[04-041] HYMN XLI. Indra-Varuna.

1. WHAT laud, O Indra-Varuna, with oblation, hath like the Immortal Priest obtained your favour? Hath our effectual laud, addressed with homage, touched you, O Indra-Varuna, in spirit?

2 He who with dainty food hath won you, Indra and Varuna, Gods, as his allies to friendship, Jayeth the Vrtras and his foes in battles, and through your mighty favours is made famous.

3 Indra and Varuna are most liberal givers of treasure to the men who toil to serve them,

When they, as Friends inclined to friendship, honoured with dainty food, delight in flowing Soma.

4 Indra and Varuna, ye hurl, O Mighty, on him your strongest flashing bolt of thunder

Who treats us ill, the robber and oppressor: measure on him your overwhelming vigour.

5 O Indra-Varuna, be ye the lovers of this my song, as steers who love the milch-Cow.

Milk may it yield us as, gone forth to pasture, the great Cow pouring out her thousand rivers.

6 For fertile fields, for worthy sons and grandsons, for the Sun’s beauty and for steer-like vigour, May Indra-Varuna with gracious favours work marvels for us in the stress of battle.

7 For you, as Princes, for your ancient kindness, good comrades of the man who seeks for booty,

We choose to us for the dear bond of friendship, most liberal Heroes bringing bliss like parents.

8 Showing their strength, these hymns for grace, Free-givers I have gone to you, devoted, as to battle.

For glory have they gone, as milk to Soma, to Indra-Varuna my thoughts and praises.

9 To Indra and to Varuna, desirous of gaining wealth have these my thoughts proceeded. They have come nigh to you as treasurelovers, like mares, fleet-footed, eager for the glory.

10 May we ourselves be lords of during riches, of ample sustenance for car and hones.

So may the Twain who work with newest succours bring yoked teams hitherward to us and riches.

11 Come with your mighty succours, O ye Mighty; come, Indra-Varuna, to us in battle.

What time the flashing arrows play in combat, may we through you be winners in the contest.

[04-042] HYMN XLIL Indra-Varuna.

1. I AM the royal Ruler, mine is empire, as mine who sway all life are all Immortals. Varuna’s will the Gods obey and follow. I am the King of men’s most lofty cover.

2 I am King Varuna. To me were given these first existinghigh celestial powers. Varuna’s will the Gods obey and follow. I am the King of men’s most lofty cover.

3 I Varuna am Indra: in their greatness, these the two wide deep fairly-fashioned regions,

These the two world-halves have I, even as Tvastar knowing all beings, joined and held together.

4 I made to flow the moisture-shedding waters, and set the heaven firm in the scat of Order. By Law the Son of Aditi, Law Observer, hath spread abroad the world in threefold measure.

5 Heroes with noble horses, fain for battle, selected warriors, call on me in combat. I Indra Maghavan, excite the conflict; I stir the dust, Lord of surpassing vigour.

6 All this I did. The Gods’ own conquering power never impedeth me whom none opposeth. When lauds and Soma juice have made me joyful, both the unbounded regions are affrighted.

7 All beings know these deeds of thine thou tellest this unto Varuna, thou great Disposer!

Thou art renowned as having slain the Vrtras. Thou madest flow the floods that were obstructed.

8 Our fathers then were these, the Seven his, what time the son of Durgaha was captive. For her they gained by sacrifice Trasadasyu, a demi-god, like Indra, conquering foemen.

9 The spouse of Purukutsa gave oblations to you, O Indra-Varuna, with homage. Then unto her ye gave King Trasadasyu, the demi-god, the slayer of the foeman.

10 May we, possessing much, delight in riches, Gods in oblations and the kine in pasture; And that Milch-cow who ahrinks not from the milking, O Indra-Varuna, give to us daily.

[04-043] HYMN XLIII. Asvins.

1. WHO will hear, who of those who merit worship, which of all Gods take pleasure in our homage? On whose heart shall we lay this laud celestial, rich with fair offerings, dearest to Immortals?

2 Who will be gracious? Who will come most uickly of all the Gods? Who will bring liss most largely?

What car do they call swift with rapid coursers? That which the Daughter of the Sun elected.

3 So many days do ye come swiftly hither, as Indra to give help in stress of battle.

Descended from the sky, divine, strong-pinioned, by which of all your powers are ye most mighty?

4 What is the prayer that we should bring you, Asvins, whereby ye come to us when invocated? Whether of you confronts e’en great betrayal? Lovers of sweetness, Dasras, help and save us.

5 In the wide space your chariot reacheth heaven, what time it turneth hither from the ocean. Sweets from your sweet shall drop, lovers of sweetness! These have they dressed for you as dainty

viands.

6 Let Sindhu with his wave bedew your horses: in fiery glow have the red birds come hither. Observed of all was that your rapid going, whereby ye were the Lords of Siirya’s Daughter.

7 Whene’er I gratified you here together, your grace was given us, O ye rich in booty.

Protect, ye Twain, the singer of your praises: to you, Nasatyas, is my wish directed.

 [04-044] HYMN XLIV. Asvins.

1. WE will invoke this day your car, farspreading, O Asvins, even the gathering, of the sunlight,- Car praised in hymns, most ample, rich in treasure, fitted with seats, the car that beareth Surya.

2 Asvins, ye gained that glory by your Godhead, ye Sons of Heaven, by your own might and power. Food followeth close upon your bright appearing when stately horses in your chariot draw you.

3 Who bringeth you to-day for help with offered oblation, or with hymns to drink the juices? Who, for the sacrifice’s ancient lover, turneth you hither, Asvins, offering homage?

4 Borne on your golden car, ye omnipresent! come to this sacrifice of ours, Nasatyas. Drink of the pleasant liquor of the Soma give riches to the people who adore you.

5 Come hitherward to us from earth, from heaven, borne on your golden chariot rolling lightly. Suffer not other worshippers to stay you here are ye bound by earlier bonds of friendship.

6 Now for us both, mete out, O WonderWorkers, riches exceeding great with store of heroes, Because the men have sent you praise, O Asvins, and Ajamilhas come to the laudation.

7 Whene’er I gratified you here together, your grace was given us, O ye rich in booty. Protect, ye Twain, the singer of your praises: to you, Nasatyas, is my wish directed.

[04-045] HYMN XLV. Asvins

1. YONDER goes up that light: your chariot is yoked that travels round upon the summit of this heaven.

Within this car are stored three kindred shares of food, and a skin filled with meath is rustling as the fourth.

2 Forth come your viands rich with store of pleasant meath, and cars and horses at the flushing of the dawn,

Stripping the covering from the surrounded gloom, and spreading through mid-air bright radiance like the Sun.

3 Drink of the meath with lips accustomed to the draught; harness for the meath’s sake the chariot that ye love.

Refresh the way ye go, refresh the paths with meath: hither, O Asvins, bring the skin that holds the meath.

4 The swans ye have are friendly, rich in store of mcath, gold-pinioned, strong to draw, awake at early morn,

Swimming the flood, exultant, fain for draughts that cheer: ye come like flies to our libations of-the meath.

5 Well knowing solemn rites and rich in meath, the fires sing to the morning Asvins at the break of day,

When with pure hands the prudent energetic priest hath with the stones pressed out the Soma rich in meath.

6 The rays advancing nigh, chasing with day the gloom, spread through the firmament bright radiance like the Sun;

And the Sun harnessing his horses goeth forth: ye through your Godlike nature let his paths be known.

7 Devout in thought I have declared, O Asvins, your chariot with good steeds, which lasts for ever, Wherewith ye travel swiftly through the regions to the prompt worshipper who brings oblation.

[04-046] HYMN XLVI. Vayu. Indra-Vayu

1. DRINK the best draught of Soma-juice, O Vayu, at our holy rites: For thou art he who drinketh first.

2 Come, team-drawn, with thy hundred helps, with Indra, seated in the car, Vaya, and drink your fill of juice.

3 May steeds a thousand bring you both, Indra. and Vayu, hitherward

To drink the Soma, to the feagt.

4 For ye, O Indra-Vayu, mount the goldenseated car that aids

The sacrifice, that reaches heaven.

5 On far-refulgent chariot come unto the man who offers gifts: Come, Indra-Vayu, hitherward.

6 Here, Indra-Vayu, is the juice: drink it, accordant with the Gods, Within the giver’s dwelling-place.

7 Hither, O Indra-Vayu, be your journey here unyoke your steeds, Here for your draught of Soma juice.

[04-047] HYMN XLVIL Vayu. Indra-Vayu.

1. Vayu, the bright is offered thee, best of the meath at holy rites.

Come thou to drink the Soma juice, God, longed-for, on thy team-drawn car.

2 O Vayu, thou and Indra are meet drinkers of these Soma-draughts, For unto you the drops proceed as waters gather to the vale.

3 O Indra-Vayu, mighty Twain, speeding together, Lords of Strength, Come to our succour with your team, that ye may drink the Soma juice.

4 The longed-for teams which ye possess, O Heroes, for the worshipper, Turn to us, Indra-Vayu, ye to whom the sacrifice is paid.

[04-048] HYMN XLVIII. Vayu.

1. TASTE offerings never tasted yet, as bards enjoy the foeman’s wealth. O Vayu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.

2 Removing curses, drawn by teams, with 1ndra, seated by thy side, O Vayu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.

3 The two dark treasuries of wealth that wear all beauties wait on thee.

O Vayu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.

4 May nine-and-ninety harnessed steeds who yoke them at thy will bring thee. O Vayu, on refulgent car come to the drinking of the juice.

5 Harness, O Vayu, to thy car a hundred well-fed tawny steeds,

Yea, or a thousand steeds, and let thy chariot come to us with might.

[04–049] HYMN XLIX. Indra-Brhaspati.

1. DEAR is this offering in your mouth, O Indra and Brhaspati: Famed is the laud, the gladdening draught.

2 This lovely Soma is effused, O Indra and Brhaspati, For you, to drink it and rejoice.

3 As Soma-drinkers to our house come, Indra and Brhaspati-and Indra-to drink Soma juice.

4 Vouchsafe us riches hundredfold, O Indra, and Brhaspati, With store of horses, thousandfold.

5 O Indra. and Brhaspati, we call you when the meath is shed, With songs, to drink the Soma juice.

6 Drink, Indra and Brhaspati, the Soma in the giver’s house: Delight yourselves abiding there.

[04-050] HYMN L. Brhaspati.

1. Him who with might hath propped earth’s ends, who sitteth in threefold seat, Brhaspati, with thunder,

Him of the pleasant tongue have ancient sages, deep-thinking, holy singers, set before them.

2 Wild in their course, in well-marked wise rejoicing were they, Brhaspati, who pressed around us. Preserve Brhaspati, the stall uninjured, this company’s raining, ever-moving birthplace.

3 Brhaspati, from thy remotest distance have they sat down who love the law eternal.

For thee were dug wells springing from the mountain, which murmuring round about pour streams of sweetness.

4 Brhaspati, when first he had his being from mighty splendour in supremest heaven,

Strong, with his sevenfold mouth, with noise of thunder, with his seven rays, blew and dispersed the darkness.

5 With the loud-shouting band who sang his praises, with thunder, he destroyed obstructive Vala. Brhaspati thundering drave forth the cattle, the lowing cows who make oblations ready.

6 Serve we with sacrifices, gifts, and homage even thus the Steer of all the Gods, the Father. Brhaspati, may we be lords of riches, with noble progeny and store of heroes.

7 Surely that King by power and might heroic hath made him lord of all his foes’ posses-ions, Who cherishes Brhaspati well-tended, adorns and worships him as foremost sharer.

8 In his own house he dwells in peace and comfort: to him for ever holy food flows richly.

To him the people with free will pay homage-the King with whom the Brahman hatb precedence.

9 He, unopposed, is master of the riches.of his own subjects and of hostile people.

The Gods uphold that King with their protection who helps the Brahman when he seeks his favour.

10 Indra, Brhaspati, rainers of treasure, rejoicing at this sacrifice drink the Soma.

Let the abundant drops sink deep within you: vouchsafe us riches with full store of heroes.

11 Brhaspati and Indra, make us prosper may this be your benevolence to usward. Assist our holy thoughts, wake up our spirit: weaken the hatred of our foe and rivals.

[04-051] HYMN LI. Dawn.

1. FORTH from the darkness in the region eastward this most abundant splendid light hatb mounted. Now verily the far-refulgent Mornings, Daughters of Heaven, bring welfare to the people.

2 The richly-coloured Dawns have mounted eastward, like pillars planted at our sacrifices, And, flushing far, splendid and purifying, unbarred the portals of the fold of darkness.

3 Dispelling gloom this day the wealthy Mornings urge liberal givers to present their treasures. In the unlightened depth of darkness round them let niggard traffickers sleep unawakened.

4 O Goddesses, is this your car, I ask you, ancient this day, or is it new, ye Mornings,

Wherewith, rich Dawns, ye seek with wealth Navagva, Dasagva Angira, the seven-toned singer?

5 With horses harnessed by eternal Order, Goddesses, swiftly round the worlds ye travel,

Arousing from their rest, O Dawns, the sleeping, and all that lives, man, bird, and beast, to motion.

6 Which among these is eldest, and where is she through whom they fixed the Rbhus’ regulations? What time the splendid Dawns go forth for splendour, they are not known aparto alike, unwasting.

7 Blest were these Dawns of old, shining with succour, true with the truth that springs from holy

Order;

With whom the toiling worshipper, by praises, hymning and lauding, soon attained to riches.

8 Hither from eastward all at once they travel, from one place spreading in the selfsame manner. Awaking, from the seat of holy Order the Godlike Dawns come nigh like troops of cattle.

9 Thus they go forth with undiminished colours, these Mornings similar, in self-same fashion, Concealing the gigantic might of darkness with radiant bodies bright and pure and shining.

10 O Goddesses, O Heaven’s refulgent Daughters, bestow upon us wealth with store of children. As from our pleasant place of rest ye rouse us may we be masters of heroic vigour.

11 Well-skilled in lore of sacrifice, ye Daughters of Heaven, refulgent Dawns, I thus address you. May we be glorious among the people. May Heaven vouchsafe us this, and Earth the Goddess,

[04-052] HYMN LIL Dawm.

1. THIS Lady, giver of delight, after her Sister shining forth, Daughter of Heaven, hath shown herself.-

2 Unfailing, Mother of the Kine, in colour like a bright red mare, The Dawn became the Asvins’ Friend.

3 Yea, and thou art the Asvins’ Friend, the Mother of the Kine art thou:

O Dawn thou rulest over wealth.

4 Thinking of thee, O joyous One, as her who driveth hate away, We woke to meet thee with our lauds.

5 Our eyes behold thy blessed rays like troops of cattle loosed to feed. Dawn hath filled full the wide expanse.

6 When thou hast filled it, Fulgent One! thou layest bare the gloom with light. After thy nature aid us, Dawn.

7 Thou overspreadest heaven with rays, the dear wide region of mid-air. With thy bright shining lustre, Dawn.

[04-053] HYMN LIII. Savitar.

1. OF Savitar the God, the sapient Asura, we crave this great gift which is worthy of our choice, Wherewith he freely grants his worshiper defence. This with his rays the Great God hath vouchsafed

to us.

2 Sustainer of the heaven, Lord of the whole world’s life, the Sage, he putteth on his golden-coloured mail.

Clear-sighted, spreading far, filling the spacious realm, Savitar hath brought forth bliss that deserveth laud.

3 He hath filled full the regions of the heaven and earth: the God for his own strengthening waketh up the hymn.

Savitar hath stretched out his arms to cherish life, producing with his rays and lulling all that moves.

4 Lighting all living creatures, neer to be deceived, Savitar, God, protects each holy ordinance.

He hath stretched out his arms to all the folk of earth, and, with his laws observed, rules his own mighty course.

5 Savitar thrice surrounding with his mightiness mid-air, three regions, and the triple sphere of light, Sets the three heavens in motion and the threefold earth, and willingly protects us with his triple law.

6 Most gracious God, who brings to life and lulls to rest, he who controls the world, what moves not and what moves,

May he vouchsafe us shelter, -Savitar the God,- for tranquil life, with triple bar against distress.

7 With the year’s seasons hath Savitar, God, come nigh: may he prosper our home, give food and noble sons.

May he invigorate us through the days and nights, and may he send us opulence with progeny.

[04-054] HYMN LIV. Savitar.

1. Now must we praise and honour Savitar the God: at this time of the day the men must call to him, Him who distributes wealth to Manu’s progeny, that he may grant us here riches most excellent.

2 For thou at first producest for the holy Gods the noblest of all portions, immor-tality: Thereafter as a gift to men, O Savitar, thou openest existence, life succeeding life.

3 If we, men as we are, have sinned against the Gods through want of thought, in weakness, or through insolence,

Absolve us from the guilt and make us free from sin, O Savitar, alike among both Gods and men.

4 None may impede that power of Savitar the God whereby he will maintain the universal world. What the fair-fingered God brings forth on earth’s expanse or in the heightof heaven, that work of his

stands sure.

5 To lofty hills thou sendest those whom Indra leads, and givest fixed abodes with houses unto these.

However they may fly and draw themselves apart, still, Savitar, they stand obeying thy behest.

6 May the libations poured to thee thrice daily, day after day, O Savitar, bring us blessing. May Indra, Heaven, Earth, Sindhu with the Waters, Aditi with Adityas, give us shelter.

[04-055] HYMN LV. Visvedevas.

1. WHO of you, Vasus, saveth? who protecteth? O Heaven and Earth and Aditi, preserve us, Varuna., Mitra, from the stronger mortal. Gods, which of you at sacrifice giveth comfort?

2 They who with laud extol the ancient statutes, when they shine forth infallible dividers, Have ordered as perpetual Ordainers, and beamed as holy-thoughted WonderWorkers.

3 The Housewife Goddess, Aditi, and Sindhu, the Goddess Svasti I implore for friendship:

And may the unobstructed Night and Morning both, day and night, provide for our protection.

4 Aryaman, Varuna have disclosed the pathway, Agni as Lord of Strength the road to welfare. Lauded in manly mode may Indra-Visnu grant us their powerful defence and shelter.

5 I have besought the favourof the Maruts, of Parvata, of Bhaga God who rescues.

From trouble caused by man the Lord preserve us; from woe sent by his friend let Mitra save us.

6 Agree, through these our watery oblations, Goddesses, Heaven and Earth, with Ahibudhnya. As if to win the sea, the Gharma-heaters have opened, as they come anear, the rivers.

7 May Goddess Aditi with Gods defend us, save us the saviour God with care unceasing. We dare not stint the sacred food of Mitra and Varuna upon the back of Agni.

8 Agni is Sovran Lord of wealth, Agni of great prosperity: May he bestow these gifts on us.

9 Hither to us, rich pleasant Dawn, bring many things to be desired, Thou who hast ample store of wealth.

10 So then may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Indra, with bounty come to us.

[04-056] HYMN LVI. Heaven and Earth.

1. MAY mighty Heaven and Earth, most meet for honour, be present here with light and gleaming splendours;

When, fixing them apart, vast, most extensive, the Steer roars loudly in far-reaching courses.

2 The Goddesses with Gods, holy with holy, the Two stand pouring out their rain, exhaustless: Faithful and guileless, having Gods for children, leaders of sacrifice with shining splendours.

3 Sure in the worlds he was a skilful Craftsman, he who produced these Twain the Earth and Heaven. Wise, with his power he brought both realms, together spacious and deep, wellfashioned,

unsupported.

4 O Heaven and Earth, with one accord promoting, with high protection as of Queens, our welfare, Far-reaching, universal, holy, guard us. May we, car-borne, through song be victors ever.

5 To both of you, O Heaven and Earth, we bring our lofty song of praise, Pure Ones! to glorify you both.

6 Ye sanctify each other’s form, by your own proper might ye rule, And from of old observe the Law.

7 Furthering and fulfilling, ye, O Mighty, perfect Mitra’s Law. Ye sit around our sacrifice.

[04-057] HYMN LVII. Ksetrapati, Etc.

1. WE through the Master of the Field, even as through a friend, obtain

What nourisheth our kine and steeds. In such may he be good to us.

2 As the cow yieldeth milk, pour for us freely, Lord of the Field, the wave that beareth sweetness, Distilling meath, well-purified like butter, and let the. Lords of holy Law be gracious.

3 Sweet be the plants for us. the heavens, the waters, and full of sweets for us be air’s mid-region. May the Field’s Lord for us be full of sweetness, and may we follow after him uninjured.

4 Happily work our steers and men, may the plough furrow happily. Happily be the traces bound; happily may he ply the goad.

5 Suna and Sira, welcome ye this laud, and with the milk which ye have made in heaven

Bedew ye both this earth of ours.

6 Auspicious Sita, come thou near: we venerate and worship thee

That thou mayst bless and prosper us and bring us fruits abundantly.

7 May Indra press the furrow down, may Pusan guide its course aright. May she, as rich in milk, be drained for us through each succeeding year.

8 Happily let the shares turn up the ploughland, happily go the ploughers with the oxen. With meath and milk Parjanya make us happy. Grant us prosperity, Suna and Sira.

[04-058] HYMN LVIII. Ghrta.

1. FORTH from the ocean sprang the wave of sweetness: together with the stalk it turned to Amrta, That which is holy oil’s mysterious title: but the Gods’ tongue is truly Amrta’s centre.

2 Let us declare aloud the name of Ghrta, and at this sacrifice hold it up with homage. So let the Brahman hear the praise we utter. This hath the four-horned Buffalo emitted.

3 Four are his horns, three are the feet that bear him; his heads are two, his hands are seven in number.

Bound with a triple bond the Steer roars loudly: the mighty God hath entered in to mortals.

4 That oil in triple shape the Gods discovered laid down within the Cow, concealed by Panis. Indra produced one shape, Surya another: by their own power they formed the third from Vena.

5 From inmost reservoir in countless channels flow down these rivers which the foe beholds not. I look upon the streams of oil descending, and lo! the Golden Reed is there among them.

6 Like rivers our libations flow together, cleansing themselves in inmost heart and spirit.

The streams of holy oil pour swiftly downward like the wild beasts that fly before the bowman.

7 As rushing down the rapids of a river, flow swifter than the wind the vigorous currents, The streams of oil in swelling fluctuation like a red courser bursting through the fences.

8.Like women at a gathering fair to look on and gently smiling, they incline to Agni. The streams of holy oil attain the fuel, and Jatavedas joyfully receives them.

9 As maidens dock themselves with gay adornment to join the bridal feast, I now behold them. Where Soma flows and sacrifice is ready, thither the streams of holy oil are running.

10 Send to our eulogy a herd of cattle bestow upon us excellent possessions.

Bear to the Gods the sacrifice we offer the streams of oil flow pure and full of sweetness.

11 The universe depends upon thy power and might within the sea, within the heart, within all life. May we attain that sweetly-flavoured wave of thine, brought, at its gathering, o’er the surfaceof the

floods.