[10-121] HYMN CXXI. Ka.

1. IN the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, born Only Lord of all created beings.

He fixed and holdeth up this earth and heaven. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

2 Giver of vital breath, of power and vigour, he whose commandments all the Gods acknowledge -. The Lord of death, whose shade is life immortal. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

3 Who by his grandeur hath become Sole Ruler of all the moving world that breathes and slumbers; He who is Loord of men and Lord of cattle. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

4 His, through his might, are these snow-covered mountains, and men call sea and Rasa his possession:

His arms are these, his are these heavenly regions. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

5 By him the heavens are strong and earth is stedfast, by him light’s realm and sky-vault are supported:

By him the regions in mid-air were measured. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

6 To him, supported by his help, two armies embattled look while trembling in their spirit, When over them the risen Sun is shining. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

7 What time the mighty waters came, containing the universal germ, producing Agni, Thence sprang the Gods’ one spirit into being. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

8 He in his might surveyed the floods containing productive force and generating Worship. He is the God of gods, and none beside him. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

9 Neer may he harm us who is earth’s Begetter, nor he whose laws are sure, the heavens’ Creator, He who brought forth the great and lucid waters. What God shall we adore with our oblation?

10 Prajapati! thou only comprehendest all these created things, and none beside thee.

Grant us our hearts’ desire when we invoke thee: may we have store of riches in possession.

[10-122] HYMN CXXII. Agni.

1. I PRAISE the God of wondrous might like Indra, the lovely pleasant Guest whom all must welcome. May Agni, Priest and Master of the household, give hero strength and all-sustaining riches.

2 O Agni, graciously accept this song of mine, thou passing-wise who knowest every ordinance.

Enwrapped in holy oil further the course of prayer: the Gods bestow according to thy holy law.

3 Immortal, wandering round the seven stations, give, a liberal Giver, to the pious worshipper, Wealth, Agni, with brave sons and ready for his use: welcome the man who comes with fuel unto

thee.

4 The seven who bring oblations worship thee, the Strong, the first, the Great Chief Priest, Ensign of sacrifice,

The oil-anointed Bull, Agni who hears, who sends as God full hero strength to him who freely gives.

5 First messenger art thou, meet for election: drink thou thy fill invited to the Anirta,

The Maruts in the votary’s house adorned thee; with lauds the Bhrgus gave thee light and glory.

6 Milking the teeming Cow for all-sustaining food. O Wise One, for the worship-loving worshipper, Thou, Agni, dropping oil, thrice lighting works of Law, showest thy wisdom circling home and

sacrifice.

7 They who at flushing of this dawn appointed thee their messenger, these men have paid thee reverence.

Gods strengthened thee for work that must be glorified, Agni, while they made butter pure for sacrifice.

8 Arrangers in our synods, Agni, while they sang Vasisistha s sons have called thee down, the Potent

One.

Maintain the growth of wealth with men who sacrifice. Ye Gods, preserve us with your blessings evermore.

[10-123] HYMN CXXIII. Vena.

1. SEE, Vena, born in light, hath driven hither, on chariot of the air, the Calves of Prsni. Singers with hymns caress him as an infant there where the waters and the sunlight mingle.

2 Vena draws up his wave from out the ocean. mist-born, the fair one’s back is made apparent, Brightly he shone aloft on Order’s summit: the hosts sang glory to their common birthplace.

3 Full many, lowing to their joint-possession, dwelling together stood the Darling’s Mothers. Ascending to the lofty height of Order, the bands of singers ‘sip the sweets of Amrta.

4 Knowing his form, the sages yearned to meet him: they have come nigh to hear the wild Bull’s bellow.

Performing sacrifice they reached the river: for the Gandharva found the immortal waters.

5 The Apsaras, the Lady, sweetly smiling, supports her Lover in sublimest heaven.

In his Friend’s dwelling as a Friend he wanders: he, Vena, rests him on his golden pinion.

6 They gaze on thee with longing in their spirit, as on a strong-winged bird that mounteth sky-ward; On thee with wings of gold, Varuna’s envoy, the Bird that hasteneth to the home of Yama.

7 Erect, to heaven hath the Gandharva mounted, pointing at us his many-coloured weapons; Clad in sweet raiment beautiful to look on, for he, as light, produceth forms that please us.

8 When as a spark he cometh near the ocean, still looking with a vulture’s eye to heaven, His lustre, joying in its own bright splendour, maketh dear glories in the lowest region.

[10-124] HYMN CXXIV. Agni, Etc.

1. COME to this sacrifice of ours, O Agni, threefold, with seven threads and five divisions. Be our oblation-bearer and preceder: thou hast lain long enough in during darkness.

2 I come a God foreseeing from the godless to immortality by secret pathways,

While I, ungracious one, desert the gracious, leave mine own friends and seek the kin of strangers.

3 1, looking to the guest of other lineage, have founded many a rule of Law and Order.

I bid farewell to the Great God, the Father, and, for neglect, obtain my share of worship.

4 I tarried many a year within this altar: I leave the Father, for my choice is Indra. Away pass Agni, Varuna and Soma. Rule ever changes: this I come to favour.

5 These Asuras have lost their powers of magic. But thou, O Varuna, if thou dost love me,

O King, discerning truth and right from falsehood, come and be Lord and Ruler of my kingdom.

6 Here is the light of heaven, here allis lovely; here there is radiance, here is air’s wide region.

Let us two slaughter Vrtra. Forth, O Soma! Thou art oblation: we therewith will serve thee.

7 The Sage hath fixed his form by wisdom in the heavens: Varuna with no violence let the waters flow.

Like women-folk, the floods that bring prosperity have eau lit his hue and colour as they gleamed and shone.

8 These wait upon his loftiest power and vigour: he dwells in these who triumph in their Godhead; And they, like people who elect their ruler, have in abhorrence turned away from Vrtra.

9 They call him Swan, the abhorrent floods’ Companion, moving in friendship with celestial Waters. The poets in their thought have looked on Indra swiftly approaching when Anustup calls him.

[10-125] HYMN CXXV. Vak.

1. I TRAVEL with the Rudras and the Vasus, with the Adityas and All-Gods I wander. I hold aloft both Varuna and Mitra, Indra and Agni, and the Pair of Asvins.

2 I cherish and sustain high-swelling Soma, and Tvastar I support, Pusan, and Bhaga. I load with wealth the zealous sdcrificer who pours the juice and offers his oblation

3 I am the Queen, the gatherer-up of treasures, most thoughtful, first of those who merit worship. Thus Gods have stablished me in many places with many homes to enter and abide in.

4 Through me alone all eat the food that feeds them,-each man who sees, brewhes, hears the word outspoken

They know it not, but yet they dwell beside me. Hear, one and all, the truth as I declare it.

5 1, verily, myself announce and utter the word that Gods and men alike shall welcome. I make the man I love exceeding mighty, make him a sage, a Rsi, and a Brahman.

6 I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay the hater of devotion. I rouse and order battle for the people, and I have penetrated Earth and Heaven.

7 On the world’s summit I bring forth the Father: my home is in the waters, in the ocean. Thence I extend o’er all existing creatures, and touch even yonder heaven with my forehead.

8 I breathe a strong breath like the wind and tempest, the while I hold together all existence. Beyond this wide earth and beyond the heavens I have become so mighty in my grandeur.

[10-126] HYMN CXXVI. Visvedevas.

1. No peril, no severe distress, ye Gods, affects the mortal man,

Whom Aryaman and Mitra lead, and Varima, of one accord, beyond his foes.

2 This very thing do we desire, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman,

Whereby ye guhrd the mortal man from sore distress, and lead him safe beyond his foes.

3 These are, each one, our present helps, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman.

Best leaders, best deliverers to lead us on and bear as safe beyond our foes.

4 Ye compass round and guard each man, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman:

In your dear keeping may we be, ye who are excellent as guides beyond our foes.

5 Adityas are beyond all foes,-Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman:

Strong Rudra with the Marut host, Indra, Agni let us call for weal beyond our foes.

6 These lead us safely over all, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman,

These who are Kings of living men, over all troubles far away beyond our foes.

7 May they give bliss to aid us well, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman:

May the Adityas, when we pray, grant us wide shelter and defence beyond our foes.

8 As in this place, O Holy Ones, ye Vasus freed even the Gaud when her feet were fettered. So free us now from trouble and affliction: and let our life be lengthened still, O Api.

[10-127] HYMN CXXVII. Night.

1. WITH all her eyes the Goddess Night looks forth approaching many a spot: She hath put all her glories on.

2 Immortal. she hath filled the waste, the Goddess hath filled height and depth:

She conquers darkness with her light.

3 The Goddess as she comes hath set the Dawn her Sister in her place: And then the darkness vanishes.

4 So favour us this night, O thou whose pathways we have visited

As birds their nest upon the tree.

5 The villagers have sought their homes, and all that walks and all that flies, Even the falcons fain for prey.

6 Keep off the she-wolf and the wolf, O Urmya, keep the thief away; Easy be thou for us to pass.

7 Clearly hath she come nigh to me who decks the dark with richest hues: O Morning, cancel it like debts.

8 These have I brought to thee like kine. O Night, thou Child of Heaven, accept

This laud as for a conqueror.

[10-128] HYMN CXXVIII. Visvedevas.

1. LET me win glory, Agni, in our battles: enkindling thee, may we support our bodies.

May the four regions bend and bow before me: with thee for guardian may we win in combat.

2 May all the Gods be on my side in battle, the Maruts led by Indra, Visnu, Agni.

Mine be the middle air’s extended region, ani may the wind blow favouring these my wishes.

3 May the Gods grant me riches; may the blessing and invocation of the Gods assist me. Foremost in fight be the divine Invokers: may we, unwounded, have brave heroes round us.

4 For me let them present all mine oblations, and let my mind’s intention be accomplished. May I he guiltless of the least transgression: and, all ye Go-is, do ye combine to bless us.

5 Ye six divine Expanses, grant us freedom: here, all ye Gods, acquit yourselves like heroes. Let us not lose our children or our bodies: let us not benefit the foe, King Soma!

6 Baffling the wrath of our opponents, Agni, guard us as our infallible Protector.

Let these thy foes turn back and seek their houses, and let their thought who watch at home be ruined.

7 Lord of the world, Creator of creators the saviour God who overcomes the foeman. May Gods, Brhaspati, both Asvins shelter from ill thii sacrifice and sacrificer.

8 Foodful, and much-invoked, at this our calling mty the great Bull vouchsafe us wide protection. Lord of Bay Coursers, Indra, blew our children: harm us not, give us riot as prey to others.

9 Let those who are our foemen stay. afar from us: with Indra and with Agni we will drive them off. Vasus, Adityas, Rudras have exalted me, made me far-reaching, inighty, thinker, sovran lord.

[10-129] HYMN CXXIX. Creation.

1. THEN was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it.

What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water?

2 Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign was there, the day’s and night’s divider. That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature: apart from it was nothing whatsoever.

3 Darkness there was: at first concealed in darknew this All was indiscriminated chaos.

All that existed then was void and form less: by the great power of Warmth was born that Unit.

4 Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit.

Sages who searched with their heart’s thought discovered the existent’s kinship in the non-existent.

5 Transversely was their severing line extended: what was above it then, and what below it? There were begetters, there were mighty forces, free action here and energy up yonder

6 Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation?

TheGods are later than this world’s production. Who knows then whence it first came into being?

7 He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it,

Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not.

[10-130] HYMN CXXX. Creation.

1. THE sacrifice drawn out with threads on every side, stretched by a hundred sacred ministers and one,-

This do these Fathers weave who hitherward are come: they sit beside the warp and cry, Weave forth, weave back.

2 The Man extends it and the Man unbinds it: even to this vault of heaven hath he outspun, it. These pegs are fastened to the seat of worship: they made the Sama-hymns their weaving shuttles.

3 What were the rule, the order and the model? What were the wooden fender and the butter? What were the hymn, the chant, the recitation, when to the God all Deities paid worship?

4 Closely was Gayatri conjoined with Agni, and closely Savitar combined with Usnih. Brilliant with Ukthas, Soma joined Anustup: Brhaspati’s voice by Brhati was aided.

5 Viraj adhered to Varuna and Mitra: here Tristup day by day was Indra’s portion. Jagati entered all the Gods together: so by this knowledge men were raised to Rsis.

6 So by this knowledge men were raised to Rsis, when ancient sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. With the mind’s eye I think that I behold them who first performed this sacrificial worship.

7 They who were versed in ritual and metre, in hymns and rules, were the Seven Godlike Rsis. Viewing the path of those of old, the sages have taken up the reins like chariot-drivers.

[10-131] HYMN CXXXI. Indra.

1. DRIVE all our enemies away, O Indra, the western, mighty Conqueror, and the eastern. Hero, drive off our northern foes and southern, that we in thy wide shelter may be joyful.

2 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley reap the ripe corn removing it in order,

So bring the food of those men, bring it hither, who went not to prepare the grass for worship.

3 Men come not with one horse at sacred seasons; thus they obtain no honour in assemblies. Sages desiring herds of kine and horses strengthen the mighty Indra for his friendship.

4 Ye, Asvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice, And aided Indra in his work with Namuci of Asura birth.

5 As parents aid a son, both Asvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. When thou, with might. hadst drunk the draught that gladdens, Sarasvati, O Maghavan, refreshed

thee.

6 Indra is strong to save, rich in assistance may he, possessing all, be kind and gracious. May he disperse our foes and give us safety, and may we be the lords of hero vigou r.

7 May we enjoy his favour, his the Holy may we enjoy his blessed loving kindness.

May this rich Indra, as our good Protector, drive off and keep afar all those who hate us.

[10-132] HYMN CXXXII. Mitra. Varuna.

1. MAY Dyaus the Lord of lauded wealth, and Earth stand by the man who offers sacrifice, And may the Asvins, both the Gods, strengthen the worshipper with bliss.

2 As such we honour you, Mitra and Varuna, with hasty zeal, most blest, you who sustain the folk. So may we, through your friendship for the worshipper, subdue the fiends.

3 And when we seek to win your love and friendship, we.who have precious wealth in our possession,

Or when the worshipper augments his riches let not his treasures be shut up

4 That other, Asura! too was born of Heaven. thou art, O Varuna, the King of all men. The chariot’s Lord was well content, forbearing to anger Death by sin so great.

This sin hath Sakaputa here committed. Heroes who fled to their dear friend he slayeth, When the Steed bringeth down your grace and favour in bodies dear and worshipful.

6 Your Mother Aditi, ye wise, was purified with water even as earth is purified from heaven.

Show love and kindness here below: wash her in rays of heavenly light.

7 Ye Twain have seated you as Lords of Wealth, as one who mounts a car to him who sits upon the pole, upon the wood.

These our disheartened tribes Nrmedhas saved from woe, Sumedhas saved from Woe.

[10-133] HYMN CXXXIII. Indra.

1. SING strength to Indra that shall set his chariot in the foremost place.

Giver of room in closest fight, slayer of foes in shock of war, be thou our great encourager. Let the weak bowstrings break upon the bows of feeble enemies.

2 Thou didst destroy the Dragon: thou sentest the rivers down to earth.

Foeless, O Indra, wast thou born. Thou tendest well each choicest thing. Therefore we draw us close to thee. Let the weak bowstrings break upon the bows of feeble enemies.

3 Destroyed be all malignities and all our enemy’s designs.

Thy bolt thou castest, at the foe, O Indra, who would srnite us dead: thy liberal bounty gives us wealth.

4 The robber people round about, Indra, who watch and aim at us,- Trample them down beneath thy foot; a conquering scatterer art thou.

5 Whoso assails us, Indra, be the man a stranger or akin,

Bring down, thyself, his strength although it be as vast as are the heavens.

6 Close to thy friendship do we cling, O Indra, and depend, or, thee. Lead us beyond all pain and grief along the path of holy Law.

7 Do thou bestow upon us her, O Indra, who yields according to the singer’s longing,

That the great Cow may, with exhaustless udder, pouring a thousand streams, give milk to feed us.

[10-134] HYMN CXXXIV. Indra.

1. As, like the Morning, thou hast filled, O Indra, both the earth and heaven.

So as the Mighty One, great King of all the mighty world of men, the Goddess Mother brought thee forth, the Blessed Mother gave thee life.

2 Relax that mortal’s stubborn strength whose heart is bent on wickedness.

Trample him down beneath thy feet who watches for and aims at us. The Goddess Mother brought thee forth, the Blessed Mother gave thee life.

3 Shake down, O Slayer of the foe, those great all splendid enemies.

With all thy powers, O Sakra, all thine helps, O Indra, shake them down:

4 As thou, O Satakratu, thou, O Indrv, shakest all things down

As wealth for him who sheds the juice, with thine assistance thousandfold.

5 Around, on every side like drops of sweat let lightning-flashes fall. Let all malevolence pass away from us like threads of Darva grass.

6 Thou bearest in thine hand a lance like a long hook, great Counsellor! As with his foremost foot a goat, draw down the branch, O Maghavan.

7 Never, O Gods, do we offend, nor are we ever obstinate: we walk as holy texts command. Closely we clasp and cling to you, cling to your sides, beneath your arms.

[10-135] HYMN CXXXV. Yama.

1. IN the Tree clothed with goodly leaves where Yama drinketh with the Gods, The Father, Master of the house, tendeth with love our ancient Sires.

2 I looked reluctantly on him who cherishes those men of old,

On him who treads that evil path, and then I yearned for this again.

3 Thou mountest, though thou dost not see, O Child, the new and wheel-less car

Which thou hast fashioned mentally, onepoled but turning every way.

4 The car which thou hast made to roll hitherward from the Sages, Child! This hath the Saman followed close, hence, laid together on a ship.

5 Who was the father of the child? Who made the chariot roll away?

Who will this day declare to us how the funeral gift was made?

6 When the funeral gift was placed, straightway the point of flame appeared. A depth extended in the front: a passage out was made behind.

7 Here is the seat where Yama dwells, that which is called the Home of Gods: Here minstrels blow the flute for him here he is glorified with songs.

[10-136] HYMN CXXXVI. Kesins.

1. HE with the long loose locks supports Agni, and moisture, heaven, and earth: He is all sky to look upon: he with long hair is called this light.

2 The Munis, girdled with the wind, wear garments soiled of yellow hue. They, following the wind’s swift course go where the Gods have gone before.

3 Transported with our Munihood we have pressed on into the winds: You therefore, mortal men. behold our natural bodies and no more.

4 The Muni, made associate in the holy work of every God, Looking upon all varied forms flies through the region of the air.

5 The Steed of Vata, Vayu’s friend, the Muni, by the Gods impelled, In both the oceans hath his home, in eastern and in western sea.

6 Treading the path of sylvan beasts, Gandharvas, and Apsarases,

He with long locks, who knows the wish, is a sweet most delightful friend

7 Vayu hath churned for him: for him he poundeth things most hard to bend, When he with long loose locks hath drunk, with Rudra, water from the cup.

[10-137] HYMN CXXXVII Visvedevas.

1. YE Gods, raise up once more the man whom ye have humbled and brought low. O Gods, restore to life again the man who hatb committed sin.

2 Two several winds are blowing here, from Sindhu, from a distant land. May one breathe energy to thee, the other blow disease away.

3 Hither, O Wind, blow healing balm, blow all disease away, thou Wind; For thou who hast all medicine comest as envoy of the Gods.

4 I am come nigh to thee with balms to give thee rest and keep thee safe. I bring thee blessed strength, I drive thy weakening malady away.

5 Here let the Gods deliver him, the Maruts’ band deliver him: All things that be deliver him that he be freed from his disease.

6 The Waters have their healing power, the Waters drive disease away. The Waters have a balm for all: let them make medicine for thee.

7 The tongue that leads the voice precedes. Then with our ten-fold branching hands, With these two chasers of disease we stroke thee with a gentle touch.

[10-138] HYMN CXXXVIII. Indra.

1. ALLIED with thee in friendship, Indra, these, thy priests, remembering Holy Law, rent Vrtra limb from limb,

When they bestowed the Dawns and let the waters flow, and when thou didst chastise dragons at

Kutsa’s call.

2 Thou sentest forth productive powers, clavest the hills, thou dravest forth the kine, thou drankest pleasant meath.

Thou gavest increase through this Tree’s surpassing might. The Sun shone by the hymn that sprang from Holy Law.

3 In the mid-way of heaven the Sun unyoked his car: the Arya found a match to meet his Dam foe. Associate with Rjisvan Indra overthrew the solid forts of Pipru, conjuring Asura.

4 He boldly cast down forts which none had e’er assailed: unwearied he destroycd the godless treasure-stores.