Rig Veda on The Divine

2 1n the two fire−sticks Jatavedas lieth, even as the well−set germ in pregnant women, 3 Lay this with care on that which lies extended: straight hath she borne the Steerwhen made prolific. 4 In Ila's place we set thee down, upon the central point of earth, 5 Rub into life, ye men, the Sage, the guileless, Immortal, very wise and fair to look on. 6 When with their arms they rub him straight he shineth forth like a strong courser, red in colour, in the 7 Agni shines forth when born, observant, mighty, the bountiful, the Singar praised by sages; 8 Set thee, O Priest, in, thine own place, observant: lay down the sacrifice in the home of worship. 9 Raise ye a mighty smoke, my fellow−workers! Ye shall attain to wealth without obstruction. 10 This is thine ordered place of birth whence sprung to life thou shonest forth. 11 As Germ Celestial he is called Tanunapat, and Narasamsa born diffused in varied shape. 12 With strong attrition rubbed to life, laid down with careful hand, a Sage, 13 Mortals have brought to life the God Immortal, the Conqueror with mighty jaws, unfailing. 14 Served by the seven priests, he shone forth from ancient time, when in his Mother's bosom, in her lap, 15 Even as the Maruts, onslaughts who attack the foe, those born the first of all knew the full power of 16 As we, O Priest observant, have elected thee this day, what time the solemn sacrifice began,

2 He, excellent in glory, guest in every house, finds like a swift−winged bird a home in every tree. 3 Most sage with insight, passing skilful with thy powers art thou, O Agni, wise with wisdom, knowing al 4 Foreknowing well, O Agni, thou in Ila's place hast occupied thy regular station balmed with oil. 5 Thy glories are, as lightnings from the rainy cloud, marked, many−hued, like heralds of the Dawns' 6 Him, duly coming as their germ, have plants received: this Agni have maternal Waters brought to life. 7 When, sped and urged by wind, thou spreadest thee abroad, swift piercing through thy food according to 8 Agni, the Hotar−priest who fills the assembly full, Waker of knowledge, chief Controller of the thought, 9 Here, Api, the arrangers, those attached to thee, elect thee as their Priest in sacred gatherings, 10 Thine is the Herald's task and Cleanser's duly timed; Leader art thou, and Kindler for the pious man. 11 When mortal man presents to thee Immortal God, Agni, his fuel or his sacrificial gift, 12 From us these hymns in concert have gone forth to him, these. holy words, these Rcas, songs and eulo 13 This newest eulogy will I speak forth to him, the Ancient One who loves it. May he hear our voice. 14 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up,− 15 Into thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle.

2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this praise−song− 3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to deceive the wicked, 4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors of all being, 5 May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e'en in danger. 6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and thornless. 7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all hatred. 8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their functions in the Gods' assembly. 9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three bright heavenly regions. 10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals. 11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the west, Adityas. 12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting blessings prosper, 13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the waters rich with pasture. 14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against you. 15 For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives most highly favoured. 16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out against the foe, Adityas, 17 May1 not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's destitution.

2 All manliness that is in heaven, with the Five Tribes, or in mid−air, 3 Remember Kanva first of all among the singers, Asvins, who 4 Asvins, for you with song of praise this hot oblation is effused, 5 Whatever ye have done in floods, in the tree, Wonder−Workers, and in growing plants, 6 What force, Nasatyas, ye exert, whatever, Gods, ye tend and heal, 7 Now hath the Rsi splendidly thought out the Asvins' hymn of praise. 8 Ye Asvins, now ascend your car that lightly rolls upon its way. 9 When, O Nasatyas, we this day make you speed hither with our hymns, 10 As erst Kaksivan and the Rsi Vyasva, as erst Dirghatamas invoked your presence, 11 Come as home−guardians, saving us from foemen, guarding our living creatures and our bodies, 12 Whether with Indra ye be faring, Asvins, or resting in one dwelling−place with Vayu, 13 When I, O Asvins, call on you to−day that I may gather strength, 14 Now come, ye Asvins, hitherward: here are oblations set for you; 15 Whatever healing balm is yours, Nisatyas, near or far away, 16 Together with the Goddess, with the Asvins' Speech have I awoke. 17 Awake the Asvins, Goddess Dawn! Up Mighty Lady of sweet strains! 18 Thou, Dawn, approaching with thy light shinest together with the Sun, 19 When yellow stalks give forth the juice, as cows from udders pour their milk, 20 Forward for glory and for strength, protection that shall conquer men, 21 When Asvins, worthy of our lauds, ye seat you in the father's house.

2 Then Agni was his name, most active to bestow, gathering up the trees with his consuming tooth; 3 Praise him, yourGod who, bird−like, rests upon a tree, scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his flo 4 Thou Everlasting, whom, far−striding fain to burn, the winds, uninterrupted, never overcome, 5 This Agni is the best of Kanvas, Kanvas' Friend, Conqueror of the foe whether afar or near. 6 Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of Jatavedas, mightiest of all, 7 Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded, excellent for conquering strength with chiefs, 8 O Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta's most potent voice reveres thee. 9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrstihavya, the Rsis, the Upastutas invoked thee. 2 Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what thou choosest of the flowing Soma. 3 Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, O Indra, let that effused among mankind delight thee. 4 Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers. 5 Dash down, outffaming their sharp flaming weapons, the strong−holds of the men urged on by demons. 6 Extend afar the votary's fame and glory, as the firm archer's strength drives off the foeman. 7 To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran Ruler, free from anger. 8 Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased with food made ready and with Soma. 9 I send sweet speech to Indra and to Agni: with hymns I speed it like a boat through waters.

42 Make Vayu glad,, for furtherance and bounty: cheer Varuna and Mitra, as they cleanse thee. 43 Flow onward righteous slayer of the wicked, driving away our enemies and sickness, 44 Pour us a fount of meath, a spring of treasure; send us a hero son and happy fortune. 45 Strong Soma, pressed, like an impetuous courser, hath flowed in stream as a flood speeding downward 46 Strong, wise, for thee who longest for his coming this Soma here flows to the bowls, O Indra. 47 He, purified with ancient vital vigour, pervading all his Daughter's forms and figures, 48 Now, chariot−borne, flow unto us, God Soma, as thou art purified flow to the saucers, 49 To feast him, flow mid song and hymn, to Vayu, flow purified to Varuna and Mitra. 50 Pour on us garments that shall clothe us meetly, send, purified, miIch−kine, abundant yielders. 51 Send to us in a stream celestial riches, send us, when thou art cleansed, what earth containeth, 52 Pour forth this wealth with this purification: flow onward to the yellow lake, O Indu. 53 Flow on for us with this purification to the famed ford of thee whose due is glory. 54 Eagerly do we pray for those two exploits, at the blue lake and Prsana, wrought in battle. 55 Thou comest unto three extended filters, and hasteriest through each one as they cleanse thee. 56 This Soma here, the Wise, the All−obtainer, flows on his way as King of all existence. 57 The Great Inviolate are kissing Indu, and singing in his place like eager sages. 58 Soma, may we, with thee as Pavamana, pile up together all our spoil in battle.

2 He who with purifying stream, effused, comes flowing hitherward, 3 The men with all−pervading song send unassailable Soma forth, 4 The Somas, very rich in sweets, for which the sieve is destined, flow, 5 Indu flows on for Indra's sake: thus have the Deities declared. 6 Inciter of the voice of song, with thousand streams the ocean flows, 7 As Pusan, Fortune, Bhaga, comes this Soma while they make him pure. 8 The dear cows lowed in joyful mood together to the gladdening drink. 9 O Pavamana, bring the juice, the mightiest, worthy to be famed, 10 For us the Soma juices flow, the drops best furtherers of our weal, 11 Effused by means of pressing−stones, upon the ox−hide visible, 12 Tlese Soma juices, skilled in song, purified, blent with milk and curd, 13 Let not the power of men restrain the voice of the outpouring juice: 14 The Friend hath wrapped him in his robe, as in his parents arms, a son. 15 That Hero who produces strength, he who hath propped both worlds apart, 16 Soma upon the ox's skin through the sheep's wool flows purified. 2 The place, near the two pressing−stones of Trita, hath he occupied, 3 Urge to three courses, on the heights of Trita, riches in a stream. 4 Even at his birth the Mothers Seven taught him, for glory, like a sage, 5 Under his sway, of one accord, are all the guileless Deities: 6 The Babe whom they who strengthen Law have generated fair to see, 7 To him, united, of themselves, come the young Parents of the rite, 8 With wisdom and with radiant eyes unbar to us the stall of heaven,

2 The will and thoughts within my breast exert their power: they yearn with love, and fly to all the regions 3 To Narasamsa and to Pusan I sing forth, unconcealable Agni kindied by the Gods. 4 How is the Sage extolled whom the loud singers praise? What voice, what hymn is used to laud Brhaspa 5 Aditi, to the birth of Daksa and the vow thou summonest the Kings Mitra and Varuna. 6 May all those vigorous Coursers listen to our cry, hearers of invocation, speeding on their way; 7 Bring ye Purandbi, bring Vayu who yokes his steeds, for friendship bring ye Pusan with your songs of 8 The thrice−seven wandering Rivers, yea, the mighty floods, the forest trees, the mountains, Agni to our 9 Let the great Streams come hither with their mighty help, Sindhu, Sarasvati, and Sarayu with waves. 10 And let Brhaddiva, the Mother, hear our call, and Tvastar, Father, with the Goddesses and Dames. 11 Pleasant to look on as a dwelling rich in food is the blest favour of the Maruts, Rudra's Sons. 12 The thought which ye, O Maruts, Indra and ye Gods have given to me, and ye, Mitra and Varuna,− 13 O Maruts, do ye never, never recollect and call again to mind this our relationship? 14 The Mothers, Heaven and Earth, those mighty Goddesses, worthy of sacrifice, ecune with the race of 15 This invocation wins all good that we desire Brhaspati, highly−praised Aramati, are here, 16 Thus hath the sage, skilled in loud singers' duties, desiring riches, yearning after treasure, 17 Thus hath the thoughtful sage the son of Plati, praised you, O Aaiti and all Adityas.

2 With Bow let us win kine, with Bow the battle, with Bow be victors in our hot encounters. 3 Close to his car, as fain to speak, She presses, holding her well−loved Friend in her embraces. 4 These, meeting like a woman and her lover, bear, mother−like, their child upon their bosom. 5 With many a son, father of many daughters, He clangs and clashes as he goes to battle. 6 Upstanding in the Car the skilful Charioteer guides his strong Horses on whithersoe'er he will. 7 Horses whose hoofs rain dust are neighing loudly, yoked to the Chariots, showing forth their vigour, 8 Car−bearer is the name of his oblation, whercon are laid his Weapons and his Armour. 9 In sweet association lived the fathers who gave us life, profound and strong in trouble, 10 The Brahmans, and the Fathers meet for Soma−draughts, and, graciously inclined, unequalled Heaven 11 Her tooth a deer, dressed in an eagle's feathers, bound with cow−hide, launched forth, She flieth onwar 12 Avoid us thou whose flight is straight, and let our bodies be as stone. 13 He lays his blows upon their backs, he deals his blows upon their thighs. 14 It compasses the arm with serpent windings, fending away the friction of the bowstring: 15 Now to the Shaft with venom smeared, tipped with deer−horn, with iron mouth, 16 Loosed from the Bowstring fly away, thou Arrow, sharpened by our prayer. 17 There where the flights of Arrows fall like boys whose locks are yet unshorn. 18 Thy vital parts I cover with thine Armour: with immortality King Soma clothe thee. 19 Whoso would kill us, whether he be a strange foe or one of us,

2 Come now, ye Asvins, on your car decked with a sun−bright canopy, 3 Come hither from the Nahusas, come, drawn by pure hymns, from mid−air. 4 Come to us hither from the heavens, come from mid−air, well−loved by us: 5 Come, Asvins, to give car to us, to drink the Soma, Asvins, come. 6 As, Heroes, in the olden time the Rsis called you to their aid, 7 Even from the luminous sphere of heaven come to us, ye who find the light, 8 Do others more than we adore the Asvins with their hymns of praise? 9 The holy singer with his hymns hath called you, Asvins, hither−ward; 10 What time, ye Lords of ample wealth, the Lady mounted on your car, 11 Come thence, O Asvins, on your car that hath a thousand ornaments: 12 Cheerers of many, rich in goods, discoverers of opulence, 13 O Asvins, grant us all rich gifts wherewith no man mav interfere. 14 Whether, Nasatyas, ye be nigh, or whether ye be far away, 15 Vatsa the Rsi with his songs, Nasatyas, hath exalted you: 16 Bestow on him, O Asvins, food that strengthens, and that drops with oil, 17 Come to us, ye who slay the foe, Lords of rich treasure, to this hymn. 18 The Priyamedhas have invoked you with all succours that are yours, 19 Come to us, Asvins, ye Who bring felicity, auspicious Ones, 20 Aid us, O Heroes, for those hymns for which ye helped GoSarya erst, 21 And favoured Trasadasyu, ye Heroes, in spoil−deciding fray: 22 O Asvins, may pure hymns of ours, and songs and praises, honour you: 23 Three places of the Asvins, erst concealed, are made apparent now. Both

like Heroes, dazzling and impetuous, wear 8 The pivot of the Sobharis' chariot within the golden box is balmed with milk. 9 Bring, ye who sprinkle balmy drops. oblations to your vigorous Marut company, 10 Come hither, O ye Mares, on your stronghorsed car, solid in look, with solid naves. 11 Their decoration is the same: their omaments of gold are bright upon their arms; 12 They toil not to defend their bodies from attack, strong Heroes with their mighty arms. 13 Whose name extendeth like a sea, alone, resplendent, so that all have joy in it, 14 Pay honour to these Maruts and sing praise to them, for of the wheel−spokes of the car 15 Blest by your favouring help was he, O Maruts, at the earlier flushings of the morn, 16 The strong man to whose sacrifice, O Heroes, ye approach that ye may taste thereof, 17 Even as Rudra's Sons, the brood of the Creator Dyaus, the Asura, desire, 18 And these the bounteous, worthy of the Maruts who move onward pouring down the rain− 19 O Sobhari, with newest song sing out unto the youthful purifying Bulls, 20 Who, like a celebrated boxer, overcome the challengers in every fight: 21 Allied by common ancestry, ye Maruts, even the Cows, alike in energy, 22 Even mortal man, ye Dancers breast adorned with gold, attains to brotherhood with you. 23 O Maruts, rich in noble gifts, bring us a portion of the Maruts' medicine, 24 Haters of those who serve you not, bliss−bringers, bring us bliss with those auspicious aids 25 Maruts, who rest on fair trimmed grass, what balm soever Sindhu or Asikni hath, 26 Ye carry on your bodies, ye who see it all: so bless us graciously therewith.

2 He who with dainty food hath won you, Indra and Varuna, Gods, as his allies to friendship, 3 Indra and Varuna are most liberal givers of treasure to the men who toil to serve them, 4 Indra and Varuna, ye hurl, O Mighty, on him your strongest flashing bolt of thunder 5 O Indra−Varuna, be ye the lovers of this my song, as steers who love the milch−Cow. 6 For fertile fields, for worthy sons and grandsons, for the Sun's beauty and for steer−like vigour, 7 For you, as Princes, for your ancient kindness, good comrades of the man who seeks for booty, 8 Showing their strength, these hymns for grace, Free−givers I have gone to you, devoted, as to battle. 9 To Indra and to Varuna, desirous of gaining wealth have these my thoughts proceeded. 10 May we ourselves be lords of during riches, of ample sustenance for car and hones. 11 Come with your mighty succours, O ye Mighty; come, Indra−Varuna, to us in battle. 2 I am King Varuna. To me were given these first existinghigh celestial powers. 3 I Varuna am Indra: in their greatness, these the two wide deep fairly−fashioned regions, 4 I made to flow the moisture−shedding waters, and set the heaven firm in the scat of Order. 5 Heroes with noble horses, fain for battle, selected warriors, call on me in combat. 6 All this I did. The Gods' own conquering power never impedeth me whom none opposeth. 7 All beings know these deeds of thine thou tellest this unto Varuna, thou great Disposer! 8 Our fathers then were these, the Seven his, what time the son of Durgaha was captive. 9 The spouse of Purukutsa gave oblations to you, O Indra−Varuna, with homage. 10 May we, possessing much, delight in riches, Gods in oblations and the kine in pasture;

4 The new−born Vrtra−slayer asked his Mother, as he seized his shaft, 5 Savasi answered, He who seeks thine enmity will battle like 6 And hear, O Maghavan; to him who craves of thee thou grantest all 7 What time the Warrior Indra goes to battle, borne by noble steeds, 8 Repel, O Thunder−armed, in all directions all attacks on us: 9 May Indra set our car in front, in foremost Place to win the spoil, 10 Thine enmity may we escape, and, gakra, for thy bounty, rich 11 Softly approaching, Thunder−armed wealthy by hundreds, rich in steeds, 12 For thine exalted excellence gives to thy worshippers each day 13 Indra, we know thee breaker−down even of trong forts, winner of spoil, 14 Though thou art highest, Sage and Bold let the drops cheer thee when we come 15 Bring unto us the treasure of the opulent man who, loth to give, 16 Indra, these friends of ours, supplied with Soma, wait and look to thee, 17 And thee who art not deaf, whose cars are quick to listen, for our aid, 18 When thou hast listened, make our call one which thou never wilt forget, 19 When even now, when we have been in trouble, we have thought of thee, 20 O Lord of Strength, we rest on thee, as old men rest upon a staff: 21 To Indra sing a song of praise, Hero of mighty valour, him 22 Hero, the Soma being shed, I pour the juice for thee to drink: 23 Let not the fools, or those who mock beguile thee when they seek thine aid 24 Here let them with rich milky draught cheer thee to great munificence: 25 Proclaim in our assemblies what deeds, new and ancient, far away, 26 In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank Kadru's Soma juice:

7 Sing forth your songs, as Vyasva sang, to Soma Pavamana, to, 8 Whose coloured sap they drive with stones, the yellow meath−distilling juice, 9 We seek to gain the friendly love of thee that Strong and Mighty One, 10 Flow onward with thy stream, a Steer, inspiriting the Maruts' Lord, 11 I send thee forth to battle from the press, O Pavamana, Strong, 12 Acknowledged by this song of mine, flow, tawny−coloured, with thy stream 13 O Indu, visible to all pour out for us abundant food: 14 The pitchers, Indu, with thy streams have sung aloud in vigorous might 15 O thou whose potent gladdening juice they milk out with the stones, flow on, 16 King Pavamana is implored with holy songs, on man's behalf, 17 Bring us, O Indu, hundredfold increase of kine, and noble steeds, 18 Pressed for the banquet of the Gods, O Soma, bring us might, and speed, 19 Soma, flow on exceeding bright with loud roar to the wooden vats, 20 Soma, the Water−winner flows to Indra, Vayu, Varuna, 21 Soma, bestowing food upon our progeny, from every sides, 22 The Soma juices which have been expressed afar or near at hand, 23 Those pressed among Arjikas, pressed among the active, in men's homes, 24 May these celestial drops, expressed, pour forth upon us, as they flow, 25 Urged forward o'er the ox−hide flows the Lovely One of tawny hue, 26 Like horses urged to speed, the drops, bright, stirring vital power, when blent 27 So they who toil with juices send thee forward for the Gods' repast: 28 We choose to−day that chariot−steed of thine, the Strong, that brings us bliss, 29 The Excellent, the Gladdener, the Sage with heart that understands, 30 Who for ourselves, O thou Most Wise, is wealth and fair intelligence,

2 Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a share in holy rites. 3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice; 4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o'ertakes not him who offers gifts to thee. 5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double−tongued have overcome the man,− 6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise. 7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant, rapacious man,− 8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who loveth us. 9 Through thee, kind −prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of Men which all desire: 10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest power of life. 11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle−cry, consumer of the foe, victorious in the strife, 12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might mid lords, would 13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and reverently adored, 14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned thee in thy manifested mi 15 Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk effectual, splendid, 16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of him who sits at ease, 17 For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o'er all the things that be 18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst the stall of kine. 19 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our children.

2 Swift and impetuous art thou, wondrous amid the well−dressed folk: 3 Even with the weak thou smitest down him 4 O Indra, we are close to thee; to thee we sing aloud our songs: 5 As such, O Caster of the Stone, come with thy succours wonderful, 6 May we be friends of one like thee, O Indra, with the wealth of kine, 7 For thou, O Indra, art alone the Lord of strength that comes from kine 8 They turn thee not another way, when, lauded, Lover of the Song, 9 The Gotamas have sung their song of praise to thee that thou mayst give, 10 We will declare thy hero deeds, what Disa forts thou brakest down, 11 The sages sing those manly deeds which, Indra, Lover of the Song, 12 Indra, the Gotamas who bring thee praises have grown strong by thee. 13 For, Indra, verily thou art the general treasure even of all. 14 Excellent Indra, turn to us: glad thee among us with the juice 15 May praise from us who think Qn thee, O Indra, bring thee near to us. 16 Eat of our sacrificial cake: rejoice thee in the songs we sing. 17 To India for a thousand steeds well−trained and fleet of foot we pray, 18 We make a hundred of thy kine, yea, and a thousand, hasten nigh: 19 We have obtained, a gift from thee, ten water−ewers wrought of gold: 20 A bounteous Giver, give us much, bring much and not a trifling gift: 21 O Vrtra−slayer, thou art famed in many a place as bountiful 22 I praise thy pair of Tawny Steeds, wise Son of him who giveth kine 23 Like two slight images of girls, unrobed, upon a new−wrought post, 24 For me the Bays are ready when I start, or start not, with the dawn, Innocuous in the ways they take.

2 Like Heroes on your will−yoked car farshining, Wonder−Workers! ye 3 By you, O Lords of ample wealth our songs of praise have been observed: 4 Kanvas must praise the Asvins dear to many, making many glad, 5 Most liberal, best at winning strength, inciters, Lords of splendour who 6 So for devout Sudeva dew with fatness his unfailing mead, 7 Hitherward running speedily with horses, as with rapid hawks, 8 Wherewith the three wide distances, and all the lights that are in heaven. 9 O Finders of the Day, that we may win us food of kine and wealth, 10 O Asvins, bring us wealth in kine, in noble heroes, and in cars: 11 Ye Lords of splendour, glorified, ye Wonder−Workers borne on paths 12 To us, ye Lords of ample wealth, and to our wealth chiefs extend 13 Come quickly downward to the prayer of people whom ye favour most: 14 Ye Asvins whom our minds perceive, drink of this lovely gladdening draught, 15 Bring riches hither unto us in hundreds and in thousands, source 16 Verily sages call on you, ye Heroes, in full many a place. 17 Men who have trimmed the sacred grass, bringing oblations and prepared, 18 May this our hymn of praise to−day, most powerful to bring you, be, 19 The skin filled full of savoury meath, laid in the pathway of your car− 20 For this, ye Lords of ample wealth, bring blessing for our herd, our kine, 21 Ye too unclose to us like doors the strengthening waters of the sky, 22 When did the son of' Tugra serve you, Men? Abandoned in the sea, 23 Ye, O Nasatyas, ministered to Kanva with repeated aid, 24 Come near with those most recent aids of yours which merit eulogy, 25 As ye protected Kanva erst, Priyamedha and Upastuta, 26 And Amsu in decisive fight, Agastya in the fray for kine.

2 In whom the hymns of praise delight, and all the glory−giving songs. 3 Him I invite with eulogy, best King, effective in the fight, 4 Whose perfect ecstasies are wide, profound, victorious, and give 5 Him, when the spoils of war are staked, men call to be their advocate: 6 Men honour him with stirring songs and magnify with solemn rites: 7 1ndra is priest and Rsi, he is much invoked by many men, 8 Meet to be lauded and invoked, true Hero with his deeds of might, 9 The men, the people magnify that Indra with their Slina. songs, 10 Him who advances them to wealth, sends light to lead them in the war, 11 May he, the saviour much−invoked, may Indra bear us in a ship 12 As such, O Indra, honour us with gifts of booty, further us, 2 O Indra, let thy long−maned Bays, yoked by prayer, bring thee hitherward 3 We Soma−bearing Brahmans call thee Soma−drinker with thy friend, 4 Come unto us who bring the juice, come unto this our eulogy, 5 I pour it down within thee, so through all thy members let it spread: 6 Sweet to thy body let it be, delicious be the savoury juice: 7 Like women, let this Soma−draught, invested with its robe, approach, 8 Indra, transported with the juice, vast in his bulk, strong in his neck 9 O Indra, go thou forward, thou who rulest over all by might: 10 Long be thy grasping−hook wherewith thou givest ample wealth to him 11 Here, Indra, is thy Soma−draught, made pure upon the sacred grass: 12 Famed for thy radiance, worshipped well this juice is shed for thy delight 13 To Kundapayya, grandson's son, grandson of Srngavrs! to thee, 14 Strong pillar thou, Lord of the home armour of Soma−offerers: 15 Holy Prdikusanu, winner of the spoil, one eminent o'er many men,

1 INDRA and Agni I invoke fain are we for their song of praise 2 Praise ye, O men, and glorify Indra−Agni in the holy rites: 3 Indra and Agni we invite, the Soma−drinkers, for the fame 4 Strong Gods, we bid them come to this libation that stands ready here: 5 Indra and Agni, mighty Lords of our assembly, crush the fiends: 6 Watch ye, through this your truthfulness, there in the place of spacious view 1 WAKEN the Asvin Pair who yoke their car at early morn: may they 2 We call the Asvins Twain, the Gods borne in a noble car, the best 3 Dropping with honey is your whip, Asvins, and full of pleasantness 4 As ye go thither in your car, not far, O Asvins, is the home 5 For my protection I invoke the golden−handed Savitar. 6 That he may send us succour, praise the Waters' Offspring Savitar: 7 We call on him, distributer of wondrous bounty and of wealth, 8 Come hither, friends, and seat yourselves Savitar, to be praised by us, 9 O Agni, hither bring to us the willing Spouses of the Gods, 10 Most youthful Agni, hither bring their Spouses, Hotra, Bharati, 11 Spouses of Heroes, Goddesses, with whole wings may they come to us 12 Indrani, Varunani, and Agnayi hither I invite, 13 May Heaven and Earth, the Mighty Pair, bedew for us our sacrifice, 14 Their water rich with fatness, there in the Gandharva's steadfast place, 15 Thornless be thou, O Earth, spread wide before us for a dwelling−place: 16 The Gods be gracious unto us even from the place whence Visnu strode 17 Through all this world strode Visnu; thrice his foot he planted, and the whole 18 Visnu, the Guardian, he whom none deceiveth, made three steps; thenceforth 19 Look ye on Visnu's works, whereby the Friend of Indra, close−allied, 20 The princes evermore behold that loftiest place where Visnu is, 21 This, Vishnu's station most sublime, the singers, ever vigilant,

2 That car of yours, swifter than thought, O Asvins, which drawn by brave steeds cometh to the people, 3 Ye freed sage Atri, whom the Five Tribes honoured, from the strait pit, ye Heroes with his people, 4 Rebha the sage, ye mighty Heroes, Asvins! whom, like a horse, vile men had sunk in water,− 5 Ye brought forth Vandana, ye Wonder−Workers, for triumph, like fair gold that hath been buried, 6 Kaksivan, Pajra's son, must laud that exploit of yours, Nasatyas, Heroes, ye who wander! 7 To Krsna's son, to Visvaka who praised you, O Heroes, ye restored his son Visnapu. 8 Rusati, of the mighty people, Asvins, ye gave to Syava of the line of Kanva. 9 O Asvins, wearing many forms at pleasure, on Pedu ye bestowed a fleet−foot courser, 10 These glorious things are yours, ye Bounteous Givers; prayer, praise in both worlds are your habitation 11 Hymned with the reverence of a son, O Asvins ye Swift Ones giving booty to the singer, 12 Ye Sons of Heaven, ye Mighty, whither went ye, sought ye, for his fair praise the home of Kdvya. 13 Ye with the aid of your great powers, O Asvins, restored to youth the ancient man Cyavana. 14 Ye, ever−youthful Ones, again remembered Tugra, according to your ancient manner: 15 The son of Tugra had invoked you, Asvins; borne on he went uninjured through the ocean. 16 The quail had invocated you, O Asvins, when from the wolf's devouring jaws ye freed her. 17 He whom for furnishing a hundred wethers to the she−wolf, his wicked father blinded, 18 To bring the blind man joy thus cried the she−wolf: O Asvins, O ye Mighty Ones, O Heroes, 19 Great and weal−giving is your aid, O Asvins, ye, objects of all thought, made whole the cripple. 20 Ye, Wonder−Workers, filled with milk for Sayu the milkless cow, emaciated, barren; 21 Ploughing and sowing barley, O ye Asvins, milking out food for men, ye Wonder−Workers, 22 Ye brought the horse's head, Asvins, and gave it unto Dadhyac the offspring of Atharvan.

2 Verily no one knoweth whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other's birth. 3 They strew each other with their blasts, these Hawks: they strove together, roaring like the wind. 4 A sage was he who knew these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Prsni bore. 5 Ever victorious, through the Maruts, be this band of Heroes, nursing manly strength, 6 Most bright in splendour, flectest on their way, close−knit to glory, strong with varied power. 7 Yea, mighty is your power and firm your strength: so, potent, with the Maruts, be the band. 8 Bright is your spirit, wrathful are your minds: your bold troop's minstrel is like one inspired. 9 Ever avert your blazing shaft from us, and let not your displeasure reach us here 10 Your dear names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud till we are satisfied. 11 Well−armed, impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves, their forms, with oblations: to you, the pu 12 Pure, Maruts, pure yourselves, are your oblations: to you, the pure, pure sacrifice I offer. 13 Your rings, O Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains of gold are twined upon your bosoms. 14 Wide in the depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most adorable, ye bear your titles. 15 If, Maruts, ye regard the praise recited here at this mighty singer invocation, 16 The Maruts, fleet as coursers, while they deck them like youths spectators of a festal meeting, 17 So may the Maruts help us and be gracious, bringing free room to lovely Earth and Heaven. 18 The priest, when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising in song your universal bounty. 19 These Maruts bring the swift man to a stand−still, and strength with mightier strength they break and 20 These Maruts rouse even the poor and needy: the Vasus love him as an active champion. 21 Never, O Maruts, may we lose your bounty, nor, car−borne Lords! be hitidmost when ye deal it. 22 What time the men in fury rush together for running streams, for pastures, and for houses.

2 For, Hurler of the Bolt, we know thee true, the giver of our food, 3 O thou whose majesty the bards celebrate with their songs, thou Lord, 4 Fair guidance hath the mortal man whom Aryaman, the Marut host, 5 Kine, steeds, and hero strength he gains, and prospers, by the Adityas sped, 6 We pray to Indra for his gift, to him the Fearless and the Strong, 7 For verily combined in him are all the fearless powers of aid. 8 Yea, that most excellent carouse, Indra, which slays most enemies, 9 Which merits fame, all−bountiful! and, unsubdued, hath victory in deeds of might. 10 Responding to our wish for cows, for steeds, and chariots, as of old, 11 For, Hero, nowhere can I find the bounds of thy munificence. 12 High, glorifier of his friend, he knows all generations, he whom many praise. 13 Be he our Champion and Protector in great deeds, rich in all wealth, the Vrtra−slayer, Maghavan. 14 In the wild raptures of the juice sing to your Hero with high laud, to him the Wise, 15 Thou givest wealth to me myself, thou givest treasure, Excellent! and the strong steed, 16 Him, Sovran Ruler of all precious things, who even hath power o'er this fair form of his, 17 We praise, so that the Mighty One may speed to you, Pourer of boun ies, Traveller, prepared to go. 18 We in the sacrifice perform their will whose voice is lifted high, 19 O Indra, Mightiest, bring us that which crushes men of evil minds, 20 O Winner, noble winner, strong, wondrous, most splendid, excellent, 21 Now let the godless man approach who hath received reward so great 22 Steeds sixty thousand and ten thousand kine, and twenty hundred camels I obtained; 23 Ten browns that make my wealth increase, fleet steeds whose tails are long and fair, 24 The gifts which Prthusravas gave, Kanita's son munificent. 25 Come thou to this great rite of ours, Vayu! to give us vigorous light.

2 Let Indra drink, O Soma, of thy juice for wisdom, and all Deities for strength. 3 So flow thou on as bright celestial juice, flow to the vast, immortal dwelling−place. 4 Flow onward, Soma, as a mighty sea, as Father of the Gods to every form. 5 Flow on, O Soma, radiant for the Gods and Heaven and Earth and bless our progeny. 6 Thou, bright Juice, art Sustainer of the sky: flow, mighty, in accordance with true Law. 7 Soma, flow splendid with thy copious stream through the great fleece as in the olden time. 8 Bom, led by men, joyous, and purified, let the Light−finder make all blessings flow: 9 Indu, while cleansed, keeping the people safe, shall give us all possessions for our own. 10 Flow on for wisdom, Soma, and for power, as a strong courser bathed, to win the prize. 11 The pressers purify this juice of thine, the Soma, for delight, and lofty fame 12 They deck the Gold−hued Infant, newlyborn, even Soma, Indu, in the sieve for Gods. 13 Fair Indu hath flowed on for rapturous joy, Sage for good fortune in the waters' lap. 14 He bears the beauteous name of Indra, that wherewith he overcame all demon foes. 15 All Deities are wont to drink of him, pressed by the men and blent with milk and curds. 16 He hath flowed forth with thousand streams effused, flowed ihsough the filter and the sheep's long wo 17 With endless genial flow the Strong hath run, purified by the waters, blent with milk. 18 Pressed out with stones, directed by the men, go fortli, O Soma, into Indra's throat. 19 The mighty Soma with a thousand streams is poured to Indra through the cleansing sieve. 20 Indu they balm with pleasant milky juice for Indra, for the Steer, for his delight. 21 Lightly, for sheen, they cleanse thee for the Gods, gold−coloured, wearing water as thy robe. 22 Indu to Indra streams, yea, downward streams, Strong, flowing to the floods, and mingling −there.

2 With all the Holy Thoughts, all being Mighty Ones! in close alliance wil the Mountains, Heaven, and E 3 With all the Deities, three times eleven, here, in close alliance with the Maruts, Bhrgus, Floods; 4 Accept the sacrifice, attend to this my call: come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 5 Accept our praise−song as a youth accepts a maid. Come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 6 Accept the songs we sing, accept the solemn rite. Conie nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. 7 Ye fly as starlings fly unto the forest trees; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 8 Ye fly like swans, like those who travel on their way; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 9 Ye fly to our oblation like a pair of hawks; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. 10 Come hitherward and drink and satisfy yourselves, bestow upon us progeny and affluence. 11 Conquer your foes, protect us, praise your worshippers; bestow upon us progeny and affluence. 12 Slay enemies, animate men whom ye befriend; bestow upon us progeny and aff luence. 13 With Mitra, Varuna, Dharma, and the Maruts in your company approach unto your praiser's call. 14 With Visnu and the Angirases attending you, and with the Maruts come unto your praiser's call. 15 With Rbhus and With Vajas. O ye Mighty Ones, leagued with the Maruts come ye to your praiser's cal 16 Give spirit to our prayer and animate our thoughts; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. 17 Strengthen the Ruling Power, strengthen the men of war; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease. 18 Give strength unto the milch−kine, give the people strength, slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disea 19 As ye heard Atri's earliest eulogy, so hear Syavasva, Soma−presser, ye who reel in joy. 20 Further like running streams Syavasva's eulogies who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. 21 Seize, as ye grasp the reins, Syavasva's solemn rites who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy.

1 WHY hath the Best, why hath the Youngest come to us? Upon what embassy comes he? What have we 2 The chalice that is single make ye into four: thus have the Gods commanded; therefore am I come. 3 What to the envoy Agni in reply ye spake, A courser must be made, a chariot fashioned here, 4 When thus, O Rbhus, ye had done ye questioned thus, Whither went he who came to us a messenger? 5 As Tvastar thus had spoken, Let us slay these men who have reviled the chalice, drinking−cup of Gods, 6 Indra hath yoked his Bays, the Asvins' car is horsed, Brhaspati hath brought the Cow of every hue. 7 Ye by your wisdom brought a cow from out a hide; unto that ancient Pair ye gave again their youth. 8 Drink ye this water, were the words ye spake to them; or drink ye this, the rinsing of the Munja−grass. 9 Most excellent are waters, thus said one of you; most excellent is Agni, thus another said. 10 One downward to the water drives the crippled cow, another trims the flesh brought on the carving−bo 11 On the high places ye have made the grass for man, and water in the valleys, by your skill, O Men. 12 As, compassing them round, ye glided through the worlds, where had the venerable Parents their abod 13 When ye had slept your fill, ye Rbhus, thus ye asked, O thou whom naught may hide, who now hath 14 The Maruts move in heaven, on earth this Agni; through the mid−firmament the Wind approaches. 2 What time they bear before the Courser, covered with trappings and with wealth, the grasped oblation, 3 Dear. to all Gods, this goat, the share of Pusan, is first led forward with the vigorous Courser, 4 When thrice the men lead round the Steed, in order, who goeth to the Gods as meet oblation, 5 Invoker, ministering priest, atoner, fire−kindler Soma−presser, sage, reciter, 6 The hewers of the post and those who carry it, and those who carve the knob to deck the Horse's stake; 7 Forth, for the regions of the Gods, the Charger with his smooth back is come my prayer attends him.

2 Washed by the men, pressed out with stones, strained through the filter made of wool, 3 This juice have we made sweet for thee like barley, blending it with milk. 4 Beloved of all, Indra alone drinks up the flowing Soma juice 5 The Friend, whom not the brilliant−hued, the badly−mixt or bitter draught, 6 While other men than we with milk chase him as hunters chase a deer, 7 For him, for Indra, for the God, be pressed three draughts of Soma juice 8 Three reservoirs exude their drops, filled are three beakers to the brim, 9 Pure art thou, set in many a place, and blended in the midst with milk 10 Here, Indra, are thy Soma−draughts pressed out by us, the strong, the pure: 11 O Indra, pour in milk, prepare the cake, and mix the Soma−draught. 12 Quaffed juices fight within the breast. The drunken praise not by their wine, 13 Rich be the praiser of one rich, munificent and famed like thee: 14 Foe of the man who adds no milk, he heeds not any chanted hymn 15 Give us not, Indra, as a prey unto the scornful or the proud: 16 This, even this, O Indra, we implore. as thy devoted friends, 17 Naught else, O Thunderer, have I praised in the skilled singer's eulogy: 18 The Gods seek him who presses out the Soma; they desire not sleep 19 Come hither swift with gifts of wealth − be not thou angry with us−like 20 Let him not, wrathful with us, spend the evening far from us to−day, 21 For well we know this Hero's love, most liberal of the boons he gives, 22 Pour forth the gift which Kanvas bring, for none more glorious do we know 23 O presser, offer Soma first to Indra, Hero, Sakra, him 24 Who, in untroubled ways, is best provider, for his worshippers. 25 Pressers, for him blend Soma juice, each draught most excellent, for him 26 The Vrtra−slayer drinks the juice. May he who gives a hundred aids 27 May the strong Bay Steeds, yoked by prayer, bring hither unto us our Friend, 28 Sweet are the Soma juices, come! Blent are the Soma juices, come!

2 For here, like flies on honey, these who pray to thee sit by the juice that they have poured. 3 Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the strong right hand, 4 These Soma juices, mixed with curd, have been expressed for Indra here. 5 May he whose ear is open hear us. He is asked for wealth: will he despise our prayer? 6 The hero never checked by men hath gained his strength through Indra, he 7 When thou dost drive the fighting men together be, thou Mighty One, the mighty's shield. 8 For Indra, Soma−drinker, armed with thunder, press the Soma juice. 9 Grudge not, ye Soma pourers; stir you, pay the rites, for wealth, to the great Conqueror. 10 No one hath overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives. 11 Indra, that man when fighting shall obtain the spoil, whose strong defender thou wilt be. 12 His portion is exceeding great like a victorious soldier's spoil. 13 Make for the Holy Gods a hymn that is not mean, but well−arranged and fair of form. 14 Indra, what mortal will attack the man who hath his wealth in thee? 15 In battles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the treasures dear to thee, 16 Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou cherishest the mid−most wealth, 17 Thou art renowned as giving wealth to every one in all the battles that are fought. 18 If I, O Indra, were the Lord of riches ample as thine own, 19 Each day would I enrich the man who sang my praise, in whatsoever place he were. 20 With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the spoil. 21 A moral wins no riches by unworthy praise: wealth comes not to the niggard churl. 22 Like kine unmilked we call aloud, Hero, to thee, and sing thy praise, 23 None other like to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been or ever will be born. 24 Bring, Indra, the Victorious Ones; bring, elder thou, the younger host. 25 Drive thou away our enemies, O Maghavan: make riches easy to be won. 26 O Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons.

2 O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own, 3 Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help, 4 These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused. 5 These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste, 6 In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods. 7 If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds, 8 Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby. 9 What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley−brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby. 10 O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby. 11 O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts,

2 In aspect he is like the Sun; he runneth forward to the lakes, 3 He, shining in his splendour, stands high over all things that exist− 4 Thou, Indu, in thy brilliancy, pourest on us, as Indra's Friend,