Rig Veda on Protection

5 Ye six divine Expanses, grant us freedom: here, all ye Gods, acquit yourselves like heroes. 6 Baffling the wrath of our opponents, Agni, guard us as our infallible Protector. 7 Lord of the world, Creator of creators the saviour God who overcomes the foeman. 8 Foodful, and much−invoked, at this our calling mty the great Bull vouchsafe us wide protection. 9 Let those who are our foemen stay. afar from us: with Indra and with Agni we will drive them off.

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 O Gods, Adityas, well ye know the way to keep all woes afar. 3 As the birds spread their sheltering wings let your protection cover us. 4 To whomsoever they, Most Wise, have given a home and means of life, 5 As drivers of the car avoid ill roads, let sorrows pass us by. 6 For verily men sink and faint through loss of wealth which ye have given. 7 On him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall visit him, 8 Resting in you, O Gods, we are like men who fight in coats of mail. 9 May Aditi defend us, may Aditi guard and shelter us, 10 The shelter, Gods, that is secure, auspicious, free from malady, 11 Look down on us, Adityas, as a guide exploring from the bank. 12 Ill be it for the demons' friend to find us or come near to us. 13 Each evil deed made manifest, and that which is concealed, O Gods, 14 Daughter of Heaven, the dream that bodes evil to us or to our kine, 15 Even if, O Child of Heaven, it make a garland or a chain of gold, 16 To him whose food and work is this, who comes to take his share therein, 17 As we collect the utmost debt, even the eighth and sixteenth part, 18 Now have we conquered and obtained, and from our trespasses are free.

2 For unto thee, O Angiras, O Son of Strength, move ladles in the sacrifice. 3 Agni, thou art Disposer, Sage, Herald, bright God! and worshipful, 4 Most Youthful and Eternal, bring the longing Gods to me, the guileless, for the feast. 5 Famed art thou, Agni, far and wide, Preserver, righteous, and a Sage. 6 Shine, Most Resplendent! blaze, send bliss unto the folk, and to thy worshipper 7 O Agni, as thou burnest down to earth even high−grown underwood, 8 Give us not as a prey to mortal enemy, nor to the wicked friend of fiends. 9 Protect us, Agni, through the first, protect us through the second hymn, 10 Preserve us from each fiend who brings the Gods no gift, preserve thou us in deeds of strength: 11 O Holy Agni, give us wealth renowned with men and strengthening life. 12 Wherewith we may o'ercome our rivals in the war, o'erpowering the foe's designs. 13 Agni is even as a bull who whets and brandishes his horns. 14 Not to be stayed, O Bull, O Agni, are thy teeth when thou art spreading far and wide. 15 Thou liest in the wood: from both thy Mothers mortals kindle thee. 16 And so the seven priests, O Agni, worship thee, Free−giver, Everlasting One. 17 For you let us whose grass is trimmed call Agni, Agni, restless God. 18 Agni, with noble psalm that tells his wish he dwells, thinking on thee who guardest him. 19 Agni, Praise−singer! Lord of men, God burner−up of Raksasas, 20 Let no fiend come among us, O thou rich in light, no spell of those who deal in spells.

2 Who for the Fivefold People's take hath seated him in every home 3 On all sides may that Agni guard our household folk and property; 4 I have begotten this new hymn for Agni, Falcon of the sky: 5 Whose lories when he glows in front of sacrite are fair to see, 6 May he enjoy this hallowed gift, Agni accept our songs, who bears 7 Lord of the house, whom men must seek, we set thee down, O Worshipped Onel 8 Shine forth at night and morn: through thee with fires are we provided well. 9 The men come near thee for their gain, the singers with their songs of praise: 10 Bright, Purifier, meet for praise, Immortal with refulgent glow, 11 As such, bring us abundant wealth, young Child of Strength, for this thou canst 12 Thou, Agni, givest hero fame: Bhaga and Savitar the God, 13 Agni, preserve us from distress: consume our enemies, O God, 14 And, irresistible, be thou a mighty iron fort to us, 15 Do thou preserve us, eve and morn, from sorrow, from the wicked men,

2 O Jatavedas with the teeth of iron, enkindled with thy flame attack the demons. 3 Apply thy teeth, the upper and the lower, thou who hast both, enkindled and destroying. 4 Bending thy shafts through sacrifices, Agni, whetting their points with song as if with whetstones, 5 Pierce through the Yatudhana's skin, O Agni; let the destroying dart with fire consume him. 6 Where now thou seest Agni Jatavedas, one of these demons standing still or roaming, 7 Tear from the evil spirit, Jatavedas, what he hath seized and with his spears hath captured. 8 Here tell this forth, O Agni: whosoever is, he himself, or acteth as, a demon, 9 With keen glance guard the sacrifice, O Agni: thou Sage, conduct it onward to the Vasus. 10 Look on the fiend mid men, as Man−beholder: rend thou his three extremities in pieces. 11 Thrice, Agni, let thy noose surround the demon who with his falsehood injures Holy Order. 12 Lead thou the worshipper that eye, O Agni, wherewith thou lookest on the hoof−armed demon. 13 Agni, what curse the pair this day have uttered, what heated word the worshippers have spoken, 14 With fervent heat exterminate the demons; destroy the fiends with burning flame, O Agni. 15 May Gods destroy this day the evil−doer may each hot curse of his return and blast him. 16 The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle, with flesh of horses and of human bodies, 17 The cow gives milk each year, O Man−regarder: let not the Yatudhana ever taste it. 18 Let the fiends drink the poison of the cattle; may Aditi cast off the evildoers. 19 Agni, from days of old thou slayest demons: never shall Raksasas in fight o'ercome thee. 20 Guard us, O Agni, from above and under, protect us fl−om behind us and before us; 21 From rear, from front, from under, from above us, O King, protect us as a Sage with wisdom.

2 Indra, whatever aids be thine, four be they, or, O Hero, three, 3 The aid most excellent of thee the Mightiest hitherward we call, 4 Mighty to prosper us wast thou born, and mighty is the strength thou hast. 5 O Satakratu, Lord of Strength, O Indra, Caster of the Stone. 6 For, Mightiest Vrtra−slayer, thee, fierce, foremost among many, folk 7 Indra, do thou protect our car that mingles foremost in the fights, 8 Come to us, Indra, and protect our car with thine intelligence.

2 Sakra protects from woe the man who gives him sacrificial cake. 3 His chariot shall be glorious, sped by Gods, and mighty shall he be, 4 Each day that passes, in his house flows his libation, rich in milk, 5 O Gods, with constant draught of milk, husband and wife with one accord 6 They gain sufficient food: they come united to the sacred grass, 7 Never do they deny or seek to hide the favour of the Gods: 8 With sons and daughters by their side they reach their full extent of life, 9 Serving the Immortal One with gifts of sacrificial meal and wealth, 10 We claim protection from the Hills, we claim protection of the Floods, 11 May Pusan come, and Bhaga, Lord of wealth, All−bounteous, for our weal 12 Aramati, and, free from foes, Visva with spirit of a God, 13 Seeing that Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna are guarding us, 14 I glorify with song, for wealth, Agni the God, the first of you. 15 As in all frays the hero, so swift moves his car whom Gods attend. 16 Ne'er are ye injured, worshipper, presser of juice, or pious man. 17 None in his action equals him, none holds him far or keeps him off. 18 Such strength of heroes shall be his, such mastery of fleet−foot steeds.

2 Now all this world, for worship, shall come after thee−the offerer's libations like floods to the depth, 3 To him the terrible, most meet for lofty praise, like bright Dawn, now bring gifts with reverence in this r 4 Thine, Indra, praised by many, excellently rich! are we who trusting in thy help draw near to thee. 5 Great is thy power, O Indra, we are thine. Fulfil, O Maghavan, the wish of this thy worshipper. 6 Thou, who hast thunder for thy weapon, with thy bolt hast shattered into pieces this broad massive clou 2 Never decaying, seizing his appropriate food, rapidly, eagerly through the dry wood he spreads. 3 Set high in place o'er all that Vasus, Rudras do, immortal, Lord of riches, seated as High Priest; 4 Urged by the wind be spreads through dry wood as he lists, armed with his tongues for sickles, with a 5 With teeth of flame, wind−driven, through the wood he speeds, triumphant like a bull among the herd of 6 The Bhrgus established thee among mankind for men, like as a treasure, beauteous, easy to invoke; 7 Agni, the seven tongues' deftest Sacrificer, him whom the priests elect at solemn worship, 8 Grant, Son of Strength, thou rich in friends, a refuge without a flaw this day to us thy praisers. 9 Be thou a refuge, Bright One, to the singer, a shelter, Bounteous Lord, to those who worship.

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

2 This world's imperial Kings, O Mitra−Varuna, ye rule in holy synod, looking on the light. 3 Imperial Kings, strong, Heroes, Lords of earth and heaven, Mitra and Varuna, ye ever active Ones, 4 Your magic, Mitra−Varuna, resteth in the heaven. The Sun, the wondrous weapon, cometh forth as light 5 The Maruts yoke their easy car for victory, O Mitra−Varuna, as a hero in the wars. 6 Refreshing is your voice, O Mitra−Varuna: Parjanya sendeth out a wondrous mighty voice. 7 Wise, with your Law and through the Asura's magic power ye guard the ordinances, Mitra−Varuna. 2 Stretch out your arms with favouring love unto this man who singeth hymns, 3 That I may gain a refuge now, may my steps be on Mitra's path. 4 Mitra and Varuna, from you may I, by song, win noblest meed. 5 With your fair splendours, Varuna and Mitra, to our gathering come, 6 With those, moreover, among whom ye hold your high supremacy, 7 When morning flushes, Holy Ones! in the Gods' realm where white Cows shine, 2 For they are Kings of noblest might, of glorious fame most widely spread; 3 Approaching you with prayer for aid, together I address you first 4 E'en out of misery Mitra gives a way to dwelling at our case, 5 In Mitra's shelter that extends to utmost distance may we dwell, 6 Ye, Mitra, urge this people on, and to one end direct their ways.

2 Wealth, fully armed, good guard and kind protector, sprung from four seas, the prop and stay of treasure 3 Wealth, with good Brahmans, Indra! God−attended, high, wide, and deep, arid based on broad foundati 4 Victorious, winning strength, with hero sages, confirmed in power, most useful, wealth−attracting, 5 Wealthy in heroes and in cars and horses, strength hundredfold and thousandfold, O Indra, 6 To Saptagu the sage, the holy−minded, to him, Brhaspati, the song approaches, 7 My lauds, like envoys, craving loving−kindness, go forth to Indra with their strong entreaty, 8 Grant us the boon for which I pray, O Indra, a spacious home unmatched among the people.

2 For the broad Sun was seen a path more widely laid, the path of holy law hath been maintained with ray 3 With Aditi the luminous, the celestial, upholder of the people, come ye day by day, ye who watch sleepl 4 This Soma be most sweet to Mitra, Varuna: he in the drinking−feasts, shall have a share thereof, sharing 5 Whoso, with worship serves Mitra and VaruiIa, him guard ye carefully, uninjured, from distress, guard 6 Worship will I proress to lofty Dyaus, to Heaven and Earth, to Mitra and to bounteous Varuna, the 7 With the Gods' help, with Indra still beside us, may we be held self−splendid with the Maruts.

2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction. 3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni. 4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest. 5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble; 6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies, 7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni. 8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.

2 For not an enemy molests the paths which these Adityas tread: 3 Now soon may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman 4 With Gods come thou whose fostering care none checks, O Goddesss Aditi: 5 For well these Sons of Aditi know to keep enmities aloof, 6 Aditi guard our herd by day, Aditi, free from guile, by night, 7 And in the day our hymn is this: May Aditi come nigh to help, 8 And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us health: 9 May Agni bless us with his fires, and Surya warm us pleasantly: 10 Drive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity: 11 Remove from us the arrow, keep famine, Adityas! far away: 12 Now, O Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free, 13 Whatever mortal with the powe r of demons fain would injure us, 14 May sin o'ertake our human foe, the man who speaketh evil thing, 15 Gods, ye are with the simple ones, ye know each mortal in your hearts; 16 Fain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of water−floods: 17 So with auspicious sheltering aid do ye, O Vasus, carry us 18 Adityas, ye Most Mighty Ones, grant to our children and their seed 19 Sacrifice, O Adityas, is your inward monitor: be kind, 20 The Maruts' high protecting aid, the Asvins, and the God who saves, 21 Grant us a home with triple guard, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna! 22 And as we human beings, O Adityas, are akin to death,

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

2 For worthy of obeisance, Gods, are all your names, worthy of adoration and of sacrifice. 3 I will rejoice in these Adityas for my weal, for whom the Mother pours forth water rich in balm, 4 Looking on men, ne'er slumbering, they by their deserts attained as Gods to lofty immortality. 5 Great Kings who bless us, who have come to sacrifice, who, ne'er assailed, have set their mansion in the 6 Who offereth to you the laud that ye accept, O ye All−Gods of Manu, many as ye are? 7 Ye to whom Manu, by seven priests, with kindled fire, offered the first oblation with his heart and soul, 8 Wise Deities, who have dominion o'er the world, ye thinkers over all that moves not and that moves, 9 In battles we invoke Indra still swift to hear, and all the holy Host of Heaven who banish grief, 10 Mightily−saving Earth, incomparable Heaven the good guide Aditi who gives secure defence 11 Bless us, all Holy Ones, that we may have your help, guard and protect us from malignant injury. 12 Keep all disease afar and sordid sacrifice, keep off the wicked man's malicious enmity. 13 Untouched by any evil, every mortal thrives, and, following the Law, spreads in his progeny. 14 That which ye guard and grace in battle, O ye Gods, ye Maruts, where the prize is wealth, where heroe 15 Vouchsafe us blessing in our paths and desert tracts, blessing in waters and in battle, for the light; 16 The noblest Svasti with abundant riches, who comes to what is good by distant pathway,− 17 Thus hatb the thoughtful sage, the son of Plati, praised you, O Aditi and all Adityas,

2 So, too, like charioteers are they, Mitra and sapient Varuna, 3 These Twain, possessors of all wealth, most glorious, for supremest sway 4 Great Varuna and Mitra, Gods, Asuras and imperial Lords, 5 The offspring of a lofty Power, Daksa's Two Sons exceeding strong, 6 Ye who have gathered up your gifts, celestial and terrestrial food, 7 The Twain, who from the lofty sky seem to look down on herds below, 8 They, true to Law, exceeding strong, have sat them down for savran rule: 9 Pathfinders even better than the eye, with unobstructed sight, 10 So may the Goddess Aditi, may the Nasatyas guard us well, 11 Do ye, O Bounteous Gods, protect our dwelling lace by day and night: 12 May we, unharmed, serve bountiful Visnu, the God who slayeth none: 13 This sure protection we elect, desirable and reaching far, 14 And may the Sindhu of the floods, the Maruts, and the ASvin Pair, 15 Because these warring Heroes stay the enmity of every foe, 16 Here this one God, the Lord of men, looks forth exceeding far and wide: 17 We keep the old accustomed laws, the statutes of supremacy, 18 He who hath measured with his ray the boundaries of heaven and earth, 19 Surya hath spread his light aloft up to the region of the sky, 20 With him who sits afar the word is lord of food that comes from kine, 21 So unto Surya, Heaven, and Earth at morning and at eve I speak. 22 From Uksanyayana a bay, from Harayana a white steed, 23 These two shall bring me further gain of troops of tawny−coloured steeds, 24 And the two sages have I gained who hold the reins and bear the whip,

2 Protector of the Home, be our promoter: increase our wealth in kine and steeds, O Indu. 3 Through thy dear fellowship that bringeth welfare, may we be victors, Guardian of the Dwelling!

2 Whom, well−dis sed, the Blirgus stablished as a rriend, whom men must glorify, high−flaming in the w 3 Be thou the foeless helper of the skilful man, subduer of the enemy near or far away. 4 Him, your refulgent guest, Agni who comes from heaven, the Herald of mankind, well−skilled in sacred 5 Who with his purifying, eye−attracting form hath shone upon the earth as with the light of Dawn; 6 Worship ye Agni, Agni, with your log of wood; praise your beloved, your beloved guest with songs. 7 Agni inflamed with fuel in my song I sing, pure, Cleanser, steadlast, set in tront at sacrifice. 8 Men, Agni, in each age have made thee, Deathiess One, their envoy, offering−bearer, guard adorable. 9 Thou, Agni, ordering the works and ways of both, as envoy of the Gods traversest both the worlds. 10 Him fair of face, rapid, and fair to look on, him very wise may we who know not follow. 11 Him, Agni, thou deliverest and savest who brings him prayer to thee the Wise, O Hero, 12 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us, O thou Victor, from dishonour. 13 Agni, the Priest, is King, Lord of the homestead, he, Jatayedas, knows all generations. 14 Whate'er to−day thou, bright−flamed Priest, enjoyest from the man's rite−for thou art sacrificer− 15 Look thou upon the viands duly laid for thee. Fain would he set thee here to worship Heaven and,Earth 16 Together with all Gods, O fair−faced Agni, be seated first upon the woollined altar, 17 Here the arranging priests, as did Atharvan, rub this Agni forth, 18 For the Gods' banquet be thou born, for full perfection and for weal. 19 O Agni, Lord and Master of men's homesteads, with kindled fuel we have made thee mighty.

2 Kasyapa, Rsi, lifting up thy voice with hymn−composers' lauds, 3 Seven regions have their several Suns; the ministering priests are seven; 4 Guard us with this oblation which, King Soma, hath been dressed for thee.

2 Wise must this Agni be, though young and tender, since he was born, Most Youthful, of his Mother; 3 Before his presence must we all assemble, this God's whom men have seized in his white splendour. 4 Far−seeing hath this Agni been established, deathless mid mortals, wise among the foolish. 5 He who hath occupied his God−made dwelling, Agni, in wisdom hath surpassed Immortals. 6 Agni is Lord of Amrta. in abundance, Lord of the gift of wealth and hero valour, 7 The foeman's treasure may be won with labour: may we be masters of our own possessions. 8 Unwelcome for adoption is the stranger, one to be thought of as another's offipring, 9 Guard us from him who would assail us, Agni; preserve us O thou Victor, from dishonour. 10 Shine this felicity on us, O Agni: may we attain to perfect understanding.

2 When Soma pours the strengthening food a hundred ever−active streams 3 Ten Dames have sung to welcome thee, even as a maiden greets her love: 4 Flow hitherward, O Indu, sweet to Indra and to Visnu: guard

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 From you, benignant Gods, may we gain fully food for sustenance. 3 Guard us, O Rudras. with your guar4 save us, ye skilled to save, my we 4 Or ne'er may we, O Wondrous Strong, enjoy another's solemn feast,

1 THROUGH the Adityas' most auspicious shelter, through their most recent succour may we conquer. 2 Let Aditi rejoice and the Adityas, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, most righteous. 3 All Universal Deities, the Maruts, all the Adityas, yea, and all the Rbhus,

2 May the most sapient Maruts, with protection, with best boons brought from lofty heaven, approach us, 3 Close to them clings one moving in seclusion, like a man's wife, like a spear carried rearward, 4 Far off the brilliant, never−weary Maruts cling to the young Maid as a joint possession. 5 When chose immortal Rodasi to follow− she with loose tresses and heroic spirit− 6 Upon their car the young men set the Maiden wedded to glory, mighty in assemblies, 7 I will declare the greatness of these Maruts, their real greatness, worthy to be lauded, 8 Mitra and Varuna they guard from censure: Aryaman too, discovers worthless sinners Firm things are 9 None of us, Maruts, near or at a distance, hath ever reached the limit of your vigour. 10 May we this day be dearest friends of Indra, and let us call on him in fight to−morrow. 11 May this your laud, may this your song, O Maruts, sung by the poet, Mana's

2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving. 3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship. 4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, 5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom, 6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection. 7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,−these, reverent, I address at this our worship, 8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain, 9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour. 10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. 11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.

2 She with her might, like one who digs for lotus−stems, hath burst with her strong waves the ridges of th 3 Thou castest down, Sarasvati, those who scorned the Gods, the brood of every Brsaya skilled in magic a 4 May the divine Sarasvati, rich in her wealth, protect us well, 5 Whoso, divine Sarasvati, invokes thee where the prize is set, 6 Aid us, divine Sarasvad, thou who art strong in wealth and power 7 Yea, this divine Sarasvati, terrible with her golden path, 8 Whose limitless unbroken flood, swift−moving with a rapid rush, 9 She hath spread us beyond all foes, beyond her Sisters, Holy One, 10 Yea, she most dear amid dear stream, Seven−sistered, graciously inclined, 11 Guard us from hate Sarasvati, she who hath filled the realms of earth, 12 Seven−sistered, sprung from threefold source, the Five Tribes' prosperer, she must be 13 Marked out by majesty among the Mighty Ones, in glory swifter than the other rapid Streams, 14 Guide us, Sarasvati, to glorious treasure: refuse us not thy milk, nor spurn us from thee.

2 What child is this thou carriest as handmaid, O Youthful One? The Consort−Queen hath bome him. 3 I saw him from afar gold−toothed, bright−coloured, hurling his weapons from his habitation, 4 I saw him moving from the place he dwells in, even as with a herd, brilliantly shining. 5 Who separate my young bull from the cattle, they whose protector was in truth no stranger? 6 Mid mortal men godless have secreted the King of all who live, home of the people. 7 Thou from the stake didst loose e'en Sunahsepa bound for a thousand; for he prayed with fervour. 8 Thou hast sped from me, Agni, in thine anger: this the protector of Gods' Laws hath told me. 9 Agni shines far and wide with lofty splendour, and by his greatness makes all things apparent. 10 Loud in the heaven above be Agni's roarings with keen−edged weapons to destroy the demons. 11 As a skilled craftsman makes a car, a singer I, Mighty One! this hymn for thee have fashioned. 12 May he, the strong−necked Steer, waxing in vigour, gather the foeman's wealth with none to check hi

2 As such, O Wonderful, whose hand holds thunder, praised as mighty, Caster of the Stone! 3 We call upon that Indra, who, most active, ever slays the foe: 4 Rcisama, thou forcest men as with a bull, with anger, in the furious fray. 5 O Indra, bring us name and fame, enriching, mightiest, excellent, 6 We call on thee, O King, Mighty amid the Gods, Ruler of men, to succour us. 7 All strength and valour that is found, Indra, in tribes of Nahusas, and all the splendid fame that the Five 8 Or, Maghavan, what vigorous strength in Trksi lay, in Druhyus or in Paru's folk, 9 O Indra, grant a happy home, a triple refuge triply strong. 10 They who with minds intent on spoil subdue the foe, boldly attack and smite him down,− 11 And now, O Indra, strengthen us: come near and aid us in the fight, 12 Give us, where heroes strain their bodies in the fight, the shelter that our fathers loved. 13 When, Indra, in the mighty fray thou urgest chargers to their speed, 14 Speeding like rivers rushing down a steep descent, responsive to the urging call,

20 To him who worships Soma gives the milchcow, a fleet steed and a man of active knowledge, 21 Invincible in fight, saver in battles, guard of our camp, winner of light and water, 22 These herbs, these milch−kine, and these running waters, all these, O Soma, thou hast generated.

2 Invincible through Fervour, those whom Fervour hath advanced to heaven, 3 The heroes who contend in war and boldly cast their lives away, 4 Yea, the first followers of Law, Law's pure and holy strengtheners, 5 Skilled in a thousand ways and means, the sages who protect the Sun,

2 May the Floods' Offspring, he whose course is rapid, protect that wave most rich in sweets, O Waters, 3 All−purifying, joying in their nature, to paths of Gods the Goddesses move onward. 4 Whom Surya with his bright beams hath attracted, and Indra dug the path for them to travel,

2 May we as Rbhu with your Rbhus conquer strength with our strength, as Vibhus with the Vibhus. 3 For they rule many tribes with high dominion, and conquer all their foes in close encounter. 4 Now, Deities, give us ample room and freedom: be all of you, one−minded, our protection.

2 May this my truthful speech guard me on every side wherever heaven and earth and days are spread abr 3 No godless man from time remotest draws thee down when thou art driving forth with winged dappled 4 O Surya, with the light whereby thou scatterest gloom, and with thy ray impellest every moving thing, 5 Sent forth thou guardest well the Universe's law, and in thy wonted way arisest free from wrath. 6 This invocation, these our words may Heaven and Earth, and Indra and the Waters and the Maruts hear. 7 Cheerful in spirit, evermore, and keen of sight, with store of children, free from sickness and from sin, 8 Surya, may we live long and look upon thee still, thee, O Far−seeing One, bringing the glorious light, 9 Thou by whose lustre all the world of life comes forth, and by thy beams again returns unto its rest, 10 Bless us with shine, bless us with perfect daylight, bless us with cold, with fervent heat and lustre. 11 Gods, to our living creatures of both kinds vouchsafe protection, both to bipeds and to quadrupeds, 12 If by some grievous sin we have provoked the Gods, O Deities, with the tongue or thoughtlessness of

2 For Dvita who receives through wealth of native strength maimed offerings, 3 Nobles, with song I call that car of yours that shines with lengthened life, 4 They who have varied ways of thought, who guard, the lauds within their lips, 5 Immortal Agni, give the chiefs, heroes who institute the rite,

2 Goat−borne, the guard of cattle, he whose home is strength, inspirer of the hymn, set over all the world; 3 O Pusan, with thy golden ships that travel across the ocean, in the air's mid−region, 4 Near kinsman of the heaven and earth is Pusan, liberal, Lord of food, of wondrous iustre,

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 Gladdening crusher of the bold, ruling with very mighty sway, 3 Hence, Sapient One! the Falcon, strong of wing, unwearied, brought thee down, 4 That each may see the light, the Bird brought us the guard of Law, the Friend 5 And now, sent forth, it hath attained to mighty power and majesty,

2 Let us call Sakra to libations here effused, winner of light who joyeth in the potent juice. 3 By royal Soma's and by Varuna's decree, under Brhaspati's and Anumati's guard, 4 1, too, urged on, have had my portion, in the bowl, and as first Prince I drew forth this my hymn of prai

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

2 The Sun ascending, the refulgent Star, pours down his beams together with the Dawn. 3 Promptly we woke to welcome thee, O Usas, Daughter of the Sky, 4 Thou, dawning, workest fain to light the great world, yea, heaven, Goddess! that it may be seen. 5 Bring us that wondrous bounty, Dawn, that shall be famed most far away. 6 Give to our princes opulence and immortal fame, and strength in herds of kine to us. 2 O Indra−Varuna, mighty and very rich One of you is called Monarch and One Autocrat. 3 Ye with your strength have pierced the fountains of the floods: the Sun have ye brought forward as the 4 In battels and in frays we ministering priests, kneeling upon our knees for furtherance of our weal, 5 O Indra−Varuna, as ye created all these creatures of the world by your surpassing might, 6 That Varuna's high worth may shine preeminent, these Twain have measured each his proper power and 7 No trouble, no misfortune, Indra−Varuna, no woe from any side assails the mortal man 8 With your divine protection, Heroes, come to us: mine invncation hear, if ye be pleased therewith. 9 In battle after battle, Indra−Varuna, be ye our Champions, ye who are the peoples' strength, 10 May Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Aryaman vouchsafe us glory and great shelter spreading far.

2 Discerning, have they offered gifts: they guard the strength that never wastes. 3 Svaitreya's people, all his men, have gloriously increased in might. 4 I bring, as 'twere, the longed−for milk, the dear milk of the Sister−Pair. 5 Beam of light, come to us in sportive fashion, finding thyself close to the wind that fans thee.

2 Visit, to prove us free from sin, O Surya Lord of great might, the bright Gods sprung from Daksa, 3 And, O ye Heaven and Earth, a wide dominion, O ye most blissful Worlds, our lofty shelter, 4 This day invited may the Sons of Rudra, resistless, excellent, stoop down to meet us; 5 To whom the Goddess Rodasi clings closely, whom Pusan follows bringing ample bounty. 6 With a new hymn extol, O thou who singest, the Lover of the Song, the Hero Indra. 7 Give full protection, Friends of man, ye Waters, in peace and trouble, to our sons and grandsons. 8 May Savitar come hither and approach us, the God who rescues, Holy, goldenhanded, 9 And thou, O Son of Strength, do thou turn hither the Gods to−day to this our holy service. 10 Come also to my call, O ye Nasatyas, yea, verily, through my prayers, ye Holy Sages. 11 O Gods, bestow upon us riches, splendid with strength and heroes, bringing food in plenty. 12 May Rudra and Sarasvati, accordant, Visnu and Vayu, pour down gifts and bless us; 13 May this God Savitar, the Lord, the Offspring of Waters, pouring down his dew be gracious, 14 May Aja−Ekapad and Ahibudhnya, and Earth and Ocean hear our invocation; 15 So with my thoughts and hymns of praise the children of Bharadvaja sing aloud to please you.

2 Envoy art thou, protector from the foeman, strong God, thou leadest us to higher blessings. 3 May we adore thee in thy loftiest birthplace, and, with our praises, in thy lower station. 4 Agni, best Priest, pay worship with oblation; quickly commend the gift to be presented; 5 The twofold opulence, O Wonder−Worker, of thee new−born each day never decreases.

2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Saryanavan, of the Hills and Mother 3 May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and 4 May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for 5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us th 6 Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze. 7 Send us to−day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth. 8 Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it! 9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing−stones, and perfecting the hymn. 10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests,− 11 Come hither, O Adityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive. 12 Adityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise−worthy, prosperous, our heroes' sure defen 13 This day may all the Maruts, all he near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled. 14 He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction,

2 Our sacrifice, our bodies, and our offspr. let Indra form together with Adityas. 3 With the Adityas, with the band of Maruts, may Indra be Protector of our bodies. 4 As when the Gods came, after they had slaughtered the Asuras, keeping safe their Godlike nature, 5 Brought the Sun hitherward with mighty powers, and looked about them on their vigorous Godhead.

2 Knowing full well the Asura's time of coming, worship God Savitar with hymns and praises. 3 Not for reward doth Pusan send his blessings, Bhaga, or Aditi: his garb is splendour. 4 Sending the shelter which we ask, the foeless Savitar and the Rivers shall approach us. 5 They who devote such worship to the Vasus, singing their hymns to Varuna and Mitra,

2 For sacrifice make for us active vital power for skill and wisdom food with noble progeny. 3 Do ye, O Rbhus, make prosperity for us, prosperity for car, ye Heroes, and for steed. 4 Indra, the Rbhus' Lord, I invocate for aid, the Rbhus, Vajas, Maruts to the Soma draught. 5 May Rbhu send prosperity for battle, may Vaja conquering in the fight protect us.

2 By holy Law they kept supporting Order, by help of sacrifice, in loftiest heaven,− 3 Averting woe, they labour hard to bring him, the ancient, plenteous food as power resistless. 4 When, like a mother, spreading forth to nourish, to cherish and regard each man that liveth,− 5 May strength preserve the compass of thy vigour, God! that broad stream of thine that beareth riches.

2 High in the seat of heaven is spread the Scorcher's sieve: its threads are standing separate, glittering wit 3 The foremost spotted Steer hath made the Mornings shine, and yearning after strength sustains all things 4 Gandharva verily protects his dwellingplace; Wondrous, he guards the generations of the Gods. 5 Rich in oblations! robed in cloud, thou corapassest oblation, sacrifice, the mighty seat of Gods.

2 Protect Tryaruna, as thou art waxing strong and art highly praised, Vaisvanara Agni! 3 So Trasadasyu served thee, God Most Youthful, craving thy favour for the ninth time, Agni; 4 He who declares his wish to me, to Asvamedha, to the Prince, 5 From whom a hundred oxen, all of speckled hue, delight my heart, 6 To Asvamedha who bestows a hundred gifts grant hero power,

2 Agni, in truth, is passing wise, most skilled in ordering, a Seer. 3 The foeman's wealth in many a place, Agni, is emulous to help. 4 Agni bestows the hero chief, winner of waters, firm in fray. 5 For with his wisdom Agni, God, protects the mortal from reproach, 6 O Agni, God with Mitra's might call hither the favour of the Gods from earth and heaven.

2 The singers praise him with their song, and learned priests adorn the Steed, 3 These things thou winnest lightly while purified, Soma, Lord of wealth: 4 Winning all precious things at once, flow on, O Soma, with thy stream 5 Preserve us from the godless, from ill−omened voice of one and all, 6 O Indu, as thou flowest on bring us the wealth of earth and heaven,

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 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread his wealth by kine wise by himself is be. 3 He, mighty like a raving river's billowy flood, as a bull conquers oxen, overcomes with strength. 4 For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first with the heroes he goes forth to war for kine 5 All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many a flawless shelter hath been granted him.

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.

2 I sing to cattle and to Earth, to trees, to Dawns, to Night, to plants. 3 Forth go, with Agni, to the Gods our sacrifice of ancient use, 4 Lords of all wealth, may they be strengtheners of man, destroyers of his enemies. 5 Come to us with one mind to−day, come to us all with one accord, 6 Send us delightful things, ye Maruts, on your steeds: come ye, O Mitra, to our gifts. 7 We who have trimmed the grass for you, and set the banquet in array, 8 O Maruts, Visinu, Asvins, Pusan, haste away with minds turned hitherward to Me. 9 Ye Guileless Gods, bestow on us a refuge strong on every side, 10 Kinship have I with you, and close alliance O ye Gods, destroyers of our foes. 11 For now have I sent forth to you, that I may win a fair reward, 12 Excellent Savitar hath mounted up on high for you, ye sure and careful Guides. 13 Singing their praise with God−like thought let us invoke each God for grace, 14 For of one spirit are the Gods with mortal man, co−sharers all of gracious gifts. 15 I laud you, O ye Guileless Gods, here where we meet to render praise. 16 He makes his house endure, he gathers plenteous food who pays obedience to your will. 17 E'en without war he gathers wealth, and goes hisway on pleasant paths, 18 E'en on the plain for him ye make a sloping path, an easy way where road is none: 19 If ye appoint the rite to−day, kind Rulers, when the Sun ascends, 20 Or, Asuras, when ye have sheltered the worshipper who goes to sacrifice, at eve 21 If ye to−day at sunrise, or at noon, or in the gloom of eve, 22 Then we, imperial Rulers, claim of you this boon, your wide protection, as a son.

2 The Holy, whose are earth and heaven, and succour waits upon his strength; 3 He is the Sage who guides these men, Leader of sacred rites is he. 4 So may the gracious Agni grant most goodly shelter for our use; 5 The singers kindle him, the Priest, Agni the Lord of tribes of men, 6 Help us, thou Brahman, best of all invokers of the Gods in song. 7 Yea, grant us treasure thousandfold with children and with nourishm