Rig Veda on Fear

2 O thou who castest forth the stones crushing the sorceresses' heads, 3 Do thou, O Maghavan, beat off these sorceresses' daring strength. 4 Of whom thou hast ere now destroyed thrice−fifty with thy fierce attacks. 5 O Indra, crush and bray to bits the fearful fiery−weaponed fiend: 6 Tear down the mighty ones. O Indra, hear thou us. For heaven hath glowed like earth in fear, O 7 The pourer of libations gains the home of wealth, pouring his gift conciliates hostilities, yea, the hostiliti

2 Like a dread wild beast roaming on the mountain thou hast approached us from the farthest distance. 3 Thou, mighty Indra, sprangest into being as strength for lovely lordship o'er the people.

2 He smites the trees apart, he slays the demons: all life fears him who wields the mighty weapon. 3 Like a car−driver whipping on his horses, he makes the messengers of rain spring forward. 4 Forth burst the winds, down come the lightning−flashes: the plants shoot up, the realm of light is stream 5 Thou at whose bidding earth bows low before thee, at whose command hoofed cattle fly in terror, 6 Send down for us the rain of heaven, ye Maruts, and let the Stallion's flood descend in torrents. 7 Thunder and roar: the germ of life deposit. Fly round us on thy chariot waterladen. 8 Lift up the mighty vessel, pour down water, and let the liberated streams rush forward. 9 When thou, with thunder and with roar, Parjanya, smitest sinners down, 10 Thou hast poured down the rain−flood now withhold it. Thou hast made desert places fit for travel.

1 I GLORIFY that Ram who finds the light of heaven, whose hundred nobly−natured ones go forth with h 2 Like as a mountain on firm basis, unremoved, he, thousandfold protector, waxed in mighty strength, Wh 5 To him, as in wild joy he fought with him who stayed the rain, his helpers sped like swift streams down 6 Splendour encompassed thee, forth shone thy warrior might: the rain−obstructer lay in mid−air's lowest 7 The hymns which magnify thee, Indra, reach to thee even as water−brooks flow down and fill the lake. 8 When, Indra, thou whose power is linked with thy Bay Steeds hadst smitten Vrtra, causing floods to flo 9 In fear they raised the lofty self−resplendent hymn, praise giving and effectual, leading up to heaven, 10 Then Heaven himself, the mighty, at that Dragon's roar reeled back in terror when, Indra, thy thunderb 11 O Indra, were this earth extended forth tenfold, and men who dwell therein multiplied day by day, 12 Thou, bold of heart, in thine own native might, for help, upon the limit of this mid−air and of heaven, 13 Thou art the counterpart of earth, the Master of lofty heaven with all its mighty Heroes: 14 Whose amplitude the heaven and earth have not attained, whose bounds the waters of mid−air have ne 15 The Maruts sang thy praise in this encounter, and in thee all the Deities delighted,

2 He offers safety like a pleasant home, like ripened corn, the Conqueror of men. 3 With flame insatiate, like eternal might; caring for each one like a dame at home; 4 He strikes with terror like a dart shot forth, e'en like an archer's arrow tipped with flame; 5 To him lead all your ways: may we attain the kindled God as cows their home at eve.

2 He, bearing in his hand all manly might, crouched in the cavern, struck the Gods with fear. 3 He, like the Unborn, holds the broad earth up; and with effective utterance fixed the sky. 4 Whoso hath known him dwelling in his lair, and hath approached the stream of holy Law,− 5 He who grows mightily in herbs, within each fruitful mother and each babe she bears,

2 Heaven trembled at the birth of thine effulgence; Earth trembled at the fear of thy displeasure. 3 Hurling his bolt with might he cleft the mountain, while, putting forth his strength, he showed his vigou 4 Thy Father Dyaus esteemed himself a hero: most noble was the work of Indra's Maker, 5 He who alone o'erthrows the world of creatures, Indra the peoples' King, invoked of many− 6 All Soma juices are his own for ever, most gladdening draughts are ever his, the Mighty, 7 Moreover, when thou first wast born, O Indra, thou struckest terror into all the people. 8 The ever−slaying, bold and furious Indra, the bright bolt's Lord, infinite, strong and mighty, 9 Alone renowned as Maghavan in battles, he frighteneth away assembled armies. 10 Renowned is he when conquering and when slaying: 'fis he who winneth cattle in the combat. 11 Indra hath won all kine, all gold, all horses,−Maghavan, he who breaketh forts in pieces; 12 What is the care of Indra for his Mother, what cares he for the Father who begat him? 13 Maghavan makes the settled man unsettled: he scatters dust that he hath swept together, 14 He urged the chariot−wheel of Surya forward: Etasa, speeding on his way, he rested. 15 As in the night the sacrificing priest. 16 Eager for booty, craving strength and horses, we−singers stir Indra, the strong, for friendship, 17 Be thou our guardian, show thyself our kinsman, watching and blessing those who pour the Soma; 18 Be helping Friend of those who seek thy friendship. give life, when lauded, Indra, to the singer. 19 Alone, when Indra Maghavan is lauded, he slayeth many ne'er−resisted Vrtras. 20 E’en so let Maghavan, the loud−voiced Indra, give us true blessings, foeless, men's upholder. 21 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell high like rivers for the singer.

2 For this his mighty deed is Visnu lauded, like some wild beast, dread, prowling, mountain−roaming; 3 Let the hymn lift itself as strength to Visnu, the Bull far−striding, dwelling on the mountains, 4 Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperishable, joy as it may list them, 5 May I attain to that his well−loved mansion where men devoted to the Gods are happy. 6 Fain would we go unto your dwelling−places where there are many−horned and nimble oxen,

2 Lord of Bay Horses, Hero, may the Soma rise to thy cheeks and jaws like mountain−ridges. 3 Invoked of many, Caster of the Stone my heart quakes like a rolling wheel for fear of penury. 4 Like the press−stone is this thy praiser, Indra. Loudly he lifts his voice with strong endeavour. 5 May the strong Heaven make thee the Strong wax stronger: Strong, thou art borne by thy two strong Ba 6 Maruts, let all the people in obeisance bow down before this youthful Srutaratha,

1 ALL sacred songs have magnified Indra expansive as the sea, 2 Strong in thy friendship, Indra, Lord of power and might, we have no fear. 3 The gifts of Indra from of' old, his saving succours, never fail, 4 Crusher of forts, the young, the wise, of strength unmeasured, was he born 5 Lord of the thunder, thou didst burst the cave of Vala rich in cows. 6 I, Hero, through thy bounties am come to the flood addressing thee. 7 The wily Susna, Indra! thou o'er−threwest with thy wondrous powers. 8 Our songs of praise have glorified Indra who ruleth by his might,

2 The various doings of all mortal people by thee are ordered, in thy wisdom, Indra. 3 That spear of thine sat firm for us, O Indra: the Maruts set their whole dread power in motion. 4 Vouchsafe us now that opulence, O Indra, as guerdon won by mightiest donation. 5 With thee, O Indra, are most bounteous riches that further every one who lives uprightly. 6 Bring forth the Men who rain down boons, O Indra: exert thee in the great terrestrial region; 7 Heard is the roar of the advancing Maruts, terrific, glittering, and swiftly moving, 8 Give to the Manas, Indra with Maruts, gifts universal, gifts of cattle foremost.

1 NE'ER is he injured whom the Gods Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 2 He prospers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full hands, enrich, 3 The Kings drive far away from him his troubles and his enemies, 4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the Law: 5 What sacrifice, Adityas, ye Heroes guide by the path direct,− 6 That mortal, ever unsubdued, gains wealth and every precious thing, 7 How, my friends, shall we prepare Aryaman's and Mitra's laud, 8 I point not out to you a man who strikes the pious, or reviles: 9 Let him not love to speak ill words: but fear the One who holds all four

2 I know not either warp or woof, I know not the web they weave when moving to the contest. 3 For both the warp and woof he understandeth, and in due time shall speak what should be spoken, 4 He is the Priest, the first of all: behold him. Mid mortal men he is the light immortal. 5 A firm light hath been set for men to look on: among all things that fly the mind is swiftest. 6 Mine ears unclose to hear, mine eye to see him; the light that harbours in my spirit broadens. 7 All the Gods bowed them down in fear before thee, Agni, when thou wast dwelling in the darkness.

2 Strong is the stone, the draught is strong, strong is this Soma that is pressed, 3 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunder−armed, with various aids, 4 Impetuous, Thunderer, Strong, quelling the mighty, King, potent, Vrtra−slayer, Soma−drinker, 5 O Surya, when the Asura's descendant Svarbhanu, pierced thee through and through with darkness, 6 What time thou smotest down Svarbhanu's magic that spread itself beneath the sky, O Indra, 7 Let not the oppressor with this dread, through anger swallow me up, for I am thine, O Atri. 8 The Brahman Atri, as he set the press−stones, serving the Gods with praise and adoration, 9 The Atris found the Sun again, him whom Svarbhanu of the brood

2 This Indra with his Marut Friends clave into pieces Vrtra's bead 3 Indra, with Marut Friends grown strong, hath rent asunder Vrtra, and 4 This is that Indra who, begirt by Maruts, won the light of heaven 5 Mighty, impetuous, begirt by Maruts, him who loudly roars, 6 Indra begirt by Maruts we invoke after the ancient plan, 7 O liberal Indra, Marut−girt, much−lauded Satakratu, drink 8 To thee, O Indra, Marut−girt, these Soma juices, Thunderer! 9 Drink, Indra, with thy Marut Friends, pressed Soma at the morning rites, 10 Arising in thy might, thy jaws thou shookest, Indra, having quaffed 11 Indra, both worlds complained to thee when uttering thy fearful roar, 12 From Indra have I measured out a song eight−footed with nine parts,

2 Grown mighty in his strength, with ample vigour, he as a foe strikes fear into the Dasa, 3 All concentrate on thee their mental vigour, what time these, twice or thrice, are thine assistants. 4 Therefore in thee too, thou who winnest riches, at every banquet are the sages joyful. 5 Proudly we put our trust in thee in battles, when we behold great wealth the prize of combat. 6 Worthy of praises, many−shaped, most skilful, most energetic, Aptya of the Aptyas: 7 Thou in that house which thy protection guardeth bestowest wealth, the higher and the lower. 8 Brhaddiva, the foremost of light−winners, repeats these holy prayers, this strength of Indra. 9 Thus hath Brhaddiva, the great Atharvan, spoken to Indra as himself in person.

2 Armed with your daggers, full of wisdom, armed with spears, armed with your quivers, armed with arro 3 From hills and heaven ye shake wealth for the worshipper: in terror at your coming low the woods bow 4 Bright with the blasts of wind, wrapped in their robes of rain, like twins of noble aspect and of lovely fo 5 Rich in adornment, rich in drops, munificent, bright in their aspect, yielding bounties that endure, 6 Borne on both shoulders, O ye Maruts, are your spears: within your arms is laid your energy and 3trengt 7 Vouchsafe to us, O Maruts, splendid bounty in cattle and in steeds, in cars and heroes. 8 Ho! Maruts, Heroes, skilled in Law, immortal, be gracious unto us, ye rich in treasures,

2 Sought in the heavens, on earth is Agni stablished, leader of rivers, Bull of standing waters. 3 For fear of thee forth fled the dark−hued races, scattered abroad, deserting their possessions, 4 Agni Vaisvanara, both Earth and Heaven submit them to thy threefold jurisdiction. 5 Agni, the tawny horses, loudly neighing our resonant hymns that drop with oil, attend thee; 6 In thee, O bright as Mitra, Vasus seated the might of Aduras, for they loved thy spirit. 7 Born in the loftiest heaven thou in a moment reachest, like wind, the place where Gods inhabit. 8 Send us that strength, Vaisvanara, send it, Agni, that strength, O Jatavedas, full of splendour, 9 Agni, bestow upon our chiefs and nobles that famous power, that wealth which feedeth many.

2 What God hath seen me? Who of all their number clearly beheld my forms in many places? 3 In many places, Agni Jatavedas, we sought thee hidden in the plants and waters. 4 I fled in fear from sacrificial worship, Varuna, lest the Gods should thus engage me. 5 Come; man is pious and would fain do worship, he waits prepared: in gloom thou, Agni, dwellest. 6 This goal mine elder brothers erst selected, as he who drives a car the way to travel. 7 We give thee life unwasting, Jatavedas, so that, employed, thou never shalt be injured. 8 Grant me the first oblations and the latter, entire, my forceful shares of holy presents, 9 Thine be the first oblations and the latter, entire, thy forceful shares of holy presents.

2 Earth shakes and reels in terror at their onward rush, like a full ship which, quivering, lets the water in. 3 As the exalted horn of bulls for splendid might, as the Sun's eye set in the firmament's expanse, 4 Who, O ye Maruts, may attain the mighty lore of you the mighty, who may reach your manly deeds? 5 Like steeds of ruddy colour, scions of one race, as foremost champions they have battled in the van. 6 Having no eldest and no youngest in their band, no middlomost, preeminent they have waxed in might, 7 Like birds of air they flew with might in lengthened lines from heaven's high ridges to the borders of the 8 May Dyaus, the Infinite, roar for our banquet: may Dawns toil for us, glittering with moisture.

2 He whose two Bay Steeds harnessed well, swerving, pursue the Bird's tail−plumes, 3 Bereft of skill is Indra, if, like some outwearied man he fears 4 Indra with these drives round, until he meets with one to worship him: 5 Borne onward by the long−maned Steeds who stretch themselves as 'twere for food, 6 The Mighty sang with Lofty Ones: the Hero fashioned with his strength, 7 The bolt, which pierced at once the vitals of the Dasyu easy to be slain, 8 Grind off our sins: with song will we conquer the men who sing no hymns: 9 When threefold flame burns high for thee, to rest on poles of sacrifice, 10 Thy glory was the speckled cup, thy glory was the flawless scoop. 11 As hundreds, O Immortal God, have sung to thee, so hath Sumitra, yea, Durmitra praised thee here,

1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships. 3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide−ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes. 4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's commandment. 5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order. 6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran. 7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner. 8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship. 9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others. 10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber−

2 For ye Twain, Indra, Soma, are Lords of the light, Lords of the kine: 3 The tawny Steer, while cleansed among the living, bellowing on the grass, 4 Over the Steer's productive flow the sacred songs were resonant, 5 Hath he not, purified, impregned the kine whb long to meet their Lord, 6 Bring near us those who stand aloof strike fear into our enemies: 7 Soma, bring down the foeman's might, his vigorous strength and vital powe'r, 2 For he, as Pavamana, sends thousandfold treasure in the shape 3 Thou graspest all things with thy mind, and purifiest thee with thoughts 4 Pour lofty glory on us, send sure riches to our liberal lords, 5 As thou art cleansed, O Wondrous Steed, O Soma, thou hast entered, like 6 He, Soma, like a courser in the floods invincible, made clean 7 Disporting, like a liberal chief, thou goest, Soma, to the sieve,

2 Longing for lovely Amrta, by his wisdom he divided, each apart from other, earth and heaven. 3 May those his brilliant rays he ever free from death, inviolate, for both classes of created things,− 4 He, while he is adorned by the ten skilful ones, that he too in the Midmost Mothers may create, 5 He, while he is adorned to stream forth mighty strength, rejoices in his place between the earth and heav 6 Beholding, as it were, Two Mother Cows, the Steer goes roaring on his way even as the Maruts roar. 7 The fearful Bull is bellowing with violent might, far−sighted, sharpening his yellowcoloured horns. 8 Bright, making pure his body free from spot and stain, on the sheep's back the Golden−coloured hath 9 Flow on for the God's banquet, Soma, as a Steer, and enter Indra's heart, the Soma's reservoir. 10 Urged like a car−steed flow to strength, O Soma: Indu, flow onward to the throat of Indra.

3 Sakra, who like a curry−comb for horses or a golden goad, 4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even though buried, piled in heaps: 5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from men. 6 To Soma, Much−invoked, Bolt−armed! for thy carouse, Celestial, Soma−drinker come. 7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder−wielder drink his fill. 8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees. 9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not done? 10 'How great his power resistless! how invincible the Vrtra−slayer's matchless might! 11 O Indra, Vrtra−slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers, 12 O thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an eager hope. 13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. 14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us. 15 Now let your Soma juice be poured; be not afraid, O Kali's sons.

2 The mighty flowing Soma−draught, brought by the Hawk, hath gladdened thee, 3 Go forward, meet the foe, be bold; thy bolt of thunder is not checked. 4 Thou smotest Vrtra from the earth, smotest him, Indra, from the sky. 5 The wrathful Indra with his bolt of thunder rushing on the foe, 6 With hundred−jointed thunderbolt Indra hath struck him on the back, 7 Indra, unconquered might is thine, Thunderer, Caster of the Stone; 8 Far over ninety spacious floods thy thunderbolts were cast abroad: 9 Laud him a thousand all at once, shout twenty forth the hymn of praise. 10 Indra hath smitten down the power of Vrtra,−might with stronger might. 11 Yea, even this great Pair of Worlds trembled in terror at thy wrath, 12 But Vrtra scared not Indra with his shaking or his thunder roar. 13 Whenwith the thunder thou didst make thy dart and Vrtra meet in war, 14 When at thy shout, O Thunder−armed, each thing both fixed and moving shook, 15 There is not, in our knowledge, one who passeth Indra in his strength: 16 Still as of old, whatever rite Atharvan, Manus sire of all,

2 Yea, mighty I esteem his Godlike nature: none hindereth what he hath once determined. 3 E'en now endures thine exploit of the Rivers, when, Indra, for their floods thou clavest passage. 4 This is the truth, none else is like thee, Indra, no God superior to thee, no mortal. Thou sle 2 Through fear of thee, O Indra, all the regions of earth, though naught may move them, shake and trembl 3 With Kutsa, Indra! thou didst conquer Susna, voracious, bane of crops, in fight for cattle. 4 Thou smotest to the ground the hundred castles, impregnable, of Sambara the Dasyu, 5 As such, true Hero, for great joy of battle mount thy terrific car, O Brave and Manly. 2 Amid the sages, with the Sun he brightened the Parents: glorified, he burst the mountain; 3 Famed for great deeds, with priests who kneel and laud him, he still hath conquered in the frays for cattl 4 Come with thy girthed mares, with abundant vigour and plenteous strength to him who sings thy praises 5 Indra with rush and might, sped by his Coursers, hath swiftly won the waters from the southward.

2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine−and−ninety castles down, 3 This Indra is our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full broad stream 4 Whatever, Vrtra−slayer! thou, Surya, hast risen upon to−day, 5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, I shall not die, 6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee, 7 We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vrtra dead: 8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o'er the joyous draught. 9 By song as 'twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared 10 Indra, Song−lover, lauded, make even in the wilds fair ways for us, 11 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none disregards, 12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beauteous helm! revere 13 Thou in the black cows and the red and in the cows with spotted skin 14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon's furious might, 15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not, 16 Him your best Vrtra−slayer, him the famous Champion of mankind 17 To come, Much−lauded!

27 True undeniabIc strength he found in Yadu and in Turvasa, 28 Him have I magnified, our Lord in, common, Guardian of your folk, 29 Rbhuksan, not to be restrained, who strengthened Tugra's son in lauds, 30 Who for Trisoka clave the hill that formed a wide receptacle, 31 Whate'er thy plan or purpose be, whate'er, in transport, thou wouldst do, 32 But little hath been heard of done upon the earth by one like thee i 33 Thine then shall be this high renown, thine shall these lofty praises be, 34 Not for one trespass, not for two, O Hero, slay us, nor for three, 35 I fear one powerful like thee, the crusherdown of enemies, 36 O wealthy God, ne'er may I live to see my friend or son in need*: 37 What friend, O people, unprovoked, hath ever said unto a friend, 38 Hero, insatiate enjoy this Soma juice so near to thee, 39 Hither I draw those Bays of thine yoked 40 Drive all our enemies away, smite down the foes who press around, 41 O Tndra, that which is concealed in strong firm place precipitous: 42 Great riches which the world of men shall recognize as sent by thbe:

2 From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvan. 3 Guard of the world, whose cattle ne'er are injured, may Pusan bear thee hence, for he hath knowledge. 4 May Ayu, giver of all life, protect thee, and bear thee forward on the distant pathway. 5 Pusan knows all these realms: may he conduct us by ways that are most free from fear and danger. 6 Pusan was born to move on distant pathways, on the road far from earth and far from heaven. 7 The pious call Sarasvati, they worship Sarasvati while sacrifice proceedeth. 8 Sarasvati, who camest with the Fathers, with them rejoicing thee in our oblations, 9 Thou, called on as Sarasvati by Fathers who come right forward to our solemn service, 10 The Mother Floods shall make us bright and shining, cleansers of holy oil, with oil shall cleanse us: 11 Through days of earliest date the Drop descended on this place and on that which was before it. 12 The Drop that falls, thy stalk which arms have shaken, which from the bosom of the press hath fallen, 13 That fallen Drop of thine, the stalk which from the ladle fell away, 14 The plants of earth are rich in milk, and rich in milk is this my speech;

1 FOR Jatavedas worthy of our praise will we frame with our mind this eulogy as 'twere a car. 2 The man for whom thou sacrificest prospereth, dwelleth without a foe, gaineth heroic might. 3 May we have power to kindle thee. Fulfil our thoughts. In thee the Gods eat the presented offering, 4 We will bring fuel and prepare burnt offerings, reminding thee at each successive festival. 5 His ministers move forth, the guardians of the folk, protecting quadruped and biped with their rays. 6 Thou art Presenter and the chief Invoker, thou Director, Purifier, great High Priest by birth. 7 Lovely of form art thou, alike on every side; though far, thou shinest brightly 8 Gods, foremost he his car who pours libations out, and let our hymn prevail o'er evil−hearted men. 9 Smite with thy weapons those of evil speech and thought, devouring demons, whether near or tar away. 10 When to thy chariot thou hadst yoked two red steeds and two ruddy steeds, wind−sped, thy roar was li 11 Then at thy roar the very birds are terrified, when, eating−up the grass, thy sparks fly forth abroad. 12 He hath the Power to soothe Mitra and Varuna: wonderful is the Maruts' wrath when they descend. 13 Thou art a God, thou art the wondrous Friend of Gods, the Vasu of the Vasus, fair in sacrifice. Under, t

2 With the most saving medicines which thou givest, Rudra, may I attain a hundred winters. 3 Chief of all born art thou in glory, Rudra, armed with the thunder, mightiest of the mighty. 4 Let us not anger thee with worship, Rudra, ill praise, Strong God! or mingled invocation. 5 May I with praise−songs win that Rudra's favour who is adored with gifts and invocations. 6 The Strong, begirt by Maruts, hath refreshed me, with most invigorating food, imploring. 7 Where is that gracious hand of thine, O Rudra, the hand that giveth health and bringeth comfort, 8 To him the strong, great, tawny, fair−complexioned, I utter forth a mighty hymn of praises. 9 With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations: 10 Worthy, thou carriest thy bow and arrows, worthy, thy manyhued and honoured necklace. 11 Praise him the chariot−borne, the young, the famous, fierce, slaying like a dread beast of the forest. 12 I bend to thee as thou approachest, Rudra, even as a boy before the sire who greets him. 13 Of your pure medicines, O potent Martits, those that are wholesomest and healthbestowing, 14 May Rudra's missile turn aside and spare us, the great wrath of the impetuous One avoid us. 15 O tawny Bull, thus showing forth thy nature, as neither to be wroth, O God, nor slay us.

2 Tlou shalt be Aditi as thou hast entered within, appeaser of celestial anger. 3 We have drunk Soma and become immortal; we have attained the light, the Gods discovered. 4 Absorbed into the heart, be sweet, O Indu, as a kind father to his son, O Soma, 5 These glorious drops that give me freedom have I drunk. Closely they knit my joints as straps secure a c 6 Make me shine bright like fire produced by friction: give us a clearer sight and make us better. 7 May we enjoy with an enlivened spirit the juice thou givest, like ancestral riches. 8 King Soma, favour us and make us prosper: we are thy devotees; of this be mindful. 9 For thou hast settled in each joint, O Soma, aim of men's eyes and guardian of our bodies. 10 May I be with the Friend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of Bays! when quaffed will never harm me 11 Our maladies have lost their strength and vanished: they feared, and passed away into the darkness. 13 Associate with the Fathers thou, O Soma, hast spread thyself abroad through earth and heaven. 14 Give us your blessing, O ye Gods' preservers. Never may sleep or idle talk control us. 15 On all sides,. Soma, thou art our life−giver: aim of all eyes, light−finder, come within us.

2 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when he had drunk of Soma juices, 3 And, O ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of this my carefully pressed Sorna; 4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and supported: wrapped even in these he struck the Beast with terror 5 Thus all the Gods, O Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free will the draught of Soma; 6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished his nine−and−ninety castles all together, 7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred buffaloes, even as he willed it. 8 When thou three hundred buffaloes' flesh hadst eaten, and drunk, as Maghavan, three lakes of Soma, 9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, O Usana and Indra, to the dwelling, 10 One car−wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou settest free to move for Kutsa. 11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to Vidathin's son, as prey, thou gavest Pipru. 12 Navagvas and Dasgvas with libations of Soma juice sing hymns of praise to Indra. 13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well what hero deeds thou hast accomplished? 14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all these many acts, O Indra. 15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the new prayers, Mightiest! which we utter.

3 Thou, thou alone, hast tamed the Dasyus; singly thou hast subdued the people for the Arya. 4 For true, I deem, thy strength is, thine the Mighty, thine, O Most Potent, thine the Conquering Victor; 5 Be this our ancient bond of friendship with you and with Angirases here who speak of Vala. 6 With holy thoughts must he be called, the Mighty, showing his power in the great fight with Vrtra. 7 He in his might, with name that lives for ever, hath far surpassed all human generations. 8 Stranger to guile, who ne'er was false or faithless, bearing a name that may be well remembered, 9 With saving might that must be praised and lauded, Indra, ascend thy car to smite down Vrtra. 10 As Agni, as the dart burns the dry forest, like the dread shaft burn down the fiends, O Indra; 11 With wealth, by thousand paths come hither, Agni, paths that bring ample strength, O thou Most Splen 12 From heaven, from earth is bruited forth the greatness of him the firm, the fiery, the resplendent. 13 This day the deed that thou hast done is famous, when thou, for him, with many thousand others 14 In thee, O God, the wisest of the Sages, all Gods were joyful when thou slewest Ahi. 15 This power of thine both heaven and earth acknowledge, the deathless Gods acknowledge it, O Indra.

2 For him, strong, independent Ruler, Heaven and Earth have fashioned forth for power and might. 3 Fill thyself full, O Lord of wealth, O Indra, with the juice we shed. 4 Changeless in truth, O Maghavan Indra, let it be as thou in wisdom willest it. 5 Indra, with all thy saving helps give us assistance, Lord of power. 6 Increaser of our steeds and multiplying kine, a golden well, O God, art thou, 7 For thou,−come to the worshipper!−wilt find great wealth to make us rich. 8 Thou as thy gift bestowest many hundred herds, yea, many thousands dost thou give. 9 Whether the simple or the sage, Indra, have offered praise to thee, 10 If he the Strong of arm, the breaker−down of forts, the great Destroyer, hear my call, 11 We count not then as sinners, nor as niggardly or foolish men, 12 Him have we yoked in fight, the powerful Conqueror, debt−claimer, not to be deceived. 13 Indra, give us security from that whereof we are afraid. 14 For thou, O liberal Lord of bounty, strengthenest his ample home who worships thee. 15 Indra is Vrtra−slayer, guard, our best defender from the foe. 16 Defend us from behind, below, above, in front, on all sides, Indra, shield us well. 17 Protect us, Indra, each to−day, each morrow, and each following day. 18 A crushing Warrior, passing rich is Maghavan, endowed with all heroic might.

2 Drink it thou God who art impetuous victor, Lord of our hymns, with beauteousjaws, the Hero, 3 Drink as of old, and let the draught delight thee. hear thou our prayer and let our songs exalt thee. 4 These gladdening drops, O Indra, Self−sustainer, quaffed shall augment thee in thy mighty splendour. 5 Gladdened whereby, bursting the firm enclosures, thou gavest splendour to the Sun and Morning. 6 Thou with thy wisdom, power, and works of wonder, hast stored the ripe milk in the raw cows' udders 7 Thou hast spread out wide earth, a mighty marvel, and, high thyself, propped lofty heaven, O Indra. 8 Yea, Indra, all the Deities installed thee their one strong Champion in the van for battle. 9 Yea, e'en that heaven itself of old bent backward before thy bolt, in terror of its anger, 10 Yea, Strong One! Tvastar turned for thee, the Mighty, the bolt with thousand spikes and hundred edges 11 He dressed a hundred buffaloes, O Indra, for thee whom all accordant Maruts strengthen. 12 Thou settest free the rushing wave of waters, the floods' great swell encompassed and obstructed. 13 So may our new prayer bring thee to protect us, thee well−armed Hero with thy bolt of thunder, 14 So, Indra, form us brilliant holy singers for strength, for glory, and for food and riches. 15 With this may we obtain strength God−appointed, and brave sons gladden us through a hundred winter

1 I WILL declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the Thunder−wielder. 2 He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvastar fashioned. 3 Impetuous as a bull, he chose the Soma and in three sacred beakers drank the juices. 4 When, Indra, thou hadst slain the dragon's firstborn, and overcome the charms of the enchanters, 5 Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote into pieces Vrtra, worst of Vrtras. 6 He, like a mad weak warrior, challenged Indra, the great impetuous many−slaying Hero. 7 Footless and handless still he challenged Indra, who smote him with his bolt between the shoulders. 8 There as he lies like a bank−bursting river, the waters taking courage flow above him. 9 Then humbled was the strength of Vrtra's mother: Indra hath cast his deadly bolt against her. 10 Rolled in the midst of never−ceasing currents flowing without a rest for ever onward. 11 Guarded by Ahi stood the thralls of Dasas, the waters stayed like kine held by the robber. 12 A horse's tail wast thou when he, O Indra, smote on thy bolt; thou, God without a second, 13 Nothing availed him lightning, nothing thunder, hailstorm or mist which had spread around him: 14 Whom sawest thou to avenge the Dragon, Indra, that fear possessed thy heart when thou hadst slain hi 15 Indra is King of all that moves and moves not, of creatures tame and horned, the Thunder−wielder.

2 Him, Agni, Gods and men have made their chief support, who drinks the fatness and completes the 3 Yea, we discriminate his and the niggard's ways: his branches evermore are sent forth to consume. 4 For then the net of Law, Dyaus, and the wide expanse, Earth, Worship, and Devotion meet for highest 5 Onward, with ever−roaming Rudra, speed the floods: over Aramati the Mighty have they run. 6 Straightway the Rudras, Maruts visiting all men, Falcons of Dyaus, home−dwellers with the Asura,− 7 With Indra have they found enjoyment, they who toil, in the light's beauty, in the very Strong One's 8 Even the Sun's Bay Coursers hath lie held in check: each one fears Indra as the mightiest of all. 9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: 10 For these have spread abroad the fame of human kind, the Bull Brhaspati and Soma's brotherhood. 11 For these, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four−bodied Narasmsa, Yama, Aditi, 12 And may he too give car, the Sage, from far away, the Dragon of the Deep, to this our yearning call. 13 Dear to all Gods, may Pasan guard the ways we go, the Waters' child and Vayu help us to success. 14 With hymns of praise we sing him who is throned as Lord over these fearless tribes, the Self−resplend 15 By reason of his birth here Angiras first sang: the pressing−stones upraised bebeld the sacrifice−

1 WITH words sent forth in holy hymns, Agni we supplicate, the Lord Of 2 Men have won Agni, him who makes their strength abound: we, with oblations, worship thee. 3 Thee for our messenger we choose, thee, the Omniscient, for our Priest. 4 The Gods enkindle thee their ancient messenger, − Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman. 5 Thou, Agni, art a cheering Priest, Lord of the House, men's messenger: 6 In thee, the auspicious One, O Agni, youthfullest, each sacred gift is offered up: 7 To him in his own splendour bright draw near in worship the devout. 8 Vrtra they smote and slew, and made the earth and heaven and firmament a wide abode. 9 Seat thee, for thou art mighty; shine, best entertainer of the Gods. 10 Bearer of offerings, whom, best sacrificing Priest, the Gods for Manu's sake ordained; 11 Him, Agni, whom Medhyatithi, whom Kanva kindled for his rite, 12 Make our wealth perfect thou, O Agni, Lord divine: for thou hast kinship with the Gods. 13 Stand up erect to lend us aid, stand up like Savitar the God: 14 Erect, preserve us from sore trouble; with thy flame burn thou each ravening demon dead. 15 Preserve us, Agni, from the fiend, preserve us from malicious wrong. 16 Smite down as with a club, thou who hast fire for teeth, smite thou the wicked, right and left. 17 Agni hath given heroic might to Kainva, and felicity: 18 We call on Ugradeva, Yadu, Turvasa, by means of Agni, from afar; 19 Manu hath stablished thee a light, Agni, for all the race of men: 20 The flames of Agni full of splendour and of might are fearful, not to be approached.

2 Drawn by thy team, O Vayu, come; to thee is offered this, the pure. 3 Indra and Vayu, drawn by teams, ye Heroes, come today and drink. 4 This Soma hath been shed for you, Lawstrengtheners, Mitra−Varuna! 5 Both Kings who never injure aught seat them in their supremest home, 6 Fed with oblation, Sovran Kings, Adityas, Lords of liberal gifts. 7 With kine, Nasatyas, and with steeds, come, Asvins, Rudras, to the house 8 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar nor standing nigh to us may harm, 9 As such, O longed−far Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied sort, 10 Verily Indra, conquering all, driveth e'en mighty fear away, 11 Indra be gracious unto us: sin shall not reach us afterward, 12 From all the regions of the world let Indra send security, 13 O all ye Gods, come hitherward: hear this mine invocation, seat 14 Among ihe gunahotras strong for you is this sweet gladdening draught. 15 Ye Martus led by Indra, Gods with Pri§an for your bounteousest, 16 Best Mother, best of Rivers, best of Goddesses, Sarasvati, We are, as 'twere, of no repute and dear Mot 17 In thee, Sarasvati, divine, all generations have their stay. 18 Enriched with sacrifice, accept Sarasvati, these prayers of ours, 19 Ye who bless sacrifice, go forth, for verily we choose you both, 20 This our.effectual sacrifice, reaching the sky, shall Heaven and Earth 21 In both your laps, ye guileless Ones, the Holy Gods shall sit them down 2 Let not the falcon kill thee, nor the eagle let not the arrow−bearing archer reach thee. 3 Bringing good tidings, Bird of happy omen, call thou out loudly southward of our dwellings,

2 Or, Indra, when with Ruma, Rusama, Syavaka, and Krpa thou rejoicest thee, 3 Even as the wild−bull, when he thirsts, goes to the desert's watery pool, 4 May the drops gladden thee, rich Indra, and obtain bounty for him who pours the juice. 5 With mightier strength he conquered strength, with energy he crushed their wrath. 6 He who wins promise of thine aid goes girt as with a thousand mighty men of war. 7 With thee, the Mighty, for our Friend, we will riot fear or feel fatigue. 8 On his left hip the Hero hath reclined himself: the proffered feast offends him not. 9 Indra, thy friend is fair of form and rich in horses, cars, and kine. 10 Come like a thirsty antelope to the drinking−place: drink Soma to thy heart's desire. 11 Priest, let the Soma juice flow forth, for Indra longs to drink thereof. 12 The man with whom thou fillcst thee with Soma deems himself a pious worshipper. 13 Press out the Soma juice, ye priests, for Indra borne upon his car. 14 To the brown juice may his dear vigorous Bay Steeds bring Indra, to our holy task. 15 Pusan, the Lord of ample wealth, for firm alliance we elect. 16 Sharpen us like a razor in the barber's hands: send riches thou who settest free. 17 Pusan, I long to win thy love, I long to praise thee, Radiant God. 18 My kine, O Radiant God, seek pasture where they will, my during wealth, Immortal One. 19 Rich was the gift Kurunga gave, a hundred steeds at morning rites. 20 What by his morning songs Kanva, the powerful, hath, with the Priyamedhas, gained− 71 The herds of sixty thousand pure and spotless kine, have I, the Rsi, driven away. 21 The very trees were joyful at my coming: kine they obtained in plenty, steeds in plenty.

2 Not far for thee are mid−air's loftiest regions: start hither, Lord of Bays, with thy Bay Horses. 3 Fair cheeks hath Indra, Maghavan, the Victor, Lord of a great host, Stormer, strong in action. 4 For, overthrowing what hath ne'er been shaken, thou goest forth alone destroying Vrtras. 5 Yea, Much−invoked! in safety through thy glories alone thou speakest truth as Vrtra's slayer. 6 Forthwith thy Bay steeds down the steep, O Indra, forth, crushing foemen, go thy bolt of thunder! 7 The man to whom thou givest as Provider enjoys domestic plenty undivided. 8 Thou, Indra, Much−invoked! didst crush to pieces Kunaru handless fiend who dwelt with Danu. 9 Thou hast established in her seat, O Indra, the level earth, vast, vigorous, unbounded. 10 He who withheld the kine, in silence I yielded in fear before thy blow, O Indra. 11 Indra alone filled full the earth and heaven, the Pair who meet together, rich in treasures. 12 Surya transgresses not the ordered limits set daily by the Lord of Tawny Coursers. 13 Men gladly in the course of night would look on the broad bright front of the refulgent Morning; 14 A mighty splendour rests upon her bosom: bearing ripe milk the Cow, unripe, advances. 15 Barring the way they come. Be firm, O Indra; aid friends to sacrifice and him who singeth. 16 A cry is beard from enemies most near us: against them send thy fiercest−flaming weapon. 17 Root up the race of Raksasas, O Indra rend it in front and crush it in the middle. 18 When borne by strong Steeds for our weal, O Leader, thou seatest thee at many noble viands. 19 Bestow on us resplendent wealth. O Indra let us enjoy thine overflow of bounty. 20 With kine and horses satisfy this longing with very splendid bounty skill extend it. 21 Lord of the kine, burst the kine's stable open: cows shall be ours, and strength that wins the booty. 22 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

2 The Darter penetrated, though in trouble, thrice−seven close−pressed ridges of the mountains. 3 The mightiest force is Indra's bolt of iron when firmly grasped in both the arms of Indra. 4 1 count thee as the Holiest of the Holy, the caster−down of what hath ne'er been shaken. 5 What time, O Indra, in thine arms thou tookest thy wildly rushing bolt to Slay the Dragon, 6 Let us praise him who made these worlds and creatures, all things that after him sprang into being. 7 Flying in terror from the snort of Vrtra, all Deities who were thy friends forsook thee. 8 Thrice−sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles of beaming light, worthy of worship. 9 A sharpened weapon is the host of Maruts. Who, Indra, dares withstand thy bolt of thunder? 10 To him the Strong and Mighty, most auspicious, send up the beAuteous hymn for sake of cattle. 11 To him, the Mighty, who accepts laudation, send forth thy thought as by a boat o'er rivers, 12 Serve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes: praise with fair praise, invite him with thine hom 13 The Black Drop sank in Amsumati's bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it. 14 1 saw the Drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank of Amsumati's river, 15 And then the Drop in Amsumati's bosom, splendid with light, assumed its proper body; 16 Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival. 17 So, Thunder−armed! thou with thy bolt of thunder didst boldly smite that power which none might equ 18 Then wast thou, Chieftain of all living mortals, the very mighty slayer of the Vrtras. 19 Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resistless in his anger. 20 Indra is Vrtra's slayer, man's sustainer: he must be called; with fair praise let us call him. 21 This Indra, Vrtra−slayer, this Rbhuksan, even at his birth, was meet for invocation.

1 O SOMA DRINKER, ever true, utterly hopeless though we be, 2 O Lord of Strength, whose jaws are strong, great deeds are thine, the powerful: 3 Lull thou asleep, to wake no more, the pair who on each other look 4 Hero, let hostile spirits sleep, and every gentler genius wake: 5 Destroy this ass, O Indra, who in tones discordant brays to thee: 6 Far distant on the forest fall the tempest in a circling course! 7 Slay each reviler, and destroy him who in secret injures us:

2 In all libations men with hero spirit urge the Universal One, each seeking several light, each fain to win 3 Couples desirous of thine aid are storming thee, pouring their presents forth to win a stall of kine, pouri 4 This thine heroic power men of old time have known, wherewith thou breakest down, Indra, autumnal f 5 And they have bruited far this hero−might when thou, O Strong One, in thy joy helpest thy suppliants, 7 O Indra, waxen strong and well−inclined to us, thou very mighty, slay the man that is our foe, slay the

2 Your Soma−drinker keeps afar your furious rush, Indra and Visnu, when ye come with all your might. T

2 Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the fight with foes. 3 He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself, and, with the heroes, 4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmanaspati leads forward on his way,

2 Thou who subduedst Ayu, Kutsa, Atithigva, waxing daily in thy might, 3 The pressing−stones shall pour for us the essence of the meath of all, 4 Repel all enmities and keep thern far away: let all win treasure for their own. 5 Come, Indra, very near to us with aids of firmly−based resolve; 6 Bless thou with progeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, victor in the fray. 7 May we be such in battle as are surest to obtain thy grace: 8 Thine, Lord of Bays, am I. Prayer longeth for the spoil. Still with thy help I seek the fight.

2 So, in thine ancient ways, may he, beloved, with a thousand streams 3 Him who is like a caldron shake: O Indu, shake thy gift to us 4 Indu, invoked with many a prayer, bring down the vigour of these men, 5 Indu, Wealth−giver, with thine help pour out for us a hundred, yea,

2 Relax that mortal's stubborn strength whose heart is bent on wickedness. 3 Shake down, O Slayer of the foe, those great all splendid enemies. 4 As thou, O Satakratu, thou, O Indrv, shakest all things down 5 Around, on every side like drops of sweat let lightning−flashes fall. 6 Thou bearest in thine hand a lance like a long hook, great Counsellor! 7 Never, O Gods, do we offend, nor are we ever obstinate: we walk as holy texts command.

2 Scared from this place and that is she, destroyer of each germ unborn. 3 Yon log that floats without a man to guide it on the river's edge,− 4 When, foul with secret stain and spot, ye hastened onward to the breast, 5 These men have led about the cow, have duly carried Agni round,

2 Be even here; fall not away be like a mountain unremoved. 3 This man hath Indra stablished, made secure by strong oblation's power. 4 Firm is the sky and firm the earth, and stedfast also are these hills. 5 Stedfast, may Varuna the King, stedfast, the God Brhaspati,