[08-021] HYMN XXI. Indra.
1. WE call on thee, O Matchless One! We seeking help, possessing nothing firm ourselves, Call on thee wonderful in fight
2 On thee for aid in sacrifice. This youth of ours, the bold, the mighty, hath gonse forth. We therefore, we thy friends, Indra, havie chosen thee, free-giver, as our Guardian God.
3 Come hither, for the drops are here, O Lord of corn-lands. Lord of horses, Lord of kine: Drink thou the Soma, Soma’s Lord!
4 For we the kinless singers have drawn hither thee, O Indra, who hast numerous kin.
With all the forms thou hast, comic thou of bull-like strength, come near to drink the Soma juice.
5 Sitting like birds beside thy meath., mingled with milk, that gladdeneth and exalteth thee, Indra, to thee we sing aloud.
6 We speak to thee with this our reverential prayer. Why art thou pondering yet awhile? Here are our wishes; thou art liberal, Lord of Bays: we and our hymns are present here.
7 For not in recent times alone, O Indra, Thunder-armed, have we obtained thine aid. Of old we knew thy plenteous wealth.
8 Hero, we knew thy friendship and thy rich rewards: these, Thunderer, now we crave of thee. O Vasu, for all wealth that cometh of the kine, sharpen our powers, fair-visored God.
9 Him who of old hath brought to us this and that blessing, him I magnify for you, Even Indra, O my friends, for help
10 Borne by Bay Steeds, the Lord of heroes, ruling men, for it is he who takes; delight. May Maghavan bestow on us his worshippers hundreds of cattle and of steeds.
11 Hero, may we, with thee for Friend, withstand the man who pants against us in his wrath, In fight with people rich in kine.
12 May we be victors in the singer’s battlesong, and meet the wicked, Much invoked!
With heroes smite the foeman and show forth our strength. O Indra, further thou our thoughts.
13 O Indra, from all ancient time rivalless ever and companionless art thou: Thou seekest comradeship in war.
14 Thou findest not the wealthy man to be thy friend: those scorn thee who are flown with wine. What time thou thunderest and gatherest, then thou, even as a Father, art invoked.
15 O Indra, let us not, like fools who waste their lives at home, with friendship such as thine
Sit idly by the poured-out juice.
16 Giver of kine, may we not miss thy gracious gifts: let us not rob thee of thine own. Strip even the strong places of the foe, and bring: thy gifts can never be made vain.
17 Indra or blest Sarasvati alone bestows such wealth, treasure so great, or thou, O Citra, on the worshipper.
18 Citra is King, and only kinglings are the rest who dwell beside Sarasvati.
He, like Parjanya with his rain, hath spread himself with thousand, yea, with myriad gifts.
[08-022] HYMN XXII. Asvins.
1. HITHERWARD have I called to-day, for succour, that most wondrous car
Which ye ascended, Asvins, ye whose paths are red, swift to give Car, for Surya’s sake.
2 Car ever young, much longed-for, easily invoked, soon guided, first in deeds of might, Which waits and serves, O Sobhari, with benevolence, without a rival or a foe.
3 These Asvins with our homage, these Two Omnipresent Deities
Hitherward will we bring for kind help, these who seek the dwelling of the worshipper.
4 One of your chariot wheels is moving swiftly round, one speeds for you its onward course. Like a milch-cow, O Lords of splendour, and with haste let your benevolence come to us.
5 That chariot of yours which hath a triple seat and reins of gold,
The famous car that traverseth the heaven and earth, thereon Nasatyas, Asvins, come.
6 Ye with your plough, when favouring Manu with your help, ploughed the first harvest in the sky. As such will we exalt you, Lords of splendour, now, O Asvins, with our prayer and praise.
7 Come to us, Lords of ample wealth, by paths of everlasting Law,
Whereby to high dominion ye with mighty strength raised Trksi, Trasadasyu’s son.
8 This Soma pressed with stones is yours, ye Heroes, Lords of plenteous wealth. Approach to drink the Soma, come, drink in the worshipper’s abode.
9 O Asvins, mount the chariot, mount the golden seat, ye who are Lords of plenteous wealth, And bring to us abundant food.
10 The aids wherewith ye helped Paktha and Adhrigt;, and Babhru severed from his friends,- With those, O Asvins, come hither with speed and soon, and heal whatever is diseased.
11 When we continually invoke the Asvins, the resistless, at this time of day, We lovers of the song, with songs.
12 Through these, ye Mighty Ones, come hither to my call which brings all blessings, wears all forms,-
Tlirough which, All-present Heroes, lavishest of food ye strengthened Krvi, come through these.
13 I speak to both of these as such, these Asvins whom I reverence at this time of day: With homage we entreat them both.
14 Ye who are Lords of splendour, ye whose paths are red, at eve, at mom, at sacrifice, Give us not utterly as prey to mortal foe, ye Rudras, Lords of ample wealth.
15 For bliss I call. the blissful car, at morn the inseparable Asvins with their car
I call, like Sobhari our sire.
16 Rapid as thought, and strong, and speeding to thejoy, bringing.your swiftly-coming help, Be to us a protection even from far away Lords of great wealth, with many aids.’
17 Come, Wonder-Workers, to our home, our home, O Asvins, rich in cattle, steeds, and gold, Chief drinkers of the Soma’s juice
18 Choice-worthy strength, heroic, firm and excellent, uninjured by the Raksas foe,
At this your coming nigh, ye Lords of ample wealth and all good things, may we obtain.
[08-023] HYMN XXIII. Agni.
1. WORSHIP thou Jatavedas, pray to him who willingly accepts, Whose smoke wanders at will, and none may grasp his flame.
2 Thou, all men’s friend, Visvamanas, exaltest Agni with thy song, The Giver, and his flames with which no cars contend.
3 Whose resolute assault, to win vigour and food, deserves our praise,- Through whose discovering power the priest obtaineth wealth.
4 Up springs the imperishable flame, the flame of the Refulgent One
Most bright, with glowing jaws and glory in his train.
5 Skilled in fair sacrifice, extolled, arise in Godlike loveliness, Shining with lofty splendour, with effulgent light.
6 Called straight to our oblations, come, O Agni, through our eulogies, As thou hast been our envoy bearing up our gifts.
7 I call your Agni, from of old Invoking Priest of living men: Him with this song I laud and magnify for you.
8 Whom, wondrous wise, they animate with solemn rites and his fair form, Kind as a friend to men who keep the holy Law.
9 Him, true to Law, who perfecteth the sacrifice,. Law-loving ones! Ye with your song have gratified in the place of prayer.
10 May all our sacrifices go to him the truest Angiras, Who is among mankind the most illustrious Priest.
11 Imperishable Agni, thine are all these high enkindled lights, Like horses and like stallions showing forth their strength.
12 So give us, Lord of Power and Might, riches combined with hero strength, And guard us with our sons and grand. sons in our frays.
13 Soon as the eager Lord of men is friendly unto Manti’s race, Agni averteth from us all the demon host.
14 O Hero Agni, Lord of men, on hearing this new laud of mine, Burn down the Raksasas, enchanters, with thy flame.
15 No mortal foe can e’er prevail by arts of magic over him
Who serveth Agni well with sacrificial gifts.
16 Vyasva the sage, who sought the Bull, hath won thee, finder of good things: As such may we enkindle thee for ample wealth.
17 Usana Kavya stablished thee, O Agni, as Invoking Priest: Thee, Jatavedas, Sacrificing Priest for man.
18 All Deities of one accord appointed thee their messenger: Thou, God, through hearing, hadst first claim to sacrifice.
19 Him may the mortal hero make his own immortal messenger. Far-spreading, Purifier, him whose path is black.
20 With lifted ladles let us call him splendid with his brilliant flame, Men’s ancient Agni, wasting not, adorable.
21 The man who pays the worship due to him with sacrificial gifts
Obtains both plenteous nourishment and hero fame.
22 To Jatavedas Agni, chief in sacrifices, first of all
With homage goes the ladle rich with sacred gifts.
23 Even as Vyatya did, may we with these most high and liberal hymns
Pay worship unto Agni of the splendid flame.
24 Now sing, as Sthurayupa sang, with lands to him who spreadeth far, To Agni of the home, O Rsi, Vyasva’s son.
25 As welcome guest of human kind, as offspring of the forest kings, The sages worship ancient Agni for his aid.
26 For men’s oblations brought to him who is the mighty Lord of all, Sit, Agni, mid our homage, on the sacred grass.
27 Grant us abundant. treasures, grant the opulence which many crave, With store of heroes, progeny, and high renown.
28 Agni, Most Youthful of the Gods, send evermore the gift of wealth
Unto Varosusaman and to all his folk.
29 A mighty Conqueror art thou, O Agni, so disclose to us
Food in our herds of kine and gain of ample wealth.
30 Thou, Agni, art a glorious God: bring hither Mitra, Varuna, Imperial Sovrans, holy-minded, true to Law.
[08-024] HYMN XXIV. Indra.
1. COMPANIONS, let us learn a prayer to Indra. whom the thunder arms, To glorify your bold and most heroic Friend.
2 For thou by slaying Vrtra art the Vrtra-slayer, famed for might. Thou, Hero, in rich gifts surpassest wealthy chiefs.
3 As such, when glorified, bring us riches of very wondrous fame, Set in the highest rank, Wealth-giver, Lord of Bays!
4 Yea, Indra, thou disclosest that preeminent dear wealth of men: Boldly, O Bold One, glorified, bring it to us.
5 The workers of destruction stay neither thy right hand nor thy left: Nor hosts that press about thee, Lord of Bays, in fight.
6 O Thunder-armed, I come with songs to thee as to a stall with kine: Fulfil the wish and thought of him who sings thy praise.
7 Chief Vrtra-slayer, through the hymn of Visvamanas think of all, All that concerneth us, Excellent, Mighty Guide.
8 May we, O Vrtra-slayer, O Hero, find this thy newest boon, Longed-for, and excellent, thou who art much invoked!
9 O Indra, Dancer, Much-invoked! as thy great power is unsurpassed, So be thy bounty to the worshipper unchecked.
10 Most Mighty, most heroic One, for mighty bounty fill thee full. Though strong, strengthen thyself to win wealth, Maghavan!
11 O Thunderer, never have our prayers gone forth to any God but thee: So help us, Maghavan, with thine assistance now.
12 For, Dancer, verily I find none else for bounty, saving thee, For splendid wealth and power, thou Lover of the Song.
13 For Indra pour ye out the drops meath blent with Soma let him drink
With bounty and with majesty will he further us.
14 I spake to the Bay Coursers’ Lord, to him who gives ability: Now hear the son of Asva as he praises thee.
15 Never was any Hero born before thee mightier than thou: None certairdy like thee in goodness and in wealth.
16 O ministering priest, pour out of the sweet juice what gladdens most: So is the Hero praised who ever prospers us.
17 Indra, whom Tawny Coursers bear, praise such as thine, preeminent, None by his power or by his goodness hath attained.
18 We, seeking glory, have invoked this Master of all power and might
Who must be glorified by constant sacri fice.
19 Come, sing we praise to Indra, friends, the Hero who deserves the laud, Him who with none to aid o’ercomes all tribes of men.
20 To him who wins the kine, who keeps no cattle back, Celestial God, Speak wondrous speech more sweet than butter and than meath.
21 Whose hero powers are measureless, whose bounty ne’er may be surpassed, Whose liberality, like light, is over all.
22 As Vyasva did, praise Indra, praise the Strong unfluctuating Guide, Who gives the foe’s possessions to the worshipper.
23 Now, son of Vyasva, praise thou him who to the tenth time still is new,
The very Wise, whom living men must glorify
24 Thou knowest, Indra, Thunder-armed, how to avoid destructive powers, As one secure from pitfalls each returning day.
25 O Indra, bring that aid wherewith of old, Most Wondrous! thou didst slay
His foes for active Kutsa: send it down to us.
26 So now we seek thee fresh in might, Most Wonderful in act! for gain: For thou art he who conquers all our foes for us.
27 Who will set free from ruinous woe, or Arya on the Seven Streams: O valiant Hero, bend the Dasa’s weapon down.
28 As to Varosusaman thou broughtest great riches, for their gain, To Vyasva’s sons, Blest Lady, rich in ample wealth!
29 Let Narya’s sacrificial meed reach Vyasva’s Soma-bearing sons: In hundreds and in thousands be the great reward.
30 If one should ask thee, Where is he who sacrificed? Whither lookest thou? Like Vala he hath passed away and dwelleth now on Gomati.
[08-025] HYMN XXV. Mitra-Varuna.
1. I WORSHIP you who guard this All, Gods, holiest among the Gods, You, faithful to the Law, whose power is sanctified.
2 So, too, like charioteers are they, Mitra and sapient Varuna, Sons high-born from of old, whose holy laws stand fast.
3 These Twain, possessors of all wealth, most glorious, for supremest sway
Aditi, Mighty Mother, true to Law, brought forth.
4 Great Varuna and Mitra, Gods, Asuras and imperial Lords, True to Eternal Law proclaim the high decree.
5 The offspring of a lofty Power, Daksa’s Two Sons exceeding strong, Who, Lords of flowing rain, dwell in the place of food.
6 Ye who have gathered up your gifts, celestial and terrestrial food, Let your rain come to us fraught with the mist of heaven.
7 The Twain, who from the lofty sky seem to look down on herds below, Holy, imperial Lords, are set to be revered.
8 They, true to Law, exceeding strong, have sat them down for savran rule: Princes whose laws stand fast, they have obtained their sway.
9 Pathfinders even better than the eye, with unobstructed sight, Even when they close their lids, observant, they perceive.
10 So may the Goddess Aditi, may the Nasatyas guard us well, The Martits guard us well,.endowed with mighty strength.
11 Do ye, O Bounteous Gods, protect our dwelling lace by day and night: With you for our defenders may we go unharmed.
12 May we, unharmed, serve bountiful Visnu, the God who slayeth none: Self-moving Sindhu hear and be the first to mark.
13 This sure protection we elect, desirable and reaching far, Which Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman afford.
14 And may the Sindhu of the floods, the Maruts, and the ASvin Pair, Boon Indra, and boon Visnu have one mind with us.
15 Because these warring Heroes stay the enmity of every foe, As the fierce water-flood repels the furious ones.
16 Here this one God, the Lord of men, looks forth exceeding far and wide: And we, for your advantage, keep his holy laws.
17 We keep the old accustomed laws, the statutes of supremacy,
The Iong-known laws of Mitra and of Varuna.
18 He who hath measured with his ray the boundaries of heaven and earth, And with his majesty hath filled the two worlds full,
19 Surya hath spread his light aloft up to the region of the sky, Like Agni all aflame when gifts are offered him.
20 With him who sits afar the word is lord of food that comes from kine, Controller of the gift of unempoisoned food.
21 So unto Surya, Heaven, and Earth at morning and at eve I speak. Bringing enjoyments ever rise thou up for us.
22 From Uksanyayana a bay, from Harayana a white steed, And from Susaman we obtained a hamessed car.
23 These two shall bring me further gain of troops of tawny-coloured steeds, The carriers shall they be of active men of war.
24 And the two sages have I gained who hold the reins and bear the whip, And the two great strong coursers, with my newest song.
[08-026] HYMN XXVI. Asvins.
1. I CALL your chariot to receive united praise mid princely men, Strong Gods who pour down wealth, of never vanquished might!
2 Ye to Varosusaman come, Nasatyas, for this glorious rite. With your protecting aid. Strong Gods, who pour down wealth.
3 So with oblations we invoke you, rich in ample wealth, to-day, When night hath passed, O ye who send us plenteous food.
O Asvins, Heroes, let your car, famed, best to travel, come to us, And, for his glory, mark your zealous servant’s lauds.
5 Asvins, who send us precious gifts, even when offended, think of him: For ye, O Rudras, lead us safe beyond our foes.
6 For, Wonder-Workers, with fleet steeds ye fly completely round this All, Stirring our thoughts, ye Lords of splendour, honey-hued.
7 With all-sustaining opulence, Asvins, come hitherward to us, Ye rich and noble Heroes, ne’er to be o’erthrown.
8 To welcome this mine offering, O ye Indra-like Nasatyas, come
As Gods of best accord this day with other Gods.
9 For we, like Vyasva, lifting up our voice like oxen, call on you: With all your loving kindness, Sages, come to us.
10 O Rsi, laud the Asvins well. Will they not listen to thy call? Will they not bum the Panis who are nearer them?
11 O Heroes, listen to the son of Vyasva, and regard me here, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, of one accord.
12 Gods whom we yearn for, of your gifts, of what ye bring to us, bestow
By princes’ hands on me, ye Mighty, day by day.
13 Him whom your sacrifices clothe, even as a woman with her robe, The Asvins help to glory honouring him well.
14 Whoso regards your care of men as succour widest in its reach, About his dwelling go, ye Asvins, loving us.
15 Come to us ye who pour down wealth, come to the home which men must guard: Like shafts, ye are made meet for sacrifice by song.
16 Most fetching of all calls, the laud, as envoy, Heroes, called to you
Be it your own, O Asvin Pair.
17 Be ye in yonder sea of heaven, or joying in the home of food, Listen to me, Immortal Ones.
18 This river with his lucid flow attracts you, more than all the streams,- Even Sindhu with his path of gold.
19 O Asvins, with that glorious fame come hither, through our brilliant song, Come ye whose ways are marked with light.
20 Harness the steeds who draw the car, O Vasu, bring the well-fed pair. O Vayu, drink thou of our meath: come unto our drink-offerings.
21 Wonderful Vayu, Lord of Right, thou who art Tvastar’s son-in-law, Thy saving succour we elect.
22 To Tvastar’s son-in-law we pray for wealth whereof he hath control: For glory we seek vayu, men with juice effused.
23 From heaven, auspicious Vayu, come drive hither with thy noble steeds: Come on thy mighty car with wide-extending seat.
24 We call thee to the homes of men, thee wealthiest in noble food, And liberal as a press-stone with a horse’s back.
25 So, glad and joyful in thine heart, do thou, God, Vayu, first of all
Vouchsafe us water, strength, and thought.
[08-027] HYMN XXVII. Visvedevas.
1. CHEIF Priest is Agni at the laud, as stones and grass at sacrifice:
With song I seek the Maruts, Brahmanaspati, Gods for help much to be desired.
2 I sing to cattle and to Earth, to trees, to Dawns, to Night, to plants.
O all ye Vasus, ye possessors of all wealth, be ye the furtherers of our thoughts.
3 Forth go, with Agni, to the Gods our sacrifice of ancient use,
To the Adityas, Varuna whose Law stands fast, and the all-lightening Marut troop.
4 Lords of all wealth, may they be strengtheners of man, destroyers of his enemies.
Lords of all wealth, do ye, with guards which none may harm, preserve our dwelling free from foes.
5 Come to us with one mind to-day, come to us all with one accord,
Maruts with holy song, and, Goddess Aditi, Mighty One, to our house and home.
6 Send us delightful things, ye Maruts, on your steeds: come ye, O Mitra, to our gifts. Let Indra, Varuna, and the Adityas sit, swift Heroes, on our sacred grass.
7 We who have trimmed the grass for you, and set the banquet in array,
And pressed the Soma, call you, Varuina, like men, with sacrificial fires aflame.
8 O Maruts, Visinu, Asvins, Pusan, haste away with minds turned hitherward to Me. Let the Strong Indra, famed as Vrtra’s slayer, come first with the winners of the spoil.
9 Ye Guileless Gods, bestow on us a refuge strong on every side,
A sure protection, Vasus, unassailable from near at hand or from afar.
10 Kinship have I with you, and close alliance O ye Gods, destroyers of our foes. Call us to our prosperity of former days, and soon to new klicity.
11 For now have I sent forth to you, that I may win a fair reward,
Lords of all wealth, with homage, this my song of praise. like a milch-cow that faileth not.
12 Excellent Savitar hath mounted up on high for you, ye sure and careful Guides.
Bipeds and quadrupeds, with several hopes and aims, and birds have settled to their tasks.
13 Singing their praise with God-like thought let us invoke each God for grace, Each God to bring you help, each God to strengthen you.
14 For of one spirit are the Gods with mortal man, co-sharers all of gracious gifts.
May they increase our strength hereafter and to-day, providing case and ample room.
15 I laud you, O ye Guileless Gods, here where we meet to render praise.
None, Varuna and Mitra, harins the mortal, man who honours and obeys your laws.
16 He makes his house endure, he gathers plenteous food who pays obedience to your will. Born in his sons anew he spreads as Law commands, and prospers every way unharmed.
17 E’en without war he gathers wealth, and goes hisway on pleasant paths, Whom Mitra, Varuna and Aryaman protect, sharing the gift,of one accord.
18 E’en on the plain for him ye make a sloping path, an easy way where road is none: And far away from him the ineffectual shaft must vanish, shot at him in vain.
19 If ye appoint the rite to-day, kind Rulers, when the Sun ascends,
Lords of all wealth, at sunset or at wakingtime, or be it at the noon of day,
20 Or, Asuras, when ye have sheltered the worshipper who goes to sacrifice, at eve may we, O Vasus, ye possessors of all wealth, come then into the midst of You.
21 If ye to-day at sunrise, or at noon, or in the gloom of eve,
Lords of all riches, give fair treasure to the man, the wise man who hath sacrificed,
22 Then we, imperial Rulers, claim of you this boon, your wide protection, as a son. May we, Adityas, offering holy gifts, obtain that which shall bring us greater bliss.
[08-028] HYMN XXVIII. Visvedevas.
1. THE Thirty Gods and Three besides, whose seat hath been the sacred grass, From time of old have found and gained.
2 Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Agnis, with Consorts, sending boons, To whom our Vasat! is addressed:
3 These are our guardians in the west, and northward here, and in the south, And on the cast, with all the tribe.
4 Even as the Gods desire so verily shall it be. None minisheth this power of theirs, No demon, and no mortal
5 The Seven carry seven spears; seven are the splendours they possess, And seven the glories they assume.
[08-029] HYMN XXIX Visvedevas.
1. ONE is a youth brown, active, manifold he decks the golden one with ornament.
2 Another, luminous, occupies the place of sacritice, Sage, among the Gods.
3 One brandishes in his hand an iron knife, firm, in his seat amid the Deities.
4 Another holds the thunderbolt, wherewith he slays the Vrtras, resting in his hand.
5 Another bears a pointed weapon: bright is he, and strong, with healing medicines.
6 Another, thief-like, watches well the ways, and knows the places where the treasures lie.
7 Another with his mighty stride hath made his three steps thither where the Gods rejoice.
8 Two with one Dame ride on with winged steeds, and journey forth like travellers on their way.
9 Two, highest, in the heavens have set their seat, worshipped with holy oil, imperial Kings.
10 Some, singing lauds, conceived the Sama-hymn, great hymn whereby they caused the Sun to shine.
[08-030] HYMN XXX. Visvedevas.
1. NOT one of you, ye Gods, is small, none of you is a feeble child: All of you, verily, are great.
2 Thus be ye lauded, ye destroyers of the foe, ye Three-and-Thirty Deities, The Gods of man, the Holy Ones.
3 As such defend and succour us, with benedictions speak to us:
Lead us not from our fathers’ and from Manu’s path into the distance far away.
4 Ye Deities who stay with us, and all ye Gods of all mankind, Give us your wide protection, give shelter for cattle and for steed.
[08-031] HYMN XXXI. Various Deities.
1. THAT Brahman pleases Indra well, who worships, sacrifices, pours Libation, and prepares the meal.
2 Sakra protects from woe the man who gives him sacrificial cake. And offers Soma blent with milk.
3 His chariot shall be glorious, sped by Gods, and mighty shall he be, Subduing all hostilities.
4 Each day that passes, in his house flows his libation, rich in milk, Exhaustless, bringing progeny.
5 O Gods, with constant draught of milk, husband and wife with one accord
Press out and wash the Soma juice.
6 They gain sufficient food: they come united to the sacred grass, And never do they fail in strength.
7 Never do they deny or seek to hide the favour of the Gods: They win high glory for themselves.
8 With sons and daughters by their side they reach their full extent of life, Both decked with ornaments of gold.
9 Serving the Immortal One with gifts of sacrificial meal and wealth, They satisfy the claims of love and pay due honour to the Gods.
10 We claim protection from the Hills, we claim protection of the Floods, Of him who stands by Visnu’s side.
11 May Pusan come, and Bhaga, Lord of wealth, All-bounteous, for our weal
Broad be the path that leads to bliss:
12 Aramati, and, free from foes, Visva with spirit of a God, And the Adityas’ peerless might.
13 Seeing that Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna are guarding us, The paths of Law are fair to tread.
14 I glorify with song, for wealth, Agni the God, the first of you.
We honour as a well-loved Friend the God who prospereth our fields.
15 As in all frays the hero, so swift moves his car whom Gods attend.
The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.
16 Ne’er are ye injured, worshipper, presser of juice, or pious man.
The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.
17 None in his action equals him, none holds him far or keeps him off.
The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.
18 Such strength of heroes shall be his, such mastery of fleet-foot steeds.
The man who, sacrificing, strives to win the heart of Deities will conquer those who worship not.
[08-032] HYMN XXXII. Indra.
1. KANVAS, tell forth with song the deeds of Indra, the Impetuous, Wrought in the Soma’s wild delight.
2 Strong God, he slew Anarsani, Srbinda, Pipru, and the fiend, Ahisuva, and loosed the floods.
3. Thou broughtest down the dwelling-place, the height of lofty Arbuda. That exploit, Indra, must be famed.
4 Bold, to your famous Soma I call the fair-visored God for aid, Down like a torrent from the hill.
5 Rejoicing in the Soma-draughts, Hero, burst open, like a fort, The stall of horses and of kine.
6 If my libation gladdens, if thou takest pleasure in my laud, Come with thy Godhead from afar.
7 O Indra, Lover of the Song, the singers of thy praise are we:
O Soma-drinker, quicken us.
8 And, taking thy delight with us bring us still undiminished food: Great is thy wealth, O Maghavan.
9 Make thou us rich in herds of kine, in steeds, in gold: let us exert
Our strength in sacrificial gifts.
10 Let us call him to aid whose hands stretch far, to whom high laud is due. Who worketh well to succour us.
11 He, Satakratu, even in fight acts as a Vrtra-slayer s,till: He gives his worshippers much wealth.
12 May he, this A;akra, strengthen us, Boon God who satisfies our needs, Indra, with all lhis saving helps.
13 To him, the mighty stream of wealth, the Soma-presser’s rescuing Friend, To Indra sing your song of praise;
14 Who bringeth what is great and firm, who winneth glory in his wars, Lord of vast wealth through power and might.
15 There liveth none to cheek or stay his energies and gracious deeds: None who can say, He giveth not.
16 No debt is due by Brahmans now, by active men who press the juice: Well hath each Soma-draught been paid.
17 Sing ye to him who must be praised, say lauds to him who must be praised, Bring prayer to him who must be praised.
18 May be, unchecked, strong, meet for praise, bring hundreds, thousands forth to light, Indra who aids the worshipper.
19 Go with thy God-like nature forth, go where the folk are calling thee: Drink, Indra, of the drops we pour.
20 Drink milky draughts which are thine own, this too which was with Tugrya once, This is it, Indra, that is thine.
21 Pass him who psours libations out in angry mood or after sin: Here drink the juice we offer thee.
22 Over the three great distances, past the Five Peoples go thy way, O Indra, noticing our voice.
23 Send forth thy ray like Surya: let my songs attract thee hitherward, Like waters gathering to the vale.
24 Now to the Hero fair of cheek, Adhvaryu, pour the Soma forth: Bring of the juice that he may drink
25 Who cleft the water-cloud in twain, loosed rivers for their downward flow, And set the ripe milk in the kine.
26 He, meet for praise, slew Vrtra, slew Ahisuva, Urnavabha’s son, And pierced th:rough Arbuda with frost.
27 To him your matchless Mighty One, unconquerable Conqueror, Sing forth the prayer which Gods have given:
28 Indra, who in the wild delight of Soma juice considers here
All holy Laws among the Gods.
29 Hither let these thy Bays who share thy banquet, Steeds with golden manes, Convey thee to the feast prepared.
30 Hither, O thou whom many laud, the Bays whom Priyamedha praised, Shall bring thee to the Soma-draught.
[08-033] HYMN XXXIII. Indra.
1. WE compass thee like waters, we whose grass is trimmed and Soma pressed.
Here where the filter pours its stream, thy worshippers round thee, O Vrtra-slayer, sit.
2 Men, Vasu! by the Soma, with lauds call thee to the foremost place:
When comest thou athirst unto the juice as home, O Indra, like a bellowing bull?
3 Boldly, Bold Hero, bring us spoil in thousands for the Kanvas’ sake.
O active Maghavan, with eager prayer we crave the yellow-hued with store ol kine.
4 Medhyatithi, to Indra sing, drink of the juice to make thee glad.
Close-knit to his Bay Steeds, bolt-armed, beside the juice is he: his chariot is of gold.
5 He Who is praised as strong of hand both right and left, most wise and hold:
Indra who, rich in hundreds, gathers thousands up, honoured as breaker-down of forts.
6 The bold of heart whom none provokes, who stands in bearded confidence;
Much-lauded, very glorious, overthrowing foes, strong Helper, like a bull with might.
7 Who knows what vital ower he wins, drinking beside the flowing juice?
This is the fair-checked God who, joying in the draught, breaks down the castles in his strength.
8 As a wild elephant rushes on this way and that way, mad with heat,’
None may compel thee, yet come hither to the draught: thou movest mighty in thy power.
9 When he, the Mighty, ne’er o’erthrown, steadfast, made ready for the fight, When Indra Maghavan lists to his praiser’s call, he will not stand aloof, but come.
10 Yea, verily, thou art a Bull, with a bull’s rush. whom none may stay:
Thou Mighty One, art celebrated as a Bull, famed as a Bull both near and far.
11 Thy reins are very bulls in strength, bulls’ strength is in thy golden whip. Thy car, O Maghavan, thy Bays are strong as bulls: thou, Satakratu, art a Bull.
12 Let the strong presser press for thee. Bring hither, thou straight-rushing Bull.
The mighty makes the mighty run in flowing streams for thee whom thy Bay Horses bear.
13 Come, thou most potent Indra, come to drink the savoury Soma juice.
Maghavan, very wise, will quickly come to hear the songs, the prayer, the hymns of praise.
14 When thou hast mounted on thy car let thy yoked Bay Steeds carry thee,
Past other men’s libations, Lord of Hundred Powers, thee, Vrtra-slayer, thee our Friend.
15 O thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine heart.
May our libations be most sweet to make thee glad, O Soma-drinker, Heavenly Lord.
16 Neither in thy decree nor mine, but in another’s he delights,- The man who brought us unto this.
17 Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not discipline, Her intellect hath little weight.
18 His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw his car: High-lifted is the stallion’s yoke.
19 Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let none
See what thy garment veils, for thou, a Brahman, hast become a dame.
[08-034] HYMN XXXIV. Indra.
1. Come hither, Indra, with thy Bays, come thou to Kanva’s eulogy.
Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.
2 May the stone draw thee as it speaks, the Soma-stone with ringing voice. Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.
3 The stones’ rim shakes the Soma here like a wolf worrying a sheep.
Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.
4 The Kanvas call thee hitherward for succour and to win the spoil.
Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.
5 I set for thee, as for the Strong, the first draught of the juices shed.
6 Come with abundant blessings, come with perfect care to succour us.
7 Come, Lord of lofty thought, who hast infinite wealth and countless aids.
8 Adorable mid Gods, the Priest good to mankind shall bring thee near.
9 As wings the falcon, so thy Bays rushing in joy shall carry thee.
10 Come from the enemy to us, to svaha and the Soma-draught.
11 Come hither with thine car inclined to hear, take pleasure in our lauds.
12 Lord of well-nourished Horses, come with well-fed Steeds alike in hue.
13 Come hither from the mountains, come from regions of the sea of air.
14 Disclose to us O Hero, wealth in thousands both of kine and steeds.
15 Bring riches hitherward to us in hundreds, thousands, myriads.
Ye by command of yonder Dyaus, God bright by day! have gone to heaven.
16 The thousand steeds, the mightiest troop, which we and Indra have received
From Vasurocis as a gift,
17 The brown that match the wind in speed, and bright bay coursers fleet of foot, Like Suns, resplendent are they all.
18 Mid the Pargvata’s rich gifts, swift steeds whose wheels run rapidly, I seemed to stand amid a wood.
[08-035] HYMN XXXV. Asvins.
1. WITH Agni and with Indra, Visnu. Varuna, with the Adityas, Rudras, Vasus, closely leagued; Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, drink the Soma juice.
2 With all the Holy Thoughts, all being Mighty Ones! in close alliance wil the Mountains, Heaven, and
Earth;
Accordant. of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, drink the Soma juice.
3 With all the Deities, three times eleven, here, in close alliance with the Maruts, Bhrgus, Floods; Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, drink the Soma juice.
4 Accept the sacrifice, attend to this my call: come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, bring us strengthening food.
5 Accept our praise-song as a youth accepts a maid. Come nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here.
Accordant, of one mind with Sarya and with Dawn O Asvins, bring us strengthening food.
6 Accept the songs we sing, accept the solemn rite. Conie nigh, O ye Twain Gods, to all libations here.
Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, bring us strengthening food.
7 Ye fly as starlings fly unto the forest trees; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come thrice, O Asvins, to our home.
8 Ye fly like swans, like those who travel on their way; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come thrice, O Asvins, to our home.
9 Ye fly to our oblation like a pair of hawks; like buffaloes ye seek the Soma we have shed. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, come thrice, O Asvins, to our home.
10 Come hitherward and drink and satisfy yourselves, bestow upon us progeny and affluence. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, grant us vigorous strength.
11 Conquer your foes, protect us, praise your worshippers; bestow upon us progeny and affluence. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, grant us vigolms strength.
12 Slay enemies, animate men whom ye befriend; bestow upon us progeny and aff luence. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, O Asvins, grant us vigorous strength.
13 With Mitra, Varuna, Dharma, and the Maruts in your company approach unto your praiser’s call. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with the Adityas, Asvins! come.
14 With Visnu and the Angirases attending you, and with the Maruts come unto your praiser’s call. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with the Adityas, Asvins! come.
15 With Rbhus and With Vajas. O ye Mighty Ones, leagued with the Maruts come ye to your praiser’s call.
Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, and with the Adityas, Asvins! come.
16 Give spirit to our prayer and animate our thoughts; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease.
Accordant, of One mind with Surya and with Dawn, -the presser’s Soma, Asvins drink.
17 Strengthen the Ruling Power, strengthen the men of war; slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease.
Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, the presser’s Soma, Asvins drink.
18 Give strength unto the milch-kine, give the people strength, slay ye the Raksasas and drive away disease.
Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, the presser’s Soma, Asvins drink.
19 As ye heard Atri’s earliest eulogy, so hear Syavasva, Soma-presser, ye who reel in joy. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink juice, O Asvins, three days old.
20 Further like running streams Syavasva’s eulogies who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink juice, O Asvins, three days old.
21 Seize, as ye grasp the reins, Syavasva’s solemn rites who presses out the Soma, ye who reel in joy. Accordant, of one mind with Surya and with Dawn, drink juice, O Asvins, three days old.
22 Drive down your chariot hitherward drink ye the Soma’s savoury juice.
Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper.
23 When sacrifice which tells our reverence hath begun. Heroes! to drink the gushing juice, Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper.
24 Sate you with consecrated drink, with juice effused, ye Deities.
Approach, ye Asvins, come to us: I call you, eager for your aid. Grant treasures to the worshipper.
[08-036] HYMN XXXVI. Indra.
1. THOU helpest him whose grass is trimmed, who sheds the juice, O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.
The share which they have fixed for thee, thou, Indra, Victor o’er all hosts and space, begirt with
Maruts, Lord of Heroes, winner of the floods.
2 Maghavan, help thy worshipper: let him help thee. O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad. The share which they have fixed for thee, etc.
3 Thou aidest Gods with food, and that with might aidg thee, O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.
4 Creator of the heaven, creator of the earth, O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.
5 Father of cattle, father of all steeds art thou. O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.
6 Stone-hurler, glorify the Atris’ hymn of praise. O Satakratu, drink Soma to make thee glad.
7 Hear thou Syavagva while he pours to thee, as erst thou heardest Atri when he wrought his holy rites.
Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in the fierce fight with heroes, strengthening his prayers.
[08-037] HYMN XXXVIL Indra.
1. THIS prayer, and those who shed the juice, in wars with Vrtra thou holpest, Indra, Lord of
Strength, with all thy succours.
O Vrtra-slayer, from libation poured at noon, drink of the Soma juice, thou blameless Thunderer.
2 Thou mighty Conqueror of hostile armaments, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.
3 Sole Ruler, thou art Sovran of this world of life, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.
4 Thou only sunderest these two consistent worlds, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.
5 Thou art the Lord supreme o’er rest and energy, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving help.
6 Thou helpest one to power, and one thou hast not helped, O Indra, Lord of Strength, with all thy saving aid.
7 Hear thou Syavasva while he sings to thee, as erst thou heardest Atri when he wrought his holy rites.
Indra, thou only gavest Trasadasyu aid in the fierce fight with heroes, strengthening his powers.
[08-038] HYMN XXXVIII. Indra-Angi.
I. YE Twain are Priests of sacrifice, wmners in war and holy works: Indra and Agni, mark this well.
2 Ye bounteous riders on the car, ye Vrtra-slayers unsubdued: Indra and Agni, mark this well.
3 The men with pressing-stones have pressed this meath of yours which gives delight: Indra, and Agni, mark this well.
4 Accept our sacrifice for weal, sharers of praise! the Soma shed: Indra and Agni, Heroes, come.
5 Be pleased with these libations which attract you to our sacred gifts
Indra and Agni, Heroes, come.
6 Accept this eulogy of mine whose model is the Gayatri: Indra and Agni, Heroes, Come.
7 Come with the early-faring Gods, ye who are Lords of genuine wealth: Indra-Agni, to the Soma-draught
8 Hear ye the call of Atris, hear Syavasva as he sheds the juice: Indra-Agni to the Soma-draught
9 Thus have I called you to our aid as sages called on you of old: Indra-Agni to the Soma draught!
10 Indra’s and Agni’s grace I claim, Sarasvati’s associates
To whom this psalm of praise is sung.
[08-039] HYMN XXXIX. Agni.
1. THE glorious Agni have I praised, and worshipped with. the sacred food.
May Agni deck the Gods for us. Between both gathering-places he goes on his embassy, the Sage. May all the others die away.
2 Agni, burn down the word within their bodies through our newest speech,
All hatreds of the godless, all the wicked man’s malignities. Away let the destroyers go. May all the others die away.
3 Agni, I offer hymns to thee, like holy oil within thy moutlh.
Acknowledge them. among the Gods, for thou art the rmost excellent, the worshipper’s blissful messenger. Let all the others die away.
4 Agni bestows all vital power even as each man supplicates.
He brings the Vasus strengthening gifts, and grants deliglht, in rest and stir, for every calling on the
Gods. Let all the others die away.
5 Agni hath made himself renowned by wonderful victorious act.
He is the Priest of all the tribes, chosen with sacrificial meeds. He urges Deities to receive. Let all the others die away.
6 Agni knows all that springs from Gods, he knows the mystery of men.
Giver of wealth is Agni, he uncloses both the doors to us when worshipped with our newest gift. Let all the others die away.
7 Agni inhabiteth with Gods and men who offer sacrifice.
He cherisheth with great delight much wisdom, as all things that be, God among Gods adorable. May all the others die away.
8 Agni who liveth in all streams, Lord of the Sevenfold Race of men,
Him dweller in three homes we seek, best slayer of the Dasytis for Mandhatar, first in sacrifice. Let all the others die away.
9 Agni the Wise inhabiteth three gathering-places, triply formed.
Decked as our envoy let the Sage bring hither and conciliate the Thrice Eleven Deities. Let all the others die away.
10 Our Agni, thou art first among the Gods, and first mid living men.
Thou only rulest over wealth. Round about thee, as natural dams, circumfluous the waters run. Let all the others die away.
[08-040] HYMN XL. Indra-Agni.
1. INDRA and Agni, surely ye as Conquerors will give us wealth,
Whereby in fight we may o’ercome that which is strong and firmly fixed, as Agni burns the woods with wind. Let all the others die away.
2 We set no snares to tangle you; Indra we worship and adore, Hero of heroes mightiest.
Once may he come unto us with his Steed, come unto us to win us strength, and to complete the sacrifice.
3 For, famous Indra-Agni, ye are dwellers in the midst of frays.
Sages in wisdom, ye are knit to him who seeketh you as friends. Heroes, bestow on him his wish.
4 Nabhaka-like, with sacred song Indra’s and Agni’s praise I sing,
Theirs to whom all this world belongs, this heaven and this mighty earth which bear rich treasure in their lap.
5 To Indra and to Agni send your prayers, as was Nabhaka’s wont,-
Who oped with sideway opening the sea with its foundations seven-Indra all powerful in his might.
6 Tear thou asunder, as of old, like tangles of a creeping plant,
Demolish thou the Dasa’s might. May we with Indra’s help divide the treasure he hath gathered up.
7 What time with this same song these men call Indra-Agni sundry ways,
May we with our own heroes quell those who provoke us to the fight, and conquer those who strive with us.
8 The Two refulgent with their beams rise and come downward from the sky.
By Indra’s and by Agni’s hest, flowing away, the rivers, run which they released from their restraint.
9 O Indra, many are thine aids, many thy ways of guiding us,
Lord of the Bay Steeds, Hinva’s Son. To a Good Hero come our prayers, which soon shall have accomplishment.
10 Inspire him with your holy hymns, the Hero bright and glorious,
Him who with might demolisbeth even the brood of Susna, and winneth for us the heavenly streams.
11 Inspire him worshipped with fair rites, the glorious Hero truly brave.
He brake in pieces Susna’s brood who still expected not the stroke, and won for us the heavenly streams. Let all the others die away.
12 Thus have we sung anew to Indra-Agni, as sang our sires, Angirases, and Mandhatar. Guard us with triple shelter and preserve us: may we be masters of a store of riches.