HYMN XXXI. Visvedevas.
HELP, Varuna and Mitra, O ye Twain allied with Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas, help our car,That, as the wild birds of the forest from their home, our horses may fly forth, glad, eager for renown.2 Yea, now ye Gods of one accord speed on our car what time among the folk it seeks an act of might;When, hasting through the region with the stamp of hoofs, our swift steeds trample on the ridges of the earth.3 Or may our Indra here, the Friend of all mankind, coming from heaven, most.wise, girt by the Marut host,Accompany, with aid untroubled by a foe, our car to mighty gain, to win the meed of strength.4 Or may this Tvastar, God who rules the world with power, one-minded with the Goddesses speed forth our car;Ila and Bhaga the celestial, Earth and Heaven, Pusan, Purandhi, and the Asvins, ruling Lords.5 Or, seen alternate, those two blessed Goddesses, Morning and Night who stir all living things to act:While with my newest song I praise you both, O Earth, that from what moves not ye may spread forth threefold food.6 Your blessing as a boon for suppliants we desire: the Dragon of the Deep, and Aja-Ekapad,Trita, Rbhuksan, Savitar shall joy in us, and ihe Floods' swift Child in our worship and our prayer.7 These earnest prayers I pray to you, ye Holy: to pay you honour, living men have formed them,Men fain to win the prize and glory. May they win, as a car-horse might the goal, your notice.
HYMN XXXII. Various Deities.
GRACIOUSLY further, O ye Heaven and Earth, this speech striving to win reward, of me your worshipper.First rank I give to you, Immortal, high extolled! I, fain to win me wealth, to you the migbty Pair.2 Let not man's guile annoy us, secret or by day: give not us up a prey to these calamities.Sever not thou our friendship: think thereon for us. This, with a heart that longs for bliss, we seek from thee.3 Bring hither with benignant mind the willing Cow teeming with plenteous milk, full, inexhaustible.O thou invoked by many, day by day I urge thee with my word, a charger rapid in his tread.4 With eulogy I call on Raka swift to hear may she, auspicious, hear us, and herself observe.With never-breaking needle may she sew her work, and give a hero son most wealthy, meet for praise.5 All thy kind thoughts, O Raka, lovely in their form, wherewith thou grantest wealth to him who offers gifts-With these come thou to us this day benevolent, O Blessed One, bestowing food of thousand sorts.6 O broad-tressed Sinivali, thou who art the Sister of the Gods,Accept the offered sacrifice, and, Goddess, grant us progeny.7 With lovely fingers, lovely arms, prolific Mother of many sons-Present the sacred gifts to her, to Sinlivali Queen of men.8 Her, Sinivali, her, Gungu, her, Raka, her, Sarasvati, Indrani to mine aid I call, and Vartunani for my weal.
HYMN XXXIII. Rudra.
FATHER of Maruts, let thy bliss approach us: exclude us not from looking on the sunlight.Gracious to our fleet courser be the Hero may we transplant us, Rudra, in our children.2 With the most saving medicines which thou givest, Rudra, may I attain a hundred winters.Far from us banish enmity and hatred, and to all quarters maladies and trouble.3 Chief of all born art thou in glory, Rudra, armed with the thunder, mightiest of the mighty.Transport us over trouble to well-being repel thou from us all assaults of mis. chief.4 Let us not anger thee with worship, Rudra, ill praise, Strong God! or mingled invocation.Do thou with strengthening balms incite our heroes: I hear thee famed as best of all physicians.5 May I with praise-songs win that Rudra's favour who is adored with gifts and invocations.Ne'er may the tawny God, fair-checked, and gracious, swifthearing, yield us to this evil purpose.6 The Strong, begirt by Maruts, hath refreshed me, with most invigorating food, imploring.As he who finds a shade in fervent sunlight may I, uninjured, win the bliss of Rudra.7 Where is that gracious hand of thine, O Rudra, the hand that giveth health and bringeth comfort,Remover of the woe that Gods have sent us? O Strong One, look thou on me with compassion.8 To him the strong, great, tawny, fair-complexioned, I utter forth a mighty hymn of praises.We serve the brilliant God with adorations, we glorify, the splendid name of Rudra.9 With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations:The strength of Godhead ne'er departs from Rudra, him who is Sovran of this world, the mighty.10 Worthy, thou carriest thy bow and arrows, worthy, thy manyhued and honoured necklace.Worthy, thou cuttest here each fiend to pieces: a mightier than thou there is not, Rudra.11 Praise him the chariot-borne, the young, the famous, fierce, slaying like a dread beast of the forest.O Rudra, praised, be gracious to the singer. let thy hosts spare us and smite down another.12 I bend to thee as thou approachest, Rudra, even as a boy before the sire who greets him.I praise thee Bounteous Giver, Lord of heroes: give medicines to us as thou art lauded.13 Of your pure medicines, O potent Martits, those that are wholesomest and healthbestowing,Those which our father Manu hath selected, I crave from. Rudra for our gain and welfare.14 May Rudra's missile turn aside and spare us, the great wrath of the impetuous One avoid us.Turn, Bounteous God, thy strong bow from our princes, and be thou gracious to our seed and offspring.15 O tawny Bull, thus showing forth thy nature, as neither to be wroth, O God, nor slay us.Here, Rudra, listen to our invocation. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXXIV. Maruts
THE Maruts of resistless might who love the rain, resplendent, terrible like wild beasts in their strength,Glowing like flames of fire, impetuous in career, blowing the wandering raincloud, have disclosed the kine.2 They gleam with armlets as the heavens are decked with stars, like cloud-born lightnings shine the torrents of their rain.Since the strong Rudra, O Maruts with brilliant chests, sprang into life for you in Prsni's radiant lap.3 They drip like horses in the racings of swift steeds; with the stream's rapid cars they hasten on their way.Maruts with helms of gold, ye who make all things shake, con e with your spotted deer, one-minded, to our food.4 They have bestowed of Mitra all that live, to feed, they who for evermore cause their swift drops to flow;Whose steeds are spotted deer, whose riches never fail, like horses in full speed, bound to the pole in work.5 With brightly-flarning kine whose udders swell with milk, idth glittering lances on your unobstructed paths,O Maruts, of one mind, like swans who seek their nests, come to the rapturous enjoyment of the meath.6 To these our prayers, O Maruts, come unanimous, come ye to our libations like the praise of men.Make it swell like a mare, in udder like a cow, and for the singer grace the song with plenteous strength.7 Give us a steed, O Maruts migbty in the car; prevailing prayer that brings remembrance day by day;Food to your praisers, to your bard in deeds of might give winning wisdom, power uninjured, unsurpassed.8 When the bright-chested Maruts, lavish of their gifts, bind at the time bliss their horses to the cars,Then, as the milch-cow feeds her calf within the stalls, they pour forth food for all oblation-bringing men.9 Save us, O Maruts, Vasus, from the injurer, the mortal foe who makes us looked upon as wolves.With chariot all aflame compass him round about: O Rudras, cast away the foeman's deadly bolt.10 Well-known, ye Maruts, is that wondrous course of yours, when they milked Prsni's udder, close akin to her.Or when to shame the bard who lauded, Rudra's Sons, ye O infallible brought Trita to decay.11 We call youi such, great Maruts, following wonted ways, to the oblation paid to Visnu Speeder-on.With ladles lifted up, with prayer, we seek of them preeminent, golden-hued, the wealth which all extol.12 They, the Dasagvas, first of all brought sacrifice: they at the break of mornings shall inspirit us.Dawn with her purple beams uncovereth the nights, with great light glowing like a billowy sea of milk.13 The Rudras have rejoiced thern in the gathered bands at seats of worship as in purple ornaments.They with impetuous vigour sending down the rain have taken to themselves a bright and lovely hue.14 Soliciting their high protection for our help, with this our adoration we sing praise to them,Whom, for assistance, like the five terrestrial priests. Trita hath brought to aid us hither on his car.15 So may your favouring help be turned to us-ward, your kindness like a Iowing cow approach us,Wherewith ye bear your servant over trouble, and free your worshipper from scoff and scorning.
HYMN XXXV. Son of Waters.
EAGER for spoil my flow of speech I utter: may the Floods' Child accept my songs with favour.Will not the rapid Son of Waters make them lovely, for he it is who shall enjoy them?2 To him let us address the song well-fashioned, forth from the heart. Shall he not understand it'The friendly Son of Waters by the greatness of Godhead hath produced all things existing.3 Some floods unite themselves and others join them: die sounding rivers fill one common storehouse.On every side the bright Floods have encompassed the bright resplendent Offspring of the Waters.4 The never-sullen waters, youthful Maidens, carefully decking, wait on him the youthful.He with bright rays shines forth in splendid beauty, unfed with wood. in waters, oil-enveloped.5 To him three Dames are oftering food to feed him, Goddesses to the God whom none may injure.Within the waters hath he pressed, as hollows, and drinks their milk who now are first made mothers.6 Here was the horse's birth; his was the sunlight. Save thou our princes from the oppressor's onslaught.Him, indestructible, dwelling at a distance in forts unwrought lies and ill spirits reach not.7 He, in whose mansion is the teeming Milch-cow, swells the Gods' nectar and cats noble viands.lle Son of Waters, gathering strength in waters, shines for his worshipper to give him treasures.8 He who in waters with his own pure Godhead shines widely, law-abiding, everlasting-The other worlds are verily his branches, and plants are born of him with all their offspring.9 The Waters' Son hath risen, and clothed in lightning ascended up unto the curled cloud's bosom;And bearing with them his supremest glory the Youthful Ones, gold-coloured, move around him.10 Golden in form is he, like gold to look on, his colour is like gold, the Son of Waters.When he is seated fresh from golden birthplace those who present their gold give food to feed him.11 This the fair name and this the lovely aspect of him the Waters' Son increase in secret.Whom here the youthful Maids together kindle, his food is sacred oil of golden colour.12 Him, nearest Friend of many, will we worship with sacrifice. and reverence and oblation.I make his back to shine, with chips provide him; t offer food and with my songs exalt him.13 The Bull hath laid his own life-germ Within them. He sucks them as an infant, and they kiss him.He, Son of Waters, of unfading colour, hadi entered here as in another's body.14 While here he dwelleth in sublimest station, resplendent with the rays that never perish,The Waters, bearing oil to feed their ofispring, flow, Youthful Ones, in wanderings about him.15 Agni, I gave good shelter to the people, and to the princes goodly preparation.Blessed is all that Gods regard with favour. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXXVI Various Gods.
WATER and milk hath he endued, sent forth to thee: the men have drained him with the filters and the stones.Drink, Indra, from the Hotar's bowlfirst right is thine-Soma hallowed and poured with Vasat and Svaha.2 Busied with sacrifice, with spotted deer and spears, gleaming upon your way with ornaments, yea, our Friends,Sitting on sacred grass, ye Sons of Bharata, drink Soma from the Potar's bowl, O Men of heaven.3 Come unto us, ye swift to listen: as at home upon the sacred grass sit and enjoy yourselves.And, Tvastar, well-content be joyful in the juice with Gods and Goddesses in gladsome company.4 Bring the Gods hither, Sage, and offer sacrifice: at the three altars seat thee willingly, O Priest.Accept for thy delight the proffered Soma meath: drink from the Kindler's bowl and fill thee with thy share.5 This is the strengthener of thy body's manly might: strength, victory for all time are placed within thine arms.Pressed for thee, Maghavan, it is offered unto thee: drink from the chalice of this Brahman, drink thy fill.6 Accept the sacrifice; mark both of you, my call: the Priest hath seated him after the ancient texts.My prayer that bids them come goes forth to both the Kings: drink ye the Soma meath from the Director's bowl.
HYMN XXXVII. Various Gods.
Enjoy thy fill of meath out of the Hotar's cup: Adhvaryus he desires a full draught poured for him.Bring it him: seeking this he gives. Granter of Wealth, drink Sorna with the Rtus from the Hotar's cup.2 He whom of old I called on, him I call on now. He is to be invoked; his name is He who Gives,Here brought by priests is Soma meath. Granter of Wealth, drink Soma with the Rtus from the Potar's cup.3 Fat may the horses be wherewith thou specdest on: Lord of the Wood, unharming, strengthen thou thyself.Drawing and seizing, Bold One, thou who grantest wealth, drink Soma with the Rtus from the Nestar's cup.4 From Hotar's cup and Potar's he hath drunk and joyed: the proffered food hath pleased him from the Nestar's bowl.The fourth cup undisturbed, immortal, let him drink who giveth wealth, the cup of the wealth-giving God.5 Yoke, O ye Twain, to-day your hero-bearing car, swift-moving hitherward: your loosing-place is here.Mix the oblations, then come hither with the meath, and drink the Soma, ye rich in abundant strength.6 Agni, accept the fuel and our offered gift: accept the prayer of man, accept our eulogy,Do thou with all, with Rtu, O thou Excellent, fain, make the great Gods all fain taste the gift we bring.
HYMN XXXVIII. Savitar.
UPRISEN is Savitar, this God, to quicken, Priest who neglects not this most constant duty.To the Gods, verily, he gives rich treasure, and blesses him who calls them to the banquet.2 Having gone up on high, the God broadhanded spreads his arms widely forth that all may mark him.Even the waters bend them to his service: even this wind rests in the circling region.3 Though borne by swift steeds he will yet unyoke them: e'en the fleet chariot hath he stayed from going.He hath checked e'en their haste who glide like serpents. Night closely followed Savitar's dominion.4 What was spread out she weaves afresh, re-weaving: the skilful leaves his labour half-completed.He hath arisen from rest, and parted seasons: Savitar hath approached, God, holy-minded.5 Tlirough various dwellings, through entire existence, spreads, manifest, the household light of Agni.The Mother gives her Son the goodliest portion, and Savitar hath sped to meet his summons.6 He comes again, unfolded, fain for conquest: at home was he, the love of all things moving.Each man hath come leaving his evil doings, after the Godlike Savitar's commandment.7 The wild beasts spread through desert places seeking their watery share which thou hast set in waters.The woods are given to the birds. These statutes of the God Savitar none disobeyeth.8 With utmost speed, in restless haste at sunset Varuna seeks his watery habitation.Then seeks each bird his nest, each beast his lodging. In due place Savitar hath set each creature.9 Him whose high law not Varuna nor Indra, not Mitra, Aryaman, nor Rudra breaketh,Nor evil-hearted fiends, here for my welfare him I invoke, God Savitar, with worship.10 May they who strengthen bliss, and thought and wisdom, and the Dames' Lord and Narasamsa aid us.That good may come to us and wealth be gathered, may we be Savitar the God's beloved.11 So come to us our hearts' desire, the bounty bestowed by thee, from heaven and earth and waters,That it be well with friends and those who praise thee, and, Savitar, with the loud-lauding singer.
HYMN XX Asvins.
SING like the two press-stones for this same purpose; come like two misers to the tree of treasure;Like two laud-singing Brahmans in the assembly, like the folk's envoys called in many places.2 Moving at morning like two chr-borne heroes, like to a pair of goats ye come electing;Like two fair dames embellishing their bodies, like a wise married pair among the people.3 Like to a pair of horns come first to usward, like to a pair of hoofs with rapid motion;Come like two Cakavas in the grey of morning, come like two chariot wheels at dawn, ye Mighty.4 Bear us across the rivers like two vessels, save us as ye were yokes, naves, spokes and fellies.Be like two dogs that injure not our bodies; preserve us, like two crutches, that we fall not.5 Like two winds ageing not, two confluent rivers, come with quick vision like two eyes before us.Come like two hands most helpful to the body, and guide us like two feet to what is precious.6 Even as two lips that with the mouth speak honey, even as two breasts that nourish our existence,Like the two nostrils that protect our being, be to us as our ears that hear distinctly.7 Like two hands give ye us increasing vigour; like heaven and earth constrain the airy regions.Asvins, these hymns that struggle to approach you, sharpen ye like an axe upon a whetstone.8 These prayers of ours exalting you, O Asvins, have the GrtSamadas, for a laud, made ready.Welcome them, O ye Heroes, and come bither. Loud may we speak. with brave men, in assembly.
HYMN XL. Soma and Pusan.
1 SOMA and Pusan, Parents of all riches, Parents of earth and Parents of high heaven,You Twain, brought forth as the whole world's protectors, the Gods have made centre of life eternal.2 At birth of these two Gods all Gods are joyful: they have caused darkness, which we hate, to vanish.With these, with Soma and with Pusan, India generates ripe warm milk in the raw milch-cows.3 Soma and Pusan, urge your chariot hither, the seven-wheeIed car that measures out the region,That stirs not all, that moves to every quarter, fivc-reined and harnessed by the thought, ye Mighty.4 One in the heaven on high hath made his dwelling, on earth and in the firmament the other.May they disclose to us great store of treasure, much-longed for, rich in food, source of enjoyment.5 One of you Twain is Parent of all creatures, the otherjourneys onward all-beholding.Soma and Pusan, aid my thought with favour: with you may we o'ercome in all encounters.6 May Pusan stir our thought, the all-impelling, may Soma Lord of riches grant us riches.May Aditi the perfect Goddess aid us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XLI. Various Deities.
O VAYU, come to us with all the thousand chariots that are thine,Team-borne, to drink the Soma juice.2 Drawn by thy team, O Vayu, come; to thee is offered this, the pure.Thou visitest the presser's house.3 Indra and Vayu, drawn by teams, ye Heroes, come today and drink.Of the bright juice when blent with milk.4 This Soma hath been shed for you, Lawstrengtheners, Mitra-Varuna!Listen ye here to this my call.5 Both Kings who never injure aught seat them in their supremest home,The thousand-pillared, firmly-based.6 Fed with oblation, Sovran Kings, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts.They wait on him whose life is true.7 With kine, Nasatyas, and with steeds, come, Asvins, Rudras, to the houseThat will protect its heroes well;8 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar nor standing nigh to us may harm,Yea, no malicious mortal foe.9 As such, O longed-far Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied sort,Wealth that shall bring us room and rest.10 Verily Indra, conquering all, driveth e'en mighty fear away,For firm is he and swift to act.11 Indra be gracious unto us: sin shall not reach us afterward,And good shall be before us still.12 From all the regions of the world let Indra send security,The foe-subduer, swift to act.13 O all ye Gods, come hitherward: hear this mine invocation, seatYourselves upon this sacred grass.14 Among ihe gunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught.Drink ye of this delightsome juice.15 Ye Martus led by Indra, Gods with Pri§an for your bounteousest,Hear all of you this call of mine.16 Best Mother, best of Rivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvati, We are, as 'twere, of no repute and dear Mother, give thou us renown.17 In thee, Sarasvati, divine, all generations have their stay.Be, glad with Sunahotra's sons: O Goddess grant us progeny.18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvati, these prayers of ours,Thoughts which GrtSamadas beloved of Gods bring, Holy One,to thee.19 Ye who bless sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you both,And Agni who conveys our gifts.20 This our.effectual sacrifice, reaching the sky, shall Heaven and EarthPresent unto the Gods to-day.21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit them downTo-day to drink the Soma here.
HYMN XLII Kapinjala.
TELLING his race aloud with cries repeated, he sends his voice out as his boat a steersman.O Bird, be ominous of happy fortune from no side may calamity befall thee.2 Let not the falcon kill thee, nor the eagle let not the arrow-bearing archer reach thee.Still crying in the region of the Fathers, speak here auspicious, bearing joyful tidings.3 Bringing good tidings, Bird of happy omen, call thou out loudly southward of our dwellings,So that no thief, no sinner may oppress us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XLIII. Kapinjala.
1. HERE on the right sing forth chanters of hymns of praise, even the winged birds that in due season speak.He, like: a Sama-chanter utters both the notes, skilled in the mode of Trstup and of Gayatri.2 Thou like the chanter-priest chantest the Sama, Bird; thou singest at libations like a Brahman's son.Even as a vigorous horse when he comes near the mare, announce to us good forturue, Bird, on every side, proclaim in all directions happy luck, O Bird.3 When singing here, O Bird. announce good luck to us, and when thou sittest still think on us with kind thoughts.
viernes, 6 de abril de 2007
GV- US / Rig Veda Mandala 2: 1-30
HYMN I. Agni.
THOU, Agni, shining in thy glory through the days, art brought to life from out the waters, from the stone:From out the forest trees and herbs that grow on ground, thou, Sovran Lord of men art generatad [sic] pure.2 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man.Thou art Director, thou the ministering Priest: thou art the Brahman, Lord and Master in our home.3 Hero of Heroes, Agni! Thou art Indra, thou art Visnu of the Mighty Stride, adorable:Thou, Brahmanaspati, the Brahman finding wealth: thou, O Sustainer, with thy wisdom tendest us.4 Agni, thou art King Varuna whose laws stand fast; as Mitra, Wonder-Worker, thou must be implored.Aryaman, heroes' Lord, art thou, enrich ing all, and liberal Amsa in the synod, O thou God.5 Thou givest strength, as Tvastar, to the worshipper: thou wielding Mitra's power hast kinship with the Dames.Thou, urging thy fleet coursers, givest noble steeds: a host of heroes art thou with great store of wealth.6 Rudra art thou, the Asura of mighty heaven: thou art the Maruts' host, thou art the Lord of food,Thou goest with red winds: bliss hast thou in thine home. As Pusan thou thyself protectest worshippers.7 Giver of wealth art thou to him who honours thee; thou art God Savitar, granter of precious things.As Bhaga, Lord of men! thou rulest over wealth, and guardest in his house him who hath served thee well.8 To thee, the people's Lord within the house, the folk press forward to their King most graciously inclined.Lord of the lovely look, all things belong to thee: ten, hundred, yea, a thousand are outweighed by thee.9 Agni, men seek thee as a Father with their prayers, win thee, bright-formed, to brotherhood with holy act.Thou art a Son to him who duly worships thee, and as a trusty Friend thou guardest from attack.10 A Rbhu art thou, Agni, near to be adored thou art the Sovran Lord of foodful spoil and wealth.Thou shinest brightly forth, thou burnest to bestow: pervading sacrifice, thou lendest us thine help.11 Thou, God, art Aditi to him who offers gifts: thou, Hotri, Bharati, art strengthened by the song.Thou art the hundred-wintered Ila to give strength, Lord of Wealth! Vrtra-slayer and Sarasvati.12 Thou, Agni, cherished well, art highest vital power; in thy delightful hue are glories visible.Thou art the lofty might that furthers each design: thou art wealth manifold, diffused on every side.13 Thee, Agni, have the Adityas taken as their mouth; the Bright Ones have made thee, O Sage, to be their tongue.They who love offerings cling to thee at solemn rites: by thee the Gods devour the duly offered food.14 By thee, O Agni, all the Immortal guileless Gods cat with thy mouth the oblation that is offered them.By thee do mortal men give sweetness to their drink. Bright art thou born, the embryo of the plants of earth.15 With these thou art united, Agni; yea thou, God of noble birth, surpassest them in majesty,Which, through the power of good, here spreads abroad from thee, diffused through both the worlds, throughout the earth and heaven.16 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon graced with kine and steeds,-Lead thou both these and us forward to higher bliss. With brave men in the assembly may we speak aloud.
HYMN II. Agni.
WITH sacrifice exalt Agni who knows all life; worship him 'with oblation and the song of praise,Well kindled, nobly fed; heaven's Lord, Celestial Priest, who labours at the pole where deeds of might are done.2 At night and morning, Agni, have they called to thee, like milch-kine in their stalls lowing to meet their young.As messenger of heaven thou lightest all night long the families of men. Thou Lord of precious boons.3 Him have the Gods established at the region's base, doer of wondrous deeds, Herald of heaven and earth;Like a most famous car, Agni the purely bright, like Mitra. to be glorified among the folk.4 Him have they set in his own dwelling, in the vault, like the Moon waxing, fulgent, in the realm of air.Bird of the firmament, observant with his eyes, guard of the place as 'twere, looking to Gods and men.5 May he as Priest encompass all the sacrifice. men throng to him with offerings and with hymns of praise.Raging with jaws of gold among the growing plants, like heaven with all the stars, he quickens earth and sky.6 Such as thou art, brilliantly kindled for our weal, a liberal giver, send us riches in thy shine,For our advantage, Agni, God, bring Heaven and Earth hither that they may taste oblation brought by man.7 Agni, give us great wealth, give riches thousandfold. unclose to us, like doors, strength that shall bring renown.Make Heaven and Earth propitious through the power of prayer, and like the sky's bright sheen let mornings beam on us.8 Enkindled night by night at every morning's dawn, may he shine forth with red flame like the realm of light,-Agni adored in beauteous rites with lauds of men, fair guest of living man and King of all our folk.9 Song chanted by us men, O Agni, Ancient One, has swelled unto the deathless Gods in lofty heaven-A milch-cow yielding to the singer in the rites wealth manifold, in hundreds, even as he wills.10 Agni, may we show forth our valour with the steed or with the power of prayer beyond all other men;And over the Five Races let our glory shine high like the realm of light and unsurpassable.11 Such, Conqueror! be to us, be worthy of our praise, thou for whom princes nobly born exert themselves;Whose sacrifice the strong seek, Agni, when it shines for never-failing offspring in thine own abode.12 Knower of all that lives, O Agni may we both, singers of praise and chiefs, be in thy keeping still.Help us to wealth exceeding good and glorious, abundant, rich in children and their progeny.13 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon, graced with kine and steeds,-Lead thou both these and us forward to higher bliss. With brave men in the assembly may we speak aloud.
HYMN III. Apris.
AGNI is set upon the earth well kindled; he standeth in the presence of all beings.Wise, ancient, God, the Priest and Purifier, let Agni serve the Gods for he is worthy.2 May Narasamsa lighting up the chambers, bright in his majesty through threefold heaven,Steeping the gift with oil diffusing purpose, bedew the Gods at chiefest time of worship.3 Adored in heart, as is thy right, O Agni, serve the Gods first to-day before the mortal.Bring thou the Marut host. Ye men do worship to Indra seated on the grass, eternal.4 O Grass divine, increasing, rich in heroes, strewn for wealth' sake, well laid upon this altar,-On this bedewed with oil sit ye, O Vasus, sit all ye Gods, ye Holy, ye Adityas.5 Wide be the Doors, the Goddesses, thrown open, easy to pass, invoked, through adorations,Let them unfold, expansive, everlasting, that sanctify the class famed, rich in heroes.6 Good work for us, the glorious Night and Morning, like female weavers, waxen from aforetime,Yielders of rich milk, interweave in concert the long-extended thread, the web of worship.7 Let the two heavenly Heralds, first, most wise, most fair, present oblation duly with the sacred verse,Worshipping God at ordered seasons decking them at three high places at the centre of the earth.8 Sarasvati who perfects our devotion, Ila divine, Bharati all surpassing,-Three Goddesses, with power inherent, seated, protect this holy Grass, our flawless refuge!9 Born is the pious hero swift of hearing, like gold in hue, well formed, and full of vigour.May Tvastar lengthen our line and kindred, and may they reach the place which Gods inhabit.10 Vanaspati shall stand anear and start us, and Agni with his arts prepare oblation.Let the skilled heavenly Immolator forward unto the Gods the offering thrice anointed.11 Oil has been mixt: oil is his habitation. In oil he rests: oil is his proper province.Come as thy wont is: O thou Steer, rejoice thee; bear off the oblation duly consecrated.
HYMN IV Agni.
FOR you I call theglorious refulgent Agni, the guest of men, rich in oblationsWhom all must strive to win even as a lover, God among godly people, Jatavedas.2 Bhrgus who served him in the home of waters set him of old in houses of the living.Over all worlds let Agni be the Sovran, the messenger of Gods with rapid coursers.3 Among the tribes of men the Gods placed Agni as a dear Friend when they would dwell among them.Against the longing nights may he shine brightly, and show the offerer in the house his vigour.4 Sweet is his growth as of one's own possessions; his look when rushing fain to burn is lovely.He darts his tongue forth, like a harnessed courser who shakes his flowing tail, among the bushes.5 Since they who honour me have praised my greatness,-he gave, as 'twere, his hue to those who love him.Known is he by his bright delightful splendour, and waxing old renews his youth for ever.6 Like one athirst, he lighteth up the forests; like water down the chariot ways he roareth.On his black path he shines in burning beauty, marked as it were the heaven that smiles through vapour.7 Around, consuming the broad earth, he wanders, free roaming like an ox without a herdsman,-Agni refulgent, burning up the bushes, with blackened lines, as though the earth he seasoned.8 I, in remembrance of thine ancient favour have sung my hymn in this our third assembly.O Agni, give us wealth with store of heroes and mighty strength in food and noble offspring.9 May the Grtsamadas, serving in secret, through thee, O Agni, overcome their neighbours,Rich in good heroes and subduing foemen. That vital power give thou to chiefs and singers.
HYMN V. Agni.
HERALD and teacher was he born, a guardian for our patrons' help,Earner by rites of noble wealth. That Strong One may we grasp and guide;2 In whom, Leader of sacrifice, the seven reins, far extended, meet;Who furthers, man-like, eighth in place, as Cleanser, all the work divine.3 When swift he follows this behest, bird-like he chants the holy prayers.He holds all knowledge in his grasp even as the felly rounds the wheel.4 Together with pure mental power, pure, as Director, was he born.Skilled in his own unchanging laws he waxes like the growing boughs.5 Clothing thern in his hues, the kine of him the Leader wait on him.Is he not better than the Three, the Sisters who have come to us?6 When, laden with the holy oil, the Sitster [sic] by the Mother stands,The Priest delights in their approach, as corn at coming of the rain.7 For his support let him perform as ministrant his priestly task;Yea, song of praise and sacrifice: we have bestowed, let us obtain.8 That so this man well skilled, may pay worship to all the Holy Ones.And, Agni, this our sacrifice which wehave here prepared, to thee.
HYMN VI. Agni.
AGNI, accept this flaming brand, this waiting with my prayer on thee:Hear graciously these songs of praise.2 With this hymn let us honour thee, seeker of horses, Son of Strength,With this fair hymn, thou nobly born.3 As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth-lover, giver of our wealth!With reverence let us worship thee.4 Be thou for us a liberal Prince, giver and Lord of precious things.Drive those who hate us far away.5 Such as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which no man may resist:Give food exceeding plentiful.6 To him who lauds thee, craving help, most youthful envoy! through our song,Most holy Herald! come thou nigh.7 Between both races, Agni, Sage, well skilled thou passest to and fro,As envoy friendly to mankind.8 Befriend us thou as knowing all. Sage, duly worship thou the Gods,And seat thee on this sacred grass.
HYMN VII. Agni.
VASU, thou most youthful God, Bharata, Agni, bring us wealth,Excellent, splendid, much-desired.2 Let no malignity prevail against us, either God's or man's.Save us from this and enmity.3 So through thy favour may we force through all our enemies a way,As 'twere through streaming water-floods.4 Thou, Purifier Agni, high shinest forth, bright, adorable,When worshipped with the sacred oil.5 Ours art thou, Agni, Bharata, honoured by us with barren cows,With bullocks and with kine in calf6 Wood-fed, bedewed with sacred oil, ancient, Invoker, excellent,The Son of Strength, the Wonderful.
HYMN VIII.Agni.
Now praise, as one who strives for strength, the harnessing of Agni's car,The liberal, the most splendid One;2 Who, guiding worshippers aright, withers, untouched by age, the foe:When worshipped fair to look upon;3 Who for his glory is extolled at eve and morning in our homes,Whose statute is inviolate;4 Who shines refulgent like the Sun, with brilliance and with fiery flame,Decked with imperishable sheen.5 Him Atri, Agni, have our songs Strengthened according to his sway:All glories hath he made his own.6 May we with Agni's, Indra's help, with Soma's, yea, of all the Gods,Uninjured dwell together still, and conquer those who fight with us.
HYMN IX. Agni.
ACCUSTOMED to the Herald's place, the Herald hath seated him, bright, splendid, passing mighty,Whose foresight keeps the Law from violation, excellent, pure-tongued, bringing thousands, Agni.2 Envoy art thou, protector from the foeman, strong God, thou leadest us to higher blessings.Refulgent, be an ever-heedful keeper, Agni, for us and for our seed offspring.3 May we adore thee in thy loftiest birthplace, and, with our praises, in thy lower station.The place whence thou issued forth I worship: to thee well kindled have they paid oblations.4 Agni, best Priest, pay worship with oblation; quickly commend the gift to be presented;For thou art Lord of gathered wealth and treasure. of the bright song of praise thou art inventor.5 The twofold opulence, O Wonder-Worker, of thee new-born each day never decreases.Enrich with food the man who lauds thee, Agni: make him the lord of wealth with noble offspring.6 May he, benevolent with this fair aspect, best sacrificer, bring the Gods to bless us.Sure guardian, our protector from the foemen, shine, Agni, with thine affluence and splendour.
HYMN X. Agni.
1.AGNI, first, loudly calling, like a Father, kindled by man upon the seat of worship.Clothed in his glory, deathless, keen of insight, must be adorned by all, the Strong, the Famous.2 May Agni the resplendent hear my calling through all my songs, Immortal, keen of insight.Dark steeds or ruddy draw his car, or carried in sundry ways he makes them red of colour.3 On wood supine they got the well-formed Infant: a germ in various-fashioned plants was Agni;And in the night, not compassed round by darkness, he dwells exceeding wise, with rays of splendour.4 With oil and sacred gifts I sprinkle Agni who makes his home in front of all things living,Broad, vast, through vital power o'er all expanded, conspicuous, strong with all the food that feeds him.5 I pour to him who looks in all directions: may he accept it with a friendly spirit.Agni with bridegroom's grace and lovely colour may not be touched when all his form is fury.6 By choice victorious, recognize thy portion: with thee for envoy may we speak like Manu.Obtaining wealth, I call on perfect Agni who with an eloquent tongue dispenses sweetness.
HYMN XI. Indra.
HEAR thou my call, O Indra; be not heedless: thine may we be for thee to give us treasures;For these presented viands, seeking riches, increase thy strength like streams of water flowing.2 Floods great and many, compassed by the Dragon, thou badest swell and settest free, O Hero.Strengthened by songs of praise thou rentest piecemeal the Dasa, him who deemed himself immortal.3 For, Hero, in the lauds wherein thou joyedst, in hymns of praise, O Indra, songs of Rudras,These streams in which is thy delight approach thee, even as the brilliant ones draw near to Vayu.4 We who add strength to thine own splendid vigour, laying within thine arms the splendid thunder-With us mayst thou, O Indra, waxen splendid, with Surya overcome the Dasa races.5 Hero, thou slewest in thy valour Ahi concealed in depths, mysterious, great enchanter,Dwelling enveloped deep within the waters, him who checked heaven and stayed the floods from flowing.6 Indra, we laud thy great deeds wrought aforetime, we laud thine exploits later of achievement;We laud the bolt that in thine arms lies eager; we laud thy two Bay Steeds, heralds of Surya.7 Indra, thy Bay Steeds showing forth their vigour have sent a loud cry out that droppeth fatness.The earth hath spread herself in all her fulness: the cloud that was about to move hath rested.8 Down, never ceasing, hath the rain-cloud settled: bellowing, it hath wandered with the Mothers.Swelling the roar in the far distant limits, they have spread wide the blast sent forth by Indra.9 Indra hath hurled down the magician Vrtra who lay beleaguering the mighty river.Then both the heaven and earth trembled in terror at the strong Hero's thunder when he bellowed.10 Loud roared the mighty Hero's bolt of thunder, when he, the Friend of man, burnt up the monster,And, having drunk his fill of flowing Soma, baffled the guileful Danava's devices.11 Drink thou, O Hero Indra, drink the Soma; let the joy-giving juices make thee joyful.They, filling both thy flanks, shall swell thy vigour. The juice that satisfies hath helped Indra.12 Singers have we become with thee, O Indra: may we serve duly and prepare devotion.Seeking thy help we meditate thy praises: may we at once enjoy thy gift of riches.13 May we be thine, such by thy help, O Indra, as swell thy vigour while they seek thy favour.Give us, thou God, the riches that we long for, most powerful, with stare of noble children.14 Give us a friend, give us an habitation; Indra, give us the company of Maruts,And those whose minds accord with theirs, the Vayus, who drink the first libation of the Soma.15 Let those enjoy in whom thou art delighted. Indra, drink Soma for thy strength and gladness.Thou hast exalted us to heaven, Preserver, in battles, through the lofty hymns that praise thee.16 Great, verily, are they, O thou Protector, who by their songs of praise have won the blessing.They who strew sacred grass to be thy dwelling, helped by thee have got them strength, O Indra.17 Upon the great Trikadruka days, Hero, rejoicing thee, O Indra, drink the Soma.Come with Bay Steeds to drink of libation, shaking the drops from out thy beard, contented.18 Hero, assume the might wherewith thou clavest Vrtra piecemeal, the Danava Aurnavabha.Thou hast disclosed the light to light the Arya: on thy left hand, O Indra, sank the Dasyu.19 May we gain wealth, subduing with thy succour and with the Arya, all our foes, the Dasyus.Our gain was that to Trta of our party thou gavest up Tvastar's son Visvarupa.20 He cast down Arbuda what time his vigour was strengthened by libations poured by Trta.Indra sent forth his whirling wheel like Surya, and aided by the Angirases rent Vala.21 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with brave men, in the assembly.
HYMN XII. Indra.
HE who, just born, chief God of lofty spirit by power and might became the Gods' protector,Before whose breath through greatness of his valour the two worlds trembled, He, O men, is Indra.2 He who fixed fast and firm the earth that staggered, and set at rest the agitated mountains,Who measured out the air's wide middle region and gave the heaven support, He, men, is Indra.3 Who slew the Dragon, freed the Seven Rivers, and drove the kine forth from the cave of Vala,Begat the fire between two stones, the spoiler in warriors' battle, He, O men, is Indra.4 By whom this universe was made to tremble, who chased away the humbled brood of demons,Who, like a gambler gathering his winnings seized the foe's riches, He, O men, is Indra.5 Of whom, the Terrible, they ask, Where is He? or verily they say of him, He is not.He sweeps away, like birds, the foe's possessions. Have faith in him, for He, O men, is Indra.6 Stirrer to action of the poor and lowly, of priest, of suppliant who sings his praises;Who, fair-faced, favours him who presses Soma with stones made ready, He, O men, is Indra.7 He under whose supreme control are horses, all chariots, and the villages, and cattle;He who gave being to the Sun and Morning, who leads the waters, He, O men, is Indra.8 To whom two armies cry in close encounter, both enemies, the stronger and the weaker;Whom two invoke upon one chariot mounted, each for himself, He, O ye men, is Indra.9 Without whose help our people never conquer; whom, battling, they invoke to give them succour;He of whom all this world is but the copy, who shakes things moveless, He, O men, is Indra.10 He who hath smitten, ere they knew their danger, with his hurled weapon many grievous sinners;Who pardons not his boldness who provokes him, who slays the Dasyti, He, O men, is Indra.11 He who discovered in the fortieth autumn Sambara as he dwelt among the mountains;Who slew the Dragon putting forth his vigour, the demon lying there, He, men, is Indra.12 Who with seven guiding reins, the Bull, the Mighty, set free the Seven great Floods to flow at pleasure;Who, thunder-armed, rent Rauhina in pieces when scaling heaven, He, O ye men, is Indra.13 Even the Heaven and Earth bow down before him, before his very breath the mountains tremble.Known as the Soma-drinker, armed with thunder, who wields the bolt, He, O ye men, is Indra.14 Who aids with favour him who pours the Soma and him who brews it, sacrificer, singer.Whom prayer exalts, and pouring forth of Soma, and this our gift, He, O ye men, Is Indra.15 Thou verily art fierce and true who sendest strength to the man who brews and pours libation.So may we evermore, thy friends, O Indra, speak loudly to the synod with our heroes.
HYMN XIII. Indra.
THE Season was the parent, and when born therefrom it entered rapidly the floods wherein it grows.Thence was it full of sap, streaming with milky juice: the milk of the plant's stalk is chief and meet for lauds.2 They come trooping together bearing milk to him, and bring him sustenance who gives support to all.The way is common for the downward streams to flow. Thou who didst these things first art worthy of our lauds.3 One priest announces what the institutor gives: one, altering the forms, zealously plies his task,The third corrects the imperfections left by each. Thou who didst these things first art worthy of our lauds.4 Dealing out food unto their people there they sit, like wealth to him who comes, more than the back can bear.Greedily with his teeth he eats the master's food. Thou who didst these things first art worthy of our lauds.5 Thou hast created earth to look upon the sky: thou, slaying Ahi, settest free the river's paths.Thee, such, a God, the Gods have quickened with their lauds, even as a steed with waters: meet for praise art thou.6 Thou givest increase, thou dealest to us our food: thou milkest from the moist the dry, the rich in sweets.Thou by the worshipper layest thy precious store: thou art sole Lord of all. Meet for our praise art thou.7 Thou who hast spread abroad the streams by stablished law, and in the field the plants that blossom and bear seed;Thou who hast made the matchless lightnings of the sky,-vast, compassing vast realms, meet for our praise art thou.8 Who broughtest Narmara with all his wealth, for sake of food, to slay him that the fiends might be destroyed,Broughtest the face unclouded of the strengthening one, performing much even now, worthy art thou of praise.9 Thou boundest up the Dasa's hundred friends and ten, when, at one's hearing, thou belpest thy worshipper.Thou for Dabhiti boundest Dasyus not with cords; Thou wast a mighty help. Worthy of lauds art thou.10 All banks of rivers yielded to his manly might; to him they gave, to him, the Strong, gave up their wealth.The six directions hast thou fixed, a five-fold view: thy victories reached afar. Worthy of lauds art thou.11 Meet for high praise, O Hero, is thy power, that with thy single wisdom thou obtainest wealth,The life-support of conquering Jatusthira. Indra, for all thy deeds, worthy of lauds art thou.12 Thou for Turviti heldest still the flowing floods, the river-stream for Vayya easily to passDidst raise the outcast from the depths, and gavest fame unto the halt and blind. Worthy of lauds art thou.13 Prepare thyself to grant us that great bounty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure.Snatch up the wonderful, O Indra, daily. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XIV. Indra.
MINISTERS, bring the Soma juice for Indra, pour forth the gladdening liquor with the beakers.logeth everTo drink of this the Hero offer it to the Bull, for this he willeth.2 Ye ministers, to him who with the lightning smote, like a tree, the rain-withholding Vrtra-Bring it to him, him who is fain to taste it, a draught of this which Indra here deserveth.3 Ye ministers, to him who smote Drhhikas who drove the kine forth, and discovered Vala,Offer this draught, like Vita in the region: clothe him with Soma even as steeds with trappings.4 Him who did Urana to death, Adhvaryus! though showing arms ninety-and-nine in number;Who cast down headlong Arbuda and slew him,-speed ye that Indra to our offered Soma.5 Ye ministers, to him who struck down Svasna, and did to death Vyamsa and greedy Susna,And Rudhikras and Namuci and Pipru,- to him, to Indra, pour ye forth libation.6 Ye ministers, to him who as with thunder demolished Sambara's hundred ancient castles;Who cast down Varcin's sons, a hundred thousand,-to him, to Indra, offer ye the Soma.7 Ye ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast them down upon earth's bosom;Who quelled the valiant men of Atithigva, Kutsa, and Ayu,-bring to him the Soma.8 Ministers, men, whatever thing ye long for obtain ye quickly bringing gifts to Indra.Bring to the Glorious One what bands have cleansed; to Indra bring, ye pious ones, the Soma.9 Do ye, O ministers, obey his order: that purified in wood, in wood uplift ye.Well pleased he longs for what your hands have tended: offer the gladdening Soma juice to Indra.10 As the cow's udder teems with milk, Adhvaryus, so fill with Soma Indra, liberal giver.I know him: I am sure of this, the Holy knows that I fain would give to him more largely.11 Him, ministers, the Lord of heavenly treasure and all terrestrial wealth that earth possesses,Him, Indra, fill with Soma as a garner is filled with barley full: be this your labour.12 Prepare thyself to grant us that great booty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure.Gather up wondrous wealth, O Indra, daily. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XV. Indra
Now, verily, will I declare the exploits, mighty and true, of him the True and Mighty.In the Trikadrukas he drank the Soma then in its rapture Indra slew the Dragon.2 High heaven unsupported in space he stablished: he filled the two worlds and the air's mid-region.Earth he upheld, and gave it wide expansion. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.3 From front, as 'twere a house, he ruled and measured; pierced with his bolt the fountains of the rivers,And made them flow at ease by paths far-reaching, These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.4 Compassing those who bore away Dabhiti, in kindled fire he burnt up all their weapons.And made him rich with kine and cars and horses. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.5 The mighty roaring flood he stayed from flowing, and carried those who swam not safely over.They having crossed the stream attained to riches. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.6 With mighty power he made the stream flow upward, crushed with his thunderbolt the car of Usas,Rending her slow steeds with his rapid coursers. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.7 Knowing the place wherein the maids were hiding, the outcast showed himself and stood before them.The cripple stood erect, the blind beheld them. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.8 Praised by the Angirases he slaughtered Vala, and burst apart the bulwarks of the mountain.He tore away their deftly-built defences. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.9 Thou, with sleep whelming Cumuri and Dhuni, slewest the Dasyu, keptest safe Dabhiti.There the staff-bearer found the golden treasure. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.10 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra , yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with brave men, in assembly.
HYMN XVI. Indra.
To him, your own, the best among the good, I bring eulogy, like oblation in the kindled fire.We invocate for help Indra untouched by eld, who maketh all decay, strengthened, for ever young.2 Without whom naught exists, Indra the Lofty One; in whom alone all powers heroic are combined.The Soma is within him, in his frame vast strength, the thunder in his hand and wisdom in his head.3 Not by both worlds is thine own power to be surpassed, nor may thy car be stayed by mountains or by seas.None cometh near, O Indra, to thy thunderbolt, when with swift steeds thou fliest over many a league.4 For all men bring their will to him the Resolute, to him the Holy One, to him the Strong they cleave.Pay worship with oblation, strong and passing wise. Drink thou the Soma, Indra, through the mighty blaze.5 The vessel of the strong flows forth, the flood of meath, unto the Strong who feeds upon the strong, for drink,Strong are the two Adhvaryus, strong are both the stones. They press the Soma that is strong for him the Strong.6 Strong is thy thunderbolt, yea, and thy car is strong; strong are thy Bay Steeds and thy weapons powerful.Thou, Indra, Bull, art Lord of the strong gladdening drink. with the strong Soma, Indra, satisfy thyself.7 I, bold by prayer, come near thee in thy sacred rites, thee like a saving ship, thee shouting in the war.Verily he will hear and mark this word of ours: we will pour Indra forth as 'twere a spring of wealth.8 Turn thee unto us ere calamity come nigh, as a cow full of pasture turns her to her calf.Lord of a Hundred Powers, may we once firmly cling to thy fair favours even as husbands to their wives.9 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XVII. Indra.
LIKE the Angirases, sing this new song forth to him, for, as in ancient days, his mighty powers are shown,When in the rapture of the Soma he unclosed with strength the solid firm-shut stables of the kine.2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty;Hero who fortified his body in the wars, and through his greatness set the heaven upon his head.3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, before this folk.Hurled down by thee the car-borne Lord of Tawny Steeds, the congregated swift ones fled in sundry ways.4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them all.He, borne on high, o'erspread with light the heaven and earth, and, sewing up the turbid darkness, closed it in.5 He with his might made firm the forward-bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordained.Fast he upheld the earth that nourisheth all life, and stayed the heaven from falling by his wondrous skill.6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth.The thunderbolt, wherewith, loud-roaring, he smote down, and striking him to death laid Krivi on the earth.7 As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all.Grant knowledge, mete it out and bring it to us here: give us the share wherewith thou makest people glad.8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours.Help us with manifold assistance, Indra: Migthy One, Indra, make us yet more wealthy.9 Now may that weaithy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XVIII. Indra
THE rich new car hath been equipped at morning; four yokes it hath, three whips, seven reins to guide it:Ten-sided, friendly to mankind, light-winner, that must be urged to speed with prayers and wishes.2 This is prepared for him the first, the second, and the third time: he is man's Priest and Herald.Others get offspring of another parent he goeth, as a noble Bull, with others.3 To Indra's car the Bay Steeds have I harnessed, that new well-spoken words may bring him hither.Here let not other worshippers detain thee, for among us are many holy singers.4 Indra, come hitherward with two Bay Coursers, come thou with four, with six when invocated.Come thou with eight, with ten, to drink the Soma. Here is the juice, brave Warrior: do not scorn it.5 O Indra, come thou hither having harnessed thy car with twenty, thirty, forty horses.Come thou with fifty well trained coursers, Indra, sixty or seventy, to drink the Soma.6 Come to us hitherward, O Indra, carried by eighty, ninety, or an hundred horses.This Soma juice among the Sunahotras hath been poured out, in love, to glad thee, Indra.7 To this my prayer, O Indra, come thou hither: bind to thy car's pole all thy two Bay Coursers.Thou art to be invoked in many places Hero, rejoice thyself in this libation.8 Ne'er be my love from Indra disunited still may his liberal Milch-cow yield us treasure.So may we under his supreme protection, safe in his arms, succeed in each forth-going.9 Now may that wealthy Cow Of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XIX. Indra.
DRAUGHTS of this sweet juice have been drunk for rapture, of the wise Soma-presser's offered dainty,Wherein, grown mighty in the days aforetime, Indra hath found delight, and men who worship.2 Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters,So that the quickening currents of the rivers flowed forth like birds unto their resting-places.3 Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon's slayer, sent forth the flood of waters to the ocean.He gave the Sun his life, he found the cattle, and with the night the works of days completed.4 To him who worshippeth hath Indra given many and matchless gifts. He slayeth Vrtra.Straight was he to be sought with supplications by men who struggled to obtain the sunlight.5 To him who poured him gifts he gave up Surya,-Indra, the God, the Mighty, to the mortal;For Etasa with worship brought him riches that keep distress afar, as 'twere his portion.6 Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa, he gave up greedy Surya, plague of harvest;And Indra, for the sake of Divodasa demolished Sambara's nine-and-ninety castles.7 So have we brought our hymn to thee, O Indra, strengthening thee and fain ourselves for glory.May we with best endeavours gain this friendship, and mayst thou bend the godless scorner's weapons.8 Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, O Hero, have wrought their hymn and task as seeking favour.May they who worship thee afresh, O Indra, gain food and strength, bliss, and a happy dwelling.9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee,Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XX. Indra.
As one brings forth his car when fain for combat, so bring we power to thee- regard us, Indra-Well skilled in song, thoughtful in spirit, seeking great bliss from one like thee amid the Heroes.2 Indra, thou art our own with thy protection, a guardian near to men who love thee truly,Active art thou, the liberal man's defender, his who draws near to thee with right devotion.3 May Indra, called with solemn invocations. the young, the Friend, be men's auspicious keeper,One who will further with his aid the singer, the toiler, praiser, dresser of oblations.4 With laud and song let me extol that Indra in whom of old men prospered and were mighty.May he, implored, fulfil the prayer for plenty of him who worships, of the living mortal.5 He, Indra whom the Angirases' praise delighted, strengthened their prayer and made their goings prosper.Stealing away the mornings with the sunlight, he, lauded, crushed even Asna's ancient powers.6 He verily, the God, the glorious Indra, hath raised him up for man, best Wonder-Worker.He, self-reliant, mighty and triumphant, brought low the dear head of the wicked Dasa.7 Indra theVrtra-slayer, Fort-destroyer, scattered the Dasa hosts who dwelt in darkness.For men hath he created earth and waters, and ever helped the prayer of him who worships.8 To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the tumult of thebattle.When in his arms they laid the bolt, he slaughtered the Dasyus and cast down their forts of iron.9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXI.
To him the Lord of all, the Lord of wealth, of light; him who is Lord for ever, Lord of men and tilth,Him who is Lord of horses, Lord of kine,of floods, to Indra, to the Holy bring sweet Soma juice.2 To him the potent One, who conquers and breaks down, the Victor never vanquished who disposes all,The migbty-voiced, the rider, unassailable, to Indra everconquering speak your reverent prayer.3 Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over men, o'erthrower, warrior, he hath waxen as he would;Host-gatherer, triumphant, honoured mid the folk. Indra's heroic deeds will I tell forth to all.4 The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the deep, the vast, of wisdom unattainable;Who speeds the good, the breaker-down, the firm, the vast,-Indra whose rites bring joy hath made the light of Dawn.5 By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance from him who speeds the flood.In Indra seeking help with worship and with hymn, they drew him to themselves and won them kine and wealth.6 Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability and fortune;Increase of riches, safety of our bodies, charm of sweet speech, and days of pleasant weather.
HYMN XXII. Indra.
I. At the Trikadrukas the Great and Strong hath drunk drink blent with meal. With Visnu hath he quaffed the poured out Soma juice, all that he would.That hath so heightened him the Great, the Wide, to do his mighty work.So may the God attain the God, true Indu Indra who is true.2 So he resplendent in the battle overcame Krivi by might. He with his majesty hath filled the earth and heaven, and waxen strong.One share of the libation hath he swallowed down: one share he left.So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.3 Brought forth together with wisdom and mighty power thou grewest great; with hero deeds subduing the malevolent, most swift in act;Giving prosperity, and lovely wealth to him who praiseth thee. So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.4 This, Indra, was thy hero deed, Dancer, thy first and ancient work, worthy to be told forth in heaven,What time thou sentest down life with a God's own power, freeing the floods.All that is godless may he conquer with his might, and, Lord of Hundred Powers, find for us strength and food.
HYMN XXIII. Brahmanaspati.
WE call thee, Lord and Leader of the heavenly hosts, the wise among the wise, the famousest of all,The King supreme of prayers, O Brahmanaspati: hear us with help; sit down in place of sacrifice.2 Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a share in holy rites.As with great light the Sun brings forth the rays of morn, so thou alone art Father of all sacred prayer.3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice;The awful car, Brhaspati, that quells the foe, slays demons, cleaves the stall of kine, and finds the light.4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o'ertakes not him who offers gifts to thee.Him who hates prayer thou punishest, Brhaspati, quelling his wrath: herein is thy great mightiness.5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double-tongued have overcome the man,-Thou drivest all seductive fiends away from him whom, careful guard, thou keepest Brahmanaspati.6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise.Brhaspati, whoever lays a snare for us, him may his evil fate, precipitate, destroy.7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant, rapacious man,-Him turn thou from our path away, Brhaspati: give us fair access to this banquet of the Gods.8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who loveth us.Strike, O Brhaspati, the Gods' revilers down, and let not the unrighteous come to highest bliss.9 Through thee, kind -prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of Men which all desire:And all our enemies, who near or far away prevail against us, crush, and leave them destitute.10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest power of life.Let not the guileful wicked man be lord of us:-still may we prosper, singing goodly hymns of praise.11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle-cry, consumer of the foe, victorious in the strife,Thou art sin's true avenger, Brahmanaspati, who tamest e'en the fierce, the wildly passionate.12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might mid lords, would slay,-Let not his deadly blow reach us, Brhaspati; may we humiliate the strong ill-doer's wrath.13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and reverently adored,Brhaspati hath overthrown like cars of war all wicked enemies who fain would injure us.14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned thee in thy manifested might.Show forth that power that shall deserve the hymn of praise: destroy the evil speakers, O Brhaspati.15 Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk effectual, splendid,That, Son of Law I which is with might refulgent-that treasure wonderful bestow thou on us.16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of him who sits at ease,Who cherish in their heart abandonment of Gods. Brhaspati, no further rest shall they obtain.17 For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o'er all the things that be.Guilt-scourger, guilt-avenger is Brhaspati, who slays the spoiler and upholds the mighty Law.18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst the stall of kine.Thoul O Brhaspati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water-floods which gloom had compa-sed round.19 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our children.All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXIV. Brahmanaspati.
BE pleased with this our offering, thou who art the Lord; we will adore thee with this new and mighty song.As this thy friend, our liberal patron, praises thee, do thou, Brhaspati, fulfil our hearts' desire.2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Sambara:Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmapaspati,-he made his way within the mountain stored with wealth.3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gave way.He drave the kine forth and cleft Vala through by prayer, dispelled the darkness and displayed the light of heaven.4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his might-All they who see the light have drunk their fill thereat: together they have made the watery fount flow forth.5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselves to you.Effortless they pass on to perfect this and that, appointed works which Brahmanaspati ordained.6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave,-Those sages, having marked the falsehoods, turned them back whence they had come, and sought again to enter in.7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the lofty ways.Cast down with both their arms upon the rock they left the kindled fire, and said, No enemy is he.8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires.Excellent are the arrows wherewithal he shoots, keen-eyed to look on men and springing from his ear.9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati.When, gracious, for the hymn he brings forth food and wealth, the glowing Sun untroubled sends forth fervent heat.10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati.These are the boons of him the Strong who should be loved, whereby both classes and the people have delight.11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great,-He is the God spread forth in breadth against the Gods: he, Brahmanaspati, encompasseth this All.12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment.Come to us, Brahmanaspati and Indra, to our oblation Iiie yoked steeds to fodder.13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns.Hating the stern, remitting at his will the debt, strong in the shock of fight is Brahmanaspati.14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed.The kine he drave forth and distributed to heaven, even as a copious flood with strength flows sundry ways.15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well-guided, full of vital strength.Heroes on heroes send abundantly to us, when thou omnipotent through prayer seekest my call.16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXV. Brahmanaspati.
HE lighting up the flame shall conquer enemies: strong shall he be who offers prayer and brings his gift.He with his seed spreads forth beyond another's seed, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.2 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread his wealth by kine wise by himself is be.His children and his children's childrengrow in strength, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.3 He, mighty like a raving river's billowy flood, as a bull conquers oxen, overcomes with strength.Like Agni's blazing rush he may not be restrained, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.4 For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first with the heroes he goes forth to war for kine.He slays in unabated vigour with great might, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.5 All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many a flawless shelter hath been granted him.Blest with the happiness of Gods he prospers well, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
HYMN XXVI. Brahmanaspati.
THE righteous singer shall o'ercome his enemies, and he who serves the Gods subdue the godless man.The zealous man shall vanquish the invincible, the worshipper share the food of him who worships not.2 Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the fight with foes.Prepare oblation so that thou mayst have success. we crave the favouring help of Brahmanaspati.3 He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, wealth,believingWho with oblation and a true heart serves Brahmanaspati the Father of the Gods.4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmanaspati leads forward on his way,Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful deliverer from woe.
HYMN XXVII. Adityas.
THESE hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer tothe Kings Adityas.May Mitra, Aryanian, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuna Daksa, and Amsa.2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this praise-song-Adityas bright and pure as streams of water, free from all guile and falsehood, blameless, perfect.3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to deceive the wicked,Looking within behold the good and evil near to the Kings is even the thing most distant.4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being,Provident, guarding well the world of spirits, true to eternal Law, the debt-exactors.5 May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e'en in danger.Under your guidance, Varuna and Mitra, round troubles may I pass, like rugged places.6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and thornless.Thereon, Adityas, send us down your blessing: grant us a shelter hard to be demolished.7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all hatred.May we uninjured, girt by many heroes, win Varuna's and Mitra's high protection.8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their functions in the Gods' assembly.Mighty through Law, Adityas, is your greatness; fair is it, Aryaman, Varuna, and Mitra.9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three bright heavenly regions.Ne'er do they slumber, never close their eyelids, faithful, far-ruling for the righteous mortal.10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals.Grant unto us to see a hundred autumns ours be the blest long lives of our forefathers.11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the west, Adityas.Simple and guided by your wisdom, Vasus!may I attain the light that brings no danger.12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting blessings prosper,Moves with his chariot first in rank and wealthy, munificent and lauded in assemblies.13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the waters rich with pasture.None slays, from near at hand or from a distance, him who is under the Adityas' guidance.14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against you.May I obtain the broad light free from peril: O Indra, let not during darkness seize us.15 For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives most highly favoured.He goes to war mastering both the mansions: to him both portions of the world are gracious.16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas,May I car-borne pass like a skilful horseman: uninjured may we dwell in spacious shelter.17 May1 not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.King, may1 never lack well-ordered riches. Lond may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXVIII. Varuna
THIS laud of the self-radiant wise Aditya shall be supreme o'er all that is in greatness.1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships.2, Having extolled thee. Varuna, with thoughtful care may we have high fortune in thy service,Sinffing thy praises like the fires at coming, day after day, of mornings rich in cattle.3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide-ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes.O sons of Aditi, for ever faithful, pardon us, Gods, admit us to your friendship.4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's commandment.These feel no weariness, nor cease from flowing: swift have they flown like birds in air around us.5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order.Let not my thread, while I weave song, be severed, nor my work's sum, before the time, be shattered.6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran.Cast off, like cords that hold a calf, my troubles: I am not even mine eyelid's lord without thee.7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner.Let us not pass away from light to exile. Scatter, that we may live, the men who hate us8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship.For in thyself, invincible God, thy statutes ne’er to be moved are fixed as on a mountain.9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others.Full many a morn remains to dawn upon us: in these, O Varuna, while we live direct us.10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber-If any wolf or robber fain would harm us, therefrom, O Varuna, give thou us protection.11May I not live O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal dear friend's destitution.King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXIX. Visvedevas.
I. UPHOLDERS of the Law, ye strong Adityas, remove my sin like her who bears in secret.You, Varuna, Mitra and all Gods who listen, I call to help me, I who know your goodness.2 Ye, Gods, are providence and ye are power: remove ye utterly all those who hate us.As givers of good things deal with us kindly: this day be gracious to us and hereafter.3 What service may we do you with our future, what service, Vasus, with our ancient friendship?O Aditi, and VaruVa and Mitra, Indra and Maruts, make us well and happy.4 Ye, O ye Gods, are verily our kinsmen as such be kind to me who now implore you.Let not your car come slowly to our worship: of kinsmen such as you ne'er let us weary.5 I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised me as a sire the gambler.Far be your nets, far, Gods, be mine offences: seize me not like a bird upon her offspring.6 Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye Holy, that fearing in my heart I may approach you.Protect us, God; let not the wolf destroy us. Save us, ye Holy, from the pit and falling.7 May I not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXX. Indra and Others.
1. THE streams unceasing flow to Indra, slayer of Ahi, Savitar, God, Law's fulfiller,Day after day goes on the sheen of waters. What time hath past since they were first set flowing?2 His Mother-for she knew-spake and proclaimed him who was about to cast his bolt at Vrtra.Cutting their paths according to his pleasure day after day flow to their goal the rivers.3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Vrtra shot his deadly missile.Enveloped in a cloud he rushed upon him. Indra subdued the foe with sharpened weapons.4 As with a bolt, Brhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vrkadvaras', the Asura's, heroes.Even as in time of old with might thou slewest, so slay even now our enemy, O Indra.5 Cast down from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder wherewith in joy thou smitest dead the foeman.For gain of children make us thine, O Indra, of many children's children and of cattle.6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain are the rich worshipper's advancers.Graciously favour us, Indra and Soma; give us firm standing in this time of danger.7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let us say, Press not the Soma;For him who cares for me, gives gifts, supports me, who comes with kine to me who pour libations.8 Sarasvati, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our foemen,While Indra does to death the daring chieftain of Sandikas exulting in his prowess.9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,-aim at him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon.Brhaspati, with arms thou slayest foemen O King, give up the spoiler to destruction.10 Perform, O Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou hast to finish.Long have they been inflated with presumption: slay them, and bring us hither their possessions.11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the company of Maruts,That we may gain wealth with full store of heroes, each day more famous, and with troops of children.
THOU, Agni, shining in thy glory through the days, art brought to life from out the waters, from the stone:From out the forest trees and herbs that grow on ground, thou, Sovran Lord of men art generatad [sic] pure.2 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man.Thou art Director, thou the ministering Priest: thou art the Brahman, Lord and Master in our home.3 Hero of Heroes, Agni! Thou art Indra, thou art Visnu of the Mighty Stride, adorable:Thou, Brahmanaspati, the Brahman finding wealth: thou, O Sustainer, with thy wisdom tendest us.4 Agni, thou art King Varuna whose laws stand fast; as Mitra, Wonder-Worker, thou must be implored.Aryaman, heroes' Lord, art thou, enrich ing all, and liberal Amsa in the synod, O thou God.5 Thou givest strength, as Tvastar, to the worshipper: thou wielding Mitra's power hast kinship with the Dames.Thou, urging thy fleet coursers, givest noble steeds: a host of heroes art thou with great store of wealth.6 Rudra art thou, the Asura of mighty heaven: thou art the Maruts' host, thou art the Lord of food,Thou goest with red winds: bliss hast thou in thine home. As Pusan thou thyself protectest worshippers.7 Giver of wealth art thou to him who honours thee; thou art God Savitar, granter of precious things.As Bhaga, Lord of men! thou rulest over wealth, and guardest in his house him who hath served thee well.8 To thee, the people's Lord within the house, the folk press forward to their King most graciously inclined.Lord of the lovely look, all things belong to thee: ten, hundred, yea, a thousand are outweighed by thee.9 Agni, men seek thee as a Father with their prayers, win thee, bright-formed, to brotherhood with holy act.Thou art a Son to him who duly worships thee, and as a trusty Friend thou guardest from attack.10 A Rbhu art thou, Agni, near to be adored thou art the Sovran Lord of foodful spoil and wealth.Thou shinest brightly forth, thou burnest to bestow: pervading sacrifice, thou lendest us thine help.11 Thou, God, art Aditi to him who offers gifts: thou, Hotri, Bharati, art strengthened by the song.Thou art the hundred-wintered Ila to give strength, Lord of Wealth! Vrtra-slayer and Sarasvati.12 Thou, Agni, cherished well, art highest vital power; in thy delightful hue are glories visible.Thou art the lofty might that furthers each design: thou art wealth manifold, diffused on every side.13 Thee, Agni, have the Adityas taken as their mouth; the Bright Ones have made thee, O Sage, to be their tongue.They who love offerings cling to thee at solemn rites: by thee the Gods devour the duly offered food.14 By thee, O Agni, all the Immortal guileless Gods cat with thy mouth the oblation that is offered them.By thee do mortal men give sweetness to their drink. Bright art thou born, the embryo of the plants of earth.15 With these thou art united, Agni; yea thou, God of noble birth, surpassest them in majesty,Which, through the power of good, here spreads abroad from thee, diffused through both the worlds, throughout the earth and heaven.16 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon graced with kine and steeds,-Lead thou both these and us forward to higher bliss. With brave men in the assembly may we speak aloud.
HYMN II. Agni.
WITH sacrifice exalt Agni who knows all life; worship him 'with oblation and the song of praise,Well kindled, nobly fed; heaven's Lord, Celestial Priest, who labours at the pole where deeds of might are done.2 At night and morning, Agni, have they called to thee, like milch-kine in their stalls lowing to meet their young.As messenger of heaven thou lightest all night long the families of men. Thou Lord of precious boons.3 Him have the Gods established at the region's base, doer of wondrous deeds, Herald of heaven and earth;Like a most famous car, Agni the purely bright, like Mitra. to be glorified among the folk.4 Him have they set in his own dwelling, in the vault, like the Moon waxing, fulgent, in the realm of air.Bird of the firmament, observant with his eyes, guard of the place as 'twere, looking to Gods and men.5 May he as Priest encompass all the sacrifice. men throng to him with offerings and with hymns of praise.Raging with jaws of gold among the growing plants, like heaven with all the stars, he quickens earth and sky.6 Such as thou art, brilliantly kindled for our weal, a liberal giver, send us riches in thy shine,For our advantage, Agni, God, bring Heaven and Earth hither that they may taste oblation brought by man.7 Agni, give us great wealth, give riches thousandfold. unclose to us, like doors, strength that shall bring renown.Make Heaven and Earth propitious through the power of prayer, and like the sky's bright sheen let mornings beam on us.8 Enkindled night by night at every morning's dawn, may he shine forth with red flame like the realm of light,-Agni adored in beauteous rites with lauds of men, fair guest of living man and King of all our folk.9 Song chanted by us men, O Agni, Ancient One, has swelled unto the deathless Gods in lofty heaven-A milch-cow yielding to the singer in the rites wealth manifold, in hundreds, even as he wills.10 Agni, may we show forth our valour with the steed or with the power of prayer beyond all other men;And over the Five Races let our glory shine high like the realm of light and unsurpassable.11 Such, Conqueror! be to us, be worthy of our praise, thou for whom princes nobly born exert themselves;Whose sacrifice the strong seek, Agni, when it shines for never-failing offspring in thine own abode.12 Knower of all that lives, O Agni may we both, singers of praise and chiefs, be in thy keeping still.Help us to wealth exceeding good and glorious, abundant, rich in children and their progeny.13 The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy praise, O Agni, guerdon, graced with kine and steeds,-Lead thou both these and us forward to higher bliss. With brave men in the assembly may we speak aloud.
HYMN III. Apris.
AGNI is set upon the earth well kindled; he standeth in the presence of all beings.Wise, ancient, God, the Priest and Purifier, let Agni serve the Gods for he is worthy.2 May Narasamsa lighting up the chambers, bright in his majesty through threefold heaven,Steeping the gift with oil diffusing purpose, bedew the Gods at chiefest time of worship.3 Adored in heart, as is thy right, O Agni, serve the Gods first to-day before the mortal.Bring thou the Marut host. Ye men do worship to Indra seated on the grass, eternal.4 O Grass divine, increasing, rich in heroes, strewn for wealth' sake, well laid upon this altar,-On this bedewed with oil sit ye, O Vasus, sit all ye Gods, ye Holy, ye Adityas.5 Wide be the Doors, the Goddesses, thrown open, easy to pass, invoked, through adorations,Let them unfold, expansive, everlasting, that sanctify the class famed, rich in heroes.6 Good work for us, the glorious Night and Morning, like female weavers, waxen from aforetime,Yielders of rich milk, interweave in concert the long-extended thread, the web of worship.7 Let the two heavenly Heralds, first, most wise, most fair, present oblation duly with the sacred verse,Worshipping God at ordered seasons decking them at three high places at the centre of the earth.8 Sarasvati who perfects our devotion, Ila divine, Bharati all surpassing,-Three Goddesses, with power inherent, seated, protect this holy Grass, our flawless refuge!9 Born is the pious hero swift of hearing, like gold in hue, well formed, and full of vigour.May Tvastar lengthen our line and kindred, and may they reach the place which Gods inhabit.10 Vanaspati shall stand anear and start us, and Agni with his arts prepare oblation.Let the skilled heavenly Immolator forward unto the Gods the offering thrice anointed.11 Oil has been mixt: oil is his habitation. In oil he rests: oil is his proper province.Come as thy wont is: O thou Steer, rejoice thee; bear off the oblation duly consecrated.
HYMN IV Agni.
FOR you I call theglorious refulgent Agni, the guest of men, rich in oblationsWhom all must strive to win even as a lover, God among godly people, Jatavedas.2 Bhrgus who served him in the home of waters set him of old in houses of the living.Over all worlds let Agni be the Sovran, the messenger of Gods with rapid coursers.3 Among the tribes of men the Gods placed Agni as a dear Friend when they would dwell among them.Against the longing nights may he shine brightly, and show the offerer in the house his vigour.4 Sweet is his growth as of one's own possessions; his look when rushing fain to burn is lovely.He darts his tongue forth, like a harnessed courser who shakes his flowing tail, among the bushes.5 Since they who honour me have praised my greatness,-he gave, as 'twere, his hue to those who love him.Known is he by his bright delightful splendour, and waxing old renews his youth for ever.6 Like one athirst, he lighteth up the forests; like water down the chariot ways he roareth.On his black path he shines in burning beauty, marked as it were the heaven that smiles through vapour.7 Around, consuming the broad earth, he wanders, free roaming like an ox without a herdsman,-Agni refulgent, burning up the bushes, with blackened lines, as though the earth he seasoned.8 I, in remembrance of thine ancient favour have sung my hymn in this our third assembly.O Agni, give us wealth with store of heroes and mighty strength in food and noble offspring.9 May the Grtsamadas, serving in secret, through thee, O Agni, overcome their neighbours,Rich in good heroes and subduing foemen. That vital power give thou to chiefs and singers.
HYMN V. Agni.
HERALD and teacher was he born, a guardian for our patrons' help,Earner by rites of noble wealth. That Strong One may we grasp and guide;2 In whom, Leader of sacrifice, the seven reins, far extended, meet;Who furthers, man-like, eighth in place, as Cleanser, all the work divine.3 When swift he follows this behest, bird-like he chants the holy prayers.He holds all knowledge in his grasp even as the felly rounds the wheel.4 Together with pure mental power, pure, as Director, was he born.Skilled in his own unchanging laws he waxes like the growing boughs.5 Clothing thern in his hues, the kine of him the Leader wait on him.Is he not better than the Three, the Sisters who have come to us?6 When, laden with the holy oil, the Sitster [sic] by the Mother stands,The Priest delights in their approach, as corn at coming of the rain.7 For his support let him perform as ministrant his priestly task;Yea, song of praise and sacrifice: we have bestowed, let us obtain.8 That so this man well skilled, may pay worship to all the Holy Ones.And, Agni, this our sacrifice which wehave here prepared, to thee.
HYMN VI. Agni.
AGNI, accept this flaming brand, this waiting with my prayer on thee:Hear graciously these songs of praise.2 With this hymn let us honour thee, seeker of horses, Son of Strength,With this fair hymn, thou nobly born.3 As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth-lover, giver of our wealth!With reverence let us worship thee.4 Be thou for us a liberal Prince, giver and Lord of precious things.Drive those who hate us far away.5 Such as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which no man may resist:Give food exceeding plentiful.6 To him who lauds thee, craving help, most youthful envoy! through our song,Most holy Herald! come thou nigh.7 Between both races, Agni, Sage, well skilled thou passest to and fro,As envoy friendly to mankind.8 Befriend us thou as knowing all. Sage, duly worship thou the Gods,And seat thee on this sacred grass.
HYMN VII. Agni.
VASU, thou most youthful God, Bharata, Agni, bring us wealth,Excellent, splendid, much-desired.2 Let no malignity prevail against us, either God's or man's.Save us from this and enmity.3 So through thy favour may we force through all our enemies a way,As 'twere through streaming water-floods.4 Thou, Purifier Agni, high shinest forth, bright, adorable,When worshipped with the sacred oil.5 Ours art thou, Agni, Bharata, honoured by us with barren cows,With bullocks and with kine in calf6 Wood-fed, bedewed with sacred oil, ancient, Invoker, excellent,The Son of Strength, the Wonderful.
HYMN VIII.Agni.
Now praise, as one who strives for strength, the harnessing of Agni's car,The liberal, the most splendid One;2 Who, guiding worshippers aright, withers, untouched by age, the foe:When worshipped fair to look upon;3 Who for his glory is extolled at eve and morning in our homes,Whose statute is inviolate;4 Who shines refulgent like the Sun, with brilliance and with fiery flame,Decked with imperishable sheen.5 Him Atri, Agni, have our songs Strengthened according to his sway:All glories hath he made his own.6 May we with Agni's, Indra's help, with Soma's, yea, of all the Gods,Uninjured dwell together still, and conquer those who fight with us.
HYMN IX. Agni.
ACCUSTOMED to the Herald's place, the Herald hath seated him, bright, splendid, passing mighty,Whose foresight keeps the Law from violation, excellent, pure-tongued, bringing thousands, Agni.2 Envoy art thou, protector from the foeman, strong God, thou leadest us to higher blessings.Refulgent, be an ever-heedful keeper, Agni, for us and for our seed offspring.3 May we adore thee in thy loftiest birthplace, and, with our praises, in thy lower station.The place whence thou issued forth I worship: to thee well kindled have they paid oblations.4 Agni, best Priest, pay worship with oblation; quickly commend the gift to be presented;For thou art Lord of gathered wealth and treasure. of the bright song of praise thou art inventor.5 The twofold opulence, O Wonder-Worker, of thee new-born each day never decreases.Enrich with food the man who lauds thee, Agni: make him the lord of wealth with noble offspring.6 May he, benevolent with this fair aspect, best sacrificer, bring the Gods to bless us.Sure guardian, our protector from the foemen, shine, Agni, with thine affluence and splendour.
HYMN X. Agni.
1.AGNI, first, loudly calling, like a Father, kindled by man upon the seat of worship.Clothed in his glory, deathless, keen of insight, must be adorned by all, the Strong, the Famous.2 May Agni the resplendent hear my calling through all my songs, Immortal, keen of insight.Dark steeds or ruddy draw his car, or carried in sundry ways he makes them red of colour.3 On wood supine they got the well-formed Infant: a germ in various-fashioned plants was Agni;And in the night, not compassed round by darkness, he dwells exceeding wise, with rays of splendour.4 With oil and sacred gifts I sprinkle Agni who makes his home in front of all things living,Broad, vast, through vital power o'er all expanded, conspicuous, strong with all the food that feeds him.5 I pour to him who looks in all directions: may he accept it with a friendly spirit.Agni with bridegroom's grace and lovely colour may not be touched when all his form is fury.6 By choice victorious, recognize thy portion: with thee for envoy may we speak like Manu.Obtaining wealth, I call on perfect Agni who with an eloquent tongue dispenses sweetness.
HYMN XI. Indra.
HEAR thou my call, O Indra; be not heedless: thine may we be for thee to give us treasures;For these presented viands, seeking riches, increase thy strength like streams of water flowing.2 Floods great and many, compassed by the Dragon, thou badest swell and settest free, O Hero.Strengthened by songs of praise thou rentest piecemeal the Dasa, him who deemed himself immortal.3 For, Hero, in the lauds wherein thou joyedst, in hymns of praise, O Indra, songs of Rudras,These streams in which is thy delight approach thee, even as the brilliant ones draw near to Vayu.4 We who add strength to thine own splendid vigour, laying within thine arms the splendid thunder-With us mayst thou, O Indra, waxen splendid, with Surya overcome the Dasa races.5 Hero, thou slewest in thy valour Ahi concealed in depths, mysterious, great enchanter,Dwelling enveloped deep within the waters, him who checked heaven and stayed the floods from flowing.6 Indra, we laud thy great deeds wrought aforetime, we laud thine exploits later of achievement;We laud the bolt that in thine arms lies eager; we laud thy two Bay Steeds, heralds of Surya.7 Indra, thy Bay Steeds showing forth their vigour have sent a loud cry out that droppeth fatness.The earth hath spread herself in all her fulness: the cloud that was about to move hath rested.8 Down, never ceasing, hath the rain-cloud settled: bellowing, it hath wandered with the Mothers.Swelling the roar in the far distant limits, they have spread wide the blast sent forth by Indra.9 Indra hath hurled down the magician Vrtra who lay beleaguering the mighty river.Then both the heaven and earth trembled in terror at the strong Hero's thunder when he bellowed.10 Loud roared the mighty Hero's bolt of thunder, when he, the Friend of man, burnt up the monster,And, having drunk his fill of flowing Soma, baffled the guileful Danava's devices.11 Drink thou, O Hero Indra, drink the Soma; let the joy-giving juices make thee joyful.They, filling both thy flanks, shall swell thy vigour. The juice that satisfies hath helped Indra.12 Singers have we become with thee, O Indra: may we serve duly and prepare devotion.Seeking thy help we meditate thy praises: may we at once enjoy thy gift of riches.13 May we be thine, such by thy help, O Indra, as swell thy vigour while they seek thy favour.Give us, thou God, the riches that we long for, most powerful, with stare of noble children.14 Give us a friend, give us an habitation; Indra, give us the company of Maruts,And those whose minds accord with theirs, the Vayus, who drink the first libation of the Soma.15 Let those enjoy in whom thou art delighted. Indra, drink Soma for thy strength and gladness.Thou hast exalted us to heaven, Preserver, in battles, through the lofty hymns that praise thee.16 Great, verily, are they, O thou Protector, who by their songs of praise have won the blessing.They who strew sacred grass to be thy dwelling, helped by thee have got them strength, O Indra.17 Upon the great Trikadruka days, Hero, rejoicing thee, O Indra, drink the Soma.Come with Bay Steeds to drink of libation, shaking the drops from out thy beard, contented.18 Hero, assume the might wherewith thou clavest Vrtra piecemeal, the Danava Aurnavabha.Thou hast disclosed the light to light the Arya: on thy left hand, O Indra, sank the Dasyu.19 May we gain wealth, subduing with thy succour and with the Arya, all our foes, the Dasyus.Our gain was that to Trta of our party thou gavest up Tvastar's son Visvarupa.20 He cast down Arbuda what time his vigour was strengthened by libations poured by Trta.Indra sent forth his whirling wheel like Surya, and aided by the Angirases rent Vala.21 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with brave men, in the assembly.
HYMN XII. Indra.
HE who, just born, chief God of lofty spirit by power and might became the Gods' protector,Before whose breath through greatness of his valour the two worlds trembled, He, O men, is Indra.2 He who fixed fast and firm the earth that staggered, and set at rest the agitated mountains,Who measured out the air's wide middle region and gave the heaven support, He, men, is Indra.3 Who slew the Dragon, freed the Seven Rivers, and drove the kine forth from the cave of Vala,Begat the fire between two stones, the spoiler in warriors' battle, He, O men, is Indra.4 By whom this universe was made to tremble, who chased away the humbled brood of demons,Who, like a gambler gathering his winnings seized the foe's riches, He, O men, is Indra.5 Of whom, the Terrible, they ask, Where is He? or verily they say of him, He is not.He sweeps away, like birds, the foe's possessions. Have faith in him, for He, O men, is Indra.6 Stirrer to action of the poor and lowly, of priest, of suppliant who sings his praises;Who, fair-faced, favours him who presses Soma with stones made ready, He, O men, is Indra.7 He under whose supreme control are horses, all chariots, and the villages, and cattle;He who gave being to the Sun and Morning, who leads the waters, He, O men, is Indra.8 To whom two armies cry in close encounter, both enemies, the stronger and the weaker;Whom two invoke upon one chariot mounted, each for himself, He, O ye men, is Indra.9 Without whose help our people never conquer; whom, battling, they invoke to give them succour;He of whom all this world is but the copy, who shakes things moveless, He, O men, is Indra.10 He who hath smitten, ere they knew their danger, with his hurled weapon many grievous sinners;Who pardons not his boldness who provokes him, who slays the Dasyti, He, O men, is Indra.11 He who discovered in the fortieth autumn Sambara as he dwelt among the mountains;Who slew the Dragon putting forth his vigour, the demon lying there, He, men, is Indra.12 Who with seven guiding reins, the Bull, the Mighty, set free the Seven great Floods to flow at pleasure;Who, thunder-armed, rent Rauhina in pieces when scaling heaven, He, O ye men, is Indra.13 Even the Heaven and Earth bow down before him, before his very breath the mountains tremble.Known as the Soma-drinker, armed with thunder, who wields the bolt, He, O ye men, is Indra.14 Who aids with favour him who pours the Soma and him who brews it, sacrificer, singer.Whom prayer exalts, and pouring forth of Soma, and this our gift, He, O ye men, Is Indra.15 Thou verily art fierce and true who sendest strength to the man who brews and pours libation.So may we evermore, thy friends, O Indra, speak loudly to the synod with our heroes.
HYMN XIII. Indra.
THE Season was the parent, and when born therefrom it entered rapidly the floods wherein it grows.Thence was it full of sap, streaming with milky juice: the milk of the plant's stalk is chief and meet for lauds.2 They come trooping together bearing milk to him, and bring him sustenance who gives support to all.The way is common for the downward streams to flow. Thou who didst these things first art worthy of our lauds.3 One priest announces what the institutor gives: one, altering the forms, zealously plies his task,The third corrects the imperfections left by each. Thou who didst these things first art worthy of our lauds.4 Dealing out food unto their people there they sit, like wealth to him who comes, more than the back can bear.Greedily with his teeth he eats the master's food. Thou who didst these things first art worthy of our lauds.5 Thou hast created earth to look upon the sky: thou, slaying Ahi, settest free the river's paths.Thee, such, a God, the Gods have quickened with their lauds, even as a steed with waters: meet for praise art thou.6 Thou givest increase, thou dealest to us our food: thou milkest from the moist the dry, the rich in sweets.Thou by the worshipper layest thy precious store: thou art sole Lord of all. Meet for our praise art thou.7 Thou who hast spread abroad the streams by stablished law, and in the field the plants that blossom and bear seed;Thou who hast made the matchless lightnings of the sky,-vast, compassing vast realms, meet for our praise art thou.8 Who broughtest Narmara with all his wealth, for sake of food, to slay him that the fiends might be destroyed,Broughtest the face unclouded of the strengthening one, performing much even now, worthy art thou of praise.9 Thou boundest up the Dasa's hundred friends and ten, when, at one's hearing, thou belpest thy worshipper.Thou for Dabhiti boundest Dasyus not with cords; Thou wast a mighty help. Worthy of lauds art thou.10 All banks of rivers yielded to his manly might; to him they gave, to him, the Strong, gave up their wealth.The six directions hast thou fixed, a five-fold view: thy victories reached afar. Worthy of lauds art thou.11 Meet for high praise, O Hero, is thy power, that with thy single wisdom thou obtainest wealth,The life-support of conquering Jatusthira. Indra, for all thy deeds, worthy of lauds art thou.12 Thou for Turviti heldest still the flowing floods, the river-stream for Vayya easily to passDidst raise the outcast from the depths, and gavest fame unto the halt and blind. Worthy of lauds art thou.13 Prepare thyself to grant us that great bounty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure.Snatch up the wonderful, O Indra, daily. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XIV. Indra.
MINISTERS, bring the Soma juice for Indra, pour forth the gladdening liquor with the beakers.logeth everTo drink of this the Hero offer it to the Bull, for this he willeth.2 Ye ministers, to him who with the lightning smote, like a tree, the rain-withholding Vrtra-Bring it to him, him who is fain to taste it, a draught of this which Indra here deserveth.3 Ye ministers, to him who smote Drhhikas who drove the kine forth, and discovered Vala,Offer this draught, like Vita in the region: clothe him with Soma even as steeds with trappings.4 Him who did Urana to death, Adhvaryus! though showing arms ninety-and-nine in number;Who cast down headlong Arbuda and slew him,-speed ye that Indra to our offered Soma.5 Ye ministers, to him who struck down Svasna, and did to death Vyamsa and greedy Susna,And Rudhikras and Namuci and Pipru,- to him, to Indra, pour ye forth libation.6 Ye ministers, to him who as with thunder demolished Sambara's hundred ancient castles;Who cast down Varcin's sons, a hundred thousand,-to him, to Indra, offer ye the Soma.7 Ye ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast them down upon earth's bosom;Who quelled the valiant men of Atithigva, Kutsa, and Ayu,-bring to him the Soma.8 Ministers, men, whatever thing ye long for obtain ye quickly bringing gifts to Indra.Bring to the Glorious One what bands have cleansed; to Indra bring, ye pious ones, the Soma.9 Do ye, O ministers, obey his order: that purified in wood, in wood uplift ye.Well pleased he longs for what your hands have tended: offer the gladdening Soma juice to Indra.10 As the cow's udder teems with milk, Adhvaryus, so fill with Soma Indra, liberal giver.I know him: I am sure of this, the Holy knows that I fain would give to him more largely.11 Him, ministers, the Lord of heavenly treasure and all terrestrial wealth that earth possesses,Him, Indra, fill with Soma as a garner is filled with barley full: be this your labour.12 Prepare thyself to grant us that great booty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure.Gather up wondrous wealth, O Indra, daily. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XV. Indra
Now, verily, will I declare the exploits, mighty and true, of him the True and Mighty.In the Trikadrukas he drank the Soma then in its rapture Indra slew the Dragon.2 High heaven unsupported in space he stablished: he filled the two worlds and the air's mid-region.Earth he upheld, and gave it wide expansion. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.3 From front, as 'twere a house, he ruled and measured; pierced with his bolt the fountains of the rivers,And made them flow at ease by paths far-reaching, These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.4 Compassing those who bore away Dabhiti, in kindled fire he burnt up all their weapons.And made him rich with kine and cars and horses. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.5 The mighty roaring flood he stayed from flowing, and carried those who swam not safely over.They having crossed the stream attained to riches. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.6 With mighty power he made the stream flow upward, crushed with his thunderbolt the car of Usas,Rending her slow steeds with his rapid coursers. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.7 Knowing the place wherein the maids were hiding, the outcast showed himself and stood before them.The cripple stood erect, the blind beheld them. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.8 Praised by the Angirases he slaughtered Vala, and burst apart the bulwarks of the mountain.He tore away their deftly-built defences. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.9 Thou, with sleep whelming Cumuri and Dhuni, slewest the Dasyu, keptest safe Dabhiti.There the staff-bearer found the golden treasure. These things did Indra in the Soma's rapture.10 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra , yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with brave men, in assembly.
HYMN XVI. Indra.
To him, your own, the best among the good, I bring eulogy, like oblation in the kindled fire.We invocate for help Indra untouched by eld, who maketh all decay, strengthened, for ever young.2 Without whom naught exists, Indra the Lofty One; in whom alone all powers heroic are combined.The Soma is within him, in his frame vast strength, the thunder in his hand and wisdom in his head.3 Not by both worlds is thine own power to be surpassed, nor may thy car be stayed by mountains or by seas.None cometh near, O Indra, to thy thunderbolt, when with swift steeds thou fliest over many a league.4 For all men bring their will to him the Resolute, to him the Holy One, to him the Strong they cleave.Pay worship with oblation, strong and passing wise. Drink thou the Soma, Indra, through the mighty blaze.5 The vessel of the strong flows forth, the flood of meath, unto the Strong who feeds upon the strong, for drink,Strong are the two Adhvaryus, strong are both the stones. They press the Soma that is strong for him the Strong.6 Strong is thy thunderbolt, yea, and thy car is strong; strong are thy Bay Steeds and thy weapons powerful.Thou, Indra, Bull, art Lord of the strong gladdening drink. with the strong Soma, Indra, satisfy thyself.7 I, bold by prayer, come near thee in thy sacred rites, thee like a saving ship, thee shouting in the war.Verily he will hear and mark this word of ours: we will pour Indra forth as 'twere a spring of wealth.8 Turn thee unto us ere calamity come nigh, as a cow full of pasture turns her to her calf.Lord of a Hundred Powers, may we once firmly cling to thy fair favours even as husbands to their wives.9 Now let that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, yield in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XVII. Indra.
LIKE the Angirases, sing this new song forth to him, for, as in ancient days, his mighty powers are shown,When in the rapture of the Soma he unclosed with strength the solid firm-shut stables of the kine.2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty;Hero who fortified his body in the wars, and through his greatness set the heaven upon his head.3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, before this folk.Hurled down by thee the car-borne Lord of Tawny Steeds, the congregated swift ones fled in sundry ways.4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them all.He, borne on high, o'erspread with light the heaven and earth, and, sewing up the turbid darkness, closed it in.5 He with his might made firm the forward-bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordained.Fast he upheld the earth that nourisheth all life, and stayed the heaven from falling by his wondrous skill.6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth.The thunderbolt, wherewith, loud-roaring, he smote down, and striking him to death laid Krivi on the earth.7 As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all.Grant knowledge, mete it out and bring it to us here: give us the share wherewith thou makest people glad.8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours.Help us with manifold assistance, Indra: Migthy One, Indra, make us yet more wealthy.9 Now may that weaithy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XVIII. Indra
THE rich new car hath been equipped at morning; four yokes it hath, three whips, seven reins to guide it:Ten-sided, friendly to mankind, light-winner, that must be urged to speed with prayers and wishes.2 This is prepared for him the first, the second, and the third time: he is man's Priest and Herald.Others get offspring of another parent he goeth, as a noble Bull, with others.3 To Indra's car the Bay Steeds have I harnessed, that new well-spoken words may bring him hither.Here let not other worshippers detain thee, for among us are many holy singers.4 Indra, come hitherward with two Bay Coursers, come thou with four, with six when invocated.Come thou with eight, with ten, to drink the Soma. Here is the juice, brave Warrior: do not scorn it.5 O Indra, come thou hither having harnessed thy car with twenty, thirty, forty horses.Come thou with fifty well trained coursers, Indra, sixty or seventy, to drink the Soma.6 Come to us hitherward, O Indra, carried by eighty, ninety, or an hundred horses.This Soma juice among the Sunahotras hath been poured out, in love, to glad thee, Indra.7 To this my prayer, O Indra, come thou hither: bind to thy car's pole all thy two Bay Coursers.Thou art to be invoked in many places Hero, rejoice thyself in this libation.8 Ne'er be my love from Indra disunited still may his liberal Milch-cow yield us treasure.So may we under his supreme protection, safe in his arms, succeed in each forth-going.9 Now may that wealthy Cow Of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XIX. Indra.
DRAUGHTS of this sweet juice have been drunk for rapture, of the wise Soma-presser's offered dainty,Wherein, grown mighty in the days aforetime, Indra hath found delight, and men who worship.2 Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters,So that the quickening currents of the rivers flowed forth like birds unto their resting-places.3 Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon's slayer, sent forth the flood of waters to the ocean.He gave the Sun his life, he found the cattle, and with the night the works of days completed.4 To him who worshippeth hath Indra given many and matchless gifts. He slayeth Vrtra.Straight was he to be sought with supplications by men who struggled to obtain the sunlight.5 To him who poured him gifts he gave up Surya,-Indra, the God, the Mighty, to the mortal;For Etasa with worship brought him riches that keep distress afar, as 'twere his portion.6 Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa, he gave up greedy Surya, plague of harvest;And Indra, for the sake of Divodasa demolished Sambara's nine-and-ninety castles.7 So have we brought our hymn to thee, O Indra, strengthening thee and fain ourselves for glory.May we with best endeavours gain this friendship, and mayst thou bend the godless scorner's weapons.8 Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, O Hero, have wrought their hymn and task as seeking favour.May they who worship thee afresh, O Indra, gain food and strength, bliss, and a happy dwelling.9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee,Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XX. Indra.
As one brings forth his car when fain for combat, so bring we power to thee- regard us, Indra-Well skilled in song, thoughtful in spirit, seeking great bliss from one like thee amid the Heroes.2 Indra, thou art our own with thy protection, a guardian near to men who love thee truly,Active art thou, the liberal man's defender, his who draws near to thee with right devotion.3 May Indra, called with solemn invocations. the young, the Friend, be men's auspicious keeper,One who will further with his aid the singer, the toiler, praiser, dresser of oblations.4 With laud and song let me extol that Indra in whom of old men prospered and were mighty.May he, implored, fulfil the prayer for plenty of him who worships, of the living mortal.5 He, Indra whom the Angirases' praise delighted, strengthened their prayer and made their goings prosper.Stealing away the mornings with the sunlight, he, lauded, crushed even Asna's ancient powers.6 He verily, the God, the glorious Indra, hath raised him up for man, best Wonder-Worker.He, self-reliant, mighty and triumphant, brought low the dear head of the wicked Dasa.7 Indra theVrtra-slayer, Fort-destroyer, scattered the Dasa hosts who dwelt in darkness.For men hath he created earth and waters, and ever helped the prayer of him who worships.8 To him in might the Gods have ever yielded, to Indra in the tumult of thebattle.When in his arms they laid the bolt, he slaughtered the Dasyus and cast down their forts of iron.9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.Give to thy praisers: let not fortune fail us. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXI.
To him the Lord of all, the Lord of wealth, of light; him who is Lord for ever, Lord of men and tilth,Him who is Lord of horses, Lord of kine,of floods, to Indra, to the Holy bring sweet Soma juice.2 To him the potent One, who conquers and breaks down, the Victor never vanquished who disposes all,The migbty-voiced, the rider, unassailable, to Indra everconquering speak your reverent prayer.3 Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over men, o'erthrower, warrior, he hath waxen as he would;Host-gatherer, triumphant, honoured mid the folk. Indra's heroic deeds will I tell forth to all.4 The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the deep, the vast, of wisdom unattainable;Who speeds the good, the breaker-down, the firm, the vast,-Indra whose rites bring joy hath made the light of Dawn.5 By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance from him who speeds the flood.In Indra seeking help with worship and with hymn, they drew him to themselves and won them kine and wealth.6 Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability and fortune;Increase of riches, safety of our bodies, charm of sweet speech, and days of pleasant weather.
HYMN XXII. Indra.
I. At the Trikadrukas the Great and Strong hath drunk drink blent with meal. With Visnu hath he quaffed the poured out Soma juice, all that he would.That hath so heightened him the Great, the Wide, to do his mighty work.So may the God attain the God, true Indu Indra who is true.2 So he resplendent in the battle overcame Krivi by might. He with his majesty hath filled the earth and heaven, and waxen strong.One share of the libation hath he swallowed down: one share he left.So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.3 Brought forth together with wisdom and mighty power thou grewest great; with hero deeds subduing the malevolent, most swift in act;Giving prosperity, and lovely wealth to him who praiseth thee. So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.4 This, Indra, was thy hero deed, Dancer, thy first and ancient work, worthy to be told forth in heaven,What time thou sentest down life with a God's own power, freeing the floods.All that is godless may he conquer with his might, and, Lord of Hundred Powers, find for us strength and food.
HYMN XXIII. Brahmanaspati.
WE call thee, Lord and Leader of the heavenly hosts, the wise among the wise, the famousest of all,The King supreme of prayers, O Brahmanaspati: hear us with help; sit down in place of sacrifice.2 Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a share in holy rites.As with great light the Sun brings forth the rays of morn, so thou alone art Father of all sacred prayer.3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice;The awful car, Brhaspati, that quells the foe, slays demons, cleaves the stall of kine, and finds the light.4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o'ertakes not him who offers gifts to thee.Him who hates prayer thou punishest, Brhaspati, quelling his wrath: herein is thy great mightiness.5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double-tongued have overcome the man,-Thou drivest all seductive fiends away from him whom, careful guard, thou keepest Brahmanaspati.6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise.Brhaspati, whoever lays a snare for us, him may his evil fate, precipitate, destroy.7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant, rapacious man,-Him turn thou from our path away, Brhaspati: give us fair access to this banquet of the Gods.8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who loveth us.Strike, O Brhaspati, the Gods' revilers down, and let not the unrighteous come to highest bliss.9 Through thee, kind -prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of Men which all desire:And all our enemies, who near or far away prevail against us, crush, and leave them destitute.10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest power of life.Let not the guileful wicked man be lord of us:-still may we prosper, singing goodly hymns of praise.11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle-cry, consumer of the foe, victorious in the strife,Thou art sin's true avenger, Brahmanaspati, who tamest e'en the fierce, the wildly passionate.12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might mid lords, would slay,-Let not his deadly blow reach us, Brhaspati; may we humiliate the strong ill-doer's wrath.13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and reverently adored,Brhaspati hath overthrown like cars of war all wicked enemies who fain would injure us.14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned thee in thy manifested might.Show forth that power that shall deserve the hymn of praise: destroy the evil speakers, O Brhaspati.15 Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk effectual, splendid,That, Son of Law I which is with might refulgent-that treasure wonderful bestow thou on us.16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of him who sits at ease,Who cherish in their heart abandonment of Gods. Brhaspati, no further rest shall they obtain.17 For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o'er all the things that be.Guilt-scourger, guilt-avenger is Brhaspati, who slays the spoiler and upholds the mighty Law.18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst the stall of kine.Thoul O Brhaspati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water-floods which gloom had compa-sed round.19 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our children.All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXIV. Brahmanaspati.
BE pleased with this our offering, thou who art the Lord; we will adore thee with this new and mighty song.As this thy friend, our liberal patron, praises thee, do thou, Brhaspati, fulfil our hearts' desire.2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Sambara:Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmapaspati,-he made his way within the mountain stored with wealth.3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gave way.He drave the kine forth and cleft Vala through by prayer, dispelled the darkness and displayed the light of heaven.4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his might-All they who see the light have drunk their fill thereat: together they have made the watery fount flow forth.5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselves to you.Effortless they pass on to perfect this and that, appointed works which Brahmanaspati ordained.6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave,-Those sages, having marked the falsehoods, turned them back whence they had come, and sought again to enter in.7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the lofty ways.Cast down with both their arms upon the rock they left the kindled fire, and said, No enemy is he.8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires.Excellent are the arrows wherewithal he shoots, keen-eyed to look on men and springing from his ear.9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati.When, gracious, for the hymn he brings forth food and wealth, the glowing Sun untroubled sends forth fervent heat.10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati.These are the boons of him the Strong who should be loved, whereby both classes and the people have delight.11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great,-He is the God spread forth in breadth against the Gods: he, Brahmanaspati, encompasseth this All.12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment.Come to us, Brahmanaspati and Indra, to our oblation Iiie yoked steeds to fodder.13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns.Hating the stern, remitting at his will the debt, strong in the shock of fight is Brahmanaspati.14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed.The kine he drave forth and distributed to heaven, even as a copious flood with strength flows sundry ways.15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well-guided, full of vital strength.Heroes on heroes send abundantly to us, when thou omnipotent through prayer seekest my call.16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXV. Brahmanaspati.
HE lighting up the flame shall conquer enemies: strong shall he be who offers prayer and brings his gift.He with his seed spreads forth beyond another's seed, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.2 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread his wealth by kine wise by himself is be.His children and his children's childrengrow in strength, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.3 He, mighty like a raving river's billowy flood, as a bull conquers oxen, overcomes with strength.Like Agni's blazing rush he may not be restrained, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.4 For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first with the heroes he goes forth to war for kine.He slays in unabated vigour with great might, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.5 All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many a flawless shelter hath been granted him.Blest with the happiness of Gods he prospers well, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
HYMN XXVI. Brahmanaspati.
THE righteous singer shall o'ercome his enemies, and he who serves the Gods subdue the godless man.The zealous man shall vanquish the invincible, the worshipper share the food of him who worships not.2 Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the fight with foes.Prepare oblation so that thou mayst have success. we crave the favouring help of Brahmanaspati.3 He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, wealth,believingWho with oblation and a true heart serves Brahmanaspati the Father of the Gods.4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmanaspati leads forward on his way,Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful deliverer from woe.
HYMN XXVII. Adityas.
THESE hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer tothe Kings Adityas.May Mitra, Aryanian, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuna Daksa, and Amsa.2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this praise-song-Adityas bright and pure as streams of water, free from all guile and falsehood, blameless, perfect.3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to deceive the wicked,Looking within behold the good and evil near to the Kings is even the thing most distant.4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being,Provident, guarding well the world of spirits, true to eternal Law, the debt-exactors.5 May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e'en in danger.Under your guidance, Varuna and Mitra, round troubles may I pass, like rugged places.6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and thornless.Thereon, Adityas, send us down your blessing: grant us a shelter hard to be demolished.7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all hatred.May we uninjured, girt by many heroes, win Varuna's and Mitra's high protection.8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their functions in the Gods' assembly.Mighty through Law, Adityas, is your greatness; fair is it, Aryaman, Varuna, and Mitra.9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three bright heavenly regions.Ne'er do they slumber, never close their eyelids, faithful, far-ruling for the righteous mortal.10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals.Grant unto us to see a hundred autumns ours be the blest long lives of our forefathers.11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the west, Adityas.Simple and guided by your wisdom, Vasus!may I attain the light that brings no danger.12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting blessings prosper,Moves with his chariot first in rank and wealthy, munificent and lauded in assemblies.13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the waters rich with pasture.None slays, from near at hand or from a distance, him who is under the Adityas' guidance.14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against you.May I obtain the broad light free from peril: O Indra, let not during darkness seize us.15 For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives most highly favoured.He goes to war mastering both the mansions: to him both portions of the world are gracious.16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas,May I car-borne pass like a skilful horseman: uninjured may we dwell in spacious shelter.17 May1 not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.King, may1 never lack well-ordered riches. Lond may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXVIII. Varuna
THIS laud of the self-radiant wise Aditya shall be supreme o'er all that is in greatness.1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships.2, Having extolled thee. Varuna, with thoughtful care may we have high fortune in thy service,Sinffing thy praises like the fires at coming, day after day, of mornings rich in cattle.3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide-ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes.O sons of Aditi, for ever faithful, pardon us, Gods, admit us to your friendship.4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's commandment.These feel no weariness, nor cease from flowing: swift have they flown like birds in air around us.5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order.Let not my thread, while I weave song, be severed, nor my work's sum, before the time, be shattered.6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran.Cast off, like cords that hold a calf, my troubles: I am not even mine eyelid's lord without thee.7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner.Let us not pass away from light to exile. Scatter, that we may live, the men who hate us8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship.For in thyself, invincible God, thy statutes ne’er to be moved are fixed as on a mountain.9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others.Full many a morn remains to dawn upon us: in these, O Varuna, while we live direct us.10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber-If any wolf or robber fain would harm us, therefrom, O Varuna, give thou us protection.11May I not live O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal dear friend's destitution.King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXIX. Visvedevas.
I. UPHOLDERS of the Law, ye strong Adityas, remove my sin like her who bears in secret.You, Varuna, Mitra and all Gods who listen, I call to help me, I who know your goodness.2 Ye, Gods, are providence and ye are power: remove ye utterly all those who hate us.As givers of good things deal with us kindly: this day be gracious to us and hereafter.3 What service may we do you with our future, what service, Vasus, with our ancient friendship?O Aditi, and VaruVa and Mitra, Indra and Maruts, make us well and happy.4 Ye, O ye Gods, are verily our kinsmen as such be kind to me who now implore you.Let not your car come slowly to our worship: of kinsmen such as you ne'er let us weary.5 I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised me as a sire the gambler.Far be your nets, far, Gods, be mine offences: seize me not like a bird upon her offspring.6 Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye Holy, that fearing in my heart I may approach you.Protect us, God; let not the wolf destroy us. Save us, ye Holy, from the pit and falling.7 May I not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.
HYMN XXX. Indra and Others.
1. THE streams unceasing flow to Indra, slayer of Ahi, Savitar, God, Law's fulfiller,Day after day goes on the sheen of waters. What time hath past since they were first set flowing?2 His Mother-for she knew-spake and proclaimed him who was about to cast his bolt at Vrtra.Cutting their paths according to his pleasure day after day flow to their goal the rivers.3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Vrtra shot his deadly missile.Enveloped in a cloud he rushed upon him. Indra subdued the foe with sharpened weapons.4 As with a bolt, Brhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vrkadvaras', the Asura's, heroes.Even as in time of old with might thou slewest, so slay even now our enemy, O Indra.5 Cast down from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder wherewith in joy thou smitest dead the foeman.For gain of children make us thine, O Indra, of many children's children and of cattle.6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain are the rich worshipper's advancers.Graciously favour us, Indra and Soma; give us firm standing in this time of danger.7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let us say, Press not the Soma;For him who cares for me, gives gifts, supports me, who comes with kine to me who pour libations.8 Sarasvati, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our foemen,While Indra does to death the daring chieftain of Sandikas exulting in his prowess.9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,-aim at him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon.Brhaspati, with arms thou slayest foemen O King, give up the spoiler to destruction.10 Perform, O Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou hast to finish.Long have they been inflated with presumption: slay them, and bring us hither their possessions.11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the company of Maruts,That we may gain wealth with full store of heroes, each day more famous, and with troops of children.
jueves, 5 de abril de 2007
GVY US: / Rig Veda Mandala 1 : 127- 191
HYMN CXXVII Agni.
1. AGNI I hold as herald, the munificent, the gracious, Son of Strength, who knoweth all that live, as holy Singer, knowing all,Lord of fair rites, a God with form erected turning to the Gods,He, when the flame hath sprung forth from the holy oil, the offered fatness, longeth for it with his glow.2 We, sacrificing, call on thee best worshipper, the eldest of Angirases, Singer, with hymns, thee, brilliant One! with singers' hymns;Thee, wandering round as 't were the sky, who art the invoking Priest of men,Whom, Bull with hair of flame the people must observe, the people that he speed them on.3 He with his shining glory blazing far and wide, he verily it is who slayeth demon foes, slayeth the demons like an axe:At whose close touch things solid shake, and what is stable yields like trees.Subduing all, he keeps his ground and flinches not, from the skilled archer flinches not.4 To him, as one who knows, even things solid yield: unrough fire-sticks heated hot he gives his gifts to aid. Men offer Agni gifts for aid.He deeply piercing many a thing hews it like wood with fervent glow.Even hard and solid food he crunches with his might, yea, hard and solid food with might.5 Here near we place the sacrificial food for him who shines forth fairer in the night than in the day, with life then stronger than by day.His life gives sure and firm defence as that one giveth to a son.The during fires enjoy things given and things not given, the during fires enjoy as food.6 He, roaring very loudly like the Maruts' host, in fertile cultivated fields adorable, in desert spots adorable,Accepts and eats our offered gifts, ensign of sacrifice by desert;So let all, joying, love his path when he is glad, as men pursue a path for bliss.7 Even as they who sang forth hymns, addressed to heaven, the Bhrgus with their prayer and praise invited him, the Bhrgus rubbing, offering gifts.For radiant Agni, Lord of all these treasures, is exceeding strong.May he, the wise, accept the grateful coverings, the wise accept the coverings.8 Thee we invoke, the Lord of all our settled homes, common to all, the household's guardian, to enjoy, bearer of true hymns, to enjoy.Thee we invoke, the guest of men, by whose mouth, even as a sire's,All these Immortals come to gain their food of life, oblations come to Gods as food.9 Thou, Agni, most victorious with thy conquering strength, most Mighty One, art born for service of the Gods, like wealth for service of the Gods.Most mighty is thine ecstasy, most splendid is thy mental power.Therefore men wait upon thee, undecaying One, like vassals, undecaying One.10 To him the mighty, conquering with victorious strength, to Agni walking with the dawn, who sendeth kine, be sung your laud, to Agni sung;As he who with oblation comes calls him aloud in every place.Before the brands of fire he shouteth singerlike, the herald, kindler of the brands.11 Agni, beheld by us in nearest neighbourhood, accordant with the Gods, bring us, with gracious love, great riches with thy gracious love.Give us O Mightiest, what is great, to see and to enjoy the earth.As one of awful power, stir up heroic might for those who praise thee, Bounteous Lord!
HYMN CXXVIII. Agni.
1. By Manu's law was born this Agni, Priest most skilled, born for the holy work of those who yearn therefore, yea, born for his own holy work.All ear to him who seeks his love and wealth to him who strives for fame,Priest ne'er deceived, he sits in Ila's holy place, girt round in Ila's holy place.2 We call that perfecter of worship by the path or sacrifice; with reverence rich in offerings, with worship rich in offerings.Through presentation of our food he grows not old in this his from;The God whom Matarisvan brought from far away, for Manu brought from far away.3 In ordered course forthwith he traverses the earth, swift-swallowing, bellowing Steer, bearing the genial seed, bearing the seed and bellowing.Observant with a hundred eyes the God is conqueror in the wood:Agni, who hath his seat in broad plains here below, and in the high lands far away.4 That Agni, wise High-Priest, in every house takes thought for sacrifice and holy service, yea, takes thought, with mental power, for sacrifice.Disposer, he with mental power shows all things unto him who strives;Whence he was born a guest enriched with holy oil, born as Ordainer and as Priest.5 When through his power and in his strong prevailing flames the Maruts' gladdening boons mingle with Agni's roar, boons gladdening for the active One,Then he accelerates the gift, and by the greatness of his wealth,Shall rescue us from overwhelming misery, from curse and overwhelming woe.6 Vast, universal, good he was made messenger; the speeder with his right hand hath not loosed his hold, through love of fame not loosed his hold.He bears oblations to the Gods for whosoever supplicates.Agni bestows a blessing on each pious man, and opens wide the doors for him.7 That Agni hath been set most kind in camp of men, in sacrifice like a Lord victorious, like a dear Lord in sacred rites.His are the oblations of mankind when offered up at Ila's place.He shall preserve us from Varuna's chastisement, yea, from the great God's chastisement.8 Agni the Priest they supplicate to grant them wealth: him, dear, most thoughtful, have they made their messenger, him, offering-bearer have they made,Beloved of all, who knoweth all, the Priest, the Holy one, the Sage--Him, Friend, for help, the Gods when they are fain for wealth, him, Friend, with hymns, when fain for wealth.
HYMN CXXIX Indra.
1. THE car which Indra, thou, for service of the Gods though it be far away, O swift One, bringest near, which, Blameless One, thou bringest near,Place swiftly nigh us for our help: be it thy will that it be strong.Blameless and active, hear this speech of orderers, this speech of us like orderers.2 Hear, Indra, thou whom men in every fight must call to show thy strength, for cry of battle with the men, with men of war for victory.He who with heroes wins the light, who with the singers gains the prize,Him the rich seek to gain even as a swift strong steed, even as a courser fleet and strong.3 Thou, Mighty, pourest forth the hide that holds the rain, thou keepest far away, Hero, the wicked man, thou shuttest out the wicked man.Indra, to thee I sing, to Dyaus, to Rudra glorious in himself,To Mitra, Varuna I sing a far-famed hymn to the kind God a far-famed hymn.4 We wish our Indra here that he may further you, the Friend, beloved of all, the very strong ally, in wars the very strong allyIn all encounters strengthen thou our prayer to be a help to us.No enemy--whom thou smitest down--subdueth thee, no enemy, whom thou smitest down.5 Bow down the overweening pride of every foe with succour like to kindling-wood in fiercest flame, with mighty succour, Mighty One.Guide us, thou Hero, as of old, so art thou counted blameless still.Thou drivest, as a Priest, all sins of man away, as Priest, in person, seeking us.6 This may I utter to the present Soma-drop, which, meet to be invoked, with power, awakes the prayer, awakes the demon-slaying prayer.May he himself with darts of death drive far from us the scorner's hate.Far let him flee away who speaketh wickedness and vanish like a mote of dust.7 By thoughtful invocation this may we obtain, obtain great wealth, O Wealthy One, with Hero sons, wealth that is sweet with hero sons.Him who is wroth we pacify with sacred food and eulogies,Indra the Holy with our calls inspired and true, the Holy One with calls inspired.8 On, for your good and ours, come Indra with the aid of his own lordliness to drive the wicked hence, to rend the evil-hearted ones!The weapon which devouring fiends cast at us shall destroy themselves.Struck down, it shall not reach the mark; hurled forth, the fire-brand shall not strike.9 With riches in abundance, Indra, come to us, come by an unobstructed path, come by a path from demons free.Be with us when we stray afar, be with us when our home is nigh.Protect us with thy help both near and far away: protect us ever with thy help.10 Thou art our own, O Indra, with victorious wealth: let might accompany thee, the Strong, to give us aid, like Mitra, to give mighty aid.O strongest saviour, helper thou, Immortal! of each warrior's car.Hurt thou another and not us, O Thunder-armed, one who would hurt, O Thunder-armed!11 Save us from injury, thou who art well extolled: ever the warder-off art thou of wicked ones, even as a God, of wicked ones;Thou slayer of the evil fiend, saviour of singer such as I.Good Lord, the Father made thee slayer of the fiends, made thee, good Lord, to slay the fiends.
HYMN CXXX. Indra.
1. Come to us, Indra, from afar, conducting us even as a lord of heroes to the gatherings, home, like a King, his heroes' lord.We come with gifts of pleasant food, with juice poured forth, invoking thee,As sons invite a sire, that thou mayst get thee strength thee, bounteousest, to get thee strength.2 O Indra, drink the Soma juice pressed out with stones. poured from the reservoir, as an ox drinks the spring, a very thirsty bull the spring.For the sweet draught that gladdens thee, for mightiest freshening of thy strength.Let thy Bay Horses bring thee hither as the Sun, as every day they bring the Sun.3 He found the treasure brought from heaven that lay concealed, close-hidden, like the nestling of a bird, in rock, enclosed in never-ending rock.Best Angiras, bolt-armed, he strove to win, as 'twere, the stall of kine;So Indra hath disclosed the food concealed, disclosed the doors, the food that lay concealed.4 Grasping his thunderbolt with both hands, Indra made its edge most keen, for hurling, like a carving-knife for Ahi's slaughter made it keen.Endued with majesty and strength, O Indra, and with lordly might,Thou crashest down the trees, as when a craftsman fells, crashest them down as with an axe.5 Thou, Indra, without effort hast let loose the floods to run their free course down,like chariots, to the sea, like chariots showing forth their strength.They, reaching hence away, have joined their strength for one eternal end,Even as the cows who poured forth every thing for man, Yea, poured forth all things for mankind.6 Eager for riches, men have formed for thee this song, like as a skilful craftsman fashioneth a car, so have they wrought thee to their bliss;Adorning thee, O Singer, like a generous steed for deeds of might,Yea, like a steed to show his strength and win the prize, that he may bear each prize away.7 For Puru thou hast shattered, Indra ninety forts, for Divodasa thy boon servant with thy bolt, O Dancer, for thy worshipper.For Atithigva he, the Strong, brought Sambara. from the mountain down,Distributing the mighty treasures with his strength, parting all treasures with his strength.8 Indra in battles help his Aryan worshipper, he who hath hundred helps at hand in every fray, in frays that win the light of heaven.Plaguing the lawless he gave up to Manu's seed the dusky skin;Blazing, 'twere, he burns each covetous man away, he burns, the tyrannous away.9 Waxed strong in might at dawn he tore the Sun's wheel off. Bright red, he steals away their speech, the Lord of Power, their speech he steals away from them,As thou with eager speed, O Sage, hast come from far away to help,As winning for thine own all happiness of men, winning all happiness each day.10 Lauded with our new hymns, O vigorous in deed, save us with strengthening help, thou Shatterer of the Forts!Thou, Indra, praised by Divodasa's clansmen, as heaven grows great with days, shalt wax in glory.
HYMN CXXXI. Indra.
1. To Indra Dyaus the Asura hath bowed him down, to Indra mighty Earth with wide-extending tracts, to win the light, with wide-spread tracts.All Gods of one accord have set Indra in front preeminent.For Indra all libations must be set apart, all man's libations set apart.2 In all libations men with hero spirit urge the Universal One, each seeking several light, each fain to win the light apart.Thee, furthering like a ship, will we set to the chariot-pole of strength,As men who win with sacrifices Indra's thought, men who win Indra with their lauds.3 Couples desirous of thine aid are storming thee, pouring their presents forth to win a stall of kine, pouring gifts, Indra, seeking thee.When two men seeking spoil or heaven thou bringest face to face in war,Thou showest, Indra, then the bolt thy constant friend, the Bull that ever waits on thee.4 This thine heroic power men of old time have known, wherewith thou breakest down, Indra, autumnal forts, breakest them down with conquering might.Thou hast chastised, O Indra, Lord of Strength, the man who worships not,And made thine own this great earth and these water-floods; with joyous heart these water floods.5 And they have bruited far this hero-might when thou, O Strong One, in thy joy helpest thy suppliants, who sought to win thee for their Friend.Their battle-cry thou madest sound victorious in the shocks of war.One stream after another have they gained from thee, eager for glory have they gained.6. Also this morn may he be well inclined to us, mark at our call our offerings and our song of praise, our call that we may win the light.As thou, O Indra Thunder-armed, wilt, as the Strong One, slay the foe,Listen thou to the prayer of me a later sage, hear thou a later sage's prayer.7 O Indra, waxen strong and well-inclined to us, thou very mighty, slay the man that is our foe, slay the man, Hero! with thy bolt.Slay thou the man who injures us: hear thou, as readiest, to hear.Far be malignity, like mischief on the march, afar be all malignity.
HYMN CXXXII. Indra.
1. HELPED, Indra Maghavan, by thee in war of old, may we subdue in fight the men who strive with us, conquer the men who war with us.This day that now is close at hand bless him who pours the Soma juice.In this our sacrifice may we divide the spoil, showing our strength, the spoil of war.2 In war which wins the light, at the free-giver's call, at due oblation of the early-rising one, oblation of the active one,Indra slew, even as we know--whom each bowed head must reverence.May all thy bounteous gifts be gathered up for us, yea, the good gifts of thee the Good.3 This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they made thee chooser of the place, for thou choosest the place of sacrifice.Speak thou and make it known to us: they see within with beams of light.Indra, indeed, is found a seeker after spoil, spoil-seeker for his own allies.4 So now must thy great deed be lauded as of old, when for the Angirases thou openedst the stall, openedst, giving aid, the stall.In the same manner for us here fight thou and be victorious:To him who pours the juice give up the lawless man, the lawless who is wroth with us.5 When with wise plan the Hero leads the people forth, they conquer in the ordered battle, seeking fame, press, eager, onward seeking fame.To him in time of need they sing for life with offspring and with strength.Their hymns with Indra find a welcome place of rest: the hymns go forward to the Gods.6 Indra and Parvata, our champions in the fight, drive ye away each man who fain would war with us, drive him far from us with the bolt.Welcome to him concealed afar shall he the lair that he hath found.So may the Render rend our foes on every side, rend them, O Hero, everywhere.
HYMN CXXXIII. Indra.
1. WITH sacrifice I purge both earth and heaven: I burn up great she-fiends who serve not Indra,Where throttled by thy hand the foes were slaughtered, and in the pit of death lay pierced and mangled.2 O thou who castest forth the stones crushing the sorceresses' heads,Break them with thy wide-spreading foot, with thy wide-spreading mighty foot.3 Do thou, O Maghavan, beat off these sorceresses' daring strength.Cast them within the narrow pit. within the deep and narrow pit.4 Of whom thou hast ere now destroyed thrice-fifty with thy fierce attacks.That deed they count a glorious deed, though small to thee, a glorious deed.5 O Indra, crush and bray to bits the fearful fiery-weaponed fiend:Strike every demon to the ground.6 Tear down the mighty ones. O Indra, hear thou us. For heaven hath glowed like earth in fear, O Thunder-armed, as dreading fierce heat, Thunder-armed!Most Mighty mid the Mighty Ones thou speedest with strong bolts of death,Not slaying men, unconquered Hero with the brave, O Hero, with the thrice-seven brave.7 The pourer of libations gains the home of wealth, pouring his gift conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostilities of Gods.Pouring, he strives, unchecked and strong, to win him riches thousandfold.Indra gives lasting wealth to him who pours forth gifts, yea, wealth he gives that long shall last.
HYMN CXXXIV. Vayu.
1. Vayu, let fleet-foot coursers bring thee speedily to this our feast, to drink first of the juice we pour, to the first draught of Soma juice.May our glad hymn, discerning well, uplifted, gratify thy mind.Come with thy team-drawn car, O Vayu, to the gift, come to the sacrificer's gift.2 May the joy-giving drops, O Vayu gladden thee, effectual, well prepared, directed to the heavens, strong, blent with milk and seeking heaven;That aids, effectual to fulfil, may wait upon our skilful power.Associate teams come hitherward to grant our prayers: they shall address the hymns we sing.3 Two red steeds Vayu yokes, Vayu two purple steeds, swift-footed, to the chariot, to the pole to draw, most able, at the pole, to draw.Wake up intelligence, as when a lover wakes his sleeping love.Illumine heaven and earth, make thou the Dawns to shine, for glory make the Dawns to shine.4 For thee the radiant Dawns in the far-distant sky broaden their lovely garments forth in wondrous beams, bright-coloured in their new-born beams.For thee the nectar-yielding Cow pours all rich treasures forth as milk.The Marut host hast thou engendered from the womb, the Maruts from the womb of heaven.5 For thee the pure bright quickly-flowing Soma-drops, strong in their heightening power, hasten to mix themselves, hasten to the water to be mixed.To thee the weary coward prays for luck that he may speed away.Thou by thy law protectest us from every world, yea, from the world of highest Gods.6 Thou, Vayu, who hast none before thee, first of all hast right to drink these offerings of Soma juice, hast right to drink the juice out-poured,Yea, poured by all invoking tribes who free themselves from taint of sin,For thee all cows are milked to yield the Soma-milk, to yield the butter and the milk.
HYMN CXXXV. Vayu, Indra-Vayu.
1. STREWN is the sacred grass; come Vayu, to our feast, with team of thousands, come, Lord of the harnessed team, with hundreds, Lord of harnessed steeds!The drops divine are lifted up for thee, the God, to drink them first.The juices rich in sweets have raised them for thy joy, have raised themselves to give thee strength.2 Purified by the stones the Soma flows for thee, clothed with its lovely splendours, to the reservoir, flows clad in its refulgent light.For thee the Soma is poured forth, thy portioned share mid Gods and men.Drive thou thy horses, Vayu, come to us with love, come well-inclined and loving us.3 Come thou with hundreds, come with thousands in thy team to this our solemn rite, to taste the sacred food, Vayu, to taste the offerings.This is thy seasonable share, that comes co-radiant with the Sun.Brought by attendant priests pure juice is offered up, Vayu, pure juice is offered up.4 The chariot with its team of horses bring you both, to guard us and to taste the well-appointed food, Vayu, to taste the offerings!Drink of the pleasant-flavoured juice: the first draught is assigned to you.O Vayu, with your splendid bounty come ye both, Indra, with bounty come ye both.5 May our songs bring you hither to our solemn rites: these drops of mighty vigour have they beautified, like a swift steed of mighty strength.Drink of them well-inclined to us, come hitherward to be our help.Drink, Indra-Vayu, of these Juices pressed with stones, Strength-givers! till they gladden you.6 These Soma juices pressed for you in waters here, borne by attendant priests, are offered up to you: bright, Vayu, are they offered up.Swift through the strainer have they flowed, and here are shed for both of you,Soma-drops, fain for you, over the wether's fleece, Somas over the wether's fleece.7 O Vayu, pass thou over all the slumberers, and where the press-stone rings enter ye both that house, yea, Indra, go ye both within.The joyous Maiden is beheld, the butter flows. With richly laden team come to our solemn rite, yea, Indra, come ye to the rite.8 Ride hither to the offering of the pleasant juice, the holy Fig-tree which victorious priests surround: victorious be they still for us.At once the cows yield milk, the barley-meal is dressed. For thee,O Vayu, never shall the cows grow thin, never for thee shall they be dry.9 These Bulls of thine, O Vayu with the arm of strength, who swiftly fly within the current of thy stream, the Bulls increasing in their might,Horseless, yet even through the waste swift-moving, whom no shout can stay,Hard to be checked are they, like sunbeams, in their course. hard to be checked by both the hands.
HYMN CXXXVI. Mitra-Varuna.
1. BRING adoration ample and most excellent, hymn, offerings, to the watchful Twain, the bountiful, your sweetest to the bounteous Ones.Sovrans adored with streams of oil and praised at every sacrifice.Their high imperial might may nowhere be assailed, ne'er may their Godhead be assailed.2 For the broad Sun was seen a path more widely laid, the path of holy law hath been maintained with rays, the eye with Bhaga's rays of light.Firm-set in heaven is Mitra's home, and Aryaman's and Varuna's.Thence they give forth great vital strength which merits praise, high power of life that men shall praise.3 With Aditi the luminous, the celestial, upholder of the people, come ye day by day, ye who watch sleepless, day by day.Resplendent might have ye obtained, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts.Movers of men, mild both, are Mitra, Varuna, mover of men is Aryaman.4 This Soma be most sweet to Mitra, Varuna: he in the drinking-feasts, shall have a share thereof, sharing, a God, among the Gods.May all the Gods of one accord accept it joyfully to-day.Therefore do ye, O Kings, accomplish what we ask, ye Righteous Ones, whate'er we ask.5 Whoso, with worship serves Mitra and Varuna, him guard ye carefully, uninjured, from distress, guard from distress the liberal man.Aryaman guards him well who acts uprightly following his law,Who beautifies their service with his lauds, who makes it beautiful with songs of praise.6 Worship will I profess to lofty Dyaus, to Heaven and Earth, to Mitra and to bounteous Varuna, the Bounteous, the Compassionate.Praise Indra, praise thou Agni, praise Bhaga and heavenly Aryaman.Long may we live and have attendant progeny, have progeny with Soma's help.7 With the Gods' help, with Indra still beside us, may we be held self-splendid with the Maruts.May Agni, Mitra, Varuna give us shelter this may we gain, we and our wealthy princes.
HYMN CXXXVII. Mitra-Varuna.
1. WITH stones have we pressed out: O come; these gladdening drops are blent with milk, these Soma-drops which gladden you.Come to us, Kings who reach to heaven, approach us, coming hitherward.These milky drops are yours, Mitra and Varuna, bright Soma juices blent with milk.2 Here are the droppings; come ye nigh the Soma-droppings blent with curd, juices expressed and blent with curd.Now for the wakening of your Dawn together with the Sun-God's rays,juice waits for Mitra and for Varuna to drink, fair juice for drink, for sacrifice.3 As 'twere a radiant-coloured cow, they milk with stones the stalk for you, with stones they milk the Soma-plant.May ye come nigh us, may ye turn hither to drink the Soma juice.The men pressed out this juice, Mitra and Varuna, pressed out this Soma for your drink.
HYMN CXXXVIII. Pusan.
1. STRONG Pusan's majesty is lauded evermore, the glory of his lordly might is never faint, his song of praise is never faint.Seeking felicity I laud him nigh to help, the source, of bliss,Who, Vigorous one, hath drawn to him the hearts of all, drawn them, the Vigorous One, the God.2 Thee, then, O Pusan, like a swift one on his way, I urge with lauds that thou mayst make the foemen flee, drive, camel-like, our foes afar.As I, a man, call thee, a God, giver of bliss, to be my Friend,So make our loudly-chanted praises glorious, in battles make them glorious.3 Thou, Pusan, in whose friendship they who sing forth praise enjoy advantage, even in wisdom, through thy grace, in wisdom even they are advanced.So, after this most recent course, we come to thee with prayers for wealth.Not stirred to anger, O Wide-Ruler, come to us, come thou to us in every fight.4 Not stirred to anger, come, Free-giver, nigh to us, to take this gift of ours, thou who hast goats for steeds, Goat-borne! their gift who long for fame.So, Wonder-Worker! may we turn thee hither with effectual lauds.I slight thee not, O Pusan, thou Resplendent One: thy friendship may not be despised.
HYMN CXXXIX. Visvedevas.
1. HEARD be our prayer! In thought I honour Agni first: now straightway we elect this heavenly company, Indra and Vayu we elect.For when our latest thought is raised and on Vivasvan centred well,Then may our holy songs go forward on their way, our songs as 'twere unto the Gods.2 As there ye, Mitra, Varuna, above the true have taken to yourselves the untrue with your mind, with wisdom's mental energy,So in the seats wherein ye dwell have we beheld the Golden One,Not with our thoughts or spirit, but with these our eyes, yea, with the eyes that Soma gives.3 Asvins, the pious call you with their hymns of praise, sounding their loud song forth to you, these living men, to their oblations, living men.All glories and all nourishment, Lords of all wealth! depend on you.The fellies of your golden chariot scatter drops, Mighty Ones! of your golden car.4 Well is it known, O Mighty Ones: ye open heaven; for you the chariot-steeds are yoked for morning rites, unswerving steeds for morning rites,We set you on the chariot-seat, ye Mighty, on the golden car.Ye seek mid-air as by a path that leads aright, as by a path that leads direct.5 O Rich in Strength, through your great power vouchsafe us blessings day and night.The offerings which we bring to you shall never fail, gifts brought by us shall never fail.6 These Soma-drops, strong Indra! drink for heroes, poured, pressed out by pressing-stones, are welling forth for thee, for thee the drops are welling forth.They shall make glad thy heart to give, to give wealth great and wonderful.Thou who acceptest praise come glorified by hymns, come thou to us benevolent.7 Quickly, O Agni, hear us: magnified by us thou shalt speck for us to the Gods adorable yea, to the Kings adorable:When, O ye Deities, ye gave that Milch-cow to the Angirases,They milked her: Aryaman, joined with them, did the work: he knoweth her as well as I.8 Ne'er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never may your bright glories fall into decay, never before our time decay.What deed of yours, new every age, wondrous, surpassing man, rings forth,Whatever, Maruts! may be difficult to gain, grant us, whate'er is hard to gain.9 Dadhyac of old, Angiras, Priyamedha these, and Kanva, Atri, Manu knew my birth, yea, those of ancient days and Manu knew.Their long line stretcheth to the Gods, our birth-connexions are with them.To these, for their high station, I bow down with song, to Indra, Agni, bow with song.10 Let the Invoker bless: let offerers bring choice gifts; Brhaspati the Friend doth sacrifice with Steers, Steers that have many an excellence.Now with our ears we catch the sound of the press-stone that rings afar.The very Strong hath gained the waters by himself, the strong gained many a resting-place.11 O ye Eleven Gods whose home is heaven, O ye Eleven who make earth your dwelling,Ye who with might, Eleven, live in waters, accept this sacrifice, O Gods, with pleasure.
HYMN CXL. Agni.
1. To splendid Agni seated by the altar, loving well his home, I bring the food as 'twere his place of birth.I clothe the bright One with my hymn as with a robe, him with the car of light, bright-hued, dispelling gloom.2 Child of a double birth he grasps at triple food; in the year's course what he hath swallowed grows anew.He, by another's mouth and tongue a noble Bull, with other, as an elephant, consumes the trees.3 The pair who dwell together, moving in the dark bestir themselves: both parents hasten to the babe,Impetuous-tongued, destroying, springing swiftly forth, one to be watched and cherished, strengthener of his sire.4 For man, thou Friend of men, these steeds of thine are yoked, impatient, lightly running, ploughing blackened lines,Discordant-minded, fleet, gliding with easy speed, urged onward by the wind and rapid in their course.5 Dispelling on their way the horror of black gloom, making a glorious show these flames of his fly forth,When o'er the spacious tract he spreads himself abroad, and rushes panting on with thunder and with roar.6 Amid brown plants he stoops as if adorning them, and rushes bellowing like a bull upon his wives.Proving his might, he decks the glory of his form, and shakes his horns like one terrific, hard to stay.7 Now covered, now displayed he grasps as one who knows his resting-place in those who know him well.A second time they wax and gather Godlike power, and blending both together change their Parents' form.8 The maidens with long, tresses hold him in embrace; dead, they rise up again to meet the Living One.Releasing them from age with a loud roar he comes, filling them with new spirit, living, unsubdued.9 Licking the mantle of the Mother, far and wide he wanders over fields with beasts that flee apace.Strengthening all that walk, licking up all around, a blackened path, forsooth, he leaves where'er he goes.10 O Agni, shine resplendent with our wealthy chiefs, like a loud-snorting bull, accustomed to the house.Thou casting off thine infant wrappings blazest forth as though thou hadst put on a coat of mail for war.11 May this our perfect prayer be dearer unto thee than an imperfect prayer although it please thee well.With the pure brilliancy that radiates from thy form, mayest thou grant to us abundant store of wealth.12 Grant to our chariot, to our house, O Agni, a boat with moving feet and constant oarage,One that may further well our wealthy princes and all the folk, and be our certain refuge.13 Welcome our laud with thine approval, Agni. May earth and heaven and freely flowing riversYield us long life and food and corn and cattle, and may the red Dawns choose for us their choicest.
HYMN CXLI. Agni.
1. YEA, verily, the fair effulgence of the God for glory was established, since he sprang from strength.When he inclines thereto successful is the hymn: the songs of sacrifice have brought him as they flow2 Wonderful, rich in nourishment, he dwells in food; next, in the seven auspicious Mothers is his home.Thirdly, that they might drain the treasures of the Bull, the maidens brought forth him for whom the ten provide.3 What time from out the deep, from the Steer's wondrous form, the Chiefs who had the power produced him with their strength;When Matarisvan rubbed forth him who lay concealed, for mixture of the sweet drink, in the days of old.4 When from the Highest Father he is brought to us, amid the plants he rises hungry, wondrously.As both together join to expedite his birth, most youthful he is born resplendent in his light.5 Then also entered he the Mothers, and in them pure and uninjured he increased in magnitude.As to the first he rose, the vigorous from of old, so now he runs among the younger lowest ones.6 Therefore they choose him Herald at the morning rites, pressing to him as unto Bhaga, pouring gifts,When, much-praised, by the power and will of Gods, he goes at all times to his mortal worshipper to drink.7 What time the Holy One, wind-urged, hath risen up, serpent-like winding through the dry grass unrestrained,Dust lies upon the way of him who burneth all, black-winged and pure of birth who follows sundry paths.8 Like a swift chariot made by men who know their art, he with his red limbs lifts himself aloft to heaven.Thy worshippers become by burning black of hue: their strength flies as before a hero's violence.9 By thee, O Agni, Varuna who guards the Law, Mitra and Aryaman, the Bounteous, are made strong;For, as the felly holds the spokes, thou with thy might pervading hast been born encompassing them round.10 Agni, to him who toils and pours libations, thou, Most Youthful! sendest wealth and all the host of Gods.Thee, therefore, even as Bhaga, will we set anew, young Child of Strength, most wealthy! in our battle-song.11 Vouchsafe us riches turned to worthy ends, good luck abiding in the house, and strong capacity,Wealth that directs both worlds as they were guiding-reins, and, very Wise, the Gods' assent in sacrifice.12 May he, the Priest resplendent, joyful, hear us, he with the radiant car and rapid horses.May Agni, ever wise, with best directions to bliss and highest happiness conduct us.13 With hymns of might hath Agni now been lauded, advanced to height of universal kingship.Now may these wealthy chiefs and we together spread forth as spreads the Sun above the rain-clouds.
HYMN CXLII. Apris.
1. KINDLED, bring, Agni, Gods to-day for him who lifts the ladle up.Spin out the ancient thread for him who sheds, with gifts, the Soma juice.2 Thou dealest forth, Tanunapat, sweet sacrifice enriched with oil,Brought by a singer such as I who offers gifts and toils for thee.3 He wondrous, sanctifying, bright, sprinkles the sacrifice with mead,Thrice, Narasamsa from the heavens, a God mid Gods adorable.4 Agni, besought, bring hitherward Indra the Friend, the Wonderful,For this my hymn of praise, O sweet of tongue, is chanted forth to thee.5 The ladle-holders strew trimmed grass at this well-ordered sacrifice;A home for Indra is adorned, wide, fittest to receive the Gods.6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite,High, purifying, much-desired, so that the Gods may enter in.7 May Night and Morning, hymned with lauds, united, fair to look upon,Strong Mothers of the sacrifice, seat them together on the grass.8 May the two Priests Divine, the sage, the sweet-voiced lovers of the hymn,Complete this sacrifice of ours, effectual, reaching heaven to-day.9 Let Hotra pure, set among Gods, amid the Maruts Bharati, Ila, Sarasvati, Mahi, rest on the grass, adorable.10 May Tvastar send us genial dew abundant, wondrous, rich in gifts,For increase and for growth of wealth, Tvastar our kinsman and our Friend.11 Vanaspati, give forth, thyself, and call the Gods to sacrifice.May Agni, God intelligent, speed our oblation to the Gods.12 To Vayu joined with Pusan, with the Maruts, and the host of Gods,To Indra who inspires the hymn cry Glory! and present the gift.13 Come hither to enjoy the gifts prepared with cry of Glory! Come,O Indra, hear their calling; they invite thee to the sacrifice.
HYMN CXLIII. Agni.
1. To Agni I present a newer mightier hymn, I bring my words and song unto the Son of Strength,Who, Offspring of the Waters, bearing precious things sits on the earth, in season, dear Invoking Priest.2 Soon as he sprang to birth that Agni was shown forth to Matarisvan in the highest firmament.When he was kindled, through his power and majesty his fiery splendour made the heavens and earth to shine.3 His flames that wax not old, beams fair to look upon of him whose face is lovely, shine with beauteous sheen.The rays of Agni, him whose active force is light, through the nights glimmer sleepless, ageless, like the floods.4 Send thou with hymns that Agni to his own abode, who rules, one Sovran Lord of wealth, like Varuna,Him, All-possessor, whom the Bhrgus with their might brought to earth's central point, the centre of the world.5 He whom no force can stay, even as the Maruts' roar, like to a dart sent forth, even as the bolt from heaven,Agni with sharpened jaws chews up and eats the trees, and conquers them as when the warrior smites his foes.6 And will not Agni find enjoyment in our praise, will not the Vasu grant our wish with gifts of wealth?Will not the Inspirer speed our prayers to gain their end? Him with the radiant glance I laud with this my song.7 The kindler of the flame wins Agni as a Friend, promoter of the Law, whose face is bright with oil.Inflamed and keen, refulgent in our gatherings, he lifts our hymn on high clad in his radiant hues.8 Keep us incessantly with guards that cease not, Agni, with guards auspicious, very mighty.With guards that never slumber, never heedless, never beguiled. O Helper, keep our children.
HYMN CXLIV. Agni.
1. THE Priest goes forth to sacrifice, with wondrous power sending aloft the hymn of glorious brilliancy.He moves to meet the ladles turning to the right, which are the first to kiss the place where he abides.2 To him sang forth the flowing streams of Holy Law, encompassed in the home and birth-place of the God.He, when he dwelt extended in the waters' lap, absorbed those Godlike powers for which he is adored.3 Seeking in course altern to reach the selfsame end the two copartners strive to win this beauteous form.Like Bhaga must he be duly invoked by us, as he who drives the car holds fast the horse's reins.4 He whom the two copartners with observance tend, the pair who dwell together in the same abode,By night as in the day the grey one was born young, passing untouched by eld through many an age of man.5 Him the ten fingers, the devotions, animate: we mortals call on him a God to give us help.He speeds over the sloping surface of the land: new deeds hath he performed with those who gird him round.6 For, Agni, like a herdsman, thou by thine own might rulest o'er all that is in heaven and on the earth;And these two Mighty Ones, bright, golden closely joined, rolling them round are come unto thy sacred grass.7 Agni, accept with joy, be glad in this our prayer, joy-giver, self-sustained, strong, born of Holy Law!For fair to see art thou turning to every side, pleasant to look on as a dwelling filled with food.
HYMN CXLV. Agni.
1. Ask ye of him for he is come, he knoweth it; he, full of wisdom, is implored, is now implored.With him are admonitions and with him commands: he is the Lord of Strength, the Lord of Power and Might.2 They ask of him: not all learn by their questioning what he, the Sage, hath grasped, as 'twere, with his own mind.Forgetting not the former nor the later word, he goeth on, not careless, in his mental power.3 To him these ladles go, to him these racing mares: he only will give ear to all the words I speak.All-speeding, victor, perfecter of sacrifice, the Babe with flawless help hath mustered vigorous might.4 Whate'er he meets he grasps and then runs farther on, and straightway, newly born, creeps forward with his kin.He stirs the wearied man to pleasure and great joy what time the longing gifts approach him as he comes.5 He is a wild thing of the flood and forest: he hath been laid upon the highest surface.He hath declared the lore of works to mortals, Agni the Wise, for he knows Law, the Truthful.
HYMN CXLVI. Agni.
1. I LAUD the seven-rayed, the triple-headed, Agni all-perfect in his Parents' bosom,Sunk in the lap of all that moves and moves not, him who hath filled all luminous realms of heaven.2 As a great Steer he grew to these his Parents; sublime he stands, untouched by eld, far-reaching.He plants his footsteps on the lofty ridges of the broad earth: his red flames lick the udder.3 Coming together to their common youngling both Cows, fairshaped, spread forth in all directions,Measuring out the paths that must be travelled, entrusting all desires to him the Mighty.4 The prudent sages lead him to his dwelling, guarding with varied skill the Ever-Youthful.Longing, they turned their eyes unto the River: to these the Sun of men was manifested.5 Born noble in the regions, aim of all mens' eyes to be implored for life by great and small alike,Far as the Wealthy One hath spread himself abroad, he is the Sire all-visible of this progeny.
HYMN CXLVII. Agni.
1. How, Agni, have the radiant ones, aspiring, endued thee with the vigour of the living,So that on both sides fostering seed and offspring, the Gods may joy in Holy Law's fulfilment?2 Mark this my speech, Divine One, thou, Most Youthful! offered to thee by him who gives most freely.One hates thee, and another sings thy praises: I thine adorer laud thy form, O Agni.3 Thy guardian rays, O Agni, when they saw him, preserved blind Mamateya from affliction.Lord of all riches, he preserved the pious the foes who fain would harm them did no mischief.4 The sinful man who worships not, O Agni, who, offering not, harms us with double-dealing,--Be this in turn to him a heavy sentence may he distress himself by his revilings.5 Yea, when a mortal knowingly, O Victor, injures with double tongue a fellow-mortal,From him, praised Agni! save thou him that lauds thee: bring us not into trouble and affliction.
HYMN CXLVIII. Agni.
1. WHAT Matarisvan, piercing, formed by friction, Herald of all the Gods. in varied figure,Is he whom they have set mid human houses, gay-hued as light and shining forth for beauty.2 They shall not harm the man who brings thee praises: such as I am, Agni my help approves me.All acts of mine shall they accept with pleasure, laudation from the singer who presents it.3 Him in his constant seat men skilled in worship have taken and with praises have established.As, harnessed to a chariot fleet-foot horses, at his command let bearers lead him forward.4 Wondrous, full many a thing he chews and crunches: he shines amid the wood with spreading brightness.Upon his glowing flames the wind blows daily, driving them like the keen shaft of an archer.5 Him, whom while yet in embryo the hostile, both skilled and fain to harm, may never injure,Men blind and sightless through his splendour hurt not: his never-failing lovers have preserved him.
HYMN CXLIX. Agni.
1. HITHER he hastens to give, Lord of great riches, King of the mighty, to the place of treasure.The pressing-stones shall serve him speeding near us.2 As Steer of men so Steer of earth and heaven by glory, he whose streams all life hath drunken,Who hasting forward rests upon the altar.3 He who hath lighted up the joyous castle, wise Courser like the Steed of cloudy heaven,Bright like the Sun, with hundredfold existence.4 He, doubly born, hath spread in his effulgence through the three luminous realms, through all the regions,Best sacrificing Priest where waters gather.5 Priest doubly born, he through his love of glory hath in his keeping all things worth the choosing,The man who brings him gifts hath noble offspring.
HYMN CL. Agni.
1. AGNI, thy faithful servant I call upon thee with many a gift,As in the keeping of the great inciting God;2 Thou who ne'er movest thee to aid the indolent, the godless man,Him who though wealthy never brings an offering.3 Splendid, O Singer, is that man, mightiest of the great in heaven.Agni, may we be foremost, we thy worshippers.
HYMN CLI. Mitra and Varuna
1. HEAVEN and earth trembled at the might and voice of him, whom, loved and Holy One, helper of all mankind,The wise who longed for spoil in fight for kine brought forth with power, a Friend, mid waters, at the sacrifice.2 As these, like friends, have done this work for you, these prompt servants of Purumilha Soma-offerer,Give mental power to him who sings the sacred song, and hearken, Strong Ones, to the master of the house.3 The folk have glorified your birth from Earth and Heaven, to be extolled, ye Strong Ones, for your mighty power.Ye, when ye bring to singer and the rite, enjoy the sacrifice performed with holy praise and strength.4 The people prospers, Asuras! whom ye dearly love: ye, Righteous Ones, proclaim aloud the Holy Law.That efficacious power that comes from lofty heaven, ye bind unto the work, as to the pole an ox.5 On this great earth ye send your treasure down with might: unstained by dust, the crowding kine are in the stalls.Here in the neighbourhood they cry unto the Sun at morning and at evening, like swift birds of prey.6 The flames with curling tresses serve your sacrifice, whereto ye sing the song, Mitra and Varuna.Send down of your free will, prosper our holy songs: ye are sole Masters of the singer's hymn of praise.7 Whoso with sacrifices toiling brings you gifts, and worships, sage and priest, fulfilling your desire,--To him do ye draw nigh and taste his sacrifice. Come well-inclined to us unto our songs and prayer.8 With sacrifices and with milk they deck you first, ye Righteous Ones, as if through stirrings of the mind.To you they bring their hymns with their collected thought, while ye with earnest soul come to us gloriously.9 Rich strength of life is yours: ye, Heroes, have obtained through your surpassing powers rich far-extending might.Not the past days conjoined with nights, not rivers, not the Panis have attained your Godhead and your wealth.
HYMN CLII. Mitra-Varuna.
1. THE robes which ye put on abound with fatness: uninterrupted courses are your counsels.All falsehood, Mitra-Varuna! ye conquer, and closely cleave unto the Law Eternal.2 This might of theirs hath no one comprehended. True is the crushing word the sage hath uttered,The fearful four-edged bolt smites down the three-edged, and those who hate the Gods first fall and perish.3 The Footless Maid precedeth footed creatures. Who marketh, Mitra-Varuna, this your doing?The Babe Unborn supporteth this world's burthen, fulfilleth Law and overcometh falsehood.4 We look on him the darling of the Maidens, always advancing, never falling downward,Wearing inseparable, wide-spread raiment, Mitra's and Varuna's delightful glory.5 Unbridled Courser, born but not of horses, neighing he flieth on with back uplifted.The youthful love mystery thought-surpassing, praising in Mitra-Varuna, its glory.6 May the milch-kine who favour Mamateya prosper in this world him who loves devotion.May he, well skilled in rites, be food, and calling Aditi with his lips give us assistance.7 Gods, Mitra-Varuna, with love and worship, let me make you delight in this oblation.May our prayer be victorious in battles, may we have rain from heaven to make us prosper.
HYMN CLIII. Mitra-Varuna.
1. WE worship with our reverence and oblations you, Mitra Varuna, accordant, mighty,So that with us, ye Twain whose backs are sprinkled with oil, the priests with oil and hymns support you.2 Your praise is like a mighty power, an impulse: to you, Twain Gods, a well-formed hymn is offered,As the priest decks yon, Strong Ones, in assemblies, and the prince fain to worship you for blessings.3 O Mitra-Varuna, Aditi the Milch-cow streams for the rite, for folk who bring oblation,When in the assembly he who worships moves you, like to a human priest, with gifts presented.4 So may the kine and heavenly Waters pour you sweet drink in families that make you joyful.Of this may he, the ancient House-Lord, give us. Enjoy, drink of the milk the cow provideth.
HYMN CLIV. Visnu
1. I WILL declare the mighty deeds of Visnu, of him who measured out the earthly regions,Who propped the highest place of congregation, thrice setting down his footstep, widely striding.2 For this his mighty deed is Visnu lauded, like some wild beast, dread, prowling, mountain-roaming;He within whose three wide-extended paces all living creatures have their habitation.3 Let the hymn lift itself as strength to Visnu, the Bull far-striding, dwelling on the mountains,Him who alone with triple step hath measured this common dwelling-place, long, far extended.4 Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperishable, joy as it may list them,Who verily alone upholds the threefold, the earth, the heaven, and all living creatures.5 May I attain to that his well-loved mansion where men devoted to the Gods are happy.For there springs, close akin to the Wide-Strider, the well of meath in Visnu's highest footstep.6 Fain would we go unto your dwelling-places where there are many-horned and nimble oxen,For mightily, there, shineth down upon us the widely-striding Bull's sublimest mansion.
HYMN CLV. Visnu-Indra.
1. To the great Hero, him who sets his mind thereon, and Visnu, praise aloud in song your draught of juice,--Gods ne'er beguiled, who borne as 'twere by noble steed, have stood upon the lofty ridges of the hills.2 Your Soma-drinker keeps afar your furious rush, Indra and Visnu, when ye come with all your might.That which hath been directed well at mortal man, bow-armed Krsanu's arrow, ye turn far aside.3 These offerings increase his mighty manly strength: he brings both Parents down to share the genial flow.He lowers, though a son, the Father's highest name; the third is that which is high in the light of heaven.4 We laud this manly power of him the Mighty One, preserver, inoffensive, bounteous and benign;His who strode, widely pacing, with three steppings forth over the realms of earth for freedom and for life.5 A mortal man, when he beholds two steps of him who looks upon the light, is restless with amaze.But his third step doth no one venture to approach, no, nor the feathered birds of air who fly with wings.6 He, like a rounded wheel, hath in swift motion set his ninety racing steeds together with the four.Developed, vast in form, with those who sing forth praise, a youth, no more a child, he cometh to our call.
HYMN CLVI. Visnu
1. FAR-SHINING, widely famed, going thy wonted way, fed with the oil, be helpful. Mitra-like, to us.So, Visnu, e'en the wise must swell thy song of praise, and he who hath oblations pay thee solemn rites.2 He who brings gifts to him the Ancient and the Last, to Visnu who ordains, together with his Spouse,Who tells the lofty birth of him the Lofty One, shall verily surpass in glory e'en his peer.3 Him have ye satisfied, singers, as well as ye know, primeval germ of Order even from his birth.Ye, knowing e'en his name, have told it forth: may we, Visnu, enjoy the grace of thee the Mighty One.4 The Sovran Varuna and both the Asvins wait on this the will of him who guides the Marut host.Visnu hath power supreme and might that finds the day, and with his Friend unbars the stable of the kine.5 Even he the Heavenly One who came for fellowship, Visnu to Indra, godly to the godlier,Who Maker, throned in three worlds, helps the Aryan man, and gives the worshipper his share of Holy Law.
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 offspring: 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 Dasas 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 Mamata 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 CLIX. Heaven and Earth.
1. I PRAISE with sacrifices mighty Heaven and Earth at festivals, the wise, the Strengtheners of Law.Who, having Gods for progeny, conjoined with Gods, through wonder-working wisdom bring forth choicest boons.2 With invocations, on the gracious Father's mind, and on the Mother's great inherent power I muse.Prolific Parents, they have made the world of life, and for their brood all round wide immortality.3 These Sons of yours well skilled in work, of wondrous power, brought forth to life the two great Mothers first of all.To keep the truth of all that stands and all that moves, ye guard the station of your Son who knows no guile.4 They with surpassing skill, most wise, have measured out the Twins united in their birth and in their home.They, the refulgent Sages, weave within the sky, yea, in the depths of sea, a web for ever new.5 This is to-day the goodliest gift of Savitar: this thought we have when now the God is furthering us.On us with loving-kindness Heaven and Earth bestow riches and various wealth and treasure hundredfold!
HYMN CLX. Heaven and Earth.
1. THESE, Heaven and Earth, bestow prosperity on all, sustainers of the region, Holy Ones and wise,Two Bowls of noble kind: between these Goddesses the God, the fulgent Sun, travels by fixed decree.2 Widely-capacious Pair, mighty, that never fail, the Father and the Mother keep all creatures safe:The two world-halves, the spirited, the beautiful, because the Father hath clothed them in goodly forms.3 Son of these Parents, he the Priest with power to cleanse, Sage, sanctifies the worlds with his surpassing power.Thereto for his bright milk he milked through all the days the party-coloured Cow and the prolific Bull.4 Among the skilful Gods most skilled is he, who made the two world-halves which bring prosperity to all;Who with great wisdom measured both the regions out, and stablished them with pillars that shall ne'er decay.5 Extolled in song, O Heaven and Earth, bestow on us, ye mighty Pair, great glory and high lordly sway,Whereby we may extend ourselves ever over the folk; and send us strength that shall deserve the praise of men.
HYMN CLXI. Rbhus.
1 WHY hath the Best, why hath the Youngest come to us? Upon what embassy comes he? What have we said?We have not blamed the chalice of illustrious birth. We, Brother Agni, praised the goodness of the wood.2 The chalice that is single make ye into four: thus have the Gods commanded; therefore am I come.If, O Sudhanvan's Children, ye will do this thing ye shall participate in sacrifice with Gods.3 What to the envoy Agni in reply ye spake, A courser must be made, a chariot fashioned here,A cow must be created, and the Twain made young. When we have done these things, Brother, we turn to you.4 When thus, O Rbhus, ye had done ye questioned thus, Whither went he who came to us a messenger?Then Tvastar, when he viewed the four wrought chalices, concealed himself among the Consorts of the Gods.5 As Tvastar thus had spoken, Let us slay these men who have reviled the chalice, drinking-cup of Gods,They gave themselves new names when Soma juice was shed, and under these new names the Maiden welcomed them.6 Indra hath yoked his Bays, the Asvins' car is horsed, Brhaspati hath brought the Cow of every hue.Ye went as Rbhus, Vibhvan, Vaja to the Gods, and skilled in war, obtained your share in sacrifice.7 Ye by your wisdom brought a cow from out a hide; unto that ancient Pair ye gave again their youth.Out of a horse, Sudhanvan's Sons, ye formed a horse: a chariot ye equipped, and went unto the Gods.8 Drink ye this water, were the words ye spake to them; or drink ye this, the rinsing of the Muñja-grass.If ye approve not even this, Sudhanvan's Sons, then at the third libation gladden ye yourselves.9 Most excellent are waters, thus said one of you; most excellent is Agni, thus another said.Another praised to many a one the lightning cloud. Then did ye shape the cups, speaking the words of truth.10 One downward to the water drives the crippled cow, another trims the flesh brought on the carving-board.One carries off the refuse at the set of sun. How did the Parents aid their children in their task!11 On the high places ye have made the grass for man, and water in the valleys, by your skill, O Men.Rbhus, ye iterate not to-day that act of yours, your sleeping in the house of him whom naught can hide.12 As, compassing them round, ye glided through the worlds, where had the venerable Parents their abode?Ye laid a curse on him who raised his arm at you: to him who spake aloud to you ye spake again.13 When ye had slept your fill, ye Rbhus, thus ye asked, O thou whom naught may hide, who now hath wakened us?The goat declared the hound to be your wakener. That day, in a full year, ye first unclosed our eyes.14 The Maruts move in heaven, on earth this Agni; through the mid-firmament the Wind approaches.Varuna comes in the sea's gathered waters, O Sons of Strength, desirous of your presence.
HYMN CLXII. The Horse.
1. SLIGHT us not Varuna, Aryaman, or Mitra, Rbhuksan, Indra, Ayu, or the Maruts,When we declare amid the congregation the virtues of the strong Steed, God-descended.2 What time they bear before the Courser, covered with trappings and with wealth, the grasped oblation,The dappled goat goeth straightforward, bleating, to the place dear to Indra and to Pusan.3 Dear to all Gods, this goat, the share of Pusan, is first led forward with the vigorous Courser,While Tvastar sends him forward with the Charger, acceptable for sacrifice, to glory.4 When thrice the men lead round the Steed, in order, who goeth to the Gods as meet oblation,The goat precedeth him, the share of Pusan, and to the Gods the sacrifice announceth.5 Invoker, ministering priest, atoner, fire-kindler Soma-presser, sage, reciter,With this well ordered sacrifice, well finished, do ye fill full the channels of the rivers.6 The hewers of the post and those who carry it, and those who carve the knob to deck the Horse's stake;Those who prepare the cooking-vessels for the Steed,--may the approving help of these promote our work.7 Forth, for the regions of the Gods, the Charger with his smooth back is come my prayer attends him.In him rejoice the singers and the sages. A good friend have we won for the Gods' banquet.8 May the fleet Courser's halter and his heel-ropes, the head-stall and the girths and cords about him.And the grass put within his mouth to bait him,--among the Gods, too, let all these be with thee.9 What part of the Steed's flesh the fly hath eaten, or is left sticking to the post or hatchet,Or to the slayer's hands and nails adhereth,--among the Gods, too, may all this be with thee.10 Food undigested steaming from his belly, and any odour of raw flesh remaining,This let the immolators set in order and dress the sacrifice with perfect cooking.11 What from thy body which with fire is roasted, when thou art set upon the spit, distilleth,Let not that lie on earth or grass neglected, but to the longing Gods let all be offered.12 They who observing that the Horse is ready call out and say, the smell is good; remove it;And, craving meat, await the distribution,--may their approving help promote labour.13 The trial-fork of the flesh-cooking caldron, the vessels out of which the broth is sprinkled,The warming-pots, the covers of the dishes, hooks, carving-boards,--all these attend the Charger.14 The starting-place, his place of rest and rolling, the ropes wherewith the Charger's feet were fastened,The water that he drank, the food he tasted,--among the Gods, too, may all these attend thee.15 Let not the fire, smoke-scented, make thee crackle, nor glowing caldron smell and break to pieces.Offered, beloved, approved, and consecrated,--such Charger do the Gods accept with favour.16 The robe they spread upon the Horse to clothe him, the upper covering and the golden trappings,The halters which restrain the Steed, the heel-ropes,--all these, as grateful to the Gods, they offer.17 If one, when seated, with excessive urging hath with his heel or with his whip distressed thee,All these thy woes, as with the oblations' ladle at sacrifices, with my prayer I banish.18 The four-and-thirty ribs of the. Swift Charger, kin to the Gods, the slayer's hatchet pierces.Cut ye with skill, so that the parts be flawless, and piece by piece declaring them dissect them.19 Of Tvastar's Charger there is one dissector,--this is the custom-two there are who guide him.Such of his limbs as I divide in order, these, amid the balls, in fire I offer.20 Let not thy dear soul burn thee as thou comest, let not the hatchet linger in thy body.Let not a greedy clumsy immolator, missing the joints, mangle thy limbs unduly.21 No, here thou diest not, thou art not injured: by easy paths unto the Gods thou goest.Both Bays, both spotted mares are now thy fellows, and to the ass's pole is yoked the Charger.22 May this Steed bring us all-sustaining riches, wealth in good kine, good horses, manly offspring.Freedom from sin may Aditi vouchsafe us: the Steed with our oblations gain us lordship!
HYMN CLXIII. The Horse.
1. WHAT time, first springing into life, thou neighedst, proceeding from the sea or upper waters,Limbs of the deer hadst thou, and eagle pinions. O Steed, thy birth is nigh and must be lauded.2 This Steed which Yama gave hath Trita harnessed, and him, the first of all, hath Indra mounted.His bridle the Gandharva grasped. O Vasus, from out the Sun ye fashioned forth the Courser.3 Yama art thou, O Horse; thou art Aditya; Trita art thou by secret operation.Thou art divided thoroughly from Soma. They say thou hast three bonds in heaventhat hold thee.4 Three bonds, they say, thou hast in heaven that bind thee, three in the waters,three within the ocean.To me thou seemest Varuna, O Courser, there where they say is thy sublimest birth-place.5 Here-, Courser, are the places where they groomed thee, here are the traces of thy hoofs as winner.Here have I seen the auspicious reins that guide thee, which those who guard the holy Law keep safely.6 Thyself from far I recognized in spirit,--a Bird that from below flew through the heaven.I saw thy head still soaring, striving upward by paths unsoiled by dust, pleasant to travel.7 Here I beheld thy form, matchless in glory, eager to win thee food at the Cow's station.Whene'er a man brings thee to thine enjoyment, thou swallowest the plants most greedy eater.8 After thee, Courser, come the car, the bridegroom, the kine come after, and the charm of maidens.Full companies have followed for thy friendship: the pattern of thy vigour Gods have copied.9 Horns made of gold hath he: his feet are iron: less fleet than he, though swift as thought, is Indra.The Gods have come that they may taste the oblation of him who mounted, first of all, the Courser.10 Symmetrical in flank, with rounded haunches, mettled like heroes, the Celestial CoursersPut forth their strength, like swans in lengthened order, when they, the Steeds, have reached the heavenly causeway.11 A body formed for flight hast thou, O Charger; swift as the wind in motion is thy spirit.Thy horns are spread abroad in all directions: they move with restless beat in wildernesses.12 The strong Steed hath come forward to the slaughter, pondering with a mind directed God-ward.The goat who is his kin is led before him the sages and the singers follow after.13 The Steed is come unto the noblest mansion, is come unto his Father and his Mother.This day shall he approach the Gods, most welcome: then he declares good gifts to him who offers.
HYMN CLXIV. Visvedevas.
1. OF this benignant Priest, with eld grey-coloured, the brother midmost of the three is lightning.The third is he whose back with oil is sprinkled. Here I behold the Chief with seven male children.2 Seven to the one-wheeled chariot yoke the Courser; bearing seven names the single Courser draws it.Three-naved the wheel is, sound and undecaying, whereon are resting all these worlds of being.3 The seven who on the seven-wheeled car are mounted have horses, seven in tale, who draw them onward.Seven Sisters utter songs of praise together, in whom the names of the seven Cows are treasured.4 Who hath beheld him as he sprang to being, seen how the boneless One supports the bony?Where is the blood of earth, the life, the spirit? Who may approach the man who knows, to ask it?5 Unripe in mind, in spirit undiscerning, I ask of these the Gods' established places; For up above the yearling Calf the sages, to form a web, their own seven threads have woven.6 I ask, unknowing, those who know, the sages, as one all ignorant for sake of knowledge,What was that ONE who in the Unborn's image hath stablished and fixed firm these worlds' six regions.7 Let him who knoweth presently declare it, this lovely Bird's securely founded station.Forth from his head the Cows draw milk, and, wearing his vesture, with their foot have drunk the water.8 The Mother gave the Sire his share of Order: with thought, at first, she wedded him in spirit.She, the coy Dame, was filled with dew prolific: with adoration men approached to praise her.9 Yoked was the Mother to the boon Cow's car-pole: in the dank rows of cloud the Infant rested.Then the Calf lowed, and looked upon the Mother, the Cow who wears all shapes in three directions.10 Bearing three Mothers and three Fathers, single he stood erect: they never make him weary.There on the pitch of heaven they speak together in speech all-knowing but not all-impelling.11 Formed with twelve spokes, by length of time, unweakened, rolls round the heaven this wheel of during Order.Herein established, joined in pairs together, seven hundred Sons and twenty stand, O Agni.12 They call him in the farther half of heaven the Sire five-footed, of twelve forms, wealthy in watery store.These others say that he, God with far-seeing eyes, is mounted on the lower seven-wheeled, six-spoked car.13 Upon this five-spoked wheel revolving ever all living creatures rest and are dependent.Its axle, heavy-laden, is not heated: the nave from ancient time remains unbroken.14 The wheel revolves, unwasting, with its felly: ten draw it, yoked to the far-stretching car-pole.The Sun's eye moves encompassed by the region: on him dependent rest all living creatures.15 Of the co-born they call the seventh single-born; the six twin pairs are called Rsis, Children of Gods.Their good gifts sought of men are ranged in order due, and various in their form move for the Lord who guides.16 They told me these were males, though truly females: he who hath eyes sees this, the blind discerns not.The son who is a sage hath comprehended: who knows this rightly is his father's father.17 Beneath the upper realm, above this lower, bearing her calf at foot the Cow hath risen.Witherward, to what place hath she departed? Where calves she? Not amid this herd of cattle.18 Who, that the father of this Calf discerneth beneath the upper realm, above the lower,Showing himself a sage, may here declare it? Whence hath the Godlike spirit had its rising?19 Those that come hitherward they call departing, those that depart they call directed hither.And what so ye have made, Indra and Soma, steeds bear as 'twere yoked to the region's car-pole.20 Two Birds with fair wings, knit with bonds of friendship, in the same sheltering tree have found a refuge.One of the twain eats the sweet Fig-tree's fruitage; the other eating not regardeth only.21 Where those fine Birds hymn ceaselessly their portion of life eternal, and the sacred synods,There is the Universe's mighty Keeper, who, wise, hath entered into me the simple.22 The, tree whereon the fine Birds eat the sweetness, where they all rest and procreate their offspring,--Upon its top they say the fig is luscious none gaineth it who knoweth not the Father.23 How on the Gayatri the Gayatri was based, how from the Tristup they fashioned the Tristup forth,How on the Jagati was based the Jagati,--they who know this have won themselves immortal life.24 With Gayatri he measures out the praise-song, Sama with praise-song, triplet with the Tristup.The triplet with the two or four-foot measure, and with the syllable they form seven metres.25 With Jagati the flood in heaven he stablished, and saw the Sun in the Rathantara Saman.Gayatri hath, they say, three brands for kindling: hence it excels in majesty and vigour.26 I invocate the milch-cow good for milking so that the milker, deft of hand, may drain her.May Savitar give goodliest stimulation. The caldron is made hot; I will proclaim it.27 She, lady of all treasure, is come hither yearning in spirit for her calf and lowing.May this cow yield her milk for both the Asvins, and may she prosper to our high advantage.28 The cow hath lowed after her blinking youngling; she licks his forehead, as she lows, to form it.His mouth she fondly calls to her warm udder, and suckles him with milk while gently lowing.29 He also snorts, by whom encompassed round the Cow laws as she clings unto the shedder of the rain.She with her shrilling cries hath humbled mortal man, and, turned to lightning, hath stripped off her covering robe.30 That which hath breath and speed and life and motion lies firmly stablished in the midst of houses.Living, by offerings to the Dead he moveth Immortal One, the brother of the mortal.31 I saw the Herdsman, him who never stumbles, approaching by his pathways and departing.He, clothed with gathered and diffusive splendour, within the worlds continually travels.32 He who hath made him cloth not comprehend him: from him who saw him surely is he hidden.He, yet enveloped in his Mother's bosom, source of much life, hath sunk into destruction.33 Dyaus is my Father, my begetter: kinship is here. This great earth is my kin and Mother.Between the wide-spread world-halves is the birth-place: the Father laid the Daughter's germ within it.34 I ask thee of the earth's extremest limit, where is the centre of the world, I askthee.I ask thee of the Stallion's seed prolific, I ask of highest heaven where Speech abideth.35 This altar is the earth's extremest limit; this sacrifice of ours is the world's centre.The Stallion's seed prolific is the Soma; this Brahman highest heaven where Speech abideth.36 Seven germs unripened yet are heaven's prolific seed: their functions they maintain by Visnu's ordinance.Endued with wisdom through intelligence and thought, they compass us about present on every side.37 What thing I truly am I know not clearly: mysterious, fettered in my mind I wander.When the first-born of holy Law approached me, then of this speech I first obtain a portion.38 Back, forward goes he, grasped by strength inherent, the Immortal born the brother of the mortalCeaseless they move in opposite directions: men mark the one, and fail to mark the other.39 Upon what syllable of holy praise-song, as twere their highest heaven, the Gods repose them,--Who knows not this, what will he do with praise-song? But they who know it well sit here assembled.40 Fortunate mayst thou be with goodly pasture, and may we also be exceeding wealthy.Feed on the grass, O Cow, at every season, and coming hitherward drink limpid water.41 Forming the water-floods, the buffalo hath lowed, one-footed or two-footed or four-footed, she,Who hath become eight-footed or hath got nine feet, the thousand-syllabled in the sublimest heaven.42 From her descend in streams the seas of water; thereby the world's four regions have their being,Thence flows the imperishable flood and thence the universe hath life.43 I saw from far away the smoke of fuel with spires that rose on high o'er that beneath it.The Mighty Men have dressed the spotted bullock. These were the customs in the days aforetime,44 Three with long tresses show in ordered season. One of them sheareth when the year is ended.One with his powers the universe regardeth: Of one, the sweep is seen, but his figure.45 Speech hath been measured out in four divisions, the Brahmans who have understanding know them.Three kept in close concealment cause no motion; of speech, men speak only the fourth division.46 They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and he is heavenly nobly-winged Garutman.To what is One, sages give many a title they call it Agni, Yama, Matarisvan.47 Dark the descent: the birds are golden-coloured; up to the heaven they fly robed in the waters.Again descend they from the seat of Order, and all the earth is moistened with their fatness.48 Twelve are the fellies, and the wheel is single; three are the naves. What man hath understood it?Therein are set together spokes three hundred and sixty, which in nowise can be loosened.49 That breast of thine exhaustless, spring of pleasure, wherewith thou feedest all things that are choicest,Wealth-giver, treasure. finder, free bestower,--bring that, Sarasvati, that we may drain it.50 By means of sacrifice the Gods accomplished their sacrifice: these were the earliest ordinances.These Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there where the Sadhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling.51 Uniform, with the passing days, this water mounts and fails again.The tempest-clouds give life to earth, and fires re-animate the heaven.52 The Bird Celestial, vast with noble pinion, the lovely germ of plants, the germ of waters,Him who delighteth us with rain in season, Sarasvan I invoke that he may help us.
HYMN CLXV. Indra. Maruts.
1. WITH what bright beauty are the Maruts jointly invested, peers in age, who dwell together?From what place have they come? With what intention? Sing they their strength through love of wealth, these Heroes?2 Whose prayers have they, the Youthful Ones, accepted? Who to his sacrifice hath turned the Maruts?We will delay them on their journey sweeping--with what high spirit!--through the air like eagles.3 Whence comest thou alone, thou who art mighty, Indra, Lord of the Brave? What is thy purpose?Thou greetest us when meeting us the Bright Ones. Lord of Bay Steeds, say what thou hast against us.4 Mine are devotions, hymns; sweet are libations. Strength stirs, and hurled forth is my bolt of thunder.They call for me, their lauds are longing for me. These my Bay Steeds bear me to these oblations.5 Therefore together with our strong companions, having adorned our bodies, now we harness,Our spotted deer with might, for thou, O Indra, hast learnt and understood our Godlike nature.6 Where was that nature then of yours, O Maruts, that ye charged me alone to slay the Dragon?For I in truth am fierce and strong and mighty. I bent away from every foeman's weapons.7 Yea, much hast thou achieved with us for comrades, with manly valour like thine own, thou Hero.Much may we too achieve, O mightiest Indra, with our great power, we Maruts, when we will it.8 Vrtra I slew by mine own strength, O Maruts, having waxed mighty in mine indignation.I with the thunder in my hand created for man these lucid softly flowing waters.9 Nothing, O Maghavan, stands firm before thee; among the Gods not one is foundthine equal.None born or springing into life comes nigh thee. Do what thou hast to do, exceeding mighty?10 Mine only be transcendent power, whatever I, daring in my spirit, may accomplish.For I am known as terrible, O Maruts I, Indra, am the Lord of what I ruined.11 Now, O ye Maruts, hath your praise rejoiced me, the glorious hymn which ye have made me, Heroes!For me, for Indra, champion strong in battle, for me, yourselves, as lovers for a lover.12 Here, truly, they send forth their sheen to meet me, wearing their blameless glory and their vigour.When I have seen you, Maruts, in gay splendour, ye have delighted me, so now delight me.13 Who here hath magnified you, O ye Maruts? speed forward, O ye lovers, to your lovers.Ye Radiant Ones, assisting their devotions, of these my holy rites he ye regardful.14 To this hath Manya's wisdom brought us, so as to aid, as aids the poet him who worships.Bring hither quick! On to the sage, ye Maruts! These prayers for you the singer hath recited.15 May this your praise, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance!
HYMN CLXVI. Maruts.
1. Now let us publish, for the vigorous company the herald of the Strong One, their primeval might.With fire upon your way, O Maruts loud of voice, with battle, Mighty Ones, achieve your deeds of strength.2 Bringing the pleasant meath as 'twere their own dear son, they sport in sportive wise gay at their gatherings.The Rudras come with succour to the worshipper; self-strong they fail not him who offers sacrifice.3 To whomsoever, bringer of oblations, they immortal guardians, have given plenteous wealth,For him, like loving friends, the Maruts bringing bliss bedew the regions round with milk abundantly.4 Ye who with mighty powers have stirred the regions up, your coursers have sped forth directed by themselves.All creatures of the earth, all dwellings are afraid, for brilliant is your coming with your spears advanced.5 When they in dazzling rush have made the mountains roar, and shaken heaven's high back in their heroic strength,Each sovran of the forest fears as ye drive near, aid the shrubs fly before you swift as whirling wheels.6 Terrible Maruts, ye with ne'er-diminished host, with great benevolence fulfil our heart's desire.Where'er your lightning bites armed with its gory teeth it crunches up the cattle like a well-aimed dart.7 Givers of during gifts whose bounties never fail, free from ill-will, at sacrifices glorified,They sing their song aloud that they may drink sweet juice: well do they know the Hero's first heroic deeds.8 With castles hundredfold, O Maruts, guard ye well the man whom ye have loved from ruin and from sin,--The man whom ye the fierce, the Mighty ones who roar, preserve from calumny by cherishing his seed.9 O Maruts, in your cars are all things that are good: great powers are set as 'twere in rivalry therein.Rings are upon your shoulders when ye journey forth: your axle turns together both the chariot wheels.10 Held in your manly arms are many goodly things, gold chains are on your chests, and glistering ornaments,Deer-skins are on their shoulders, on their fellies knives: they spread their glory out as birds spread out their wings.11 Mighty in mightiness, pervading, passing strong, visible from afar as 'twere with stars of heaven,Lovely with pleasant tongues, sweet singers with their mouths, the Maruts, joined with Indra, shout forth all around.12 This is your majesty, ye Maruts nobly born, far as the sway of Aditi your bounty spreads.Even Indra by desertion never disannuls the boon bestowed by you upon the pious man.13 This is your kinship, Maruts, that, Immortals, ye were oft in olden time regardful of our call,Having vouchsafed to man a hearing through this prayer, by wondrous deeds the Heroes have displayed their might.14 That, O ye Maruts, we may long time flourish through your abundant riches, O swift movers,And that our men may spread in the encampment, let me complete the rite with these oblations.15 May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXVII. Indra. Maruts.
1. A THOUSAND are thy helps for us, O Indra: a thousand, Lord of Bays, thy choice refreshments.Wealth of a thousand sorts hast thou to cheer us: may precious goods come nigh to us in thousands.2 May the most sapient Maruts, with protection, with best boons brought from lofty heaven, approach us,Now when their team of the most noble horses speeds even on the sea's extremest limit.3 Close to them clings one moving in seclusion, like a man's wife, like a spear carried rearward,Well grasped, bright, decked with gold there is Vak also, like to a courtly, eloquent dame, among them.4 Far off the brilliant, never-weary Maruts cling to the young Maid as a joint possession.The fierce Gods drave not Rodasi before them, but wished for her to grow their friend and fellow.5 When chose immortal Rodasi to follow--she with loose tresses and heroic spirit--She climbed her servant's chariot, she like Surya with cloud-like motion and refulgent aspect.6 Upon their car the young men set the Maiden wedded to glory, mighty in assemblies,When your song, Maruts, rose, and, with oblation, the Soma-pourer sang his hymn in worship.7 I will declare the greatness of these Maruts, their real greatness, worthy to be lauded,How, with them, she though firm, strong-minded, haughty, travels to women happy in their fortune.8 Mitra and Varuna they guard from censure: Aryaman too, discovers worthless sinners Firm things are overthrown that ne'er were shaken: he prospers, Maruts, who gives choice oblations.9 None of us, Maruts, near or at a distance, hath ever reached the limit of your vigour.They in courageous might still waxing boldly have compassed round their foemen like an ocean.10 May we this day be dearest friends of Indra, and let us call on him in fight to-morrow.So were we erst. New might attend us daily! So be with us! Rbhuksan of the Heroes!11 May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana'sson, Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with. food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full ab
HYMN CLXVIII. Maruts.
1. SWIFT gain is his who hath you near at every rite: ye welcome every song of him who serves the Gods.So may I turn you hither with fair hymns of praise to give great succour for the weal of both the worlds.2 Surrounding, as it were, self-born, self-powerful, they spring to life the shakers-down of food and light;Like as the countess undulations of the floods, worthy of praise when near, like bullocks and like kine.3 They who, like Somas with their well-grown stalks pressed out, imbibed within the heart, dwell there in friendly wise.Upon their shoulders rests as 'twere a warrior's spear and in their hand they hold a dagger and a ring.4 Self-yoked they have descended lightly from the sky. With your own lash, Immortals, urge yourselves to speed.Unstained by dust the Maruts, mighty in their strength, have cast down e'en firm things, armed with their shining spears.5 Who among you, O Maruts armed with lightning-spears, moveth you by himself, as with the tongue his jaws?Ye rush from heaven's floor as though ye sought for food, on many errands like the Sun's diurnal Steed.6 Say where, then, is this mighty region's farthest bound, where, Maruts, is the lowest depth that ye have reached,When ye cast down like chaff the firmly stablished pile, and from the mountain send the glittering water-flood?7 Your winning is with strength, dazzling, with heavenly light, with fruit mature, O Maruts, fall of plenteousness.Auspicious is your gift like a free giver's meed, victorious, spreading far, as of immortal Gods.8 The rivers roar before your chariot fellies when they are uttering the voice of rain-clouds.The lightnings laugh upon the earth beneath them, what time the Maruts scatter forth their fatness.9 Prsni brought forth, to fight the mighty battle, the glittering army of the restless Maruts.Nurtured together they begat the monster, and then looked round them for the food that strengthens.10 May this your laud, may this your song O Maruts, sung by the poet Mana's son,Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance
HYMN CLXIX. Indra.
1. As, Indra, from great treason thou protectest, yea, from great treachery these who approach us,So, marking well, Controller of the Maruts grant us their blessings, for they are thy dearest.2 The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, in thy wisdom, Indra.The host of Maruts goeth forth exulting to win the light-bestowing spoil of battle.3 That spear of thine sat firm for us, O Indra: the Maruts set their whole dread power in motion.E'en Agni shines resplendent in the brush-wood: the viands hold him as floods hold an island.4 Vouchsafe us now that opulence, O Indra, as guerdon won by mightiest donation.May hymns that please thee cause the breast of Vayu to swell as with the mead's refreshing sweetness.5 With thee, O Indra, are most bounteous riches that further every one who lives uprightly.Now may these Maruts show us loving-kindness, Gods who of old were ever prompt to help us.6 Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, O Indra: exert thee in the great terrestrial region;For their broad-chested speckled deer are standing like a King's armies on the field of battle.7 Heard is the roar of the advancing Maruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly moving,Who with their rush o'erthrow as 'twere a sinner the mortal who would fight with those who love him8 Give to the Manas, Indra with Maruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle foremost.Thou, God, art praised with Gods who must be lauded. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXX. Indra. Maruts.
1. NAUGHT is to-day, to-morrow naught. Who comprehends the mystery?We must address ourselves unto another's thought, and lost is then the hope we formed.2 The Maruts are thy brothers. Why, O Indra, wouldst thou take our lives?Agree with them in friendly wise, and do not slay us in the fight.3 Agastya, brother, why dost thou neglect us, thou who art our friend?We know the nature of thy mind. Verity thou wilt give us naught.4 Let them prepare the altar, let them kindle fire in front: we twoHere will spread sacrifice for thee, that the Immortal may observe.5 Thou, Lord of Wealth, art Master of all treasures, thou, Lord of friends, art thy friends' best supporter.O Indra, speak thou kindly with the Maruts, and taste oblations in their proper season.
HYMN CLXXI. Maruts.
1. To you I come with this mine adoration, and with a hymn I crave the Strong Ones' favourA hymn that truly makes you joyful, Maruts. Suppress your anger and unyoke your horses.2 Maruts, to you this laud with prayer and worship, formed in the mind and heart, ye Gods, is offered.Come ye to us, rejoicing in your spirit, for ye are they who make our prayer effective.3 The Maruts, praised by us, shall show us favour; Maghavan, lauded, shall be most propitious.Maruts,, may all our days that are to follow be very pleasant, lovely and triumphant.4 I fled in terror from this mighty Indra, my body trembling in alarm, O Maruts.Oblations meant for you had been made ready; these have we set aside: for this forgive us.5 By whom the Manas recognize the day-springs, by whose strength at the dawn of endless mornings,Give us, thou Mighty, glory with Maruts. fierce with the fierce, the Strong who givest triumph.6 Do thou, O Indra, guard the conquering Heroes, and rid thee of thy wrath against the Maruts,With them, the wise, victorious and bestowing. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXII. Maruts.
1. WONDERFUL let your coming be, wondrous with help, ye Bounteous Ones,Maruts, who gleam as serpents gleam.2 Far be from us, O Maruts, ye free givers, your impetuous shaft;Far from us be the stone ye hurl.3 O Bounteous Givers, touch ye not, O Maruts, Trnskanda's folk;Lift ye us up that we may live.
HYMN CLXXIII. Indra.
1. THE praise-song let him sing forth bursting bird-like: sing we that hymn which like heaven's light expandeth,That the milk-giving cows may, unimpeded call to the sacred grass the Gods' assembly.2 Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud roar like some wild beast that hungers.Praised God! the glad priest brings his heart's devotion; the holy youth presents twofold oblation.3 May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him bring the earth's autumnal fruitage.Let the Horse neigh led near, let the Steer bellow: let the Voice go between both worlds as herald,4 To him we offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their strength-inspiring praises.May Indra, wondrous in his might, accept them, car-borne and swift to move like the Nasatyas.5 Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car-borne Warrior, Maghavan the Hero;Stronger in war than those who fight against him, borne by strong steeds, who kills enclosing darkness;6 Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness: the earth and heavens suffice not for his girdles.Indra endues the earth to be his garment, and, God-like, wears the heaven as 'twere a frontlet,7 Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in the van,--to draw thee hither,Indra, the hosts agree beside the Soma, and joy, for his great actions, in the Chieftain.8 Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods come to cheer these people.To thee the Cow is sum of all things grateful when with the wish thou seekest men and princes.9 So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were through praise of chieftains,That Indra still may linger at our worship, as one led swift to work, to hear our praises.10 Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, wielder of the thunder.Like true friends of some city's lord within them held in good rule with sacrifice they help him.11 For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry in spirit;As pleasure at the ford invites the thirsty, as the long way brings him who gains his object.12 Let us not here contend with Gods, O Indra, for here, O Mighty One, is thine own portion,The Great, whose Friends the bounteous Maruts honour, as with a stream, his song who pours oblations.13 Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay Steeds, find us hereby advancement.So mayst thou lead us on, O God, to comfort. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXIV. Indra.
1. THOU art the King of all the Gods, O Indra: protect the men, O Asura, preserve us.Thou Lord of Heroes, Maghavan, our saver, art faithful, very rich, the victory-giver.2 Indra, thou humbledst tribes that spake with insult by breaking down seven autumn forts, their refuge.Thou stirredst, Blameless! billowy floods, and gavest his foe a prey to youthful Purukutsa.3 With whom thou drivest troops whose lords are heroes, and bringest daylight now, much worshipped Indra,With them guard lion-like wasting active Agni to dwell in our tilled fields and in our homestead.4 They through the greatness of thy spear, O Indra, shall, to thy praise, rest in this earthly station.To loose the floods, to seek, for kine, the battle, his Bays he mounted boldly seized the booty.5 Indra, bear Kutsa, him in whom thou joyest: the dark-red horses of the Wind are docile.Let the Sun roll his chariot wheel anear us, and let the Thunderer go to meet the foemen.6 Thou Indra, Lord of Bays, made strong by impulse, hast slain the vexers of thy friends, who give not.They who beheld the Friend beside the living were cast aside by thee as they rode onward.7 Indra, the bard sang forth in inspiration: thou madest earth a covering for the Dasa.Maghavan made the three that gleam with moisture, and to his home brought Kuyavac to slay him.8 These thine old deeds new bards have sung, O Indra. Thou conqueredst, boundest many tribes for ever.Like castles thou hast crushed the godless races, and bowed the godless scorner's deadly weapon.9 A Stormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, O Indra, like the running rivers.When o'er the flood thou broughtest them, O Hero, thou keptest Turvasa and Yadu safely.10 Indra, mayst thou be ours in all occasions, protector of the men, most gentle-hearted,Giving us victory over all our rivals. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXV. Indra.
1. GLAD thee: thy glory hath been quaffed, Lord of Bay Steeds, as 'twere the bowl's enlivening mead.For thee the Strong there is strong drink, mighty, omnipotent to win.2 Let our strong drink, most excellent, exhilarating, come to thee,Victorious, Indra! bringing gain, immortal conquering in fight,3 Thou, Hero, winner of the spoil, urgest to speed the car of man.Burn, like a vessel with the flame, the lawless Dasyu, Conqueror!4 Empowered by thine own might, O Sage, thou stolest Surya's chariot wheel.Thou barest Kutsa with the steeds of Wind to Susna as his death.5 Most mighty is thy rapturous joy, most splendid is thine active power,Wherewith, foe-slaying, sending bliss, thou art supreme in gaining steeds.6 As thou, O Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, as water to the thirsty,So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXVI. Indra.
1. CHEER thee with draughts to win us bliss: Soma, pierce Indra in thy strength.Thou stormest trembling in thy rage, and findest not a foeman nigh.2 Make our songs penetrate to him who is the Only One of men;For whom the sacred food is spread, as the steer ploughs the barley in.3 Within whose hands deposited all the Five Peoples' treasures rest.Mark thou the man who injures us and kill him like the heavenly bolt.4 Slay everyone who pours no gift, who, hard to reach, delights thee not.Bestow on us what wealth he hath: this even the worshipper awaits.5 Thou helpest him the doubly strong whose hymns were sung unceasingly.When Indra fought, O Soma, thou helpest the mighty in the fray.6 As thou, O Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, like water to the thirsty,So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXVII. Indra.
1. THE Bull of men, who cherishes all people, King of the Races, Indra, called of many,Fame-loving, praised, hither to me with succour turn having yoked both vigorous Bay Horses!2 Thy mighty Stallions, yoked by prayer, O Indra, thy. Coursers to thy mighty chariot harnessed,--Ascend thou these, and borne by them come hither: with Soma juice out. poured, Indra, we call thee.3 Ascend thy mighty car: the mighty Soma is poured for thee and sweets are sprinkled round us.Come down to us-ward, Bull of human races, come, having harnessed them, with strong Bay Horses.4 Here is God-reaching sacrifice, here the victim; here, Indra, are the prayers, here is the Soma.Strewn is the sacred grass: come hither, Sakra; seat thee and drink: unyoke thy two Bay Coursers.5 Come to us, Indra, come thou highly lauded to the devotions of the singer Mana.Singing, may we find early through thy succour, may we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXVIII. Indra.
1. IF, Indra, thou hast given that gracious hearing where with thou helpest those who sang thy praises.Blast not the wish that would exalt us may I gain all from thee, and pay all man's devotions.2 Let not the Sovran Indra disappoint us in what shall bring both Sisters to our dwelling.To him have run the quickly flowing waters. May Indra come to us with life and friendship.3 Victorious with the men, Hero in battles, Indra, who hears the singer's supplication,Will bring his car nigh to the man who offers, if he himself upholds the songs that praise him.4 Yea, Indra, with the men, through love of glory consumes the sacred food which friends have offered.The ever-strengthening song of him who worships is sung in fight amid the clash of voices.5 Aided by thee, O Maghavan, O Indra, may we subdue our foes who count them mighty.Be our protector, strengthen and increase us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXIX. Rati.
(The following Hymn was originally only found in the Appendix, with certain lines translated in Latin.--JBH.)
The deified object of this omitted hymn is said to be Rati or Love, and its Rsis or authors are Lopamudra, Agastya, and a disciple. Lopamudra is represented as inviting the caresses of her aged husband Agastya, and complaining of his coldness and neglect. Agastya responds in stanza 3, and in the second half of stanza 4 the disciple or the poet briefly tells the result of the dialogue. Stanza 5 is supposed to be spoken by the disciple who has overheard the conversation, but its connexion with the rest of the hymn is not very apparent. In stanza 6 'toiling with strong endeavour' is a paraphrase and not a translation of the original khanamanah khanitraih (ligonibus fodiens) which Sayana explains by 'obtaining the desired result by means of lauds and sacrifices.'
M. Bergaigne is of opinion that the hymn has a mystical meaning, Agastya being identifiable with the celestial Soma whom Lopamudra, representing fervent Prayer, succeeds after long labour in drawing down from his secret dwelling place. See La Religion Vedique, ii. 394 f.
1 'Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night and morn, through age-inducing dawnings.Old age impairs the beauty of our bodies. Let husbands still come near unto their spouses.2 For even the men aforetime, law-fulfillers, who with the Gods declared eternal statutes,--They have decided, but have not accomplished: so now let Wives come near unto their husbands.3 Non inutilis est labor cui Dii favent: nos omnes aemulos et aemulas vincamus.Superemus in hac centum artium pugna in qua duas partes convenientes utrinque commovemus.4 Cupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc utrum illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit.Lopamudra taurum [maritum suum] ad se detrahit: insipiens illa sapientem anhelantem absorbet.5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath been imbibed within the spirit,To pardon any sins we have committed. Verily mortal man is full of longings.6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, progeny and power,Cherished--a sage of mighty strength--both classes, and with the Gods obtained his prayer's fulfilment.
By 'both classes' probably priests and princes, or institutors of sacrifices, are meant. M. Bergaigne understands the expression to mean the two forms or essences of Soma, the celestial and the terrestrial.
5 Membrum suum virile, quod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retraxit. Rursus illud quod in juvenem filiam sublatum fuerat, non aggressurus, ad se rerahit.6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo discedentes seminis paulum in terrae superficiem sacrorum sede effusum emiserunt.7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum eâ congressus suum semen supra wrrarn effudit. Tum Dii benigni precem (brahma) prgeduerunt, et Vastoshpatim, legum sacrarum custodem, formaverunt.8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est. Quasi dextro pede claudus processit, "inutiles fuerunt illi mei complexus," ita locutus.9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Râksasas approach) not Agni by night; the giver of fuel, and the giver of food, he, the upholder (of the rite), is born, overcoming enemies by his might.'
HYMN CLXXX. Asvins.
1. LIGHTLY your coursers travel through the regions when round the sea of air your car is flying.Your golden fellies scatter drops of moisture: drinking the sweetness ye ettend 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 Asvins, 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 wonderful in deed, car-borne, best charioteers,Bring your full chariot hither heaped with liquid sweet: thereon, ye Asvins, 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 straight 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.
HYMN CLXXXV. Heaven and Earth.
1. WHETHER of these is elder, whether later? How were they born? Who knoweth it, ye sages?These of themselves support all things existing: as on a car the Day and Night roll onward.2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving.Like your own son upon his parents' bosom, protect us, Heaven and earth, from fearful danger.3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship.Produce this, ye Twain Worlds, for him who lauds you. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour,Both mid the Gods, with Day and Night alternate. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom,Kissing the centre of the world together. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection.Who, beautiful to look on, make the nectar. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,--these, reverent, I address at this our worship,The blessed Pair, victorious, all-sustaining. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain,Thereof may this our hymn be expiation. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour.Enrich the man more liberal than the godless. May we, ye Gods, be strong with food rejoicing.10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven.Be near us, keep us from reproach and trouble. Father and Mother, with your help preserve us.11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.Nearest of Gods be ye with your protection. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXVI. Visvedevas.
1. LOVED of all men, may Savitar, through praises offered as sacred food, come to our synod,That you too, through-our hymn, ye ever-youthful, may gladden, at your visit, all our people.2 To us may all the Gods come trooped together, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna concordant,That all may be promoters of our welfare, and with great might preserve our strength from slackness.3 Agni I sing, the guest you love most dearly: the Conqueror through our lauds is friendly-minded.That he may be our Varuna rich in glory and send food like a prince praised by the godly.4 To you I seek with reverence, Night and Morning, like a cow good to milk, with hope to conquer,Preparing on a common day the praise. song with milk of various hues within this udder.5 May the great Dragon of the Deep rejoice us: as one who nourishes her young comes Sindhu,With whom we will incite the Child of Waters whom vigorous course swift as thought bring hither.6 Moreover Tvastar also shall approach us, one-minded with the princes at his visit.Hither shall come the Vrtra-slayer Indra, Ruler of men, as strongest of the Heroes.7 Him too our hymns delight, that yoke swift horses, like mother cows who lick their tender youngling.To him our songs shall yield themselves like spouses, to him the most delightful of the Heroes.8 So may the Maruts, armed with mighty weapons, rest here on heaven and earth with hearts in concord,As Gods whose cars have dappled steeds like torrents, destroyers of the foe allies of Mitra.9 They hasten on to happy termination their orders when they are made known byglory.As on a fair bright day the arrow flieth o'er all the barren soil their missiles sparkle.10 Incline the Asvins to show grace, and Pusan, for power and might have they, their own possession.Friendly are Visnu, Vata, and Rbhuksan so may I bring the Gods to make us happy.11 This is my reverent thought of you, ye Holy; may it inspire you, make you dwell among us,--Thought, toiling for the Gods and seeking treasure. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXVII. Praise of Food.
1. Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength,By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vrtra limb from limb.2 O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own,So be our kind protector thou.3 Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help,Health-bringing, not unkind, a dear and guileless friend.4 These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused.like winds they have their place in heaven.5 These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste,These savours of thy juices work like creatures that have mighty necks.6 In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods.Under thy flag brave deeds were done he slew the Dragon with thy help.7 If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds,Even from thence, O Food of meath, prepared for our enjoyment, come.8 Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby.9 What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley-brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.10 O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.11 O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts,From thee who banquetest with Gods, from thee who banquetest with us.
HYMN CLXXXVIII. Apris.
1. WINNER of thousands, kindled, thou shinest a God with Gods to-day.Bear out oblations, envoy, Sage.2 Child of Thyself the sacrifice is for the righteous blent with meath,Presenting viands thousandfold.3 Invoked and worthy of our praise bring Gods whose due is sacrifice:Thou, Agni, givest countless gifts.4 To seat a thousand Heroes they eastward have strewn the grass with might,Whereon, Adityas, ye shine forth.5 The sovran all-imperial Doors, wide, good, many and manifold,Have poured their streams of holy oil.6 With gay adornment, fair to see, in glorious beauty shine they forth:Let Night and Morning rest them here.7 Let these two Sages first of all, heralds divine and eloquent,Perform for us this sacrifice.8 You I address, Sarasvati, and Bharati, and Ila, all:Urge ye us on to glorious fame.9 Tvastar the Lord hath made all forms and all the cattle of the fieldCause them to multiply for us.10 Send to the Gods, Vanaspati, thyself, the sacrificial draught:Let Agni make the oblations sweet.11 Agni, preceder of the Gods, is honoured with the sacred song:He glows at offerings blest with Hail!
HYMN CLXXXIX. Agni.
1. BY goodly paths lead us to riches, Agni, God who knowest every sacred duty.Remove the sin that makes us stray and wander. most ample adoration will we bring thee.2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction.Be unto us a wide broad ample castle bless, prosper on their way our sons and offspring.3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni.God, make our home again to be a blessing, with all the Immortal Deities, O Holy.4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest.O Conqueror, most youthful, let no danger touch him who praises thee to-day or after.5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble;Not to the fanged that bites, not to the toothless: give not us up, thou Conqueror, to the spoiler.6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies,From whosoever would reproach or injure: for thou, God, rescuest from all oppression.7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni.Be thou obedient unto man at evening, to be adorned, as keen, by eager suitors.8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.May we gain countless riches with the sages. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CXC. Brhaspati.
1. GLORIFY thou Brhaspati, the scatheless, who must be praised with hymns, sweet-tongued and mighty,To whom as leader of the song, resplendent, worthy of lauds, both Gods and mortals listen.2 On him wait songs according to the season even as a stream of pious men set moving.Brhaspati--for he laid out the expanses--was, at the sacrifice, vast Matarisvan.3 The praise, the verse that offers adoration, may he bring forth, as the Sun sends his arms out,He who gives daily light through this God's wisdom, strong as a dread wild beast, and inoffensive.4 His song of praise pervades the earth and heaven: let the wise worshipper draw it, like a courser.These of Brhaspati, like hunters' arrows, go to the skies that change their hue like serpents.5 Those, God, who count thee as a worthless bullock, and, wealthy sinners, live on thee the Bounteous,--On fools like these no blessing thou bestowest: Brhaspati, thou punishest the spiteful.6 Like a fair path is he, where grass is pleasant, though hard to win, a Friend beloved most early.Those who unharmed by enemies behold us, while they would make them bare, stood closely compassed.7 He to whom songs of praise go forth like torrents, as rivers eddying under banks flow sea-ward--Brhaspati the wise, the eager, closely looks upon both, the waters and the vessel.8 So hath Brhaspati, great, strong and mighty, the God exceeding powerful, been brought hither.May he thus lauded give us kine and horses. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CXCI. Water. Grass. Sun.
1. VENOMOUS, slightly venomous, or venomous aquatic worm,--Both creatures, stinging, unobserved, with poison have infected me.2 Coming, it kills the unobserved; it kills them as it goes away,It kills them as it drives them off, and bruising bruises them to death.3 Sara grass, Darbha, Kusara, and Sairya, Muñja, Virana,Where all these creatures dwell unseen, with poison have infected me.4 The cows had settled in their stalls, the beasts of prey had sought their lairs,Extinguished were the lights of men, when things unseen infected me.5 Or these, these reptiles, are observed, like lurking thieves at evening time.Seers of all, themselves unseen: be therefore very vigilant.6 Heaven is your Sire, your Mother Earth, Soma your Brother, AditiYour Sister: seeing all, unseen, keep still and dwell ye happily.7 Biters of shoulder or of limb, with needle-stings, most venomous,Unseen, whatever ye may be, vanish together and be gone.8 Slayer of things unseen, the Sun, beheld of all, mounts, eastward, up,Consuming all that are not seen, and evil spirits of the night.9 There hath the Sun-God mounted up, who scorches much and everything.Even the Aditya from the hills, all-seen, destroying things unseen.10 I hang the poison in the Sun, a wine-skin in a vintner's house,He will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.11 This little bird, so very small, hath swallowed all thy poison up.She will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.12 The three-times-seven bright sparks of fire have swallowed up the poison's strength.They will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.13 Of ninety rivers and of nine with power to stay the venom's course,--The names of all I have secured: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.14 So have the peahens three-times-seven, so have the maiden Sisters SevenCarried thy venom far away, as girls bear water in their jars.15 The poison-insect is so small; I crush the creature with a stone.I turn the poison hence away, departed unto distant lands.16 Forth issuing from the mountain's side the poison-insect spake and said:Scorpion, they venom is but weak.
1. AGNI I hold as herald, the munificent, the gracious, Son of Strength, who knoweth all that live, as holy Singer, knowing all,Lord of fair rites, a God with form erected turning to the Gods,He, when the flame hath sprung forth from the holy oil, the offered fatness, longeth for it with his glow.2 We, sacrificing, call on thee best worshipper, the eldest of Angirases, Singer, with hymns, thee, brilliant One! with singers' hymns;Thee, wandering round as 't were the sky, who art the invoking Priest of men,Whom, Bull with hair of flame the people must observe, the people that he speed them on.3 He with his shining glory blazing far and wide, he verily it is who slayeth demon foes, slayeth the demons like an axe:At whose close touch things solid shake, and what is stable yields like trees.Subduing all, he keeps his ground and flinches not, from the skilled archer flinches not.4 To him, as one who knows, even things solid yield: unrough fire-sticks heated hot he gives his gifts to aid. Men offer Agni gifts for aid.He deeply piercing many a thing hews it like wood with fervent glow.Even hard and solid food he crunches with his might, yea, hard and solid food with might.5 Here near we place the sacrificial food for him who shines forth fairer in the night than in the day, with life then stronger than by day.His life gives sure and firm defence as that one giveth to a son.The during fires enjoy things given and things not given, the during fires enjoy as food.6 He, roaring very loudly like the Maruts' host, in fertile cultivated fields adorable, in desert spots adorable,Accepts and eats our offered gifts, ensign of sacrifice by desert;So let all, joying, love his path when he is glad, as men pursue a path for bliss.7 Even as they who sang forth hymns, addressed to heaven, the Bhrgus with their prayer and praise invited him, the Bhrgus rubbing, offering gifts.For radiant Agni, Lord of all these treasures, is exceeding strong.May he, the wise, accept the grateful coverings, the wise accept the coverings.8 Thee we invoke, the Lord of all our settled homes, common to all, the household's guardian, to enjoy, bearer of true hymns, to enjoy.Thee we invoke, the guest of men, by whose mouth, even as a sire's,All these Immortals come to gain their food of life, oblations come to Gods as food.9 Thou, Agni, most victorious with thy conquering strength, most Mighty One, art born for service of the Gods, like wealth for service of the Gods.Most mighty is thine ecstasy, most splendid is thy mental power.Therefore men wait upon thee, undecaying One, like vassals, undecaying One.10 To him the mighty, conquering with victorious strength, to Agni walking with the dawn, who sendeth kine, be sung your laud, to Agni sung;As he who with oblation comes calls him aloud in every place.Before the brands of fire he shouteth singerlike, the herald, kindler of the brands.11 Agni, beheld by us in nearest neighbourhood, accordant with the Gods, bring us, with gracious love, great riches with thy gracious love.Give us O Mightiest, what is great, to see and to enjoy the earth.As one of awful power, stir up heroic might for those who praise thee, Bounteous Lord!
HYMN CXXVIII. Agni.
1. By Manu's law was born this Agni, Priest most skilled, born for the holy work of those who yearn therefore, yea, born for his own holy work.All ear to him who seeks his love and wealth to him who strives for fame,Priest ne'er deceived, he sits in Ila's holy place, girt round in Ila's holy place.2 We call that perfecter of worship by the path or sacrifice; with reverence rich in offerings, with worship rich in offerings.Through presentation of our food he grows not old in this his from;The God whom Matarisvan brought from far away, for Manu brought from far away.3 In ordered course forthwith he traverses the earth, swift-swallowing, bellowing Steer, bearing the genial seed, bearing the seed and bellowing.Observant with a hundred eyes the God is conqueror in the wood:Agni, who hath his seat in broad plains here below, and in the high lands far away.4 That Agni, wise High-Priest, in every house takes thought for sacrifice and holy service, yea, takes thought, with mental power, for sacrifice.Disposer, he with mental power shows all things unto him who strives;Whence he was born a guest enriched with holy oil, born as Ordainer and as Priest.5 When through his power and in his strong prevailing flames the Maruts' gladdening boons mingle with Agni's roar, boons gladdening for the active One,Then he accelerates the gift, and by the greatness of his wealth,Shall rescue us from overwhelming misery, from curse and overwhelming woe.6 Vast, universal, good he was made messenger; the speeder with his right hand hath not loosed his hold, through love of fame not loosed his hold.He bears oblations to the Gods for whosoever supplicates.Agni bestows a blessing on each pious man, and opens wide the doors for him.7 That Agni hath been set most kind in camp of men, in sacrifice like a Lord victorious, like a dear Lord in sacred rites.His are the oblations of mankind when offered up at Ila's place.He shall preserve us from Varuna's chastisement, yea, from the great God's chastisement.8 Agni the Priest they supplicate to grant them wealth: him, dear, most thoughtful, have they made their messenger, him, offering-bearer have they made,Beloved of all, who knoweth all, the Priest, the Holy one, the Sage--Him, Friend, for help, the Gods when they are fain for wealth, him, Friend, with hymns, when fain for wealth.
HYMN CXXIX Indra.
1. THE car which Indra, thou, for service of the Gods though it be far away, O swift One, bringest near, which, Blameless One, thou bringest near,Place swiftly nigh us for our help: be it thy will that it be strong.Blameless and active, hear this speech of orderers, this speech of us like orderers.2 Hear, Indra, thou whom men in every fight must call to show thy strength, for cry of battle with the men, with men of war for victory.He who with heroes wins the light, who with the singers gains the prize,Him the rich seek to gain even as a swift strong steed, even as a courser fleet and strong.3 Thou, Mighty, pourest forth the hide that holds the rain, thou keepest far away, Hero, the wicked man, thou shuttest out the wicked man.Indra, to thee I sing, to Dyaus, to Rudra glorious in himself,To Mitra, Varuna I sing a far-famed hymn to the kind God a far-famed hymn.4 We wish our Indra here that he may further you, the Friend, beloved of all, the very strong ally, in wars the very strong allyIn all encounters strengthen thou our prayer to be a help to us.No enemy--whom thou smitest down--subdueth thee, no enemy, whom thou smitest down.5 Bow down the overweening pride of every foe with succour like to kindling-wood in fiercest flame, with mighty succour, Mighty One.Guide us, thou Hero, as of old, so art thou counted blameless still.Thou drivest, as a Priest, all sins of man away, as Priest, in person, seeking us.6 This may I utter to the present Soma-drop, which, meet to be invoked, with power, awakes the prayer, awakes the demon-slaying prayer.May he himself with darts of death drive far from us the scorner's hate.Far let him flee away who speaketh wickedness and vanish like a mote of dust.7 By thoughtful invocation this may we obtain, obtain great wealth, O Wealthy One, with Hero sons, wealth that is sweet with hero sons.Him who is wroth we pacify with sacred food and eulogies,Indra the Holy with our calls inspired and true, the Holy One with calls inspired.8 On, for your good and ours, come Indra with the aid of his own lordliness to drive the wicked hence, to rend the evil-hearted ones!The weapon which devouring fiends cast at us shall destroy themselves.Struck down, it shall not reach the mark; hurled forth, the fire-brand shall not strike.9 With riches in abundance, Indra, come to us, come by an unobstructed path, come by a path from demons free.Be with us when we stray afar, be with us when our home is nigh.Protect us with thy help both near and far away: protect us ever with thy help.10 Thou art our own, O Indra, with victorious wealth: let might accompany thee, the Strong, to give us aid, like Mitra, to give mighty aid.O strongest saviour, helper thou, Immortal! of each warrior's car.Hurt thou another and not us, O Thunder-armed, one who would hurt, O Thunder-armed!11 Save us from injury, thou who art well extolled: ever the warder-off art thou of wicked ones, even as a God, of wicked ones;Thou slayer of the evil fiend, saviour of singer such as I.Good Lord, the Father made thee slayer of the fiends, made thee, good Lord, to slay the fiends.
HYMN CXXX. Indra.
1. Come to us, Indra, from afar, conducting us even as a lord of heroes to the gatherings, home, like a King, his heroes' lord.We come with gifts of pleasant food, with juice poured forth, invoking thee,As sons invite a sire, that thou mayst get thee strength thee, bounteousest, to get thee strength.2 O Indra, drink the Soma juice pressed out with stones. poured from the reservoir, as an ox drinks the spring, a very thirsty bull the spring.For the sweet draught that gladdens thee, for mightiest freshening of thy strength.Let thy Bay Horses bring thee hither as the Sun, as every day they bring the Sun.3 He found the treasure brought from heaven that lay concealed, close-hidden, like the nestling of a bird, in rock, enclosed in never-ending rock.Best Angiras, bolt-armed, he strove to win, as 'twere, the stall of kine;So Indra hath disclosed the food concealed, disclosed the doors, the food that lay concealed.4 Grasping his thunderbolt with both hands, Indra made its edge most keen, for hurling, like a carving-knife for Ahi's slaughter made it keen.Endued with majesty and strength, O Indra, and with lordly might,Thou crashest down the trees, as when a craftsman fells, crashest them down as with an axe.5 Thou, Indra, without effort hast let loose the floods to run their free course down,like chariots, to the sea, like chariots showing forth their strength.They, reaching hence away, have joined their strength for one eternal end,Even as the cows who poured forth every thing for man, Yea, poured forth all things for mankind.6 Eager for riches, men have formed for thee this song, like as a skilful craftsman fashioneth a car, so have they wrought thee to their bliss;Adorning thee, O Singer, like a generous steed for deeds of might,Yea, like a steed to show his strength and win the prize, that he may bear each prize away.7 For Puru thou hast shattered, Indra ninety forts, for Divodasa thy boon servant with thy bolt, O Dancer, for thy worshipper.For Atithigva he, the Strong, brought Sambara. from the mountain down,Distributing the mighty treasures with his strength, parting all treasures with his strength.8 Indra in battles help his Aryan worshipper, he who hath hundred helps at hand in every fray, in frays that win the light of heaven.Plaguing the lawless he gave up to Manu's seed the dusky skin;Blazing, 'twere, he burns each covetous man away, he burns, the tyrannous away.9 Waxed strong in might at dawn he tore the Sun's wheel off. Bright red, he steals away their speech, the Lord of Power, their speech he steals away from them,As thou with eager speed, O Sage, hast come from far away to help,As winning for thine own all happiness of men, winning all happiness each day.10 Lauded with our new hymns, O vigorous in deed, save us with strengthening help, thou Shatterer of the Forts!Thou, Indra, praised by Divodasa's clansmen, as heaven grows great with days, shalt wax in glory.
HYMN CXXXI. Indra.
1. To Indra Dyaus the Asura hath bowed him down, to Indra mighty Earth with wide-extending tracts, to win the light, with wide-spread tracts.All Gods of one accord have set Indra in front preeminent.For Indra all libations must be set apart, all man's libations set apart.2 In all libations men with hero spirit urge the Universal One, each seeking several light, each fain to win the light apart.Thee, furthering like a ship, will we set to the chariot-pole of strength,As men who win with sacrifices Indra's thought, men who win Indra with their lauds.3 Couples desirous of thine aid are storming thee, pouring their presents forth to win a stall of kine, pouring gifts, Indra, seeking thee.When two men seeking spoil or heaven thou bringest face to face in war,Thou showest, Indra, then the bolt thy constant friend, the Bull that ever waits on thee.4 This thine heroic power men of old time have known, wherewith thou breakest down, Indra, autumnal forts, breakest them down with conquering might.Thou hast chastised, O Indra, Lord of Strength, the man who worships not,And made thine own this great earth and these water-floods; with joyous heart these water floods.5 And they have bruited far this hero-might when thou, O Strong One, in thy joy helpest thy suppliants, who sought to win thee for their Friend.Their battle-cry thou madest sound victorious in the shocks of war.One stream after another have they gained from thee, eager for glory have they gained.6. Also this morn may he be well inclined to us, mark at our call our offerings and our song of praise, our call that we may win the light.As thou, O Indra Thunder-armed, wilt, as the Strong One, slay the foe,Listen thou to the prayer of me a later sage, hear thou a later sage's prayer.7 O Indra, waxen strong and well-inclined to us, thou very mighty, slay the man that is our foe, slay the man, Hero! with thy bolt.Slay thou the man who injures us: hear thou, as readiest, to hear.Far be malignity, like mischief on the march, afar be all malignity.
HYMN CXXXII. Indra.
1. HELPED, Indra Maghavan, by thee in war of old, may we subdue in fight the men who strive with us, conquer the men who war with us.This day that now is close at hand bless him who pours the Soma juice.In this our sacrifice may we divide the spoil, showing our strength, the spoil of war.2 In war which wins the light, at the free-giver's call, at due oblation of the early-rising one, oblation of the active one,Indra slew, even as we know--whom each bowed head must reverence.May all thy bounteous gifts be gathered up for us, yea, the good gifts of thee the Good.3 This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they made thee chooser of the place, for thou choosest the place of sacrifice.Speak thou and make it known to us: they see within with beams of light.Indra, indeed, is found a seeker after spoil, spoil-seeker for his own allies.4 So now must thy great deed be lauded as of old, when for the Angirases thou openedst the stall, openedst, giving aid, the stall.In the same manner for us here fight thou and be victorious:To him who pours the juice give up the lawless man, the lawless who is wroth with us.5 When with wise plan the Hero leads the people forth, they conquer in the ordered battle, seeking fame, press, eager, onward seeking fame.To him in time of need they sing for life with offspring and with strength.Their hymns with Indra find a welcome place of rest: the hymns go forward to the Gods.6 Indra and Parvata, our champions in the fight, drive ye away each man who fain would war with us, drive him far from us with the bolt.Welcome to him concealed afar shall he the lair that he hath found.So may the Render rend our foes on every side, rend them, O Hero, everywhere.
HYMN CXXXIII. Indra.
1. WITH sacrifice I purge both earth and heaven: I burn up great she-fiends who serve not Indra,Where throttled by thy hand the foes were slaughtered, and in the pit of death lay pierced and mangled.2 O thou who castest forth the stones crushing the sorceresses' heads,Break them with thy wide-spreading foot, with thy wide-spreading mighty foot.3 Do thou, O Maghavan, beat off these sorceresses' daring strength.Cast them within the narrow pit. within the deep and narrow pit.4 Of whom thou hast ere now destroyed thrice-fifty with thy fierce attacks.That deed they count a glorious deed, though small to thee, a glorious deed.5 O Indra, crush and bray to bits the fearful fiery-weaponed fiend:Strike every demon to the ground.6 Tear down the mighty ones. O Indra, hear thou us. For heaven hath glowed like earth in fear, O Thunder-armed, as dreading fierce heat, Thunder-armed!Most Mighty mid the Mighty Ones thou speedest with strong bolts of death,Not slaying men, unconquered Hero with the brave, O Hero, with the thrice-seven brave.7 The pourer of libations gains the home of wealth, pouring his gift conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostilities of Gods.Pouring, he strives, unchecked and strong, to win him riches thousandfold.Indra gives lasting wealth to him who pours forth gifts, yea, wealth he gives that long shall last.
HYMN CXXXIV. Vayu.
1. Vayu, let fleet-foot coursers bring thee speedily to this our feast, to drink first of the juice we pour, to the first draught of Soma juice.May our glad hymn, discerning well, uplifted, gratify thy mind.Come with thy team-drawn car, O Vayu, to the gift, come to the sacrificer's gift.2 May the joy-giving drops, O Vayu gladden thee, effectual, well prepared, directed to the heavens, strong, blent with milk and seeking heaven;That aids, effectual to fulfil, may wait upon our skilful power.Associate teams come hitherward to grant our prayers: they shall address the hymns we sing.3 Two red steeds Vayu yokes, Vayu two purple steeds, swift-footed, to the chariot, to the pole to draw, most able, at the pole, to draw.Wake up intelligence, as when a lover wakes his sleeping love.Illumine heaven and earth, make thou the Dawns to shine, for glory make the Dawns to shine.4 For thee the radiant Dawns in the far-distant sky broaden their lovely garments forth in wondrous beams, bright-coloured in their new-born beams.For thee the nectar-yielding Cow pours all rich treasures forth as milk.The Marut host hast thou engendered from the womb, the Maruts from the womb of heaven.5 For thee the pure bright quickly-flowing Soma-drops, strong in their heightening power, hasten to mix themselves, hasten to the water to be mixed.To thee the weary coward prays for luck that he may speed away.Thou by thy law protectest us from every world, yea, from the world of highest Gods.6 Thou, Vayu, who hast none before thee, first of all hast right to drink these offerings of Soma juice, hast right to drink the juice out-poured,Yea, poured by all invoking tribes who free themselves from taint of sin,For thee all cows are milked to yield the Soma-milk, to yield the butter and the milk.
HYMN CXXXV. Vayu, Indra-Vayu.
1. STREWN is the sacred grass; come Vayu, to our feast, with team of thousands, come, Lord of the harnessed team, with hundreds, Lord of harnessed steeds!The drops divine are lifted up for thee, the God, to drink them first.The juices rich in sweets have raised them for thy joy, have raised themselves to give thee strength.2 Purified by the stones the Soma flows for thee, clothed with its lovely splendours, to the reservoir, flows clad in its refulgent light.For thee the Soma is poured forth, thy portioned share mid Gods and men.Drive thou thy horses, Vayu, come to us with love, come well-inclined and loving us.3 Come thou with hundreds, come with thousands in thy team to this our solemn rite, to taste the sacred food, Vayu, to taste the offerings.This is thy seasonable share, that comes co-radiant with the Sun.Brought by attendant priests pure juice is offered up, Vayu, pure juice is offered up.4 The chariot with its team of horses bring you both, to guard us and to taste the well-appointed food, Vayu, to taste the offerings!Drink of the pleasant-flavoured juice: the first draught is assigned to you.O Vayu, with your splendid bounty come ye both, Indra, with bounty come ye both.5 May our songs bring you hither to our solemn rites: these drops of mighty vigour have they beautified, like a swift steed of mighty strength.Drink of them well-inclined to us, come hitherward to be our help.Drink, Indra-Vayu, of these Juices pressed with stones, Strength-givers! till they gladden you.6 These Soma juices pressed for you in waters here, borne by attendant priests, are offered up to you: bright, Vayu, are they offered up.Swift through the strainer have they flowed, and here are shed for both of you,Soma-drops, fain for you, over the wether's fleece, Somas over the wether's fleece.7 O Vayu, pass thou over all the slumberers, and where the press-stone rings enter ye both that house, yea, Indra, go ye both within.The joyous Maiden is beheld, the butter flows. With richly laden team come to our solemn rite, yea, Indra, come ye to the rite.8 Ride hither to the offering of the pleasant juice, the holy Fig-tree which victorious priests surround: victorious be they still for us.At once the cows yield milk, the barley-meal is dressed. For thee,O Vayu, never shall the cows grow thin, never for thee shall they be dry.9 These Bulls of thine, O Vayu with the arm of strength, who swiftly fly within the current of thy stream, the Bulls increasing in their might,Horseless, yet even through the waste swift-moving, whom no shout can stay,Hard to be checked are they, like sunbeams, in their course. hard to be checked by both the hands.
HYMN CXXXVI. Mitra-Varuna.
1. BRING adoration ample and most excellent, hymn, offerings, to the watchful Twain, the bountiful, your sweetest to the bounteous Ones.Sovrans adored with streams of oil and praised at every sacrifice.Their high imperial might may nowhere be assailed, ne'er may their Godhead be assailed.2 For the broad Sun was seen a path more widely laid, the path of holy law hath been maintained with rays, the eye with Bhaga's rays of light.Firm-set in heaven is Mitra's home, and Aryaman's and Varuna's.Thence they give forth great vital strength which merits praise, high power of life that men shall praise.3 With Aditi the luminous, the celestial, upholder of the people, come ye day by day, ye who watch sleepless, day by day.Resplendent might have ye obtained, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts.Movers of men, mild both, are Mitra, Varuna, mover of men is Aryaman.4 This Soma be most sweet to Mitra, Varuna: he in the drinking-feasts, shall have a share thereof, sharing, a God, among the Gods.May all the Gods of one accord accept it joyfully to-day.Therefore do ye, O Kings, accomplish what we ask, ye Righteous Ones, whate'er we ask.5 Whoso, with worship serves Mitra and Varuna, him guard ye carefully, uninjured, from distress, guard from distress the liberal man.Aryaman guards him well who acts uprightly following his law,Who beautifies their service with his lauds, who makes it beautiful with songs of praise.6 Worship will I profess to lofty Dyaus, to Heaven and Earth, to Mitra and to bounteous Varuna, the Bounteous, the Compassionate.Praise Indra, praise thou Agni, praise Bhaga and heavenly Aryaman.Long may we live and have attendant progeny, have progeny with Soma's help.7 With the Gods' help, with Indra still beside us, may we be held self-splendid with the Maruts.May Agni, Mitra, Varuna give us shelter this may we gain, we and our wealthy princes.
HYMN CXXXVII. Mitra-Varuna.
1. WITH stones have we pressed out: O come; these gladdening drops are blent with milk, these Soma-drops which gladden you.Come to us, Kings who reach to heaven, approach us, coming hitherward.These milky drops are yours, Mitra and Varuna, bright Soma juices blent with milk.2 Here are the droppings; come ye nigh the Soma-droppings blent with curd, juices expressed and blent with curd.Now for the wakening of your Dawn together with the Sun-God's rays,juice waits for Mitra and for Varuna to drink, fair juice for drink, for sacrifice.3 As 'twere a radiant-coloured cow, they milk with stones the stalk for you, with stones they milk the Soma-plant.May ye come nigh us, may ye turn hither to drink the Soma juice.The men pressed out this juice, Mitra and Varuna, pressed out this Soma for your drink.
HYMN CXXXVIII. Pusan.
1. STRONG Pusan's majesty is lauded evermore, the glory of his lordly might is never faint, his song of praise is never faint.Seeking felicity I laud him nigh to help, the source, of bliss,Who, Vigorous one, hath drawn to him the hearts of all, drawn them, the Vigorous One, the God.2 Thee, then, O Pusan, like a swift one on his way, I urge with lauds that thou mayst make the foemen flee, drive, camel-like, our foes afar.As I, a man, call thee, a God, giver of bliss, to be my Friend,So make our loudly-chanted praises glorious, in battles make them glorious.3 Thou, Pusan, in whose friendship they who sing forth praise enjoy advantage, even in wisdom, through thy grace, in wisdom even they are advanced.So, after this most recent course, we come to thee with prayers for wealth.Not stirred to anger, O Wide-Ruler, come to us, come thou to us in every fight.4 Not stirred to anger, come, Free-giver, nigh to us, to take this gift of ours, thou who hast goats for steeds, Goat-borne! their gift who long for fame.So, Wonder-Worker! may we turn thee hither with effectual lauds.I slight thee not, O Pusan, thou Resplendent One: thy friendship may not be despised.
HYMN CXXXIX. Visvedevas.
1. HEARD be our prayer! In thought I honour Agni first: now straightway we elect this heavenly company, Indra and Vayu we elect.For when our latest thought is raised and on Vivasvan centred well,Then may our holy songs go forward on their way, our songs as 'twere unto the Gods.2 As there ye, Mitra, Varuna, above the true have taken to yourselves the untrue with your mind, with wisdom's mental energy,So in the seats wherein ye dwell have we beheld the Golden One,Not with our thoughts or spirit, but with these our eyes, yea, with the eyes that Soma gives.3 Asvins, the pious call you with their hymns of praise, sounding their loud song forth to you, these living men, to their oblations, living men.All glories and all nourishment, Lords of all wealth! depend on you.The fellies of your golden chariot scatter drops, Mighty Ones! of your golden car.4 Well is it known, O Mighty Ones: ye open heaven; for you the chariot-steeds are yoked for morning rites, unswerving steeds for morning rites,We set you on the chariot-seat, ye Mighty, on the golden car.Ye seek mid-air as by a path that leads aright, as by a path that leads direct.5 O Rich in Strength, through your great power vouchsafe us blessings day and night.The offerings which we bring to you shall never fail, gifts brought by us shall never fail.6 These Soma-drops, strong Indra! drink for heroes, poured, pressed out by pressing-stones, are welling forth for thee, for thee the drops are welling forth.They shall make glad thy heart to give, to give wealth great and wonderful.Thou who acceptest praise come glorified by hymns, come thou to us benevolent.7 Quickly, O Agni, hear us: magnified by us thou shalt speck for us to the Gods adorable yea, to the Kings adorable:When, O ye Deities, ye gave that Milch-cow to the Angirases,They milked her: Aryaman, joined with them, did the work: he knoweth her as well as I.8 Ne'er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never may your bright glories fall into decay, never before our time decay.What deed of yours, new every age, wondrous, surpassing man, rings forth,Whatever, Maruts! may be difficult to gain, grant us, whate'er is hard to gain.9 Dadhyac of old, Angiras, Priyamedha these, and Kanva, Atri, Manu knew my birth, yea, those of ancient days and Manu knew.Their long line stretcheth to the Gods, our birth-connexions are with them.To these, for their high station, I bow down with song, to Indra, Agni, bow with song.10 Let the Invoker bless: let offerers bring choice gifts; Brhaspati the Friend doth sacrifice with Steers, Steers that have many an excellence.Now with our ears we catch the sound of the press-stone that rings afar.The very Strong hath gained the waters by himself, the strong gained many a resting-place.11 O ye Eleven Gods whose home is heaven, O ye Eleven who make earth your dwelling,Ye who with might, Eleven, live in waters, accept this sacrifice, O Gods, with pleasure.
HYMN CXL. Agni.
1. To splendid Agni seated by the altar, loving well his home, I bring the food as 'twere his place of birth.I clothe the bright One with my hymn as with a robe, him with the car of light, bright-hued, dispelling gloom.2 Child of a double birth he grasps at triple food; in the year's course what he hath swallowed grows anew.He, by another's mouth and tongue a noble Bull, with other, as an elephant, consumes the trees.3 The pair who dwell together, moving in the dark bestir themselves: both parents hasten to the babe,Impetuous-tongued, destroying, springing swiftly forth, one to be watched and cherished, strengthener of his sire.4 For man, thou Friend of men, these steeds of thine are yoked, impatient, lightly running, ploughing blackened lines,Discordant-minded, fleet, gliding with easy speed, urged onward by the wind and rapid in their course.5 Dispelling on their way the horror of black gloom, making a glorious show these flames of his fly forth,When o'er the spacious tract he spreads himself abroad, and rushes panting on with thunder and with roar.6 Amid brown plants he stoops as if adorning them, and rushes bellowing like a bull upon his wives.Proving his might, he decks the glory of his form, and shakes his horns like one terrific, hard to stay.7 Now covered, now displayed he grasps as one who knows his resting-place in those who know him well.A second time they wax and gather Godlike power, and blending both together change their Parents' form.8 The maidens with long, tresses hold him in embrace; dead, they rise up again to meet the Living One.Releasing them from age with a loud roar he comes, filling them with new spirit, living, unsubdued.9 Licking the mantle of the Mother, far and wide he wanders over fields with beasts that flee apace.Strengthening all that walk, licking up all around, a blackened path, forsooth, he leaves where'er he goes.10 O Agni, shine resplendent with our wealthy chiefs, like a loud-snorting bull, accustomed to the house.Thou casting off thine infant wrappings blazest forth as though thou hadst put on a coat of mail for war.11 May this our perfect prayer be dearer unto thee than an imperfect prayer although it please thee well.With the pure brilliancy that radiates from thy form, mayest thou grant to us abundant store of wealth.12 Grant to our chariot, to our house, O Agni, a boat with moving feet and constant oarage,One that may further well our wealthy princes and all the folk, and be our certain refuge.13 Welcome our laud with thine approval, Agni. May earth and heaven and freely flowing riversYield us long life and food and corn and cattle, and may the red Dawns choose for us their choicest.
HYMN CXLI. Agni.
1. YEA, verily, the fair effulgence of the God for glory was established, since he sprang from strength.When he inclines thereto successful is the hymn: the songs of sacrifice have brought him as they flow2 Wonderful, rich in nourishment, he dwells in food; next, in the seven auspicious Mothers is his home.Thirdly, that they might drain the treasures of the Bull, the maidens brought forth him for whom the ten provide.3 What time from out the deep, from the Steer's wondrous form, the Chiefs who had the power produced him with their strength;When Matarisvan rubbed forth him who lay concealed, for mixture of the sweet drink, in the days of old.4 When from the Highest Father he is brought to us, amid the plants he rises hungry, wondrously.As both together join to expedite his birth, most youthful he is born resplendent in his light.5 Then also entered he the Mothers, and in them pure and uninjured he increased in magnitude.As to the first he rose, the vigorous from of old, so now he runs among the younger lowest ones.6 Therefore they choose him Herald at the morning rites, pressing to him as unto Bhaga, pouring gifts,When, much-praised, by the power and will of Gods, he goes at all times to his mortal worshipper to drink.7 What time the Holy One, wind-urged, hath risen up, serpent-like winding through the dry grass unrestrained,Dust lies upon the way of him who burneth all, black-winged and pure of birth who follows sundry paths.8 Like a swift chariot made by men who know their art, he with his red limbs lifts himself aloft to heaven.Thy worshippers become by burning black of hue: their strength flies as before a hero's violence.9 By thee, O Agni, Varuna who guards the Law, Mitra and Aryaman, the Bounteous, are made strong;For, as the felly holds the spokes, thou with thy might pervading hast been born encompassing them round.10 Agni, to him who toils and pours libations, thou, Most Youthful! sendest wealth and all the host of Gods.Thee, therefore, even as Bhaga, will we set anew, young Child of Strength, most wealthy! in our battle-song.11 Vouchsafe us riches turned to worthy ends, good luck abiding in the house, and strong capacity,Wealth that directs both worlds as they were guiding-reins, and, very Wise, the Gods' assent in sacrifice.12 May he, the Priest resplendent, joyful, hear us, he with the radiant car and rapid horses.May Agni, ever wise, with best directions to bliss and highest happiness conduct us.13 With hymns of might hath Agni now been lauded, advanced to height of universal kingship.Now may these wealthy chiefs and we together spread forth as spreads the Sun above the rain-clouds.
HYMN CXLII. Apris.
1. KINDLED, bring, Agni, Gods to-day for him who lifts the ladle up.Spin out the ancient thread for him who sheds, with gifts, the Soma juice.2 Thou dealest forth, Tanunapat, sweet sacrifice enriched with oil,Brought by a singer such as I who offers gifts and toils for thee.3 He wondrous, sanctifying, bright, sprinkles the sacrifice with mead,Thrice, Narasamsa from the heavens, a God mid Gods adorable.4 Agni, besought, bring hitherward Indra the Friend, the Wonderful,For this my hymn of praise, O sweet of tongue, is chanted forth to thee.5 The ladle-holders strew trimmed grass at this well-ordered sacrifice;A home for Indra is adorned, wide, fittest to receive the Gods.6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite,High, purifying, much-desired, so that the Gods may enter in.7 May Night and Morning, hymned with lauds, united, fair to look upon,Strong Mothers of the sacrifice, seat them together on the grass.8 May the two Priests Divine, the sage, the sweet-voiced lovers of the hymn,Complete this sacrifice of ours, effectual, reaching heaven to-day.9 Let Hotra pure, set among Gods, amid the Maruts Bharati, Ila, Sarasvati, Mahi, rest on the grass, adorable.10 May Tvastar send us genial dew abundant, wondrous, rich in gifts,For increase and for growth of wealth, Tvastar our kinsman and our Friend.11 Vanaspati, give forth, thyself, and call the Gods to sacrifice.May Agni, God intelligent, speed our oblation to the Gods.12 To Vayu joined with Pusan, with the Maruts, and the host of Gods,To Indra who inspires the hymn cry Glory! and present the gift.13 Come hither to enjoy the gifts prepared with cry of Glory! Come,O Indra, hear their calling; they invite thee to the sacrifice.
HYMN CXLIII. Agni.
1. To Agni I present a newer mightier hymn, I bring my words and song unto the Son of Strength,Who, Offspring of the Waters, bearing precious things sits on the earth, in season, dear Invoking Priest.2 Soon as he sprang to birth that Agni was shown forth to Matarisvan in the highest firmament.When he was kindled, through his power and majesty his fiery splendour made the heavens and earth to shine.3 His flames that wax not old, beams fair to look upon of him whose face is lovely, shine with beauteous sheen.The rays of Agni, him whose active force is light, through the nights glimmer sleepless, ageless, like the floods.4 Send thou with hymns that Agni to his own abode, who rules, one Sovran Lord of wealth, like Varuna,Him, All-possessor, whom the Bhrgus with their might brought to earth's central point, the centre of the world.5 He whom no force can stay, even as the Maruts' roar, like to a dart sent forth, even as the bolt from heaven,Agni with sharpened jaws chews up and eats the trees, and conquers them as when the warrior smites his foes.6 And will not Agni find enjoyment in our praise, will not the Vasu grant our wish with gifts of wealth?Will not the Inspirer speed our prayers to gain their end? Him with the radiant glance I laud with this my song.7 The kindler of the flame wins Agni as a Friend, promoter of the Law, whose face is bright with oil.Inflamed and keen, refulgent in our gatherings, he lifts our hymn on high clad in his radiant hues.8 Keep us incessantly with guards that cease not, Agni, with guards auspicious, very mighty.With guards that never slumber, never heedless, never beguiled. O Helper, keep our children.
HYMN CXLIV. Agni.
1. THE Priest goes forth to sacrifice, with wondrous power sending aloft the hymn of glorious brilliancy.He moves to meet the ladles turning to the right, which are the first to kiss the place where he abides.2 To him sang forth the flowing streams of Holy Law, encompassed in the home and birth-place of the God.He, when he dwelt extended in the waters' lap, absorbed those Godlike powers for which he is adored.3 Seeking in course altern to reach the selfsame end the two copartners strive to win this beauteous form.Like Bhaga must he be duly invoked by us, as he who drives the car holds fast the horse's reins.4 He whom the two copartners with observance tend, the pair who dwell together in the same abode,By night as in the day the grey one was born young, passing untouched by eld through many an age of man.5 Him the ten fingers, the devotions, animate: we mortals call on him a God to give us help.He speeds over the sloping surface of the land: new deeds hath he performed with those who gird him round.6 For, Agni, like a herdsman, thou by thine own might rulest o'er all that is in heaven and on the earth;And these two Mighty Ones, bright, golden closely joined, rolling them round are come unto thy sacred grass.7 Agni, accept with joy, be glad in this our prayer, joy-giver, self-sustained, strong, born of Holy Law!For fair to see art thou turning to every side, pleasant to look on as a dwelling filled with food.
HYMN CXLV. Agni.
1. Ask ye of him for he is come, he knoweth it; he, full of wisdom, is implored, is now implored.With him are admonitions and with him commands: he is the Lord of Strength, the Lord of Power and Might.2 They ask of him: not all learn by their questioning what he, the Sage, hath grasped, as 'twere, with his own mind.Forgetting not the former nor the later word, he goeth on, not careless, in his mental power.3 To him these ladles go, to him these racing mares: he only will give ear to all the words I speak.All-speeding, victor, perfecter of sacrifice, the Babe with flawless help hath mustered vigorous might.4 Whate'er he meets he grasps and then runs farther on, and straightway, newly born, creeps forward with his kin.He stirs the wearied man to pleasure and great joy what time the longing gifts approach him as he comes.5 He is a wild thing of the flood and forest: he hath been laid upon the highest surface.He hath declared the lore of works to mortals, Agni the Wise, for he knows Law, the Truthful.
HYMN CXLVI. Agni.
1. I LAUD the seven-rayed, the triple-headed, Agni all-perfect in his Parents' bosom,Sunk in the lap of all that moves and moves not, him who hath filled all luminous realms of heaven.2 As a great Steer he grew to these his Parents; sublime he stands, untouched by eld, far-reaching.He plants his footsteps on the lofty ridges of the broad earth: his red flames lick the udder.3 Coming together to their common youngling both Cows, fairshaped, spread forth in all directions,Measuring out the paths that must be travelled, entrusting all desires to him the Mighty.4 The prudent sages lead him to his dwelling, guarding with varied skill the Ever-Youthful.Longing, they turned their eyes unto the River: to these the Sun of men was manifested.5 Born noble in the regions, aim of all mens' eyes to be implored for life by great and small alike,Far as the Wealthy One hath spread himself abroad, he is the Sire all-visible of this progeny.
HYMN CXLVII. Agni.
1. How, Agni, have the radiant ones, aspiring, endued thee with the vigour of the living,So that on both sides fostering seed and offspring, the Gods may joy in Holy Law's fulfilment?2 Mark this my speech, Divine One, thou, Most Youthful! offered to thee by him who gives most freely.One hates thee, and another sings thy praises: I thine adorer laud thy form, O Agni.3 Thy guardian rays, O Agni, when they saw him, preserved blind Mamateya from affliction.Lord of all riches, he preserved the pious the foes who fain would harm them did no mischief.4 The sinful man who worships not, O Agni, who, offering not, harms us with double-dealing,--Be this in turn to him a heavy sentence may he distress himself by his revilings.5 Yea, when a mortal knowingly, O Victor, injures with double tongue a fellow-mortal,From him, praised Agni! save thou him that lauds thee: bring us not into trouble and affliction.
HYMN CXLVIII. Agni.
1. WHAT Matarisvan, piercing, formed by friction, Herald of all the Gods. in varied figure,Is he whom they have set mid human houses, gay-hued as light and shining forth for beauty.2 They shall not harm the man who brings thee praises: such as I am, Agni my help approves me.All acts of mine shall they accept with pleasure, laudation from the singer who presents it.3 Him in his constant seat men skilled in worship have taken and with praises have established.As, harnessed to a chariot fleet-foot horses, at his command let bearers lead him forward.4 Wondrous, full many a thing he chews and crunches: he shines amid the wood with spreading brightness.Upon his glowing flames the wind blows daily, driving them like the keen shaft of an archer.5 Him, whom while yet in embryo the hostile, both skilled and fain to harm, may never injure,Men blind and sightless through his splendour hurt not: his never-failing lovers have preserved him.
HYMN CXLIX. Agni.
1. HITHER he hastens to give, Lord of great riches, King of the mighty, to the place of treasure.The pressing-stones shall serve him speeding near us.2 As Steer of men so Steer of earth and heaven by glory, he whose streams all life hath drunken,Who hasting forward rests upon the altar.3 He who hath lighted up the joyous castle, wise Courser like the Steed of cloudy heaven,Bright like the Sun, with hundredfold existence.4 He, doubly born, hath spread in his effulgence through the three luminous realms, through all the regions,Best sacrificing Priest where waters gather.5 Priest doubly born, he through his love of glory hath in his keeping all things worth the choosing,The man who brings him gifts hath noble offspring.
HYMN CL. Agni.
1. AGNI, thy faithful servant I call upon thee with many a gift,As in the keeping of the great inciting God;2 Thou who ne'er movest thee to aid the indolent, the godless man,Him who though wealthy never brings an offering.3 Splendid, O Singer, is that man, mightiest of the great in heaven.Agni, may we be foremost, we thy worshippers.
HYMN CLI. Mitra and Varuna
1. HEAVEN and earth trembled at the might and voice of him, whom, loved and Holy One, helper of all mankind,The wise who longed for spoil in fight for kine brought forth with power, a Friend, mid waters, at the sacrifice.2 As these, like friends, have done this work for you, these prompt servants of Purumilha Soma-offerer,Give mental power to him who sings the sacred song, and hearken, Strong Ones, to the master of the house.3 The folk have glorified your birth from Earth and Heaven, to be extolled, ye Strong Ones, for your mighty power.Ye, when ye bring to singer and the rite, enjoy the sacrifice performed with holy praise and strength.4 The people prospers, Asuras! whom ye dearly love: ye, Righteous Ones, proclaim aloud the Holy Law.That efficacious power that comes from lofty heaven, ye bind unto the work, as to the pole an ox.5 On this great earth ye send your treasure down with might: unstained by dust, the crowding kine are in the stalls.Here in the neighbourhood they cry unto the Sun at morning and at evening, like swift birds of prey.6 The flames with curling tresses serve your sacrifice, whereto ye sing the song, Mitra and Varuna.Send down of your free will, prosper our holy songs: ye are sole Masters of the singer's hymn of praise.7 Whoso with sacrifices toiling brings you gifts, and worships, sage and priest, fulfilling your desire,--To him do ye draw nigh and taste his sacrifice. Come well-inclined to us unto our songs and prayer.8 With sacrifices and with milk they deck you first, ye Righteous Ones, as if through stirrings of the mind.To you they bring their hymns with their collected thought, while ye with earnest soul come to us gloriously.9 Rich strength of life is yours: ye, Heroes, have obtained through your surpassing powers rich far-extending might.Not the past days conjoined with nights, not rivers, not the Panis have attained your Godhead and your wealth.
HYMN CLII. Mitra-Varuna.
1. THE robes which ye put on abound with fatness: uninterrupted courses are your counsels.All falsehood, Mitra-Varuna! ye conquer, and closely cleave unto the Law Eternal.2 This might of theirs hath no one comprehended. True is the crushing word the sage hath uttered,The fearful four-edged bolt smites down the three-edged, and those who hate the Gods first fall and perish.3 The Footless Maid precedeth footed creatures. Who marketh, Mitra-Varuna, this your doing?The Babe Unborn supporteth this world's burthen, fulfilleth Law and overcometh falsehood.4 We look on him the darling of the Maidens, always advancing, never falling downward,Wearing inseparable, wide-spread raiment, Mitra's and Varuna's delightful glory.5 Unbridled Courser, born but not of horses, neighing he flieth on with back uplifted.The youthful love mystery thought-surpassing, praising in Mitra-Varuna, its glory.6 May the milch-kine who favour Mamateya prosper in this world him who loves devotion.May he, well skilled in rites, be food, and calling Aditi with his lips give us assistance.7 Gods, Mitra-Varuna, with love and worship, let me make you delight in this oblation.May our prayer be victorious in battles, may we have rain from heaven to make us prosper.
HYMN CLIII. Mitra-Varuna.
1. WE worship with our reverence and oblations you, Mitra Varuna, accordant, mighty,So that with us, ye Twain whose backs are sprinkled with oil, the priests with oil and hymns support you.2 Your praise is like a mighty power, an impulse: to you, Twain Gods, a well-formed hymn is offered,As the priest decks yon, Strong Ones, in assemblies, and the prince fain to worship you for blessings.3 O Mitra-Varuna, Aditi the Milch-cow streams for the rite, for folk who bring oblation,When in the assembly he who worships moves you, like to a human priest, with gifts presented.4 So may the kine and heavenly Waters pour you sweet drink in families that make you joyful.Of this may he, the ancient House-Lord, give us. Enjoy, drink of the milk the cow provideth.
HYMN CLIV. Visnu
1. I WILL declare the mighty deeds of Visnu, of him who measured out the earthly regions,Who propped the highest place of congregation, thrice setting down his footstep, widely striding.2 For this his mighty deed is Visnu lauded, like some wild beast, dread, prowling, mountain-roaming;He within whose three wide-extended paces all living creatures have their habitation.3 Let the hymn lift itself as strength to Visnu, the Bull far-striding, dwelling on the mountains,Him who alone with triple step hath measured this common dwelling-place, long, far extended.4 Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperishable, joy as it may list them,Who verily alone upholds the threefold, the earth, the heaven, and all living creatures.5 May I attain to that his well-loved mansion where men devoted to the Gods are happy.For there springs, close akin to the Wide-Strider, the well of meath in Visnu's highest footstep.6 Fain would we go unto your dwelling-places where there are many-horned and nimble oxen,For mightily, there, shineth down upon us the widely-striding Bull's sublimest mansion.
HYMN CLV. Visnu-Indra.
1. To the great Hero, him who sets his mind thereon, and Visnu, praise aloud in song your draught of juice,--Gods ne'er beguiled, who borne as 'twere by noble steed, have stood upon the lofty ridges of the hills.2 Your Soma-drinker keeps afar your furious rush, Indra and Visnu, when ye come with all your might.That which hath been directed well at mortal man, bow-armed Krsanu's arrow, ye turn far aside.3 These offerings increase his mighty manly strength: he brings both Parents down to share the genial flow.He lowers, though a son, the Father's highest name; the third is that which is high in the light of heaven.4 We laud this manly power of him the Mighty One, preserver, inoffensive, bounteous and benign;His who strode, widely pacing, with three steppings forth over the realms of earth for freedom and for life.5 A mortal man, when he beholds two steps of him who looks upon the light, is restless with amaze.But his third step doth no one venture to approach, no, nor the feathered birds of air who fly with wings.6 He, like a rounded wheel, hath in swift motion set his ninety racing steeds together with the four.Developed, vast in form, with those who sing forth praise, a youth, no more a child, he cometh to our call.
HYMN CLVI. Visnu
1. FAR-SHINING, widely famed, going thy wonted way, fed with the oil, be helpful. Mitra-like, to us.So, Visnu, e'en the wise must swell thy song of praise, and he who hath oblations pay thee solemn rites.2 He who brings gifts to him the Ancient and the Last, to Visnu who ordains, together with his Spouse,Who tells the lofty birth of him the Lofty One, shall verily surpass in glory e'en his peer.3 Him have ye satisfied, singers, as well as ye know, primeval germ of Order even from his birth.Ye, knowing e'en his name, have told it forth: may we, Visnu, enjoy the grace of thee the Mighty One.4 The Sovran Varuna and both the Asvins wait on this the will of him who guides the Marut host.Visnu hath power supreme and might that finds the day, and with his Friend unbars the stable of the kine.5 Even he the Heavenly One who came for fellowship, Visnu to Indra, godly to the godlier,Who Maker, throned in three worlds, helps the Aryan man, and gives the worshipper his share of Holy Law.
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 offspring: 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 Dasas 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 Mamata 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 CLIX. Heaven and Earth.
1. I PRAISE with sacrifices mighty Heaven and Earth at festivals, the wise, the Strengtheners of Law.Who, having Gods for progeny, conjoined with Gods, through wonder-working wisdom bring forth choicest boons.2 With invocations, on the gracious Father's mind, and on the Mother's great inherent power I muse.Prolific Parents, they have made the world of life, and for their brood all round wide immortality.3 These Sons of yours well skilled in work, of wondrous power, brought forth to life the two great Mothers first of all.To keep the truth of all that stands and all that moves, ye guard the station of your Son who knows no guile.4 They with surpassing skill, most wise, have measured out the Twins united in their birth and in their home.They, the refulgent Sages, weave within the sky, yea, in the depths of sea, a web for ever new.5 This is to-day the goodliest gift of Savitar: this thought we have when now the God is furthering us.On us with loving-kindness Heaven and Earth bestow riches and various wealth and treasure hundredfold!
HYMN CLX. Heaven and Earth.
1. THESE, Heaven and Earth, bestow prosperity on all, sustainers of the region, Holy Ones and wise,Two Bowls of noble kind: between these Goddesses the God, the fulgent Sun, travels by fixed decree.2 Widely-capacious Pair, mighty, that never fail, the Father and the Mother keep all creatures safe:The two world-halves, the spirited, the beautiful, because the Father hath clothed them in goodly forms.3 Son of these Parents, he the Priest with power to cleanse, Sage, sanctifies the worlds with his surpassing power.Thereto for his bright milk he milked through all the days the party-coloured Cow and the prolific Bull.4 Among the skilful Gods most skilled is he, who made the two world-halves which bring prosperity to all;Who with great wisdom measured both the regions out, and stablished them with pillars that shall ne'er decay.5 Extolled in song, O Heaven and Earth, bestow on us, ye mighty Pair, great glory and high lordly sway,Whereby we may extend ourselves ever over the folk; and send us strength that shall deserve the praise of men.
HYMN CLXI. Rbhus.
1 WHY hath the Best, why hath the Youngest come to us? Upon what embassy comes he? What have we said?We have not blamed the chalice of illustrious birth. We, Brother Agni, praised the goodness of the wood.2 The chalice that is single make ye into four: thus have the Gods commanded; therefore am I come.If, O Sudhanvan's Children, ye will do this thing ye shall participate in sacrifice with Gods.3 What to the envoy Agni in reply ye spake, A courser must be made, a chariot fashioned here,A cow must be created, and the Twain made young. When we have done these things, Brother, we turn to you.4 When thus, O Rbhus, ye had done ye questioned thus, Whither went he who came to us a messenger?Then Tvastar, when he viewed the four wrought chalices, concealed himself among the Consorts of the Gods.5 As Tvastar thus had spoken, Let us slay these men who have reviled the chalice, drinking-cup of Gods,They gave themselves new names when Soma juice was shed, and under these new names the Maiden welcomed them.6 Indra hath yoked his Bays, the Asvins' car is horsed, Brhaspati hath brought the Cow of every hue.Ye went as Rbhus, Vibhvan, Vaja to the Gods, and skilled in war, obtained your share in sacrifice.7 Ye by your wisdom brought a cow from out a hide; unto that ancient Pair ye gave again their youth.Out of a horse, Sudhanvan's Sons, ye formed a horse: a chariot ye equipped, and went unto the Gods.8 Drink ye this water, were the words ye spake to them; or drink ye this, the rinsing of the Muñja-grass.If ye approve not even this, Sudhanvan's Sons, then at the third libation gladden ye yourselves.9 Most excellent are waters, thus said one of you; most excellent is Agni, thus another said.Another praised to many a one the lightning cloud. Then did ye shape the cups, speaking the words of truth.10 One downward to the water drives the crippled cow, another trims the flesh brought on the carving-board.One carries off the refuse at the set of sun. How did the Parents aid their children in their task!11 On the high places ye have made the grass for man, and water in the valleys, by your skill, O Men.Rbhus, ye iterate not to-day that act of yours, your sleeping in the house of him whom naught can hide.12 As, compassing them round, ye glided through the worlds, where had the venerable Parents their abode?Ye laid a curse on him who raised his arm at you: to him who spake aloud to you ye spake again.13 When ye had slept your fill, ye Rbhus, thus ye asked, O thou whom naught may hide, who now hath wakened us?The goat declared the hound to be your wakener. That day, in a full year, ye first unclosed our eyes.14 The Maruts move in heaven, on earth this Agni; through the mid-firmament the Wind approaches.Varuna comes in the sea's gathered waters, O Sons of Strength, desirous of your presence.
HYMN CLXII. The Horse.
1. SLIGHT us not Varuna, Aryaman, or Mitra, Rbhuksan, Indra, Ayu, or the Maruts,When we declare amid the congregation the virtues of the strong Steed, God-descended.2 What time they bear before the Courser, covered with trappings and with wealth, the grasped oblation,The dappled goat goeth straightforward, bleating, to the place dear to Indra and to Pusan.3 Dear to all Gods, this goat, the share of Pusan, is first led forward with the vigorous Courser,While Tvastar sends him forward with the Charger, acceptable for sacrifice, to glory.4 When thrice the men lead round the Steed, in order, who goeth to the Gods as meet oblation,The goat precedeth him, the share of Pusan, and to the Gods the sacrifice announceth.5 Invoker, ministering priest, atoner, fire-kindler Soma-presser, sage, reciter,With this well ordered sacrifice, well finished, do ye fill full the channels of the rivers.6 The hewers of the post and those who carry it, and those who carve the knob to deck the Horse's stake;Those who prepare the cooking-vessels for the Steed,--may the approving help of these promote our work.7 Forth, for the regions of the Gods, the Charger with his smooth back is come my prayer attends him.In him rejoice the singers and the sages. A good friend have we won for the Gods' banquet.8 May the fleet Courser's halter and his heel-ropes, the head-stall and the girths and cords about him.And the grass put within his mouth to bait him,--among the Gods, too, let all these be with thee.9 What part of the Steed's flesh the fly hath eaten, or is left sticking to the post or hatchet,Or to the slayer's hands and nails adhereth,--among the Gods, too, may all this be with thee.10 Food undigested steaming from his belly, and any odour of raw flesh remaining,This let the immolators set in order and dress the sacrifice with perfect cooking.11 What from thy body which with fire is roasted, when thou art set upon the spit, distilleth,Let not that lie on earth or grass neglected, but to the longing Gods let all be offered.12 They who observing that the Horse is ready call out and say, the smell is good; remove it;And, craving meat, await the distribution,--may their approving help promote labour.13 The trial-fork of the flesh-cooking caldron, the vessels out of which the broth is sprinkled,The warming-pots, the covers of the dishes, hooks, carving-boards,--all these attend the Charger.14 The starting-place, his place of rest and rolling, the ropes wherewith the Charger's feet were fastened,The water that he drank, the food he tasted,--among the Gods, too, may all these attend thee.15 Let not the fire, smoke-scented, make thee crackle, nor glowing caldron smell and break to pieces.Offered, beloved, approved, and consecrated,--such Charger do the Gods accept with favour.16 The robe they spread upon the Horse to clothe him, the upper covering and the golden trappings,The halters which restrain the Steed, the heel-ropes,--all these, as grateful to the Gods, they offer.17 If one, when seated, with excessive urging hath with his heel or with his whip distressed thee,All these thy woes, as with the oblations' ladle at sacrifices, with my prayer I banish.18 The four-and-thirty ribs of the. Swift Charger, kin to the Gods, the slayer's hatchet pierces.Cut ye with skill, so that the parts be flawless, and piece by piece declaring them dissect them.19 Of Tvastar's Charger there is one dissector,--this is the custom-two there are who guide him.Such of his limbs as I divide in order, these, amid the balls, in fire I offer.20 Let not thy dear soul burn thee as thou comest, let not the hatchet linger in thy body.Let not a greedy clumsy immolator, missing the joints, mangle thy limbs unduly.21 No, here thou diest not, thou art not injured: by easy paths unto the Gods thou goest.Both Bays, both spotted mares are now thy fellows, and to the ass's pole is yoked the Charger.22 May this Steed bring us all-sustaining riches, wealth in good kine, good horses, manly offspring.Freedom from sin may Aditi vouchsafe us: the Steed with our oblations gain us lordship!
HYMN CLXIII. The Horse.
1. WHAT time, first springing into life, thou neighedst, proceeding from the sea or upper waters,Limbs of the deer hadst thou, and eagle pinions. O Steed, thy birth is nigh and must be lauded.2 This Steed which Yama gave hath Trita harnessed, and him, the first of all, hath Indra mounted.His bridle the Gandharva grasped. O Vasus, from out the Sun ye fashioned forth the Courser.3 Yama art thou, O Horse; thou art Aditya; Trita art thou by secret operation.Thou art divided thoroughly from Soma. They say thou hast three bonds in heaventhat hold thee.4 Three bonds, they say, thou hast in heaven that bind thee, three in the waters,three within the ocean.To me thou seemest Varuna, O Courser, there where they say is thy sublimest birth-place.5 Here-, Courser, are the places where they groomed thee, here are the traces of thy hoofs as winner.Here have I seen the auspicious reins that guide thee, which those who guard the holy Law keep safely.6 Thyself from far I recognized in spirit,--a Bird that from below flew through the heaven.I saw thy head still soaring, striving upward by paths unsoiled by dust, pleasant to travel.7 Here I beheld thy form, matchless in glory, eager to win thee food at the Cow's station.Whene'er a man brings thee to thine enjoyment, thou swallowest the plants most greedy eater.8 After thee, Courser, come the car, the bridegroom, the kine come after, and the charm of maidens.Full companies have followed for thy friendship: the pattern of thy vigour Gods have copied.9 Horns made of gold hath he: his feet are iron: less fleet than he, though swift as thought, is Indra.The Gods have come that they may taste the oblation of him who mounted, first of all, the Courser.10 Symmetrical in flank, with rounded haunches, mettled like heroes, the Celestial CoursersPut forth their strength, like swans in lengthened order, when they, the Steeds, have reached the heavenly causeway.11 A body formed for flight hast thou, O Charger; swift as the wind in motion is thy spirit.Thy horns are spread abroad in all directions: they move with restless beat in wildernesses.12 The strong Steed hath come forward to the slaughter, pondering with a mind directed God-ward.The goat who is his kin is led before him the sages and the singers follow after.13 The Steed is come unto the noblest mansion, is come unto his Father and his Mother.This day shall he approach the Gods, most welcome: then he declares good gifts to him who offers.
HYMN CLXIV. Visvedevas.
1. OF this benignant Priest, with eld grey-coloured, the brother midmost of the three is lightning.The third is he whose back with oil is sprinkled. Here I behold the Chief with seven male children.2 Seven to the one-wheeled chariot yoke the Courser; bearing seven names the single Courser draws it.Three-naved the wheel is, sound and undecaying, whereon are resting all these worlds of being.3 The seven who on the seven-wheeled car are mounted have horses, seven in tale, who draw them onward.Seven Sisters utter songs of praise together, in whom the names of the seven Cows are treasured.4 Who hath beheld him as he sprang to being, seen how the boneless One supports the bony?Where is the blood of earth, the life, the spirit? Who may approach the man who knows, to ask it?5 Unripe in mind, in spirit undiscerning, I ask of these the Gods' established places; For up above the yearling Calf the sages, to form a web, their own seven threads have woven.6 I ask, unknowing, those who know, the sages, as one all ignorant for sake of knowledge,What was that ONE who in the Unborn's image hath stablished and fixed firm these worlds' six regions.7 Let him who knoweth presently declare it, this lovely Bird's securely founded station.Forth from his head the Cows draw milk, and, wearing his vesture, with their foot have drunk the water.8 The Mother gave the Sire his share of Order: with thought, at first, she wedded him in spirit.She, the coy Dame, was filled with dew prolific: with adoration men approached to praise her.9 Yoked was the Mother to the boon Cow's car-pole: in the dank rows of cloud the Infant rested.Then the Calf lowed, and looked upon the Mother, the Cow who wears all shapes in three directions.10 Bearing three Mothers and three Fathers, single he stood erect: they never make him weary.There on the pitch of heaven they speak together in speech all-knowing but not all-impelling.11 Formed with twelve spokes, by length of time, unweakened, rolls round the heaven this wheel of during Order.Herein established, joined in pairs together, seven hundred Sons and twenty stand, O Agni.12 They call him in the farther half of heaven the Sire five-footed, of twelve forms, wealthy in watery store.These others say that he, God with far-seeing eyes, is mounted on the lower seven-wheeled, six-spoked car.13 Upon this five-spoked wheel revolving ever all living creatures rest and are dependent.Its axle, heavy-laden, is not heated: the nave from ancient time remains unbroken.14 The wheel revolves, unwasting, with its felly: ten draw it, yoked to the far-stretching car-pole.The Sun's eye moves encompassed by the region: on him dependent rest all living creatures.15 Of the co-born they call the seventh single-born; the six twin pairs are called Rsis, Children of Gods.Their good gifts sought of men are ranged in order due, and various in their form move for the Lord who guides.16 They told me these were males, though truly females: he who hath eyes sees this, the blind discerns not.The son who is a sage hath comprehended: who knows this rightly is his father's father.17 Beneath the upper realm, above this lower, bearing her calf at foot the Cow hath risen.Witherward, to what place hath she departed? Where calves she? Not amid this herd of cattle.18 Who, that the father of this Calf discerneth beneath the upper realm, above the lower,Showing himself a sage, may here declare it? Whence hath the Godlike spirit had its rising?19 Those that come hitherward they call departing, those that depart they call directed hither.And what so ye have made, Indra and Soma, steeds bear as 'twere yoked to the region's car-pole.20 Two Birds with fair wings, knit with bonds of friendship, in the same sheltering tree have found a refuge.One of the twain eats the sweet Fig-tree's fruitage; the other eating not regardeth only.21 Where those fine Birds hymn ceaselessly their portion of life eternal, and the sacred synods,There is the Universe's mighty Keeper, who, wise, hath entered into me the simple.22 The, tree whereon the fine Birds eat the sweetness, where they all rest and procreate their offspring,--Upon its top they say the fig is luscious none gaineth it who knoweth not the Father.23 How on the Gayatri the Gayatri was based, how from the Tristup they fashioned the Tristup forth,How on the Jagati was based the Jagati,--they who know this have won themselves immortal life.24 With Gayatri he measures out the praise-song, Sama with praise-song, triplet with the Tristup.The triplet with the two or four-foot measure, and with the syllable they form seven metres.25 With Jagati the flood in heaven he stablished, and saw the Sun in the Rathantara Saman.Gayatri hath, they say, three brands for kindling: hence it excels in majesty and vigour.26 I invocate the milch-cow good for milking so that the milker, deft of hand, may drain her.May Savitar give goodliest stimulation. The caldron is made hot; I will proclaim it.27 She, lady of all treasure, is come hither yearning in spirit for her calf and lowing.May this cow yield her milk for both the Asvins, and may she prosper to our high advantage.28 The cow hath lowed after her blinking youngling; she licks his forehead, as she lows, to form it.His mouth she fondly calls to her warm udder, and suckles him with milk while gently lowing.29 He also snorts, by whom encompassed round the Cow laws as she clings unto the shedder of the rain.She with her shrilling cries hath humbled mortal man, and, turned to lightning, hath stripped off her covering robe.30 That which hath breath and speed and life and motion lies firmly stablished in the midst of houses.Living, by offerings to the Dead he moveth Immortal One, the brother of the mortal.31 I saw the Herdsman, him who never stumbles, approaching by his pathways and departing.He, clothed with gathered and diffusive splendour, within the worlds continually travels.32 He who hath made him cloth not comprehend him: from him who saw him surely is he hidden.He, yet enveloped in his Mother's bosom, source of much life, hath sunk into destruction.33 Dyaus is my Father, my begetter: kinship is here. This great earth is my kin and Mother.Between the wide-spread world-halves is the birth-place: the Father laid the Daughter's germ within it.34 I ask thee of the earth's extremest limit, where is the centre of the world, I askthee.I ask thee of the Stallion's seed prolific, I ask of highest heaven where Speech abideth.35 This altar is the earth's extremest limit; this sacrifice of ours is the world's centre.The Stallion's seed prolific is the Soma; this Brahman highest heaven where Speech abideth.36 Seven germs unripened yet are heaven's prolific seed: their functions they maintain by Visnu's ordinance.Endued with wisdom through intelligence and thought, they compass us about present on every side.37 What thing I truly am I know not clearly: mysterious, fettered in my mind I wander.When the first-born of holy Law approached me, then of this speech I first obtain a portion.38 Back, forward goes he, grasped by strength inherent, the Immortal born the brother of the mortalCeaseless they move in opposite directions: men mark the one, and fail to mark the other.39 Upon what syllable of holy praise-song, as twere their highest heaven, the Gods repose them,--Who knows not this, what will he do with praise-song? But they who know it well sit here assembled.40 Fortunate mayst thou be with goodly pasture, and may we also be exceeding wealthy.Feed on the grass, O Cow, at every season, and coming hitherward drink limpid water.41 Forming the water-floods, the buffalo hath lowed, one-footed or two-footed or four-footed, she,Who hath become eight-footed or hath got nine feet, the thousand-syllabled in the sublimest heaven.42 From her descend in streams the seas of water; thereby the world's four regions have their being,Thence flows the imperishable flood and thence the universe hath life.43 I saw from far away the smoke of fuel with spires that rose on high o'er that beneath it.The Mighty Men have dressed the spotted bullock. These were the customs in the days aforetime,44 Three with long tresses show in ordered season. One of them sheareth when the year is ended.One with his powers the universe regardeth: Of one, the sweep is seen, but his figure.45 Speech hath been measured out in four divisions, the Brahmans who have understanding know them.Three kept in close concealment cause no motion; of speech, men speak only the fourth division.46 They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and he is heavenly nobly-winged Garutman.To what is One, sages give many a title they call it Agni, Yama, Matarisvan.47 Dark the descent: the birds are golden-coloured; up to the heaven they fly robed in the waters.Again descend they from the seat of Order, and all the earth is moistened with their fatness.48 Twelve are the fellies, and the wheel is single; three are the naves. What man hath understood it?Therein are set together spokes three hundred and sixty, which in nowise can be loosened.49 That breast of thine exhaustless, spring of pleasure, wherewith thou feedest all things that are choicest,Wealth-giver, treasure. finder, free bestower,--bring that, Sarasvati, that we may drain it.50 By means of sacrifice the Gods accomplished their sacrifice: these were the earliest ordinances.These Mighty Ones attained the height of heaven, there where the Sadhyas, Gods of old, are dwelling.51 Uniform, with the passing days, this water mounts and fails again.The tempest-clouds give life to earth, and fires re-animate the heaven.52 The Bird Celestial, vast with noble pinion, the lovely germ of plants, the germ of waters,Him who delighteth us with rain in season, Sarasvan I invoke that he may help us.
HYMN CLXV. Indra. Maruts.
1. WITH what bright beauty are the Maruts jointly invested, peers in age, who dwell together?From what place have they come? With what intention? Sing they their strength through love of wealth, these Heroes?2 Whose prayers have they, the Youthful Ones, accepted? Who to his sacrifice hath turned the Maruts?We will delay them on their journey sweeping--with what high spirit!--through the air like eagles.3 Whence comest thou alone, thou who art mighty, Indra, Lord of the Brave? What is thy purpose?Thou greetest us when meeting us the Bright Ones. Lord of Bay Steeds, say what thou hast against us.4 Mine are devotions, hymns; sweet are libations. Strength stirs, and hurled forth is my bolt of thunder.They call for me, their lauds are longing for me. These my Bay Steeds bear me to these oblations.5 Therefore together with our strong companions, having adorned our bodies, now we harness,Our spotted deer with might, for thou, O Indra, hast learnt and understood our Godlike nature.6 Where was that nature then of yours, O Maruts, that ye charged me alone to slay the Dragon?For I in truth am fierce and strong and mighty. I bent away from every foeman's weapons.7 Yea, much hast thou achieved with us for comrades, with manly valour like thine own, thou Hero.Much may we too achieve, O mightiest Indra, with our great power, we Maruts, when we will it.8 Vrtra I slew by mine own strength, O Maruts, having waxed mighty in mine indignation.I with the thunder in my hand created for man these lucid softly flowing waters.9 Nothing, O Maghavan, stands firm before thee; among the Gods not one is foundthine equal.None born or springing into life comes nigh thee. Do what thou hast to do, exceeding mighty?10 Mine only be transcendent power, whatever I, daring in my spirit, may accomplish.For I am known as terrible, O Maruts I, Indra, am the Lord of what I ruined.11 Now, O ye Maruts, hath your praise rejoiced me, the glorious hymn which ye have made me, Heroes!For me, for Indra, champion strong in battle, for me, yourselves, as lovers for a lover.12 Here, truly, they send forth their sheen to meet me, wearing their blameless glory and their vigour.When I have seen you, Maruts, in gay splendour, ye have delighted me, so now delight me.13 Who here hath magnified you, O ye Maruts? speed forward, O ye lovers, to your lovers.Ye Radiant Ones, assisting their devotions, of these my holy rites he ye regardful.14 To this hath Manya's wisdom brought us, so as to aid, as aids the poet him who worships.Bring hither quick! On to the sage, ye Maruts! These prayers for you the singer hath recited.15 May this your praise, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance!
HYMN CLXVI. Maruts.
1. Now let us publish, for the vigorous company the herald of the Strong One, their primeval might.With fire upon your way, O Maruts loud of voice, with battle, Mighty Ones, achieve your deeds of strength.2 Bringing the pleasant meath as 'twere their own dear son, they sport in sportive wise gay at their gatherings.The Rudras come with succour to the worshipper; self-strong they fail not him who offers sacrifice.3 To whomsoever, bringer of oblations, they immortal guardians, have given plenteous wealth,For him, like loving friends, the Maruts bringing bliss bedew the regions round with milk abundantly.4 Ye who with mighty powers have stirred the regions up, your coursers have sped forth directed by themselves.All creatures of the earth, all dwellings are afraid, for brilliant is your coming with your spears advanced.5 When they in dazzling rush have made the mountains roar, and shaken heaven's high back in their heroic strength,Each sovran of the forest fears as ye drive near, aid the shrubs fly before you swift as whirling wheels.6 Terrible Maruts, ye with ne'er-diminished host, with great benevolence fulfil our heart's desire.Where'er your lightning bites armed with its gory teeth it crunches up the cattle like a well-aimed dart.7 Givers of during gifts whose bounties never fail, free from ill-will, at sacrifices glorified,They sing their song aloud that they may drink sweet juice: well do they know the Hero's first heroic deeds.8 With castles hundredfold, O Maruts, guard ye well the man whom ye have loved from ruin and from sin,--The man whom ye the fierce, the Mighty ones who roar, preserve from calumny by cherishing his seed.9 O Maruts, in your cars are all things that are good: great powers are set as 'twere in rivalry therein.Rings are upon your shoulders when ye journey forth: your axle turns together both the chariot wheels.10 Held in your manly arms are many goodly things, gold chains are on your chests, and glistering ornaments,Deer-skins are on their shoulders, on their fellies knives: they spread their glory out as birds spread out their wings.11 Mighty in mightiness, pervading, passing strong, visible from afar as 'twere with stars of heaven,Lovely with pleasant tongues, sweet singers with their mouths, the Maruts, joined with Indra, shout forth all around.12 This is your majesty, ye Maruts nobly born, far as the sway of Aditi your bounty spreads.Even Indra by desertion never disannuls the boon bestowed by you upon the pious man.13 This is your kinship, Maruts, that, Immortals, ye were oft in olden time regardful of our call,Having vouchsafed to man a hearing through this prayer, by wondrous deeds the Heroes have displayed their might.14 That, O ye Maruts, we may long time flourish through your abundant riches, O swift movers,And that our men may spread in the encampment, let me complete the rite with these oblations.15 May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's son, Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXVII. Indra. Maruts.
1. A THOUSAND are thy helps for us, O Indra: a thousand, Lord of Bays, thy choice refreshments.Wealth of a thousand sorts hast thou to cheer us: may precious goods come nigh to us in thousands.2 May the most sapient Maruts, with protection, with best boons brought from lofty heaven, approach us,Now when their team of the most noble horses speeds even on the sea's extremest limit.3 Close to them clings one moving in seclusion, like a man's wife, like a spear carried rearward,Well grasped, bright, decked with gold there is Vak also, like to a courtly, eloquent dame, among them.4 Far off the brilliant, never-weary Maruts cling to the young Maid as a joint possession.The fierce Gods drave not Rodasi before them, but wished for her to grow their friend and fellow.5 When chose immortal Rodasi to follow--she with loose tresses and heroic spirit--She climbed her servant's chariot, she like Surya with cloud-like motion and refulgent aspect.6 Upon their car the young men set the Maiden wedded to glory, mighty in assemblies,When your song, Maruts, rose, and, with oblation, the Soma-pourer sang his hymn in worship.7 I will declare the greatness of these Maruts, their real greatness, worthy to be lauded,How, with them, she though firm, strong-minded, haughty, travels to women happy in their fortune.8 Mitra and Varuna they guard from censure: Aryaman too, discovers worthless sinners Firm things are overthrown that ne'er were shaken: he prospers, Maruts, who gives choice oblations.9 None of us, Maruts, near or at a distance, hath ever reached the limit of your vigour.They in courageous might still waxing boldly have compassed round their foemen like an ocean.10 May we this day be dearest friends of Indra, and let us call on him in fight to-morrow.So were we erst. New might attend us daily! So be with us! Rbhuksan of the Heroes!11 May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana'sson, Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with. food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full ab
HYMN CLXVIII. Maruts.
1. SWIFT gain is his who hath you near at every rite: ye welcome every song of him who serves the Gods.So may I turn you hither with fair hymns of praise to give great succour for the weal of both the worlds.2 Surrounding, as it were, self-born, self-powerful, they spring to life the shakers-down of food and light;Like as the countess undulations of the floods, worthy of praise when near, like bullocks and like kine.3 They who, like Somas with their well-grown stalks pressed out, imbibed within the heart, dwell there in friendly wise.Upon their shoulders rests as 'twere a warrior's spear and in their hand they hold a dagger and a ring.4 Self-yoked they have descended lightly from the sky. With your own lash, Immortals, urge yourselves to speed.Unstained by dust the Maruts, mighty in their strength, have cast down e'en firm things, armed with their shining spears.5 Who among you, O Maruts armed with lightning-spears, moveth you by himself, as with the tongue his jaws?Ye rush from heaven's floor as though ye sought for food, on many errands like the Sun's diurnal Steed.6 Say where, then, is this mighty region's farthest bound, where, Maruts, is the lowest depth that ye have reached,When ye cast down like chaff the firmly stablished pile, and from the mountain send the glittering water-flood?7 Your winning is with strength, dazzling, with heavenly light, with fruit mature, O Maruts, fall of plenteousness.Auspicious is your gift like a free giver's meed, victorious, spreading far, as of immortal Gods.8 The rivers roar before your chariot fellies when they are uttering the voice of rain-clouds.The lightnings laugh upon the earth beneath them, what time the Maruts scatter forth their fatness.9 Prsni brought forth, to fight the mighty battle, the glittering army of the restless Maruts.Nurtured together they begat the monster, and then looked round them for the food that strengthens.10 May this your laud, may this your song O Maruts, sung by the poet Mana's son,Mandarya,Bring offspring for ourselves with food to feed us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance
HYMN CLXIX. Indra.
1. As, Indra, from great treason thou protectest, yea, from great treachery these who approach us,So, marking well, Controller of the Maruts grant us their blessings, for they are thy dearest.2 The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, in thy wisdom, Indra.The host of Maruts goeth forth exulting to win the light-bestowing spoil of battle.3 That spear of thine sat firm for us, O Indra: the Maruts set their whole dread power in motion.E'en Agni shines resplendent in the brush-wood: the viands hold him as floods hold an island.4 Vouchsafe us now that opulence, O Indra, as guerdon won by mightiest donation.May hymns that please thee cause the breast of Vayu to swell as with the mead's refreshing sweetness.5 With thee, O Indra, are most bounteous riches that further every one who lives uprightly.Now may these Maruts show us loving-kindness, Gods who of old were ever prompt to help us.6 Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, O Indra: exert thee in the great terrestrial region;For their broad-chested speckled deer are standing like a King's armies on the field of battle.7 Heard is the roar of the advancing Maruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly moving,Who with their rush o'erthrow as 'twere a sinner the mortal who would fight with those who love him8 Give to the Manas, Indra with Maruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle foremost.Thou, God, art praised with Gods who must be lauded. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXX. Indra. Maruts.
1. NAUGHT is to-day, to-morrow naught. Who comprehends the mystery?We must address ourselves unto another's thought, and lost is then the hope we formed.2 The Maruts are thy brothers. Why, O Indra, wouldst thou take our lives?Agree with them in friendly wise, and do not slay us in the fight.3 Agastya, brother, why dost thou neglect us, thou who art our friend?We know the nature of thy mind. Verity thou wilt give us naught.4 Let them prepare the altar, let them kindle fire in front: we twoHere will spread sacrifice for thee, that the Immortal may observe.5 Thou, Lord of Wealth, art Master of all treasures, thou, Lord of friends, art thy friends' best supporter.O Indra, speak thou kindly with the Maruts, and taste oblations in their proper season.
HYMN CLXXI. Maruts.
1. To you I come with this mine adoration, and with a hymn I crave the Strong Ones' favourA hymn that truly makes you joyful, Maruts. Suppress your anger and unyoke your horses.2 Maruts, to you this laud with prayer and worship, formed in the mind and heart, ye Gods, is offered.Come ye to us, rejoicing in your spirit, for ye are they who make our prayer effective.3 The Maruts, praised by us, shall show us favour; Maghavan, lauded, shall be most propitious.Maruts,, may all our days that are to follow be very pleasant, lovely and triumphant.4 I fled in terror from this mighty Indra, my body trembling in alarm, O Maruts.Oblations meant for you had been made ready; these have we set aside: for this forgive us.5 By whom the Manas recognize the day-springs, by whose strength at the dawn of endless mornings,Give us, thou Mighty, glory with Maruts. fierce with the fierce, the Strong who givest triumph.6 Do thou, O Indra, guard the conquering Heroes, and rid thee of thy wrath against the Maruts,With them, the wise, victorious and bestowing. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXII. Maruts.
1. WONDERFUL let your coming be, wondrous with help, ye Bounteous Ones,Maruts, who gleam as serpents gleam.2 Far be from us, O Maruts, ye free givers, your impetuous shaft;Far from us be the stone ye hurl.3 O Bounteous Givers, touch ye not, O Maruts, Trnskanda's folk;Lift ye us up that we may live.
HYMN CLXXIII. Indra.
1. THE praise-song let him sing forth bursting bird-like: sing we that hymn which like heaven's light expandeth,That the milk-giving cows may, unimpeded call to the sacred grass the Gods' assembly.2 Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud roar like some wild beast that hungers.Praised God! the glad priest brings his heart's devotion; the holy youth presents twofold oblation.3 May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him bring the earth's autumnal fruitage.Let the Horse neigh led near, let the Steer bellow: let the Voice go between both worlds as herald,4 To him we offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their strength-inspiring praises.May Indra, wondrous in his might, accept them, car-borne and swift to move like the Nasatyas.5 Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car-borne Warrior, Maghavan the Hero;Stronger in war than those who fight against him, borne by strong steeds, who kills enclosing darkness;6 Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness: the earth and heavens suffice not for his girdles.Indra endues the earth to be his garment, and, God-like, wears the heaven as 'twere a frontlet,7 Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in the van,--to draw thee hither,Indra, the hosts agree beside the Soma, and joy, for his great actions, in the Chieftain.8 Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods come to cheer these people.To thee the Cow is sum of all things grateful when with the wish thou seekest men and princes.9 So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were through praise of chieftains,That Indra still may linger at our worship, as one led swift to work, to hear our praises.10 Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, wielder of the thunder.Like true friends of some city's lord within them held in good rule with sacrifice they help him.11 For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry in spirit;As pleasure at the ford invites the thirsty, as the long way brings him who gains his object.12 Let us not here contend with Gods, O Indra, for here, O Mighty One, is thine own portion,The Great, whose Friends the bounteous Maruts honour, as with a stream, his song who pours oblations.13 Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay Steeds, find us hereby advancement.So mayst thou lead us on, O God, to comfort. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXIV. Indra.
1. THOU art the King of all the Gods, O Indra: protect the men, O Asura, preserve us.Thou Lord of Heroes, Maghavan, our saver, art faithful, very rich, the victory-giver.2 Indra, thou humbledst tribes that spake with insult by breaking down seven autumn forts, their refuge.Thou stirredst, Blameless! billowy floods, and gavest his foe a prey to youthful Purukutsa.3 With whom thou drivest troops whose lords are heroes, and bringest daylight now, much worshipped Indra,With them guard lion-like wasting active Agni to dwell in our tilled fields and in our homestead.4 They through the greatness of thy spear, O Indra, shall, to thy praise, rest in this earthly station.To loose the floods, to seek, for kine, the battle, his Bays he mounted boldly seized the booty.5 Indra, bear Kutsa, him in whom thou joyest: the dark-red horses of the Wind are docile.Let the Sun roll his chariot wheel anear us, and let the Thunderer go to meet the foemen.6 Thou Indra, Lord of Bays, made strong by impulse, hast slain the vexers of thy friends, who give not.They who beheld the Friend beside the living were cast aside by thee as they rode onward.7 Indra, the bard sang forth in inspiration: thou madest earth a covering for the Dasa.Maghavan made the three that gleam with moisture, and to his home brought Kuyavac to slay him.8 These thine old deeds new bards have sung, O Indra. Thou conqueredst, boundest many tribes for ever.Like castles thou hast crushed the godless races, and bowed the godless scorner's deadly weapon.9 A Stormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, O Indra, like the running rivers.When o'er the flood thou broughtest them, O Hero, thou keptest Turvasa and Yadu safely.10 Indra, mayst thou be ours in all occasions, protector of the men, most gentle-hearted,Giving us victory over all our rivals. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXV. Indra.
1. GLAD thee: thy glory hath been quaffed, Lord of Bay Steeds, as 'twere the bowl's enlivening mead.For thee the Strong there is strong drink, mighty, omnipotent to win.2 Let our strong drink, most excellent, exhilarating, come to thee,Victorious, Indra! bringing gain, immortal conquering in fight,3 Thou, Hero, winner of the spoil, urgest to speed the car of man.Burn, like a vessel with the flame, the lawless Dasyu, Conqueror!4 Empowered by thine own might, O Sage, thou stolest Surya's chariot wheel.Thou barest Kutsa with the steeds of Wind to Susna as his death.5 Most mighty is thy rapturous joy, most splendid is thine active power,Wherewith, foe-slaying, sending bliss, thou art supreme in gaining steeds.6 As thou, O Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, as water to the thirsty,So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXVI. Indra.
1. CHEER thee with draughts to win us bliss: Soma, pierce Indra in thy strength.Thou stormest trembling in thy rage, and findest not a foeman nigh.2 Make our songs penetrate to him who is the Only One of men;For whom the sacred food is spread, as the steer ploughs the barley in.3 Within whose hands deposited all the Five Peoples' treasures rest.Mark thou the man who injures us and kill him like the heavenly bolt.4 Slay everyone who pours no gift, who, hard to reach, delights thee not.Bestow on us what wealth he hath: this even the worshipper awaits.5 Thou helpest him the doubly strong whose hymns were sung unceasingly.When Indra fought, O Soma, thou helpest the mighty in the fray.6 As thou, O Indra, to the ancient singers wast ever joy, like water to the thirsty,So unto thee I sing this invocation. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXVII. Indra.
1. THE Bull of men, who cherishes all people, King of the Races, Indra, called of many,Fame-loving, praised, hither to me with succour turn having yoked both vigorous Bay Horses!2 Thy mighty Stallions, yoked by prayer, O Indra, thy. Coursers to thy mighty chariot harnessed,--Ascend thou these, and borne by them come hither: with Soma juice out. poured, Indra, we call thee.3 Ascend thy mighty car: the mighty Soma is poured for thee and sweets are sprinkled round us.Come down to us-ward, Bull of human races, come, having harnessed them, with strong Bay Horses.4 Here is God-reaching sacrifice, here the victim; here, Indra, are the prayers, here is the Soma.Strewn is the sacred grass: come hither, Sakra; seat thee and drink: unyoke thy two Bay Coursers.5 Come to us, Indra, come thou highly lauded to the devotions of the singer Mana.Singing, may we find early through thy succour, may we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXVIII. Indra.
1. IF, Indra, thou hast given that gracious hearing where with thou helpest those who sang thy praises.Blast not the wish that would exalt us may I gain all from thee, and pay all man's devotions.2 Let not the Sovran Indra disappoint us in what shall bring both Sisters to our dwelling.To him have run the quickly flowing waters. May Indra come to us with life and friendship.3 Victorious with the men, Hero in battles, Indra, who hears the singer's supplication,Will bring his car nigh to the man who offers, if he himself upholds the songs that praise him.4 Yea, Indra, with the men, through love of glory consumes the sacred food which friends have offered.The ever-strengthening song of him who worships is sung in fight amid the clash of voices.5 Aided by thee, O Maghavan, O Indra, may we subdue our foes who count them mighty.Be our protector, strengthen and increase us. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXIX. Rati.
(The following Hymn was originally only found in the Appendix, with certain lines translated in Latin.--JBH.)
The deified object of this omitted hymn is said to be Rati or Love, and its Rsis or authors are Lopamudra, Agastya, and a disciple. Lopamudra is represented as inviting the caresses of her aged husband Agastya, and complaining of his coldness and neglect. Agastya responds in stanza 3, and in the second half of stanza 4 the disciple or the poet briefly tells the result of the dialogue. Stanza 5 is supposed to be spoken by the disciple who has overheard the conversation, but its connexion with the rest of the hymn is not very apparent. In stanza 6 'toiling with strong endeavour' is a paraphrase and not a translation of the original khanamanah khanitraih (ligonibus fodiens) which Sayana explains by 'obtaining the desired result by means of lauds and sacrifices.'
M. Bergaigne is of opinion that the hymn has a mystical meaning, Agastya being identifiable with the celestial Soma whom Lopamudra, representing fervent Prayer, succeeds after long labour in drawing down from his secret dwelling place. See La Religion Vedique, ii. 394 f.
1 'Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night and morn, through age-inducing dawnings.Old age impairs the beauty of our bodies. Let husbands still come near unto their spouses.2 For even the men aforetime, law-fulfillers, who with the Gods declared eternal statutes,--They have decided, but have not accomplished: so now let Wives come near unto their husbands.3 Non inutilis est labor cui Dii favent: nos omnes aemulos et aemulas vincamus.Superemus in hac centum artium pugna in qua duas partes convenientes utrinque commovemus.4 Cupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc utrum illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit.Lopamudra taurum [maritum suum] ad se detrahit: insipiens illa sapientem anhelantem absorbet.5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath been imbibed within the spirit,To pardon any sins we have committed. Verily mortal man is full of longings.6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, progeny and power,Cherished--a sage of mighty strength--both classes, and with the Gods obtained his prayer's fulfilment.
By 'both classes' probably priests and princes, or institutors of sacrifices, are meant. M. Bergaigne understands the expression to mean the two forms or essences of Soma, the celestial and the terrestrial.
5 Membrum suum virile, quod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retraxit. Rursus illud quod in juvenem filiam sublatum fuerat, non aggressurus, ad se rerahit.6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo discedentes seminis paulum in terrae superficiem sacrorum sede effusum emiserunt.7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum eâ congressus suum semen supra wrrarn effudit. Tum Dii benigni precem (brahma) prgeduerunt, et Vastoshpatim, legum sacrarum custodem, formaverunt.8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est. Quasi dextro pede claudus processit, "inutiles fuerunt illi mei complexus," ita locutus.9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Râksasas approach) not Agni by night; the giver of fuel, and the giver of food, he, the upholder (of the rite), is born, overcoming enemies by his might.'
HYMN CLXXX. Asvins.
1. LIGHTLY your coursers travel through the regions when round the sea of air your car is flying.Your golden fellies scatter drops of moisture: drinking the sweetness ye ettend 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 Asvins, 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 wonderful in deed, car-borne, best charioteers,Bring your full chariot hither heaped with liquid sweet: thereon, ye Asvins, 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 straight 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.
HYMN CLXXXV. Heaven and Earth.
1. WHETHER of these is elder, whether later? How were they born? Who knoweth it, ye sages?These of themselves support all things existing: as on a car the Day and Night roll onward.2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving.Like your own son upon his parents' bosom, protect us, Heaven and earth, from fearful danger.3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship.Produce this, ye Twain Worlds, for him who lauds you. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour,Both mid the Gods, with Day and Night alternate. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom,Kissing the centre of the world together. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection.Who, beautiful to look on, make the nectar. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,--these, reverent, I address at this our worship,The blessed Pair, victorious, all-sustaining. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain,Thereof may this our hymn be expiation. Protect us, Heaven and Earth, from fearful danger.9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour.Enrich the man more liberal than the godless. May we, ye Gods, be strong with food rejoicing.10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven.Be near us, keep us from reproach and trouble. Father and Mother, with your help preserve us.11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.Nearest of Gods be ye with your protection. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXVI. Visvedevas.
1. LOVED of all men, may Savitar, through praises offered as sacred food, come to our synod,That you too, through-our hymn, ye ever-youthful, may gladden, at your visit, all our people.2 To us may all the Gods come trooped together, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna concordant,That all may be promoters of our welfare, and with great might preserve our strength from slackness.3 Agni I sing, the guest you love most dearly: the Conqueror through our lauds is friendly-minded.That he may be our Varuna rich in glory and send food like a prince praised by the godly.4 To you I seek with reverence, Night and Morning, like a cow good to milk, with hope to conquer,Preparing on a common day the praise. song with milk of various hues within this udder.5 May the great Dragon of the Deep rejoice us: as one who nourishes her young comes Sindhu,With whom we will incite the Child of Waters whom vigorous course swift as thought bring hither.6 Moreover Tvastar also shall approach us, one-minded with the princes at his visit.Hither shall come the Vrtra-slayer Indra, Ruler of men, as strongest of the Heroes.7 Him too our hymns delight, that yoke swift horses, like mother cows who lick their tender youngling.To him our songs shall yield themselves like spouses, to him the most delightful of the Heroes.8 So may the Maruts, armed with mighty weapons, rest here on heaven and earth with hearts in concord,As Gods whose cars have dappled steeds like torrents, destroyers of the foe allies of Mitra.9 They hasten on to happy termination their orders when they are made known byglory.As on a fair bright day the arrow flieth o'er all the barren soil their missiles sparkle.10 Incline the Asvins to show grace, and Pusan, for power and might have they, their own possession.Friendly are Visnu, Vata, and Rbhuksan so may I bring the Gods to make us happy.11 This is my reverent thought of you, ye Holy; may it inspire you, make you dwell among us,--Thought, toiling for the Gods and seeking treasure. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CLXXXVII. Praise of Food.
1. Now will I glorify Food that upholds great strength,By whose invigorating power Trita rent Vrtra limb from limb.2 O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own,So be our kind protector thou.3 Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help,Health-bringing, not unkind, a dear and guileless friend.4 These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused.like winds they have their place in heaven.5 These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste,These savours of thy juices work like creatures that have mighty necks.6 In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods.Under thy flag brave deeds were done he slew the Dragon with thy help.7 If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds,Even from thence, O Food of meath, prepared for our enjoyment, come.8 Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby.9 What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley-brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.10 O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby.11 O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts,From thee who banquetest with Gods, from thee who banquetest with us.
HYMN CLXXXVIII. Apris.
1. WINNER of thousands, kindled, thou shinest a God with Gods to-day.Bear out oblations, envoy, Sage.2 Child of Thyself the sacrifice is for the righteous blent with meath,Presenting viands thousandfold.3 Invoked and worthy of our praise bring Gods whose due is sacrifice:Thou, Agni, givest countless gifts.4 To seat a thousand Heroes they eastward have strewn the grass with might,Whereon, Adityas, ye shine forth.5 The sovran all-imperial Doors, wide, good, many and manifold,Have poured their streams of holy oil.6 With gay adornment, fair to see, in glorious beauty shine they forth:Let Night and Morning rest them here.7 Let these two Sages first of all, heralds divine and eloquent,Perform for us this sacrifice.8 You I address, Sarasvati, and Bharati, and Ila, all:Urge ye us on to glorious fame.9 Tvastar the Lord hath made all forms and all the cattle of the fieldCause them to multiply for us.10 Send to the Gods, Vanaspati, thyself, the sacrificial draught:Let Agni make the oblations sweet.11 Agni, preceder of the Gods, is honoured with the sacred song:He glows at offerings blest with Hail!
HYMN CLXXXIX. Agni.
1. BY goodly paths lead us to riches, Agni, God who knowest every sacred duty.Remove the sin that makes us stray and wander. most ample adoration will we bring thee.2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction.Be unto us a wide broad ample castle bless, prosper on their way our sons and offspring.3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni.God, make our home again to be a blessing, with all the Immortal Deities, O Holy.4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest.O Conqueror, most youthful, let no danger touch him who praises thee to-day or after.5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble;Not to the fanged that bites, not to the toothless: give not us up, thou Conqueror, to the spoiler.6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies,From whosoever would reproach or injure: for thou, God, rescuest from all oppression.7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni.Be thou obedient unto man at evening, to be adorned, as keen, by eager suitors.8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.May we gain countless riches with the sages. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CXC. Brhaspati.
1. GLORIFY thou Brhaspati, the scatheless, who must be praised with hymns, sweet-tongued and mighty,To whom as leader of the song, resplendent, worthy of lauds, both Gods and mortals listen.2 On him wait songs according to the season even as a stream of pious men set moving.Brhaspati--for he laid out the expanses--was, at the sacrifice, vast Matarisvan.3 The praise, the verse that offers adoration, may he bring forth, as the Sun sends his arms out,He who gives daily light through this God's wisdom, strong as a dread wild beast, and inoffensive.4 His song of praise pervades the earth and heaven: let the wise worshipper draw it, like a courser.These of Brhaspati, like hunters' arrows, go to the skies that change their hue like serpents.5 Those, God, who count thee as a worthless bullock, and, wealthy sinners, live on thee the Bounteous,--On fools like these no blessing thou bestowest: Brhaspati, thou punishest the spiteful.6 Like a fair path is he, where grass is pleasant, though hard to win, a Friend beloved most early.Those who unharmed by enemies behold us, while they would make them bare, stood closely compassed.7 He to whom songs of praise go forth like torrents, as rivers eddying under banks flow sea-ward--Brhaspati the wise, the eager, closely looks upon both, the waters and the vessel.8 So hath Brhaspati, great, strong and mighty, the God exceeding powerful, been brought hither.May he thus lauded give us kine and horses. May we find strengthening food in full abundance.
HYMN CXCI. Water. Grass. Sun.
1. VENOMOUS, slightly venomous, or venomous aquatic worm,--Both creatures, stinging, unobserved, with poison have infected me.2 Coming, it kills the unobserved; it kills them as it goes away,It kills them as it drives them off, and bruising bruises them to death.3 Sara grass, Darbha, Kusara, and Sairya, Muñja, Virana,Where all these creatures dwell unseen, with poison have infected me.4 The cows had settled in their stalls, the beasts of prey had sought their lairs,Extinguished were the lights of men, when things unseen infected me.5 Or these, these reptiles, are observed, like lurking thieves at evening time.Seers of all, themselves unseen: be therefore very vigilant.6 Heaven is your Sire, your Mother Earth, Soma your Brother, AditiYour Sister: seeing all, unseen, keep still and dwell ye happily.7 Biters of shoulder or of limb, with needle-stings, most venomous,Unseen, whatever ye may be, vanish together and be gone.8 Slayer of things unseen, the Sun, beheld of all, mounts, eastward, up,Consuming all that are not seen, and evil spirits of the night.9 There hath the Sun-God mounted up, who scorches much and everything.Even the Aditya from the hills, all-seen, destroying things unseen.10 I hang the poison in the Sun, a wine-skin in a vintner's house,He will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.11 This little bird, so very small, hath swallowed all thy poison up.She will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.12 The three-times-seven bright sparks of fire have swallowed up the poison's strength.They will not die, nor shall we die: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.13 Of ninety rivers and of nine with power to stay the venom's course,--The names of all I have secured: his path is far: he whom Bay Horses bear hath turned thee to sweet meath.14 So have the peahens three-times-seven, so have the maiden Sisters SevenCarried thy venom far away, as girls bear water in their jars.15 The poison-insect is so small; I crush the creature with a stone.I turn the poison hence away, departed unto distant lands.16 Forth issuing from the mountain's side the poison-insect spake and said:Scorpion, they venom is but weak.
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