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HYMN XII. Agni.
I. To Agni, lofty Asura, meet for worship, Steer of
eternal Law, my prayer I offer;
I bring my song directed to the Mighty like pure oil for his mouth at
sacrifices.
2 Mark the Law, thou who knowest, yea, observe it: send forth the full
streams of eternal Order.
I use no sorcery with might or falsehood the sacred Law of the Red
Steer I follow.
3 How hast thou, follower of the Law eternal, become the knower of a
new song, Agni?
The God, the Guardian of the seasons, knows me: the Lord of him who
won this wealth I know not.
4 Who, Agni, in alliance with thy foeman, what splendid helpers won
for them their riches?
Agni, who guard the dwelling-place of falsehood? Who are protectors of
the speech of liars?
5 Agni, those friends of thine have turned them from thee: gracious of
old, they have become ungracious.
They have deceived themselves by their own speeches, uttering wicked
words against the righteous.
6 He who pays sacrifice to thee with homage, O Agni, keeps the Red
Steer's Law eternal;
Wide is his dwelling. May the noble offipring of Nahusa who wandered
forth come hither.
HYMN XIII. Agni.
1. WITH songs of praise we call on thee, we kindle thee
with songs of praise,
Agni, -with songs of praise, for help.
2 Eager for wealth, we meditate Agni's effectual praise to-day,
Praise of the God who touches heaven.
3 May Agni, Priest among mankind, take pleasure in our songs of
praise,
And worship the Celestial Folk.
4 Thou, Agni, art spread widely forth, Priest dear and excellent;
through thee
Men make the sacrifice complete.
5 Singers exalt thee, Agni, well lauded, best giver of our strength:
So grant thou us heroic might.
6 Thou Agni, as the felly rings the spokes, encompassest the Gods.
1 yearn for bounty manifold.
HYMN XIV. Agni.
1. ENKINDLING the Immortal, wake Agni with song of
praise: may he bear our oblations to the Gods.
2 At high solemnities mortal men glorify him the Immortal, best
At sacrifice among mankind.
3 That he may bear their gifts to heaven, all glorify him Agni, God,
With ladle that distilleth oil.
4 Agni shone bright when born, with light killing the Dasyus and the
dark:
He found the Kine, the Floods, the Sun.
5 Serve Agni, God adorable, the Sage whose back is balmed with oil:
Let him approach, and hear my call.
6 They have exalted Agni, God of all mankind, with oil and hymns
Of praise, devout and eloquent.
HYMN XV. Agni.
1. To him, the far-renowned, the wise Ordainer, ancient
and glorious, a song I offer.
Enthroned in oil, the Asura, bliss-giver, is Agni, firm support of
noble, riches.
2 By holy Law they kept supporting Order, by help of sacrifice, in
loftiest heaven,-
They who attained with born men to the unborn, men seated on that
stay, heaven's firm sustainer.
3 Averting woe, they labour hard to bring him, the ancient, plenteous
food as power resistless.
May he, born newly, conquer his assailants: round him they stand as
round an angry lion.
4 When, like a mother, spreading forth to nourish, to cherish and
regard each man that liveth,-
Consuming all the strength that thou hast gotten, thou wanderest
round, thyself,
in varied fashion.
5 May strength preserve the compass of thy vigour, God! that broad
stream of thine that beareth riches.
Thou, like a thief who keeps his refuge secret, hast holpen Atri to
great wealth, by teaching.
HYMN XVI. Agni.
1. GREAT power is in the beam of light, sing praise to,
Agni, to the God
Whom men have set in foremost place like Mitra with their eulogies.
2 He by the splendour of his arms is Priest of every able man.
Agni conveys oblation straight, and deals, as Bhaga deals, his boons.
3 All rests upon the laud and love of him the rich, high-flaming God,
On whom, loud-roaring, men have laid great strength as on a faithful
friend.
4 So, Agni, be the Friend of these with liberal gift of hero strength.
Yea, Heaven and Earth have not surpassed this Youthful One in glorious
fame.
5 O Agni, quickly come to us, and, glorified, bring precious wealth.
So we and these our princes will assemble for the good of all. Be near
in fight to prosper us.
HYMN XVII. Agni.
1. GOD, may a mortal call the Strong hither, with solemn
rites, to aid,
A man call Agni to protect when sacrifice is well prepared.
2 Near him thou seemest mightier still in native glory, set to hold
Apart yon flame-hued vault of heaven, lovely beyond the thought of
man.
3 Yea, this is by the light of him whom powerful siong hath bound to
act,
Whose bearns of splendour flash on high as though they sprang from
heavenly seed.
4 Wealth loads the Wonder-Worker's car through his, the very wise
One's power.
Then, meet to be invoked among all tribes, is Agni ghorified.
5 Now, too, the princes shall obtain excellent riches by our lips.
Protect us for our welfare: lend thy succour, O thou Son of Strength.
Be near in fight to prosper us.
HYMN XVIII. Agni.
1. AT dawn let: Agni, much-beloved guest of the house,
be glorified;
Immortal who delights in all oblations brought by mortal men.
2 For Dvita who receives through wealth of native strength maimed
offerings,
Thy praiser even gains at once the Soma-drops, Immortal Gods!
3 Nobles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with
lengthened life,
For, God who givest steeds! that car hither and thither goes unharmed.
4 They who have varied ways of thought, who guard, the lauds within
their lips,
And strew the grass before the light, have decked themselves with high
renown.
5 Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite,
Heroes' illustrious, lofty fame, who at the synod met for praise
presented me with fifty steeds.
HYMN XIX. Agni.
1. ONE state begets another state: husk is made visible
from husk:
Within his Mother's side he speaks.
2 Discerning, have they offered gifts: they guard the strength that
never wastes.
To a strong fort have they pressed in.
3 Svaitreya's people, all his men, have gloriously increased in might.
A gold chain Brhaduktha wears, as, through this Soma, seeking spoil.
4 I bring, as 'twere, the longed-for milk, the dear milk of the
Sister-Pair.
Like to a caldron filled with food is he, unconquered, conquering all.
5 Beam of light, come to us in sportive fashion, finding thyself close
to the wind that fans thee.
These flames of his are wasting flames, like arrows keen-pointed,
sharpened, on his breast.
HYMN XX. Agni.
1. AGNI, best winner of the spoil, cause us to praise
before 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 power and might
Stir up the wrath and hatred due to one who holds an alien creed.
3 Thee, Agni, would we choose as Priest, the perfecter of strength and
skill;
We who bring sacred food invoke with song thee Chief at holy rites.
4 Here as is needful for thine aid we toil, O Conqueror, day by day,
For wealth, for Law. May we rejoice, Most Wise One! at the feast, with
kine, rejoice, with heroes, at the feast.
HYMN XXI. Agni.
1. WE stablish thee as Manus used, as Manus used we
kindle thee.
Like Manus, for the pious man , Angiras, Agni, worship Gods.
2 For well, O Agni, art thou pleased when thou art kindled mid
mankind.
Straight go the ladles unto thee, thou highborn God whose food is oil.
3 Thee have all Gods of one accord established as their messenger.
Serving at sacrifices men adore thee as a God, O Sage.
4 Let mortal man adore your God, Agni, with worship due to Gods.
Shine forth enkindled, Radiant One. Sit in the chamber of the Law, sit
in the chamber of the food.
HYMN XXII. Agni.
1. LIKE Atri, Visvasaman! sing to him of purifying
light,
Who must be praised in holy rites, the Priest most welcome in the
house.
2 Set Jatavedas in his place, Agni the God and Minister.
Let sacrifice proceed to-day duly, comprising all the Gods.
3 All mortals come to thee for aid, the God of most observant mind.
Of thine excelling favour we bethink us as we long for it.
4 Mark with attention this our speech, O Agni, thou victorious One.
Thee, Strong-jawed! as the homestead's Lord, the Atris with their
lauds exalt, the Atris beautify with songs.
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HYMN XXIII. Agni.
1. By thy fair splendour's mighty power, O Agni, bring
victorious wealth,
Wealth that o'ercometh all mankind, and, near us, conquereth in fight.
2 Victorious Agni, bring to us the wealth that vanquisheth in war;
For thou art wonderful and true, giver of strength in herds of kine.
3 For all the folk with one accord, whose sacred grass is trimmed and
strewn,
Invite thee to their worship-halls, as a dear Priest, for choicest
wealth.
4 For he, the God of all men, hath gotten him might that quelleth
foes.
O Agni, in these homes shine forth, bright God! for our prosperity,
shine, Purifier! splendidly.
HYMN XXIV. Agni.
1. O AGNI, be our nearest Friend, be thou a kind
deliverer and a gracious Friend.
2 Excellent Agni, come thou nigh to us, and give us wealth most
splendidly renowned.
3 So hear us, listen to this call of ours, and keep us far from every
sinful man.
4 To thee then, O Most Bright, O Radiant God, we come with prayer for
happiness for our friends.
HYMN XXV. Agni.
1. I WILL sing near, for grace, your God Agni, for he is
good to us.
Son of the Brands, may he give gifts, and, righteous, save us from the
foe.
2 For be is true, whpm men of old enkindled, and the Gods themselves,
The Priest with the delicious tongue, rich with the light of glorious
beams.
3 With wisdom that surpasseth all, with gracious will most excellent,
O Agni, worthy of our choice, shine wealth on us through hymns of
praise.
4 Agni is King, for he extends to mortals and to Gods alike.
Agni is bearer of our gifts. Worship ye Agni with your thoughts.
5 Agni gives to the worshipper a son, the best, of mightiest fame,
Of deep devotion, ne'er subdued, bringer of glory to his sire.
6 Agni bestows the hero-lord who conquers with the men in fight.
Agni bestows the fleet-foot steed, the victor never overcome.
7 The mightiest song is Agni's: shine on high, thou who art rich in
light.
Like the Chief Consort of a King, riches and strength proceed -from
thee.
8 Resplendent are thy rays of light: loud is thy voice like
pressing-stones.
Yea, of itself thy thunder goes forth like the roaring of the heaven.
9 Thus, seeking riches, have we paid homage to Agni Conqueror.
May he, most wise, as with a ship, carry us over all our foes.
HYMN XXVI. Agni.
1. O AGNI, Holy and Divine, with splendour and thy
pleasant tongue
Bring hither and adore the Gods.
2 We pray thee, thou who droppest oil, bright-rayed! who lookest on
the Sun,
Bring the Gods hither to the feast.
3 We have enkindled thee, O Sage, bright caller of the Gods to feast.
O Agni, great in Sacrifice.
4 O Agni, come with all the Gods, come to our sacrificial gift:
We choose thee as Invoking Priest.
5 Bring, Agni, to the worshipper who pours the juice, heroic strength:
Sit with the Gods upon the grass.
6 Victor of thousands, Agni, thou, enkindled, cherishest the laws,
Laud-worthy, envoy of the Gods.
7 Set Agni Jatavedas down, the bearer of our sacred gifts,
MostYouthful, God and Minister.
8 Duly proceed our sacrifice, comprising all the Gods, to-day:
Strew holy grass to be their seat.
9 So may the Maruts sit thereon, the Asvins, Mitra, Varuna:
The Gods with all their company.
HYMN XXVII. Agni.
1. THE Godlike hero, famousest of nobles, hath granted
me two oxen with a wagon.
Trvrsan's son Tryaruna hath distinguished himself, Vaisvanara Agni!
with ten thousands.
2 Protect Tryaruna, as thou art waxing strong and art highly praised,
Vaisvanara Agni!
Who granteth me a hundred kine and twenty, and two bay horses, good at
draught, and harnessed.
3 So Trasadasyu served thee, God Most Youthful, craving thy favour for
the ninth time, Agni;
Tryaruya who with attentive spirit accepteth many a song from me the
mighty.
4 He who declares his wish to me, to Asvamedha, to the Prince,
Pays him who with his verse seeks gain, gives power to him who keeps
the Law.
5 From whom a hundred oxen, all of speckled hue, delight my heart,
The gifts of Asvamedha, like thrice-mingled draughts of Soma juice.
6 To Asvamedha who bestows a hundred gifts grant hero power,
O Indra-Agni! lofty rule like the unwasting Sun in heaven.
HYMN XXVIII. Agni.
1. AGNI inflamed hath sent to heaven his lustre: he
shines forth widely turning unto Morning.
Eastward the ladle goes that brings all blessing, praising the
Godswith homage and oblation.
2 Enkindled, thou art King of the immortal world: him who brings
offerings thou attendest for his weal.
He whom thou urgest on makes all possessions his: he sets before thee,
Agni, gifts that guests may claim.
3 Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, O Agni, most excellent be
thine effulgent splendours.
Make easy to maintain our household lordship, and overcome the might
of those who hate us.
4 Thy glory, Agni, I adore, kindled, exalted in thy strength.
A Steer of brilliant splendour, thou art lighted well at sacred rites.
5 Agni, invoked and kindled, serve the Gods, thou skilled in
sacrifice:
For thou art bearer of our gifts.
6 Invoke and worship Agni while the sacrificial rite proceeds:
For offering-bearer choose ye him.
HYMN XXIX. Agni.
1. MAN'S worship of the Gods hath three great lustres,
and three celestial lights have they established
The Maruts gifted with pure strength adore thee, for thou, O Indra,
art their sapient Rsi.
2 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when he had
drunk of Soma juices,
He grasped his thunderbolt to slay the Dragon, and loosed, that they
might flow, the youthful Waters.
3 And, O ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of this my
carefully pressed Sorna;
For this oblation found for man the cattle, and Indra, having quaffed
it, slew the Dragon.
4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and supported: wrapped even in
these he struck the Beast with terror.
So Indra forced the Engulfer to disgorgement, and slew the Danava.
panting against him.
5 Thus all the Gods, O Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free will
the draught of Soma;
When thou for Etasa didst cause to tarry the flying mares of Surya
racing forward.
6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished his nine-and-ninety
castles all together,
The Maruts, where they met, glorified Indra: ye with the Trstup hymn
obstructed heaven.
7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred
buffaloes, even as he willed it.
And Indra, from man's gift, for Vrtra's slaughter, drank ofr at once
three lakes of pressed-out Soma.
8 When thou three hundred buffaloes' flesh hadst eaten, and drunk, as
Maghavan, three lakes of Soma,
All the Gods raised as 'twere a shout of triumph to Indra praise
because he slew the Dragon.
9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, O Usana and
Indra, to the dwelling,
Thou camest thither -conquering together with Kutsa and the Gods: thou
slewest Susna.
10 One car-wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou
settest free to move for Kutsa.
Thou slewest noseless Dasyus with thy weapon, and in their home
o'erthrewest hostile speakers.
11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to Vidathin's son, as prey,
thou gavest Pipru.
Rjisivan drew thee into friendship dressing the sacred food, and thou
hast drunk his Soma.
12 Navagvas and Dasgvas with libations of Soma juice sing hymns of
praise to Indra.
Labouring at their task the men laid open the stall of Kine though
firmly closed and fastened.
13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well what
hero deeds thou hast accomplished?
And the fresh deeds which thou wilt do, Most Mighty! these, too, will
we tell forth in sacred synods.
14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all
these many acts, O Indra.
What thou wilt do in bravery, Thunder-wielder! none is there who may
hinder this thy prowess.
15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the new
prayers, Mightiest! which we utter.
Like fair and well-made robes, I, seeking riches, as a deft craftsman
makes a car, have wrought them.
HYMN XXX. Indra.
1. WHERE is that Hero? Who hath looked on Indra borne on
light-rolling car by Tawny Coursers,
Who, Thunderer, seeks with wealth the Soma-presser, and to his house
goes, much-invoked, to aid him?
2 I have beheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have sought
the Founder's habitation.
I asked of others, and they said in answer, May we, awakened men,
attain to Indra.
3 We will tell, Indra, when we pour libation, what mighty deeds thou
hast performed to please us.
Let him who knows not learn, who knows them listen: hither rides
Maghavan with all his army.
4 Indra, when born, thou madest firm thy spirit: alone thou seekest
war to fight with many.
With might thou clavest e'en the rock asunder, and foundest out the
stable of the Milch-kine.
5 When thou wast born supremest at a distance, bearing a name renowned
in far-off regions,
Since then e'en Gods have been afraid of Indra: he conquered all the
floods which served the Dasa.
6 These blissful Maruts sing their psalm to praise thee, and pour to
thee libation of the Soma.
Indra with wondrous powers subdued the Dragon, the guileful lurker who
beset the waters.
7 Thou, Maghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, speeding, while
joying in the milk, the Giver.
There, seeking man's prosperity, thou torest away the head of Namuci
the Dasa.
8 Pounding the head of Namuci the Dasa, me, too thou madest thine
associate, Indra!
Yea, and the rolling stone that is in heaven both worlds, as on a car,
brought to the Maruts.
9 Women for weapons hath the Dasa taken, What injury can his feeble
armies To me?
Well he distinguished his two different voices, and Indra then
advanced to fight the Dasyu.
10 Divided from their calves the Cows went lowing around, on every
side, hither and thither.
These Indra re-united with his helpers, what time the well-pressed
Soma made him joyful.
11 What time the Somas mixed by Babhru cheered him, loud the Steer
bellowed in his habitations.
So Indra drank thereof, the Fort-destroyer, and gave him guerdon, in
return, of milch-kine.
12 This good deed have the Rusamas done, Agni! that they have granted
me four thousand cattle.
We have received Rnancaya's wealth, of heroes the most heroic, which
was freely offered.
13 The Rusamas, O Agni, sent me homeward with fair adornment and with
kine in thousands.
The strong libations have made Indra joyful, when night, whose course
was ending, changed to morning.
14 Night, well-nigh ended, at Rnancaya's coming, King of the Rusamas,
was changed to morning.
Like a strong courser, fleet of foot, urged onward, Babhru hath gained
four thousand as his guerdon.
15 We have received four thousand head of cattle presented by the
Rusamas, O Agni.
And we, the singers, have received the caldron of metal which was
heated for Pravargya.
HYMN XXXI. Indra.
1. MAGHAVAN Indra turns his chariot downward, the
strength-displaying car which he hath mounted.
Even as a herdsman driveth forth his cattle, he goeth, first,
uninjured, fain for treasure.
2. Haste to us, Lord of Bays; be not ungracious: visit us, lover of
gold-hued oblation.
There is naught else better than thou art, Indra: e'en to the wifeless
hast thou given spouses.
3 When out of strength arose the strength that conquers, Indra
displayed all powers that he possesses.
Forth from the cave he drove the milky mothers, and with the light
laid bare investing darkness.
4. Anus have wrought a chariot for thy Courser, and Tvastar,
Much-invoked! thy bolt that glitters.
The Brahmans with their songs exalting Indra increased his strength
that he might slaughter Ahi.
5 When heroes sang their laud to thee the Hero, Indra! and stones and
Aditi accordant,
Without or steed or chariot were the fellies which, sped by Indra,
rolled upon the Dasytis.
6 I will declare thine exploits wrought aforetime, and, Maghavan, thy
deeds of late achievement,
When, Lord of Might, thou sunderedst earth and heaven, winning for man
the moistly-gleaming waters.
7 This is thy deed, e'en this, Wonderful! Singer! that, slaying Ahi,
here thy strength thou showedst,
Didst check and stay e'en gusna's wiles and magic, and, drawing nigh,
didst chase away the Dasytis.
8 Thou, Indra, on the farther bank forYadu and Turvaga didst stay the
gushing waters.
Ye both assailed the fierce: thou barest Kutsa: when Gods and Usana
came to you together.
9 Let the steeds bring you both, Indra and Kutsa, borne on the chariot
within hearing-distance.
Ye blew him from the waters, from his dwelling, and chased the
darkness from the noble's spirit.
10 Even this sage hath come looking for succour even to Vata's docile
harnessed horses.
Here are the Maruts, all, thy dear companions: prayers have increased
thy power and might, O Indra.
11 When night was near its close he carried forward e'en the Sun's
chariot backward in its running.
Etaga brought his wheel and firmly stays it: setting it eastward he
shall give us courage.
12 This Indra, O ye men, hath come to see you, seeking a friend who
hath expressed the Soma.
The creaking stone is laid upon the altar, and the Adhvaryus come to
turn it quickly.
13 Let mortals who were happy still be happy; let them not come to
sorrow, O Immortal.
Love thou the pious, and to these thy people-with whom may we be
numbered-give thou vigour.
HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1.THE well thou clavest, settest free the fountains, and
gavest rest to floods that were obstructed.
Thou, Indra, laying the great mountain open, slaying the Danava, didst
loose the torrents.
2 The fountain-depths obstructed in their seasons, thou, Thunderer!
madest flow, the mountain's udder.
Strong Indra, thou by slaying e'en the Dragon that lay extended there
hast shown thy vigour.
3 Indra with violence smote down the weapon,
yea, even of that wild and mighty creature.
Although he deemed himself alone unequalled, another had been born
e'en yet more potent.
4 Him, whom the heavenly food of these delighted, child of the mist,
strong waxing, couched in darkness,
Him the bolt-hurling Thunderer with his lightning smote down and slew,
the Danava's wrath-fire, Susna.
5 Though he might ne'er be wounded still his vitals felt that, the
God's bolt, which his powers supported,
When, after offered draughts, Strong Lord, thou laidest him, fain to
battle, in the pit in darkness.
6 Him as he lay there huge in length extended, still waxing in the
gloom which no sun lightened,
Him, after loud-voiced threats, the Hero Indra, rejoicing in the
poured libation, slaughtered.
7 When 'gainst the mighty Danava his weapon Indra uplifted, power
which none could combat,
When at the hurling of his bolt he smote him, he made him lower than
all living creatures.
8 The fierce God seized that huge and restless coiler, insatiate,
drinker of the sweets, recumbent,
And with his mighty weapon in his dwelling smote down the footless
evil-speaking ogre.
9 Who may arrest his strength or cheek his vigour? Alone, resistless,
he bears off all riches.
Even these Twain, these Goddesses, through terror of Indra's might,
retire from his dominion.
10 E'en the Celestial Axe bows down before him, and the Earth,
lover-like, gives way to Indra.
As he imparts all vigour to these people, straightway the folk bend
them to him the Godlike.
11 I hear that thou wast born sole Lord of heroes of the Five Races,
famed among the people.
As such my wishes have most lately grasped him, invoking Indra both at
eve and morning.
12 So, too, I hear of thee as in due season urging to action and
enriching singers.
What have thy friends received from thee, the Brahmans who, faithful,
rest their hopes on thee, O Indra?
HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
1. GREAT praise to Indra, great and strong mid heroes, I
ponder thus, the feeble to the Mighty,
Who with his band shows favour to this people, when lauded, in the
fight where spoil is gathered.
2 So made attentive by our hymns, Steer! Indra! thou fastenedst the
girth of thy Bay Coursers,
Which, Maghavan, at thy will thou drivest hither. With these subdue
for us the men who hate us.
3 They were not turned to us-wtrd, lofty Indra! while yet through lack
of prayer they stood unharnessed.
Ascend this chariot, thou whose hand wields thunder, and draw the
rein, O Lord of noble horses.
4 Thou, because many lauds are thine, O Indra, wast active warring in
the fields
for cattle.
For Surya in his own abode thou, Hero, formedst in fights even a
Dasa's nature.
5 Thine are we, Indra; thine are all these people, conscious of might,
whose cars are set in motion.
Some hero come to us, O Strong as Ahi beauteous in war, to be invoked
like Bhaga.
6 Strength much to be desired is in thee, Indra: the Immortal dances
forth his hero exploits.
Such, Lord of Treasure, give us splendid riches. I praise the Friend's
gift, his whose wealth is mighty.
7 Thus favour us, O Indra, with ihy succour; Hero, protect the bards
who sing thy praises.
Be friendly in the fray to those who offer the skin of beautiful and
well-pressed Soma.
8 And these ten steeds which Trasadasyu gives me, the goldrich chief,
the son of Purukutsa,
Resplendent in their brightness shall convey me. Gairiksita willed it
and so came I hither.
9 And these, bestowed as sacrificial guerdon, the powerful tawny
steeds of Marutasva;
And thousands which kind Cyavatana gave me, abundantly bestowed for my
adornment.
10 And these commended horses, bright and active, by Dhvanya son of
Laksmana presented,
Came unto me, as cows into the Rsi Samvarana's stall, with magnitude
of riches.
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HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
1. BOUNDLESS and wasting not, the heavenly food of Gods
goes to the foeless One, doer of wondrous deeds.
Press out, make ready, offer gifts with special zeal to him whom many
laud, accepter of the prayer.
2 He who filled full his belly with the Soma's juice, Maghavan, was
delighted with the meath's sweet draught,
When Usana, that he might slay the monstrous beast, gave him the
mighty weapon with a thousand points.
3 Illustrious is the man whoever presseth out Soma for him in sunshine
or in cloud and rain.
The mighty Maghavan who is the sage's Friend advanceth more and more
his beauteous progeny.
4 The Strong God doth not flee away from him whose sire, whose mother
or whose brother he hath done to death.
He, the Avenger, seeketh this man's offered gifts: this God, the
source of riches, doth not flee from sin.
5 He seeks no enterprise with five or ten to aid, nor stays with him
who pours no juice though prospering well.
The Shaker conquers or slays in this way or that, and to the pious
gives a stable full of kine.
6 Exceeding strong in war he stays the chariot wheel, and, hating him
who pours not, prospers him who pours.
Indra the terrible, tamer of every man, as Arya leads away the Dasa at
his will.
7 He gathers up for plunder all the niggard’s gear: excellent wealth
he gives to him who offers gifts.
Not even in wide stronghold may all the folk stand firm who have
provoked to anger his surpassing might.
8 When Indra Maghavan hath marked two wealthy men fighting for
beauteous cows with all their followers,
He who stirs all things takes one as his close ally, and, Shaker, with
his Heroes, sends the kine to him.
9 Agni! I laud the liberal Agnivesi, Satri the type and standard of
the pious.
May the collected waters yield him plenty, and his be powerful and
bright dominion.
HYMN XXXV. Indra.
1. INDRA, for our assistance bring that most effectual
power of thine,
Which conquers men for us, and wins the spoil, invincible in fight.
2 Indra, whatever aids be thine, four be they, or, O Hero, three,
Or those of the Five Tribes of men, bring quickly all that help to us.
3 The aid most excellent of thee the Mightiest hitherward we call,
For thou wast born with hero might, conquering, Indra, with the
Strong.
4 Mighty to prosper us wast thou born, and mighty is the strength thou
hast.
In native power thy soul is firm: thy valour, Indra, slays a host.
5 O Satakratu, Lord of Strength, O Indra, Caster of the Stone.
With all thy chariot's force assail the man who shows himself thy foe.
6 For, Mightiest Vrtra-slayer, thee, fierce, foremost among many, folk
Whose sacred grass is trimmed invite to battle where the spoil is won.
7 Indra, do thou protect our car that mingles foremost in the fights,
That bears its part in every fray, invincible and seeking spoil.
8 Come to us, Indra, and protect our car with thine intelligence.
May we, O Mightiest One, obtain excellent fame at break of day, and
meditate our hymn at dawn.
HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
1. MAY Indra come to us, he who knows rightly to give
forth treasures from his store of riches.
Even as a thirsty steer who roams the deserts may he drink eagerly the
milked-out Soma.
2 Lord of Bay Horses, Hero, may the Soma rise to thy cheeks and jaws
like mountain-ridges.
May we, O King, as he who driveth coursers, all joy in thee with
hymns, invoked of many!
3 Invoked of many, Caster of the Stone my heart quakes like a rolling
wheel for fear of penury.
Shall not Puruvasu the singer give thee praise, O ever-prospering
Maghavan, mounted on thy car?
4 Like the press-stone is this thy praiser, Indra. Loudly he lifts his
voice with strong endeavour.
With thy left hand, O Maghavan, give us riches: with thy right, Lord
of Bays, be not reluctant.
5 May the strong Heaven make thee the Strong wax stronger: Strong,
thou art borne by thy two strong Bay Horses.
So, fair of cheek, with mighty chariot, mighty, uphold us,
strong-willed, thunderarmed, in battle.
6 Maruts, let all the people in obeisance bow down before this
youthful Srutaratha,
Who, rich in steeds, gave me two dark red horses together with three
hundred head of cattle.
HYMN XXXVII. Indra.
1. BEDEWED with holy oil and meetly worshipped, the
Swift One vies with Surya's beam in splendour.
For him may mornings dawn without cessation who saith, Let us press
Soma out for Indra.
2 With kindled fire and strewn grass let him worship, and,
Soma-presser, sing with stones adjusted:
And let the priest whose press-stones ring forth loudly, go down with
his oblation to the river.
3 This wife is coming near who loves her husband who carries to his
home a vigorous consort.
Here may his car seek fame, here loudly thunder, and his wheel make a
thousand revolutions.
4 No troubles vex that King in whose home Indra drinks the sharp Soma
juice with milk commingled.
With heroes he drives near, he slays the foeman: Blest, cherishing
that name, he guards his people.
5 May he support in peace and win in battle: he masters both the hosts
that meet together.
Dear shall he be to Surya, dear to Agni, who with pressed Soma offers
gifts to India.
HYMN XXXVIII. Indra.
1. WIDE, Indra Satakratu, spreads the bounty of thine
ample grace:
So, Lord of fair dominion, Friend of all men, give us splendid wealth.
2 The food which, Mightiest Indra, thou possessest worthy of renown
Is bruited as most widely famed, invincible, O Golden-hued!
3 O Darter of the Stone, the powers which readily obey thy will,-
Divinities, both thou and they, ye rule, to guard them, earth and
heaven.
4 And from whatever power of thine, O Vrtra-slayer, it may be,
Bring thou to us heroic strength: thou hast a man's regard for us.
5 In thy protection, with these aids of thine, O Lord of Hundred
Powers,
Indra, may we be guarded well, Hero, may we be guarded well.
HYMN XXXIX. Indra.
1. STONE-DARTING Indra. Wondrous One, what wealth is
richly given from thee,
That bounty, Treasure-Finder! bring filling both thy hands, to us.
2 Bring what thou deemest worth the wish, O Indra, that which is in
heaven.
So may we know thee as thou art, boundless in thy munificence.
3 Thy lofty spirit, far-renowned as fain to give and prompt to win,-
With this thou rendest e'en the firm, Stone-Darter! so to gain thee
strength.
4 Singers with many songs have made Indra propitious to their fame,
Him who is King of human kind, most liberal of your wealthy ones.
5 To him, to Indra must be sung the poet's word, the hymn of praise.
To him, accepter of the prayer, the Atris raise their songs on high,
the Atris beautify their songs.
HYMN XL. Indra. Surya. Atri.
1. COME thou to what the stones have pressed, drink
Soma, O thou Soma's Lord,
Indra best Vrtra-slayer Strong One, with the Strong.
2 Strong is the stone, the draught is strong, strong is this Soma that
is pressed,
Indra, best Vrtra-slayer, Strong One with the Strong.
3 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunder-armed, with various
aids,
Indra, best Vrtra-slayer, Strong One with the Strong.
4 Impetuous, Thunderer, Strong, quelling the mighty, King, potent,
Vrtra-slayer, Soma-drinker,
May he come hither with his yoked Bay Horses; may Indra gladden him at
the noon libation.
5 O Surya, when the Asura's descendant Svarbhanu, pierced thee through
and through with darkness,
All creatures looked like one who is bewildered, who knoweth not the
place where he is standing.
6 What time thou smotest down Svarbhanu's magic that spread itself
beneath the sky, O Indra,
By his fourth sacred prayer Atri disoovered Surya concealed in gloom
that stayed his function.
7 Let not the oppressor with this dread, through anger swallow me up,
for I am thine, O Atri.
Mitra art thou, the sender of true blessings: thou and King Varuna be
both my helpers.
8 The Brahman Atri, as he set the press-stones, serving the Gods with
praise and adoration,
Established in the heaven the eye of Surya, and caused Svarbhanu's
magic arts to vanish.
9 The Atris found the Sun again, him whom Svarbhanu of the brood
Of Asuras had pierced with gloom. This none besides had power to do.
HYMN XLI. Visvedevas
1. WHO, Mitra-Varuna, is your pious servant to give you
gifts from earth or mighty heaven?
Preserve us in the seat of holy Order, and give the offerer power that
winneth cattle.
2 May Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, and Ayu, Indra Rbhuksan, and the Maruts,
love us,
And they who of one mind with bounteous Rudra accept the hymn and laud
with adorations.
3 You will I call to feed the car-horse, Asvins, with the wind's
flight swiftest of those who travel:
Or also to the Asura of heaven, Worshipful, bring a hymn as 'twere
libation.
4 The heavenly Victor, he whose priest is Kanva, Trta with Dyaus
accordant, Vata, Agni,
All-feeding Pusan, Bhaga sought the oblation, as they whose steeds are
fleetest seek the contest.
5 Bring ye your riches forward borne on horses: let thought be framed
for help and gain of treasure.
Blest he the priest of Ausija through courses, the courses which are
yours the fleet, O Maruts.
6 Bring hither him who yokes the car, your Vayu, who praises with his
songs, the God and Singer;
And, praying and devout, noble and prudent, may the Gods' Spouses in
their thoughts retain us.
7 I speed to you with powers that should be honoured, with songs
distinguishing Heaven's mighty Daughters,
Morning and Night, the Two, as 'twere all-knowing: these bring the
sacrifice unto the mortal.
8 You I extol, the nourishers of heroes bringing you gifts, Vastospati
and Tvastar-
Rich Dhisana accords through our obeisance - andTrees and Plants, for
the swift gain of riches.
9 Ours be the Parvatas, even they, for offspring, free-moving, who are
Heroes like the Vasus.
May holy Aptya, Friend of man, exalted, strengthen our word for ever
and be near us.
10 Trta praised him, germ of the earthly hero, with pure songs him the
Offspring of the Waters.
Agn; with might neighs loudly like a charger: he of the flaming hair
destroys the forests.
11 How shall we speak to the great might of Rudra? How speak to Bhaga
who takes thought for riches?
May Plants, the Waters, and the Sky preserve us, and Woods and
Mountains with their trees for tresses.
12 May the swift Wanderer, Lord of refreshments listen to our songs,
who speeds throuih cloudy heaven:
And may the Waters, bright like castles, hear us, as they flow onward
from the cloven mountain.
13 We know your ways, ye Mighty Ones receiving choice meed, ye
Wonderful, we will proclaim it.
Even strong birds descend not to the mortal who strives to reach them
with swift blow and weapons.
14 Celestial and terrestrial generations, and Waters will I summon to
the feasting.
May days with bright dawns cause my songs to prosper, and may the
conquered streams increase their waters.
15 Duly to each one hath my laud been offered. Strong be Varutri with
her powers to succour.
May the great Mother Rasa here befriend us, straight-handed, with the
princes, striving forward.
16 How may we serve the Liberal Ones with worship, the Maruts swift of
course in invocation, the Maruts far-renowned in invocation?
Let not the Dragon of the Deep annoy us, and gladly may he welcome our
addresses.
17 Thus thinking, O ye Gods, the mortal wins you to give him increase
of his herds of cattle: the mortal wins him, O ye Gods, your favour.
Here he wins wholesome food to feed this body: as for mine old age,
Nirrti consume it
18 O Gods, may we obtain from you this favour, strengthening food
through the Cow's praise, ye Vasus.
May she who gives good gifts, the gracious Goddes. s, come speeding
nigh to us for our well-being.
19 May Ila, Mother of the herds of cattle, and Urvasi with all the
streams accept us;
May Urvasi in lofty heaven accepting, as she partakes the oblation of
the living,
20 Visit us while she shares Urjavya's food.
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HYMN XLII. Visvedevas.
1. Now may our sweetest song with deep devotion reach
Varuna, Mitra, Aditi, and Bhaga.
May the Five Priests' Lord, dwelling in oblations, bliss-giving Asura,
hear, whose paths are open.
2 May Aditi welcome, even as a mother her dear heart-gladdening son,
my song that lauds her.
The prayer they love, bliss-giving, God-appointed, I offer unto Varuna
and Mitra.
3 In spirit him, the Sagest of the Sages; with sacrificial oil and
meath bedew him
So then let him, God Savitar, provide us excellent, ready, and
resplendent treasures.
4 With willing mind, Indra, vouchsafe us cattle, prosperity, Lord of
Bays! and pious patrons;
And, with the sacred prayer by Gods appointed, give us the holy
Deities' lovingkindness.
5 God Bhaga, Savitar who deals forth riches, Indra, and they who
conquer Vrtra's treasures,
And Vaja and Rbhuksan and Purandhi, the Mighty and Immortal Ones,
protect us!
6 Let us declare his deeds, the undecaying unrivalled Victor whom the
Maruts follow.
None of old times, O Maghavan, nor later, none of these days hath
reached thy hero prowess.
7 Praise him the Chief who gives the boon of riches, Brhaspati
distributor of treasures,
Who, blessing most the man who sings and praises, comes with abundant
wealth to his invoker.
8 Tended, Brhaspati, with thy protections, the princes are unharmed
and girt by heroes.
Wealth that brings bliss is found among the givers of horses and of
cattle and of raiment.
9 Make their wealth flee who, through our hymns enjoying their riches,
yield us not an ample guerdon.
Far from the sun keep those who hate devotion, the godless, prospering
in their vocation.
10 With wheelless chariots drive down him, O Maruts, who at the feasts
of Gods regards the demons.
May he, though bathed in sweat, form empty wishes, who blames his
sacred rite who toils to serve you.
11 Praise him whose bow is strong and sure his arrow, him who is Lord
of every balm that bealeth.
Worship thou Rudra for his great good favour: adore the Asura, God,
with salutations.
12 May the House-friends, the cunning-handed Artists, may the Steer's
Wives, the streams carved out by Vibhvan,
And may the fair Ones honour and befriend us, Sarasvati, Brhaddiva,
and Raka.
13 My newest song, thought that now springs within me, I offer to the
Great, the Sure Protector,
Who made for us this All, in fond love laying each varied form within
his Daughter's bosom.
14 Now, even now, may thy fair praise, O Singer, attain Idaspati who
roars and thunders,
Who, rich in clouds and waters with his lightning speeds forth
bedewing both the earth and heaven.
15 May this my laud attain the troop of Maruts, those who are youths
in act, the Sons of Rudra.
The wish calls me to riches and well-being: praise the unwearied Ones
whose steeds are dappled.
16 May this my laud reach earth and air's mid-region, and forest trees
and plants to win me riches.
May every Deity be swift to listen, and Mother Earth with no ill
thought regard me.
17 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss.
18 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their
health-bestowing happy guidance.
Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and joy,
Immortals!
HYMN XLIII. Visvedevas.
1. MAY the Milch-cows who hasten to their object come
harmless unto us with liquid sweetness.
The Singer, lauding, calls, for ample riches, the Seven Mighty Ones
who bring enjoyment.
2 With reverence and fair praise will I bring hither, for sake of
strength, exhaustless Earth and Heaven.
Father and Mother, sweetof speech, fairhanded, may they, far-famed, in
every fight protect us.
3 Adhvaryus, make the sweet libations ready, and bring the beautiful
bright juice to Vayu.
God, as our Priest, be thou the first to drink it: we give thee of the
mead to make thee joyful.
4 Two arms-the Soma's dexterous immo. lators-and the ten fingers set
and fix the press-stone.
The stalk hath poured, fair with its spreading branches, the mead's
bright glittering juice that dwells on mountains.
5 The Soma hath been pressed for thee, its lover, to give thee power
and might and high enjoyment.
Invoked, turn hither in thy car, O Indra, at need, thy two
well-trained and dear Bay Horses.
6 Bring by God-traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati,
Celestial Lady,
Exalted, worshipped with our gifts and homage, who knoweth holy Law,
to drink sweet Soma.
7 As on his father's lap the son, the darling, so on the fire is set
the sacred caldron,
Which holy singers deck, as if extending and heating that which holds
the fatty membrane.
8 Hither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty song,
most sweet and pleasant!
Come in one car, joy-givers! to the banquet, like the bolt binding
pole and nave, come hither.
9 I have declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and
victorious Vayu,
Who by their bounty are the hymns' inspirers, and of themselves give
power as a possession.
10 Invoked by us bring hither, jatavedas the Maruts all under their
names and figures.
Come to the sacrifice with aid all Maruts, all to the songs and
praises of the singer!
11 From high heaven may Sarasvati the Holy visit our sacrifice, and
from the mountain.
Eager, propitious, may the balmy Goddess hear our effectual speech,
our invocation.
12 Set in his seat the God whose back is dusky, Brhaspati the lofty,
the Disposer.
Him let us worship, set within the dwelling, the red, the golden-hued,
the allresplendent.
13 May the Sustainer, high in heaven, come hither, the Bounteous One,
invoked, with all his favours,
Dweller with Dames divine, with plants, unwearied, the Steer with
triple horn, the life-bestower.
14 The tuneful eloquent priests of him who liveth have sought the
Mother's bright and loftiest station.
As living men, with offered gifts and homage they deck the most
auspicious Child to clothe him.
15 Agni, great vital power is thine, the mighty: pairs waxing old in
their devotion seek thee.
May every Deity be swift to listen, and Mother Earth with no ill
thought regard me.
16 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss.
17 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their
health-bestowing happy guidance.
Bring riches hither unto us, and heroes, and all felicity and joy,
Immortals!
HYMN XLIV. Visvedevas.
1. As in the first old times, as all were wont, as now,
he draweth forth the power turned hitherward with song,
The Princedom throned on holy grass, who findeth light, swift,
conquering in the' plants wherein he waxeth strong.
2 Shining to him who leaves heaven's regions undisturbed, which to his
sheen who is beneath show fair in light,
Good guardian art thou, not to be deceived, Most Wise! Far from
deceits thy name dwelleth in holy Law.
3 Truth waits upon oblation present and to come: naught checks him in
his way, this vic tory- bringing Priest:
The Mighty Child who glides along the sacred grass, the undecaying
Youth set in the midst of plants.
4 These come, well-yoked, to you for furtherance in the rite: down
come the twinborn strengtheners of Law for him,
With reins easily guided and commanding all. In the deep fall the hide
stealeth away their names.
5 Thou, moving beauteously in visibly pregnant ones, snatching with
trees the branching plant that grasps the juice,
Shinest, true Singer! mid the upholders of the voice. Increase thy
Consorts thou, lively at sacrifice.
6 Like as he is beheld such is he said to be.
They with effectual splendour in the floods have made
Earth yield us room enough and amply wide extent, great might
invincible, with store of hero sons.
7 Surya the Sage, as if unwedded, with a Spouse, in battle-loving
spirit moveth o'er the foes.
May he, self-excellent, grant us a sheltering home, a house that wards
the fierce heat off on every side.
8 Thy name, sung forth by Rsis in these hymns of ours, goes to the
loftier One with this swift mover's light.
By skill he wins the boon whereon his heart is set: he who bestirs
himself shall bring the thing to pass.
9 The chief and best of these abideth in the sea, nor doth libation
fail wherein it is prolonged.
The heart of him who praiseth trembleth not in fear there where the
hymn is found connected with the pure.
10 For it is he: with though to of Ksatra, Manasa, of Yajata, and
Sadhri, and Evavada,
With Avatsara's sweet songs will we strive to win the mightiest
strength which even he who knows should gain.
11 The Hawk is their full source, girth-stretching rapturous drink of
Visvavara, of Mayin, and Yajata.
They ever seek a fresh draught so that they may come, know when thy
time to halt and drink thy fill is near.
12 Sadaprna the holy, Tarya, Srutavit, and Bahuvrkta, joined with you,
have slain the foes.
He gains his wish in both the worlds and brightly shines-when he
adores the host with well-advancing steeds.
13 The worshipper's defender is Sutambhara, producer and uplifter of
all holy thoughts.
The milch-cow brought, sweet-flavoured milk was dealt around. Who
speaks the bidding text knows this, not he who sleeps.
11 The sacred hymns love him who wakes and watches: to him who watches
come the Sama verses.
This Soma saith unto the man who watches, I rest and have my dwelling
in thy friendship.
15 Agni is watchful, and the gcas love him; Agni is watchful, Sama
verses seek him.
Agni is watchful, to him saith this Soma, I rest and have my dwelling
in thy friendship.
HYMN XLV. Visvedevas.
1. BARDS of approaching Dawn who know the heavens are
come with hymns to throw the mountain open.
The Sun hath risen and oped the stable portals: the doors of men, too,
hath the God thrown open.
2 Surya hath spread his light as splendour: hither came the Cows'
Mother, conscious, from the stable,
To streams that flow with biting waves to deserts; and heaven is
stablished like a firm-set pillar.
3 This laud hath won the burden of the mountain. To aid the ancient
birth of mighty waters
The mountain parted, Heaven performed his office. The worshippers were
worn with constant serving.
4 With hymns and God-loved words will I invoke you, Indra and Agni, to
obtain your favour,
For verily sages, skilled in sacrificing, worship the Maruts and with
lauds invite them.
5 This day approach us: may our thoughts be holy, far from us let us
cast away misfortune.
Let us keep those who hate us at a distance, and haste to meet the man
who sacrifices.
6 Come, let us carry out, O friends, the purpose wherewith the Mother
threw the Cow's stall open,
That wherewith Manu conquered Visisipra, wherewith the wandering
merchant gained heaven's water.
7 Here, urged by hands, loudly hath rung the press-stone wherewith
Navagvas through ten months sang praises.
Sarama went aright and found the cattle. Angiras gave effect to all
their labours.
8 When at the dawning of this mighty Goddess, Angirases all sang forth
with the cattle,-
Their spring is in the loftiest place of meeting,-Sarama found the
kine by Order's pathway.
9 Borne by his Coursers Seven may Surya visit the field that spreadeth
wide for his long journey.
Down on the Soma swooped the rapid Falcon. Bright was the young Sage
moving mid his cattle.
10 Surya hath mounted to the shining ocean when he hath yoked his
fair-backed Tawny Horses.
The wise have drawn him like a ship through water: the floods obedient
have descended hither.
11 I lay upon the Floods your hymn, lightwinning, wherewith Navagvas
their ten months completed.
Through this our hymn may we have Gods to guard us: through this our
hymn pass safe beyond affliction.
HYMN XLVI. Visvedevas.
1. WELL knowing I have bound me, horselike, to the pole:
I carry that which bears as on and gives us help.
I seek for no release, no turning back therefrom. May he who knows the
way, the Leader, guide me straight.
2 O Agni, Indra, Varuna, and Mitra, give, O ye Gods, and Marut host,
and Visnu.
May both Nasatyas, Rudra, heavenly Matrons, Pusan, Sarasvati, Bhaga,
accept us.
3 Indra and Agni, Mitra, Varuna, Aditi, the Waters, Mountains, Maruts,
Sky, and Earth and Heaven,
Visnu I call, Pusan, and Brahmanaspati, and Bhaga, Samsa, Savitar that
they may help.
4 May Visnu also and Vata who injures none, and Soma granter of
possessions give us joy;
And may the Rbhus and the Asvins, Tvastar and Vibhvan remember us so
that we may have wealth.
5 So may the band of Maruts dwelling in the sky, the holy, come to us
to sit on sacred grass;
Brhaspati and Pusan grant us sure defence, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman
guard and shelter us.
6 And may the Mountains famed in noble eulogies, and the fair-gleaming
Rivers keep us safe from harm.
May Bhaga the Dispenser come with power and grace, and far-pervading
Aditi listen to my call.
7 May the Gods' Spouses aid us of their own freewill, aid us to
offspring and the winning of the spoil.
Grant us protection, O ye gracious Goddesses, ye who are on the earth
or in the waters' realm.
8 May the Dames, wives of Gods, enjoy our presents, Rat, Asvini,
Agnayi, and Indrani.
May Rodasi and Varunani hear us, and Goddesses come at the Matrons'
season.
HYMN XLVII. Visvedevas.
1. URGING to toil and making proclamation, seeking
Heaven's Daughter comes the Mighty Mother:
She comes, the youthful Hymn, unto the Fathers, inviting to her home
and loudly calling.
2 Swift in their motion, hasting to their duty, reaching the central
point of life immortal,
On every side about the earth and heaven go forth the spacious paths
without a limit.
3 Steer, Sea, Red Bird with strong wings, he hath entered the
dwelling-place of the Primeval Father.
A gay-hued Stone set in the midst of heaven, he hath gone forth and
guards mid-air's two limits.
4 Four bear him up and give him rest and quiet, and ten invigorate the
Babe for travel.
His kine most excellent, of threefold nature, pass swiftly round the
boundaries of heaven.
5 Wondrous, O people, is the mystic knowledge that while the waters
stand the streams are flowing:
That, separate from his Mother, Two support him, closely-united,
twins, here made apparent.
6 For him they lenghten prayers and acts of worship: the Mothers weave
garments for him their offspring.
Rejoicing, for the Steer's impregning contact, his Spouses move on
paths or heaven to meet him.
7 Be this our praise, O Varuna and Mitra may this be health and force
to us, O Agni.
May we obtain firm ground and room for resting: Glory to Heaven, the
lofty habitation!
HYMN XLVIII. Visvedevas.
1. WHAT may we meditate for the beloved Power, mighty in
native strength and glorious in itself,
Which as a magic energy seeking waters spreads even to theimmeasurable
middle region's cloud?
2 O'er all the region with their uniform advance these have spread out
the lore that giveth heroes strength.
Back, with their course reversed, the others pass away: the pious
lengthens life with those that are before.
3 With pressing-stones and with the bright beams of the day he hurls
his broadest bolt against the Guileful One.
Even he whose hundred wander in his own abode, driving the days afar
and bringing them again.
4 I, to enjoy the beauty of his form, behold that rapid rush of his as
'twere an axe's edge,
What time he gives the man who calls on him in fight wealth like a
dwelling-house filled full with store of food.
5 Four-faced and nobly clad, Varuna, urging on the pious to his task,
stirs himself with the tongue.
Naught by our human nature do we know of him, him from whom Bhaga
Savitar bestows the boon.
HYMN XLIX. Visvedevas.
1. THIS day I bring God Savitar to meet you, and Bhaga
who allots the wealth of mortals.
You, Asvins, Heroes rich in treasures, daily seeking your friendship
fain would I turn hither.
2 Knowing full well the Asura's time of coming, worship God Savitar
with hymns and praises.
Let him who rightly knoweth speak with homage to him who dealeth out
man's noblest treasure.
3 Not for reward doth Pusan send his blessings, Bhaga, or Aditi: his
garb is splendour.
May Indra, Visniu, Varuna, Mitra, Agni produce auspicious days, the
Wonder-Workers.
4 Sending the shelter which we ask, the foeless Savitar and the Rivers
shall approach us.
When I, the sacrifice's priest, invite them, may we he lords of wealth
and rich possessions.
5 They who devote such worship to the Vasus, singing their hymns to
Varuna and Mitra,
Vouchsafe them ample room, far off be danger. Through grace of Heaven
and Earth may we be happy.
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HYMN L. Visvedevas.
1. LET every mortal man elect the friendship of the
guiding God.
Each one solicits him for wealth and seeks renown to prosper him.
2 These, leading God, are thine, and these here ready to speak after
us.
As such may we attain to wealth and wait with services on thee.
3 So further honour as our guests the Hero Gods and then the Dames.
May he remove and keep afar our foes and all who block our path.
4 Where fire is set, and swiftly runs the victim dwelling in the
trough,
He wins, with heroes in his home, friendly to man, like constant
streams.
5 May these thy riches, Leader God! that rule the car, be blest to us,
Yea, blest to us for wealth and weal. This will we ponder praising
strength, this ponder as we praise the God.
HYMN LI. Visvedevas.
1. WITH all assistants, Agni, come hither to drink the
Soma-juice;
With Gods unto our sacred gifts.
2 Come to the sacrifice, O ye whose ways are right, whose laws are
true,
And drink the draught with Agni's tongue.
3 O Singer, with the singers, O Gracious, with those who move at dawn,
Come to the Soma-draught with Gods.
4 To Indra and to Vayu dear, this Soma, by the mortar pressed,
Is now poured forth to fill the jar.
5 Vayu, come hither to the feast, wellpleased unto our sacred gifts:
Drink of the Soma juice effused come to the food.
6 Ye, Indra, Vayu, well deserve to drink the juices pressed by us.
Gladly accept them, spotless Pair come to the food.
7 For Indra and for Vayu pressed are Soma juices blent with curd,
As rivers to the lowland flow: come to the food.
8 Associate with all the Gods, come, with the Asvins and with Dawn,
Agni, as erst with Atri, so enjoy the juice.
9 Associate with Varuna, with Mitra, Soma, Visnu, come,
Agni, as erstwith Atri, so enjoy the juice.
10 Associate with Vasus, with Adityas, Indra, Viyu, come, Agni as erst
with Atri, so enjoy the juice.
11 May Bhaga and the Asvins grant us health and wealth, and Goddess
Adid and he whom none resist.
The Asura Pusan grant us all prosperity, and Heaven and Earth most
wise vouchsafe us happiness.
12 Let us solicit Vayu for prosperity, and Soma who is Lord of all the
world for weal;
For weal Brhaspati with all his company. May the Adityas bring us
health and happiness.
13 May all the Gods, may Agni the beneficent, God of all men, this day
be with us for our weal.
Help us the Rbhus, the Divine Ones, for our good. May Rudra bless and
keep us from calamity.
14 Prosper us, Mitra, Varuna. O wealthy Pathya, prosper us.
Indra and Agni, prosper us; prosper us thou, O Aditi.
15 Like Sun and Moon may we pursue in full prosperity our path,
And meet with one who gives again, -who knows us well and slays us
not.
HYMN LII Maruts.
1. SING boldly forth, Syavasva, with the Maruts who are
loud in song,
Who, holy, as their wont is, joy in glory that is free from guile.
2 For in their boldness they are friends of firm and sure heroic
strength.
They in their course, bold-spirited, guard all men of their own
accord.
3 Like steers in rapid motion they advance and overtake the nights;
And thus the Maruts' power in heaven and on the earth we celebrate.
4 With boldness to your Maruts let us offer laud and sacrifice:
Who all, through ages of mankind, guard mortal man from injury.
5 Praiseworthy, givers of good gifts, Heroes with full and perfect
strength -
To Maruts, Holy Ones of heaven, will I extol the sacrifice.
6 The lofty Heroes cast their spears and weapons bright with gleaming
gold.
After these Maruts followed close, like laughing lightning from the
sky, a splendour of its own accord.
7 They who waxed mighty, of the earth, they who are in the wide
mid-air,
Or in the rivers' compass, or in the abode of ample heaven.
8 Praise thou the Maruts' company, the valorous and truly strong,
The Heroes, hasting, by themselves have yoked their deer for victory.
9 Fair-gleaming, on Parusni they have clothed themselves in robes of
wool,
And with their chariot tires they cleave the rock asunder in their
might.
10 Whether as wanderers from the way or speeders on or to the path,
Under these names the spreading band tend well the sacrifice for me.
11 To this the Heroes well attend, well do their teams attend to this.
Visible are their varied forms. Behold, they are Paravatas.
12 Hymn-singing, seeking water, they, praising, have danced about the
spring.
What are they unto me? No thieves, but helpers, splendid to behold.
13 Sublime, with lightnings for their spears, Sages and Orderers are
they.
Rsi, adore that Marut host, and make them happy with thy song.
14 Rsi, invite the Marut band with offerings, as a maid her friend.
From heaven, too, Bold Ones, in your might haste hither glorified with
songs.
15 Thinking of these now let him come, as with the escort of the Gods,
And with the splendid Princes, famed for rapid courses, to the gifts.
16 Princes, who, when I asked their kin, named Prsni as their
Mother-cow,
And the impetuous Rudra they, the Mighty Ones, declared their Sire.
17 The mighty ones, the seven times seven, have singly given me
hundred gifts.
I have obtained on Yamuna famed wealth in kine and wealth in steeds.
HYMN LIII. Maruts.
1. Who knows the birth of these, or who lived in the
Maruts' favour in the days of old
What time their spotted deer were yoked?
2 Who, when they stood upon their cars, hath heard them tell the way
they went?
Who was the bounteous man to whom their kindred rains flowed down with
food of sacrifice?
3 To me they told it, and they came with winged steeds radiant to the
draught,
Youths, Heroes free from spot or stain: Behold us here and praise thou
us;
4 Who shine self-luminous with ornaments and swords, with
breastplates, armlets, and with wreaths,
Arrayed on chariots and with bows.
5 O swift to pour your bounties down, ye Maruts, with delight I look
upon your cars,
Like splendours coming through the rain.
6 Munificent Heroes, they have cast heaven's treasury down for the
worshipper's behoof:
They set the storm-cloud free tostream through both the worlds, and
rainfloods flow o'er desert spots.
7 The bursting streams m billowy flood have spread abroad, like
milch-kine, o'er the firmament.
Like swift steeds hasting to their journey's resting-place, to every
side run glittering brooks.
8 Hither, O Maruts, come from heaven, from mid-air, or from near at
hand
Tarry not far away from us.
9 So let not Rasa, Krumu, or Anitabha, Kubha, or Sindhu hold you back.
Let not the watery Sarayti obstruct your way. With us be all the bliss
ye give.
10 That brilliant gathering of your cars, the company of Maruts, of
the Youthful Ones,
The rain-showers, speeding on, attend.
11 With eulogies and hymns may we follow your army, troop by troop,
and band by band,
And company by company.
12 To what oblation-giver, sprung of noble ancestry, have sped
The Maruts on this course to-day?
13 Vouchsafe to us the bounty, that which we implore, through which,
for child and progeny,
Ye give the seed of corn that wasteth not away, and bliss that
reacheth to all life.
14 May we in safety pass by those who slander us, leaving behind
disgrace and hate.
Maruts, may we be there when ye, at dawn, in rest and toil, rain
waters down and balm.
15 Favoured by Gods shall he the man, O Heroes, Marutr! and possessed
of noble sons,
Whom ye protect. Such may we be.
16 Praise the Free-givers. At this liberal patron's rite they joy like
cattle in the mead.
So call thou unto them who come as ancient Friends: hymn those who
love thee with a song.
HYMN LIV. Maruts.
1. THIS hymn will I make for the Marut host who bright
in native splendour cast the mountains down.
Sing the great strength of those illustrious in renown, wh | |
