Rig Veda on Worship

2 Fair, Agni, is thy long−known path to travel: yoke for the juice tfiy bay, thy ruddy horses, 3 They glorify your sacrifice with worship, yet the glad Priest near them is left unequalled. 4 What time the Guest hath made himself apparent, at ease reclining in the rich man's dwelling, 5 Accept this sacrifice of ours, O Agni; glorify it with Indra and the Maruts. 6 Thus hath Vasistha praised victorious Agni, yearning for wealth that giveth all subsistence. 2 Let sacrifice proceed like some fleet courser: with one accord lift ye on high the ladles. 3 Like babes in arms reposing on their mother, let the Gods sit upon the grass's summit. 4 Gladly the Gods have let themselves be honoured, milking the copious streams of holy Order. 5 So, Agni, send us wealth among the people: may we be closely knit to thee, O Victor,

2 Tanunapat, fair−tongued, with sweet meath balming the paths and waysof Order, make them pleasant. 3 Invoked, deserving prayer and adoration, O Agni, come accordant with the Vasus. 4 By rule the Sacred Grass is scattered eastward, a robe to clothe this earth when dawns are breaking. 5 Let the expansive Doors be widely opened, like wives who deck their beauty for their husbands. 6 Pouring sweet dews let holy Night and Morning, each close to each, he seated at their station, 7 Come the two first celestial sweet−voiced Hotars, arranging sacrifice for man to worship 8 Let Bharati come quickly to our worship, and Ila showing like a human being. 9 Hotar more skilled in sacrifice, bring hither with speed to−day God Tvastar, thou who knowest. 10 Send to our offerings which thyself thou balmest the Companies of Gods in ordered season. 11 Agni, as soon as he was born, made ready the sacrifice, and was the Gods' preceder.

5 With thy yoked teams in hundreds and in thousands come to our sacrifice and solemn worship. Come,

2 For thou art offering−bearer and loved messenger, the charioteer of sacrifice: 3 As messenger we choose to−day Agni the good whom many love, 4 Him noblest and most youthful, richly worshipped guest, dear to the men who offer gifts, 5 Thee, Agni, will I glorify, deathless nourisher of the world, 6 Tell good things to thy praiser, O most youthful God, as richly worshipped, honey−tongued, 7 For the men, Agni, kindle thee as all possessor and as Priest; 8 At dawn of day, at night, Usas and Savitar, the Asvins, Bhaga, Agni's self: 9 For, Agni, Lord of sacrifice and messenger of men art thou: 10 Thou shonest forth, O Agni, after former dawns, all visible, O rich in light. 11 Like Manu, we will stablish thee, Agni, performer of the rite, 12 When as the Gods' High Priest, by many loved, thou dost their mission as their nearest Friend, 13 Heat−, Agni, who hast ears to hear, with all thy train of escort Gods; 14 Let those who strengthen Law, who bountiUly give, the life−tongued Maruts, hear our praise. 2 Agni, the Gods who understand give ear unto the worshipper: 3 O Jatavedas, great in act, hearken thou to Praskanva's call, 4 The sons of Priyamedha skilled in lofty praise have called for help 5 Hear thou, invoked withholy oil, bountiful giver of rewards, 6 O Agni, loved by many, thou of fame most wondrous, in their homes 7 Thee, Agni, best to find out wealth, most widely famous, quick to hear, 8 Singers with Soma pressed have made thee, Agni, hasten to the feast, 9 Good, bounteous, Son of Strength, this day seat here on sacred grass the Gods 10 Bring with joint invocations thou, O Agni, the celestial host:

2 Come with kind thoughts, most liberal, rousing the warrior's hymn of praise, with bounteous ones, 3 As nourishers we tie the thread, and, liberal with our bounty, offer sacrifice. 4 Dawn drives away her Sister's gloom, and, through her excellence, makes her retrace her path.

2 May he the Immortal, Helper, bard to be deceived among mankind, 3 Around the altar is he led, welcome Chief Priest at solemn rites, 4 Agni in fire at sacrifice, and in the house as Lord thereof, 5 Thou comest as the guide of folk who celebrate a sacrifice, 6 Thou servest as his messenger whose sacrifice thou lovest well, 7 Accept our solemn rite; be pleased, Angiras, with our sacrifice: 8 May thine inviolable car, wherewith thou guardest those who give,

2 Both Gods and men obey this Ruler's order, Gods who are worshipped, men who yearn and worship. 3 May our fair praise, heart−born, most recent, reach him whose tongue, e'en at his birth, is sweet as hone 4 Good to mankind, the yearning Purifier hath among men been placed as Priest choice−worthy. 5 As such we Gotamas with hymns extol thee, O Agni, as the guardian Lord of riches, 1 EVEN to him, swift, strong and high. exalted, I bring my song of praise as dainty viands, 2 Praise, like oblation, I present, and utter aloud my song, my fair hymn to the Victor. 3 To him then with my lips mine adoration, winning heaven's light, most excellent, I offer, 4 Even for him I frame a laud, as fashions the wright a chariot for the man who needs it,− 5 So with my tongue I deck, to please that Indra, my hymn, as 'twere a horse, through love of glory, 6 Even for him hath Tvastar forged the thunder, most deftly wrought, celestial, for the battle, 7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Visnu had drunk up the draught, he plundered. 8 To him, to Indra, when he slew the Dragon, the Dames, too, Consorts of the Goda, wove praises. 9 Yea, of a truth, his magnitude surpasseth the magnitude of earth, mid−air, and heaven. 10 Through his own strength Indra with bolt of thunder cut piece−meal Vrtra, drier up of waters. 11 The rivers played, through his impetuous splendour, since with his bolt he compassed them on all sides 12 Vast, with thine ample power, with eager movement, against this Vrtra cast thy bolt of thunder. 13 Sing with new lauds his exploits wrought aforetime, the deeds of him, yea, him who moveth swiftly, 14 When he, yea, he, comes forth the firm. Set mountains and the whole heaven and earth, tremble for terr 15 Now unto him of these things hath been given what he who rules alone o'er much, electeth. 16 Thus to thee, Indra, yoker of Bay Coursers, the Gotamas have brought their prayers to please thee.

2 Whose lofty might−for doubly strong is he−supports the heavens and earth, 3 Such, Praised by many! thou art King alone thou smitest Vrtras dead, 4 We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which conquers in the fray, 5 Wherewith thou also foundest lights for Ayu and for Manu's sake: 6 This day too singers of the hymn praise, as of old, this might of thine: 7 That lofty Indra−power of thine, thy strength and thine intelligence, 8 O Indra, Heaven and Earth augment thy manly power and thy renown; 9 Visnu the lofty ruling Power, Varuna, Mitra sing thy praise: 10 O Indra, thou wast born the Lord of men, most liberal of thy gifts: 11 Ever, alone, O highly−praised, thou sendest Vrtras to their rest: 12 Though here and there, in varied hymns, Indra, men call on thee for aid, 13 Already have all forms of him entered our spacious dwelling−place:

2 By paths that are thine own come hither, Agni, joyous, delighting in the Gods' alliance, 3 The grass is strewn; the sacrifice advances adored as Priest, Agni is made propitious, 4 Forthwith the men, the best of these for wisdom, have made him leader in the solemn worship. 5 He hath come, chosen bearer, and is seated in man's home, Brahman, Agni, the Supporter, 6 These have passed all in glory, who, the manly, have wrought with skill the hymn of adoration; 7 We, the Vasisthas, now implore thee, Agni, O Son of Strength, the Lord of wealth and treasure.

2 Blest be the wood that feeds the active Agni: within the two great worlds hath Agni entered. 3 Agni rejoiced the car of him who praised lim, and from the waters burnt away jarutha. 4 Agni hath granted wealth that decks the hero, and sent the sage who wins a thousand cattle. 5 With songs of praise the Rsis call on Agni; on Agni, heroes worsted in the foray. 6 Races of human birth pay Agni worship, men who have sprung from Nahus' line adore him. 7 The Rbhus fabricated prayer for Agni, and we with mighty hymns have called on Agni.

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 He, wondrous envoy, goes between the earth and heaven, firm seated as the Herald, great High Priest of 3 Sages shall glorify Agni with earnest thoughts, ensign of sacrifice, who fills the synod full: 4 The Sire of sacrifice, great God of holy bards, Agni, the measure and the symbol of the priests, 5 Bright Agni with the bright car, Lord of green domains, Vaisvanara dweller in the floods, who finds the 6 Agni, together with the Gods and Manu's folk by thought extending sacrifice in varied form, 7 Sing, Agni, for long life to us and noble sons: teem thou with plenty, shine upon us store of food. 8 The Mighty One, Lord of the people and their guest, the leader of their thoughts, devoted Friend of pries 9 Agni the God resplendent, giver of great joy, hath on his lovely car compassed the lands with, might. 10 I celebrate thy glories, O Vaisvanara, wherewith thou, O farsighted God, has found the light. 11 By his great skill the Sage alone hath brought to pass a great deed, mightier than Vaisvanara's wondrou 2 Agni whom daily Varuna and Mitra the Gods bring thrice a day to this our worship, 3 The thought that bringeth every boon proceedeth to worship first the Priest of the libation, 4 On high your way to sacrifice was made ready; the radiant flames went upward to the regions. 5 Claiming in mind the seven priests' burntoblations, inciting all, they came in settled order. 6 Night and Dawn, lauded, hither come together, both smiling, different are their forms in colour, 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortalls Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests; and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.

2 For the strong band of Maruts will we frame a hymn: the chiefs shall bring forth sacrifice for Indra's tro 3 May Indra with the Vasus keep our dwelling safe, and Aditi with Adityas lend us sure defence. 4 Aditi, Heaven and Earth, the great eternal Law, Indra, Visnu, the Maruts, and the lofty Sky. 5 With Holy Thoughts Sarasvan, firm−lawed Varuna, great Vayu, Pusan, Visnu, and the Asvins Twain, 6 Strong be the sacrifice, strong be the Holy Ones, strong the preparers of oblation, strong the Gods. 7 To win us strength I glorify the Mighty Twain, Agni and Soma, Mighty Ones whom many laud. 8 Potent, with firm−fixt laws, arranging sacrifice, visiting solemn rites in splendour of the day, 9 The Holy Ones engendered, for their several laws, the heavens and earth, the waters, and the plants and 10 May they who bear up heaven, the Rbhus deft of hand, and Vata and Parjanya of the thundering Bull, 11 Sindhu, the sea, the region, and the firmament, the thunder, and the ocean, Aja−Ekapad, 12 May we, be yours, we men, to entertain the Gods: further our sacrifice and give it full success. 13 I follow with success upon the path of Law the two celestial Hotars, Priests of oldest time. 14 Vasistha's sons have raised their voices, like their sire. Rsi−like praying to the Gods for happiness. 15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasistha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings.

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 Be gracious unto us, O Rudra, bring us joy: thee, Lord of Heroes, thee with reverence will we serve. 3 By worship of the Gods may we, O Bounteous One, O Rudra, gain thy grace, Ruler of valiant men. 4 Hither we call for aid the wise, the wanderer, impetuous Rudra, perfecter of sacri fice. 5 Him with the braided hair we call with reverence down, the wild−boar of the sky, the red, the dazzling 6 To him the Maruts' Father is this hymn addressed, to strengthen Rudra's might, a song more sweet than 7 O Rudra, harm not either great or small of us, harm not the growing boy, harm not the full−grown man. 8 Harm us not, Rudra, in our seed and progeny, harm us not in the living, nor in cows or steeds, 9 Even as a herdsman I have brought thee hymns of praise: O Father of the Maruts, give us happiness, 10 Far be thy dart that killeth men or cattle: thy bliss be with us, O thou Lord of Heroes. Be graci

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

2 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 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worship, furthering us, best Offerer, meet for honour. 3 In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest with much wealth as with an army, 4 They who approached the God's abode with homage, eager for glory, won them perfect glory: 5 On earth the people magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial and terrestrial riches. 6 Dear priest among mankind, adorable Agni hath seated him, joy−giver, skilled in worship. 7 Longing for bliss, pure−minded, God−devoted, Agni, we seek thee, such, meet to be lauded. 8 Sage of mankind, all peoples' Lord and Master, the Bull of men, the sender down of blessings, 9 Agni, the mortal who hath toiled and worshipped, brought thee oblations with his kindled fuel, 10 Mightily let us worship thee the Mighty, with reverence, Agni! fuel and oblations, 11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with splendour and with thy glories, glorious and triumphant. 12 Vouchsafe us ever, as man needs, O Vasu, abundant wealth of kine for son and offspring. 13 May I obtain much wealth in many places by love of thee and through thy grace, King Agni;

2 Let the Bull sing with Bulls whose toil is worship, with a loud roar like some wild beast that hungers. 3 May the Priest come circling the measured stations, and with him bring the earth's autumnal fruitage. 4 To him we offer welcomest oblations, the pious bring their strength−inspiring praises. 5 Praise thou that Indra who is truly mighty, the car−borne Warrior, Maghavan the Hero; 6 Him who surpasses heroes in his greatness: the earth and heavens suffice not for his girdles. 7 Thee, Hero, guardian of the brave in battles, who roamest in the van,−to draw thee hither, 8 Libations in the sea to thee are pleasant, when thy divine Floods come to cheer these people. 9 So may we in this One be well befriended, well aided as it were through praise of chieftains, 10 Like men in rivalry extolling princes, our Friend be Indra, wielder of the thunder. 11 For every sacrifice makes Indra stronger, yea, when he goes around angry in spirit; 12 Let us not here contend with Gods, O Indra, for here, O Mighty One, is thine own portion, 13 Addressed to thee is this our praise, O Indra: Lord of Bay Steeds, find us hereby advancement.

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.

1 AGNI, well−kindled, bring the Gods for him who offers holy gifts. 2 Son of Thyself, present, O Sage, our sacrifice to the Gods today. 3 Dear Narasamsa, sweet of tongue, the giver of oblations, I 4 Agni, on thy most easy car, glorified, hither bring the Gods: 5 Strew, O ye wise, the sacred grass that drips with oil, in order due, 6 Thrown open be the Doors Divine, unfailing, that assist the rite, 7 I call the lovely Night and Dawn to seat them on the holy grass 8 The two Invokers I invite, the wise, divine and sweet of tongue, 9 Ila, Sarasvati, Mahi, three Goddesses who bring delight, 10 Tvastar I call, the earliest born, the wearer of all forms at will: 11 God, Sovran of the Wood, present this our oblation to the Gods, 12 With Svaha. pay the sacrifice to Indra in the offerer's house: 1 To drink the Soma, Agni, come, to our service and our songs. 2 The Kanvas have invoked thee; they, O Singer, sing thee songs of praise 3 Indra, Vayu, Brhaspati, Mitra, Agni, Pusan, Bhaga, 4 For you these juices are poured forth that gladden and exhilarate, 5 The sons of Kanva fain for help adore thee, having strewn the grass, 6 Let the swift steeds who carry thee, thought−yoked and dropping holy oil, 7 Adored, the strengtheners of Law, unite them, Agni, with their Dames: 8 Let them, O Agni, who deserve worship and praise drink with thy tongue 9 Away, from the Sun's realm of light, the wise invoking Priest shall bring 10 With all the Gods, with Indra, with Vayu, and Mitra's splendours, drink, 11 Ordained by Manu as our Priest, thou sittest, Agni, at each rite: 12 Harness the Red Mares to thy car, the Bays, O God, the flaming ones:

2 With callings ever they invoke Agni, Agni, Lord of the House, 3 Bring the Gods hither, Agni, born for him who strews the sacred grass: 4 Wake up the willing Gods, since thou, Agni, performest embassage: 5 O Agni, radiant One, to whom the holy oil is poured, bum up 6 By Agni Agni is inflamed, Lord of the House, wise, young, who bears 7 Praise Agni in the sacrifice, the Sage whose ways are ever true, 8 God, Agni, be his strong defence who lord of sacrificial gifts, 9 Whoso with sacred gift would fain call Agni to the feast of Gods, 10 Such, Agni, Purifier, bright, bring hither to our sacrifice, 11 So lauded by our newest song of praise bring opulence to us, 12 O Agni, by effulgent flame, by all invokings of the Gods,

2 And, O Nasatyas, man's dear Priest is seated, who brings to sacrifice and offers worship, 3 We choosing you, have let our worship follow its course: ye Steers, accept this hymn with favour. 4 And these Two Priests come nigh unto our people, united, demon−slayers, mighty−handed. 5 Come from the west, come from the cast, Nasatyas, come, Asvins, from below and from above us. 2 O Heroes, ye bestow wonderful nourishment. send it to him whose songs are sweet 3 Approach ye and be near to us. drink, O ye Asvins, of the meath. 4 The horses that convey you in their rapid flight down to the worshipper's abode, 5 Yea, verily, our princes seek the Asvins in pursuit of food. 6 Those who have led the way, like cars, offending none, those who are guardians of the men−

2 As such, O Agni, bring with favour to the Gods thy Brother Varuna who loveth sacrifice, 3 Do thou, O Friend, turn hither him who is our Friend, swift as a wheel, like two car−steeds in rapid cour 4 Do thou who knowest Varuna, O Agni, put far away from us the God's displeasure. 5 Be thou, O Agni, nearest us with succour, our closest Friend while now this Morn is breaking. 6 Excellent is the glance, of brightest splendour, which the auspicious God bestows on mortals− 7 Three are those births, the true, the most exalted, eagerly longed−for, of the God, of Agni. 8 This envoy joyeth in all seats of worship, borne on his golden car, sweet−tongued Invoker: 9 Allied by worship, let him give man knowledge: by an extended cord they lead him onward. 10 Let Agni −for he knows the way− conduct us to all that he enjoys of God−sent riches, 11 In houses first he sprang into existence, at great heaven's base, and in this region's bosom; 12 Wondrously first he rose aloft, defiant, in the Bull's lair, the homeof holy Order, 13 Here did our human fathers take their places, fain to fulfil the sacred Law of worship. 14 Splendid were they when they had rent the mountain: others, around, shall tell forth this their exploit. 15 Eager, with thought intent upon the booty, the men with their celestial speech threw open, 16 The Milch−cow's earliest name they comprehended: they found the Mother's thrice−seven noblest title 17 The turbid darkness fled, the heaven was sp, endid! up rose the bright beam of celestial Morning. 18 Then, afterwards they looked around, awakened, when first they held that Heaven allotted treasure. 19 I will call hither brightly−beaming Agni, the Herald, all−supporting, best at worship. 20 The freest God of all who should be worshipped, the guest who is received in all men's houses,

2 For thou by slaying Vrtra art the Vrtra−slayer, famed for might. 3 As such, when glorified, bring us riches of very wondrous fame, 4 Yea, Indra, thou disclosest that preeminent dear wealth of men: 5 The workers of destruction stay neither thy right hand nor thy left: 6 O Thunder−armed, I come with songs to thee as to a stall with kine: 7 Chief Vrtra−slayer, through the hymn of Visvamanas think of all, 8 May we, O Vrtra−slayer, O Hero, find this thy newest boon, Longed−for, and excellent, thou who art m 9 O Indra, Dancer, Much−invoked! as thy great power is unsurpassed, 10 Most Mighty, most heroic One, for mighty bounty fill thee full. 11 O Thunderer, never have our prayers gone forth to any God but thee: 12 For, Dancer, verily I find none else for bounty, saving thee, 13 For Indra pour ye out the drops meath blent with Soma let him drink 14 I spake to the Bay Coursers' Lord, to him who gives ability: 15 Never was any Hero born before thee mightier than thou: 16 O ministering priest, pour out of the sweet juice what gladdens most: 17 Indra, whom Tawny Coursers bear, praise such as thine, preeminent, 18 We, seeking glory, have invoked this Master of all power and might 19 Come, sing we praise to Indra, friends, the Hero who deserves the laud, 20 To him who wins the kine, who keeps no cattle back, Celestial God, 21 Whose hero powers are measureless, whose bounty ne'er may be surpassed, 22 As Vyasva did, praise Indra, praise the Strong unfluctuating Guide, 23 Now, son of Vyasva, praise thou him who to the tenth time still is new, 24 Thou knowest, Indra, Thunder−armed, how to avoid destructive powers, 25 O Indra, bring that aid wherewith of old, Most Wondrous! thou didst slay 26 So now we seek thee fresh in might, Most Wonderful in act!

2 To him let us address the song well−fashioned, forth from the heart. Shall he not understand it' 3 Some floods unite themselves and others join them: die sounding rivers fill one common storehouse. 4 The never−sullen waters, youthful Maidens, carefully decking, wait on him the youthful. 5 To him three Dames are oftering food to feed him, Goddesses to the God whom none may injure. 6 Here was the horse's birth; his was the sunlight. Save thou our princes from the oppressor's onslaught. 7 He, in whose mansion is the teeming Milch−cow, swells the Gods' nectar and cats noble viands. 8 He who in waters with his own pure Godhead shines widely, law−abiding, everlasting− 9 The Waters' Son hath risen, and clothed in lightning ascended up unto the curled cloud's bosom; 10 Golden in form is he, like gold to look on, his colour is like gold, the Son of Waters. 11 This the fair name and this the lovely aspect of him the Waters' Son increase in secret. 12 Him, nearest Friend of many, will we worship with sacrifice. and reverence and oblation. 13 The Bull hath laid his own life−germ Within them. He sucks them as an infant, and they kiss him. 14 While here he dwelleth in sublimest station, resplendent with the rays that never perish, 15 Agni, I gave good shelter to the people, and to the princes goodly preparation. 2 Busied with sacrifice, with spotted deer and spears, gleaming upon your way with ornaments, yea, our 3 Come unto us, ye swift to listen: as at home upon the sacred grass sit and enjoy yourselves. 4 Bring the Gods hither, Sage, and offer sacrifice: at the three altars seat thee willingly, O Priest. 5 This is the strengthener of thy body's manly might: strength, victory for all time are placed within thine 6 Accept the sacrifice; mark both of you, my call: the Priest hath seated him after the ancient texts.

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

2 We call that perfecter of worship by the path or sacrifice; with reverence rich in offerings, with worship 3 In ordered course forthwith he traverses the earth, swift−swallowing, bellowing Steer, bearing the genia 4 That Agni, wise High−Priest, in every house takes thought for sacrifice and holy service, yea, takes 5 When through his power and in his strong prevailing flames the Maruts' gladdening boons mingle with 6 Vast, universal, good he was made messenger; the speeder with his right hand hath not loosed his hold, 7 That Agni hath been set most kind in camp of men, in sacrifice like a Lord victorious, like a dear Lord i 8 Agni the Priest they supplicate to grant them wealth: him, dear, most thoughtful, have they made their 2 Hear, Indra, thou whom men in every fight must call to show thy strength, for cry of battle with the men 3 Thou, Mighty, pourest forth the hide that holds the rain, thou keepest far away, Hero, the wicked man, t 4 We. wish our Indra here that he may further you, the Friend, beloved of all, the very strong ally, in wars 5 Bow down the overweening pride of every foe with succour like to kindling−wood in fiercest flame, wit 6 This may I utter to the present Soma−drop, which, meet to be invoked, with power, awakes the prayer, 7 By thoughtful invocation this may we obtain, obtain great wealth, O Wealthy One, with Hero sons, weal 8 On, for your good and ours, come Indra with the aid of his own lordliness to drive the wicked hence, to 9 With riches in abundance, Indra, come to us, come by an unobstructed path, come by a path from demo 10 Thou art our own, O Indra, with victorious wealth: let might accompany thee, the Strong, to give us ai 11 Save us from injury, thou who art well extolled: ever the warder−off art thou of wicked ones, even as a

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

2 The hymn shone brightly from the seat of worship: to the kine came the Bull, the Heifer's Offipring 3 Indra knows, verily, how to hear our singing, for he, victorious, made a path for Surya. 4 Praised by Angirases, Indra demolished with might the works of the great watery monster 5 The counterpart of heaven and earth is Indra: he knoweth all libations, slayeth Susna. 6 The Vrtra−slaver with his bolt felled Vrtra: the magic of the godless, waxen mighty, 7 When the Dawns come attendant upon Surya their rays discover wealth of divers colours. 8 Far have they gone, the first of all these waters, the waters that flowed forth when Indra sent them. 9 Thou didst free rivers swallowed by the Dragon; and rapidly they set themselves in motion, 10 Yearning together they have sped to Sindhu: the Fort−destroyer, praised, of old, hath loved them.

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

2 Adhvaryus, he ye ready with oblations,, and come with longing to the longing Waters, 3 Go to the reservoir, O ye Adhvaryus worship the Waters' Child with your oblations. 4 He who shines bright in floods, unfed with fuel, whom sages worship at their sacrifices: 5 Those in which Soma joys and is delighted, as a young man with fair and pleasant damsels. 6 So maidens bow before the youthful gallant who comes with love to them who yearn to meet him. 7 He who made room for you when fast imprisoned, who freed you from the mighty imprecation,− 8 Send forth to him the meath−rich wave, O Rivers, which is your offspring and a well of sweetness, 9 Send forth the rapture−giving wave, O Rivers, which Indra drinks, which sets the Twain in motion; 10 These winding Streams which with their double current, like cattle−raiders, seek the lower pastures,− 11 Send forth our sacrifice with holy worship send forth the hymn and prayer for gain of riches. 12 For, wealthy Waters, ye control all treasures: ye bring auspicious intellect and Amrta. 13 When I behold the Waters coming hither, carrying with them milk and mcath and butter, 14 Rich, they are come with wealth for living beings, O friends, Adhvaryus, seat them in their places. 15 Now to this grass are come the longing Waters: the Pious Ones are seated at our worsh

1 LET thy Bay Steeds bring thee, the Strong, hither to drink the Soma draught− Those, Indra, who are 2 Here are the grains bedewed with oil: hither let the Bay Coursers bring 3 Indra at early morn we call, Indra in course of sacrifice, 4 Come hither, with thy long−maned Steeds, O Indra, to− the draught we pour 5 Come thou to this our song of praise, to the libation poured for thee 6 Here are the drops of Soma juice expressed on sacred grass: thereof 7 Welcome to thee be this our hymn, reaching thy heart, most excellent: 8 To every draught of pressed−out juice Indra, the Vrtra−slayer, comes, 9 Fulfil, O Satakratu, all our wish with horses and with kine: 1 I CRAVE help from the Imperial Lords, from Indra−Varuna; may they 2 Guardians of men, ye ever come with ready succour at the call 3 Sate you, according to your wish, O Indra−Varuna, with wealth: 4 May we be sharers of the powers, sharers of the benevolence 5 Indra and Varuna, among givers of thousands, meet for praise, 6 Through their protection may we gain great store of wealth, and heap it up 7 O Indra−Varuna, on you for wealth in many a form I call: 8 O Indra−Varuna, − through our songs that seek to win you to ourselves, 9 O Indra−Varuna, to you may fair praise which I offer come,

2 Thou art our guileless, most delightful Herald, the God, among mankind, of holy synods. 3 For even the blessed longing that is in thee would bring the Gods down to the singer's worship, 4 Bright hath he beamed, the wise, the far−refulgent. Worship the two widespreading Worlds, O Agni, 5 When I with reverence clip the grass for Agni, when the trimmed ladle, fullof oil, is lifted, 6 Enrich us, O thou Priest of many aspects, with the Gods, Agni, with thy fires, enkindled.

23 When he goes forth, ye Pair of Kings, for booty, speeding to war and praise to please the singer,− 24 Now for this noble man's support and comfort, singing with easy voice we thus implore thee: 25 If, for our strength, the priest with adoration to win your friendship made the laud accepted, 26 Glorified thus, with holy hymns and homage:−Of noble race, with Waters, God−attended 27 Be to us, then, ye Gods who merit worship, be ye of one accord our strong protection,

22 Drive down your chariot hitherward drink ye the Soma's savoury juice. 23 When sacrifice which tells our reverence hath begun. Heroes! to drink the gushing juice, 24 Sate you with consecrated drink, with juice effused, ye Deities.

2 Agni, Eternal Father, offering− bearer, fair to behold, far−reaching, far−refulgent, 3 The Sage of men, the Lord of human races, pure, purifying Agni, balmed with butter, 4 Agni, enjoy, of one accord with Ila, striving in rivalry with beams of Sarya, 5 As dear House−Friend, guest welcome in the dwelling, to this our sacrifice come thou who knowest. 6 Drive thou away the Dasyu with thy weapon. As, gaining vital power for thine own body, 7 May we, O Agni, with our lauds adore thee, and with our gifts, fair−beaming Purifier! 8 Son of Strength, Agni, dweller in three regions, accept our sacrifice and our oblation. 9 Over all woes and dangers, Jatavedas, bear us as in a boat across a river. 10 As I, remembering thee with grateful spirit, a mortal, call with might on thee Immortal, 11 The pious man, O Jatavedas Agni, to whom thou grantest ample room and pleasure,

2 For well, O Agni, art thou pleased when thou art kindled mid mankind. 3 Thee have all Gods of one accord established as their messenger. 4 Let mortal man adore your God, Agni, with worship due to Gods.

2 Indra who quells the curse blew curses far away, and then in splendour came to us. 3 Sing to your lofty Indra, sing, Maruts, a holy hymn of praise. 4 Aim and fetch boldly forth, O thou whose heart is bold: great glory will be thine thereby. 5 When thou, unequalled Maghavan, wast born to smite the Vrtras dead, 6 Theri was the sacrifice produced for thee, the laud, and song of joy, 7 Raw kine thou filledst with ripe milk. Thou madest Surya rise to heaven.,

2 His two red horses, all−supporting, let him yoke: let him, well−worshipped, urge them fast. 3 The flame of him the Bountiful, the Much−invoked, hath mounted up, 4 Thee, thee Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring the Gods hither to the feast. 5 Thou, Agni, art the homestead's Lord, our Herald at the sacrifice. 6 Give riches to the sacrificer, O Most Wise, for thou art he who granteth wealth. 7 O Agni who art worshipped well, dear let our princes he to thee, 8 They in whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, Ila sits down well−satisfied− 9 Do thou, a Priest with pleasant tongue, most wise, and very near to us, 10 They who bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved by desire of great renown− 11 The God who gives your wealth demands a full libation poured to him. 12 Him have the Gods appointed Priest of sacrifice, oblation−bearer, passing wise.

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

2 Strong God, he slew Anarsani, Srbinda, Pipru, and the fiend, 4 Bold, to your famous Soma I call the fair−visored God for aid, 5 Rejoicing in the Soma−draughts, Hero, burst open, like a fort, 6 If my libation gladdens, if thou takest pleasure in my laud, 7 O Indra, Lover of the Song, the singers of thy praise are we: 8 And, taking thy delight with us bring us still undiminished food: 9 Make thou us rich in herds of kine, in steeds, in gold: let us exert 10 Let us call him to aid whose hands stretch far, to whom high laud is due. 11 He, Satakratu, even in fight acts as a Vrtra−slayer s,till: 12 May he, this A;akra, strengthen us, Boon God who satisfies our needs, 13 To him, the mighty stream of wealth, the Soma−presser's rescuing Friend, 14 Who bringeth what is great and firm, who winneth glory in his wars, 15 There liveth none to cheek or stay his energies and gracious deeds: 16 No debt is due by Brahmans now, by active men who press the juice: 17 Sing ye to him who must be praised, say lauds to him who must be praised, 18 May be, unchecked, strong, meet for praise, bring hundreds, thousands forth to light, 19 Go with thy God−like nature forth, go where the folk are calling thee: 20 Drink milky draughts which are thine own, this too which was with Tugrya once, 21 Pass him who psours libations out in angry mood or after sin: 22 Over the three great distances, past the Five Peoples go thy way, 23 Send forth thy ray like Surya: let my songs attract thee hitherward, 24 Now to the Hero fair of cheek, Adhvaryu, pour the Soma forth: 25 Who cleft the water−cloud in twain, loosed rivers for their downward flow, 26 He, meet for praise, slew Vrtra, slew Ahisuva, Urnavabha's son, 27 To him your matchless Mighty One, unconquerable Conqueror, 28 Indra, who in the wild delight of Soma juice considers here 29 Hither let these thy Bays who share thy banquet, Steeds with golden manes, 30 Hither, O thou whom many laud, the Bays whom Priyamedha praised,

2 Knowing your birth and rich in gathered treasure, Rbhus, rejoice together with the Rtus. 3 For you was made this sacrifice, O Rbhus, which ye, like men, won for yourselves aforetime. 4 Now for the mortal worshipper, O Heroes, for him who served you, was the gift of riches. 5 Come to us, Heroes, Vajas and Rbhuksans, glorified for the sake of mighty treasure. 6 Come to this sacrifice of ours, ye Children of Strength, invoked with humble adoration. 7 Close knit with Varuna drink the Soma, Indra; close−knit, ilymn−lover! with the Maruts drink it: 8 Rejoice in full accord with the Adityas, in concord with the Parvatas, O Rbhus; 9 Rbhus, who helped their Parents and the Asvins, who formed the Milch−cow and the pair of horses, 10 Ye who have wealth in cattle and in booty, in heroes, in rich sustenance and treasure, 11 Ye were not far: we have not left you thirsting, blameless in this our sacrifice, O Rbhus.

2 With sacrifice to these we men will honour the majesty of holy Narasamsa− 3 We will extol at sacrifice for ever, as men may do, Agni whom Manu kindled, 4 Bearing the sacred grass, the men who serve him strew it with reverence, on their knees, by Agni. 5 With holy thoughts the pious have thrown open Doors fain for chariots in the Gods' assembly. 6 And let the two exalted Heavenly Ladies, Morning and Night, like a cow good at milking, 7 You, Bards and Singers at men's sacrifices, both filled with wisdom, I incline to worship. 8 May Bharati with all her Sisters, Ila accordant with the Gods, with mortals Agni, 9 Well pleased with us do thou, O God, O Tvastar, give ready issue to our procreant vigour, 10 Send to the Gods the oblation, Lord of Forests, and let the Immolator, Agni, dress it. 11 Come thou to us, O Agni, duly kindled, together with the potent Gods and Indra.

2 For at Gods' worship they are best through vigour; they have become the strongest of the Heroes; 3 Praise those Twain Gods for powers that merit worship, Indra and Varuna, for bliss, the joyous. 4 Though dames and men have waxen strong and mighty, and all the Gods selfpraised among the Heroes, 5 Righteous is he, and liberal and helpful who, Indra−Varuna, brings you gifts with gladness. 6 May wealth which ye bestow in food and treasure on him who brings you gifts and sacrifices, 7 So also, Indra−Varuna, may our princes have riches swift to save, with Gods to guard them− 8 Indra. and Varuna, Gods whom we are lauding, mingle ye wealth with our heroic glory. 9 Now will I sing a dear and far−extending hymn to Varuna the God, sublime, imperial Lord, 10 True to Law, Indra−Varuna, drinkers of the juice, drink this pressed Soma which shall give you raptur 11 Indra and Varuna, drink your fill, ye Heroes, of this invigorating sweetest Soma.

2 Thou springest up when worshipped well the drops of butter are thy joy 3 Honoured with gifts he shines afar, Agni adorable with song: 4 Agni with honey in his mouth, honoured with gifts, is balmed with oil, 5 Praised by our hymns thou kindlest thee, Oblation−bearer, for the Gods 6 To that Immortal Agni pay worship with oil, ye mortal men,− 7 O Agni, burn the Raksasas with thine unconquerable flame 8 So, Agni, with thy glowing face burn fierce against the female fiends, 9 Uruksayas have kindled thee, Oblation−bearer, thee, with hymns.

2 Light rolls your easy chariot faring earthward, what time, for food, ye, full of wisdom, mount it. 3 Ascend your lightly rolling car, approaching the worshipper who turns him to his duties,− 4 Let not the wolf, let not the she−wolf harm you. Forsake me not, nor pass me by or others. 5 Gotama, Purumilha, Atri bringing oblations all invoke you for protection. 6 We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been bestowed on you, O Asvins. 2 With us, ye Mighty, let yourselves be joyful, glad in our stream of Soma slay the niggards. 3 Nasatyas, Pusans, ye as Gods for glory arranged and set in order Surya's bridal. 4 Your grace be with us, ye who love sweet juices: further the hymn sung by the poet Mana, 5 This praise was made, O liberal Lords, O Asvins, for you with fair adornment by the Manas. 6 We have passed o'er the limit of this darkness: our praise hath been'bestowed on you, O Asvins.

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

2 Wherewith thou bolpest Adhrigu, the great Dasagva, and the God 3 Wherewith thou dravest forth like cars Sindhu and all the mighty floods 4 Accept this laud for aid, made pure like oil, thou Caster of the Stone, 5 Be pleased, Song−lover, with this song it flows abundant like the sea. 6 The God who from afar hath sent gifts to maintain our friendship's bond, 7 The beams that mark him have grown strong, the thunder rests between his arms, 8 When, Mighty Lord of Heroes, thou didst cat a thousand buffaloes, 9 Indra consumeth with the rays of Surya the malicious man: 10 This newest thought of ours that suits the time approaches unto thee: 11 The pious germ of sacrifice directly purifies the soul. 12 Indra who wins the friend hath spread himself to drink the Soma−draught: 13 He whom the sages, living men, have gladdened, offering up their hymns, 14 Aditi also hath brought forth a hymn for Indra, Sovran Lord: 15 The ministering priests have sung their songs for aid and eulogy: 16 If, Indra, thou drink Soma by Visnu's or Trta Aptya's side, 17 Or, Sakra, if thou gladden thee afar or in the sea of air, 18 Or, Lord of Heroes if thou aid the worshipper who shed; the, juice, 19 To magnify the God, the God, Indra, yea, Indra for your help, 20 With worship, him whom men adore, with Soma, him who drinks it most, 21 His leadings are with power and might and his instructions manifold: 22 For slaying Vrtra have the Gods set Indra in the foremost place.

2 None who is born or being born, God Visnu, hath reached the utmost limit of thy grandeur. 3 Rich in sweet food be ye, and rich in milch−kine, with fertile pastures, fain to do men service. 4 Ye have made spacious room for sacrificing by generating Surya, Dawn, and Agni. 5 Ye have destroyed, thou, Indra, and thou Visnu, Sambara's nine−and−ninety fenced castles. 6 This is the lofty hymn of praise, exalting the Lords of Mighty Stride, the strong and lofty. 7 O Visnu, unto thee my lips cry Vasat! Let this mine offering, Sipivista, please thee.

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

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

2 The will and thoughts within my breast exert their power: they yearn with love, and fly to all the regions 3 To Narasamsa and to Pusan I sing forth, unconcealable Agni kindied by the Gods. 4 How is the Sage extolled whom the loud singers praise? What voice, what hymn is used to laud Brhaspa 5 Aditi, to the birth of Daksa and the vow thou summonest the Kings Mitra and Varuna. 6 May all those vigorous Coursers listen to our cry, hearers of invocation, speeding on their way; 7 Bring ye Purandbi, bring Vayu who yokes his steeds, for friendship bring ye Pusan with your songs of 8 The thrice−seven wandering Rivers, yea, the mighty floods, the forest trees, the mountains, Agni to our 9 Let the great Streams come hither with their mighty help, Sindhu, Sarasvati, and Sarayu with waves. 10 And let Brhaddiva, the Mother, hear our call, and Tvastar, Father, with the Goddesses and Dames. 11 Pleasant to look on as a dwelling rich in food is the blest favour of the Maruts, Rudra's Sons. 12 The thought which ye, O Maruts, Indra and ye Gods have given to me, and ye, Mitra and Varuna,− 13 O Maruts, do ye never, never recollect and call again to mind this our relationship? 14 The Mothers, Heaven and Earth, those mighty Goddesses, worthy of sacrifice, ecune with the race of 15 This invocation wins all good that we desire Brhaspati, highly−praised Aramati, are here, 16 Thus hath the sage, skilled in loud singers' duties, desiring riches, yearning after treasure, 17 Thus hath the thoughtful sage the son of Plati, praised you, O Aaiti and all Adityas.

1 I Laud Agni, the chosen Priest, God, minister of sacrifice, 2 Worthy is Agni to be praised by living as by ancient seers. 3 Through Agni man obtaineth wealth, yea, plenty waxing day by day, 4 Agni, the perfect sacrifice which thou encompassest about 5 May Agni, sapient−minded Priest, truthful, most gloriously great, 6 Whatever blessing, Agni, thou wilt grant unto thy worshipper, 7 To thee, dispeller of the night, O Agni, day by day with prayer 8 Ruler of sacrifices, guard of Law eternal, radiant One, 9 Be to us easy of approach, even as a father to his son:

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.

27 The tribes who bring oblations call to thee, to thee to give them help, 28 There where the mountains downward slope, there by the meeting of the streams 29 Thence, marking, from his lofty place downward he looks upon the sea, 30 Then, verify, they see the light refulgent of primeval seed, 31 Indra, the Kanvas all exalt thy wisdom and thy manly power, 32 Accept this eulogy of mine, Indra, and guard me carefully: 33 For thee, O Mighty, Thunder−armed, we singers through devotionhave 34 To Indra have the Kanvas sung, like waters speeding down a slope: 35 As rivers swell the ocean, so our hymns of praise make Indra strong, 36 Come with thy lovely Bay Steeds, come to us from regions far away 37 Best slayer of Vrtras, men whose sacred grass is ready trimmed 38 The heavens and earth come after thee as the wheel follows Etasa: 39 Rejoice, O Indra, in the light, rejoice in Saryandyan, be Glad in the sacrificer's hymn. 40 Grown strong in heaven, the Thunder−armed hath bellowed, Vrtra−slayer, Bull, 41 Thou art a Rsi born of old, sole Ruler over all by might: 42 May thy Bay Steeds with beauteous backs, a hundred, bring thee to the feast, 43 The Kanvas with their hymns of praise have magnified this ancient thought 44 Mid mightiest Gods let mortal man choose Indra at the sacrifice, 45 Thy steeds, by Priyamedhas praised, shall bring thee, God whom all invoke, 46 A hundred thousand have I gained from Parsu, from Tirindira, 47 Ten thousand head of kine, and steeds three times a hundred they bestowed 48 Kakuha hath reached up to heaven, bestowing buffaloes yoked in fours,

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 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 Agni, the Bounteous Giver, bright with varied flames, laud thou, O singer Sobhari− 3 Thee have we chosen skilftillest in sacrifice, Immortal Priest among the Gods, 4 The Son of Strength, the blessed, brightly shining One, Agni whose light is excellent. 5 The mortal who hath ministered to Agni with oblation, fuel, ritual lore, 6 Verily swift to run are his fleet−footed steeds, and most resplendent fame is his. 7 May we by thine own fires be well supplied with fire, O Son of Strength, O Lord of Might: 8 Agni, who praises like a guest of friendly mind, is as a car that brings us gear. 9 That man, moreover, merits praise who brings, auspicious Agni, sacrificial gifts 10 He for whose sacrifice thou standest up erect is prosperous and rules o'er men. 11 He in whose dwelling Agni is chief ornament, and, all−desired, loves his laud well, 12 His, or the lauding sage's word, his, Son of Strength! who Is most prompt with sacred gifts, 13 He who with sacrificial gifts or homage bringeth very skilful Agni nigh, 14 The mortal who with blazing fuel, as his laws command, adores the Perfect God, 15 Give us the splendour, Agni, which may overcome each greedy fiend in our abode, 16 That, wherewith Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman, the Asvins, Bhaga give us light, 17 O Agni, most devout are they, the sages who have set thee Sage exceeding wise, 18 Who have arranged thine altar Blessed God, at morn brought thine oblation, pressed the juice. 19 −May Agni worshipped bring us bliss, may the gift, Blessed One, and sacrifice bring bliss; 20 Show forth the mind that brings success in war with fiends, wherewith thou conquerest in fight.