Gotama, Purumilha, Atri bringing oblations all invoke you for protection.
Like one who goes strai ht to the point directed, ye Nasatyas, to mine
invocation.
6 We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been bestowed
on you, O Asvins.
Come hitherward by paths which Gods have travelled. May we find strengthening
food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXIV Asvins.
1. LET us invoke you both this day and after the priest is here with lauds when
morn is breaking:
Nasatyas, wheresoe'er ye be, Heaven's Children, for him who is more liberal than
the godless.
2 With us, ye Mighty, let yourselves be joyful, glad in our stream of Soma slay
the niggards.
Graciously hear my hymns and invitations, marking, O Heroes, with your cars my
longing.
3 Nasatyas, Pusans, ye as Gods for glory arranged and set in order Surya's
bridal.
Your giant steeds move on, sprung from the waters, like ancient times of Varuna
the Mighty.
4 Your grace be with us, ye who love sweet juices: further the hymn sung by the
poet Mana,
When men are joyful in your glorious actions, to win heroic strength, ye
Bounteous Givers.
5 This praise was made, O liberal Lords, O Asvins, for you with fair adornment
by the Manas.
Come to our house for us and for our children, rejoicing, O Nasatyas, in
Agastya.
6 We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been'bestowed
on you, O Asvins.
Come hitherward by paths which Gods have travelled. may we find strengthening
food in full abundance.
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