Rig Veda on Karma

2 Bull, hurler of the four−edged rain−producer with both his arms, strong, mighty, most heroic; 3 God who of all the Gods was born divinest, endowed with ample strength and mighty powers, 4 Before the High God, at his birth, heaven trembled, earth, many floods and all the precipices. 5 These are thy great deeds, Indra, thine, the Mighty, deeds to be told aloud at all libations, 6 True are all these thy deeds, O Most Heroic. The Milch−kine issued from the streaming udder. 7 With joy, O Indra, Lord of Tawny Coursers, the Sisters then, these Goddesses, extolled thee, 8 Pressed is the gladdening stalk as 'twere a river: so let the rite, the toiler's power, attract thee 9 Ever by us perform thy most heroic, thine highest, best victorious deeds, O Victor. 10 Graciously listen to our prayer, O Indra, and strength of varied sort bestow thou on us. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let wealth swell hiah like rivers to the singer.

2 So he resplendent in the battle overcame Krivi by might. He with his majesty hath filled the earth and 3 Brought forth together with wisdom and mighty power thou grewest great; with hero deeds subduing th 4 This, Indra, was thy hero deed, Dancer, thy first and ancient work, worthy to be told forth in heaven,

2 Him, Maker of the sky, let stones wet with the Soma ne'er forsake, 3 Indra who knew full well disclosed the kine to the Angirases. 4 Indra, promoter of the song, the sage's Strengthener as of old, 5 Now after their desire's intent the pious singers with the cry 6 With Indra rest all deeds of might, deeds done and yet to be performed, 7 When the Five Tribes with all their men to Indra have sent out their voice, 8 This praise is verily thine own: thou hast performed these manly deeds, 9 At the o'erflowing of this Steer, boldly he strode for life, and took 10 Receiving this and craving help, we, who with you are Daksa's sons, 11 Yea, Hero, with the singers we sing.to the duly−coming Band. 12 With us are raining Rudras, clouds accordant in call to battle, at the death of Vrtra,

2 He spread the wide earth out and firmly fixed it, smote with his thunderbolt and loosed the waters. 3 Armed with his bolt and trusting in his prowess he wandered shattering the forts of Dasas. 4 For him who thus hath taught these human races, Maghavan, bearing a fame−worthy title, 5 See this abundant wealth that he possesses, and put your trust in Indra's hero vigour. 6 To him the truly strong, whose deeds are many, to him the strong Bull let us pour the Soma. 7 Well didst thou do that hero deed, O Indra, in waking with thy bolt the slumbering Ahi. 8 As thou hast smitten Susna, Pipru, Vrtra and Kuyava, and Sambara's forts O Indra.

2 In the tree−tops the air he hath extended, put milk in kine and vigorous speed in horses, 3 Varuna lets the big cask, opening downward, flow through the heaven and earth and air's mid−region. 4 When Varuna is fain for milk he moistens the sky, the land, and earth to her foundation. 5 I will declare this mighty deed of magic, of glorious Varuna the Lord Immortal, 6 None, verily, hath ever let or hindered this the most wise God's mighty deed of magic, 7 If we have sinned against the man who loves us, have ever wronged a brother, friend, or comrade, 8 If we, as gamesters cheat at play, have cheated, done wrong unwittingly or sinned of purpose,

1 As a good cow to him who milks, we call the doer of fair deeds, 2 Come thou to our libations, drink of Soma; Soma−drinker thou! 3 So may we be acquainted with thine innermost benevolence: 4 Go to the wise unconquered One, ask thou of Indra, skilled in song, 5 Whether the men who mock us say, Depart unto another place, 6 Or whether, God of wondrous deeds, all our true people call us blest, 7 Unto the swift One bring the swift, man−cheering, grace of sacrifice, 8 Thou, Satakratu, drankest this and wast the Vrtras' slayer; thou 9 We strengthen, Satakratu, thee, yea, thee the powerful in fight, 10 To him the mighty stream of wealth, prompt friend ot'him who pours the juice,

2 Thou hast a car more swift than thought, O Indra; thercon come hither, come to drink the Soma. 3 Deck out thy body with the fairest colours, with golden splendour of the Sun adorn it. 4 O thou whose grandeur in thy festive transports not even these two great worlds have comprehended. 5 Pressed for thy joyous banquet is the Soma, Soma whereof thou, Indra, ever drinking, 6 Found from of old is this thy cup, O Indra: Satakratu, drink therefrom the Soma. 7 From many a side with proffered entertainment the folk are calling thee, O Mighty Indra. 8 I will declare thy deeds of old, O Indra, the mighty acts which thou hast first accomplished. 9 Lord of the hosts, amid our bands be seated: they call thee greatest Sage among the sages. 10 Aim of our eyes be thou, for we implore thee, O Maghavan, Friend of friends and Lord of treasures. 2 This majesty of his Visnu extols and lauds, making the stalCthat gives the meath flow forth with inight. 3 When, bearing warlike weapons, fain to win thee praise, thou mettest Vrtra, yea, the Dragon, for the fig 4 Soon as he sprang to life he forced asun. der hosts: forward the Hero looked to manly deed and war. 5 Indra hath evermore possessed surpassing power: he forced, far from each other, heaven and earth apart. 6 Then to the mighty powers of Indra, to his wrath, his the fierce Stormer, loud of voice, they came with 7 Even in the first of those heroic acts which they who strove together came with might to execute, 8 Then all the Gods extolled, with eloquence inspired by draughts of Soma juice, thy deeds of manly mig 9 Proclaim his many friendships, met with friendship, made with singers, with the skilful and the eloquent 10 Give riches manifold with noble horses, to be remembered while my songs address thee.

31 Brbu hath set himself above the Panis, o'er their highest head, 32 He whose good bounty, thousandfold, swift as the rushing of the wind, 33 So all our singers ever praise the pious Brbu's noble deed,

23 Full many a deed ye did for our forefathers worthy of lauds which, even of old, they sang you. 24 Ours, O ye Maruts, be the vigorous Hero, the Lord Divine of men, the strong Sustainer, Wi

3 When out of strength arose the strength that conquers, Indra displayed all powers that he possesses. 5 When heroes sang their laud to thee the Hero, Indra! and stones and Aditi accordant, 6 I will declare thine exploits wrought aforetime, and, Maghavan, thy deeds of late achievement, 7 This is thy deed, e'en this, Wonderful! Singer! that, slaying Ahi, here thy strength thou showedst, 8 Thou, Indra, on the farther bank forYadu and Turvaga didst stay the gushing waters. 9 Let the steeds bring you both, Indra and Kutsa, borne on the chariot within hearing−distance. 10 Even this sage hath come looking for succour even to Vata's docile harnessed horses. 11 When night was near its close he carried forward e'en the Sun's chariot backward in its running. 12 This Indra, O ye men, hath come to see you, seeking a friend who hath expressed the Soma. 13 Let mortals who were happy still be happy; let them not come to sorrow, O Immortal.

2 Honour that Indra, Puruhanman! for his aid, in whose sustaining hand of old, 3 No one by deed attains to him who works and strengthens evermore: 4 The potent Conqueror, invincible in war, him at whose birth the Mighty Ones, 5 O Indra, if a hundred heavens and if a hundred earths were thine− 6 Thou, Hero, hast performed thy hero deeds with might, yea, all with strength, O Strongest One. 7 Let not a godless mortal gain this food, O thou whose life is long! 8 Urge ye the Conqueror to give, your Indra greatly to be praised, 9 O Vasu, O thou Hero, raise us up to ample opulence. 10 Indra, thou justifiest us, and tramplest down thy slanderers. 11 The man who brings no sacrifice, inhuman, godless, infidel, 12 O Mightiest Indra, loving us, gather thou up, as grains of corn, 13 O my companions, wish for power. How may we perfect Sara's praise, 14 By many a sage whose grass is trimmed thou art continually praised, 15 The noble, Suradeva's son, hath brought a calf, led by the car to three of us.

2 Unto the great bring ye great adoration, a chant with praise to him exceeding mighty, 3 When Indra and the Angirases desired it, Sarama found provision for her offipring. 4 Mid shout, loud shout, and roar, with the Navagvas, seven singers, hast thou, heavenly, rent the mountai 5 Praised by Angirases, thou, foe−destroyer, hast, with the Dawn, Sun, rays, dispellcd the darkness. 6 This is the deed most worthy of all honour, the fairest marvel of the Wonder−Worker, 7 Unwearied, won with lauding hymns, he parted of old the ancient Pair, united ever. 8 Still born afresh, young Dames, each in her manner, unlike in hue, the Pair in alternation 9 Rich in good actions, skilled in operation, the Son with might maintains his perfect friendship. 10 Their paths, of old connected, rest uninjured; they with great might preserve the immortal statutes. 11 Thoughts ancient, seeking wealth, with adoration, with newest lauds have sped to thee, O Mighty. 12 Strong God, the riches which thy hands have holden from days of old have perished not nor wasted. 13 O mighty Indra, Gotama's son Nodhas hath fashioned this new prayer to thee Eternal,

son of Krsna, the righteous man who sought your aid and praised you, 24 Asvins, ye raised, like Soma in a ladle Rebha, who for ten days and ten nights, fettered. 25 1 have declared your wondrous deeds, O Asvins: may this be mine, and many kine and heroes.

2 A happy boon do men elect, a mighty blessing they obtain. 3 If by address, by blame, by imprecation we have committed sin, awake or sleeping, 4 When, Indra, Brahmanaspati, our deeds are wrongful and unjust, 5 We have prevailed this day and won: we are made free from sin and guilt.

2 I have beheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have sought the Founder's habitation. 3 We will tell, Indra, when we pour libation, what mighty deeds thou hast performed to please us. 4 Indra, when born, thou madest firm thy spirit: alone thou seekest war to fight with many. 5 When thou wast born supremest at a distance, bearing a name renowned in far−off regions, 6 These blissful Maruts sing their psalm to praise thee, and pour to thee libation of the Soma. 7 Thou, Maghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, speeding, while joying in the milk, the Giver. 8 Pounding the head of Namuci the Dasa, me, too thou madest thine associate, Indra! 9 Women for weapons hath the Dasa taken, What injury can his feeble armies To me? 10 Divided from their calves the Cows went lowing around, on every side, hither and thither. 11 What time the Somas mixed by Babhru cheered him, loud the Steer bellowed in his habitations. 12 This good deed have the Rusamas done, Agni! that they have granted me four thousand cattle. 13 The Rusamas, O Agni, sent me homeward with fair adornment and with kine in thousands. 14 Night, well−nigh ended, at Rnancaya's coming, King of the Rusamas, was changed to morning. 15 We have received four thousand head of cattle presented by the Rusamas, O Agni.

2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Samb 3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gav 4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his 5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselve 6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave, 7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the loft 8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires. 9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati. 10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati. 11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great, 12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. 13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns. 14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed. 15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well−guided, full of vital strength. 16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.

2 At every laud the Soma gladdens Indra: pressed juices please him as each psalm is chanted, 3 These deeds he did; let him achieve new exploits, such as the priests declare at their libations. 4 Even thus have they declared him. Famed is Indra as Conqueror, sole distributer of treasures; 5 Thus, to bring help to men, Vasistha laudeth Indra, the peoples' Hero, at libation.

2 Like chariot−wheels these people all together follow after thee: 3 Not even all the gathered Gods conquered thee, Indra, in the war, 4 When for the sake of those oppressed, and Kutsa as he battled, 5 When, fighting singly, Indra. thou o'ercamest all the furious Gods, thou slewest those who strove with t 6 When also for a mortal man, Indra, thou speddest forth the Sun, 7 What? Vrtra−slayer, art not thou, Maghavan, fiercest in thy wrath? 8 And this heroic deed of might thou, Indra, also hast achieved, 9 Thou, Indra, Mighty One, didst crush Usas, though Daughter of the Sky. 10 Then from her chariot Usas fled, affrighted, from her ruined car. 11 So there this car of Usas lay, broken to pieces, in Vipas, 12 Thou, Indra, didst. with magic power resist the overflowing stream 13 Valiantly didst thou seize and take the store which Susna had amassed, 14 Thou, Indra, also smotest down Kulitara's son Sambara, 15 Of Dasa Varcin's thou didst slay the hundred thousand and the five, 16 So Indra, Lord of Heroes, Powers, caused the unwedded damsel's son, 17 So sapient Indra, Lord of Might, brought Turvaga and Yadu, those 18 Arpa and Citraratha, both Aryas, thou, Indra, slewest swift, 19 Thou, Vrtra−slayer, didst conduct those two forlorn, the blind, the lame. 20 For Divodasa, him who brought oblationt, 1ndra overthrew 21 The thirty thousand Disas he with magic power and weapons sent 22 As such, O Vrtra−slayer, thou art general Lord of kine for all, 23 Indra, whatever deed of might thou hast this day to execute, 24 O Watchful One, may Aryaman the God give thee all goodly things.

2 Celestial, bounteous Giver, girt about with might, rich, mountain−like, in precious things, 3 Indra, the strong and lofty hills are powerless to bar thy way. 4 A Warrior thou by strength, wisdom, and wondrous deed, in might excellest all that is. 5 For in thy might thou stretchest out beyond the boundaries of heaven. 6 When, Maghavan, thou honourest the worshipper, no one is there to stay thy wealth.

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 Surya's great ensign, restless as the billow, that urgeth men to action, is advancing: 3 Refulgent from the bosom of the Mornings, he in Whom singers take delight ascendeth. 4 Golden, far−seeing, from the heaven he riseth: far is his goal, he hasteth on resplendent. 5 Where the irrunortals have prepared his pathway he flieth through the region like a falcon. 6 Now Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman vouchsafe us freedom and room, for us and for our children.

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 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.

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 He, Mighty, knows the gift of wealth, he knows the deep recess of heaven: 3 He knows, a God himself, to guide Gods to the righteous in his home: 4 He is the Herald: well−informed, he doth his errand to and fro, 5 May we be they who gratify Agni with sacrificial gifts, 6 Illustrious for wealth are they, and hero deeds, victorious, 7 So unto us, day after day, may riches craved by many come, 8 That holy Singer in his strength shoots forth his arrows swifter than

2 The heavenly Waters come not nigh the priestly bowl: they but look down and see how far mid−air is 3 Praiseworthy blessing hast thou laid upon the pair who with uplifted ladle serve thee, man and wife. 4 First the Angirases won themselves vital power, whose fires were kindled through good deeds and sacri 5 Atharvan first by sacrifices laid the paths then, guardian of the Law, sprang up the loving Sun. 6 When sacred grass is trimmed to aid the auspicious work, or the hymn makes its voice of praise sound t

2 O Indra−Agni, with the man who lauds you comes the wakening rite: 3 Through force of sacrifice I choose Indra−Agni who love the wise: 4 Indra and Agni I invoke, joint−victors, bounteous, unsubdued, 5 Indra and Agni, singers skilled in melody hymn you, bringing lauds: 6 Indra and Agni, ye cast down the ninety forts which DAsas held, 7 To Indra−Agni eeverent thoughts go forward from the holy task 8 O Indra−Agni, powers are yours, and dwellings and delightful food 9 Indra and Agni, in your deeds of might ye deck heaven's lucid realms:

2 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order, 3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. 4 Ye, Asvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice, 5 As parents aid a son, both Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. 6 Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. 7 May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness.

2 We know thee mighty in thy deeds, of mighty bounty, mighty wealth, 3 Hero, when thou art fain to give, neither may Gods nor mortal men 4 Come, let us glorify Indra, Lord supreme of wealth, Self−ruling King: 5 Let prelude sound and following chant so let him hear the Saman sung, 6 O Indra, with thy right hand bring, and with thy left remember us. 7 Come nigh, O Bold One, boldly bring hither the riches of the churl 8 Indra, the booty which thou hast with holy singers to receive, 9 Indra, thy swiftly−coming spoil, the booty which rejoices all,

2 In war which wins the light, at the freegiver's call, at due oblation of the early−rising one, oblation of th 3 This food glows for thee as of old at sacrifice, wherein they made thee chooser of the place, for thou 4 So now must thy great deed be lauded as of old, when for the Angirases thou openedst the stall, openeds 5 When with wise plan the Hero leads the people forth, they conquer in the ordered battle, seeking fame, 6 Indra and Parvata, our champions in the fight, di ive ye away each man who fain would war with us, dri

2 Like a capacious car hath it been harnessed, the Mighty; to acquire abundant treasures. 3 Like Vayu with his team, moving at pleasure, most gracious when invoked like both Nasatyas, 4 Like Indra who hath done great deeds, thou, Soma, art slayer of the Vrtras, Fort−destroyer. 5 Like Agni loosed amid the forest, fiercely he winneth splendour in the running waters. 6 These Somas passing through the fleecy filter, like rain descending from the clouds of heaven, 7 Flow onward like the potent band of Maruts, like that Celestial Host whom none revileth. 8 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, O Soma, is thy glory.

2 The treasure which his Bay Steeds found at sacrifice,−this wealth made opulent Indra slayer of the foe. 3 When, with the Princes, Maghavari, famed of old, comes nigh the thunderbolt of gold, and the Controlle 4 With him too is this rain of his that comes like herds: Indra throws drops of moisture on his yellow bear 5 We laud and praise his several deeds of valour who, fatherlike, with power hath made us stronger; 6 Indra, the Vimadas have formed for thee a laud, copious, unparalleled, for thee Most Bountiful. 7 Ne'er may this bond of friendship be dissevered, the Rsi Vimada's and thine, O Indra.

2 Thou dost desire to drink, each day that passes, the pleasant food which thou hast had aforetime, 3 Thou, newly−born, for strength didst drink the Soma; the Mother told thee of thy future greatness. 4 When thou hast urged the arrocrant to combat, proud in their strength of arm, we will subdue them. 5 I will declare the earliest deeds of Indra, and recent acts which Maghavan hath accomplished. 6 Thine is this world of flocks and herds around thee, which with the eye of Surya thou beholdest. 7 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O Brhaspati, and thou, O Indra. Mean though h

1 WHAT deed hath Indra done in the wild transport, in quaffing or in friendship with, the Soma? 2 In its wild joy Indra hath proved him faithful, faithful in quaffing, faithful in its friendship. 3 All thy vast power, O Maghavan, we know not, know not the riches of thy full abundance. 4 This one great power of thine our eyes have witnessed, wherewith thou slewest Varasikha's children, 5 In aid of Abhyavartin Cayamana, Indra destroyed the seed of Varasikha. 6 Three thousand, mailed, in quest of fame, together, on the Yavyavati, O much−sought Indra, 7 He, whose two red Steers, seeking goodly pasture, plying their tongues move on 'twixt earth and heaven

2 Ye who inspire all hymns, Indra and Visnu, ye vessels who contain the Soma juices, 3 Lords of joy−giving draughts, Indra and Visnu, come, giving gifts of treasure, to the Soma. 4 May your foe−conquering horses bring you hither, Indra and Visnu, sharers of the banquet. 5 This your deed, Indra−Visnu, must be lauded: widely ye strode in the wild joy of Soma. 6 Strengthened with sacred offerings, IndraVisnu, first eaters, served with worship ana oblation, 7 Drink of this meath, O Indra, thou, and Visnu; drink ye your fill of Soma, Wonder−Workers. 8 Ye Twain have conquered, ne'er have yc been conquered: never hath either of the Twain been vanquish

2 These here, who show o'er widest space, bringing full many a wondrous act, 3 Another beauteous wheel have ye fixed there to decorate your car. 4 That deed of yours that is extolled, Visvas! hath all been done with this. 5 When Surya mounted on your car that rolls for ever rapidly, 6 Atri bethinks himself of you, O Heroes, with a friendly mind, 7 Strong is your swiftly moving steed, famed his exertion in the course 8 Lovers of sweetness, Rudras, she who streams with sweetness waits on you. 9 Asvins, with truth they call you Twain bestowers of felicity; 10 Most pleasing to the Asvins be these prayers which magnify their might,

3 The Vrtra−slayer smote them all as spokes are hammered into naves: 4 Then Indra at a single draught drank the contents of thirty pails, 5 Indra in groundless realms of space pierced the Gandharva through, that he 6 Down from the mountains Indra shot hither his well−directed shaft: 7 One only is that shaft of thine, with thousand feathers, hundred barbs, 8 Strong as the gbhus at thy birth, therewith to those who praise thee, men, 9 By thee these exploits were achieved, the mightiest deeds, abundantly: 10 All these things Visnu brought, the Lord of ample stride whom thou hadst sent− 11 Most deadly is thy bow, successful, fashioned well: good is thine arrow, decked with gold.

2 Longed for, most Indra−like, mighty, most Marut−like, most w6nderful in deed, car−borne, best 3 What make ye there, ye Mighty? Wherefore linger ye with folk who, offering not, are held in high estee 4 Crunch up on. every side the dogs who bark at us: slay ye our foes, O Asvins this ye understand. 5 Ye made for Tugra's son amid the water−floods that animated ship with wings to fly withal, 6 Four ships most welcome in the midst of ocean, urged by the Asvins, save the son of Tugra, 7 What tree was that which stood fixed in surrounding sea to which the son of Tugra supplicating clung? 8 Welcome to you be this the hymn of praises uttered by Manas, O Nasatyas, Heroes,

2 As thou with Matarisvan, Medhya, Prsadhra, hast cheered thee Indra, with pressed juice, 3 'Tis he who made the lauds his own and boldly drank the Soma juice, 4 In whose laud thou didst joy, Indra, at the great deed, O Satakratu, Mighty One! 5 He is our Sire who gives to us, Great, Mighty, ruling as he wills. 6 He to whom thou, Good Lord, givest that he may give increases wealth that nourishes. 7 Never art thou neglectful: thou guardest both races with thy care. 8 The offercr whom thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, liberal Maghavan, favourest,− 9 Sung is the song of ancient time: to Indra have ye said the prayer. 10 Indra hath tossed together mighty stores of wealth, and both the worlds, yea, and the Sun.

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.

1 YE Asvins, rich in treasure, Lords of splendour, having nimble hands, 2 Ye Asvins, rich in wondrous deeds, ye heroes worthy of our praise, 3 Nisatyas, wonder−workers, yours arc these libations with clipt grass: 4 O Indra marvellously bright, come, these libations long for thee, 5 Urged by the holy singer, sped by song, come, Indra, to the prayers, 6 Approach, O Indra, hasting thee, Lord of Bay Horses, to the prayers. 7 Ye Visvedevas, who protect, reward, and cherish men, approach 8 Ye Visvedevas, swift at work, come hither quickly to the draught, 9 The Visvedevas, changing shape like serpents, fearless, void of guile, 10 Wealthy in spoil, enriched with hymns, may bright Sarsavad desire, 11 Inciter of all pleasant songs, inspirer o all gracious thought, 12 Sarasvati, the mighty flood,− she with be light illuminates, She brightens every pi

2 Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty: let us do many deeds to bring us glory. 3 May we o'ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills over lowlands. 4 Give us not up as prey to death, O Sorna still let us look upon the Sun arising. 5 O Asuniti, keep the soul within us, and make the days we have to live yet longer. 6 Give us our sight again, O Asuniti, give us again our breath and our enjoyment. 7 May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and mid−air restore it. 8 May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of everlasting Law. 9 Health−giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and threes, 10 Drive forward thou the wagon−ox, O Indra, which brought Usinarani's wagon hither.

2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou takest joy, 3 With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to profit us, 4 Hither, O Indra, let thy Bays bear up and, bring upon thy car 5 Thou, Indra, wouldst be sung and praised as great, strong, lordly in thy deeds 6 We who have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are calling thee. 7 As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all alike, 8 The men with stones have milked for thee this nectar of the Soma juice: 9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song: come hitherward, 10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me spotted kine, 11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold, 12 Durgaha's grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munificent,

2 Indra, thou humbledst tribes that spake with insult by breaking down seven autumn forts, their refuge. 3 With whom thou drivest troops whose lords are heroes, and bringest daylight now, much worshipped In 4 They through the greatness of thy spear, O Indra, shall, to thy praise, rest in this earthly station. 5 Indra, bear Kutsa, him in whom thou joyest: the dark−red horses of the Wind are docile. 6 Thou Indra, Lord of Bays, made strong by impulse, hast slain the vexers of thy friends, who give not. 7 Indra, the bard sang forth in inspiration: thou madest earth a covering for the Dasa. 8 These thine old deeds new bards have sung, O Indra. Thou conqueredst, boundest many tribes for ever. 9 A Stormer thou hast made the stormy waters flow down, O Indra, like the running rivers. 10 Indra, mayst thou be ours in all occasions, protector of the men, most gentle−hearted,

2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty; 3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, 4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them a 5 He with his might made firm the forward−bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordaine 6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. 7 As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all. 8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours. 9 Now may that weaithy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.

2 Giver of horses, Indra, giver, thou, of kine, giver of barley, thou art Lord and guard of wealth: 3 Indra, most splendid, powerful, rich in mighty deeds, this treasure spread around is known to be thine o 4 Well pleased with these bright flames and with these Soma drops, take thou away our poverty with seed 5 Let us obtain, O Indra, plenteous wealth and food, with strength exceeding glorious, shining to the sky: 6 These our libations strength−inspiring, Soma draughts, gladdened thee in the fight with Vrtra, Hero Lor 7 Thou goest on from fight to fight intrepidly, destroying castle after castle here with strength. 8 Thou hast struck down in death Karanja, Parnaya, in Atithigva's very glorious going forth. 9 With all−outstripping chariot−wheel, O Indra, thou far−famed, hast overthrown the twice ten Kings of 10 Thou hast protected Susravas with succour, and Turvayana with thine aid, O Indra 11 May we protected by the Gods hereafter remain thy very prosperous friends, O In

2 His Mother−for she knew−spake and proclaimed him who was about to cast his bolt at Vrtra. 3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Vrtra shot his deadly missile. 4 As with a bolt, Brhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vrkadvaras', the Asura's, heroes. 5 Cast down from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder wherewith in joy thou smitest dead the foeman. 6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain are the rich worshipper's advancers. 7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let us say, Press not the Soma; 8 Sarasvati, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our foemen, 9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,−aim at him, pierce him with thy sharpened weapon. 10 Perform, O Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou hast to finish. 11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the company of Maruts,

2 Where, like men cleansing corn−flour in a cribble, the wise in spirit have created language, 3 With sacrifice the trace of Vak they foIlowed, and found her harbouring within the Rsis. 4 One man hath ne'er seen Vak, and yet he seeth: one man hath hearing but hath never heard her. 5 One man they call a laggard, dull in friendship: they never urge him on to deeds of valour. 6 No part in Vak hath he who hath abandoned his own dear friend who knows the truth of friendship. 7 Unequal in the quickness of their spirit are friends endowed alike with eyes and hearing. 8 When friendly Brahmans sacrifice together with mental impulse which the heart hath fashioned, 9 Those men who step not back and move not forward, nor Brahmans nor preparers of libations, 10 All friends are joyful in the friend who cometh in triumph, having conquered in assembly. 11 One plies his constant task reciting verses. one sings the holy psalm in Sakvari measures.

2 O Indra, drink the Soma juice pressed out with stones. poured from the reservoir, as an ox drinks the spr 3 He found the treasure brought from heaven that lay concealed, close−hidden, like the nestling of a bird, 4 Grasping his thunderbolt with both hands, Indra made its edge most keen, for hurling, like a carving−kn 5 Thou, Indra, without effort hast let loose the floods to run their free course down, 6 Eager for riches, men have formed for thee this song, like as a skilful craftsman fashioneth a car, so hav 7 For Puru thou hast shattered, Indra ninety forts, for Divodasa thy boon servant with thy bolt, O Dancer, 8 Indra in battles help his Aryan worshipper, he who hath hundred helps at hand in every fray, in frays tha 9 Waxed strong in might at dawn he tore the Sun's wheel off. Bright red, he steals away their speech, the 10 Lauded with our new hymns, O vigorous in deed, save us with strengthening help, thou Shatterer of th

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 Agni I laud, the Sage inspired, crowner of sacrifice through song, 3 O Agni, if we might obtain control of thee the potent God, 4 Kindled at sacrifices he is Agni, hallower, meet for praise, 5 Immortal Agni, shining far, enrobed with oil, well worshipped, bears 6 The priests with ladles lifted up, worshipping here with holy thought, 7 Immortal, Sacrificer, God, with wondrous power he leads the way, 8 Strong, he is set on deeds ofstrength. In sacrifices led in front, 9 Excellent, he was made by thought. The Germ of beings have I gained, 10 Thee have I stablished, Excellent, O strengthened by the sage's prayer, 11 Agni, the swift and active One, singers, at time of sacrifice, 12 Agni the Son of Strength who shines up to the heaven in solemn rites, 13 Meet to be lauded and adored, showing in beauty through the dark, 14 Agni is kindled as a bull, like a horsebearer of the Gods: 15 Thee will we kindle as a bull, we who are Bulls ourselves, O Bull.

2 The fountain−depths obstructed in their seasons, thou, Thunderer! madest flow, the mountain's udder. 3 Indra with violence smote down the weapon, 4 Him, whom the heavenly food of these delighted, child of the mist, strong waxing, couched in darkness, 5 Though he might ne'er be wounded still his vitals felt that, the God's bolt, which his powers supported, 6 Him as he lay there huge in length extended, still waxing in the gloom which no sun lightened, 7 When 'gainst the mighty Danava his weapon Indra uplifted, power which none could combat, 8 The fierce God seized that huge and restless coiler, insatiate, drinker of the sweets, recumbent, 9 Who may arrest his strength or cheek his vigour? Alone, resistless, he bears off all riches. 10 E'en the Celestial Axe bows down before him, and the Earth, lover−like, gives way to Indra. 11 I hear that thou wast born sole Lord of heroes of the Five Races, famed among the people. 12 So, too, I hear of thee as in due season urging to action and enriching singers.

2 As there ye, Mitra, Varuna, above the true have taken to yourselves the untrue with your mind, with 3 Asvins, the pious call you with their hymns of praise, sounding their loud song forth to you, these living 4 Well is it known, O Mighty Ones: ye open heaven; for you the chariotsteeds are yoked for morning rites 5 O Rich in Strength, through your great power vouchsafe us blessings day and night. 6 These Soma−drops, strong Indra! drink for heroes, poured, pressed out by pressing−stones, are welling 7 Quickly, O Agni, hear us: magnified by us thou shalt speck for us to the Gods adorable yea, to the King 8 Ne'er may these manly deeds of yours for us grow old, never may your bright glories fall into decay, ne 9 Dadhyac of old, Anigiras, Priyamedha these, and Kanva, Atri, Manu knew my birth, yea, tbose of ancie 10 Let the Invoker bless: let offerers bring choice gifts; Brhaspati the Friend doth sacrifice with Steers, St 11 O ye Eleven Gods whose home is heaven, O ye Eleven who make earth your dwelling,

29 And lauds which strengthen thee for great bounty and valour, and exalt 30 And songs to thee who lovest song, and all those hymns addressed to thee− 31 Thus he, sole doer of great deeds whose hand holds thunder, gives us strength, 32 Vrtra he slays with his right hand, even Indra, great with mighty power, 33 He upon whom all men depend, all regions, all achievements, he 34 All this hath he accomplished, yea, Indra, most gloriously renowned, 35 Who drives his chariot seeking spoil, from afar, to him he loves: 36 The Sage who, winning spoil with steeds, slays Vrtra, Hero with the men, 37 O Priyamedhas, worship with collected mind this Indra whom 38 Ye Kanvas, sing the Mighty One, Lord of the Brave, who loves renown, 39 Strong Friend, who, with no trace of feet, restores the cattle to the men, 40 Shaped as a Ram, Stone−hurler I once thou camest hither to the son 41 Vibhindu, thou hast helped this man, giving him thousands four times ten, 42 And these twain pouring streams of milk, creative, daughters of delight,

2 So battle now, O Indra and thou, Agni, for cows and waters, sunlight, stolen Mornings. 3 With Vrtra−slaying might, Indra and Agni, come, drawn by homage, O ye Vrtra−slayers. 4 I call the Twain whose deeds of old have all been famed in ancient days 5 The Strong, the scatterers of the foe, Indra and Agni, we invoke; 6 They slay our Arya foes, these Lords of heroes, slay our Dasyu foes 7 Indra and Agni, these our songs of praise have sounded forth to you: 8 Come, Indra−Agni, with those teams, desired of many, which ye have, 9 With those to this libation poured, ye Heroes, Indra−Agni, come: 10 Glorify him who compasses all forests with his glowing flame, 11 He who gains Indra's bliss with fire enkindled finds an easy way 12 Give us fleet coursers to convey Indra and Agni, and bestow 13 Indra and Agni, I will call you hither and make you joyful with the gifts I offer. 14 Come unto us with riches, come with wealth in horses and in kine. 15 Indra and Agni, hear his call who worships. with libations poured.

2 Make pleasant hymns, spin out your songs and praises: build ye a ship equipped with oars for transport. 3 Lay on the yokes, and fasten well the traces: formed is the furrow, sow the seed within it. 4 Wise, through desire of bliss from Gods, the skilful bind the traces fast, And lay the yokes on either side 5 Arrange the buckets in their place securely fasten on the straps. 6 I pour the water from the well with pails prepared and goodly straps, 7 Refresh the horses, win the prize before you: equip a chariot fraught with happy fortune. 8 Prepare the cow−stall, for there drink your heroes: stitch ye the coats of armour, wide and many. 9 Hither, for help, I turn the holy heavenly mind of you the Holy Gods, that longs for sacrifice. 10 Pour golden juice within the wooden vessel: with stone−made axes fashion ye and form it. 11 Between both poles the car−horse goes pressed closely, as in his dwelling moves the doubly−wedded. 12 Indra is he, O men, who gives us happiness: sport, urge the giver of delight to win us strength

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 Agni of Divodasa turned, as 'twere in majesty, to the Gods. 3 Him before whom the people shrink when he performs his glorious deeds, 4 The mortal man whom thou wouldst lead to opulence, O Vasu, he who brings thee gifts. 5 He with the steed wins spoil even in the fenced fort, and gains imperishable fame. 6 To him who dealeth out all wealth, who is the cheerful Priest of men, 7 Votaries, richly−gifted, deck him with their songs, even as the steed who draws the car. 8 Sing forth to him, the Holy, most munificent, sublime with his refulgent glow, 9 Worshipped with gifts, enkindled, splendid, Maghavan shall win himself heroic fame. 10 Priest, presser of the juice! praise now the dearest Guest of all our friends, 11 Who, finder−out of treasures open and concealed, bringeth them hither, Holy One; 12 Let not the noble Guest, Agni, be wroth with us: by many a man his praise is sung, 13 O Vasu, Agni, let not them be harmed who come in any way with lauds to thee. 14 Friend of the Maruts, Agni, come with Rudras to the Soma−draught,

2 As vast as all this world is in its compass, deep as it is, with its far−stretching surface, 3 For ye have won a blessed name together: yea, with one aim ye strove, O Vrtra−slayers. 4 Both stand adorned, when fires are duly kindled, spreading the sacred grass, with lifted ladles. 5 The brave deeds ye have done, Indra and Agni, the forms ye have displayed and mighty exploits, 6 As first I said when choosing you, in battle we must contend with Asuras for this Soma. 7 If in your dwelling, or with prince or Brahman, ye, Indra−Agni, Holy Ones, rejoice you, 8 If with, the Yadus, Turvasas, ye sojourn, with Druhyus, Anus, Purus, Indra−Agni! 9 Whether, O Indra−Agni, ye be dwelling in lowest earth, in central, or in highest. 10 Whether, O Indra−Agni, ye be dwelling in highest earth, in central, or in lowest, 11 Whether ye be in heaven, O Indra−Agni, on earth, on mountains, in the herbs, or waters, 12 If, when the Sun to the mid−heaven hath mounted, ye take delight in food, O Indra−Agni, 13 Thus having drunk your fill of our libation, win us all kinds of wealth, Indra and Agni.

2 They laud thee in their solemn rites, Agni, as Minister and Priest, 3 He, verily, who honours thee with fuel, Knower of all life, 4 Ensign of sacrifices, he, Agni, with Gods is come to us, 5 ToAgni, the Invoking Priest, offer your best, your lofty speech, 6 Let these our hymns make Agni grow, whence, meet for laud, he springs to life, 7 Best Sacrificer, bring the Gods, O Agni, to the pious man: 8 As such, O Purifier, shine on us heroic glorious might: 9 So, wakeful, versed in sacred hymns, the holy singers kindly thee. 2 Oblation−bearer, deathless, well inclined, an eager messenger, 3 Ensign of sacrifice from of old, Agni well knoweth with his thought 4 Agni, illustrious from old time, the Son of Strength who knows all life, 5 Infallible is Agni, he who goes before the tribes of men, 6 Strength of the Gods which none may harm, subduing all his enemies, 7 By offering sacred food to him the mortal worshipper obtains. 8 From Agni, by our hymns, may we gain all things that bring happiness, 9 O Agni, in our deeds of might may we obtain all precious things: