Rig Veda on Nature

2 With this hymn let us honour thee, seeker of horses, Son of Strength, 3 As such, lover of song, with songs, wealth−lover, giver of our wealth! 4 Be thou for us a liberal Prince, giver and Lord of precious things. 5 Such as thou art, give rain from heaven, give strength which no man may resist: 6 To him who lauds thee, craving help, most youthful envoy! through our song, 7 Between both races, Agni, Sage, well skilled thou passest to and fro, 8 Befriend us thou as knowing all. Sage, duly worship thou the Gods,

2 The holy sage, renowned afar, directeth his hymns to you, O Varuna and Mitra,− 3 From the wide earth, O Varuna and Mitra from the great lofty heaven, ye, Bounteous Givers, − 4 I praise the strength of Varuna and Mitra that strength, by mightiness, keeps both worlds asunder. 5 Steers, all infallible are these your people in whom no wondrous thing is seen, no worship. 6 I will exalt your sacrifice with homage: as priest, I, Mitra−Varuna, invoke you. 7 This priestly task, Gods! Varuna and Mitra! hath been performed for you at sacrifices.

2 Thine is the Herald's, thine the Cleanser's office, thinker art thou, wealth−giver, true to Order. 3 To the Gods' pathway have we travelled, ready to execute what work we may accomplish. 4 When we most ignorant neglect the statutes of you, O Deities with whom is knowledge, 5 When, weak in mind, of feeble understanding, mortals bethink them not of sacrificing, 6 Because the Father hath produced thee, Leader of all our solemn rites, their brilliant Banner: 7 Thou whom the Heaven and Earth, thou whom the Waters, and Tvastar, maker of fair things, created,

2 Shine forth, O Morning, thou auspicious Goddess, on thy bright car awaking pleasant voices. 3 Thou, Morning, turning thee to every creature, standest on high as ensign of the Immortal, 4 Letting her reins drop downward, Morning cometh, the wealthy Dame, the Lady of the dwelling; 5 Hither invoke the radiant Goddess Morning, and bring with reverence your hymn to praise her. 6 From heaven, with hymns, the Holy One was wakened: brightly to both worlds came the wealthy Lady. 7 On Law's firm base the speeder of the Mornings, the Bull, hath entered mighty earth and heaven.

2 Asvins, ye gained that glory by your Godhead, ye Sons of Heaven, by your own might and power. 3 Who bringeth you to−day for help with offered oblation, or with hymns to drink the juices? 4 Borne on your golden car, ye omnipresent! come to this sacrifice of ours, Nasatyas. 5 Come hitherward to us from earth, from heaven, borne on your golden chariot rolling lightly. 6 Now for us both, mete out, O WonderWorkers, riches exceeding great with store of heroes, 7 Whene'er I gratified you here together, your grace was given us, O ye rich in booty.

2 Hear this laud, Radiant Priest of many aspects, O Agni with the fires of man enkindled, 3 Mid mortal men that singer thrives in glory who offers gifts with hymns of praise to Agni, 4 He, at his birth, whose path is black behind him, filled heaven and earth with far−apparent splendour: 5 With thy most mighty aid, confer, O Agni, wonderful wealth on us and on our princes, 6 Agni, accept this sacrifice with gladness, which, seated here, the worshipper presenteth. 7 Scatter our foes, increase our store. May we he glad a hundred winters with brave sons.

2 A hundred oxen white of hue are shining like the stars in heaven, 3 Bamboos a hundred, a hundred dogs, a hundred skins of beasts well−tanned, 4 Blest by the Gods, Kinvayanas! be ye who spread through life on life: 5 Then men extolled the team of seven not yet full−grown, its fame is great. 2 Ten thousand Dasyave−vrka, the son of Putakrata, hath 3 A hundred asses hath he given, a hundred head of fleecy sheep, 4 There also was a mare led forth, picked out for Putakrata's sake, 5 Observant Agni hath appeared, oblation−bearer with his car.

2 That Agni, when in loftiest heaven he sprang to life, Guardian of Holy Laws, kept and observed them w 3 Wonderful Mitra propped the heaven and earth apart, and covered and concealed 4 The Migbty seized him in the bosom of the floods: the people waited on the King who should be praise 5 In every age bestow upon the singers wealth, worthy of holy synods, glorious, ever new. 6 Do thou bestow, O Agni, on our wealthy chiefs, rule, with good heroes, undecaying, bending not. 7 O thou who dwellest in three places, Helper, keep with effective guards our princely patrons.

2 On, onward to a glorious home; dear to the people void of guile, 3 He, the bright Son, when born illumed his Parents who had sprung to life, 4 Urged by the seven devotions he hath stirred the guileless rivers which 5 These helped to might theYouthful One, high over all, invincible, 6 The immortal Courser, good to draw, looks down upon the Seven: the fount 7 Aid us in holy rites, O Man: O Pavamana, drive away 8 Make the paths ready for a hymn newer and newer evermore: 9 Give, Pavamana, high renown, give kine and steeds and hero sons:

2 Thou unto whom resort the gathered people, as the kine seek the warm stall, O Most Youthful. 3 Making thee grow as 'twere some noble infant, thy Mother nurtures thee with sweet affection. 4 Foolish are we, O Wise and free from error: verily, Agni, thou dost know thy grandeur. 5 He rises ever fresh in ancient fuel: smoke−bannered, gray, he makes the wood his dwelling. 6 Like thieves who risk their lives and haunt the forest, the twain with their ten girdles have secured him. 7 Homage and prayer are thine, O Jatavedas, and this my song shall evermore exalt thee.

2 Who hath with prayer bowed to the Soma−lover? What pious man endues the beams of morning? 3 Who claims to−day the Deities' protection, asks Aditi for light, or the Adityas? 4 To him shall Agni Bharata give shelter: long shall he look upon the Sun up−rising, 5 Him neither few men overcome, nor many to him shall Aditi give spacious shelter. 6 This Hero curbs the mighty for the zealous: the presser's brew Indra possesses solely: 7 Not with the wealthy churl who pours no Soma doth Indra, Soma−drinker, bind alliance. 8 Highest and lowest, men who stand between diem, going, returning, dwelling in contentment,

2 All that is bare he covers o'er, all that is sick he medicines; 3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men, 4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth 5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace, 6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man, 7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts, 8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King: 9 When in my dwelling−place I see the wicked enemies of Gods,

2 His eyes are turned away, his head is hidden: unsated with his tongue he eats the fuel. 3 Seeking, as 'twere, his Mother's secret bosom, he, like a child, creeps on through wide−spread bushes. 4 This holy Law I tell you, Earth and Heaven: the Infant at his birth dovours his Parents. 5 This man who quickly gives him food, who offers his gifts of oil and butter and supports him, − 6 Agni, hast thou committed sin or treason among the Gods? In ignorance I ask thee. 7 He born in wood hath yoked his horses rushing in all directions, held with reins that glitter.

2 As the cow yieldeth milk, pour for us freely, Lord of the Field, the wave that beareth sweetness, 3 Sweet be the plants for us. the heavens, the waters, and full of sweets for us be air's mid−region. 4 Happily work our steers and men, may the plough furrow happily. 5 Suna and Sira, welcome ye this laud, and with the milk which ye have made in heaven 6 Auspicious Sita, come thou near: we venerate and worship thee 7 May Indra press the furrow down, may Pusan guide its course aright. 8 Happily let the shares turn up the ploughland, happily go the ploughers with the oxen.

26 O Indra, Caster of the Stone, thou helpest him who praises thee: 27 Here, yoking for the Soma−draught these Horses, sharers of thy feast, 28 Attendants on thy glory, let the Rudras roar assent to thee, 29 These his victorious followers bold in the heavens the place they love, 30 That we may long behold the light, what time the ordered rite proceeds, 31 O Indra, strong is this thy car, and strong are these Bay Steeds of thine: 32 Strong is the press−stone, strong thy joy, strong is the flowing Soma juice: 33 As strong I call on thee the Strong, O Thunderer with thy thousand aids:

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

2 O'er all thou rulest with these Two which, Soma Pavamana, stand, 3 Wise Soma Pavamana, thou encompassest on every side 4 Flow onward, generating food, for precious boons of every kind, 5 Upon the lofty ridge of heaven thy bright rays with their essences, 6 O Soma, these Seven Rivers flow, as being thine, to give command: 7 Flow onward, Soma in a stream, effused to gladden Indra's heart, 8 Driving thee in Vivasvan's course, the Seven Sisters with their hymns 9 The virgins deck thee o'er fresh streams to drive thee to the sieve when thou, 10 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Sage, Mighty One, have pouredthem forth.

1 WHAT shall we sing to Rudra, strong, most bounteous, excellently wise, 2 That Aditi may grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine, 3 That Mitra and that Varuna, that Rudra may remember us, 4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines, 5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold is he, 6 May he grant health into our steeds, wellbeing to our rams and ewes, 7 O Soma, set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men, 8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us. 9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as serving thee,

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.

2 He, Narasamsa, ne'er beguiled, inspiriteth this sacrifice: 3 Adored, O Agni, hither bring Indra the Wonderful, the Friend, 4 Spread thyself out, thou soft as wool The holy hymns have sung to thee. 5 Open yourselves, ye Doors Divine, easy of access for our aid: 6 Fair strengtheners of vital power, young Mothers of eternal Law, 7 On the wind's flight come, glorified, ye two celestial Priests of man 8 l! Sarasvati, Mahl, three Goddesses who tring us weal, 9 Rich in all plenty, Tvastar, come auspicious of thine own accord 10 Vanaspati, wherever thou knowest the Gods' mysterious names, 11 To Agni and to Varuna, Indra, the Maruts, and the Gods,

2 Even as thou thinkest in thy heart, thither my wishes also tend. 3 Earth, like a bounteous lady, liberal of her gifts, struck down and shaken, yet exultant, comes to us. 4 They who with mighty strength o'erthrow like oxen difficult to yoke, 5 Rise up! even now with lauds I call the very numerous company, 6 Bind to your car the bright red mares, yoke the red coursers to your car. 7 Yea, and this loudly−neighing bright red vigorous horse who hath been sutioned, fair to see, 8 The Maruts' chariot, ever fain to gather glory, we invoke, 9 I call that brilliant band of yours, adorable, rapid on the car

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 Strong are the Soma−draughts; come nigh: the juices fill thee with delight: 3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food et it content thy wish and thought, 4 Come to us thou who hast no foe: we call thee down to hymns of praise, 5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk for thy carouse, 6 Graciously, Indra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, and sate 7 The Soma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee, 8 The Soma seen within themats, as in the flood the Moon is seen, 9 That which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to thee,

2 To him sang forth the flowing streams of Holy Law, encompassed in the home and birth−place of the G 3 Seeking in course altern to reach the selfsame end the two copartners strive to win this beauteous form. 4 He whom the two copartners with observance tend, the pair who dwell together in the same abode, 5 Him the ten fingers, the devotions. animate: we mortals call on him a God to give us help. 6 For, Agni, like a herdsman, thou by thine own might rulest o'er all that is in heaven and on the earth; 7 Agni, accept with joy, be glad in this our prayer, joy−giver, self−sustained, strong, born of Holy Law!

2 O Asuras, O Varuna and Mitra, this hymn to you, like food, anew I offer. 3 The movements of the gliding wind come hither: like cows, the springs are filled to overflowing. 4 May I bring hither with my song, O Indra, wise Aryaman who yokes thy dear Bay Horses, 5 In their own place of sacrifice adorers worship to gain long life and win his friendship. 6 Coming together, glorious, loudly roaring − Sarasvati, Mother of Floods, the seventh− 8 Bring ye the great Aramati before you, and Pusan as the Hero of the synod, 9 May this our song of praise reach you, O Maruts, and Visnu guardian of the future infant.

2 Let it approach, yoked by thewill, three−seated, extending far and wide o'er fivefold beings, 3 Renowned, with noble horses, come ye hither: drink, Wondrous Pair, the cup that holds sweet juices. 4 When night was turning to the grey of morning the Maiden, Surya's Daughter, chose your splendour. 5 O Chariot−borne, this car of yours invested with rays of light comes harnessed to our dwelling. 6 Like the wild cattle thirsty for the lightning, Heroes, come nigh this day to our libations. 7 Bhujyu, abandoned in the midst of ocean, ye raised from out the water with your horses, 8 Now hear, O Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

2 Let no malignity prevail against us, either God's or man's. 3 So through thy favour may we force through all our enemies a way, 4 Thou, Purifier Agni, high shinest forth, bright, adorable, 5 Ours art thou, Agni, Bharata, honoured by us with barren cows, 6 Wood−fed, bedewed with sacred oil, ancient, Invoker, excellent, 2 Who, guiding worshippers aright, withers, untouched by age, the foe: 3 Who for his glory is extolled at eve and morning in our homes, 4 Who shines refulgent like the Sun, with brilliance and with fiery flame, 5 Him Atri, Agni, have our songs Strengthened according to his sway: 6 May we with Agni's, Indra's help, with Soma's, yea, of all the Gods,

1 THE pleasant Priest is come into the synod, true, skilled in sacrifice, most wise, Ordainer. 2 To thee I offer reverent speech: accept it: to thee who markest it, victorious, faithful! 3 The Two who show their vigour, Night and Morning, by the wind's paths shall haste to thee O Agni. 4 To thee, strong Agni! Varuna and Mitra and all the Maruts sang a song of triumph, 5 Approaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this day fulfilled for thee thy longing. 6 For, Son of Strength, from thee come many succours, and powers abundant that a God possesses. 7 Whatever, God, in sacrifice we mortals have wrought is all for thee, strong, wise of purpose!

5 Mighty and strong he waxed for hero exploit: the Bull was furnished a Sage's wisdom. 6 As floods according to their stream flow onward, so to the sea, as borne on cars, the waters. 7 Eager to mingle with the sea, the rivers carry the well−pressed Soma juice to Indra. 8 Like lakes appear his flanks filled full with Soma: yea, he contains libations in abundance. 9 Then bring thou hither, and let none prevent it: we know thee well, the Lord of wealth and treasure. 10 O Indra, Maghavan, impetuous mover, grant us abundant wealth that brings all blessings. 11 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 Foremost be he who brings thee food, O Mitra, who strives to keep thy sacred Law, Aditya. 3 joying in sacred food and free from sickness, with knees bent lowly on the earth's broad surface, 4 Auspicious and adorable, this Mitra was born with fair dominion, King, Disposer. 5 The great Aditya, to be served with wor. ship, who stirreth men, is gracious to the singer. 6 The gainful grace of Mitra,. God, supporter of the race of man, 7 Mitra whose glory spreads afar, he who in might surpasses heaven, 8 All the Five Races have repaired to Mitra, ever strong to aid, 9 Mitra to Gods, to living men, to him who strews the holy grass,

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 Like fire with flashing flame, breast−bound with chains of gold, like tempest−blasts, self−moving, swift 3 Shakers of all, like gales of wind they travel, like tongues of burning fires in their effulgence. 4 Like spokes of car−wheels in one nave united, ever victorious like heavenly Heroes, 5 They who are fleet to travel like the noblest steeds, long to obtain the prize like bounteous charioteers, 6 Born from the stream, like press−stones are the Princes, for ever like the stones that crush in pieces; 7 Like rays of Dawn, the visitors of sacrifice, they shine with ornaments as eager to be bright. 8 Gods, send us happiness and make us wealthy, letting us singers prosper, O ye Maruts.

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 For I have heard that ye give wealth more freely than worthless son−in−law or spouse's brother. 3 Let us not break the cords: with this petition we strive to gain the powers of our forefathers. 4 For you the bowl divine, Indra and Agni, presses the Soma gladly to delight you. 5 You, I have heard, were mightiest, Indra−Agni, when Vrtra fell and when the spoil was parted. 6 Surpassing all men where they shout for battle, ye Twain exceed the earth and heaven in greatness. 7 Bring wealth and give it, ye whose arms wield thunder: Indra and Agni, with your powers protect us. 8 Give, ye who shatter forts, whose hands wield thunder: Indra and Agni, save us in our battles.

2 For goodly fields, for pleasant homes, for wealth we sacrifice to thee. 3 Best praiser of all these be he; foremost, our chiefs who sacrifice. 4 So that thy worshippers and we, thine, Agni, in our sons may live. 5 As ever− conquering Agni's beams of splendour go to every side, 6 To every side thy face is turned, thou art triumphant everywhere. 7 O thou whose face looks every way, bear us past foes as in a ship. 8 As in a ship, convey thou us for our advantage o'er the flood. 2 Present in heaven, in earth, all−present Agni,−all plants that grow on ground hath he pervaded. 3 Be this thy truth, Vaisvanara, to us−ward: let wealth in rich abundance gather round us.

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 They who with laud extol the ancient statutes, when they shine forth infallible dividers, 3 The Housewife Goddess, Aditi, and Sindhu, the Goddess Svasti I implore for friendship: 4 Aryaman, Varuna have disclosed the pathway, Agni as Lord of Strength the road to welfare. 5 I have besought the favourof the Maruts, of Parvata, of Bhaga God who rescues. 6 Agree, through these our watery oblations, Goddesses, Heaven and Earth, with Ahibudhnya. 7 May Goddess Aditi with Gods defend us, save us the saviour God with care unceasing. 8 Agni is Sovran Lord of wealth, Agni of great prosperity: 9 Hither to us, rich pleasant Dawn, bring many things to be desired, 10 So then may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Indra, with bounty come to us.

2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! 3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou ar 4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us 5 Speed happily those, as Surya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; 6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide−wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. 7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. 8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship.

2 What time the grasshopper replies and swells the shrill cicala's voice, 3 And, yonder, cattle seem to graze, what seems a dwelling−place appears: 4 Here one is calling to his cow, another there hath felled a tree: 5 The Goddess never slays, unless some murderous enemy approach. 6 Now have I praised the Forest Queen, sweet−scented, redolent of balm, 2 Thou with thy magic powers didst rend the conjurer Vrtra, O Blameless One, with heart that longed for 3 God Much−invoked, take pleasure in these princes here, who, thine exalters, Maghavan, have come to 4 That man shall find delight in well−protected wealth whose care provides for him the quick−sought joy 5 Now for our band, O Maghavan, when lauded, make ample room with might, and grant us riches.

1 INDRA the singers with high praise, Indra reciters with their lauds, 2 Indra hath ever close to him his two bay steeds and word−yoked car, 3 Indra hath raised the Sun on high in heaven, that he may see afar: 4 Help us, O Indra, in the frays, yea, frays, where thousand spoils are gained, 5 In mighty battle we invoke Indra, Indra in lesser fight, 6 Unclose, our manly Hero, thou for ever bounteous, yonder cloud, 7 Still higher, at each strain of mine, thunder−armed Indra's praises rise: 8 Even as the bull drives on the herds, he drives the people with his might, 9 Indra who rules with single sway men, riches, and the fivefold race 10 For your sake from each side we call Indra away from other men:

1 INDRA, bring wealth that gives delight, the victor's ever−conquering wealth, Most excellent, to be ou 2 By means of which we may repel our foes in battle hand to hand, 3 Aided by thee, the thunder−armed, Indra, may we lift up the bolt, 4 With thee, O India, for ally with missile−darting heroes, may 5 Mighty is Indra, yea supreme; greatness be his, the Thunderer: 6 Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to the fight, 7 His belly, drinking deepest draughts of Soma, like an ocean swells, 8 So also is his excellence, great, vigorous, rich in cattle, like 9 For verily thy mighty powers, Indra, are saving helps at once 10 So are his lovely gifts; let lauds and praises be to Indra sung,

2 May your pure steeds, rain−drinkers, bring you hither, swift as the tempest, your celestial coursers, 3 Your car is like a torrent rushing downward: may it come nigh, broad−seated, for our welfare,− 4 Here sprung to life, they both have sung together, with bodies free from stain, with signs that mark them 5 May your car−seat, down−gliding, golden−coloured, according to your wish approach our dwellings. 6 Forth comes your strong Bull like a cloud of autumn, sending abundant food of liquid sweetness. 7 Your constant song hath been sent forth, Disposers! that flows threefold in mighty strength, O Asvins. 8 This song of bright contents for you is swelling in the men's hall where three−fold grass is.ready. 9 The prudent worshipper, like Pusan, Asvins! praises you as he praises Dawn and Agni,

2 For, verily, men pray to thee with sacrifices and with songs. 3 Of one accord men kindle thee Heaven's signal of the sacrifice, 4 Let the man thrive who travails sore, in prayer, far thee the Bountiful. 5 The mortal who with fuel lights thy flame and offers unto thee, 6 Thy bright smoke lifts itself aloft, and far−extended shines in heaven. 7 For in men's houses thou must be glorified as a well−loved guest, 8 Thou, Agni, like an able steed, art urged by wisdom in the wood. 9 E'en things imperishable, thou, O Agni, like a gazing ox, 10 Agni, thou enterest as Priest the home of men who sacrifice. 11 O Agni, God with Mitra's might, call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven.

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 Press the libation out, most excellent of all: the Pressing−stone is grasped like a hand−guided steed. 3 Juice that this Stone pours out removes defect of ours, as in old time it brought prosperity to man. 4 Drive ye the treacherous demons far away from us: keep Nirrti afar and banish Penury. 5 To you who are more mighty than the heavens themselves, who, finishing your task with more than 6 Stirred be the glorious Stones: let it press out the juice, the Stone with heavenly song that reaches up to 7 The Stones press out the Soma, swift as car−borne men, and, eager for the spoil, drain forth the sap ther 8 Ye, present men, have been most skilful in your work, even ye, O Stones who pressed Soma for Indra's

2 When shall thy glory as a God, Agni, be suddenly shown forth. 3 Seeing thee faithful to the Law, most sapient, like the starry heaven, 4 Vivasvan's envoy living men have taken as their ensign, swift, 5 Him the intelligent have they placed duly as Invoking Priest, 6 In his Eternal Mothers, in the wood, concealed and unapproached, 7 That as food spreads forth in this earthly udder, Gods may rejoice them in the home of Order, 8 Bird of each rite, skilled in an envoy's duties, knowing both worlds and that which lies between them, 9 Bright God, thy path is black: light is before thee: thy moving splendour is the chief of wonders. 10 Yet newly born, his vigour is apparent when the wind blows upon his fiery splendour, His sharpened t

2 The gladdening juices stand prepared before you: come quickly and partake of mine oblation. 3 Your chariot with a hundred aids, O Asvins, beareth you swift as thought across the regions, 4 What time this stone of yours, the Gods' adorer, upraised, sounds forth for you as Soma−presser, 5 The nourishment ye have is, truly, wondrous: ye gave thereof a quickening store to Atri, 6 That gift, which all may gain, ye gave Cyavana, when he grew old, who offered you oblations, 7 What time his wicked friends abandoned Bhujyu, O Asvins, in the middle of the ocean, 8 Ye lent your aid to Vrka when exhausted, and listened when invoked to Sayu's calling. 9 With his fair hymns this singer, too, extols you, waking with glad thoughts at the break of morning.

1 They who stand round him as he moves harness the bright, the ruddy Steed 2 On both sides to the car they yoke the two bay coursers dear to him, 3 Thou, making light where no light was, and form, O men: where form was not, 4 Thereafter they, as is their wont, threw off the state of' babes unborn, 5 Thou, Indra, with the Tempest−Gods, the breakers down of what is firm ' 6 Worshipping even as they list, singers laud him who findeth wealth, 7 Mayest thou verily be seen coming by fearless Indra's side: 8 With Indra's well beloved hosts, the blameless, hastening to heaven, 9 Come from this place, O Wanderer, or downward from the light of heaven: 10 Indra we seek to give us help, from here, from heaven above the earth,

2 Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters, 3 Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon's slayer, sent forth the flood of waters to the ocean. 4 To him who worshippeth hath Indra given many and matchless gifts. He slayeth Vrtra. 5 To him who poured him gifts he gave up Surya,−Indra, the God, the Mighty, to the mortal; 6 Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa, he gave up greedy Surya, plague of harvest; 7 So have we brought our hymn to thee, O Indra, strengthening thee and fain ourselves for glory. 8 Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, O Hero, have wrought their hymn and task as seeking favour. 9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee,

2 A far−extended pillar that supports the sky the Soma−stalk, filled full, moves itself every way. 3 Wide space hath he who follows Aditi's right path, and mighty, well−made food, meath blent with Som 4 Butter and milk are drawn from animated cloud; thence Amrta is produced, centre of sacrifice. 5 The Soma−stalk hath roared, following with the wave: he swells with sap for man the skin which Gods 6 In the third region which distils a thousand streams, may the Exhaustless Ones descend with procreant 7 Soma assumes white colour when he strives to gain: the bounteous Asura knows full many a precious b 8 Yea, to the shining milk−anointed beaker, as to his goal, hath stepped the conquering Courser. 9 Soma, thy juice when thou art blended with the streams, flows, Pavamana, through the long wool of the

2 Effused, he hath, as on a car, invested him in fleecy mail: 3 Effused, this Indu hath flowed on, distilling rapture, to the fleece: 4 For thou thyself, O Indu, God, to every mortal worshipper 5 Good Vrtra−slayer, may we be still nearest to this wealth of thine 6 Whom, bright with native splendour, crushed between the pair of pressingstones− 7 Him with the fleece they purify, brown, golden−hued, beloved of all, 8 Through longing for this sap of yours ye drink what brings ability, 9 Indu at holy rites produced you, Heaven and Earth, the Friends of men, 10 For Vrtra−slaying Indra, thou, Soma, art poured that he may drink, 11 These ancient Somas, at the break of day, have flowed into the sieve, 12 Friends, may the princes, ye and we, obtain this Most Resplendent One.

2 I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality by secret pathways, 3 1, looking to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a rule of Law and Order. 4 I tarried many a year within this altar: I leave the Father, for my choice is Indra. 5 These Asuras have lost their powers of magic. But thou, O Varuna, if thou dost love me, 6 Here is the light of heaven, here allis lovely; here there is radiance, here is air's wide region. 7 The Sage hath fixed his form by wisdom in the heavens: Varuna with no violence let the waters flow. 8 These wait upon his loftiest power and vigour: he dwells in these who triumph in their Godhead; 9 They call him Swan, the abhorrent floods' Companion, moving in friendship with celestial Waters.

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

2 Ask of the sages' mighty generations firm−minded and devout they framed the heaven. 3 Assuming in this world mysterious natures, they decked the heaven and earth for high dominion, 4 Even as he mounted up they all adorned him: self−luminous he travels clothed in splendour. 5 First the more ancient Bull engendered offspring; these are his many draughts that lent him vigour. 6 Three seats ye Sovrans, in the Holy synod, many, yea, all, ye honour with your presence. 7 That same companionship of her, the Milch−cow, here with the strong Bull's divers forms they stablishe 8 Let no one here debar me from enjoying the golden light which Savitar diffuses. 9 Fulfil, ye twain, his work, the Great, the Ancient: as heavenly blessing keep your guard around us. 10 Call we on Indra, Maghavan, auspicious, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered,

2 We set no snares to tangle you; Indra we worship and adore, Hero of heroes mightiest. 3 For, famous Indra−Agni, ye are dwellers in the midst of frays. 4 Nabhaka−like, with sacred song Indra's and Agni's praise I sing, 5 To Indra and to Agni send your prayers, as was Nabhaka's wont,− 6 Tear thou asunder, as of old, like tangles of a creeping plant, 7 What time with this same song these men call Indra−Agni sundry ways, 8 The Two refulgent with their beams rise and come downward from the sky. 9 O Indra, many are thine aids, many thy ways of guiding us, 10 Inspire him with your holy hymns, the Hero bright and glorious, 11 Inspire him worshipped with fair rites, the glorious Hero truly brave. 12 Thus have we sung anew to Indra−Agni, as sang our sires, Angirases, and Mandhatar.

2 Tvastar's ten daughters, vigilant and youthful, produced this Infant borne to sundry quarters. 4 Who of you knows this secret One? The Infant by his own nature hath brought forth his Mothers. 5 Visible, fair, he grows in native brightness uplifted in the lap of waving waters. 6 The Two auspicious Ones, like women, tend him: like lowing cows they seek him in their manner. 7 Like Savitar his arms with might he stretches; awful, he strives grasping the world's two borders. 8 He makes him a most noble form of splendour, decking him in his home with milk and waters. 9 Wide through the firmament spreads forth triumphant the far−resplendent strength of' thee the Mighty. 10 In dry spots he makes stream, and course, and torrent, and inundates the earth with floods that glisten. 11 Fed with our fuel, purifying Agni, so blaze to us auspiciously for glory.

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 He who filled full his belly with the Soma's juice, Maghavan, was delighted with the meath's sweet drau 3 Illustrious is the man whoever presseth out Soma for him in sunshine or in cloud and rain. 4 The Strong God doth not flee away from him whose sire, whose mother or whose brother he hath done t 5 He seeks no enterprise with five or ten to aid, nor stays with him who pours no juice though prospering 6 Exceeding strong in war he stays the chariot wheel, and, hating him who pours not, prospers him who 7 He gathers up for plunder all the niggard’s gear: excellent wealth he gives to him who offers gifts. 8 When Indra Maghavan hath marked two wealthy men fighting for beauteous cows with all their followe 9 Agni! I laud the liberal Agnivesi, Satri the type and standard of the pious.

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,