Rig Veda on Prayer

2 Let Aryarnan vouchsafe us wealth, and Bhaga, and Brhaspati. 3 We call King Soma to our aid, and Agni with our songs and hymns, 4 Indra, Vayu, Brhaspati, Gods swift to listen, we invoke, 5 Urge Aryaman to send us gifts, and Indra, and Brhaspati, 6 Do thou, O Agni, with thy fires strengthen our prayer and sacrifice:

2 Thy mighty Stallions, yoked by prayer, O Indra, thy. Coursers to thy mighty chariot harnessed,− 3 Ascend thy mighty car: the mighty Soma is poured for thee and sweets are sprinkled round us. 4 Here is God−reaching sacrifice, here the victim; here, Indra,are the prayers, here is the Soma. 5 Come to us, Indra, come thou highly lauded to the devotions of the singer Mana.

2 Sublime from birth, mayst thou O Indra, Hero, with Surya overcome the Dasa races. 3 Answer the votary's hymns, for these thou knowest, craving the Rsis' prayer, thyself a Singer 4 These holy prayers, O Indra, have I sung thee: grant to the men the strength of men, thou Hero. 5 Listen to Prthi's call, heroic Indra, and be thou lauded by the hymns of Venya,

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 In thy kind grace and favour may we still be strong: expose us not to foe's attack. 3 May these my songs of praise exalt thee, Lord, who hast abundant wealth. 4 He, with his might enhanced by Rsis thousandfold, hath like an ocean spread himself. 5 Indra for worship of the Gods, Indra while sacrifice proceeds, 6 With might hath Indra spread out heaven and earth, with power hath Indra lighted up the Sun. 7 Men with their lauds are urging thee, Indra, to drink the Soma first. 8 Indra increased his manly strength at sacrifice, in the wild rapture of this juice. 9 I crave of thee that hero strength, that thou mayst first regard this prayer, 10 Wherewith thou sentest mighty waters to the sea, that, Indra, is thy manly strength. 11 Help us, O Indra, when we pray to thee for wealth and hero might. 12 Help for us, Indra, as thou holpest Paura once, this man's devotions bent on gain. 13 What newest of imploring prayers shall, then, the zealous mortal sing? 14 When shall they keep the Law and praise thee mid the Gods? Who counts as Rsi and as sage? 15 These songs of ours exceeding sweet, these hymns of praise ascend to thee, 16 The Bhrgus are like Suns, like Kanvas, and have gained all that their thoughts were bent upon. 17 Best slayer of the Vrtras, yoke thy Bay Steeds, Indra, from afar. 18 For these, the bards and singers, have cried out to thee with prayer, to gain the sacrifice. 19 Thou from the lofty plains above, O Indra, hurledst Vrtra down. 20 Bright were the flaming fires, the Sun gave forth his shine, and Soma, Indra's juice, shone clear. 21 The fairest courser of them all, who runneth on as 'twere to heaven. 22 To me hath Pakasthaman given, a ruddy horse,good at the pole, 23 Compared with whom no other ten strong coursers, harnessed to the pole, 24 Raiment is body, food is life, and healing ointment giveth strength.

2 Wise Agni Jatavedas, I beget a song of praise for thee. 3 Thy sharpened flames, O Agni, like the gleams of light that glitter through, 4 Gold−coloured, bannered with the smoke, urged by the wind, aloft to heaven 5 These lightly kindled fiery flames are all around made visible, 6 As Jatavedas speeds along, the dust is black beneath his feet, 7 Making the plants his nourishment, Agni devours and wearies not, 8 Bending him down with all his tongues, he flickers with his fiery glow 9 Agni, thine home is in the floods: into the plants thou forcest way, 10 Worshipped with offerings shines thy flame, O Agni, from the sacred oil, 11 Let us serve Agni with our hymns, Disposer, fed on ox and cow, 12 Yea, thee, O Agni, do we seek with homage and with fuel, Priest 13 O worshipped with oblations, pure Agni, we call on thee as erst, 14 For thou, O Agni, by the fire, Sage by the Sage, Good by the Good, 15 So wealth in thousands, food with store of heroes give thou to the sage, 16 O Agni, Brother, made by strength, Lord of red steeds and brilliant sway, 17 My praises, Agni, go to thee, as the cows seek the stall to meet, 18 Agni, best Angiras, to thee all people who have pleasant homes, 19 The sages skilled in holy song and thin. kers with their thoughts have urged 20 So, Agni, unto thee the Priest, Invoker, strong in forays, pray 21 In many a place, the same in look art thou, a Prince o'er all the tribes 22 Pray thou to Agni, pray to him who blazes served with sacred oil: 23 We call on thee as such, as one who hears, as Jatavedas, one, 24 I pray to Agni, King of men, the Wonderful, the President 25 Him like a bridegroom, him who stirs all people, like a noble horse, 26 Slaying things deadly, burning up foes, Riksasas, on every side, 27 Thou whom the people kindle even as Manus did, best Angiras! 28 O Agni, made by strength!

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

2 This most delightful eulogy awaits you in the man's house drink−offering hath been heated, 3 Whatever dwellings ye possess, O Asvins, in fields of men or in the streams of heaven, 4 Delight yourselves, ye Gods, in plants and waters when Rsis give them and ye find they suit You. 5 Asvins, though ye have heard them oft aforetime, regard the many prayers which Rsis offer. 6 Come to the sacrifice offered you, Nasatyas, with men, oblations, and prayer duly uttered. 7 This is the thought, this is the song, O Asvins: accept this hymn of ours, ye Steers, with favour.

2 Our priest is seated, true to time; the grass is regularly strewn; 3 These prayers, O thou who hearest prayer are offered: seat thee on the grass. 4 O Vrtra−slayer, be thou pleased with these libations, with these hymns, 5 Our hymns caress the Lord of Strength, vast, drinker of the Soma's juice, 6 Delight thee with the juice we pour for thine own great munificence: 7 We, Indra, dearly loving thee, bearing oblation, sing thee hymns 8 O thou to whom thy Bays are dear, loose not thy Horses far from us: 9 May long−maned Coursers, dropping oil, bring thee on swift car hitherward,

2 He with his friend is active, lauded, good to man, Indra who must be glorified by one like me. 3 Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive to win thy bliss allied with riches? 4 Thou, Indra, through the holy prayer art mighty, worthy of sacrifice at all libations. 5 Help now, as Highest, those who toil at sacrifice: well do the people know thy great protecting might. 6 All these libations thou makest effectual, of which thou art thyself supporter, Son of Power. 7 They who with flowing Soma pray to thee, O Sage, to pour on them thy gifts of opulence and wealth,

2 Yea, now ye Gods of one accord speed on our car what time among the folk it seeks an act of might; 3 Or may our Indra here, the Friend of all mankind, coming from heaven, most.wise, girt by the Marut ho 4 Or may this Tvastar, God who rules the world with power, one−minded with the Goddesses speed forth 5 Or, seen alternate, those two blessed Goddesses, Morning and Night who stir all living things to act: 6 Your blessing as a boon for suppliants we desire: the Dragon of the Deep, and Aja−Ekapad, 7 These earnest prayers I pray to you, ye Holy: to pay you honour, living men have formed them,

2 When thy two wandering Bays thou drawest hither, thy praiser laid within thine arms the thunder, 3 Faithful art thou, these thou defiest, Indra; thou art the Rbhus' Lord, heroic, victor. 4 That, as a friend, thou furtheredst, O Indra, when, Thundcrer, −strong in act, thou crushedst Vrtra; 5 This doest thou, and art not harmed, O Indra, e'en in the anger of the strongest mortal. 6 Hence men invoke thee, Indra, in the tumult of battle, in the light−bestowing conflict. 7 Warring for Purukutsa thou, O Indra, Thunder−armed I breakest down the seven castles; 8 O Indra, God who movest round about us, feed us with varied food plenteous as water− 9 Prayers have been made by Gotamas, O Indra, addressed to thee, with laud for thy Bay Horses.

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 Thy greatness reacheth to our invocation, the sages' prayer which, Potent God, thou guardest. 3 What time thou drewest both world−halves together, like heroes led by thee who call each other− 4 Honour us in these present days, O Indra, for hostile men are making expiation. 5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches, 2 Come to us quickly with thy Bay Steeds, Hero, come to our prayer, accepting our devotion. 3 What satisfaction do our hymns afford thee? When, Maghavan? Now let us do thee service. 4 They, verily, were also human beings whom thou wast wont to hear, those earlier sages. 5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra, that he may grant us gifts of ample riches,

2 May Naratarhsa aid us at Prayaja: blest be our Anuyaja at invokings. 3 May he whose head is flaming burn the demons, haters of prayer, so that the arrow slay them. May he

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 That Agni, bright, Vaisvanara, we invoke for help, and Matarisvan worthy of the song of praise; 3 Age after age Vaisvanara, neighing like a horse, is kindled with the women by the Kusikas. 4 Let them go forth, the strong, as flames of fire with might. Gathered for victory they have yoked their 5 The Maruts, Friends of men, are glorious as the fire: their mighty and resplendent succour we implore. 6 We, band on band and troop following troop, entreat with fair lauds Agni's splendour and the Maruts' 7 Agni am I who know, by birth, all creatures. Mine eye is butter, in my mouth is nectar. 8 Bearing in mind a thought with light accordant, he purified the Sun with three refinings; 9 The Spring that fails not with a hundred streamlets, Father inspired of' prayers that men should utter,

1 Thou, Agni, wast the earliest Angiras, a Seer; thou wast, a God thyself, the Gods' auspicious Friend. 2 O Agni, thou, the best and earliest Angiras, fulfillest as a Sage the holy law of Gods. 3 To Matarisvan first thou, Agni, wast disclosed, and to Vivasvan through thy noble inward power. 4 Agni thou madest heaven to thunder for mankind; thou, yet more pious, for pious Pururavas. 5 Thou, Agni, art a Bull who makes our store increase, to be invoked by him who lifts the ladle up. 6 Agni, thou savest in the synod when pursued e'en him, farseeing One! who walks in evil ways. 7 For glory, Agni, day by day, thou liftest up the mortal man to highest immortality, 8 O Agni, highly lauded, make our singer famous that he may win us store of riches: 9 O blameless Agni lying in thy Parents' lap, a God among the Gods, be watchful for our good. 10 Agni, thou art our Providence, our Father thou − we are thy brethren and thou art our spring of life. in 11 Thee, Agni, have the Gods made the first living One for living man, Lord of the house of Nahusa. 12 Worthy to be revered, O Agni, God, preserve our wealthy patrons with thy succours, and ourselves. 13 Agni, thou art a guard close to the pious man; kindled art thou, four−eyed! for him who is unarmcd. 14 Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly−praising priest the highest wealth, the object of a man's desire. 15 Agni, the man who giveth guerdon to the priests, like well−sewn armour thou guardest on every side. 16 Pardon, we pray, this sin of ours, O Agni, −− the path which we have trodden, widely straying, 17 As erst to Manus, to Yayiti, Angiras, so Angiras! pure Agni! come thou to our hall 18 By this our prayer be thou, O Agni, strengthened, prayer made by us after our power and knowledge.

2 Brightly hath Agni shone by us enkindled: the limits even of darkness were apparent. 3 With hymns the deft priest is about you, Asvins, the eloquent priest attends you now, Nasatyas. 4 When, suppliant for your help, Lovers of Sweetness! I seeking wealth call you to our libation, 5 Bring forward, Asvins, Gods, to its fulfilment my never−wearied prayer that asks for riches. 6 Favour us in these prayers of ours, O Asvins. May we have genial vigour, ne'er to fail us. 7 Lovers of Sweetness, we have brought this treasure to you as 'twere an envoy sent for friendship. 8 With one, the same, intention, ye swift movers, o'er the Seven Rivers hath your chariot travelled. 9 Exhaustless be your bounty to our princes who with their wealth incite the gift of riches, 10 Now hear, O Youthful Twain, mine invocation: come, Asvins, to the home where food aboundeth.

27 Grant that no mighty foes, unknown, malevolent, unhallowed, tread us to the ground. 2 With soma they brought Indra from a distance, Over Vaisanta, from the strong libation. 3 So, verily, with these he crossed the river, in company with these he slaughtered Bheda. 4 I gladly, men I with prayer prayed by our fathers have fixed your axle: ye shall not be injured: 5 Like thirsty men they looked to heaven, in battle with the Ten Kings, surrounded and imploring. 6 Like sticks and staves wherewith they drive the cattle, Stripped bare, the Bharatas were found defencele 7 Three fertilize the worlds with genial moisture: three noble Creatures cast a light before them. 8 Like the Sun's growing glory is their splendour, and like the sea's is their unflathomed greatness. 9 They with perceptions of the heart in secret resort to that which spreads a thousand branches. 10 A form of lustre springing from the lightning wast thou, when Varuna and Mitra saw thee. 11 Born of their love for Urvasi, Vasistha thou, priest, art son of Varuna and Mitra; 12 He thinker, knower both of earth and heaven, endowed with many a gift, bestowing thousands, 13 Born at the sacrifice, urged by adorations, both with a common flow bedewed the pitcher. 14 He brings the bearer of the laud and Saman: first shall he speak bringing the stone for pressing. 3 Yea, the broad waters swell their flood ior him: of him strong heroes think amid their foes. 4 Set ye for him the coursers to the pole: like Indra Thunderer is the Golden−armed. 5 Arouse you, like the days, to sacrifice speed gladly like a traveller on the way. 6 Go swift to battles, to the sacrifice: set up a flag, a hero for the folk. 7 Up from his strength hath risen as 'twere a light: it bears the load as earth bears living things. 8 Agni, no demon I invoke the Gods: by law completing it, I form a hymn. 9 Closely albout you lay your heavenly song, and send your voice to where the Gods abide.

2 Let not the Sovran Indra disappoint us in what shall bring both Sisters to our dwelling. 3 Victorious with the men, Hero in battles, Indra, who hearsthe singer's supplication, 4 Yea,Indra, with the men, through love of gloryconsumes the sacred food which friends have offered.

2 To Indra from all sides go forth my songs of praise, the Lord of Hundred Powers, strong, Hero, like the 3 Where battle's spoil is piled the singer winneth praise, for Indra taketh care of matchless worshippers. 4 Thee, valorous, most heroic of the heroes, shall the priests glorify with songg and praises. 5 Abundant are the gifts he gives to mortals: for him the earth bears a rich store of treasures. 6 To thee, O Indra, Lord of Bays, for ever are offered prayers and songs: accept them gladly. 7 Here, Indra, drink thou Soma with the Maruts, as thou didst drink the juice beside Saryata. 8 So eagerly desirous drink the Soma, our juice, O Indra, with thy friends the Maruts, 9 He was your comrade in your zeal, O Maruts: they, rich in noble gifts, rejoiced in Indra. 10 So, Lord of affluent gifts, this juice hath been pressed for thee with strength 11 Incline thy body to this juice which suits thy Godlike nature well: 12 Brave Indra, let it work through both thy flanks, and through thy head by prayer,

23 O Sages, evermore I crave your favour: be gracious unto all my prayers, O Asvins. 24 With liberal bounty to the weakling's consorts ye, Heroes, gave a son Hiranyahasta; 25 These your heroic exploits, O ye Asvins, done in the days. of old, have men related.

2 Indra, who with triumphant wrath smote Vyamsa down, and Sambara, and Pipru the unrighteous one; 3 He whose great work of manly might is heaven and earth, and Varuna and Surya keep his holy law; 4 He who is Lord and Master of the steeds and kine, honoured −the firm and sure− at every holy act; 5 He who is Lord of all the world that moves and breathes, who for the Brahman first before all found the 6 Whom cowards must invoke and valiant men of war, invoked by those who conquer and by those who f 7 Refulgent in the Rudras' region he proceeds, and with the Rudras through the wide space speeds the Da 8 O girt by Maruts, whether thou delight thee in loftiest gathering−place or lowly dwelling, 9 We, fain for thee, strong Indra, have pressed Soma, and, O thou sought with prayer, have made oblation 10 Rejoice thee with thine own Bay Steeds, O Indra, unclose thy jaws and let thy lips be open. 11 Guards of the camp whose praisers are the Maruts, may we through Indra, get ourselves the booty.

2 Here where the arrows fall amid the banners both hosts invoke the Gods in emulation. 3 Self−lucid in their seats, e'en heavenly Waters endowed with Godhead Varuna and Indra. 4 Wise be the priest and skilled in Law Eternal, who with his sacred gifts and oration. Brings

2 They gleam with armlets as the heavens are decked with stars, like cloud−born lightnings shine the torre 3 They drip like horses in the racings of swift steeds; with the stream's rapid cars they hasten on their way 4 They have bestowed of Mitra all that live, to feed, they who for evermore cause their swift drops to flow 5 With brightly−flarning kine whose udders swell with milk, idth glittering lances on your unobstructed 6 To these our prayers, O Maruts, come unanimous, come ye to our libations like the praise of men. 7 Give us a steed, O Maruts migbty in the car; prevailing prayer that brings remembrance day by day; 8 When the bright−chested Maruts, lavish of their gifts, bind at the time bliss their horses to the cars, 9 Save us, O Maruts, Vasus, from the injurer, the mortal foe who makes us looked upon as wolves. 10 Well−known, ye Maruts, is that wondrous course of yours, when they milked Prsni's udder, close akin 11 We call youi such, great Maruts, following wonted ways, to the oblation paid to Visnu Speeder−on. 12 They, the Dasagvas, first of all brought sacrifice: they at the break of mornings shall inspirit us. Daw

2 Excellent Agni, come thou nigh to us, and give us wealth most splendidly renowned. 3 So hear us, listen to this call of ours, and keep us far from every sinful man. 4 To thee then, O Most Bright, O Radiant God, we come with prayer for happiness for our friends.

2 When in the fulness of their strength the Purus dwell, Beauteous One, on thy two grassy banks, 3 So may Sarasvati auspicious send good luck; she, rich in spoil, is never niggardly in thought, 4 We call upon Sarasvan, as unmarried men who long for wives, 5 Be thou our kind protector, O Sarasvan, with those waves of thine 6 May we enjoy Sarasvan's breast, all−beautiful, that swells with streams, 2 We crave the heavenly grace of Gods to guard us−so may Brhaspati, O friends, exalt us− 3 That Brahmanaspati, most High and Gracious, I glorify with offerings and with homage. 4 May that Brhaspati who brings all blessings, most dearly loved, be seated by our altar. 5 To us these Deathless Ones, erst born, have granted this laud of ours which gives the Immortal pleasure. 6 Him, this Brhaspati, his red−hued horses, drawing together, full of strength, bring hither. 7 For he is pure, with hundred wings, refulgent, with sword of gold, impetuous, winning sunlight. 8 Both Heaven and Earth, divine, the Deity's Parents, have made Brhaspati increase in grandeur. 9 This, Brahmanaspati, is your laudation prayer hath been made to thunderwielding Indra. 10 Ye Twain are Lords of wealth in earth and heaven, thou, O Brhaspati, and thou, O Indra.

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 Come, Asvins, with your car more swift than is the twinkling of an eye 3 Asvins, ye overlaid with cold the fiery pit for Atri's sake: 4 Where are ye? whither are ye gone? whither, like falcons, have ye flown? 5 If ye at any time this day are listening to this my call, 6 The Asvins, fust to hear our prayer, for closest kinship I approach: 7 For Atri ye, O Asvins, made a dwellingplace to shield him well, 8 Ye warded off the fervent heat for Atri when he sweetly spake: 9 Erst Saptavadbri by his prayer obtained the trenchant edge of fire: 10 Come hither, O ye Lords of wealth, and listen to this call of mine: 11 What is this praise told forth of you as Elders in the ancient way? 12 One common brotherhood is yours, Asvins your kindred is the same: 13 This is your chariot, Asvins, which speeds through the regions, earth and heaven 14 Approach ye hitherward to us with thousands both of steeds and kine: 15 Pass us not by, remember us with thousands both of kine aud steeds: 16 The purple−tinted Dawn hath risen, and true to Law hath made the light 17 He looked upon the Asvins, as an axearmed man upon a tree: 18 By the black band encompassed round, break it down, bold one, like a fort.

2 Pleased with the hymn, impelled by prayer, Soma is hurried far away, 3 Watchful among the. gods, this juice advances to the cleansing sieve 4 Flow onward, seeking strength for us, embellishing the sacrifice: 5 May Soma, ever bringing power to Bhaga and to Vayu, Sage 6 So, to increase our wealth to−day, Inspirer, best of Furtherers,

1 WHO now is he, what God among Immortals, of whose auspicious name we may bethink us? 2 Agni the God the first among the Immortals, − of his auspicious name let us bethink us. 3 To thee, O Savitar, the Lord of precious things, who helpest us 4 Wealth, highly lauded ere reproach hath fallen on it, which is laid, 5 Through thy protection may we come to even the height of affluence 6 Ne'er have those birds that fly through air attained to thy high dominion or thy might or spirit; 7 Varuna, King, of hallowed might, sustaineth erect the Tree's stem in the baseless region. 8 King Varuna hath made a spacious pathway, a pathway for the Sun wherein to travel. 9 A hundred balms are thine, O King, a thousand; deep and wide−reaching also be thy favours. 10 Whither by day depart the constellations that shine at night, set high in heaven above us? 11 I ask this of thee with my prayer adoring; thy worshipper craves this with his oblation. 12 Nightly and daily this one thing they tell me, this too the thought of mine own heart repeateth. 13 Bound to three pillars captured Sunahsepa thus to the Aditya made his supplication. 14 With bending down, oblations, sacrifices, O Varuna, we deprecate thine anger: 15 Loosen the bonds, O Varuna, that hold me, loosen the bonds above, between, and under.

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.

2 I saw thee pondering in thine heart, and praying that in due time thy body might be fruitful. 3 In plants and herbs, in all existent beings I have deposited the germ of increase. 2 O Sinivali, set the germ, set thou the germ, Sarasvati: 3 That which the Asvins Twain rub forth with the attrition−sticks of gold,−

2 They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot an 3 Young Rudras, demon−slayers, never growing old, they have waxed, even as mountains, irresistible. 4 With glittering ornaments they deck them forth for show; for beauty on their breasts they bind their chai 5 Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they make the winds, they make the lightnings with 6 The bounteous Maruts with the fatness dropping milk fill full the waters which avail in solenm rites. 7 Mighty, with wondrous power and marvellously bright, selfstrong like mountains, ye glide swiftly on y 8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all−possessing, are beauteous as antelopes; 9 Heroes who march in companies, befriending man, with serpents' ire through strength, ye greet the earth 10 Lords of all riches, dwelling in the home of wealth, endowed with mighty vigour, singers loud of voice 11 They who with golden fellies make the rain increase drive forward the big clouds like wanderers on th 12 The progeny of Rudra we invoke with prayer, the brisk, the bright, the worshipful, the active Ones 13 Maruts, the man whom ye have guarded with your help, he verily in strength surpasseth all mankind. 14 O Maruts, to the worshippers give glorious strength invincible in battle, brilliant, bringing wealth, 15 Will ye then, O ye Maruts, grant us riches, durable, rich in men, defying onslaught.

1 To splendid Agni seated by the altar, loving well his home, I bring the food as 'twere his place of birth. 2 Child of a double birth he grasps at triple food; in the year's course what he hath swallowed grows anew 3 The pair who dwell together, moving in the dark bestir themselves: both parents hasten to the babe, 4 For man, thou Friend of men, these steeds of thine are yoked, impatient, lightly running, ploughing 5 Dispelling on their way the horror of black gloom, making a glorious show these flames Of his fly forth 6 Amid brown plants he stoops as if adorning them, and rushes bellowing like a bull upon his wives. 7 Now covered, now displayed he grasps as one who knows his resting−place in those who know him wel 8 The maidens with long, tresses hold him in embrace; dead, they rise up again to meet the Living One. 9 Licking the mantle of the Mother, far and wide he wanders over fields with beasts that flee apace. 10 O Agni, shine resplendent with our wealthy chiefs, like a loud−snorting bull, accustomed to the house. 11 May this our perfect prayer be dearer unto thee than an imperfect prayer although it please thee well. 12 Grant to our chariot, to our house, O Agni, a boat with moving feet and constant oarage, 13 Welcome our laud with thine approval, Agni. May earth and heaven and freely flowing rivers

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

2 Surely men crave and gain their wish. Close to her husband clings the wife. 3 O never may that light, ye Gods, fall from its station in the sky. 4 I ask the last of sacrifice. As envoy he shall tell it forth. 5 Ye Gods who yonder have your home in the three lucid realms of heaven, 6 What is your firm support of Law? What Varuna's observant eye? 7 1 am the man who sang of old full many a laud when Soma flowed. 8 Like rival wives on every side enclosing ribs oppress me sore. 9 Where those seven rays are shining, thence my home and family extend. 10 May those five Bulls which stand on high full in the midst of mighty heaven, 11 High in the mid ascent of heaven those Birds of beauteous pinion sit. 12 Firm is this new−wrought hymn of praise, and meet to be told forth, O Gods. 13 Worthy of laud, O Agni, is that kinship which thou hast with Gods. 14 Here seated, man−like as a priest shall wisest Agni to the Gods 15 Varuna makes the holy prayer. To him who finds the path we pray. 16 That pathway of the Sun in heaven, made to be highly glorified, 17 Trta, when buried in the well, calls on the Gods to succour him. 18 A ruddy wolf beheld me once, as I was faring on my path. 19 Through this our song may we, allied with Indra, with all our heroes conquer in the battle.

2 A hundred necklets from the King, beseeching, a hundred gift−steeds I at once accepted; 3 Horses of dusky colour stood beside me, ten chariots, Svanaya's gift, with mares to draw them. 4 Forty bay horses of the ten cars' master before a thousand lead the long procession. 5 An earlier gift for you have I accepted eight cows, good milkers, and tree harnessed horses, 2 We, sacrificing, call on thee best worshipper, the eldest of Angirases, Singer, with hymns, thee, brilliant 3 He with his shining glory blazing far and wide, he verily it is who slayeth demon foes, slayeth the demo 4 To him, as one who knows, even things solid yield: unrough fire−sticks heated hot he gives his gifts to a 5 Here near we place the sacrificial food for him who shines forth fairer in the night than in the day, with l 6 He, roaring very loudly like the Maruts' host, in fertile cultivated fields adorable, in desert spots adorabl 7 Even as they who sarig forth hymns, addressed to heaven, the Blirgus with their prayer and praise invite 8 Thee we invoke, the Lord of all our settled homes, common to all, the household's guardian, to enjoy, 9 Thou, Agni, most victorious with thy conquering strength, most Mighty One, art born for service of the 10 To him the mighty, conquering with victorious strength, to Agni walking with the dawn, who sendeth 11 Agni, beheld by us in nearest neighbourhood, accordant with the Gods, bring us, with gracious love, gr

2 Enkindled, thou art King of the immortal world: him who brings offerings thou attendest for his weal. 3 Show thyself strong for mighty bliss, O Agni, most excellent be thine effulgent splendours. 4 Thy glory, Agni, I adore, kindled, exalted in thy strength. 5 Agni, invoked and kindled, serve the Gods, thou skilled in sacrifice: 6 Invoke and worship Agni while the sacrificial rite proceeds:

2 He, praised of many, bold, invoked of many, alone is glorified at sacrifices. 3 They make their way to Indra and exalt him, bim whom no prayers and no laudations trouble; 4 As brightness mingles with the Moon in heaven, the offered Soma yearns to mix with Indra. 5 To him this mighty eulogy, to Indra hath this our laud been uttered by the poets,

22 Condemn us not to indigence, O Agni, beside these flaming fires which Gods have kindled; 23 O Agni, fair of face, the wealthy mortal who to the Immortal offers his oblation. 24 Knowing our chief felicity, O Agni, bring hither ample riches to our nobles, 25 Give strength and power to these my prayers, O Agni; O God, pour blessings on bur chiefs and nobles.

2 Dyaus quickens and promotes your high dominion who bind with bonds not wrought of rope or cordage 3 Make ye our sacrifice fair amid the assemblies: make ye our prayers approved among our princes. 4 O Indra−Varuna, vouchsafe us riches with store of treasure, food, and every blessing; 5 May this my song reach Varuna and Indra, and, strongly urging, win me sons and offspring.

2 When wilt thou gatber men with men, O Indra, heroes with heroes, and prevail in combat? 3 Yea, when wilt thou, O Indra, thou Most Mighty, make the prayer all−sustaining for the singer? 4 Grant to the Singer food with store of cattle, splendid with horses and the fame of riches. 5 Lead otherwise this present foeman, Sakra! Hence art thou praised as Hero, foe destroyer

2 For with loud voice the tribes invoke thee, Indra, to aid them in the battlefield of heroes. 3 Both races, Indra, of opposing foemen, O Hero, both the Arya and the Dasa, 4 Indra, befriend us with no scanty succour, prosper and aid us, Loved of all that liveth, 5 Be ours, O Indra, now and for the future, be graciously inclined and near to help us.

2 Come with the Gods associate, come ye hither to us, Nasatyas, with your car accordant. 3 Awakened are the songs that praise the Asvins, the kindred prayers and the Celestial Mornings. 4 What time the Dawns break forth in light, O Asvins, to you the poets offer their devotions. 5 Come from the west, come from the cast, Nasatyas, come, Asvins, from below and from above us.

2 Or if for Manu.ye prepared the sacrifice, remember also Kanva's son. 3 Those Asvins I invoke who work marvels, brought hither to receive, 4 On whom the solemn rites depend, whose worshippers rise without the Sun: 5 Whether ye, Lords of ample wealth, now linger in the cast or west, 6 Lords of great riches, whether through the firmament ye fly or speed through heaven and earth,

2 The Twain invincible in war, worthy to be renowned in frays, 3 Impetuous is their strength, and keen the lightning of the mighty Pair, 4 Indra and Agni, we invoke you both, as such, to send your cars: 5 These who give increase day by day, Gods without guile for mortal man, 6 The strength−bestowing offering thus to Indra−Agni hath been paid, as butter, purified by stones. Deal t

2 Grant, Indra Maghavan, invoked of many, to these my friends the strength which thou possessest. 3 King of the living world, of men, is Indra, of all in varied form that earth containeth. 4 Maghavan Indra, when we all invoke him, bountiful ever sendeth strength to aid us: 5 Quick, Indra, give us room and way to riches, and let us bring thy mind to grant us treasures,

2 Well have they eaten and rejoiced; the friends have risen and passed away. 3 Maghavan, we will reverence thee who art so fair to look upon. 4 He will in very truth ascend the powerful car that finds the kine, 5 Let, Lord of Hundred Powers, thy Steeds be harnessed on the right and left. 6 With holy prayer I yoke thy long−maned pair of Bays: come hitherward; thou holdest them in both thy

2 Thee, worth invoking, in the din of battle, heroes invoke in fray for life and sunlight. 3 When fair bright days shall dawn on us, O Indra, and thou shalt bring thy banner near in battle, 4 Thine are we, Indra, thine, both these who praise thee, and those who give rich gifts, O God and Hero. 5 We will address this liberal Lord, this Indra that he may grant us gifts of ample riches:

2 Ye to Varosusaman come, Nasatyas, for this glorious rite. 3 So with oblations we invoke you, rich in ample wealth, to−day, 5 Asvins, who send us precious gifts, even when offended, think of him: 6 For, Wonder−Workers, with fleet steeds ye fly completely round this All, 7 With all−sustaining opulence, Asvins, come hitherward to us, 8 To welcome this mine offering, O ye Indra−like Nasatyas, come 9 For we, like Vyasva, lifting up our voice like oxen, call on you: 10 O Rsi, laud the Asvins well. Will they not listen to thy call? 11 O Heroes, listen to the son of Vyasva, and regard me here, 12 Gods whom we yearn for, of your gifts, of what ye bring to us, bestow 13 Him whom your sacrifices clothe, even as a woman with her robe, 14 Whoso regards your care of men as succour widest in its reach, 15 Come to us ye who pour down wealth, come to the home which men must guard: 16 Most fetching of all calls, the laud, as envoy, Heroes, called to you 17 Be ye in yonder sea of heaven, or joying in the home of food, 18 This river with his lucid flow attracts you, more than all the streams,− 19 O Asvins, with that glorious fame come hither, through our brilliant song, 20 Harness the steeds who draw the car, O Vasu, bring the well−fed pair. 21 Wonderful Vayu, Lord of Right, thou who art Tvastar's son−in−law, 22 To Tvastar's son−in−law we pray for wealth whereof he hath control: 23 From heaven, auspicious Vayu, come drive hither with thy noble steeds: 24 We call thee to the homes of men, thee wealthiest in noble food, 25 So, glad and joyful in thine heart, do thou, God, Vayu, first of all

2 Thou art the best of all in sending bounteous gifts, true art thou, lordly in thine act. 3 Prayers unsurpassed are offered up to thee the Lover of the Song. 4 For thou, O Maghavan, art truthful, ne'er subdued and bringest many a Vrtra low. 5 O Indra, thou art far−renowned, impetuous, O Lord of Strength. 6 As such we seek thee now, O Asura, thee most wise, craving thy bounty as our share.

1 STRONG are the Somas; come thou nigh; these juices have been mixt with milk: 2 Both Deities who touch the heaven, Indra and Vayu we invoke 3 The singers' for their aid, invoke Indra and Vayu, swift as mind, 4 Mitra and Varupa, renowned as Gods of consecrated might, 5 Those who by Law uphold the Law, Lords of the shining light of Law, 6 Let Varuna be our chief defence, let Mitra guard us with all aids 7 Indra, by Maruts girt, we call to drink the Soma juice: may he 8 Gods, Marut hosts whom Indra leads, distributers of Pusan's gifts, 9 With conquering Indra for ally, strike Vrtra down, ye bounteous Gods 10 We call the Universal Gods, and Maruts to the Soma draught, 11 Fierce comes the Maruts' thundering voice, like that of conquerors, when ye go 12 Born of the laughing lightning. may the Maruts guard us everywhere 13 Like some lost animal, drive to us, bright Pusan, him who bears up heaven, 14 Pusan the Bright has found the King, concealed and bidden in a cave, 15 And may he. duly bring to me the six bound closely, through these drops, 16 Along their paths the Mothers go, Sisters of priestly ministrants, 17 May Waters gathered near the Sun, and those wherewith the Sun is joined, 18 I call the Waters, Goddesses, wherein our cattle quench their thirst; 19 Amrit is in the Waters in the Waters there is healing balm 20 Within the Waters−Soma thus hath told me−dwell all balms that heal, 21 O Waters, teem with medicine to keep my body safe from harm, 22 Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have wrought. 23 The Waters I this day have sought, and to their moisture have we come: 24 Fill me with splendour, Agni; give offspring and length of days; the Gods

2 The Sage who knows these Gods' three ranks and orders, and all their generations near and distant, 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, the noble, 4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe−destroyers, great Kings, bestowers of fair homes to dwell in, 5 O Heaven our Father, Earth our guileless Mother, O Brother Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us. 6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she−wolf, O ye Holy. 7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, O Vasus, punish. 8 Mighty is homage: I adopt and use it. Homage hath held in place the earth and heaven. 9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwellers in the home of Order, 10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through all our troubles these conduct us safely− 11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Pusan increase our laud, increase the Fivefold people. 12 Come now, O Gods, to your celestial station: the Bharadvajas' priest entreats your favour. 13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil−hearted thief away, 14 Soma, these pressing−stones have called aloud to win thee for our Friend. 15 Ye, O most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the sky. 16 Now have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without a foe, 2 Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making, 3 Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches? 4 May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me. 5 Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises.

be thou born in the heavens or born in floods, 29 Yea, all the people, all the folk who have good dwellings, each apart, 30 O Agni, so may we, devout, gazed at by men, throughout our days, 31 We venerate with cheerful hearts the cheerful Agni, dear to all, 32 So thou, O Agni rich in light, beaming like Surya with thy rays 33 We pray to thee for this thy gift, Victor the gift that faileth not,

2 Drink the libation rich in sweets, O Asvins Twain: sit. Heroes, on the sacred grass. 3 The Priyamedhas bid you come with all the succours that are yours. 4 Drink ye the Soma rich in meath, ye Asvins Twain: sit gladly on the sacred grass. 5 Come to us, O ye Asvins, now with steeds of many a varied hue, 6 For we the priestly singers, fain tohymn your praise, invoke you for the gain of strength.

2 Most wise is he who, forcing doors of Panis, brought the bright Sun to us who feedeth many. 3 Wise, ne.'er deceived, uncircumscribed, refulgent, our gracious guest, a Friend with good attendants, 4 Seeking our gatherings, he, your Jatavedas, hath shone adorable through human ages, 5 Go on thy message to the Gods, and fail not, O Agni, with their band who pray and worship. 6 Vasistha, when enkindling thee, O Agni, hath slain jarutha. Give us wealth in plenty.

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

2 A cry was raised which reached the Gods, O Indra, a cry to them to send us strength in combat. 3 The Bays, the booty−seeking car I harness: my prayers have reached him who accepts them gladly. 4 Like barren cows, moreover, swelled the waters: the singen sought thy holy rite, O Indra. 5 So may these gladdening draughts rejoice thee, Indra, the Mighty, very bounteous to the singer. 6 Thus the Vasisthas glorify with praises Indra, the Powerful whose arm wields thunder.