[08-081] HYMN LXXXI. Indra
1. INVITE ye Indra with a song to drink your draught of Soma juice, All-conquering Satakratu, most munificent of all who live.
2 Lauded by many, much-invoked, leader of song, renowned of old: His name is Indra, tell it forth.
3 Indra the Dancer be to us the giver of abundant strength: May he, the mighty, bring it near.
4 Indra whose jaws are strong hath drunk of worshipping Sudaksa’s draught, The Soma juice with barley mixt.
5 Call Indra loudly with your songs of praise to drink the Soma juice. For this is what augments his stiength.
6 When he hath drqnk its gladdening drops, the God with vigour of a God
Hath far surpassed all things that are.
7 Thou speedest down to succour us this ever-conquering God of yours, Him who is drawn to all our songs
8 The Warrior not to he restrained, the Soma-drinker ne’er o’erthrown,
The Chieftain of resistless might.
9 O Indra, send us riches, thou Omniscient, worthy of our praise: Help us in the decisive fray.
10 Even thence, O 1ndra, come to us with food that gives a hundred powers, With food that gives a thousand powers.
11 We sought the wisdom of the wise. Sakra, Kine-giver, Thunder-armed! May we with steeds o’ercome in fight.
12 We make thee, Satakratu, find enjoyment in the songs we sing. Like cattle in the pasture lands.
13 For, Satakratu, Thunder-armed, all that we craved, as men are wont, All that we hoped, have we attained.
14 Those, Son of Strength, are come to thee who cherish wishes in their hearts
O Indra, none excelleth thee.
15 So, Hero, guard us with thy care, with thy most liberal providence, Speedy, and terrible to foes.
16 O Satakratu Indra, now rejoice with that carouse of thine
Which is most splendid of them all
17 Even, Indra, that carouse which slays the Vrtras best, most widely famed, Best giver of thy power and might.
18 For that which is thy gift we know, true Soma-drinker, Thunder-armed, Mighty One, amid all the folk.
19 For Indra, Lover of Carouse, loud be our songs about the juice: Let poets sing the song of praise.
20 We summon Indra to the draught, irl whom all glories rest, in whom
The seven communities rejoice.
21 At the Trikadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirs the mind: Let our songs aid and prosper it.
22 Let the drops pass within thee as the rivers flow into the sea: O fndra, naught excelleth thee.
23 Thou, wakeful Hero, by thy might hast taken food of Soma juice, Which, Indra, is within thee now.
24 O Indra, Vrtra-slayer, let Soma be ready for thy maw, The drops be ready for thy forms.
25 Now Srutakaksa sings his song that cattle and the steed may come, That Indra’s very self may come.
26 Here, Indra, thou art ready by our Soma juices shed for thee, Sakra, at hand that thou mayst give.
27 Even from far away our songs reach thee, O Caster of the Stone: May we come very close to thee.
28 For so thou art the hero’s Friend, a Hero, too, art thou, and strong: So may thine heart be won to us.
29 So hath the offering, wealthiest Lord, been paid by all the worshippers: So dwell thou, Indra, even with me.
30 Be not thou like a slothfid priest, O Lord of spoil and wealth: rejoice
In the pressed Soma blent with milk.
31 O Indra, let not ill designs surround us in the sunbeams’ light: This may we gain with thee for Friend.
32 With thee to help us, Indra, let us answer all our enemies: For thou art ours and we are thine.
33 Indra, the poets and thy friends, faithful to thee, shall loudly sing
Thy praises as they follow thee.
[08-082] HYMN LXXXII. Indra.
1. SURYA, thou mountest up to meet the Hero famous for his wealth, Who hurls the bolt and works for man
2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine-and-ninety castles down, Slew Vrtra and smote Ahi dead.
3 This Indra is our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full broad stream
Riches in horses, kine, and corn.
4 Whatever, Vrtra-slayer! thou, Surya, hast risen upon to-day, Tbat, Indra, all is in thy power.
5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, I shall not die, That thought of thine is true indeed.
6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee, Both far away and near at hand.
7 We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vrtra dead: A vigorous Hero shall he be.
8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o’er the joyous draught. Bright, meet for Soma, famed in song.
9 By song as ’twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared
Lofty, invincible he grew.
10 Indra, Song-lover, lauded, make even in the wilds fair ways for us, Whenever, Maghavan, thou wilt.
11 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none disregards, Neither audacious man nor God.
12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beauteous helm! revere
Thy might which no one may resist.
13 Thou in the black cows and the red and in the cows with spotted skin
This white milk hast deposited.
14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon’s furious might, Fear of the monster fell on them.
15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not, The Vrtra-slayer showed his might.
16 Him your best Vrtra-slayer, him the famous Champion of mankind
I urge to great munificence,
17 To come, Much-lauded! Many-named with this same thought that longs for milk, Whene’er the Soma juice is shed.
18 Much-honoured by libations, may the Vrtra-slayer wake for us: May Sakra listen to our prayers.
19 O Hero, with that aid dost thou delight us, with what succour bring
Riches to those who worship thee?
20 With whose libation joys the Strong, the Hero with his team who quells
The foe, to drink the Soma juice?
21 Rejoicing in thy spirit bring thousandfold opulence to us: Enrich thy votary with gifts.
22 These juices with their wedded wives flow to enjoyment lovingly: To waters speeds the restless one.
23 Presented strengthening gifts have sent Indra away at sacrifice, With might, onto the cleansing bath.
24 These two who share his feast, Bay Steeds with golden manes, shall bring him to
The banquet that is laid for him.
25 For thee, O Lord of Light, are shed these Soma-drops, and grass is strewn
Bring Indra to his worshippers.
26 May Indra give thee skill, and lights of heaven, wealth to his votary
And priests who praise him: laud ye him.
27 O Satakratu, wondrous strength and all our lauds I bring to thee: Be gracious to thy worshippers.
28 Bring to us all things excellent, O Satakratu, food and strength: For, Indra, thou art kind to us.
2§ O Satakratu, bring to us all blessings, all felicity: Fbr, Indra, thou art kind to us.
30 Bearing the Soma juice we call, best Vrtra-slayer, unto thee: For, Indra, thou art kind to us.
31 Come, Lord of rapturous, joys, to our libation with thy Bay Steeds, come
To our libation with thy Steeds.
32 Known as best Vrtra-slayer erst, as Indra Satakratu, come
With Bay Steeds to the juice we shed.
33 O Vrtra-slayer, thou art he who drinks these drops of Soma: come
With Bay Steeds to the juice we shed.
34 May Indra give, to aid us, wealth handy that rules the Skilful Ones: Yea, may the Strong give potent wealth.
[08-083] HYMN LXXXIII. Maruts.
1. THE Cow, the famous Mother of the wealthy Maruts, pours her milk: Both horses of the cars are yoked,-
2 She in whose bosom all the Gods, and Sun and Moon for men to see, Maintain their everlasting Laws.
3 This all the pious sing to us, and sacred poets evermore: The Maruts to the Soma-draught
4 Here is the Soma ready pressed of this the Maruts drink, of this
Self-luminous the Asvins drink.
5 Of this, moreover, purified, set in three places, procreant, Drink Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman.
6 And Indra, like the Herald Priest, desirous of the milky juice, At early morn will quaff thereof.
7 When have the Princes gleamed and shone through waters as through troops of foes’? When hasten they whose might ispure?
8 What favour do I claim this day of you great Deities, you who are
Wondrously splendid in yourselves?
9 1 call, to drink the Soma, those Maruts who spread all realms of earth
And luminous regions of the sky.
10 You, even such, pure in your might, you, O ye Maruts, I invoke
From heaven to drink this Somajuice.
11 The Maruts, those who have sustained and propped the heavens and earth apart, I call to drink this Soma juice.
12 That vigorous band of Maruts that abidetb in the mountains, I Invoke to drink this Soma juice.
[08-084] HYMN LXXXIV. Indra.
1. SONG-LOVER! like a charioteer come songs to thee when Soma flows. O Indra, they have called to thee as mother-kine unto their calves.
2 Bright juices bitherward have sped thee, Indra, Lover of the Song. Drink, Indra, of this flowing sap: in every house ’tis set for thee.
3 Drink Soma to inspirit thee, juice, Indra, which the Falcon brought: For thou art King and Sovran Lord of all the families of men.
4 O Indra, hear Tirasci’s call, the call of him who serveth thee.
Satisfy him with wealth of kine and valiant offspring: Great art thou.
5 For he, O Indra, hath produced for thee the newest gladdening song,
A hymn that springs from careful thought, ancient, and full of sacred truth.
6 That Indra will we laud whom songs and hymns of praise have magnified. Striving to win, we celebrate his many deeds of hero might.
7 Come now and let us glorify pure Indra with pure Sama hymns.
Let the pure milky draught delight him strengthened by pure songs of praise.
8 O Indra, come thou pure to us, with pure assistance, pure thyself. Pure, send thou riches down to us, and, meet for Soma, pure, be glad.
9 O Indra, pure, vouchsafe us wealth, and, pure, enrich the worshipper. Pure, thou dost strike the Vrtras dead, and strivest, pure, to win the spoil.
[08-085] HYMN LXXXV. Indra.
1. FOR him the Mornings made their courses longer, and Nights with pleasant voices spake to Indra. For him the Floods stood still, the Seven Mothers, Streams easy for the heroes to pass over.
2 The Darter penetrated, though in trouble, thrice-seven close-pressed ridges of the mountains. Neither might God nor mortal man accomplish what the Strong Hero wrought in full-grown vigour.
3 The mightiest force is Indra’s bolt of iron when firmly grasped in both the arms of Indra.
His head and mouth have powers that pass all others, and all his people hasten near to listen.
4 1 count thee as the Holiest of the Holy, the caster-down of what hath ne’er been shaken. I count thee as the Banner of the heroes, I count thee as the Chief of all men living.
5 What time, O Indra, in thine arms thou tookest thy wildly rushing bolt to Slay the Dragon,
The mountains roared, the cattle loudly bellowed, the Brahmans with their hymns drew nigh to
Indra.
6 Let us praise him who made these worlds and creatures, all things that after him sprang into being. May we win Mitra with our songs, and Indra, and. wait upon our Lord with adoration.
7 Flying in terror from the snort of Vrtra, all Deities who were thy friends forsook thee. So, Indra, be thy friendship with the Maruts: in all these battles thou shalt be the victor.
8 Thrice-sixty Maruts, waxing strong, were with thee, like piles of beaming light, worthy of worship. We come to thee: grant us a happy portion. Let us adore thy might with this oblation.
9 A sharpened weapon is the host of Maruts. Who, Indra, dares withstand thy bolt of thunder? Weaponless are the Asuras, the godless: scatter them with thy wheel, Impetuous Hero.
10 To him the Strong and Mighty, most auspicious, send up the beAuteous hymn for sake of cattle. Lay oa his body many songs for Indra invoked with song, for will not he regard. them?
11 To him, the Mighty, who accepts laudation, send forth thy thought as by a boat o’er rivers, Stir with thy hymn the body of the Famous and Dearest One, for will not he regard it?
12 Serve him with gifts of thine which Indra welcomes: praise with fair praise, invite him with thine homage.
Draw near, O singer, and refrain from outcry. Make thy voice heard, for will not he regard it?
13 The Black Drop sank in Amsumati’s bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it. Indra with might longed for it as it panted: the hero-hearted laid aside his weapons.
14 1 saw the Drop in the far distance moving, on the slope bank of Amsumati’s river, Like a black cloud that sank into the water. Heroes, I send you forth. Go, fight in battle.
15 And then the Drop in Amsumati’s bosom, splendid with light, assumed its proper body;
And Indra, with Brhaspati to aid him, conquered the godless tribes that came against him.
16 Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne’er had met a rival. The hidden Pair, the Heaven and Earth, thou foundest, and to the mighty worlds thou gavest
pleasure.
17 So, Thunder-armed! thou with thy bolt of thunder didst boldly smite that power which none might equal;
With weapons broughtest low the migbt of Susna, and, Indra, foundest by thy strength the cattle.
18 Then wast thou, Chieftain of all living mortals, the very mighty slayer of the Vrtras.
Then didst thou set the obstructed rivers flowing, and win the floods that were enthralled by Dasas.
19 Most wise is he, rejoicing in libations, splendid as day, resistless in his anger.
He only doth great deeds, the only Hero, sole Vrtra-slayer he, with none beside him.
20 Indra is Vrtra’s slayer, man’s sustainer: he must be called; with fair praise let us call him. Maghavan is our Helper, our Protector, giver of spoil and wealth to make us famous.
21 This Indra, Vrtra-slayer, this Rbhuksan, even at his birth, was meet for invocation.
Doer of many deeds for man’s advantage, like Soma quaffed, for friends we must invoke him.
[08-086] HYMN LXXXVI. Indra.
1. O INDRA, Lord of Light, what joys thou broughtest from the Asuras,
Prosper therewith, O Maghavan, him who lauds that deed, and those whose grass is trimmed for thee.
2 The unwasting share of steeds and kine which, Indra, thou hast fast secured, Grant to the worshipper who presses Soma and gives guerdon, not unto the churl.
3 The riteless, godless man who sleeps, O Indra, his unbroken steep,-
May he by following his own devices die. Hide from him wealth that nourishes.
4 Whether, O Sakra, thou be far, or, Vrtra-slayer, near at hand,
Thence by heaven-reaching songs he who hath pressed the juice invites thee with thy long-maned
Steeds.
5 Whether thou art in heaven’s bright sphere, or in the basin of the sea;
Whether, chief Vrtra-slayer, in some place on earth, or in the firmament, approach.
6 Thou Soma-drinker, Lord of Strength, beside our flowing Soma juice
Delight us with thy bounty rich in pleasantness, O Indra, with abundant wealth.
7 O Indra, turn us not away: be the companion of our feast.
For thou art our protection, yea, thou art our kin: O Indra, turn us not away.
8 Sit down with us, O Indra, sit beside the juice to drink the meath.
Show forth great favour to the Singer, Maghavan; Indra, with us, beside the juice.
9 O Caster of the Stone, nor Gods nor mortals have attained to thee.
Thou in thy might surpassest all that hath been made: the Gods have not attained to thee.
10 Of one accord they made and formed for kingship Indra, the Hero who in all encounters overcometh,
Most eminent for power, destroyer in the conflict, fierce and exceeding strong, stalwart and full of vigour.
11 Bards joined in song to Indra so that he might drink the Soma juice,
The Lord of Light, that he whose laws stand fast might aid with power and with the help he gives.
12 Tle holy sages form a ring, looking and singing to the Ram.
Inciters, full of vigour, not to he deceived, are with the chanters, nigh to bear.
13 Loudly I call that Indra, Maghavan the Mighty, who evermore possesses power, ever resistless. Holy, most liberal, may he lead us on to riches, and, Thunder-armed, make all our pathways pleasant
for us.
14 Thou knowest well, O Sakra, thou Most Potent, with thy strength, Indra, to destroy these castles. Before thee, Thunder-armed! all beings tremble: the heavens and earth before thee shake with terror,
15 May thy truth, Indra, Wondrous Hero be my guard: bear me o’er much woe, Thunderer! as over floods.
When, Indra, wilt thou honour us with opulence, all-nourishing and much-to-be. desired, O King?
[08-087] HYMN LXXXVII. Indra.
1. To Indra sing a Sama hymn, a lofty song to Lofty Sage, To him who guards the Law, inspired, and fain for praise.
2 Thou, Indra, art the Conqueror: thou gavest splendour to the Sun. Maker of all things, thou art Mighty and All-God.
3 Radiant with light thou wentest to the sky, the luminous realm of heaven. ne Deities, Indra strove to win thee for their Friend.
4 Come unto us, O Indra, dear, still conquering, unconcealable, Vast as a mountain spread on all sides, Lord of Heaven.
5 O truthful Soma-drinker, thou art mightier than both the worlds. Thou strengthenest him who pours libation, Lord of Heaven.
6 For thou art he, O Indra, wiio stormeth all castles of the foe, Slayer of Dasyus, man’s Supporter, Lord of Heaven.
7 Now have we, Indra, Friend of Song, sent our great wishes forth to thee, Coming like floods that follow floods.
8 As rivers swell the ocean, so, Hero, our prayers increase thy might, Though of thyself, O Thunderer, waxing day by day.
9 With holy song mey bind to the broad wide-yoked car the Bay Steeds of the rapid God, Bearers of Indra, yoked by word.
10 O Indra, bring great strength to us, bring valour, Satakratu, thou most active, bring
A hero conquering in war.
11 For, gracious Satakratu, thou hast ever been a Mother and a Sire to us, So now for bliss we pray to thee.
12 To thee, Strong, Much-invoked, who showest forth thy strength, O Satakratu, do I speak: So grant thou us heroic strength.
[08-088] HYMN LXXXVIII. Indra.
1. O THUNDERER, zealous worshippers gave thee drink this time yesterday.
So, Indra, listen here to those who bring the laud: come near unto our dwellingplace.
2 Lord of Bay Steeds, fair-helmed, rejoice thee: this we crave. Here the disposers wait on thee. Thy loftiest glories claim our lauds beside the juice, O Indra, Lover of the Song.
3 Turning, as ’twere, to meet the Sun, enjoy from Indra all good things.
When he who will be born is born with power we look to treasures as our heritage.
4 Praise him who sends us wealth, whose bounties injure none: good are the gifts which Indra. grants.
He is not worth with one who satisfies his wish: he turns his mind to giving boons.
5 Thou in thy battles, Indra, art subduer of all hostile bands.
Father art thou, aIl-conquering, cancelling the curse, thou victor of the vanquisher.
6 The Earth and Heaven clung close to thy victorious might as to their calf two mother-cows. When thou attackest Vrtra all the hostile bands shrink and faint, Indra, at thy wrath.
7 Bring to your aid the Eternal One, who shoots and none may shoot at him,
Inciter, swift, victorious, best of Charioteers. Tugrya’s unvanquished Strengthener;
8 Arranger of things unarranged, e’en Satakratu, source of might,
Indra, the Friend of all, for succour we invoke, Guardian of treasure, sendjng wealth.
[08-089] HYMN LXXXIX Indra. Vak.
1. I MOVE before thee here present in person, and all the Deities follow behind me. When, Indra, thou securest me my portion, with me thou shalt perform heroic actions.
2 The food of meath in foremost place I give thee, thy Soma shall be pressed, thy share appointed. Thou on my right shalt be my friend and comrade: then shall we two smite dead full many a foeman.
3 Striving for strength bring forth a laud to Indra, a truthful hymn if he in truth existeth.
One and another say, There is no Indra. Who hath beheld him? Whom then shall we honour?
4 Here am I, look upon me here, O singer. All that existeth 1 surpass in greatness.
The Holy Law’s commandments make me mighty. Rending with strength I rend the worlds asunder.
5 When the Law’s lovers mounted and ap. proached me as 1 sate lone upon the dear sky’s summit. Then spake my spirit to the heart within me, My friends have cried unto me with their children.
6 All these thy deeds must be declared at Soma-feasts, wrought, Indra, Bounteous Lord, for him who sheds the juice,
When thou didst open wealth heaped up by many, brought from far away to Sarablia, the Rsi’s kin.
7 Now run ye forth your several ways: he is not here who kept you back. For hath not Indra sunk his bolt deep down in Vrtra’s vital part?
8 On-rushing with the speed of thought within the iron fort he pressed: The Falcon went to heaven and brought the Soma to the Thunderer.
9 Deep in the ocean lies the bolt with waters compassed round about, And in continuous onward flow the floods their tribute bring to it.
10 When, uttering words which no one comprehended, Vak, Queen of Gods, the Gladdener, was seated,
The heaven’s four regions drew forth drink and vigour: now whither hath her noblest portion vanished?
11 The Deities generated Vak the Goddess, and animals of every figure speak her.
May she, the Gladdener, yielding food and vigour, the Milch-cow Vak, approach us meetly lauded.
12 Step forth with wider stride, my comrade Visnu; make room, Dyaus, for the leaping of the lightning.
Let us slay Vrtra, let us free the rivers let them flow loosed at the command of Indra.
[08-090] HYMN XC. Various.
1. YEA, specially that mortal man hath toiled for service of the Gods,
Who quickly hath brought near Mitra and Varuna. to share his sacrificial gifts.
2 Supreme in sovran power, far-sighted, Chiefs and Kings, most swift to hear from far away, Both, wondrously, set them in motion as with arms, in company with Surya’s beams.
3 The rapid messenger who runs before you, Mitra-Varuna, with iron head, swift to the draught,
4 He whom no man may question, none may summon back, who stands not still for colloquy,- From hostile clash with him keep ye us safe this day: keep us in safety with your arms.
5 To Aryaman and Mitra sing a reverent song, O pious one,
A pleasant hymn that shall protect to Varuna: sing forth a laud unto the Kings.
6 The true, Red Treasure they have sent, one only Son born of the Three. They, the Immortal Ones, never deceived, survey the families of mortal men.
7 My songs are lifted up, and acts most splendid are to be performed.
Come hither, ye Nasatyas, with accordant mind, to meet and to enjoy my gifts.
8 Lords of great wealth, when we invoke your bounty which no demon checks,
Both of you, furthering our eastward-offcred praise, come, Chiefs whom Jamadagni lauds!
9 Come, Vayu, drawn by fair hymns, to our sacrifice that reaches heaven.
Poured on the middle of the strainingcloth, and cooked, this bright drink hath been offered ilice.
10 He comes by straightest paths, as ministering Priest, to taste the sacrificial gifts.
Then, Lord of harnessed teams I drink of the twofold draught, bright Soma mingled with the milk.
11 Verily, Surya, thou art great; truly, Aditya, thou art great.
As thou art great indeed, thy greatness is admired: yea, verily, thou, God, art great.
12 Yea, Surya, thou art great in fame thou evermore, O God, art great.
Thou by thy greatness art the Gods’ High Priest, divine, far-spread unconquerable light.
13 She yonder, bending lowly down, clothed in red hues and rich in rays,
Is seen, advancing as it were with various tints, amid the ten surrounding arms.
14 Past and gone are three mortal generations: the fourth and last into the Sun hath entered. He mid the worlds his lofty place hath taken. Into green plants is gone the Purifying.
15 The Rudras’ Mother, Daughter of the Vasus, centre of nectar, the Adityas’ Sister- To folk who understand will 1 proclaim it-injure not Aditi, the Cow, the sinless.
16 Weak-minded men have as a cow adopted me who came hither from the Gods, a Goddess, Who, skilled in eloquence, her voice uplifteth, who standeth near at hand with all devotions.
[08-091] HYMN XCI. Agni.
1. LORD of the house, Sage, ever young, high power of life, O Agni, God, Thou givest to thy worshipper.
2 So with our song that prays and serves, attentive, Lord of spreading light, Agni, bring hitherward the Gods.
3 For, Ever-Youthful One, with thee, best Furtherer, as our ally, We overcome, to win the spoil.
4 As Aurva Bhrgu used, as Apnavana used, I call the pure
Agni who clothes him with the sea.
5 1 call the Sage who sounds like wind, the Might that like Parjanya roars, Agni who clothes him with the sea.
6 As Savitar’s productive Power, as him who sends down bliss, I call
Agni who clothes him with the sea.
7 Hither, for powerful kirship, I call Agni, him Who prospers you, Most frequent at our solemn rites
8 That through this famed One’s power, he may stand by us even as Tvastar comes
Unto the forms that must he shaped.
9 This Agni is the Lord supreme above all glories mid the Gods: May he come nigh to us with strength.
10 Here praise ye him the most renowned of all the ministering Priests, Agni, the Chief at sacrifice;
11 Piercing, with purifying flame, enkindled in our homes, most high, Swiftest to hear from far away.
12 Sage, laud the Mighty One who wins the spoil of victory like a steed, And, Mitra like, unites the folk.
13 Still turning to their aim in thee, the oblation-bearer’s sister hymns
Have come to thee before the wind.
14 The waters find their place in him, for whom the threefold sacred grass
Is spread unbound, unlimited.
15 The station of the Bounteous God hath, through his aid which none impair, A pleasant aspect like the Sun.
16 Blazing with splendour, Agni, God, through pious gifts of sacred oil, Bring thou the Gods and worship them.
17 The Gods as mothers brought thee forth, the Immortal Sage, O Afigiras, The bearer of our gifts to heaven.
18 Wise Agni, Gods established thee, the Seer, noblest messenger, As bearer of our sacred gifts.
19 No cow have I to call mine own, no axe at hand wherewith to work, Yet what is here I bring to thee.
20 O Agni, whatsoever be the fuel that we lay for thee,
Be pleased therewith, Most Youthful God
21 That which the white-ant cats away, that over which the emmet crawls- May all of this be oil to thee.
22 When he enkindles Agni, man should with his heart attend the song: I with the priests have kindled him.
[08-092] HYMN XCII. Agni
1. THAT noblest Furtherer hath appeared, to whom men bring their holy works.
Our songs of praise have risen aloft to Agni who was barn to give the Arya strength.
2 Agni of Divodasa turned, as ’twere in majesty, to the Gods.
Onward he sped along the mother earth, and took his station in the height of heaven.
3 Him before whom the people shrink when he performs his glorious deeds,
Him who wins thousands at the worship of the Gods, himself, that Agni, serve with son s.
4 The mortal man whom thou wouldst lead to opulence, O Vasu, he who brings thee gifts. He, Agni, wins himself a hero singing lauds, yea, one who feeds a thousand men.
5 He with the steed wins spoil even in the fenced fort, and gains imperishable fame. In thee, O Lord of wealth, continually we lay all precious offerings to the Gods.
6 To him who dealeth out all wealth, who is the cheerful Priest of men,
To him, like the first vessels filled with savoury juice, to Agni go the songs of praise.
7 Votaries, richly-gifted, deck him with their songs, even as the steed who draws the car.
On both, Strong Lord of men! on child and grandson pour the bounties which our nobles give.
8 Sing forth to him, the Holy, most munificent, sublime with his refulgent glow, To Agni, ye Upastutas.
9 Worshipped with gifts, enkindled, splendid, Maghavan shall win himself heroic fame. And will not his most newly shown benevolence come to us with abundant strength?
10 Priest, presser of the juice! praise now the dearest Guest of all our friends, Agni, the driver of the cars.
11 Who, finder-out of treasures open and concealed, bringeth them hither, Holy One;
Whose waves, as in a cataract, are hard to pass, when he, through song, would win him strength.
12 Let not the noble Guest, Agni, be wroth with us: by many a man his praise is sung, Good Herald, skilled in sacrifice.
13 O Vasu, Agni, let not them be harmed who come in any way with lauds to thee. Even the lowly, skilled in rites, with offered gifts, seeketh thee for the envoy’s task.
14 Friend of the Maruts, Agni, come with Rudras to the Soma-draught, To Sobhar’s fair song of praise, and be thou joyful in the light. VALAKHILYA
APPENDIX: (Book VIII. Hymns 49-59. M. Müller.)
[08-093] HYMN I. Indra.
1. TO you will I sing Indra’s praise who gives good gifts as well we know;
The praise of Maghavan who, rich in treasure, aids his singers with wealth thousandfold.
2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the offerer slays his foes.
As from a mountain flow the water-brooks, thus flow his gifts who feedeth many a one.
3 The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, O Indra, Lover of the Son
As waters seek the lake where they are wont to rest, fill thee, for bounty, Thunderer.
4 The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, the sweetest of the meath drink thou,
That in thy joy thou maysi scatter thy gifts o’er us, plenteously, even as the dust.
5 Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Soma-pressers like a horse-
Laud, Godlike Indra, which milch-kine make sweet for thee: with Kanva’s sons are gifts for thee.
6 With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, preeminent, with unfailing wealth.
O Thunderer, as a plenteous spring pours forth its stream, so, Indra, flow our songs to thee.
7 If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the earth,
Come thence, high-thoughted! to our sacrifice with the Swift, come, Mighty with the Mighty Ones.
8 The active, fleet-foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift to victory, like the Wind, Wherewith thou goest round to visit Manus’ seed, wherewith all heaven is visible.
9 Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine,
As, Maghavan, thou favouredst Medhyatithi, and, in the fight, Nipatithi.
10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and Dasavraja;
As, Indra, to Gosarya and Rjisvan, thou vouchsafedst wealth in kine and gold.
[08-094] HYMN II. Indra.
1. SAKRA I praise, to win his aid, far-famed, exceeding bountiful,
Who gives, as ’twere in thousands, precious wealth to him who sheds the juice and worships him.
2 Arrows with hundred points, unconquerable, are this Indra’s n-dghty arms in war.
He streams on liberal worshippers like a hill with springs, when juices poured have gladdened him.
3 What time the flowing Soma-drops have gladdened with their taste the Friend,
Like water, gracious Lord! were my libations made, like milch-kine to the worshipper.
4 To him the peerless, who is calling you to give you aid, forth flow the drops of pleasant meath. The Soloa-drops which call on thee, O gracious Lord, have brought thee to our hymn of praise.
5 He rushes hurrying like a steed to Soma that adorns our rite,
Which hymns make sweet to thee, lover of pleasant food. The call to Paura thou dost love.
6 Praise the strong, grasping Hero, winner of the spoil, ruling supreme oer mighty wealth. Like a full spring, O Thunderer, from thy store hast thou poured on the worshipper evermore.
7 Now whether thou be far away, or in the heavens, or on the earth,
O Indra, mighty- thoughted, harnessing thy Bays, come Lofty with the Lofty Ones.
8 The Bays who draw thy chariot, Steeds who injure none, surpass the wind’s impetuous strength- With whom thou silencest the enemy of man, with whon; thou goest round the sky.
9 O gracious Hero, may we learn anew to know thee as thou art: As in decisive fight thou holpest Etasa, or Vasa ‘gainst Dasavraja,
10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva at the sacred feast, to Dirghanitha thine home-friend,
As to Gosarya thou, Stone-darter, gavest wealth, give me a gold-bright stall of kine.
[08-095] HYMN III. Indra.
1. As with Manu Samvarani, Indra, thou drankest Soma juice,
And, Maghavan, with Nipatithi, Medbyatithi, with Pustigu and Srustigu,-
2 T’he son of Prsadvana was Praskaniva’s host, who lay decrepit and forlorn. Aided by thee the Rsi Dasyave-vrka strove to obtain thousands of kine.
3 Call hither with thy newest song Indra who lacks not hymns of praise,
Him who observes and knows, inspirer of the sage, him who seems eager to enjoy.
4 He unto whom they sang the seven-headed hymn, three-parted, in the loftiest place, He sent his thunder down on all these living things, and so displayed heroic might.
5 We invocate that Indra who bestoweth precious things on us.
Now do we know his newest favour; may we gain a stable that is full of kine.
6 He whom thou aidest, gracious Lord, to give again, obtains great wealth to nourish him. We with our Soma ready, Lover of the Song! call, Indra Maghavan, on thee.
7 Ne’er art thou fruitless, Indra ne’er dost thou desert the worshipper
But now, O Maghavan, thy bounty as a God is poured forth ever more and more.
8 He who hath. overtaken Krvi with his might, and silenced Susna with deathbolts,-
When he supported yonder heaven and spread it out, then first the son of earth was born.
9 Good Lord of wealth is he to whom all Aryas, Dasas here belong.
Directly unto thee, the pious Rusama Paviru, is that wealth brought nigh.
10 In zealous haste the singers have sung forth a song distilling oil and rich in sweets. Riches have spread among us and heroic strength, with us are flowing Soma-drops.
[08-096] HYMN IV. Indra.
1. As, Sakra, thou with Manu called Vivasvan drankest Soma juice,
As, Indra, thou didst love the hymn by Trita’s side, so dost thou joy with Ayu now.
2 As thou with Matarisvan, Medhya, Prsadhra, hast cheered thee Indra, with pressed juice, Drunk Soma with Rjunas, Syumarasmi, by Dasonya’s Dasasipra’s side.
3 ‘Tis he who made the lauds his own and boldly drank the Soma juice,
He to whom Visnu came striding his three wide steps, as Mitra’s statutes ordered it.
4 In whose laud thou didst joy, Indra, at the great deed, O Satakratu, Mighty One! Seeking renown we call thee as the milkers call the cow who yields abundant milk.
5 He is our Sire who gives to us, Great, Mighty, ruling as he wills.
Unsought, may he the Strong, Rich, Lord of ample wealth, give us of horses and of kine.
6 He to whom thou, Good Lord, givest that he may give increases wealth that nourishes. Eager for wealth we call on Indra, Lord of wealth, on Satakratu with our lauds.
7 Never art thou neglectful: thou guardest both races with thy care.
The call on Indra, fourth Aditya! is thine own. Amrta is stablished in the heavens.
8 The offercr whom thou, Indra, Lover of the Song, liberal Maghavan, favourest,- As at the call of Kanva so, O gracious Lord, hear, thou our songs and eulogy.
9 Sung is the song of ancient time: to Indra have ye said the prayer.
They have sung many a Brhati of sacrifice, poured forth the worshipper’s many thoughts.
10 Indra hath tossed together mighty stores of wealth, and both the worlds, yea, and the Sun. Pure, brightly-shining, mingled with the milk, the draughts of Soma have made Indra glad.
[08-097] HYMN V. Indra.
1. As highest of the Maghavans, preeminent among the Bulls,
Best breaker-down of forts, kine-winner, Lord of wealth, we seek thee, Indra Maghavan.
2 Thou who subduedst Ayu, Kutsa, Atithigva, waxing daily in thy might,
As such, rousing thy power, we invocate thee now, thee Satakratu, Lord of Bays.
3 The pressing-stones shall pour for us the essence of the meath of all,
Drops that have been pressed out afar among the folk, and those that have been pressed near us.
4 Repel all enmities and keep thern far away: let all win treasure for their own.
Even among Sistas are the stalks that make thee glad, where thou with Soma satest thee.
5 Come, Indra, very near to us with aids of firmly-based resolve;
Come, most auspicious, with thy most auspicious help, good Kinsman, with good kinsmen, come!
6 Bless thou with progeny the chief of men, the lord of heroes, victor in the fray.
Aid with thy powers the men who sing thee lauds and keep their spirits ever pure and bright.
7 May we be such in battle as are surest to obtain thy grace:
With holy offerings and invocations of the Gods, we mean, that we may win the spoil.
8 Thine, Lord of Bays, am I. Prayer longeth for the spoil. Still with thy help I seek the fight. So, at the raiders’ head, I, craving steeds and kine, unite myself with thee alone.
[08-098] HYMN VI. Indra.
1. INDRA, the poets with. their hymns extol this hero might of thine:
They strengthened, loud in song, thy power that droppeth oil. With hymns the Pauras came to thee.
2 Through piety they came to Indra for his aid, they whose libations give theejoy. As thou with, Krsa and Samvarta hast rejoiced, so, Indra, be thou glad with us.
3 Agreeing in your spirit, all ye Deities, come nigh to us.
Vasus and Rudras shall come near to give us aid, and Maruts listen to our call.
4 May Pusan, Visnu, and Sarasvati befriend, and the Seven Streams, this call of mine: May Waters, Wind, the Mountains, and the Forest-Lord, and Earth give ear unto my cry.
5 Indra, with thine own bounteous gift, most liberal of the Mighty Ones, Be our boon benefactor, Vrtra-slayer, be our feast-companion for our weal.
6 Leader of heroes, Lord of battle, lead thou us to combat, thou Most Sapient One. High fame is theirs who win by invocations, feasts and entertainment of the Gods.
7 Our hopes rest on the Faithful One: in Indra is the people’s life.
O Maghavan, come nigh that thou mayst give us aid: make plenteous food stream forth for us.
8 Thee would we worship, Indra, with our songs of praise: O Satakratu, be thou ours. Pour down upon Praskanva bounty vast and firm, exuberant, that shall never fail.
[08-099] HYMN VII. Praskanva’s Gift.
1. GREAT, verily, is Indra’s might. I have beheld, and hither comes
Thy bounty, Dasyave-vrka!
2 A hundred oxen white of hue are shining like the stars in heaven, So tall, they seem to prop the sky.
3 Bamboos a hundred, a hundred dogs, a hundred skins of beasts well-tanned, A hundred tufts of Balbaja, four hundred red-hued mares are mine.
4 Blest by the Gods, Kinvayanas! be ye who spread through life on life: Like horses have ye stridden forth.
5 Then men extolled the team of seven not yet full-grown, its fame is great. The dark mares rushed along the paths, so that no eye could follow them.
[08-100] HYMN VIII Praskanva’s Go.
1. THY bounty, Dasyave-vrka, exhaustless hath displayed itself: Its fulness is as broad as heaven.
2 Ten thousand Dasyave-vrka, the son of Putakrata, hath
From his own wealth bestowed on me.
3 A hundred asses hath he given, a hundred head of fleecy sheep, A hundred slaves, and wreaths besides.
4 There also was a mare led forth, picked out for Putakrata’s sake, Not of the horses of the herd.
5 Observant Agni hath appeared, oblation-bearer with his car.
Agni with his resplendent flame hath shone on high as shines the Sun, hath shone like Surya in theheavens.
[08-101] HYMN IX. Asvins.
1. ENDOWED, O Gods, with your primeval wisdom, come quickly with your chariot, O ye Holy. Come with your mighty powers, O ye Nasatyas; come hither, drink ye this the third libation.
2 The truthful Deities, the Three-and-Thirty, saw you approach before the Ever-Truthful. Accepting this our worship and libation, O Asvins bright with fire, drink ye the Soma.
3 Asvins, that work of yours deserves our wonder,-the Bull of heaven and earth and air’s mid region; Yea, and your thousand promises in battle, -to all of these come near and drink beside us.
4 Here is your portion laid for you, ye Holy: come to these songs of ours, O ye Nasatyas.
Drink among us the Soma full of sweetness, and with your powers assist the man who worships.
[08-102] HYMN X. Visvedevas.
1. HE whom the priests in sundry ways arranging the sacrifice, of one accord, bring hither, Who was appointed as a learned Brahman, -what is the sacrificer’s knowledge of him?
2 Kindled in many a spot, still One is Agni; Silrya is One though high o’er all he shineth. Illumining this All, still One is usas. That which is One hath into All developed.
3 The chariot bright and radiant, treasure-laden, three-wheeled, with easy seat, and lightly rolling, Which She of Wondrous Wealth was born to harness,-this car of yours I call. Drink what remaineth.
[08-103] HYMN XI. Indra-Varuna.
1. IN offerings poured to you, O Indra-Varuna, these shares of yours stream forth to glorify your state. Ye haste to the libations at each sacrifice when ye assist the worshipper who sheds the juice.
2 The waters and the plants, O Indra-Varuna, had efficacious vigour, and attained to might:
Ye who have gone beyond the path of middle air,-no godless man is worthy to be called your foe.
3 True is your Krsa’s word, Indra and Varuna: The seven holy voices pour a wave of meath.
For their sake, Lords of splendour! aid the pious man who, unbewildered, keeps you ever in his thoughts.
4 Dropping oil, sweet with Soma, pouring forth their stream, are the Seven Sisters in the seat of sacrifice.
These, dropping oil, are yours, O Indra-Varuna: with these enrich with gifts and help the worshipper.
5 To our great happiness have we ascribed to these Two Bright Ones truthfulness, great strength, and majesty.
O Lords of splendour, aid us through the Three-times-Seven, as we pour holy oil, O Indra-Varuna.
6 What ye in time of old Indra and Varuna, gave Rsis revelation, thought, and power of song,
And places which the wise made, weaving sacrifice,-these through my spirit’s fervid glow have I
beheld.
7 O Indra-Varuna, grant to the worshippers cheerfulness void of pride, and wealth to nourish them. Vouchsafe us food, prosperity, and progeny, and lengthen out our days that we may see long life.