Book 7

Hymn I. Agni.

This hymn to Agni, the divine fire, opens with an appeal for protection and prosperity, invoking him as a far-seeing guide. The poet asks Agni to guard his household and offspring, burning away all malice and sickness with his purifying flames.

1 THE men from fire-sticks, with their hands' swift movement, have, in deep thought, engendered glorious Agni, > Far-seen, with pointed flame, Lord of the homestead. > 2 The Vasus set that Agni in the dwelling, fair to behold, for help from every quarter: > Who, in the home for ever, must be honoured. > 3 Shine thou before us, Agni, well-enkindled, with flame, Most Youthful God, that never fadeth. > To thee come all our sacrificial viands. > 4 Among all fires these fires have shone most brightly, splendid with light, begirt by noble heroes, > Where men of lofty birth sit down together. > 5 Victorious Agni, grant us wealth with wisdom, wealth with brave sons, famous and independent, > Which not a foe who deals in magic conquers. > 6 To whom, the Strong, at morn and eve comes, maid-like, the ladle dropping oil, with its oblation. > Wealth-seeking comes to him his own devotion. > 7 Burn up all malice with those flames, O Agni, wherewith of old thou burntest up Jarutha, > And drive away in silence pain and sickness. > 8 With him who lighteth up thy splendour, Agni, excellent, pure, refulgent, Purifier, > Be present, and with us through these our praises. > 9 Agni, the patriarchal men, the mortals who have in many places spread thy lustre,— > Be gracious to us here for their sake also. > 10 Let these men, heroes in the fight with foemen, prevail against all godless arts of 4magic,— > These who ipprove the noble song I sing thee. > 11 Let us not sit in want of men, O Agni, without descendants, heroleu, about thee: > But, O House-Friend, in houses full of children. > 12 By sacrifice which the Steeds' Lord ever visits, there make our dwelling rich in seed and offspring, > Increasing still with lineal successors. > 13 Guard us, O Agni, from the hated demon, guard us from malice of the churlish sinner: > Allied with thee may I subdue assailants. > 14 May this same fire of mine surpass all others, this fire where offspring, vigorous and firm-handed, > Wins, on a thousand paths, what ne’er shall perish. > 15 This is that Agni, saviour from the foeman, who guards the kindler of the flame from sorrow: > Heroes of noble lineage serve and tend him. > 16 This is that Agni, served in many places, whom the rich lord who brings oblation kindles, > And round him goes the priest at sacrifices. > 17 Agni, may we with riches in possession bring thee continual ofierings in abundance, > Using both means to draw thee to our worship. > 18 Agni, bear thou, Eternal, these most welcome oblations to the Deities' assembly: > Let them enjoy our very fragrant presents. > 19 Give us not up, Agni, to want of heroes, to wretched clothes, to need, to destitution. > Yield us not, Holy One, to fiend or hunger; injure us not at home or in the forest. > 20 Give strength and power to these my prayers, O Agni; O God, pour blessings on our chiefs and nobles. > Grant that both we and they may share thy bounty. Ye Gods, protect us evermore with blessings. > 21 Thou Agni, swift to hear, art fair of aspect: beam forth, O Son of Strength, in full effulgence. > Let me not want, with thee, a son for ever: let not a manly hero ever fail us. > 22 Condemn us not to indigence, O Agni, beside these flaming fires which Gods have kindled; > Nor, even after fault, let thy displeasure, thine as a God, O Son of Strength, o’ertake us. > 23 O Agni, fair of face, the wealthy mortal who to the Immortal offers his oblation. > Hath him who wins him treasure by his Godhead, to whom the prince, in need, goes supplicating. > 24 Knowing our chief felicity, O Agni, bring hither ample riches to our nobles, > Wherewith we may enjoy ourselves, O Victor, with undiminished life and hero children. > 25 Give strength and power to these my prayers, O Agni; O God, pour blessings on bur chiefs and nobles. > Grant that both we and they may share thy bounty. Ye Gods, protect us evermore with blessings.

Hymn II. Āprīs.

This hymn is an Āprī, a formal litany of invitation to the various divine powers associated with the sacrifice. It calls upon personified elements like the Divine Doors, Night and Morning, and the sacred grass, urging them to attend the rite and ensure its success.

1 GLADLY accept, this day, our fuel, Agni: send up thy sacred smoke and shine sublimely. > Touch the celestial summits with thy columns, and overspread thee with the rays of Sūrya. > 2 With sacrifice to these we men will honour the majesty of holy Narāśaṁsa > To these the pure, most wise, the thought. inspirers, Gods who enjoy both sorts of our oblations. > 3 We will extol at sacrifice for ever, as men may do, Agni whom Manu kindled, > Your very skilful Asura, meet for worship, envoy between both worlds, the truthful speaker. > 4 Bearing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it with reverence, on their knees, by Agni. > Calling him to the spotted grass, oil-sprinkled, adorn him, ye Adhvaryus, with oblation. > 5 With holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Doors fain for chariots in the Gods’ assembly. > Like two full mother cows who lick their youngling, like maidens for the gathering, they adorn them. > 6 And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Night, like a cow good at milking, > Come, much-invoked, and on our grass be seated ' wealthy, deserving worship, for our welfare. > 7 You, Bards and Singers at men's sacrifices, both filled with wisdom, I incline to worship. > Send up our offerings when we call upon you, and so among the Gods obtain us treasures. > 8 May Bhāratī with all her Sisters, Iḷā accordant with the Gods, with mortals Agni, > Sarasvatī with all her kindred Rivers, come to this grass, Three Goddesses, and seat them. > 9 Well pleased with us do thou, O God, O Tvaṣṭar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, > Whence springs the hero, powerful, skilled in action, lover of Gods, adjuster of the press-stones. > 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests, and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. > He as the truer Priest shall offer worship, for the God'sgenerations well he knoweth. > 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra. > On this our grass sit Aditi, happy Mother, and let our Hail! delight the Gods Immortal.

Hymn III. Agni.

The poet addresses Agni with a series of powerful similes, comparing his movement to a neighing steed and his consuming power to a fierce axe. This hymn emphasizes Agni’s wild, untamable nature as a force of the natural world, even as he is welcomed as a guest within the home.

1 ASSOCIATE with fires, make your God Agni envoy at sacrifice, best skilled in worship, > Established firm among mankind, the Holy, flame-crowned and fed with oil, the Purifier. > 2 Like a steed neighing eager for the pasture, when he hath stepped forth from the great enclosure: > Then the wind following blows upon his splendour, and, straight, the path is black which thou hast travelled. > 3 From thee a Bull but newly born, O Agni, the kindled everlasting flames rise upward. > Aloft to heaven thy ruddy smoke ascendeth: Agni, thou speedest to the Gods as envoy. > 4 Thou whose fresh lustre o’er the earth advanceth when greedily with thy jaws thy food thou eatest. > Like a host hurried onward comes thy lasso: fierce, with thy tongue thou piercest, as ’twere barley. > 5 The men have decked him both at eve and morning, Most Youthful Agni, as they tend a courser. > They kindle him, a guest within his dwelling: bright shines the splendour of the worshipped Hero. > 6 O fair of face, beautiful is thine aspect when, very near at hand, like gold thou gleamest, > Like Heaven's thundering roar thy might approaches, and like the wondrous Sun thy light thou showest. > 7 That we may worship, with your Hail to Agni! with sacrificial cakes and fat oblations, > Guard us, O Agni, with those boundless glories as with a hundred fortresses of iron. > 8 Thine are resistless songs for him who offers, and hero-giving hymns wherewith thou savest; > With these, O Son of Strength, O Jātavedas, guard us, preserve these princes and the singers. > 9 When forth he cometh, like an axe new-sharpened, pure in his form, resplendent in his body, > Sprung, sought with eager longing, from his Parents, for the Gods’ worship, Sage and Purifier: > 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding. > All happiness be theirs who sing and praise thee. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

Hymn IV. Agni.

This hymn to Agni is a prayer for protection and a warding-off of evil spirits. The poet calls on Agni to use his sharp arrows and blazing power to burn away foes, both kin and stranger, and to consume the malevolent like dried-up stubble.

1 PUT forth like a wide-spreading net thy vigour; go like a mighty King with his attendants. > Thou, following thy swift net, shootest arrows: transfix the fiends with darts that burn most fiercely. > 2 Forth go in rapid flight thy whirling weapons: follow them closely, glowing in thy fury. > Spread with thy tongue the winged flames, O Agni; unfettered, cast thy firebrands all around thee. > 3 Send thy spies forward, fleetest in thy motion; be, ne’er deceived, the guardian of this people > From him who, near or far, is bent on evil, and let no trouble sent from thee o’ercome us. > 4 Rise up, O Agni, spread thee out before us: burn down our foes, thou who hast sharpened arrows. > Him, blazing Agni! who hath worked us mischief, consume thou utterly like dried-up stubble. > 5 Rise, Agni, drive off those who fight against us: make manifest thine own celestial vigour. > Slacken the strong bows of the demon-driven: destroy our foemen whether kin or stranger. > 6 Most Youthful God, he knoweth well thy favour who gave an impulse to this high devotion. > All fair days and magnificence of riches hast thou beamed forth upon the good man's portals. > 7 Blest, Agni, be the man, the liberal giver, who with his lauds and regular oblation > Is fain to please thee for his life and dwelling. May all his days be bright: be this his longing. > 8 I praise thy gracious favour: sing in answer. May this my song sing like a loved one with thee. > Lords of good steeds and cars may we adorn thee, and day by day vouchsafe thou us dominion. > 9 Here of free choice let each one serve thee richly, resplendent day by day at eve and morning. > So may we honour thee, content and joyous, passing beyond the glories of the people. > 10 Whoso with good steeds and fine gold, O Agni, comes nigh thee on a car laden with treasure, > His Friend art thou, yea, thou art his Protector whose joy it is to entertain thee duly. > 11 Through words and kinship I destroy the mighty: this power I have from Gotama my father. > Mark thou this speech of ours, O thou Most Youthful, Friend of the House, exceeding wise, Invoker. > 12 Knowing no slumber, speedy and propitious, alert and ever friendly, most unwearied, > May thy protecting powers, unerring Agni, taking their places here, combined, preserve us. > 13 Thy guardian rays, O Agni, when they saw him, preserved blind Māmateya from affliction. > Lord of all riches, he preserved the pious: the fees who fain would harm them did no mischief > 14 Aided by thee with thee may we be wealthy, may we gain strength with thee to guide us onward. > Fulfil the words of both, O Ever Truthful: straightway do this, thou God whom power emboldens. > 15 O Agni, with this fuel will we serve thee; accept the laud we sing to thee with favour > Destroy the cursing Rākṣasas: preserve us, O rich in friends, from guile and scorn and slander.

Hymn V. Agni.

The poet invokes Agni as the youthful yet ancient "Son of Strength," a bringer of boons who resides in every home. The hymn is a request for wealth, strong heroes, and protection from those who attack in secret.

1 I INVOCATE your Son of Strength, the Youthful, with hymns, the Youngest God, whose speech is guileless; > Sage who sends wealth comprising every treasure, bringer of many boons, devoid of malice. > 2 At eve and morn thy pious servants bring thee their precious gifts, O Priest of many aspects, > On whom, the Purifier, all things living as on firm. ground their happiness have stablished. > 3 Thou from of old hast dwelt among these people, by mental power the charioteer of blessings. > Hence sendest thou, O sapient Jātavedas, to him who serves thee treasures in succession. > 4 Agni, whoever secretly attacks us, the neighbour, thou with Mitra's might! who harms us, > Burn him with thine own Steers for ever youthful, burning with burning heat, thou fiercest burner. > 5 He who serves thee with sacrifice and fuel, with hymn, O Son of Strength, and chanted praises, > Shines out, Immortal! in the midst of mortals, a sage, with wealth, with splendour and with glory. > 6 Do this, O Agni, when we urge thee, quickly, triumphant in thy might subdue our foemen. > When thou art praised with words and decked with brightness, accept this chanted hymn, the singer's worship. > 7 Help us, that we may gain this wish, O Agni, gain riches, Wealthy One! with store of heroes. > Desiring strength from thee may we be strengthened, and win, Eternal! thine eternal glory.

Hymn VI. Agni.

This hymn frames Agni as a divine messenger, a "heavenly Priest" who is called upon to share the sacrificial feast. The poet praises his purifying power and his ability to rend the wood with a "blackened pathway," asking him to come to the banquet.

1 HE who seeks furtherance and grace to help him goes to the Son of Strength with newest worship, > Calling the heavenly Priest to share the banquet, who rends the wood, bright, with his blackened pathway. > 2 White-hued and thundering he dwells in splendour, Most Youthful, with the loudvoiced and eternal > Agni, most variform, the Purifier, who follows crunching many ample forests. > 3 Incited by the wind thy flames, O Agni, move onward, Pure One! pure, in all directions. > Thy most destructive heavenly Navagvas break the woods down and devastate them boldly. > 4 Thy pure white horses from their bonds are loosened: O Radiant One, they shear the ground beneath them, > And far and wide shines out thy flame, and flickers rapidly moving over earth's high ridges. > 5 Forth darts the Bull's tongue like the sharp stone weapon discharged by him who fights to win the cattle. > Agni's fierce flame is like a hero's onset: dread and resistless he destroys the forests. > 6 Thou with the sunlight of the great Impeller hast boldly over-spread the earth's expanses. > So drive away with conquering might all perils. fighting out foemen burn up those who harm us. > 7 Wondrous! of wondrous power! give to the singer wealth wondrous, marked, most wonderful, life-giving. > Wealth bright, O Bright One, vast, with many heroes, give with thy bright flames to the man who lauds thee.

Hymn VII. Agni.

Agni is celebrated here as Vaiśvānara, "belonging to all men," a universal power born in holy order. The hymn praises him as the King and guest of men, a divine messenger whom the gods themselves generated.

1 Him, messenger of earth and head of heaven, Agni Vaiśvānara, born in holy Order, > The Sage, the King, the guest of men, a vessel fit for their mouths, the Gods have generated. > 2 Him have they praised, mid-point of sacrifices, great cistern of libations, seat of riches. > Vaiśvānara, conveyer of oblations, ensign of worship, have the Gods engendered. > 3 From thee, O Agni, springs the mighty singer, from thee come heroes who subdue the foeman. > O King, Vaiśvānara, bestow thou on us excellent treasures worthy to belonged fo r. > 4 To thee, Immortal! when to life thou springest, all the Gods sing for joy as to their infant. > They by thy mental powers were made immortal, Vaiśvānara, when thou shonest from thy Parents. > 5 Agni Vaiśvānara, no one hath ever resisted these thy mighty ordinances, > When thou, arising from thy Parents' bosom, foundest the light for days' appointed courses. > 6 The summits of the heaven are traversed through and through by the Immortal's light, Vaiśvānara's brilliancy. > All creatures in existence rest upon his head. The Seven swift-flowing Streams have grown like branches forth, > 7 Vaiśvānara, who measured out the realms of air, Sage very wise who made the lucid spheres of heaven, > The Undeceivable who spread out all the worlds, keeper is he and guard of immortality.

Hymn VIII. Agni.

This hymn invokes Agni Vaiśvānara as a cosmic and eternal force, praising his birth in the highest heaven and his power to measure the firmament. The poet asks this undecaying King to strike down the sinner and protect the wealthy chiefs who worship him.

1 AT Jātavedas' holy gathering I will tell aloud the conquering might of the swift red-hued Steer. > A pure and fresher hymn flows to Vaiśvānara, even as for Agni lovely Soma is made pure. > 2 That Agni, when in loftiest heaven he sprang to life, Guardian of Holy Laws, kept and observed them well. > Exceeding wise, he measured out the firmament. Vaiśvānara attained to heaven by mightiness. > 3 Wonderful Mitra propped the heaven and earth apart, and covered and concealed > the darkness with his light. > He made the two bowls part asunder like two skins. Vaiśvānara put forth all his creative power. > 4 The Migbty seized him in the bosom of the floods: the people waited on the King who should be praised. > As envoy of Vivasvān MatariSvan brought Agni Vaiśvānara hither from far away. > 5 In every age bestow upon the singers wealth, worthy of holy synods, glorious, ever new. > King, undecaying, as it were with sharpened bolt, smite down the sinner like a tree with lightning-flash. > 6 Do thou bestow, O Agni, on our wealthy chiefs, rule, with good heroes, undecaying, bending not. > So may we win for us strength. O Vaiśvānara, hundredfold, thousandfold, O Agni, by thy help. > 7 O thou who dwellest in three places, Helper, keep with effective guards our princely patrons. > Keep our band, Agni, who have brought thee presents. Lengthen their lives, Vaiśvānara, when lauded.

Hymn IX. Agni.

This hymn to Agni Vaiśvānara speaks in riddles of the cosmic order, describing day and night, the origins of speech, and the secret places of the gods. It portrays Agni as the "light immortal," the central, firm point around which all other gods and all human knowledge revolves.

1 ONE half of day is dark, and bright the other: both atmospheres move on by sage devices. > Agni Vaiśvānara, when born as Sovran, hath with his lustre overcome the darkness. > 2 I know not either warp or woof, I know not the web they weave when moving to the contest. > Whose son shall here speak words that must be spoken without assistance from the Father near him? > 3 For both the warp and woof he understandeth, and in due time shall speak what should be spoken, > Who knoweth as the immortal world's Protector, descending, seeing with no aid from other. > 4 He is the Priest, the first of all: behold him. Mid mortal men he is the light immortal. > Here was he born, firm-seated in his station Immortal, ever waxing in his body. > 5 A firm light hath been set for men to look on: among all things that fly the mind is swiftest. > All Gods of one accord, with one intention, move unobstructed to a single purpose. > 6 Mine ears unclose to hear, mine eye to see him; the light that harbours in my spirit broadens. > Far roams my mind whose thoughts are in the distance. What shall I speak, what shall I now imagine? > 7 All the Gods bowed them down in fear before thee, Agni, when thou wast dwelling in the darkness. > Vaiśvānara be gracious to assist us, may the Immortal favour us and help us.

Hymn X. Agni.

The poet offers a hymn as pure as sacred butter, calling Agni the radiant priest and "Ensign of sacrifice." It is an appeal for Agni to accept the sacrifice with gladness and, in return, to scatter foes and increase the worshippers' store.

1 INSTALL at sacrifice, while the rite advances, your pleasant, heavenly Agni, meet for praises. > With hymns-for he illumines us-install him. He, Jātavedas, makes our rites successful. > 2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled, > Laud which bards send forth pure as sacred butter, strength to this man, as ’twere for self-advantage. > 3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni, > And the God, wondrous bright, with wondrous succours helps him to win a stable filled with cattle. > 4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far-apparent splendour: > And he himself hath been. through night's thick darkness, made manifest by light, the Purifier. > 5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes, > Who stand preeminent, surpassing others in liberal gifts, in fame, and hero virtues. > 6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth. > Fair hymns hadst thou among the Bharadvājas, and holpest them to gain abundant vigour. > 7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.

Hymn XI. Agni.

This hymn praises Agni as the watchful guardian of the people and the eternal friend of the home. The poet recalls how the ancient Aṅgirases discovered the hidden fire, and he now offers this "sweetest prayer" to win Agni's favor and mighty strength.

1 EAGERLY Sacrifice thou, most skilful, Agni! Priest, pressing on as if the Maruts sent thee. > To our oblation bring the two Nāsatyas, Mitra and Varuṇa and Earth and Heaven. > 2 Thou art our guileless, most delightful Herald, the God, among mankind, of holy synods. > A Priest with purifying tongue, O Agni, sacrifice with thy mouth to thine own body. > 3 For even the blessed longing that is in thee would bring the Gods down to the singer's worship, > When the Aṅgirases' sagest Sage, the Poet, sings the sweet measure at the solemn service. > 4 Bright hath he beamed, the wise, the far-refulgent. Worship the two widespreading Worlds, O Agni, > Whom as the Living One rich in oblations the Five Tribes, bringing gifts, adorn with homage. > 5 When I with reverence clip the grass for Agni, when the trimmed ladle, fullof oil, is lifted, > Firm on the seat of earth is based the altar: eye-like, the sacrifice is directed Sun-ward. > 6 Enrich us, O thou Priest of many aspects, with the Gods, Agni, with thy fires, enkindled. > O Son of Strength, clad in the robe of riches, may we escape from woe as from > a prison.

Hymn XII. Agni.

The poet addresses Agni as a King, a "Son of Strength" who spreads his light abroad like Sūrya. The hymn emphasizes Agni's supreme power and his role as the invincible "Herald within the dwelling," asking that he bring blessings to the people.

1 KING of trimmed grass, Herald within the dwelling, may Agni worship the Impeller's World-halves. > He, Son of Strength, the Holy, from a distance hath spread himself abroad with light like Sūrya. > 2 In thee, most wise, shall Dyaus, for full perfection, King! Holy One! pronounce the call to worship. > Found in three places, like the Speeder's footstep, come to present men's riches as oblations! > 3 Whose blaze most splendid, sovran in the forest, shines waxing on his way like the - Impeller. > He knows himself, like as a guileless smelter, not to be stayed among the plants, Immortal. > 4 Our friends extol him like a steed for vigour even Agni in the dwelling, jatave~as. > Trce-fed, he fights with power as doth a champion, like Dawn's Sire to be praised with sacrifices. > 5 Men wonder at his shining glows when, paring the woods with case, o’er the broad earth he goeth, > And, like a rushing flood, loosed quickly, burneth, swift as a guilty thief, o’er desert places. > 6 So mighty thou protectest us from slander, O Champion, Agni! with all fires enkindled. > Bring opulence and drive away affliction. May brave sons gladden us through a hundred winters.

Hymn XIII. Agni.

This hymn to the "Auspicious God" Agni is a prayer for prosperity, strength in battle, and the blessings of a good home. The poet describes Agni as the source of all good things, from the rain to heroic sons, and asks him to give generously to those who sing his praises.

1 FROM thee, as branches from a tree, O Agni, from thee, Auspicious God! spring all our blessings > Wealth swiftly, strength in battle with our foemen, the rain besought of heaven, the flow of waters. > 2 Thou art our Bhaga to send wealth thou dwellest, like circumambient air, with wondrous splendour. > Friend art thou of the lofty Law, like Mitra, Controller, Agni! God! of many a blessing. > 3 Agni! the hero slays with might his foeman; the singer bears away the Paṇi's booty > Even he whom thou, Sage, born in Law, incitest by wealth, accordant with the Child of Waters. > 4 The man who, Son of Strength 1 with sacrifices, hymns, lauds, attracts thy fervour to the altar, > Enjoys each precious thing, O God, O Agni, gains wealth of corn and is the lord of treasures. > 5 Grant, Son of Strength, to men for their subsistence such things as bring high fame and hero children. > For thou with might givest much food in cattle even to the wicked wolf when he is hungry. > 6 Eloquent, Son of Strength, Most Mighty, Agni, vouchsafe us seed and offspring, full of vigour. > May I by all my songs obtain abundance. May brave sons gladden us through a hundred winters.

Hymn XIV. Agni.

The poet affirms his devotion to Agni, whom he calls a wise and skillful Seer. The hymn portrays the faithful worshipper as one who finds success and sustenance, while Agni is the powerful force who can overcome all riteless foes.

1 WHOSO to Agni hath endeared his thought and service by his hymns, > That mortal cats before the rest, and finds sufficiency of food. > 2 Agni, in truth, is passing wise, most skilled in ordering, a Seer. > At sacrifices Manus' sons glorify Agni as their Priest. > 3 The foeman's wealth in many a place, Agni, is emulous to help. > Men fight the fiend, and seek by rites to overcome the riteless foe. > 4 Agni bestows the hero chief, winner of waters, firm in fray. > Soon as they look upon his might his enemies tremble in alarm. > 5 For with his wisdom Agni, God, protects the mortal from reproach, > Whose conquering wealth is never checked, is never checked in deeds of might. > 6 O Agni, God with Mitra's might call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven. > Bring weal from heaven that men may dwell securely. May we o’ercome the foe's malign oppressions, may we o’ercome them, through thy help o’ercome them.

Hymn XV. Agni.

This hymn praises Agni as the "Guest of yours," the beloved friend of the household who wakes at morning to carry oblations to the gods. The poet, identifying himself with the priestly families of Vitahavya and Bharadvāja, offers a song to Agni in exchange for protection and wealth.

1 WITH this my song I strive to reach this guest of yours, who wakes at early morn, the Lord of all the tribes. > Each time he comes from heaven, the Pure One from of old: from ancient days the Child cats everlasting food. > 2 Whom, well-dis sed, the Blirgus stablished as a rriend, whom men must glorify, high-flaming in the wood. > As such, most friendly, thou art every day extolled in lauds by Vitahavya, O thou wondrous God. > 3 Be thou the foeless helper of the skilful man, subduer of the enemy near or far away. > Bestow a wealthy home on men, O Son of Strength. Give Vitahavya riches spreading far and wide, give Bharadvāja wide-spread wealth. > 4 Him, your refulgent guest, Agni who comes from heaven, the Herald of mankind, well-skilled in sacred rites, > Who, like a holy singer, utters heavenly words, oblation-bearer, envoy, God, I seek with hymns. > 5 Who with his purifying, eye-attracting form hath shone upon the earth as with the light of Dawn; > Who speeding on, as in the fight of Etaia, cometh, untouched by age, as one athirst in heat. > 6 Worship ye Agni, Agni, with your log of wood; praise your beloved, your beloved guest with songs. > Invite ye the Immortal hither with your hymns. A God among the Gods, he loveth what is choice, loveth our service, God mid Gods. > 7 Agni inflamed with fuel in my song I sing, pure, Cleanser, steadlast, set in tront at sacrifice. > Wise Jātavedas we implore with prayers for bliss the Priest, the holy Singer, bounteous, void of guile. > 8 Men, Agni, in each age have made thee, Deathiess One, their envoy, offering-bearer, guard adorable. > With reverence Gods and mortals have established thee, the ever watchful, omnipresent Household Lord. > 9 Thou, Agni, ordering the works and ways of both, as envoy of the Gods traversest both the worlds. > When we lay claim to thy regard and gracious fare, be thou to us a thriceprotecting friendly guard. > 10 Him fair of face, rapid, and fair to look on, him very wise may we who know not follow. > Let him who knows all rules invite for worship, Agru announce our offering to the Immortals. > 11 Him, Agni, thou deliverest and savest who brings him prayer to thee the Wise, O Hero, > The end of sacrifice or its inception; yea, thou endowest him with power and riches. > 12 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us, O thou Victor, from dishonour. > Here let the place of darkening come upon thee: may wealth be ours, desirable in thousands. > 13 Agni, the Priest, is King, Lord of the homestead, he, Jatayedas, knows all generations. > Most skilful worshipper mid Gods and mortals, may he begin the sacrifice, the Holy. > 14 Whate’er to-day thou, bright-flamed Priest, enjoyest from the man's rite-for thou art sacrificer > Worship, for duly dost thou spread in greatness: bear off thine ofrerings of to-day, Most Youthful. > 15 Look thou upon the viands duly laid for thee. Fain would he set thee here to worship Heaven and,Earth. > Help us, O liberal Agni, in the strife for spoil, so that we may o’ercome all things that trouble us, o’ercome, o’ercome them with thy help. > 16 Together with all Gods, O fair-faced Agni, be seated first upon the woollined altar, > Nest-like, bedewed with oil. Bear this our worship to Savitar who sacrifices rightly. > 17 Here the arranging priests, as did Atharvan, rub this Agni forth, > Whom, not bewildered, as he moved in winding ways, they brought from gloom. > 18 For the Gods’ banquet be thou born, for full perfection and for weal. > Bring the Immortal Gods who strengthen holy Law: so let our sacrifice reach the Gods. > 19 O Agni, Lord and Master of men's homesteads, with kindled fuel we have made thee mighty. > Let not our household gear be found defective. Sharpen us with thy penetrating splendour.

Hymn XVI. Agni.

This hymn to Agni is rich in ritual detail, invoking him as the "immortal messenger" and the central priest of the sacrifice. The poet asks Agni to bring the other gods to the feast, to grant riches to the patrons, and to protect the worshippers from all harm.

1 WITH this my reverent hymn I call Agni for you, the Son of Strength, > Dear, wisest envoy, served with noble sacrifice, immortal messenger of all. > 2 His two red horses, all-supporting, let him yoke: let him, well worshipped, urge them fast. > Then hath the sacrifice good prayers and happy end, and heavenly gift of wealth to men. > 3 The flame of him the Bountiful, the Much-invoked, hath mounted up, > And his red-coloured smoke-clouds reach and touch the sky: the men are kindling Agni well. > 4 Thee, thee Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring the Gods hither to the feast. > Give us, O Son of Strength, all food that fcedeth man: give that for which we pray to thee. > 5 Thou, Agni, art the homestead's Lord, our Herald at the sacrifice. > Lord of all boons, thou art the Cleanser and a Sage. Pay worship, and enjoy the good. > 6 Give riches to the sacrificer, O Most Wise, for thou art he who granteth wealth. > Inspire with zeal each priest at this our solemn rite; all who are skilled in singing praise. > 7 O Agni who art worshipped well, dear let our princes he to thee, > Our wealthy patrons who are governors of men, who part, as gifts, their stalls of kine. > 8 They in whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, Iḷā sits down well-satisfied > Guard them, Victorious God, from slander and from harm. give us a refuge famed afar. > 9 Do thou, a Priest with pleasant tongue, most wise, and very near to us, > Agni, bring riches hither to our liberal chiefs, and speed the oflering of our gifts. > 10 They who bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved by desire of great renown > Do thou with saving help preserve them from distress, Most Youthful! with a hundred forts. > 11 The God who gives your wealth demands a full libation poured to him. > Pour ye it forth, then fill the vessel full again: then doth the God pay heed to you. > 12 Him have the Gods appointed Priest of sacrifice, oblation-bearer, passing wise. > Agni gives wealth and valour to the worshipper, to folk who offer up their gifts.

Hymn XVII. Agni.

This hymn is a simple, direct call to Agni to come to the sacrifice. The poet asks him to be kindled, to let the sacred grass be scattered, and to bring the gods to the offering.

1 AGNI, be kindled well with proper fuel, and let the grass be scattered wide about thee. > 2 Let the impatient Portals be thrown open bring thou the Gods impatient to come hither. > 3 Taste, Agni: serve the Gods with our oblation. Offer good sacrifices, Jātavedas! > 4 Let Jātavedas pay fair sacrifices, worship andgratify the Gods Immortal. > 5 Wise God, win for us things that are all-goodly, and let the prayers, we pray today be fruitful. > 6 Thee, even thee, the Son of Strength, O Agni, those Gods have made the bearer of oblations. > 7 To thee the God may we perform our worship: do thou, besought, grant us abundant riches.

Hymn XVIII. Indra.

This hymn to Indra is offered by the Vasiṣṭha clan, who pour forth their prayers to "milk" the god for blessings as one milks a cow. The hymn recounts the great battle against the ten kings, where Indra aided Sudās and parted the waters of the Paruṣṇī river for him.

1 ALL is with thee, O Indra, all the treasures which erst our fathers won who sang thy praises. > With thee are milch-kine good to milk, and horses: best winner thou of riches for the pious. > 2 For like a King among his wives thou dwellest: with glories, as a Sage, surround and help us. > Make us, thy servants, strong for wealth, and honour our songs wirth kine and steeds and decoration. > 3 Here these our holy hymns with joy and gladness in pious emulation have approached thee. > Hitherward come thy path that leads to riches: may we find shelter in thy favour, Indra. > 4 Vasiṣṭha hath poured forth his prayers, desiring to milk thee like a cow in goodly pasture. > All these my people call thee Lord of cattle: may Indra. come unto the prayer we offer. > 5 What though the floods spread widely, Indra made them shallow and easy for Sudās to traverse. > He, worthy of our praises, caused the Simyu, foe of our hymn, to curse the rivers' fury. > 6 Eager for spoil was Turvaśa Purodas, fain to win wealth, like fishes urged by hunger. > The Bhṛgus and the Druhyus quickly listened: friend rescued friend mid the two distant peoples. > 7 Together came the Pakthas, the Bhalanas, the Alinas, the Sivas, the Visanins. > Yet to the Trtsus came the Ārya's Comrade, through love of spoil and heroes' war, to lead them. > 8 Fools, in their folly fain to waste her waters, they parted inexhaustible Paruṣṇī. > Lord of the Earth, he with his might repressed them: still lay the herd and the affrighted herdsman. > 9 As to their goal they sped to their destruetion: they sought Paruṣṇī; e’en the swift returned not. > Indra abandoned, to Sudās the manly, the swiftly flying foes, unmanly babblers. > 10 They went like kine unherded from the pasture, each clinging to a friend as chance directed. > They who drive spotted steeds, sent down by Pṛśni, gave ear, the Warriors and the harnessed horses. > 11 The King who scattered one-and-twenty people of both Vaikarna tribes through lust of glory > As the skilled priest clips grass within the chamber, so hath the Hero Indra, wrought their downfall. > 12 Thou, thunder-armed, o’erwhelmedst in the waters famed ancient Kavasa and then the Druhyu. > Others here claiming friendship to their friendship, devoted unto thee, in thee were joyful. > 13 Indra at once with conquering might demolished all their strong places and their seven castles. > The goods of Anu's son he gave to Trtsu. May we in sacrifice conquer scorned Pūru. > 14 The Anavas and Druhyus, seeking booty, have slept, the sixty hundred, yea, six thousand, > And six-and-sixty heroes. For the pious were all these mighty exploits done by Indra. > 15 These Trtsus under Indra's careful guidance came speeding like loosed waters rushing downward. > The foemen, measuring exceeding closely, abandoned to Sudās all their provisions. > 16 The hero's side who drank the dressed oblation, Indra's denier, far o’er earth he scattered. > Indra brought down the fierce destroyer's fury. He gave them various roads, the path's Controller. > 17 E’en with the weak he wrought this matchless exploit: e’en with a goat he did to death a lion. > He pared the pillar's angles with a needle. Thus to Sudās Indra gave all provisions. > 18 To thee have all thine enemies submitted: e’en the fierce Bheda hast thou made thy subject. > Cast down thy sharpened thunderbolt, O Indra, on him who harms the men who sing thy praises. > 19 Yamuna and the Trtsus aided Indra. There he stripped Bheda bare of all his treasures. > The Ajas and the Sigrus and the Yaksus brought in to him as tribute heads of horses. > 20 Not to be scorned, but like Dawns past and recent, O Indra, are thy favours and thy riches. > Devaka, Mānyamana's son, thou slewest, and smotest Śambara from the lofty mountain. > 21 They who, from home, have gladdened thee, thy servants Parasara, Vasiṣṭha, Satayatu, > Will not forget thy friendship, liberal Giver. So shall the days dawn prosperous for the princes. > 22 Priest-like, with praise, I move around the altar, earning Paijavana's reward, O Agni, > Two hundred cows from Devavan's descendant, two chariots from Sudās with mares to draw them. > 23 Gift of Paijavana, four horses bear me in foremost place, trained steeds with pearl to deck them. > Sudās's brown steeds, firmly-stepping, carry me and my son for progeny and glory. > 24 Him whose fame spreads between wide earth and heaven, who, as dispenser, gives each chief his portion, > Seven flowing Rivers glorify like Indra. He slew Yudhyamadhi in close encounter. > 25 Attend on him O ye heroic Maruts as on Sudās's father Divodāsa. > Further Paijavana's desire with favour. Guard faithfully his lasting firm dominion.

Hymn XIX. Indra.

This hymn to Indra is a prayer for aid and victory, celebrating his power and heroic deeds. The poet asks the "Bold One" to help his patron Sudās and to crush his enemies, both Dāsa and Āryan.

1 HE like a bull with sharpened horns, terrific, singly excites and agitates all the people: > Thou givest him who largely pours libations his goods who pours not, for his own possession. > 2 Thou, verily, Indra, gavest help to Kutsa, willingly giving car to him in battle, > When, aiding Ārjuneya, thou subduedst to him both Kuyava and the Dāsa Śuṣṇa. > 3 O Bold One, thou with all thine aids hast boldly holpen Sudās whose offerings were accepted, > Pūru in winning land and slaying foemen, and Trasadasyu son of Purukutsa. > 4 At the Gods’ banquet, hero-souled! with Heroes, Lord of Bay Steeds, thou slewest many foemen. > Thou sentest in swift death to sleep the Dasyu, both Cumuri and Dhuni, for Dabhīti. > 5 These were thy mighty powers that, Thunder-wielder, thou swiftly crushedst nine-and-ninety castles: > Thou capturedst the hundredth in thine onslaught; thou slewest Namuci, thou slewest Vṛtra. > 6 Old are the blessings, Indra, which thou gavest Sudās the worshipper who brought oblations. > For thee, the Strong, I yoke thy strong Bay Horses: may our prayers reach thee and win strength, Most Mighty! > 7 Give us not up, Lord of Bay Horses, Victor, in this thine own assembly, to the wicked. > Deliver us with true and faithful succours: dear may we be to thee among the princes. > 8 May we men, Maghavan, the friends thou lovest, near thee be joyful under thy protection. > Fain to fulfil the wish of Atithigva humble. the pride of Turvaśa and Yadva. > 9 Swiftly, in truth, O Maghavan, about thee men skilled in hymning sing their songs and praises. ' > Elect us also into their assembly who by their calls on thee despoiled the niggards. > 10 Thine are these lauds, O manliest of heroes, lauds which revert to us and give us riches. > Favour these, Indra, when they fight with faemen, as Friend and Hero and the heroes' Helper. > 11 Now, lauded for thine aid, Heroic Indra, sped by our prayer, wax mighty in thy body. > Apportion to us strength and habitations. Ye Gods, protect us evermore with blessings.

Hymn XX. Indra.

This hymn celebrates Indra as a mighty, unconquered hero who aids the singer and scatters his enemies. The poet recalls Indra's past deeds, his strengthening of the Aṅgirases, and his defeat of the Dāsa Aśna, asking for his continued protection.

1 STRONG, Godly-natured, born for hero exploit, man's Friend, hedoth whatever deed he willeth. > Saving us e’en from great transgression, Indra, the Youthful, visiteth man's home with favour. > 2 Waxing greatness Indra slayeth Vṛtra: the Hero with his aid hath helped the singer. > He gave Sudās wide room and space, and often hath granted wealth to him who brought oblations. > 3 Soldier unchecked, war-rousing, battling Hero, unconquered from of old, victorious ever, > Indra the very strong hath scattered armies; yea, he hath slain each foe who fought against him. > 4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, O Indra, even both the worlds with might, O thou Most Mighty. > Lord of Bays, Indra, brandishing his thunder, is gratified with Soma at the banquet. > 5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly. > He who is Chief of men, their armies' Leader, is strong Hero, bold, and fain for booty. > 6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God's terrific spirit. > He who with sacrifices worships Indra is lord of wealth, law-born and law's protector. > 7 Whene’er the elder fain would help the younger the greater cometh to the lesser's present. > Shall the Immortal sit aloof' inactive? O Wondrous Indra, bring us wondrous riches. > 8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, thy friends, O Thunder-wielder. > May we be best content in this thy favour, sheltered by One who slays not, but preserves us. > 9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. > Desire of wealth hath come upon thy singer: help us then, gakra, to our share of riches. > 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us. > Let thy great power bring good to him who lauds thee. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

Hymn XXI. Indra.

This hymn is a powerful invocation to Indra, the "Lord of all," asking him to bring the "sweet Soma juice." The poet celebrates Indra as the conqueror who breaks down all barriers and creates the light of Dawn, asking in return for treasures, ability, and fair weather.

1 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 mighty-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.

The poet addresses Indra as a resplendent warrior who has triumphed in battle and filled heaven and earth with his majesty. The hymn is a prayer for Indra to drink the Soma, accept the songs of the worshipper, and conquer all that is godless.

1 At the Trikadrukas the Great and Strong hath drunk drink blent with meal. With Viṣṇu 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. Brahmaṇaspati.

This hymn is a powerful invocation of Brahmaṇaspati, the "Lord of Prayer," a deity who wields sacred speech as a weapon. The poet asks him to destroy demons, find the light, and protect the worshippers from all sorrow and distress.

1 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 Brahmaṇaspati: hear us with help; sit down in place of sacrifice. > 2 Bṛhaspati, 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, Bṛhaspati, 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, Bṛhaspati, 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 Brahmaṇaspati. > 6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise. > Bṛhaspati, 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, Bṛhaspati: 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 Bṛhaspati, the Gods’ revilers down, and let not the unrighteous come to highest bliss. > 9 Through thee, kind prosperer, O Brahmaṇaspati, 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, Bṛhaspati, 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, Brahmaṇaspati, 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, Bṛhaspati; 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, > Bṛhaspati 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 Bṛhaspati. > 15 Bṛhaspati, 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. Bṛhaspati, no further rest shall they obtain. > 17 For Tvaṣṭar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o’er all the things that be. > Guilt-scourger, guilt-avenger is Bṛhaspati, who slays the spoiler and upholds the mighty Law. > 18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Aṅgiras! thou openedst the stall of kine. > Thou, O Bṛhaspati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water-floods which gloom had compassed round. > 19 O Brahmaṇaspati, 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. Brahmaṇaspati.

The poet offers a new and mighty song to Brahmaṇaspati, recalling his mythic deeds, such as splitting the mountain Vala and releasing the waters. The hymn praises his "swift bow" and "excellent arrows," portraying him as a divine archer who protects the righteous and brings forth wealth.

1 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, Bṛhaspati, 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 Śambara: > Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmaṇaspati,—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 Brahmaṇaspati 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 Brahmaṇaspati ordained. > 6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Paṇis’ 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, Brahmaṇaspati 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 Brahmaṇaspati. > 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 Bṛhaspati. > 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, Brahmaṇaspati, encompasseth this All. > 12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. > Come to us, Brahmaṇaspati and Indra, to our oblation like 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 Brahmaṇaspati. > 14 The wrath of Brahmaṇaspati 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 Brahmaṇaspati, 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 Brahmaṇaspati, 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. Brahmaṇaspati.

This hymn is a prayer to Brahmaṇaspati for friendship and patronage, promising that the man he befriends will conquer his enemies and prosper. The poet asks the god to grant them a place among his chosen, ensuring victory, wealth, and strong descendants.

1 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 Brahmaṇaspati 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 children grow in strength, whomever Brahmaṇaspati 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 Brahmaṇaspati 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 Brahmaṇaspati 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 Brahmaṇaspati takes for his friend.

Hymn XXVI. Brahmaṇaspati.

This hymn to Brahmaṇaspati is a battle cry, calling upon the god to help the righteous singer overcome the godless man. The poet asks the "hero" to chase the arrogant afar and to grant success in the fight against all foes.

1 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 Brahmaṇaspati. > 3 He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, wealth, > Who with oblation and a true believing heart serves Brahmaṇaspati the Father of the Gods. > 4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmaṇaspati leads forward on his way, > Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful deliverer from woe.

Hymn XXVII. Ādityas.

This hymn invokes the Ādityas, a group of sovereign gods including Mitra, Varuṇa, and Aryaman, who are upholders of the cosmic law. The poet praises them as bright, pure, and infallible, asking for their protection and guidance on the path of life.

1 THESE hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer to the Kings Ādityas. > May Mitra, Aryaman, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuṇa Dakṣa, and Aṁśa. > 2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuṇa this day accept this praise-song— > Ādityas bright and pure as streams of water, free from all guile and falsehood, blameless, perfect. > 3 These Gods, Ādityas, 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, Ādityas, Gods, protectors of all being, > Provident, guarding well the world of spirits, true to eternal Law, the debt-exactors. > 5 May I, Ādityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e’en in danger. > Under your guidance, Varuṇa and Mitra, round troubles may I pass, like rugged places. > 6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuṇa, and thornless. > Thereon, Ādityas, 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 Varuṇa'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, Ādityas, is your greatness; fair is it, Aryaman, Varuṇa, 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 Varuṇa, 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, Ādityas. > 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 Ādityas’ guidance. > 14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuṇa, 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, Ādityas, > May I car-borne pass like a skilful horseman: uninjured may we dwell in spacious shelter. > 17 May I not live, O Varuṇa, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution. > King, may O never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in assembly.

Hymn XXVIII. Varuṇa.

This is a personal and moving hymn to Varuṇa, the great guardian of cosmic order, filled with a sense of awe and a plea for forgiveness. The poet asks the "Holy Sovran" to release him from his troubles and sins as from a binding cord, promising to serve him faithfully.

1 THIS laud of the self-radiant wise Āditya shall be supreme o’er all that is in greatness. > 1 beg renown of Varuṇa the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships. > 2 Having extolled thee. Varuṇa, with thoughtful care may we have high fortune in thy service, > Singing 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 Varuṇa, 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 Āditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuṇa'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, Varuṇa, 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, Varuṇa, 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, Varuṇa, 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 us > 8 O mighty Varuṇa, 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 Varuṇa, 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 Varuṇa, give thou us protection. > 11 May I not live O Varuṇa, 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. Viśvedevas.

This hymn to the All-Gods is a plea for kindness and removal of sin, spoken with a tone of humility and kinship. The poet confesses to having "sinned many a sin," but asks the gods to be kind, as they are his family, and to save him from falling.

1 UPHOLDERS of the Law, ye strong Ādityas, remove my sin like her who bears in secret. > You, Varuṇa, 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 Varuṇa 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 Varuṇa, 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.

This hymn is a powerful appeal to Indra and Bṛhaspati to destroy enemies and protect the worshippers. It uses fierce, warlike imagery, asking the gods to pierce the foe with a "sharpened weapon" and to give the "spoiler to destruction."

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 Vṛtra. > 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 Vṛtra shot his deadly missile. > Enveloped in a cloud he rushed upon him. Indra subdued the foe with sharpened weapons. > 4 As with a bolt, Bṛhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vṛkadvaras’, 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 Sarasvatī, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our foemen, > While Indra does to death the daring chieftain of Śaṇḍikas exulting in his prowess. > 9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,—aim at him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon. > Bṛhaspati, 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.

Hymn XXXI. Viśvedevas.

This hymn to the All-Gods invokes a host of deities—including Tvaṣṭar, the divine craftsman, and the Dragon of the Deep—to speed the worshippers' chariot to victory. The poet asks that their prayers be heard and that the gods might fulfill their desire for strength and glory.

1 HELP, Varuṇa and Mitra, O ye Twain allied with Vasus, Rudras, and Ādityas, 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 Tvaṣṭar, God who rules the world with power, one-minded with the Goddesses speed forth our car; > Iḷā and Bhaga the celestial, Earth and Heaven, Pūṣan, Purandhi, and the Aśvins, 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-Ekapād, > Trita, Ṛbhukṣan, Savitar shall joy in us, and the 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.

This hymn is a series of invocations to various deities, including Heaven and Earth, Rākā (personified Full Moon), and Sinīvālī (personified New Moon). The poet calls for a "willing Cow" of abundance, a hero son, and protection from all calamities.

1 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 mighty 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 Rākā 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 Rākā, 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 Sinīvālī, 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 Sinīvālī Queen of men. > 8 Her, Sinīvālī, her, Gungū, her, Rākā, her, Sarasvatī, Indrāṇī to mine aid I call, and Varuṇānī for my weal.

Hymn XXXIII. Rudra.

This hymn to Rudra, the fierce and powerful god of storms, is a plea for mercy and healing. The poet asks Rudra to withhold his destructive arrow, to banish sickness, and to grant the "most saving medicines" so the worshippers might live a hundred winters.

1 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 mischief. > 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 Maruts, those that are wholesomest and health-bestowing, > 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.

This hymn to the Maruts, the storm gods, is filled with images of their flashing, gleaming, and thundering power. The poet describes them as born in Pṛśni's "radiant lap," dripping like horses, and shaking the world as they hasten on their way.

1 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 rain-cloud, 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 Pṛśni'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, come 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-flaming kine whose udders swell with milk, with 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 mighty 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 Pṛśni'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 you such, great Maruts, following wonted ways, to the oblation paid to Viṣṇu Speeder-on. > With ladles lifted up, with prayer, we seek of them preeminent, golden hued, the wealth which all extol. > 12 They, the Daśagvas, 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 them 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 lowing cow approach us, > Wherewith ye bear your servant over trouble, and free your worshipper from scoff and scorning.

Hymn XXXV. Son of Waters.

This hymn is dedicated to Apāṃ Napāt, the "Son of the Waters," a form of Agni who resides within the waters. The poet praises this youthful, radiant deity who shines "unfed with wood," surrounded by the river-goddesses who offer him food and worship.

1 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 offering 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. > The 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; I 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, hath 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 offspring, 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.

This is a ritual hymn, portioning out the Soma offering to different gods according to their station in the sacrifice. The Hotar, Potar, Neṣṭar, and other priests are instructed to pour the "Soma meath" for Indra, the Maruts, Tvaṣṭar, and Agni, asking them to accept the sacrifice and drink their fill.

1 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 bowl—first right is thine—Soma hallowed and poured with Vaṣaṭ and Svāhā. > 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 Bhārata, 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, Tvaṣṭar, 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.

This hymn continues the ritual offering of Soma according to the proper order, or Ṛtu. The Soma is offered in succession from the Hotar's, Potar's, and Neṣṭar's cups, calling on the "Granter of Wealth" to drink with the seasons and accept the sacrifice.

1 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 Soma with the Ṛtus 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 Ṛtus from the Potar's cup. > 3 Fat may the horses be wherewith thou speedest on: Lord of the Wood, unharming, strengthen thou thyself. > Drawing and seizing, Bold One, thou who grantest wealth, drink Soma with the Ṛtus from the Neṣṭar's cup. > 4 From Hotar's cup and Potar's he hath drunk and joyed: the proffered food hath pleased him from the Neṣṭar'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 Ṛtu, O thou Excellent, fain, make the great Gods all fain taste the gift we bring.

Hymn XXXVIII. Savitar.

This hymn to Savitar, the Sun in his role as the great quickener, praises his broad-handed power and his role in establishing cosmic order. The poet watches as Savitar rises, parting the seasons, lulling creatures to rest at night, and rousing them again at dawn.

1 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 broad-handed 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 Through 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 Varuṇa 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 Varuṇa 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 Narāśaṁsa 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 XXXIX. Aśvins.

This hymn addresses the divine twins, the Aśvins, with a series of vivid similes, inviting their presence at the sacrifice. They are compared to press-stones, heroes, goats, fair women, horns, hoofs, and birds, each image capturing a different aspect of their swift and powerful nature.

1 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 car-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 us-ward, like to a pair of hoofs with rapid motion; > Come like two Cakavās 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. > Aśvins, these hymns that struggle to approach you, sharpen ye like an axe upon a whetstone. > 8 These prayers of ours exalting you, O Aśvins, have the Gṛtsamadas, for a laud, made ready. > Welcome them, O ye Heroes, and come hither. Loud may we speak. with brave men, in assembly.

Hymn XL. Soma and Pūṣan.

This hymn joins two deities, Soma and Pūṣan, as parents of riches and protectors of the world. One (Soma) dwells in heaven while the other (Pūṣan) journeys across the earth, and together they are asked to grant wealth and prosperity.

1 SOMA and Pūṣan, 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 Pūṣan, India generates ripe warm milk in the raw milch-cows. > 3 Soma and Pūṣan, urge your chariot hither, the seven-wheeled car that measures out the region, > That stirs not all, that moves to every quarter, five-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 other journeys onward all-beholding. > Soma and Pūṣan, aid my thought with favour: with you may we o’ercome in all encounters. > 6 May Pūṣan 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.

This hymn is a general invocation to a wide assembly of gods, calling each in turn to the sacrifice. Vāyu, Indra, Mitra-Varuṇa, the Aśvins, and many other deities are invited to come, accept the offerings, and bring security and wealth.

1 O VĀYU, come to us with all the thousand chariots that are thine, > Team-borne, to drink the Soma juice. > 2 Drawn by thy team, O Vāyu, come; to thee is offered this, the pure. > Thou visitest the presser's house. > 3 Indra and Vāyu, 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, Law-strengtheners, Mitra-Varuṇa! > 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, Ādityas, Lords of liberal gifts. > They wait on him whose life is true. > 7 With kine, Nāsatyas, and with steeds, come, Aśvins, Rudras, to the house > That 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 Aśvins, 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, seat > Yourselves upon this sacred grass. > 14 Among the Śunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught. > Drink ye of this delightsome juice. > 15 Ye Maruts led by Indra, Gods with Pūṣan for your bounteousest, > Hear all of you this call of mine. > 16 Best Mother, best of Rivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvatī, We are, as ’twere, of no repute and dear Mother, give thou us renown. > 17 In thee, Sarasvatī, divine, all generations have their stay. > Be, glad with Śunahotra's sons: O Goddess grant us progeny. > 18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvatī, these prayers of ours, > Thoughts which Gṛtsamadas 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 Earth > Present unto the Gods to-day. > 21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit them down > To-day to drink the Soma here.

Hymn XLII. Kapiñjala.

This short hymn addresses the Kapiñjala, likely a type of partridge, as a bird of good omen. The poet asks the bird to sing out and bring good tidings, protecting the people from harm.

1 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. Kapiñjala.

This hymn again addresses the Kapiñjala bird, comparing its song to the chanting of a Sāma-priest. The poet asks this bird of omen to announce good luck and happy fortune to the worshippers.

1 HERE on the right sing forth chanters of hymns of praise, even the winged birds that in due season speak. > He, like: a Sāma-chanter utters both the notes, skilled in the mode of Tṛṣṭup and of Gāyatrī. > 2 Thou like the chanter-priest chantest the Sāma, 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 fortune, 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.

Hymn XLIV. Agni.

This hymn is a prayer for strength and victory through the power of Agni, who is praised as the "Immortal Jātavedas." The poet offers his song as a vehicle to gain Agni's favor, asking the god to bring riches and protect the worshipper.

1 FOR Jātavedas worthy of our praise will we frame with our mind this eulogy as ’twere a car. > For good, in his assembly, is this care of ours. Let us not, in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 2 The man for whom thou sacrificest prospereth, dwelleth without a foe, gaineth heroic might. > He waxeth strong, distress never approacheth him. Let us not, in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 3 May we have power to kindle thee. Fulfil our thoughts. In thee the Gods eat the presented offering, > Bring hither the Ādityas, for we long for them. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 4 We will bring fuel and prepare burnt offerings, reminding thee at each successive festival. > Fulfil our thought that so we may prolong our lives. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 5 His ministers move forth, the guardians of the folk, protecting quadruped and biped with their rays. > Mighty art thou, the wondrous herald of the Dawn. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 6 Thou art Presenter and the chief Invoker, thou Director, Purifier, great High Priest by birth. > Knowing all priestly work thou perfectest it, Sage. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 7 Lovely of form art thou, alike on every side; though far, thou shinest brightly as if close at hand. > O God, thou seest through even the dark of night. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 8 Gods, foremost be his car who pours libations out, and let our hymn prevail o’er evil-hearted men. > Attend to this our speech and make it prosper well. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 9 Smite with thy weapons those of evil speech and thought, devouring demons, whether near or tar away. > Then to the singer give free way for sacrifice. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 10 When to thy chariot thou hadst yoked two red steeds and two ruddy steeds, wind-sped, thy roar was like a bull's. > Thou with smoke-bannered flame attackest forest trees. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 11 Then at thy roar the very birds are terrified, when, eating-up the grass, thy sparks fly forth abroad. > Then is it easy for thee and thy car to pass. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 12 He hath the Power to soothe Mitra and Varuṇa: wonderful is the Maruts’ wrath when they descend. > Be gracious; let their hearts he turned to us again. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 13 Thou art a God, thou art the wondrous Friend of Gods, the Vasu of the Vasus, fair in sacrifice. > Under, thine own most wide protection may we dwell. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 14 This is thy grace that, kindled in thine own abode, invoked with Soma thou soundest forth most benign, > Thou givest wealth and treasure to the worshipper. Let us not in thy friendship, Agni, suffer harm. > 15 To whom thou, Lord of goodly riches, grantest freedom from every sin with perfect wholeness, > Whom with good strength thou quickenest, with children and wealth—may we be they, Eternal Being. > 16 Such, Agni, thou who knowest all good fortune, God, lengthen here the days of our existence. > This prayer of ours may Varuṇa grant, and Mitra, and Aditi and Sindhu, Earth and Heaven.

Hymn XLV. Agni.

This hymn to Agni is a vibrant depiction of his raw, untamed power and his deep connection to the elements. He is described as traveling on a "car of light," consuming trees like an elephant, and rushing through the forest with a thunderous roar.

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 rivers > Yield us long life and food and corn and cattle, and may the red Dawns choose for us their choicest.

Hymn XLVI. Agni.

This hymn portrays Agni in his many cosmic roles: the Herald who brings the gods, the Child of the Waters, and the sacred fire born of friction. The poet asks this "Holy One" to rise up and carry the sacrifice to the immortal gods.

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 flow > 2 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 Mātariśvan 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, Varuṇa 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 XLVII. Indra, Etc.

This hymn is a prayer for strength and victory, good fortune, and healing. The poet calls on a wide company of gods, including Indra, the Maruts, and the Waters, asking them to drive away bad dreams and consign all evil to Trita Āptya, a distant deity.

1 YEA, this is good to taste and full of. sweetness, verily it is strong and rich in flavour. > No one may conquer Indra in the battle when he hath drunken of the draught we offer. > 2 This sweet juice here had mightiest power to gladden: it boldened Indra when he siaughtered Vṛtra, > When he defeated Śambara's many onslaughts, and battered down his nineand ninety ramparts. > 3 This stirreth up my voice when I have drunk it: this hath aroused from sleep my yearning spirit. > This Sage hath measured out the six expanses from which no single creature is excluded. > 4 This, even this, is he who hath created the breadth of earth, the lofty height of heaven. > He formed the nectar in three headlong rivers. Soma supports the wide mid-air above us. > 5 He found the wavy sea of brilliant colours in forefront of the Dawns who dwell in brightness. > This Mighty One, the Steer begirt by Maruts, hath propped the heavens up with a mighty pillar. > 6 Drink Soma boldly from the beaker, Indra, in war for treasures, Hero, Vṛtra-slayer! > Fill thyself full at the mid-day libation, and give us wealth, thou Treasury of riches. > 7 Look out for us, O Indra, as our Leader, and guide us on to gain yet goodlier treasure. > Excellent Guardian, bear us well through peril, and lead us on to wealth with careful guidance. > 8 Lead us to ample room, O thou who knowest, to happiness, security, and sunlight. > High, Indra, are the arms of thee the Mighty: may we betake. us to their lofty shelter. > 9 Set us on widest chariot-seat, O Indra, with two steeds best to draw, O Lord of Hundreds! > Bring us the best among all sorts of viands: let not the foe's wealth, Maghavan, subdue us. > 10 Be gracious, Indra, let my days be lengthened: sharpen my thought as ’twere a blade of iron > Approve whatever words I speak, dependent on thee, and grant me thy divine protection. > 11 Indra the Rescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each invocation, > Śakra I call, Indra invoked of many. May Indra Maghavan prosper and bless us. > 12 May helpful Indra as our good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us with succour, > Baffle our foes, and give us rest and safety, and may we be the lords of hero vigour. > 13 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell in his auspicious favour. > May helpful Indra as our good Preserver drive from us, even from afar, our foemen. > 14 Like rivers rushing down a slope, O Indra, to thee haste songs and prayers and linked verses. > Thou gatherest, Thunderer! like widespread bounty, kine, water, drops, and manifold libations. > 15 Who lauds him, satisfies him, pays him worship? E’en the rich noble still hath found him mighty. > With power, as when one moves his feet alternate, he makes the last precede, the foremost follow. > 16 Famed is the Hero as each strong man's tamer, ever advancing one and then another. > King of both worlds, hating the high and haughty, Indra protects the men who are his people. > 17 He loves no more the men he loved aforetime: he turns and moves away allied with others. > Rejecting those who disregard his worship, Indra victorious lives through many autumns. > 18 In every figure he hath been the mode: this is his only form for us to look on. > Indra moves multiform by his illusions; for his Bay Steeds are yoked, ten times a hundred. > 19 Here Tvaṣṭar, yoking to the car the Bay Steeds, hath extended sway. > Who will for ever stand upon the foeman's side, even when our princes sit at ease? > 20 Gods, we have reached a country void of pasture the land, though spacious, was too small to hold us. > Bṛhaspati, provide in war for cattle; find a path, Indra, for this faithful singer. > 21 Day after day far from their seat he drove them, alike, from place to place, those darksome creatures. > The Hero slew the meanly-huckstering Dāsas, Varcin and Śambara, where the waters gather. > 22 Out of thy bounty, Indra, hath Prastoka bestowed ten coffers and ten mettled horses. > We have received in turn from Divodāsa Śambara's wealth, the gift of Atithigva. > 23 Ten horses and ten treasure-chests, ten garments as an added gift, > These and ten lumps of gold have I received from Divodāsa's hand. > 24 Ten cars with extra steed to each, for the Atharvans hundred cows, > Hath Asvatha to Payu given. > 25 Thus Sṛñjaya's son honoured the Bharadvājas, recipients of all noble gifts and bounty. > 26 Lord of the wood, be firm and strong in body: be, bearing us, a brave victorious hero > Show forth thy strength, compact with straps of leather, and let thy rider win all spoils of battle. > 27 Its mighty strength was borrowed from the heaven and earth: its conquering force was brought from sovrans of the wood. > Honour with holy gifts the Car like Indra's bolt, the Car bound round with straps, the vigour of the floods. > 28 Thou Bolt of Indra, Vanguard of the Maruts, close knit to Varuṇa and Child of Mitra,— > As such, accepting gifts which here we offer, receive, O Godlike Chariot, these oblations. > 29 Send forth thy voice aloud through earth and heaven, and let the world in all its breadth regard thee; > O Drum, accordant with the Gods and Indra, drive thou afar, yea, very far, our foemen. > 30 Thunder out strength and fill us full of vigour: yea, thunder forth and drive away all dangers. > Drive hence, O War-drum, drive away misfortune: thou art the Fist of Indra: show thy firmness. > 31 Drive hither those, and these again bring hither: the War-drum speaks aloud as battle's signal. > Our heroes, winged with horses, come together. Let our car-warriors, Indra, be triumphant.

Hymn XLVIII. Agni and Others.

The poet offers a hymn to Agni, whom he calls the "Son of Strength" and "saviour of our lives." The hymn also calls on the Dawn and the Maruts, asking for protection, wealth, and the blessings of the gods.

1 SING to your Agni with each song, at every sacrifice, for strength. > Come, let us praise the Wise and Everlasting God, even as a well-beloved Friend, > 2 The Son of Strength; for is he not our gracious Lord? Let us serve him who bears our gifts. > In battle may he be our help and strengthener, yea, be the saviour of our lives. > 3 Agni, thou beamest forth with light, great Hero, never changed by time. > Shining, pure Agni! with a light that never fades, beam with thy fair beams brilliantly. > 4 Thou worshippest great Gods: bring them without delay by wisdom and thy wondrous power. > O Agni, make them turn hither to succour us. Give strength, and win it for thyself. > 5 He whom floods, stones, and trees support, the offspring of eternal Law; > He who when rubbed with force is brought to life by men upon the lofty height of earth; > 6 He who hath filled both worlds fult with his brilliant shine, who hastens with his smoke to heaven; > He made himself apparent through the gloom by night, the Red Bull in the darksome nights, the Red Bull in the darksome nights. > 7 O Agni, with thy lofty beams, with thy pure brilliancy, O God, > Kindled, Most Youthful One! by Bharadvāja's hand, shine on us, O pure God, with wealth, shine, Purifier! splendidly. > 8 Thou art the Lord of house and home of all the tribes, O Agni, of all tribes of men. > Guard with a hundred forts thy kindler from distress, through hundred winters, Youngest God! and those who make thy singers rich. > 9 Wonderful, with thy favouring help, send us thy bounties, gracious Lord. > Thou art the Charioteer, Agni, of earthly wealth: find rest and safety for our seed. > 10 With guards unfailing never negligent speed thou our children and our progeny. > Keep far from us, O Agni, all celestial wrath and wickedness of godless men. > 11 Hither, O friends, with newest song drive her who freely pours her milk; > Loose her who never turns away; > 12 Who, for the host of Maruts bright with native sheen, hath shed immortal fame like milk; > Whom the impetuous Maruts look upon with love, who moves in splendour on their ways. > 13 For Bharadvāja she poured down in days of old > The milch-cow yielding milk for all, and food that gives all nourishment. > 14 Your friend like Indra passing wise, with magic power like Varuṇa. > Like Aryaman joy-giving, bringing plenteous food like ViSnxu for my wish, I praise, > 15 Bright as the host of Maruts mighty in their roar. May they bring Pūṣan free from foes; > May they bring hither hundreds, thousands for our men: may they bring hidden stores to light, and make wealth easy to be found. > 16 Haste to me, Pūṣan, in thine car, bright Deity: I fain would speak: > Most sinful is our foeman's hate. > 17 Tear not up by the roots the Kakambira tree: destroy thou all malignity. > Let them not snare by day the neck of that Celestial Bird the Sun. > 18 Uninjured let thy friendship be, like the smooth surface of a skin, > A flawless skin, containing curds, full to the mouth, containing curds. > 19 For thou art high above mankind, in glory equal to the Gods. > Therefore, O Pūṣan, look upon us in the fight: now help us as in days of > old. > 20 May the kind excellence of him the Kind, loud Roarers! be our guide, > Be it the God's, O Maruts, or a mortal man's who worships, ye impetuous Ones! > 21 They whose high glory in a moment like the God, the Sun, goes round the space of heaven, > The Maruts have obtained bright strength, a sacred name, strength that destroys the Vṛtras, strength Vṛtra-destroying excellent. > 22 Once, only once, the heaven was made, once only once, the earth was formed > Once, only Pṛśni's milk was shed: no second, after this, is born.

Hymn XLIX. Viśvedevas.

This hymn to the All-Gods is a broad invocation that brings together Agni, Dawn, the Aśvins, and many other deities. The poet praises them as righteous protectors and asks them to come to the sacrifice, hear the hymns, and grant blessings.

1 I LAUD with newest songs the Righteous People, Mitra and Varuṇa who make us happy. > Let them approach, here let them listen,Agni, Varuṇa, Mitra, Lords of fair dominion. > 2 Him, to be praised at each tribe's sacrifices, the Two young Matrons' sober-minded Herald, > The Son of Strength, the Child of Heaven, the signal of sacrifice, red Agni will I worship. > 3 Unlike in form are the Red God's two Daughters: one is the Sun's, and stars bedeck the other. > Apart, the Sanctifiers, in succession, come to the famed hymn, praised in holy verses. > 4 I with a lofty song call hither Vāyu, all-bounteous, filler of his car, most wealthy. > Thou, Sage, with bright path, Lord of harnessed horses, impetuous, promptly honourest the prudent. > 5 That chariot of the Aśvins, fair to look on, pleaseth me well, yoked with a thought, refulgent, > Wherewith, Nāsatyas, Chiefs, ye seek our dwelling, to give new strength to us and to our children. > 6 Bulls of the Earth, O Vāta and Parjanya, stir up for us the regions of the water. > Hearers of truth, ye, Sages, World-Supporters, increase his living wealth whose songs delight you. > 7 So may Sarasvatī, the Hero's Consort, brisk with rare life, the lightning's Child, inspire us, > And, with the Dames accordant, give the singer a refuge unassailable and flawless. > 8 I praise with eloquence him who guards all pathways. He, when his love impelled him, went to Arka. > May he vouchsafe us gear with gold to grace it: may Pūṣan make each prayer of ours efective. > 9 May Herald Agni, fulgent, bring for worship Tvaṣṭar adored, in homes and swift to listen, > Glorious, first to share, the life-bestower, the ever active God, fair armed, fair-handed. > 10 Rudra by day, Rudra at night we honour with these our songs, the Universe's Father. > Him great and lofty, blissful, undecaying let us call specially as the Sage impels us. > 11 Ye who are youthful, wise, and meet for worship, come, Martits, to the longing of the singer. > Coming, as erst to Aṅgiras, O Heroes, ye animate and quicken e’en the desert. > 12 Even as the herdsman driveth home his cattle, I urge my songs to him the strong swift Hero > May he, the glorious, lay upon his body the singer's hymns, as stars bedeck the heaven. > 13 He who for man's behoof in his afiliction thrice measured out the earthly regions, Viṣṇu > When one so great as thou affordeth shelter, may we with wealth and with ourselves be happy. > 14 Sweet be this song of mine to Ahibudhnya, Parvata, Savitar, with Floods and Lightnings; > Sweet, with the Plants, to Gods who seek oblations. May liberal Bhaga speed us on to riches. > 15 Give riches borne on cars, with many heroes, contenting men, the guard of mighty Order. > Give us a lasting home that we may battle with godless bands of men who fight against us, and meet with tribes to whom the Gods are gracious.

Hymn L. Viśvedevas.

This hymn to the All-Gods is a prayer for favor, protection, and a safe path through life. The poet calls upon a vast assembly of deities—including Aditi, Indra, and the Maruts—to come to the sacrifice and grant their blessings.

1 I CALL with prayers on Aditi your Goddess, on Agni, Mitra, Varuṇa for favour, > On Aryaman who gives unasked, the gracious, on Gods who save, on Savitar and Bhaga. > 2 Visit, to prove us free from sin, O Sūrya Lord of great might, the bright Gods sprung from Dakṣa, > Twice-born and true, observing sacred duties, Holy and full of light, whose tongue is Agni. > 3 And, O ye Heaven and Earth, a wide dominion, O ye most blissful Worlds, our lofty shelter, > Give ample room and freedom for our dwelling, a home, ye Hemispheres, which none may rival. > 4 This day invited may the Sons of Rudra, resistless, excellent, stoop down to meet us; > For, when beset with slight or sore affliction, we ever call upon the Gods, the Maruts; > 5 To whom the Goddess Rodasī clings closely, whom Pūṣan follows bringing ample bounty. > What time ye hear our call and come, O Maruts, upon your separate path all creatures tremble. > 6 With a new hymn extol, O thou who singest, the Lover of the Song, the Hero Indra. > May he, exalted, hear our invocation, and grant us mighty wealth and strength when lauded. > 7 Give full protection, Friends of man, ye Waters, in peace and trouble, to our sons and grandsons. > For ye are our most motherly physicians, parents of all that standeth, all that moveth. > 8 May Savitar come hither and approach us, the God who rescues, Holy, goldenhanded, > The God who, bounteous as the face of Morning, discloses precious gifts for him who worships. > 9 And thou, O Son of Strength, do thou turn hither the Gods to-day to this our holy service. > May I for evermore enjoy thy bounty and, Agni, by thy grace be rich in heroes. > 10 Come also to my call, O ye Nāsatyas, yea, verily, through my prayers, ye Holy Sages. > As from great darkness ye delivered Atri, protect us, Chiefs, from danger in the conflict. > 11 O Gods, bestow upon us riches, splendid with strength and heroes, bringing food in plenty. > Be gracious, helpful Gods of earth, of heaven, born of the Cow, and dwellers in the waters. > 12 May Rudra and Sarasvatī, accordant, Viṣṇu and Vāyu, pour down gifts and bless us; > Ṛbhukṣan, Vāja, and divine Vidhatar, Parjanya, Vāta make our food abundant. > 13 May this God Savitar, the Lord, the Offspring of Waters, pouring down his dew be gracious, > And, with the Gods and Dames accordant, Tvaṣṭar; Dyaus with the Gods and Prthivi with oceans. > 14 May Aja-Ekapād and Ahibudhnya, and Earth and Ocean hear our invocation; > All Gods who strengthen Law, invoked and lauded, and holy texts uttered by sages, help us. > 15 So with my thoughts and hymns of praise the children of Bharadvāja sing aloud to please you. > The Dames invoked, and the resistless Vasus, and all ye Holy Ones have been exalted.

Hymn LI. Viśvedevas.

This hymn to the All-Gods is a prayer for protection from sin and harm, offered with deep reverence for the cosmic order. The poet addresses the great Ādityas—Mitra, Varuṇa, Aryaman—and asks them to guide the worshippers safely through all of life's troubles.

1 THAT mighty eye of Varuṇa and Mitra, infallible and dear, is moving upward. > The pure and lovely face of holy Order hath shone like gold of heaven in its arising. > 2 The Sage who knows these Gods’ three ranks and orders, and all their generations near and distant, > Beholding good and evil acts of mortals, Sūra marks well the doing of the pious. > 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuṇa, the noble, > Aryaman, Bhaga, all whose thoughts are faithful: hither I call the Bright who share in common. > 4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe-destroyers, great Kings, bestowers of fair homes to dwell in, > Young, Heroes, ruling heaven with strong dominion, Ādityas, Aditi I seek with worship. > 5 O Heaven our Father, Earth our guileless Mother, O Brother Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us. > Grant us, O Aditi and ye Ādityas, all of one mind, your manifold protection. > 6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she-wolf, O ye Holy. > For ye are they who guide aright our bodies, ye are the rulers of our speech and vigour. > 7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, O Vasus, punish. > Ye, Universal Gods! are all-controllers: may he do harm unto himself who hates Me. > 8 Mighty is homage: I adopt and use it. Homage hath held in place the earth and heaven. > Homage to Gods! Homage commands and rules them. I banish even committed sin by homage > 9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwellers in the home of Order, > To you all Heroes mighty and far-seeing I bow me down, O Holy Ones, with homage. > 10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through all our troubles these conduct us safely > Varuṇa, Mitra, Agni, mighty Rulers, trueminded, faithful to the hymn's controllers. > 11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Pūṣan increase our laud, increase the Fivefold people. > Giving good help, good refuge, goodly guidance, be they our good deliverers, good protectors. > 12 Come now, O Gods, to your celestial station: the Bharadvājas' priest entreats your favour. > He, sacrificing, fain for wealth, hath honoured the Gods vath those who sit and share oblations. > 13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil-hearted thief away, > Far, far, Lord of the brave I and give us easy paths. > 14 Soma, these pressing-stones have called aloud to win thee for our Friend. > Destroy the greedy Paṇi, for a wolf is he. > 15 Ye, O most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the sky. > Give us good paths for travel: guard us ivell at home. > 16 Now have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without a foe, > The road whereon a man escapes all enemies and gathers wealth.

Hymn LII. Viśvedevas.

This hymn to the All-Gods is a prayer for deliverance from suffering and a plea for health and prosperity. The poet asks the gods to protect him from his enemies, to prevent bad dreams, and to ensure that his worship is not in vain.

1 THIS I allow not in the earth or heaven, at sacrifice or in these holy duties. > May the huge mountains crush him down: degraded be Atiyaja's sacrificing patron. > 2 Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making, > May agonies of burning be his portion. May the sky scorch the man who hates devotion. > 3 Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches? > Why then beholdest thou how men revile us? Cast thy hot dart at him who hates devotion. > 4 May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me. > My guardians be the firmly-seated mountains: the Fathers, when I call on Gods, defend me! > 5 Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises. > Grant this the Treasure-Lord of treasures, coming, observant, oftenest of Gods, with succour! > 6 Most near, most oft comes Indra with protection, and she Sarasvatī, who swells with rivers - > Parjanya, bringing health with herbs, and Agni, well lauded swift to listen, like a father. > 7 Hear this mine invocation; come hither, O Universal Gods, > Be seated on this holy grass. > 8 To him who comes to meet you, Gods, with offerings bathed in holy oil > Approach ye, one and all, to him. > 9 All Sons of Immortality shall listen to the songs we sing, > And be exceeding good to us. > 10 May all the Gods who strengthen Law, with Ṛtus, listening to our call, > Be pleased with theit appropriate draught. > 11 May Indra, with the Marut host, with Tvaṣṭar, Mitra, Aryaman, > Accept the laud and these our gifts. > 12 O Agni, Priest, as rules ordain, offer this sacrifice of ours, > Remembering the Heavenly Folk. > 13 Listen, All-Gods, to this mine invocation, Ye who inhabit heaven, and air's midregions, > All ye, O Holy Ones, whose tongue is Agni, seated upon this sacred grass, be joyful. > 14 May the All-Gods who claim our worship hear my thought; may the two World-halves hear it, and the Waters’ Child. > Let me not utter words that ye may disregard. Closely allied with you may we rejoice in bliss. > 15 And those who, Mighty, with the wiles of serpents, were born on earth, in heaven, where waters gather > May they vouchsafe us life of full duration. May the Gods kindly give us nights and mornings. > 16 At this my call, O Agni and Parjanya, help, swift to hear, my thought and our laudation. > One generates holy food, the other offspring, so grant us food enough with store of children. > 17 When holy grass is strewn and fire enkindled, with hymn and lowly homage I invite you. > All-Gods, to day in this our great assembly rejoice, ye Holy, in the gifts we offer.

Hymn LIII. Pūṣan.

This hymn to Pūṣan, the divine guardian of paths, is a prayer for safe travel and the removal of obstacles. The poet asks this "cloud-born God" to drive away the wolf and the robber, and to make all paths pleasant and easy to tread.

1 LORD of the path, O Pūṣan, we have yoked and bound thee to our hymn, > Even as a car, to win the prize. > 2 Bring us the wealth that men require, a manly master of a house, > Free-handed with the liberal meed. > 3 Even him who would not give, do thou, > O glowing Pūṣan, urge to give, > And make the niggard's soul grow soft. > 4 Clear paths that we may win the prize; scatter our enemies afar. > Strong God, be all our thoughts fulfilled. > 5 Penetrate with an awl, O Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls, > And make them subject to our will. > 6 Thrust with thine awl, O Pūṣan: seek that which the niggard's heart holds dear, > And make him subject to our will. > 7 Tear up and read in pieces, Sage, the hearts of avaricious churls, > And make them subject to our will. > 8 Thou, glowing Pūṣan, carriest an awl that urges men to prayer; > Therewith do thou tear up and rend to shreds the heart of every one. > 9 Thou bearest, glowing Lord! a goad with horny point that guides the cows > Thence do we seek thy gift of bliss. > 10 And make this hymn of ours produce kine, horses, and a store of wealth > For our delight and use as men.

Hymn LIV. Pūṣan.

The poet invokes Pūṣan as the one who knows the way, the guide who can point out the homes of men. It is a simple, earnest prayer for the god's protection over cattle and horses, and a plea for him to bring back any that have been lost.

1 O PUSAN, bring us to the man who knows, who shall direct us straight, > And say unto us, It is here. > 2 May we go forth with Pūṣan who shall point the houses out to us, > And say to us, These same are they. > 3 Unharmed is Pūṣan's chariot wheel; the box ne’er falleth to the ground, > Nor doth the loosened felIy shake. > 4 Pūṣan forgetteth not the man who serveth him with offered gift: > That man is first to gather wealth. > 5 May Pūṣan follow near our kine; may Pūṣan keep our horses safe: > May Pūṣan gather gear for us. > 6 Follow the kine of him who pours libations out and worships thee; > And ours who sing thee songs of praise. > 7 Let none be lost, none injured, none sink in a pit and break a limb. > Return with these all safe and sound. > 8 Pūṣan who listens to our prayers, the Strong whose wealth is never lost, > The Lord of riches, we implore. > 9 Secure in thy protecting care, O Pūṣan, never may we fail. > We here are they who sing thy praise. > 10 From out the distance, far and wide, may Pūṣan stretch his right hand forth, > And drive our lost again to us.

Hymn LV. Pūṣan.

This hymn to Pūṣan praises him as the "Son of Deliverance" and a "stream of wealth." The poet alludes to his unusual family relations, calling him his "Sister's lover" and his "Mother's suitor," while invoking his goat-drawn chariot to come to the people.

1 SON of Deliverance, come, bright God! > Let us twain go together: be our charioteer of sacrifice. > 2 We pray for wealth to thee most skilled of charioteers, with braided hair, > Lord of great riches, and our Friend. > 3 Bright God whose steeds are goats, thou art a stream of wealth, a treasure-heap, > The Friend of every pious man. > 4 Pūṣan, who driveth goats for steeds, the strong and Mighty, who is called > His Sister's lover, will we laud. > 5 His Mother's suitor I address. May he who loves his Sister hear, > Brother of Indra, and my Friend. > 6 May the sure-footed goats come nigh, conveying Pūṣan on his car, > The God who visiteth mankind.

Hymn LVI. Pūṣan.

This hymn remembers Pūṣan as the one who knows the golden wheel of Sūrya's chariot and who can lead the worshippers on a prosperous path. The poet asks this "Wondrous God" to fulfill their thoughts and guide their company.

1 WHOSO remembers Pūṣan as cater of mingled curd and meal > Need think no more upon the God. > 2 And he is best of charioteers. Indra, the hero's Lord, allied > With him as Friend, destroys the foes. > 3 And there the best of charioteers hath guided through the speckled cloud > The golden wheel of Sūra's car. > 4 Whate’er we speak this day to thee, Wise, Wondrous God whom many praise, > Give thou fulfilment of our thought. > 5 Lead on this company of ours, that longs for kine, to win the spoil: > Thou, Pūṣan, art renowned afar. > 6 Prosperity we crave from thee, afar from sin and near to wealth, > Tending to perfect happiness both for to. morrow and to-day.

Hymn LVII. Indra and Pūṣan.

This hymn joins the great warrior god Indra with Pūṣan, the guardian of paths, asking them to come together for friendship and prosperity. One drinks the pressed Soma, while the other longs for curd and meal, and together they are asked to grant success.

1 INDRA and Pūṣan will we call for friend ship and prosperity > And for the winning of the spoil. > 2 One by the Soma sits to drink juice which the mortar hath expressed: > The other longs for curd and meal. > 3 Goats are the team that draws the one: the other hath Bay Steeds at hand; > With both of these he slays the fiends. > 4 When Indra, wondrous strong, brought down the streams, the mighty waterfloods, > Pūṣan was standing by his side. > 5 To this, to Pūṣan's favouring love, and Indra's, may we closely cling, > As to a tree's extended bough. > 6 As one who drives a car draws in his reins, may we draw Pūṣan near, > And Indra, for our great success.

Hymn LVIII. Pūṣan.

The poet praises Pūṣan's cosmic and multifaceted nature, comparing his forms to the dissimilar colors of day and night. Pūṣan is the guardian of cattle, the inspirer of hymns, and the one who beholds every creature.

1 LIKE heaven art thou: one form is bright, one holy, like Day and Night dissimilar in colour. > All magic powers thou aidest, self-depen. dent! Auspicious be thy bounty here, O Pūṣan. > 2 Goat-borne, the guard of cattle, he whose home is strength, inspirer of the hymn, set over all the world; > Brandishing here and there his lightly. moving goad, beholding every creature, Pūṣan, God, goes forth. > 3 O Pūṣan, with thy golden ships that travel across the ocean, in the air's mid-region, > Thou goest on an embassy to Sūrya, subdued by love, desirous of the glory. > 4 Near kinsman of the heaven and earth is Pūṣan, liberal, Lord of food, of wondrous iustre, > Whom strong and vigorous and swiftlymoving, subdued by love, the Deities gave to Sūrya.

Hymn LIX. Indra-Agni.

This hymn to the powerful duo Indra and Agni asks them to accept the worshippers' laud and to bring their treasures. The poets recall their mythic deeds, like slaying their fathers who were enemies of the gods, and ask for their opulence.

1 I WILL declare, while juices flow, the manly deeds that ye have done: > Your Fathers, enemies of Gods, were smitten down, and, Indra-Agni, ye survive. > 2 Thus, Indra-Agnip verily your greatness merits loftiest praise, > Sprung from one common Father, brothers, twins are ye; your Mother is in every place. > 3 These who delight in flowing juice, like fellow horses at their food, > Indra and Agni, Gods armed with the thunderbolt, we call this day to come with help. > 4 Indra and Agni, Friends of Law, served with rich gifts, your speech is kind > To him who praises you while these libations flow: that man, O Gods, ye ne’er consume. > 5 What mortal understands, O Gods, Indra and Agni, this your way? > One of you, yoking Steeds that move to every side, advances in your common car. > 6 First, Indra-Agni, hath this Maid come footless unto those with feet. > Stretching her head and speaking loudly with her tongue, she hath gone downward thirty steps. > 7 E’en now, O Indra-Agni, men hold in their arms and stretch their bows. > Desert us not in this great fray, in battles for the sake of kine. > 8 The foeman's sinful enmities, Indra and Agni, vex me sore. > Drive those who hate me far away, and keep them distant from the Sun. > 9 Indra and Agni, yours are all the treasures of the heavens and earth. > Here give ye us the opulence that prospers every living man. > 10 O Indra-Agni, who accept the laud, and hear us for our praise, > Come near us, drawn by all our songs, to drink of this our Soma juice.

Hymn LX. Indra-Agni.

This hymn celebrates Indra and Agni as powerful slayers of foes and bringers of blessings. The poet calls upon them to come to the sacrifice, drink the Soma, and bestow wealth and strength upon the worshippers.

1 HE slays the foe and wins the spoil who worships Indra and Agni, strong and mighty Heroes, > Who rule as Sovrans over ample riches, victorious, showing forth their power in conquest. > 2 So battle now, O Indra and thou, Agni, for cows and waters, sunlight, stolen Mornings. > Team-borne, thou makest kine thine own, O Agni: thou, Indra, light, Dawns, regions, wondrous waters. > 3 With Vṛtra-slaying might, Indra and Agni, come, drawn by homage, O ye Vṛtra-slayers. > Indra and Agni, show yourselves among us with your supreme and unrestricted bounties. > 4 I call the Twain whose deeds of old have all been famed in ancient days > O Indra-Agni, harm us not. > 5 The Strong, the scatterers of the foe, Indra and Agni, we invoke; > May they be kind to one like me. > 6 They slay our Ārya foes, these Lords of heroes, slay our Dasyu foes > And drive our enemies away. > 7 Indra and Agni, these our songs of praise have sounded forth to you: > Ye who bring blessings! drink the juice. > 8 Come, Indra-Agni, with those teams, desired of many, which ye have, > O Heroes, for the worshipper. > 9 With those to this libation poured, ye Heroes, Indra-Agni, come: > Come ye to drink the Soma juice. > 10 Glorify him who compasses all forests with his glowing flame, > And leaves them blackened with his tongue. > 11 He who gains Indra's bliss with fire enkindled finds an easy way > Over the floods to happiness. > 12 Give us fleet coursers to convey Indra and Agni, and bestow > Abundant strengthening food on us. > 13 Indra and Agni, I will call you hither and make you joyful with the gifts I offer. > Ye Twain are givers both of food and riches: to win me strength and vigour I invoke you. > 14 Come unto us with riches, come with wealth in horses and in kine. > Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, the Gods, as Friends for friendship, bringing bliss. > 15 Indra and Agni, hear his call who worships. with libations poured. > Come and enjoy the offerings, drink the sweetly-flavoured Soma juice.

Hymn LXI. Sarasvatī.

This hymn to the river goddess Sarasvatī praises her as a mighty, protective force who bursts the ridges of the hills with her strong waves. The poet recalls her mythic deeds, such as slaying the Paravatas and discovering rivers for men, and asks for her continued aid and wealth.

The poet recalls her mythic deeds, such as slaying the Paravatas and discovering rivers for men, and asks for her continued aid and wealth.

1 To Vadhryasva when. be worshipped her with gifts she gave fierce Divodāsa, canceller of debts. > Consumer of the churlish niggard, one and all, thine, O Sarasvatī, are these effectual boons. > 2 She with her might, like one who digs for lotus-stems, hath burst with her strong waves the ridges of the hills. > Let us invite with songs and holy hymns for help Sarasvatī who slayeth the Paravatas. > 3 Thou castest down, Sarasvatī, those who scorned the Gods, the brood of every Bṛsaya skilled in magic arts. > Thou hast discovered rivers for the tribes of men, and, rich in wealth! made poison flow away from them. > 4 May the divine Sarasvatī, rich in her wealth, protect us well, > Furthering all our thoughts with might > 5 Whoso, divine Sarasvatī, invokes thee where the prize is set, > Like Indra when he smites the foe. > 6 Aid us, divine Sarasvad, thou who art strong in wealth and power > Like Pūṣan, give us opulence. > 7 Yea, this divine Sarasvatī, terrible with her golden path, > Foe-slayer, claims our eulogy. > 8 Whose limitless unbroken flood, swift-moving with a rapid rush, > Comes onward with tempestuous roar. > 9 She hath spread us beyond all foes, beyond her Sisters, Holy One, > As Sūrya spreadeth out the days. > 10 Yea, she most dear amid dear stream, Seven-sistered, graciously inclined, > Sarasvatī hath earned our praise. > 11 Guard us from hate Sarasvatī, she who hath filled the realms of earth, > And that wide tract, the firmament! > 12 Seven-sistered, sprung from threefold source, the Five Tribes' prosperer, she must be > Invoked in every deed of might. > 13 Marked out by majesty among the Mighty Ones, in glory swifter than the other rapid Streams, > Created vast for victory like a chariot, Sarasvatī must be extolled by every sage. > 14 Guide us, Sarasvatī, to glorious treasure: refuse us not thy milk, nor spurn us from thee. > Gladly accept our friendship and obedience: let us not go from thee to distant countries.

Hymn LXII. Aśvins.

This hymn to the twin gods, the Aśvins, is a song of praise offered by the Vasiṣṭha clan, calling upon the divine horsemen to come to their sacrifice. The poet describes their swift chariot and asks them to bring their "newest aid" and the "splendid varied bounties" for which they are known.

1 I LAUD the Heroes Twain, this heaven's Controllers: singing with songs of praise I call the Aśvins, > Fain in a moment, when the morns are breaking, to part the earth's ends and the spacious regions. > 2 Moving to sacrifice through realms of lustre they light the radiance of the car that bears them. > Traversing many wide unmeasured spaces, over the wastes ye pass, and fields, and waters. > 3 Ye to that bounteous path of yours, ye mighty, have ever borne away our thoughts with horses, > Mind-swift and full of vigour, that the trouble of man who offers gifts might cease and slumber. > 4 So ye, when ye have yoked your chariothorses, come to the hymn of the most recent singer. > Our true and ancient Herald Priest shall bring you, the Youthful, bearing splendour, food, and vigour. > 5 With newest hymn I call those Wonder-Workers, ancient and brilliant, and exceeding mighty, > Bringers of bliss to him who lauds and praises, bestowing varied bounties on the singer. > 6 So ye, with birds, out of the sea and waters bore Bhujyu, son of Tugra, through the regions. > Speeding with winged steeds through dustless spaces, out of the bosom > of the flood they bore him. > 7 Victors, car-borne, ye rent the rock asunder: Bulls, heard the calling of the eunuch's consort. > Bounteous, ye filled the cow with milk for Śayu: thus, swift and zealous Ones, ye showed your favour. > 8 Whate’er from olden time, Heaven, Earth! existeth great object of the wrath of Gods and mortals, > Make that, Ādityas, Vasus, sons of Rudra, an evil brand to one allied with demons. > 9 May he who knows, as Varuṇa and Mitra, air's realm, appointing both the Kings in season, > Against the secret fiend cast forth his weapon, against the lying words that strangers utter. > 10 Come to our home with friendly wheels, for offipring; come on your radiant chariot rich in heroes. > Strike off, ye Twain, the heads of our assailants who with man's treacherous attack approach us. > 11 Come hitherward to us with teams of horses, the highest and the midmost and the lowest. > Bountiful Lords, throw open to the singer doors e’en of the firm-closed stall of cattle.

Hymn LXIII. Aśvins.

This hymn to the Aśvins recounts some of their most famous deeds of rescue and healing. The poet recalls how they restored the aged Cyavāna to youth, saved Saptavadhri from the fire, and bestowed a wondrous horse upon Pedu.

1 WHERE hath the hymn with reverence, like an envoy, found both fair Gods to-day, invoked of many > Hymn that hath brought the two Nāsatyas hither? To this man's thought be ye, both Gods, most friendly. > 2 Come readily to this mine invocation, lauded with songs, that ye may drink the juices. > Compass this house to keep it from the foeman, that none may force it, either near or distant. > 3 Juice in wide room hath been prepared to feast you: for you the grass is strewn, most soft to tread on. > With lifted hands your servant hath adored you. Yearningfor you the press-stones shed the liquid. > 4 Agni uplifts him at your sacrifices: forth goes the oblation dropping oil and glowing. > Up stands the grateful-minded priest, elected, appointed to invoke the two Nāsatyas. > 5 Lords of great wealth! for glory, Sūrya's Daughter mounted your car that brings a hundred succours. > Famed for your magic arts were ye, magicians! amid the race of Gods, ye dancing Heroes! > 6 Ye Twain, with these your glories fair to look on, brought, to win victory, rich gifts for Sūrya. > After you flew your birds, marvels of beauty: dear to our hearts! the song, well lauded, reached you. > 7 May your winged coursers, best to draw. Nāsatyas! convey you to the object of your wishes. > Swift as the thought, your car hath been sent onward to food of many a sort and dainty viands. > 8 Lords of great wealth, manifold is your bounty: ye filled our cow with food that never faileth. > Lovers of sweetness! yours are praise and singers, and poured libations which have sought your favour. > 9 Mine were two mares of Puraya, brown, swift-footed; a hundred with Sumidha, food with Peruk > Sanda gave ten gold-decked and well-trained horses, tame and obedient and of lofty stature. > 10 Nāsatyas! Purupanthas offered hundreds, thousands of steeds to him who sang your praises, > Gave, Heroes! to the singer Bharadvāja. Ye-Wonder-Workers, let the fiends be slaughtered. > 11 May I with princes share your bliss in freedom.

Hymn LXIV. Dawn.

This hymn to Dawn is a vision of her rising, filled with light and color, dispelling the darkness like a warrior. The poet praises her as the "Blessed One" who makes all paths easy to travel and brings treasures to her worshippers.

1 THE radiant Dawns have risen up for glory, in their white splendour like the waves of waters. > She maketh paths all easy, fair to travel, and, rich, hath shown herself benign and friendly. > 2 We see that thou art good: far shines thy lustre; thy beams, thy splendours have flown up to heaven. > Decking thyself, thou makest bare thy bosom, shining in majesty, thou Goddess Morning. > 3 Red are the kine and luminous that bear her the Blessed One who spreadeth through the distance. > The foes she chaseth like a valiant archer, like a swift warrior she repelleth darkness. > 4 Thy ways are easy on the hills: thou passest Invincible! Se1f-luminous! through waters. > So lofty Goddess with thine ample pathway, Daughter of Heaven, bring wealth to give us comfort. > 5 Dawn, bring me wealth: untroubled, with thine oxen thou bearest riches at thy will and pleasure; > Thou who, a Goddess, Child of Heaven, hast shown thee lovely through bounty when we called thee early. > 6 As the birds fly forth from their restingplaces, so men with store of food rise at thy dawning. > Yea, to the liberal mortal who rernaineth at home, O Goddess Dawn, much good thou bringest.

Hymn LXV. Dawn.

The poet praises Dawn as she rises on her bright car, driving away the night and bringing glory and wealth. It is a prayer for her to favor the worshippers with her blessings, just as she has in ancient times for the Aṅgirases.

1 SHEDDING her light on human habitations this Child of Heaven hath called us from our slumber; > She who at night-time with her argent lustre hath shown herself e’en through the shades of darkness. > 2 All this with red-rayed steeds have they divided: the Dawns on bright cars shine in wondrous fashion. > They, bringing near the stately rite's commencement, drive far away the night's surrounding shadows. > 3 Dawns, bringing hither, to the man who worships, glory and power and might and food and vigour, > Opulent, with imperial sway like heroes, favour your servant and this day enrich him. > 4 Now is there treasure for the man who serves you, now for the hero, Dawns! who brings oblation; > Now for the singer when he sings the praise-song. Even to one like me ye brought aforetime. > 5 O Dawn who standest on the mountain ridges, Aṅgirases now praise thy stalls of cattle. > With prayer and holy hymn they burst them open: the heroes' calling on the Gods was fruitful. > 6 Shine on us as of old, thou Child of Heaven,on him, rich Maid! who serves like Bharadvāja. > Give to the singer wealth with noble heroes, and upon us bestow wide spreading glory.

Hymn LXVI. Maruts.

This hymn to the Maruts is a meditation on their mysterious origins and their awesome power. The poet describes them as glowing like fire, born from Rudra and Pṛśni, and so mighty that even the mountains tremble at their coming.

1 E'EN to the wise let that be still a wonder to which the general name of Cow is given. > The one hath swelled among mankind for milking: Pṛśni hath drained but once her fair bright udder. > 2 They who like kindled flames of fire are glowing,. the Maruts, twice and thrice have waxen mighty. > Golden and dustless were their cars, invested with their great strength and their heroic vigour. > 3 They who are Sons of the rain-pouring Rudra, whom the long-lasting One had power to foster: > The Mighty Ones whose germ great Mother Pṛśni is known to have received for man's advantage. > 4 They shrink not from the birth; in this same manner still resting there they purge away reproaches. > When they have streamed forth, brilliant, at their pleasure, with their own splendour they bedew their bodies. > 5 Even those who bear the brave bold name of Maruts, whom not the active quickly wins for milking. > Even the liberal wards not off those fierce ones, those who are light and agile in their greatness. > 6 When, strong in strength and armed with potent weapons, they had united wellformed earth and heaven, > Rodasl stood among these furious Heroes like splendour shining with her native brightness. > 7 No team of goats shall draw your car, O Maruts, no horse no charioteer be he who drives it. > Halting not, reinless, through the air it travels, speeding alone its paths through earth and heaven. > 8 None may obstruct, none overtake, O Maruts, him whom ye succour in the strife of battle > For sons and progeny, for kine and waters: he bursts the cow-stall on the day of trial. > 9 Bring a bright hymn to praise the band of Maruts, the Singers, rapid, strong in native vigour, > Who conquer mighty strength with strength more mighty: earth shakes in terror at their wars, O Agni. > 10 Bright like the flashing flames of sacrifices, like tongues of fire impetuous in their onset, > Chanting their psalm, singing aloud, like heroes, splendid from birth, invincible, the Maruts. > 11 That swelling band I call with invocation, the brood of Rudra, armed with glittering lances. > Pure hymns are meet for that celestial army: like floods and mountains have the Strong Ones battled.

Hymn LXVII. Mitra-Varuṇa.

The poet exalts Mitra and Varuṇa as the "noblest of all existing," the twin controllers of cosmic law whose arms check the people. The hymn asks them to grant a safe dwelling and to accept the song of praise offered with loving adoration.

1 NOW Mitra-Varuṇa shall be exalted high by your songs, noblest of all existing; > They who, as ’twere with reins are best Controllers, unequalled with their arms to check the people. > 2 To you Two Gods is this my thought extended, turned to the sacred grass with loving homage. > Give us, O Mitra-Varuṇa, a dwelling safe from attack, which ye shall guard, Boon-Givers! > 3 Come hither, Mitra-Varuṇa, invited with eulogies and loving adoration, > Ye who with your might, as Work-Controllers, urge even men who quickly hear to labour. > 4 Whom, of pure origin, like two strong horses, Aditi bore as babes in proper season, > Whom, Mighty at your birth, the Mighty Goddess brought forth as terrors to the mortal foeman. > 5 As all the Gods in their great joy and gladness gave you with one accord your high dominion, > As ye surround both worlds, though wide and spacious your spies are ever true and never bewildered. > 6 So, through the days maintaining princely power. ye prop the height as ’twere from loftiest heaven. > The Star of all the Gods, established, filleth the heaven and earth with food of man who liveth. > 7 Take the strong drink, to quaff till ye are sated, when he and his attendants fill the chamber. > The young Maids brook not that none seeks to win them, when, Quickeners of all! they scatter moisture. > 8 So with your tongue come ever, when your envoy, faithful and very wise, attends our worship. > Nourished by holy oil! he this yGur glory: annihilate the sacrificer's trouble. > 9 When, Mitra-Varuṇa, they strive against you and break tlie friendly laws ye have established, > They, neither Gods nor men in estimation, like Api's sons have godless sacrifices. > 10 When singers in their song uplift their voices, some chant the Nivid texts with steady purpose. > Then may we sing you lauds that shall be fruitful: dp ye not rival all the Gods in greatness? > 11 O Mitra-Varuṇa, may your large bounty come to us hither, near to this our dwelling, > When the kine haste to us, and when they harness the fleet-foot mettled stallion for the battle.

Hymn LXVIII. Indra-Varuṇa.

This hymn to the powerful pair, Indra and Varuṇa, praises them as the strongest of heroes and slayers of Vṛtra. One wields the thunderbolt in battle, while the other stands as a Sage in times of trouble, and together they are asked to grant blessings to the worshipper.

1 HIS honouring rite whose grass is trimmed is offered swiftly to you, in Manu's wise, accordant, > The rite which Indra-Varuṇa shall carry this day to high success and glorious issue. > 2 For at Gods’ worship they are best through vigour; they have become the strongest of the Heroes; > With mighty strength, most liberal of the Princes, Chiefs of the host, by Law made Vṛtra's slayers. > 3 Praise those Twain Gods for powers that merit worship, Indra and Varuṇa, for bliss, the joyous. > One with his might and thunderbolt slays Vṛtra; the other as a Sage stands near in troubles. > 4 Though dames and men have waxen strong and mighty, and all the Gods selfpraised among the Heroes, > Ye, Indra-Varuṇa, have in might surpassed them, and thus were ye spread wide, O Earth and Heaven. > 5 Righteous is he, and liberal and helpful who, Indra-Varuṇa, brings you gifts with gladness. > That bounteous man through food shall conquer faemen, and win him opulence and wealthy people. > 6 May wealth which ye bestow in food and treasure on him who brings you gifts and sacrifices, > Wealth, Gods! which breaks the curse of those who vex us, be, Indra-Varuṇa, e’en our own possession. > 7 So also, Indra-Varuṇa, may our princes have riches swift to save, with Gods to guard them > They whose great might gives victory in battles, and their triumphant glory spreads with swiftness. > 8 Indra. and Varuṇa, Gods whom we are lauding, mingle ye wealth with our heroic glory. > May we, who praise the strength of what is mighty, pass dangers, as with boats we cross the waters. > 9 Now will I sing a dear and far-extending hymn to Varuṇa the God, sublime, imperial Lord, > Who, mighty Governor, Eternal, as with flame, illumines both wide worlds with majesty and power. > 10 True to Law, Indra-Varuṇa, drinkers of the juice, drink this pressed Soma which shall give you rapturous joy. > Your chariot cometh to the banquet of the Gods, to sacrifice, as it were home, that ye may drink. > 11 Indra and Varuṇa, drink your fill, ye Heroes, of this invigorating sweetest Soma. > This juice is shed by us that ye may quaff it: on this trimmed grass be seated, and rejoice you

Hymn LXIX. Indra-Viṣṇu.

This hymn praises Indra and Viṣṇu as a divine pair who have conquered together and made the world broad for human existence. The poet asks them to accept the sacrifice, drink the sweet Soma, and lead the worshippers along "unobstructed pathways."

1 INDRA and Viṣṇu, at my task's completion I urge you on with food and sacred service. > Accept the sacrifice and grant us riches, leading us on by unobstructed pathways. > 2 Ye who inspire all hymns, Indra and Viṣṇu, ye vessels who contain the Soma juices, > May hymns of praise that now are sung address you, the lauds that are recited by the singers. > 3 Lords of joy-giving draughts, Indra and Viṣṇu, come, giving gifts of treasure, to the Soma. > With brilliant rays of hymns let chanted praises, repeated with the lauds, adorn and deck you. > 4 May your foe-conquering horses bring you hither, Indra and Viṣṇu, sharers of the banquet. > Of all our hymns accept the invocations list to my prayers and hear the songs I sing you. > 5 This your deed, Indra-Viṣṇu, must be lauded: widely ye strode in the wild joy of Soma. > Ye made the firmament of larger compass, and made the regions broad for our existence. > 6 Strengthened with sacred offerings, IndraViṣṇu, first eaters, served with worship ana oblation, > Fed with the holy oil, vouchsafe us riches ye are the lake, the vat that holds the Soma. > 7 Drink of this meath, O Indra, thou, and Viṣṇu; drink ye your fill of Soma, Wonder-Workers. > The sweet exhilarating juice hath reached you. Hear ye my prayers, give ear unto my calling. > 8 Ye Twain have conquered, ne’er have yc been conquered: never hath either of the Twain been vanquished. > Ye, Indra-Viṣṇu, when ye fought the battle, produced this infinite with three divisions.

Hymn LXX. Heaven and Earth.

This hymn celebrates Heaven and Earth as the great divine parents, beautiful in form and full of fatness. The poet praises them as the "Regents of this world" who pour forth abundance and ask that they provide fame, strength, and wealth.

1 FILLED full of fatness, compassing all things that be, wide, spacious, dropping meath, beautiful in their form, > The Heaven and the Earth by Varuṇa's decree, unwasting, rich in germs, stand parted each from each. > 2 The Everlasting Pair, with full streams, rich in milk, in their pure rule pour fatness for the pious man. > Ye who are Regents of this world, O Earth and Heaven, pour into us the genial flow that prospers meit. > 3 Whoso, for righteous life, pours offerings to you, O Heaven and Earth, ye Hemispheres, that man succeeds. > He in his seed is born again and spreads by Law: from you flow things diverse in form, but ruled alike. > 4 Enclosed in fatness, Heaven and Earth are bright therewith: they mingle with the fatness which they still increase. > Wide, broad, set foremost at election of the priest, to them the singers pray for bliss to further them. > 5 May Heaven and Earth pour down the balmy rain for us, balm dropping, yielding balm, with balm upon your path, > Bestowing by your Godhead sacrifice and wealth, great fame and strength for us and good heroic might. > 6 May Heaven and Earth make food swell plenteously for us, all-knowing Father, jother, wondrous in their works. > Pouring out bounties, may, in union, both the Worlds, all beneficial, send us gain, and power, and wealth.

Hymn LXXI. Savitar.

This hymn to Savitar praises him as the "God of the golden tongue" who stretches out his golden arms to bring forth life. The poet asks this gracious god to protect their home, invigorate them through the days and nights, and grant them a "fair and spacious habitation."

1 FULL of effectual wisdom Savitar the God hath stretched out golden arms that he may bring forth life. > Young and most skilful, while he holds the region up, the Warrior sprinkles fatness over both his hands. > 2 May we enjoy the noblest vivifying force of Savitar the God, that he may give us wealth: > For thou art mighty to produce and lull to rest the world of life that moves on two feet and on four. > 3 Protect our habitation, Savitar, this day, with guardian aids around, auspicious, firm and true. > God of the golden tongue, keep us for newest bliss: let not the evil-wisher have us in his power. > 4 This Savitar the God, the golden-handed, Friend of the home, hath risen to meet the twilight. > With cheeks of brass, with pleasant tongue, the Holy, he sends the worshipper rich gifts in plenty. > 5 Like a Director, Savitar hath extended his golden arms, exceeding fair to look on. > He hath gone up the heights of earth and heaven, and made each monster fall and cease from troubling. > 6 Fair wealth, O Savitar, to-day, to-morrow, fair wealth produce for us each day that passes. > May we through this our song be happy gainers, God, of a fair and spacious habitation.

Hymn LXXII. Indra-Soma.

This hymn to Indra and Soma celebrates their joint power as warriors and protectors. The poet recalls how they found the Sun, killed the darkness, and set the ripe milk within the raw udders of the milch-kine, asking them to bestow their victorious wealth upon the worshippers.

1 GREAT is this might of yours, Indra and Soma: the first high exploits were your own achievements. > Ye found the Sun ye found the light of heaven: ye killed all darkness and the Gods’ blasphemers. > 2 Ye, Indra-Soma, gave her light to Morning, and led the Sun on high with all his splendour. > Ye stayed the heaven with a supporting pillar, and spread abroad apart, the Earth, the Mother. > 3 Ye slew the flood -obstructing serpent Vṛtra, Indra and Soma: Heaven approved your exploit. > Ye urged to speed the currents of the rivers, and many seas have ye filled full with waters. > 4 Ye in the unripe udders of the milch-kine have set the ripe milk, Indra, thou, and Soma. > Ye have held fast the unimpeded whiteness within these many-coloured moving creatures. > 5 Verily ye bestow, Indra and Soma, wealth, famed, victorious, passing to our children. > Ye have invested men, ye Mighty Beings, with manly strength that conquers in the battle.

Hymn LXXIII. Bṛhaspati.

This hymn praises Bṛhaspati as the "first-born, mountain-render" and "Bull of all the Gods." The poet recalls how Bṛhaspati, with a roar, broke down the castles of the enemy and drove forth the stolen cattle, asking him now to grant riches and noble progeny.

1 SERVED with oblations, first-born, mountain-render, Aṅgiras' son, Bṛhaspati, the Holy, > With twice-firm path, dwelling in light, our Father, roars loudly, as a bull, to Earth and Heaven. > 2 Bṛhaspati, who made for such a people wide room and verge when Gods were invocated, > Slaying his enemies, breaks down their castles, quelling his foes and conquering those who hate him. > 3 Bṛhaspati in war hath won rich treasures, hath won, this God, the great stalls filled with cattle. > Striving to win waters and light, resistless, Bṛhaspati with lightning smites the foeman.

Hymn LXXIV. Soma-Rudra.

This hymn to the dual deities Soma and Rudra is a prayer for healing and protection. The poet asks them to chase away all sickness, to provide "all needful medicines," and to release the worshippers from any sin inherent in their bodies.

1 HOLD fast your Godlike sway, O Soma-Rudra: let these our sacrifices quickly reach you. > Placing in every house your seven great treasures, bring blessing to our quadrupeds and bipeds. > 2 Soma and Rudra, chase to every quarter the sickness that hath visited our dwelling. > Drive Nirrti away into the distance, and give us excellent and happy glories. > 3 Provide, O Soma-Rudra, for our bodies all needful medicines to heal and cure us. > Set free and draw away the sin committed which we have still inherent in our persons. > 4 Armed with keen shafts and weapons, kind and loving, be gracious unto us, Soma and Rudra. > Release us from the noose of Varuṇa; keep us from sorrow, in your tender loving-kindness.

Hymn LXXV. Weapons of War.

This hymn is a powerful personification of the tools of battle, from the bow and bowstring to the chariot and war-drum. The poet addresses each weapon as a living entity, asking them to be victorious, protect the warrior, and destroy the foeman.

1 THE warrior's look is like a thunderous rain-cloud's, when, armed with mail, he seeks the lap of battle. > Be thou victorious with unwounded body: so let the thickness of thy mail protect thee. > 2 With Bow let us win kine, with Bow the battle, with Bow be victors in our hot encounters. > The Bow brings grief and sorrow to the foeman: armed with the Bow may we subdue all regions. > 3 Close to his car, as fain to speak, She presses, holding her well-loved Friend in her embraces. > Strained on the Bow, She whispers like a woman-this Bowstring that preserves us in the combat. > 4 These, meeting like a woman and her lover, bear, mother-like, their child upon their bosom. > May the two Bow-ends, starting swift asunder, scatter, in unison, the foes who hate us. > 5 With many a son, father of many daughters, He clangs and clashes as he goes to battle. > Slung on the back, pouring his brood, the Quiver vanquishes all opposing bands and armies. > 6 Upstanding in the Car the skilful Charioteer guides his strong Horses on whithersoe’er he will. > See and admire the strength of those controlling Reins which from behind declare the will of him who drives. > 7 Horses whose hoofs rain dust are neighing loudly, yoked to the Chariots, showing forth their vigour, > With their forefeet descending on the foemen, they, never flinching, trample and destroy them. > 8 Car-bearer is the name of his oblation, whercon are laid his Weapons and his Armour. > So let us here, each day that passes, honour the helpful Car with hearts exceeding joyful. > 9 In sweet association lived the fathers who gave us life, profound and strong in trouble, > Unwearied, armed with shafts and wondrous weapons, free, real heroes, conquerors of armies. > 10 The Brahmans, and the Fathers meet for Soma-draughts, and, graciously inclined, unequalled Heaven and Earth. > Guard us trom evil, Pūṣan, guard us strengtheners of Law: let not the evil-wisher master us. > 11 Her tooth a deer, dressed in an eagle's feathers, bound with cow-hide, launched forth, She flieth onward. > There where the heroes speed hither and thither, there may the Arrows shelter and protect us. > 12 Avoid us thou whose flight is straight, and let our bodies be as stone. > May Soma kindly speak to us, and Aditi protect us well. > 13 He lays his blows upon their backs, he deals his blows upon their thighs. > Thou, Whip, who urgest horses, drive sagacious horses in the fray. > 14 It compasses the arm with serpent windings, fending away the friction of the bowstring: > So may the Brace, well-skilled in all its duties, guard manfully the man from every quarter. > 15 Now to the Shaft with venom smeared, tipped with deer-horn, with iron mouth, > Celestial, of Parjanya's seed, be this great adoration paid. > 16 Loosed from the Bowstring fly away, thou Arrow, sharpened by our prayer. > Go to the foemen, strike them home, and let not one be left alive. > 17 There where the flights of Arrows fall like boys whose locks are yet unshorn. > Even there may Brahmaṇaspati, and Aditi protect us well, protect us well through all our days. > 18 Thy vital parts I cover with thine Armour: with immortality King Soma clothe thee. > Varuṇa give thee what is more than ample, and in thy triumph may the Gods be joyful. > 19 Whoso would kill us, whether he be a strange foe or one of us.

Hymn LXXVI. Dawn.

This hymn to Dawn praises her as the one who makes the universe apparent, sent forth by the great god Savitar. The poet describes the Vasiṣṭhas awakening to sing her praises, asking the "high-born Morning" to bring them riches and renown.

1 SAVITAR God of all men hath sent upward his light, designed for all mankind, immortal. > Through the Gods’ power that Eye was first created. Dawn hath made all the universe apparent. > 2 I see the paths which Gods are wont to travel, innocuous paths made ready by the Vasus. > Eastward the flag of Dawn hath been uplifted; she hath come hither o’er the tops of houses. > 3 Great is, in truth, the number of the Mornings which were aforetime at the Sun's uprising. > Since thou, O Dawn, hast been beheld repairing as to thy love, as one no more to leave him. > 4 They were the Gods’ companions at the banquet, the ancient sages true to Law Eternal. > The Fathers found the light that lay in darkness, and with effectual words begat the Morning. > 5 Meeting together in the same enclosure, they strive not, ofone mind, one with another. > They never break the Gods’ eternal statutes, and injure none, in rivalry with Vasus. > 6 Extolling thee, Blest Goddess, the Vasisthas, awake at early mom, with lauds implore thee. > Leader of kine and Queen of all that strengthens, shine, come as first to us, O high-born Morning. > 7 She bringeth bounty and sweet charm of voices. The flushing Dawn is sung by the Vasiṣṭhas, > Giving us riches famed to distant places. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXVII. Dawn.

The poet praises the youthful Dawn, who has shone brightly like a woman in white robes, chasing away the darkness. The hymn asks this "Daughter of Heaven" to grant the worshippers long days and riches in cattle, horses, and chariots.

1 SHE hath shone brightly like a youthful woman, stirring to motion every living creature. > Agni hath come to feed on mortal? fuel. She hath made light and chased away the darkness. > 2 Turned to this All, far-spreading, she hath risen and shone in brightness with white robes about her. > She hath beamed forth lovely with golden colours, Mother of kine, Guide of the days she bringeth. > 3 Bearing the Gods’ own Eye, auspicious Lady, leading her Courser white and fair to look on, > Distinguished by her bean-is Dawn shines apparent, come forth to all the world with wondrous treasure. > 4 Draw nigh with wealth and dawn away the foeman: prepare for us wide pasture free from danger. > Drive away those who hate us, bring us riches: pour bounty, opulent Lady, on the singer. > 5 Send thy most excellent beams to shine and light us, giving us lengthened days, O Dawn, O Goddess, > Granting us food, thou who hast all things precious, and bounty rich in chariots, kine, and horses. > 6 O Uṣas, nobly-born, Daughter of Heaven, whom the Vasisthas with their hymns make mighty, > Bestow thou on us vast and glorious riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXVIII. Dawn.

The poet beholds the "earliest lights" of Dawn as she approaches on her sublime, refulgent car. She is praised for driving away evil darkness and bringing the Sun, and is asked to grant the wealth that makes men happy.

1 WE have beheld her earliest lights approaching: her many glories part, on high, asunder. > On car sublime, refulgent, wending hither, O Uṣas, bring the Wealth that makes us happy. > 2 The fire well-kindIed sings aloud to greet her, and with their hymns the priests are chaming welcome. > Uṣas approaches in her splendour, driving all evil darkness far away, the Goddess. > 3 Apparent eastward are those lights of Morning, sending out lustre, as they rise, around them. > She hath brought forth Sun, sacrifice, and Agni, and far away hath fled detested darkness. > 4 Rich Daughter of the Sky, we all behold her, yea, all men look on Dawn as she is breaking. > fler car that moves self-harnessed hath she mounted, the car drawn onward by her well-yoked horses. > 5 Inspired with loving thoughts this day to greet thee, we and our wealthy nobles have awakened. > Show yourselves fruitful, Dawns, as ye are rising. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXIX. Dawn.

This hymn to Dawn is a prayer for her to rouse the world and bring forth her light, just as Savitar spreads his arms to give life. The poet praises her as the one who unbars the mountain's portals and asks her to grant the "charm of pleasant voices."

1 ROUSING the lands where men's Five Tribes are settled, Dawn hath disclosed the pathways of the people. > She hath sent out her sheen with beauteous oxen. The Sun with light hath opened earth and heaven. > 2 They paint their bright rays on the sky's far limits. the Dawns come on like tribes arrayed for battle. > Thy cattle, closely shutting up the darkness, as Savitar spreads his arms, give forth their lustre. > 3 Wealthy, most like to Indra, Dawn hath risen, and brought forth lauds that shall promote our welfare. > Daughter of Heaven, a Goddess, she distributes, best of Aṅgirases, treasures to the pious. > 4 Bestow on us, O Dawn, that ample bounty which thou didst send to those who sang thy praises; > Thou whom with bellowings of a bull they quickened: thou didst unbar the firm-set mountain's portals. > 5 Impelling every God to grant his bounty sending to us the charm of pleasant voices, > Vouchsafe us thoughts, for profit, as thou breakest. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXX. Dawn.

The Vasiṣṭha priests awaken to welcome the dawn with song, praising her for bringing fresh life and turning their thoughts toward the sun and the sacrificial fire. They pray that the blessed mornings will continue to shine on them, bringing wealth in cattle, horses, and heroes.

1 THE priests, Vasisthas, are the first awakened to welcome Uṣas with their songs and praises, > Who makes surrounding regions part asunder,and shows apparent all existing creatures. > 2 Giving fresh life when she hath hid the darkness, this Dawn hath wakened there with new-born lustre. > Youthful and unrestrained she cometh forward: she hath turned thoughts to Sun and fire and worship. > 3 May blessed Mornings shine on us for ever, with wealth of kine, of horses, and of heroes, > Streaming with all abundance, pouring fatness. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXXI. Dawn.

The poet praises Dawn, the "Daughter of the Sky," as she advances and sends forth her rays, making the light that uncovers the mighty gloom. It is a prayer for her to bring the "wondrous bounty" and "immortal fame" that she bestows upon her worshippers.

1 ADVANCING, sending forth her rays, the Daughter of the Sky is seen. > Uncovering, that we may see, the mighty gloom, the friendly Lady makes the light. > 2 The Sun ascending, the refulgent Star, pours down his beams together with the Dawn. > O Dawn, at thine arising, and the Sun's, may we attain the share allotted us. > 3 Promptly we woke to welcome thee, O Uṣas, Daughter of the Sky, > Thee, Bounteous One, who bringest all we long to have, and to the offerer health and wealth. > 4 Thou, dawning, workest fain to light the great world, yea, heaven, Goddess! that it may be seen. > We yearn to be thine own, Dealer of Wealth: may we be to this Mother like her sons. > 5 Bring us that wondrous bounty, Dawn, that shall be famed most far away. > What, Child of Heaven, thou hast of nourishment for man, bestow thou on us to enjoy. > 6 Give to our princes opulence and immortal fame, and strength in herds of kine to us. > May she who prompts the wealthy, Lady of sweet strains, may Uṣas dawn our foes away.

Hymn LXXXII. Indra-Varuṇa.

This hymn to the powerful pair, Indra and Varuṇa, is a prayer for their protection in battle and at the sacrifice. The poet addresses them as a Monarch and an Autocrat, asking that they pierce the fountains of the floods and help subdue all evil-hearted foes.

1 GRANT us your strong protection, IndraVaruṇa, our people, and our family, for sacrifice. > May we subdue in fight our evil-hearted foes, him who attacks the man steadfast in lengthened rites. > 2 O Indra-Varuṇa, mighty and very rich One of you is called Monarch and One Autocrat. > All Gods in the most lofty region of the air have, O ye Steers, combined all power and might in you. > 3 Ye with your strength have pierced the fountains of the floods: the Sun have ye brought forward as the Lord in heaven. > Cheered by this magic draught ye, Indra-Varuṇa, made the dry places stream, made songs of praise flow forth. > 4 In battels and in frays we ministering priests, kneeling upon our knees for furtherance of our weal, > Invoke you, only you, the Lords of twofold wealth, you prompt to hear, we bards, O Indra-Varuṇa. > 5 O Indra-Varuṇa, as ye created all these creatures of the world by your surpassing might, > In peace and quiet Mitra waits on Varuṇa, the Other, awful, with the Maruis seeks renown. > 6 That Varuṇa's high worth may shine preeminent, these Twain have measured each his proper power and might. > The One subdueth the destructive enemy; the Other with a few furthereth many a man. > 7 No trouble, no misfortune, Indra-Varuṇa, no woe from any side assails the mortal man > Whose sacrifice, O Gods, ye visit and enjoy: ne’er doth the crafty guile of mortal injure him. > 8 With your divine protection, Heroes, come to us: mine invncation hear, if ye be pleased therewith. > Bestow ye upon us, O Indra-Varuṇa, your friendship and your kinship and your favouring grace. > 9 In battle after battle, Indra-Varuṇa, be ye our Champions, ye who are the peoples' strength, > When both opposing bands invoke you for the fight, and men that they may gain offspring and progeny. > 10 May Indra, Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far. > We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar's song of praise, the God who strengthens Law.

Hymn LXXXIII. Indra-Varuṇa.

This hymn is a vivid recollection of the Battle of the Ten Kings, where the priest Vasiṣṭha called upon Indra and Varuṇa to aid King Sudās. The poets recount how the gods heard their prayers amid the cries of war, conquered the enemy king Bheda, and secured victory for the Tṛtsus.

1 LOOKING to you and your alliance, O ye Men, armed with broad axes they went forward, fain for spoil. > Ye smote and slew his Dāsa and his Āryan enemies, and helped Sudās with favour, Indra-Varuṇa. > 2 Where heroes come together with their banners raised, in the encounter where is naught for us to love, > Where all things that behold the light are terrified, there did ye comfort us, O Indra-Varuṇa. > 3 The boundaries of earth were seen all dark with dust: O Indra-Varuṇa, the shout went up to heaven. > The enmities of the people compassed me about. Ye heard my calling and ye came to me with help. > 4 With your resistless weapons, Indra-Varuṇa, ye conquered Bheda and ye gave Sudās your aid. > Ye heard the prayers of these amid the cries of war: effectual was the service of the Trtsus' priest. > 5 O Indra-Varuṇa, the wickedness of foes and mine assailants' hatred sorely trouble me. > Ye Twain are Lords of riches both of earth and heaven: so grant to us your aid on the decisive day. > 6 The men of both the hosts invoked you in the fight, Indra and Varuṇa, that they might win the wealth, > What time ye helped Sudās, with all the Trtsu folk, when the Ten Kings had pressed him down in their attack. > 7 Ten Kings who worshipped not, O Indra-Varuṇa, confederate, in war prevailed not o’er Sudās. > True was the boast of heroes sitting at the feast: so at their invocations Gods were on their side. > 8 O Indra-Varuṇa, ye gave Sudās your aid when the Ten Kings in battle compassed him about, > There where the white-robed Trtsus with their braided hair, skilled in song worshipped you with homage and with hymn. > 9 One of you Twain destroys the Vṛtras in the fight, the Other evermore maintains his holy Laws. > We call on you, ye Mighty, with our hymns of praise. Vouchsafe us your protection, Indra-Varuṇa. > 10 May Indra, Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far. > We think of the beneficent light of Aditi, and Savitar's song of praise, the God who strengthens Law.

Hymn LXXXIV. Indra-Varuṇa.

This hymn is a prayer offered with a ladle dropping fatness, calling upon Indra and Varuṇa to come to the sacrifice. The poet asks the "Kings" to make their prayers successful and to grant them riches, sons, and offspring.

1 KINGS, Indra-Varuṇa, I would turn you hither to this our sacrifice with gifts and homage. > Held in both arms the ladle, dropping fatness, goes of itself to you whose forms are varied. > 2 Dyaus quickens and promotes your high dominion who bind with bonds not wrought of rope or cordage. > Far from us still be Varuṇa's displeasure may Indra give us spacious room to dwell in. > 3 Make ye our sacrifice fair amid the assemblies: make ye our prayers approved among our princes. > May God-sent riches come for our possession: further ye us with your delightful succours. > 4 O Indra-Varuṇa, vouchsafe us riches with store of treasure, food, and every blessing; > For the Āditya, banisher of falsehood, the Hero, dealeth wealth in boundless plenty. > 5 May this my song reach Varuṇa and Indra, and, strongly urging, win me sons and offspring. > To the Gods’ banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXXV. Indra-Varuṇa.

This hymn to Indra and Varuṇa is a prayer for protection and favor in the midst of battle. The poet asks the two gods to smite back their foemen and to bring them to the sacrifice, where they may enjoy the Soma and grant their blessings.

1 FOR you I deck a harmless hymn, presenting the Soma juice to Varuṇa and Indra > A hymn that shines like heavenly Dawn with fatness. May they be near us on the march and guard us. > 2 Here where the arrows fall amid the banners both hosts invoke the Gods in emulation. > O Indra-Varuṇa, smite back those-our foemen,yea, smite them withyour shaft to every quarter. > 3 Self-lucid in their seats, e’en heavenly Waters endowed with Godhead Varuṇa and Indra. > One of these holds the folk distinct and sundered, the Other smites and slays resistless foemen. > 4 Wise be the priest and skilled in Law Eternal, who with his sacred gifts and oration. > Brings you to aid us with your might, Ādityas: let him have viands to promote his welfare. > 5 May this my song reach Varuṇa and Indra, and, strongly urging, win me sons and offspring. > To the Gods’ banquet may we go with riches. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods with blessings.

Hymn LXXXVI. Varuṇa.

This is one of the most famous hymns of the Rig Veda, a personal and deeply felt confession to the god Varuṇa. The poet, feeling the weight of the god's anger, asks what his transgression was and implores the "Unconquerable Lord" to free him from the sins of his fathers and himself.

1 WISE, verily, are creatures through his greatness who stayed ever, spacious heaven and earth asunder; > Who urged the high and mighty sky to motion, the Star of old, and spread the earth before him. > 2 With mine own heart I commune on the question how Varuṇa and I may be united. > What gift of mine will he accept unangered? When may I calmly look and find him gracious? > 3 Fain to know this is my sin I question others: I seek the wise, O Varuṇa, and ask them. > This one same answer even the sages gave me, "Surely this Varuṇa is angry with thee." > 4 What, Varuṇa, hath been my chief transgression, that thou wouldst slay the friend who sings thy praises? > Tell me, Unconquerable Lord, and quickly sinless will I approach thee with mine homage. > 5 Free us from sins committed by our fathers, from those wherein we have ourselves offended. > O King, loose, like a thief who feeds the cattle, as from the cord a calf, set free Vasiṣṭha. > 6 Not our own will betrayed us, but seduction, thoughtlessness, Varuṇa wine, dice, or anger. > The old is near to lead astray the younger: even sleep removeth not all evil-doing. > 7 Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. > This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches. > 8 O Lord, O Varuṇa, may this laudation come close to thee and lie within thy spirit. > May it be well with us in rest and labour. Preserve us ever-more, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXXVII. Varuṇa.

This hymn praises Varuṇa as the cosmic creator who cut the pathway for the sun and the channels for the rivers. The poet describes his spies surveying the two world-halves and his power to make the "Golden Swing" of the sun in the heavens.

1 VARUNA cut a pathway out for Sūrya, and led the watery floods of rivers onward. > The Mares, as in a race, speed on in order. He made great channels for the days to follow. > 2 The wind, thy breath, hath sounded through the region like a wild beast that seeks his food in pastures. > Within these two, exalted Earth and Heaven, O Varuṇa, are all the forms thou lovest. > 3 Varuṇa's spies, sent forth upon their errand, survey the two world halves well formed and fashioned. > Wise are they, holy, skilled in sacrifices, the furtherers of the praise songs of the prudent. > 4 To me who understand hath Varuṇa spoken, the names borne by the Cow are three times seven. > The sapient God, knowing the place's secret, shall speak as ’twere to teach the race that cometh. > 5 On him three heavens rest and are supported, and the three earths are > there in sixfold order. > The wise King Varuṇa hath made in heaven that Golden Swing to cover it with glory. > 6 Like Varuṇa from heaven he sinks in Sindhu, like a white-shining spark, a strong wild creature. > Ruling in depths and meting out the region, great saving power hath he, this world's Controller. > 7 Before this Varuṇa may we be sinless him who shows mercy even to the sinner > While we are keeping Aditi's ordinances. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXXVIII. Varuṇa.

The poet, Vasiṣṭha, recounts a personal story of being taken by Varuṇa into a boat and made into a Ṛṣi. The hymn is an intimate reflection on their ancient friendship, a plea for that bond to be renewed, and a prayer for Varuṇa to untie the bonds of sin.

1 PRESENT to Varuṇa thine hymn, Vasiṣṭha, bright, most delightful to the Bounteous Giver, > Who bringeth on to us the Bull, the lofty, the Holy, laden with a thousand treasures. > 2 And now, as I am come before his presence, I take the face of Varuṇa for Agni's. > So might he bring-Lord also of the darkness-the light in heaven that I may see its beauty! > 3 When Varuṇa and I embark together and urge our boat into the midst of ocean, > We, when we ride o’er ridges of the waters, will swing within that swing and there be happy. > 4 Varuṇa placed Vasiṣṭha in the vessel, and deftly with his niight made him a Ṛṣi. > When days shone bright the Sage made him a singer, while the heavens broadened and the Dawns were lengthened. > 5 What hath become of those our ancient friendships, when without enmity we walked together? > I, Varuṇa, thou glorious Lord, have entered thy lofty home, thine house with thousand portals. > 6 If he, thy true ally, hath sinned against thee, still, Varuṇa, he is the friend thou lovedst. > Let us not, Living One, as sinners I know thee: give shelter, as a Sage, to him who lauds thee. > 7 While we abide in these fixed habitations, and from the lap of Aditi win favour, > May Varuṇa untie the bond that binds us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn LXXXIX. Varuṇa.

This brief hymn is a heartfelt cry for mercy to King Varuṇa, asking him not to let the poet "enter into the house of clay." It is a confession of human frailty, admitting to sin through want of strength, and a plea for the "Bright and Powerful God" to spare him.

1 LET me not yet, King Varuṇa, enter into the house of clay: > Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. > 2 When, Thunderer! I move along tremulous like a wind-blown skin, > Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. > 3 O Bright and Powerful God, through want of strength I erred and went astray > Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. > 4 Thirst found thy worshipper though he stood in the midst of water fijods: > Have mercy, spare me, Mighty Lord. > 5 O Varuṇa, whatever the offence may be which we as men commit against the heavenly host, > When through our want of thought we violate thy laws, punish us not, O God, for that iniquity.

Hymn XC. Vāyu.

This hymn to Vāyu, the wind god, calls him to the Soma libation as the "pure-drinking" deity. The poet praises his harnessed horses and his appointment by the heavenly Dhiṣaṇā as the radiant "Treasure-bearer."

1 To you pure juice, rich in meath, are offered by priest: through longing for the Pair of Heroes. > Drive, Vāyu, bring thine harnessed horses hither: drink the pressed Soma till it make thee joyful. > 2 Whoso to thee, the Mighty, brings oblation, pure Soma unto thee, pure-drinking Vāyu, > That man thou makest famous among mortals: to him strong sons are born in quick succession. > 3 The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, whom heavenly Dhiṣaṇā for our wealth appointeth, > His team of harnessed horses waits on Vāyu, and, foremost, on the radiant Treasure-bearer. > 4 The spotless Dawns with fair bright days have broken; they found the spacious light when they were shining. > Eagerly they disclosed the stall of cattle: floods streamed for them as in the days aforetime. > 5 These with their truthful spirit, shining brightly, move on provided with their natural insight. > Viands attend the car that beareth Heroes, your car, ye Sovran Pair, Indra and Vāyu. > 6 May these who give us heavenly light, these rulers, with gifts of kine and horses, gold and treasures. > These princes, through full life, Indra and Vāyu! o’ercome in battle with their steeds and heroes. > 7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, O Indra-Vāyu, with our fair laudations. > Exerting all our power call you to aid us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn XCI. Vāyu.

This hymn to Vāyu and Indra-Vāyu praises them as blameless gods who caused the Morning to rise with the Sun for the sake of man. The poet asks these "pure-drinkers" to come to the sacrifice and accept his song of praise.

1 WERE not in sooth, the Gods aforetime blameless, whose pleasure was increased by adoration? > For Vāyu and for man in his affliction they caused the Morning to arise with Sūrya. > 2 Guardians infallible, eager as envoys' preserve us safe through many months and autumns. > Addressed to you, our fair praise, Indra-Vāyu, implores your favour and renewed well-being. > 3 Wise, bright, arranger of his teams, he. seeketh men with rich food whose treasures are abundant. > They have arranged them of one mind with Vāyu: the men have wrought all noble operations. > 4 So far as native power and strength permit you, so far as men behold whose eyes have vision, > O ye pure-drinkers, drink with us pure Soma: sit on this sacred grass, Indra and Vāyu. > 5 Driving down teams that bear the lovely Heroes, hitherward, Indra Vāyu, come together. > To you this prime of savoury juice is offered: here loose your horses and be friendly-minded. > 6 Your hundred and your thousand teams, O Indra and Vāyu, all munificent, which attend you, > With these most gracious-minded come ye hither, and drink, O Heroes of the meath we offer. > 7 Like coursers seeking fame will we Vasisthas, O Indra-Vāyu, with our fair laudations, > Exerting all our powe-,, call you to aid us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn XCII. Vāyu.

This hymn addresses Vāyu as the "drinker of the pure" who possesses a thousand teams of horses. It is a prayer for him to come to the sacrifice, accept the Soma, and grant the worshippers a hero son and wealth in cattle and horses.

1 O VĀYU, drinker of the pure, be near us: a thousand teams are thine, Allbounteous Giver. > To thee the rapture-bringing juice is offered, whose first draught, God, thou takest as thy portion. > 2 Prompt at the holy rites forth came the presser with Soma-draughts for Indra and for Vāyu, > When ministering priests with strong devotion bring to you Twain the first taste of the Soma. > 3 The teams wherewith thou seekest him who offers, within his home, O Viyu, to direct him, > Therewith send wealth: to us with full enjoyment, a hero son and gifts of kine and horses. > 4 Near to the Gods and making Indra joyful, devout and ofFering precious gifts to Vāyu, > Allied with princes, smiting down the hostile, may we with heroes conquer foes in battle. > 5 With thy yoked teams in hundreds and in thousands come to our sacrifice and solemn worship. > Come, Vāyu, make thee glad at this libation. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn XCIII. Indra-Agni.

This hymn invokes the powerful duo of Indra and Agni as "slayers of enemies," asking them to accept a new-born laudation. The poets, like steeds in a race-course, call on the two gods to come to their assembly and grant them fresh and lasting strength.

1 SLAYERS of enemies, Indra and Agni, accept this day our new-born pure laudation. > Again, again I call you prompt to listen, best to give quickly strength to him who craves it. > 2 For ye were strong to gain, exceeding mighty, growing together, waxing in your vigour. > Lords of the pasture filled with ample riches, bestow upon us strength both fresh and lasting. > 3 Yea when the strong have entered our assembly, and singers seeking with their hymns your favour, > They are like steeds who come into the race-course, those men who call aloud on Indra-Agni. > 4 The singer, seeking with his hymns your favour, begs splendid riches of their first possessor. > Further us with new bounties, Indra-Agni, armed with strong thunder, slayers of the foeman. > 5 When two great hosts, arrayed against each other, meet clothed with brightness, in the fierce encounter > Stand ye beside the godly, smite the godless; and still assist the men who press the Soma. > 6 To this our Soma-pressing, Indra-Agni, come ye prepared to show your loving-kindness, > For not at any time have ye despised us. So may I draw you with all strengthenings hither. > 7 So Agni, kindled mid this adoration, invite thou Mitra, Varuṇa, and Indra. > Forgive whatever sin we have committed may Aryaman and Aditi remove it. > 8 While we accelerate these our sacrifices, may we win strength from both of you, O Agni: > Ne’er may the Maruts, Indra, Viṣṇu slight us. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn XCIV. Indra-Agni.

The poet offers this "noblest praise" to Indra and Agni, asking them to hear his call and not give him up to poverty or slander. He calls on them with reverence and soft words, imploring them to come to the sacrifice and slay the wicked.

1 As rain from out the cloud, for you, Indra and Agni, from my soul > This noblest praise hath been produced. > 2 Do ye, O Indra-Agni, hear the singer's call: accept his songs. > Ye Rulers, grant his heart's desire. > 3 Give us not up to poverty, ye Heroes, Indra-Agni, nor > To slander and reproach of men. > 4 To Indra and to Agni we bring reverence, high and holy hymn, > And, craving help, softwords with prayer. > 5 For all these holy singers here implore these Twain to succour them, > And priests that they may win them strength. > 6 Eager to laudyou, we with songs invoke you, bearing sacred food, > Fain for success in sacrifice. > 7 Indra and Agni, come to us with favour, ye who conquer men: > Let not the wicked master us. > 8 At no time let the injurious blow of hostile mortal fall on us: > O Indra-Agni, shelter us. > 9 Whatever wealth we crave of you, in gold, in cattle, or in steeds, > That, Indra-Agni, let us gain; > 10 When heroes prompt in worship call Indra and Agni, Lords of steeds, > Beside the Soma juice effused. > 11 Call hither with the song and lauds those who best slay the foemen, those > Who take delight in hymns of praise. > 12 Slay ye the wicked man whose thought is evil of the demon kind. > Slay him who stays the waters, slay the Serpent with your deadly dart.

Hymn XCV. Sarasvatī.

This hymn to the great river goddess Sarasvatī praises her as a "fostering current" and a "fort of iron." She is a mighty, protective deity who bursts the hills with her waves, slays enemies, and provides wealth for her worshippers.

1 THIS stream Sarasvatī with fostering current comes forth, our sure defence, our fort of iron. > As on a car, the flood flows on, surpassing in majesty and might all other waters. > 2 Pure in her course from mountains to the ocean, alone of streams Sarasvatī hath listened. > Thinking of wealth and the great world of creatures, she poured for Nahuṣa her milk and fatness. > 3 Friendly to man he grew among the women, a strong young Steer amid the Holy Ladies. > He gives the fleet steed to our wealthy princes, and decks their bodies for success in battle. > 4 May this Sarasvatī be pleased and listen at this our sacrifice, auspicious Lady, > When we with reverence, on our knees, implore her close-knit to wealth, most kind to those she loveth. > 5 These offerings have ye made with adoration: say this, Sarasvatī, and accept our praises; > And, placing us under thy dear protection, may we approach thee, as a tree, for shelter. > 6 For thee, O Blest Sarasvatī, Vasiṣṭha hath here unbarred the doors d sacred Order. > Wax, Bright One, and give strength to him who lauds thee. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn XCVI. Sarasvatī.

The poet sings a lofty song to Sarasvatī, the "mightiest, most divine of Streams," asking her to favor the Pūrus who dwell on her banks. He invokes her as a kind protector and asks that her waves, "laden with sweets and dropping oil," bring food and progeny.

1 I SING a lofty song, for she is mightiest, most divine of Streams. > Sarasvatī will I exalt with hymns and lauds, and, O Vasiṣṭha, Heaven and Earth. > 2 When in the fulness of their strength the Pūrus dwell, Beauteous One, on thy two grassy banks, > Favour us thou who hast the Maruts for thy friends: stir up the bounty of our chiefs. > 3 So may Sarasvatī auspicious send good luck; she, rich in spoil, is never niggardly in thought, > When praised in jamadagni's way and lauded as Vasiṣṭha lauds. > 4 We call upon Sarasvān, as unmarried men who long for wives, > As liberal men who yearn for sons. > 5 Be thou our kind protector, O Sarasvān, with those waves of thine > Laden with sweets and dropping oil. > 6 May we enjoy Sarasvān's breast, all-beautiful, that swells with streams, > May we gain food and progeny.

Hymn XCVII. Bṛhaspati.

This hymn invokes Bṛhaspati, the divine priest and "Lord of Might," with a song of praise and adoration. The poet celebrates him as the one who freed the radiant cows from the mountain, and asks that he and Indra favor their songs and destroy their enemies.

1 WHERE Heaven and Earth combine in men's assembly, and ttose who love the Gods delight in worship, > Where the libations are effused for Indra, may he come first to drink and make him stronger. > 2 We crave the heavenly grace of Gods to guard us-so may Bṛhaspati, O friends, exalt us > That he, the Bounteous God, may find us sintess, who giveth from a distance like a father. > 3 That Brahmaṇaspati, most High and Gracious, I glorify with offerings and with homage. > May the great song of praise divine, reach Indra who is the King of prayer the Gods’ creation. > 4 May that Bṛhaspati who brings all blessings, most dearly loved, be seated by our altar. > Heroes and wealth we crave; may he bestow them, and bear us safe beyond the men who vex us. > 5 To us these Deathless Ones, erst born, have granted this laud of ours which gives the Immortal pleasure. > Let us invoke Bṛhaspati, the foeless, the clear-voiced God, the Holy One of households > 6 Him, this Bṛhaspati, his red-hued horses, drawing together, full of strength, bring hither. > Robed in red colour like the cloud, they carry the Lord of Might whose friendship gives a dwelling. > 7 For he is pure, with hundred wings, refulgent, with sword of gold, impetuous, winning sunlight. > Sublime Bṛhaspati, easy of access granteth his friends most bountiful refreshment. > 8 Both Heaven and Earth, divine, the Deity's Parents, have made Bṛhaspati increase in grandeur. > Glorify him, O friends, who merits glory: may he give prayer fair way and easy passage. > 9 This, Brahmaṇaspati, is your laudation prayer hath been made to thunderwielding Indra. > Favour our songs, wake up our thought and spirit: destroy the godless and our foemen's malice. > 10 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O Bṛhaspati, and thou, O Indra. > Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn XCVIII. Indra.

This hymn to Indra is a straightforward prayer for him to drink the Soma, accept the songs, and grant his favor. The poet offers him the pressed juice and asks the "strongest, ancient" god to fulfill the worshippers' desires.

1 PRIESTS, offer to the Lord of all the people the milked-out stalk of Soma, radiant-coloured. > No wild-bull knows his drinking-place like Indra who ever seeks him who hath pressed the Soma, > 2 Thou dost desire to drink, each day that passes, the pleasant food which thou hast had aforetime, > O Indra, gratified in heart and spirit, drink eagerly the Soma set before thee. > 3 Thou, newly-born, for strength didst drink the Soma; the Mother told thee of thy future greatness. > O Indra, thou hast filled mid-air's wide region, and given the Gods by battle room and freedom. > 4 When thou hast urged the arrocrant to combat, proud in their strength of arm, we will subdue them. > Or, Indra, when thou fightest girt by heroes, we in the glorious fray with thee will conquer. > 5 I will declare the earliest deeds of Indra, and recent acts which Maghavan hath accomplished. > When he had conquered godless wiles and magic, Soma became his own entire possession. > 6 Thine is this world of flocks and herds around thee, which with the eye of Sūrya thou beholdest. > Thou, Indra, art alone the Lord of cattle; may we enjoy the treasure which thou givest. > 7 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O Bṛhaspati, and thou, O Indra. > Mean though he be, give wealth to him who lauds you. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn XCIX. Viṣṇu.

This hymn praises the god Viṣṇu for his cosmic greatness, marveling at his power to support the heavens and fix the earth's pinnacle. The poet notes his three great strides, which encompass all worlds, and expresses a desire to reach his "highest mansion."

1 MEN come not nigh thy majesty who growest beyond all bound and measure with thy body. > Both thy two regions of the earth, O Viṣṇu, we know: thou God, knowest the highest also. > 2 None who is born or being born, God Viṣṇu, hath reached the utmost limit of thy grandeur. > The vast high vault of heaven hast thou supported, and fixed earth's eastern pinnacle securely. > 3 Rich in sweet food be ye, and rich in milch-kine, with fertile pastures, fain to do men service. > Both these worlds, Viṣṇu, hast thou stayed asunder, and firmly fixed the earth with pegs around it. > 4 Ye have made spacious room for sacrificing by generating Sūrya, Dawn, and Agni. > O Heroes, ye have conquered in your battles even the bull-jawed Dāsa's wiles and magic. > 5 Ye have destroyed, thou, Indra, and thou Viṣṇu, Śambara's nine-and ninety fenced castles. > Ye Twain smote down a hundred times a thousand resistless heroes of the royal Varcin. > 6 This is the lofty hymn of praise, exalting the Lords of Mighty Stride, the strong and lofty. > I laud you in the solemn synods, Viṣṇu: pour ye food on us in our camps, O Indra. > 7 O Viṣṇu, unto thee my lips cry Vaṣaṭ! Let this mine offering, Sipivista, please thee. > May these my songs of eulogy exalt thee. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn C. Viṣṇu.

This hymn to Viṣṇu celebrates him as the "far-striding" god whose three steps encompass the universe. The poet praises his mighty name and his power to make "spacious dwellings" for humanity, asking to be able to reach his highest, blissful mansion.

1 NE’ER doth the man repent, who, seeking profit, bringeth his gift to the far-striding Viṣṇu. > He who adoreth him with all his spirit winneth himself so great a benefactor. > 2 Thou, Viṣṇu, constant in thy courses, gavest good-will to all men, and a hymn that lasteth, > That thou mightst move us to abundant comfort of very splendid wealth with store of horses. > 3 Three times strode forth this God in all his grandeur over this earth bright with a hundred splendours. > Foremost be Viṣṇu, stronger than the strongest: for glorious is his name who lives for ever. > 4 Over this earth with mighty step strode Viṣṇu, ready to give it for a home to Manu. > In him the humble people trust for safety: he, nobly born, hath made them spacious dwellings. > 5 To-day I laud this name, O gipivista, I, skilled in rules, the name of thee the Noble. > Yea, I the poor and weak praise thee the Mighty who dwellest in the realm beyond this region. > 6 What was there to be blamed in thee, O Viṣṇu, when thou declaredst, I am Sipivista? > Hide not this form from us, nor keep it secret, since thou didst wear another shape in battle. > 7 O Viṣṇu, unto thee my lips cry Vaṣaṭ! Let this mine offering, Sipivista, please thee. > May these my songs of eulogy exalt thee. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn CI. Parjanya.

This hymn to Parjanya, the god of rain, asks him to speak forth the "three words" that bring the life-giving nectar. The poet prays that Parjanya will provide his triple shelter and that his song will come near to the "Sovran Lord."

1 SPEAK forth three words, the words which light precedeth, which milk this udder that produceth nectar. > Quickly made manifest, the Bull hath bellowed, engendering the germ of plants, the Infant. > 2 Giver of growth to plants, the God who ruleth over the waters and all moving creatures, > Vouchsafe us triple shelter for our refuge, and threefold light to succour and befriend us. > 3 Now he is sterile, now begetteth offspring, even as he willeth doth he change his figure. > The Father's genial flow bedews the Mother; therewith the Sire, therewith the son is nourished. > 4 In him all living creatures have their being, and the three heavens with triply-flowing waters. > Three reservoirs that sprinkle down their treasure shed their sweet streams around him with a murmur. > 5 May this my song to Sovran Lord Parjanya come near unto his heart and give him pleasure. > May we obtain the showers that bring enjoyment, and God-protected plants with goodly fruitage. > 6 He is the Bull of all, and their impregner: he holds the life of all things fixed and moving. > May this rite save me till my hundredth autumn. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.

Hymn CII. Parjanya.

This is a brief hymn to Parjanya, praising him as the "son of Heaven" who sends the gift of rain. The poet asks him to form the germ of life in cattle, mares, plants, and women, and to provide the people with food.

1 SING forth and laud Parjanya, son of Heaven, who sends the gift of rain > May he provide our pasturage. > 2 Parjanya is the God who forms in kine, in mares, in plants of earth, > And womankind, the germ of life. > 3 Offer and pour into his mouth oblation rich in savoury juice: > May he for ever give us food.

Hymn CIII. Frogs.

This unique and charming hymn compares the croaking of frogs at the start of the rainy season to the chanting of Brahmans at a sacrifice. The poet describes how, after a year of silence, their voices rise up in concert, greeting the life-giving waters with pleasure.

1 THEY who lay quiet for a year, the Brahmans who fulfil their vows, > The Frogs have lifted up their voice, the voice Parjanya hath inspired. > 2 What time on these, as on a dry skin lying in the pool's bed, the floods of heaven descended, > The music of the Frogs comes forth in concert like the cows lowing with their calves beside them. > 3 When at the coming of the Rains the water has poured upon them as they yearned and thirsted, > One seeks another as he talks and greets him with cries of pleasure as a son his father. > 4 Each of these twain receives the other kindly, while they are revelling in the flow of waters, > When the Frog moistened by the rain springs forward, and Green and Spotty both combine their voices. > 5 When one of these repeats the other's language, as he who learns the lesson of the teacher, > Your every limb seems to be growing larger as ye converse with eloquence on the waters. > 6 Onc is Cow-bellow and Goat-bleat the other, one Frog is Green and one of them is Spotty. > They bear one common name, and yet they vary, and, talking, modulate the voice diversely. > 7 As Brahmans, sitting round the brimful vessel, talk at the Soma-rite of Atiratra, > So, Frogs, ye gather round the pool to honour this day of all the year, the first of Rain-time. > 8 These Brahmans with the Soma juice, performing their year-long rite, have lifted up their voices; > And these Adhvaryus, sweating with their kettles, come forth and show themselves, and none are hidden. > 9 They keep the twelve month's God-appointed order, and never do the men neglect the season. > Soon as the Rain-time in the year returneth, these who were heated kettles gain their freedom. > 10 Cow-bellow and Goat-bleat have granted riches, and Green and Spotty have vouchsafed us treasure. > The Frogs who give us cows in hundreds lengthen our lives in this most fertilizing season.

Hymn CIV. Indra.

This hymn is a fierce battle prayer to Indra, calling on him with a new song and praise. The poet asks him to sharpen his weapons, destroy his enemies, and guard the singers in the decisive fray.

1 WITH a new hymn of praise, O ye Vasisthas, sing to the Hero who is Son of Strength. > Indra, when lauded, will give us riches. > 2 For, honoured by the men, this God gains courage to quell the rhythmic singers of the Panis. > Indra, the singers' Friend, is our protection. > 3 Indra, for thee the singers of the Gāthins made and sent forth a laud, a holy labour. > Give, Vasu, to the Gāthins when they praise thee a stall of kine with guerdon of thy bounty. > 4 For he from of old, the singers' ancient Guardian, and our one Friend, hath looked on many a region. > Indra, the singers' Friend, is our protection. > 5 In this, O Indra, be thou our protector: in mighty strength, O Vasu, aid thy praisers. > For we are thine, and, Maghavan, thy singers praise thee in this our great and decisive battle. > 6 No blame have they, the liberal, to encounter, nor pains, nor injuries, O Indra, Mighty. > Those whom ye, God and Maghavan, and the Hero, lead and direct, let no man stay or hinder. > 7 The man whom ye, O Indra, and the Heroes guard, and the Bounteous, help in fight for booty, > Give us great bliss, O Vasus, in our keeping, and make us better than the men who praise not. > 8 Drive ye the weapon of the man, O Indra, who works us mischief, who is fain to slay us. > Give us great bliss, O Vasus, in our keeping, and make us better than the men who praise not. > 9 May he who with his hand, O Indra, holds thee, the press-stone, or the Soma, win the booty. > Give us great bliss, O Vasus, in our keeping, and make us better than the men who praise not. > 10 With offerings to the wise may we be wealthy, with gifts of kine, and horses, Son of Strength. > Give us great bliss, O Vasus, in our keeping, and make us better than the men who praise not. > 11 O Indra, Son of Strength, may we Vasisthas, ever with new-made hymns exalt and praise thee. > Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.